bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Usefulness of a PNT Solution Using DGNSS-SBAS for Canoe Slalom: Simulated and Real-World Analysis
Authors: Macdermid Paul William , Irwin Mathew E
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the accuracy and precision of a commercially available PNT solution that uses DGNSS-SBAS technology. Time and position data were sampled at a frequency of 20Hz during both short and long trajectory of a simulated controlled dry-land slalom, as well as during a real-world on-water slalom exercise. The primary objective was to assess the positional accuracy, availability, integrity, and service continuity of the PNT solution while evaluating its ability to differentiate between trajectories. Additionally, the simulated results were compared with an on-water real-world slalom test to validate the findings. The results of the controlled dry-land slalom test indicate that the PNT solution provided accurate measurements with an overall mean±SD Hrms of 0.20±0.02m. The integrity measures, HDOD and PDOP were found to be ideal to excellent, with values of 0.68±0.03, and 1.36±0.07, respectively. The PNT solution utilised an average of 20±1 satellites from the constellation, resulting in an accuracy of
Beyond Tumors: Gastric Syphilis Imitating a Gastric Cancer
Authors: Guerrero Muñoz Claudia , Castañeda Agredo Andres , Romero Valle Maria Jose , Silva Silva Andrés Mauricio , León del Campo Marta , Azpirtarte Sanchez Claudia , Domínguez Fraga Marta , Milán Pilo Manuel Vicente , Polo Lorduy Benjamin Arturo , Gonzalez Guirado Agustina , Martin Relloso Maria Jesus , Sanchez-Fayos Calabuig Paloma , Bosch Orencio
Published: February 2024

We present the case of a 35-year-old male with first degree family history of gastric cancer (father diagnosed at the age of 45), that was presumed to have gastric cancer himself when evaluating the features of his upper endoscopy performed after hematemesis. Surprisingly, no cancer cells were found in the biopsies. Thanks to a different diagnostic suspicion subsequent to performing a full clinical history, a more favorable diagnosis was reached: gastric syphilis.
Three Wedding Journeys, Three Financial Records: Logistics, Court, Princess’s Agency
Authors: Pastrnak Patrik
Published: February 2024

Through a close reading of account books related to the three mid-sixteenth-century wedding journeys—of Sophie of Jagiellon (1522–1575), Elizabeth of Habsburg (1554–1592), and Anne of Habsburg (1549–1580)—this study examines the overall financing of the bridal transfer, including paying the retinue, provisions, and logistical issues, while also investigating the economic agency of the princely brides in early modern Europe. In the first part, the article offers a brief typology of financial arrangements between the matrimonial parties and then discusses third-party involvement, in the form of the free-of-cost hosting of the princesses. Moving into the second part, the study analyses the salaries of the entourage members and sheds light on travel-related details, such as food or navigation. Based on the financial records, the last part scrutinises the princesses’ activity, arguing that these women were active agents, entering into a dialogue with people they encountered. This was expressed in remuneration for overnight stays, services, gifts, or alms for the poor or new-born children.
Norrie, Harris, Laynesmith, Messer, and Woodacre, Tudor and Stuart Consorts (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022)
Authors: Byrne Conor
Published: February 2024

Review of Aidan Norrie, Carolyn Harris, J. L. Laynesmith, Danna R. Messer, and Elena Woodacre, eds, Tudor and Stuart Consorts: Power, Influence, and Dynasty (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022).
Surgically Treated Degenerative Lumbar Spine Diseases in Twins
Authors: Szigethy Lilla , Sigmundsson Freyr G. , Joelson Anders
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is growing evidence to suggest a potential genetic component underlying the development and progression of lumbar spine diseases. However, the heritability and the concordance rates for the phenotypes requiring surgery for the common spine diseases lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the heritability and the concordance rates for LSS and LDH requiring surgery by studying monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs.

Methods:

Patients between 18 and 85 years of age who underwent surgery for LSS or LDH between 1996 and 2022 were identified in the national Swedish spine registry (LSS: 45,110 patients; LDH: 39,272 patients), and matched with the Swedish Twin Registry to identify MZ and DZ twins. Pairwise and probandwise concordance rates, heritability estimates, and MZ/DZ concordance ratios were calculated.

Results:

We identified 414 twin pairs (92 MZ and 322 DZ pairs) of whom 1 or both twins underwent surgery for LSS. The corresponding number for LDH was 387 twin pairs (118 MZ and 269 DZ pairs). The probandwise concordance rate for LSS requiring surgery was 0.25 (26 of 105) (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14 to 0.34) for MZ twins and 0.04 (12 of 328) (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07) for DZ twins. The corresponding values for LDH requiring surgery were 0.03 (4 of 120) (95% CI, 0 to 0.08) and 0.01 (4 of 271) (95% CI, 0 to 0.04), respectively. The probandwise MZ/DZ concordance ratio was 6.8 (95% CI, 2.9 to 21.5) for LSS and 2.3 (95% CI, 0 to 8.9) for LDH. The heritability was significantly higher in LSS compared with LDH (0.64 [95% CI, 0.50 to 0.74] versus 0.19 [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.35]).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that genetic factors may play an important role in the risk of developing LSS requiring surgery, whereas heredity seems to be of less importance in LDH requiring surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Raw Material Truck’s Queue System Optimization
Authors: Prayitno Sugeng , Sulistiyowati Wiwik
Published: February 2024

We present a field study investigating the impact of raw material supply chain optimization within PT Mekabox International, a producer of high-quality brown papers utilizing recycled sources. To ensure consistent productivity, maintaining supplier interest is crucial due to limited raw material availability. Our findings reveal that expediting unloading processes significantly improves supplier satisfaction beyond pricing alone. Through quantitative analysis using a multi-channel single-phase queuing model, we demonstrate that adding one additional unloading team reduces truck waiting times from 33 to 17 minutes. These improvements enhance operational efficiency, foster stronger relationships with suppliers, and ultimately contribute to sustainable growth in the brown paper industry. Highlight : Optimizing the raw material supply chain for brown paper production can be achieved by expediting unloading processes, which improves supplier satisfaction. Quantitative analysis using a queuing model shows that adding one more unloading team can reduce truck waiting times from 33 to 17 minutes. These improvements lead to better operational efficiency, stronger relationships with suppliers, and contribute to sustainable growth in the brown paper industry. Keywords: brown paper, raw material, supplier satisfaction, unloading, queuing model
Sağlıkta Dönüşüm Programının Sağlık Hizmeti Kullanımına Etkisi: Ekonometrik Bir Analiz
Authors: ALPASLAN Merve Nur , ÇIRAKLI Ümit
Published: February 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de 2003 yılında başlayan ve sağlık sistemi için önemli bir gelişim olan Sağlıkta Dönüşüm Programının sağlık hizmetleri kullanımına etkisini ölçmektir. Bu çalışmada Türk sağlık kurumlarındaki 1975- 2019 yıllarını kapsayan; sağlık hizmetlerine olan başvuru sayıları, milli gelir, hekim sayısı, sağlık personeli sayısı, nüfus, sağlık kurumlarındaki toplam yatak sayısı ve yataklı kurum sayısı verileri kullanılmıştır. Veriler, ARDL sınır testi (Autoregressive Distributed Lag – Otoregresif Dağıtılmış Gecikme) yaklaşımı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analizler Eviews 9.5 programı yardımıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada bağımlı değişken olan başvuru sayısı ile bağımsız değişken olan milli gelir, hekim sayısı, toplam yatak sayısı ve yataklı kurum sayısı arasında uzun dönemde anlamlı ilişki bulunmuştur. Sağlık personeli sayısı ve nüfusun ise bağımlı değişkenler üzerine azaltıcı etkisinin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda ise Sağlıkta Dönüşüm Programının uzun dönemde sağlık hizmetleri kullanımına etkisi olduğuna ulaşılmıştır. Sağlıkta Dönüşüm Programı ile sağlık hizmetleri kullanımının arttığı ve programın sağlık hizmetine erişimi artırdığı söylenilebilir.
Improving wheat grain composition for human health: an atlas of QTLs for essential minerals
Authors: Hawkesford Malcolm , Sigalas Petros , Shewry Peter , Riche Andrew , Wingen Luzie , Feng Cong , Siluveru Ajay , Chayut Noam , Burridge Amanda , Uauy Cristobal , Castle March , Parmar Saroj , Philp Charlie , Steele David , Orford Simon , Leverington-Waite Michelle , Cheng Shifeng , Griffiths Simon
Published: February 2024

Wheat is an important source of mineral micronutrients for humans and livestock. We therefore grew three biparental populations developed from crosses between the spring cultivar Paragon and landraces originating from about 100 years ago under multiple environments and analysed the grain for minerals including six minerals which are often deficient in diets for humans (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc) and livestock (copper). A total of 774 QTLs for minerals in grain, straw and calculated biomass were identified which were reduced to 23 strong robust QTLs for essential nutrients in grain by selecting for QTLs that were mapped in at least two sample sets with LOD scores above 5 in at least one set. The increasing alleles for sixteen of the QTLs were present in the Watkins lines and seven in Paragon. The number of QTLs for each mineral varied between three (for K and Zn) and five (for Cu) and they were located on 14 of the 21 chromosomes with clustering on chromosomes 5A (4 QTLs), 6A (3 QTLs) and 7A (3 QTLs). Several strong QTL were selected to determine the gene content within a distance of five megabases of DNA either side of the marker for the QTL with the highest LOD score. In addition, induced mutagenesis was used to identify the gene responsible for the strongest QTL (for Ca on chromosome 5AL) as the ATPase transporter gene TraesCS5A02G543300. The identification of these QTLs with associated SNP markers and candidate genes will facilitate the improvement of grain nutritional quality.
Spatiotemporal Droughts Assessment in Perspective of Climate Change Scenerios and Forecasting Using Arima Models
Authors: Ulain Qurrat , Ali Syeda Maria
Published: February 2024

Drought risk has always been linked with an increase of human-induced climate change. Major drought occurrences have claimed the lives of over 10 million people in the last century, resulting in economic losses of several hundred billion US dollars on a global scale. In this study drought prone areas were identified by using Standardized Vegetation Index (SVI) where the probability of vegetation condition deviation from “normal” was calculated based on Normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI). Alongside Man Kendall trend analysis was performed to observe the trends over a period of time. The best forecasting Autoregressive Integrated movement average (ARIMA) was also applied for the period of 2021–2070. The results of SVI indicated an increasing trend for the period of 1990–2020 in all climatic zones of Pakistan however the severity and extent were more in Zone D and E (arid and semi-arid mountainous ranges) as compared to the other climatic zones. The results of ARIMA model forecast indicates that Zone E will face extreme droughts in near future for the period of 2021–2070 followed by Zone C and D that will face moderate droughts in the given time period. Overall forecast results indicated that by the end of 21st century approximately 80 percent of the total land of Pakistan will be under subject to frequent droughts.
GPT-4V exhibits human-like performance in biomedical image classification
Authors: Ji Zhicheng , Hou Wenpin
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate that GPT-4V(ision), a large multimodal model, exhibits strong one-shot learning ability, generalizability, and natural language interpretability in various biomedical image classification tasks, including classifying cell types, tissues, cell states, and disease status. Such features resemble human-like performance and distinguish GPT-4V from conventional image classification methods, which typically require large cohorts of training data and lack interpretability.
Events of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) Among COVID-19-positive Adults in the United States; an Analysis via the National Inpatient Sample for Cases Between April to November 2020
Authors: Ramphul Kamleshun , Jala Saisree Reddy Adla , Chennaprag Suma Sri , Dandwani Mehndi , Savani Saloni , Verma Renuka , Ajitha Salini , Pramudita Arcita Harjani , Singh Vaishnavi , Kumar NOmesh , Goyal Shriya , Thevuthasan Sindhu , Dhillon Balkiranjit Kaur , Ramphul Yogeshwaree , Aggarwal Shruti , Dhaliwal Jasninder Singh , Sanikommu Sailaja , Sakthivel Hemamalini , Sharma Shivani
Published: February 2024

Various cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were reported among COVID-19-positive patients in the literature. We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to evaluate the odds of ITP among COVID-19 patients in the United States between April and November 2020. Females (vs. Males), Whites (vs. other races), and the presence of multiple comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, prior stroke, HIV, obesity, cachexia, neoplasms, and autoimmune conditions showed higher odds of ITP. Meanwhile, those with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease and covered by private insurance (vs. Medicare) were less likely to experience ITP while being positive for the virus. Events of ITP also led to a higher mortality risk in COVID-19-positive patients.
Physiological studies and transcriptomic analysis reveal the mechanism of saline–alkali stress resistance of Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyan
Authors: Jiang Lepu , Yang Yan , Yu Lei , Zhou Zhengli , Xu Tongyao , Wang Tong , Zhao Jianwen , Chen Xuesen , Wang Shaohua
Published: February 2024

Apple (Malus) is one of the world’s most economically significant fruit varieties. The inability of apple trees to tolerate saline–alkali soil has long limited their growth and yield. Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyan is a wild species capable of growing on saline–alkali soil in Xinjiang.Here, we conducted a hydroponic experiment in which M. niedzwetzkyana and M. domestica “Royal Gala” seedlings were subjected to 150 mM saline–alkali stress. Physiological data indicated that the saline–alkali resistance of M. niedzwetzkyana was higher than that of M. “Royal Gala,” as the concentrations of ROS were lower and Na+/K+ ratios were higher in M. niedzwetzkyana than in M. “Royal Gala” under saline–alkali stress. Transcriptome analysis was conducted on the leaves and roots of M. niedzwetzkyana at different time points under saline–alkali stress (0 h, 6 h, and 12 h). A total of 599 differentially co-expressed genes associated with saline–alkali stress were identified. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that DEGs in the leaves were enriched in glutathione metabolism, hydrolase activity, and heme binding following exposure to saline–alkali stress. However, DEGs in the roots were enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis and iron ion binding. We identified hub genes related to superoxide dismutase and Na+, K+ transport using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.Our findings provided new insights into the saline–alkali tolerance of M. niedzwetzkyana at the physiological and molecular levels. this research provides an important genetic resource for identifying genes involved in responses to saline–alkali stress.
Key message：The upregulation of antioxidant enzyme-related genes and ion transport proteins in response to high saline–alkali stress confers strong saline–alkali resistance to M. niedzwetzkyana
Properties, Quantile Regression, and Application of Bounded Exponentiated Weibull Distribution to COVID- 19 Data of Mortality and Survival Rates
Authors: Bashir Shakila , Masood Bushra , Al-Essa Laila A. , Sanaullah Aamir , Saleem Iram
Published: February 2024

Well-known continuous distributions such as Beta and Kumaraswamy distribution are useful for modeling the datasets which are based on unit interval [0,1]. But every distribution is not always useful for all types of data sets, rather it depends on the shapes of data as well. In this research, a three-parameter new distribution named bounded exponentiated Weibull (BEW) distribution is defined to model the data set with the support of unit interval [0,1]. Some fundamental distributional properties for the BEW distribution have been investigated. For modeling dependence between measures in a dataset, a bivariate extension of the BEW distribution is developed, and graphical shapes for the bivariate BEW distribution have been shown. Several estimation methods have been discussed to estimate the parameters of the BEW distribution and to check the performance of the estimator, a Monte Carlo simulation study has been done. Afterward, the applications of the BEW distribution are illustrated using COVID-19 data sets. The proposed distribution shows a better fit than many well-known distributions. Lastly, a quantile regression model from bounded exponentiated Weibull distribution is developed, and its graphical shapes for pdf and hazard function have been shown.
Understanding the Impact of Online Test-driving Reviews on Autonomous Vehicle Adoption
Authors: Liao Chuan hui , Wang Xuan Zheng
Published: February 2024

Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has led to new changes in transportation. Improving consumers' trust and awareness of self-driving cars has become an urgent problem in market promotion and technological development. In addition to the information provided by car makers and salespeople, consumers rely on online blogs and reviews, especially reviews provided by test-drivers. This study explores the influence of test-driving reviews (TDRs) on the consumer decision-making process regarding the purchase and usage of AVs. We aim to understand how different types of TDRs (professional, manufacturer, and amateur) affect consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward AVs. Conduct analysis using questionnaire surveys and structural equation modeling. The results indicate that both risk perception and perceived value significantly influence adoption intentions. For TDRs, professional reviews and manufacturer reviews affect risk perception, negatively affecting adoption intention. Both AM and MR positively influence perceived value, which further affects adoption intentions. Based on the analyses, practical implications for the promotion of AVs were provided for manufacturers and policymakers.
Evaluation of Chest Wall Diameter in Chest Radiography: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: JAMADAR SHAHJAHUR MAQBOOL , SHETTY SHASHI KUMAR
Published: February 2024

Background and aims:
A chest wall is an important diagnosis in the chest radiograph. It may give the first hint of respiratory or cardiovascular disease. The structure of the antero-posterior and transverse thoracic wall diameter varies greatly with factor such as age. Several diseases affect the chest wall diameter which includes, pectus excavatum, or carinatum, tilted sternum, prominent asymmetric costal cartilage, COPD conditions such as emphysema, etc., and several other respiratory diseases. In our study we measured the transverse chest wall diameter in the patient with and without a ventilator in portable chest radiography and also, we have compared the transverse chest wall diameter of routine chest PA view with AP view in chest radiography.
Methodology:
This study was a cross-sectional study. We selected 100 adult patients randomly and divided them into two groups of 50 in each group. In the group of first 50 patients we measured transverse chest wall diameter in same ventilator and non-ventilator patients, and another 50 patients who underwent routine AP and PA chest views. The data were computed using SPSS version 20.0 software.
Results
We noted that there was no significant difference in the transverse diameter of the chest wall in the same ventilator(25.68cm ± 2.015) and non-ventilator patients(25.80cm ± 2.195) with 50 numbers of same subjects using paired t-test (p-value ˃0.05). We also found that there was no significant difference in the transverse diameter of the chest wall in the same patient who had taken both AP view (25.56cm ± 2.779) and PA view (26.22cm ± 2.297) of the chest x-ray using paired t-test with remaining 50 numbers of same subjects (p-value ˃0.05).
Conclusion
We noted that there was no significant difference in the transverse chest wall diameter in same ventilator and non-ventilator patients of the chest radiograph and also in the comparison between AP and PA chest radiographs. Therefore, we can conclude that for measuring chest wall diameters one need not undergo both AP and PA radiographic views of the chest. Hence diagnosis can be done using routine PA chest radiograph.
Psoriatic spectrum arthritis in children: a multicentre observational study for a new definition of Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Pastore Serena , Tommasini Alberto , Martini Giorgia , Pin Alessia , Taddio Andrea , Tumminelli Cristina , Corona Federica , Meneghel Alessandra , Tirelli Francesca , dell’Apa Filippo , Fastiggi Michele , Cappella Michela , Possemato Niccolò , Zulian Francesco
Published: February 2024

Background:The definition of psoriatic arthritis in pediatrics (JPsA) is controversial. The study purpose to describe clinical and laboratory characteristics and responses to therapies in children with psoriatic arthropathies.
Methods: A retrospective multicentre observational study enrolling subjects meeting the ILAR criteria for juvenile psoriatic arthritis. We also included subjects meeting the enthesitis-related arthritis criteria, except for the presence of psoriasis and/or family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in a first-degree relative. Disease remission was defined according to the Wallace criteria.
Results: 71 patients (44 females, 27 males). Disease onset was before 10 years in 32 patients (median 5.5 years) and after 10 years (median 13 years) in 39. Inflammation indexes and antinuclear antibodies were raised, respectively, in 61% and 47% of the tested patients. Twenty patients (28.2%) got clinical remission with intra-articular glucocorticoids. Eighteen patients (25.3%) with synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs got better, and 33 patients (46.5%) with biological DMARDs. Two patients presented with intractable uveitis.
Fifty-five patients (77.5%) met the ILAR criteria for JPsA; eight were HLA B27+ males with disease onset over 6 years of age, and eight had arthritis and enthesitis. Four clinical patterns were found using unsupervised principal component analysis. One of them was mostly made up of early-onset oligoarticular arthiritis, dactylitis, tenosynovitis, and uveitis. The two groups occurring after 10 years of age were more similar to adult-onset psoriatic arthritis or undifferentiated spondyloarthropaties.
Conclusions: Post-pubertal clusters of JPsA are similar to typical adult PsA, while peculiar clusters are identified in younger children.
Towards Analysis of Covariance Matrices through Bures-Wasserstein Distance
Authors: Zheng Jingyi , Huang Huajun , Yi Yuyan , Li Yuexin , Lin Shu-Chin
Published: February 2024

Brain-computer interface (BCI) builds a bridge between human brain and external devices by translating brain signals into commands for devices to perform the user’s imagined action. The core of the BCI system is the classifier that labels the brain signals as the user’s imagined action. Among the array of techniques, those directly classifying covariance matrices using Riemannian geometry find broad applications not only in BCI but also in diverse domains like computer vision and biomedical imaging. However, the existing Riemannian-based methods exhibit limitations, including time-intensive computations, susceptibility to disturbances, and convergence challenges in scenarios involving high-dimensional matrices. In this paper, we tackles these issues by introducing the Bures-Wasserstein (BW) distance for analyzing positive semi-definite matrices. Both theoretical and computational aspects of BW distance are investigated, and three algorithms are proposed to estimate the Fréchet Mean (or barycenter) of a set of matrices efficiently and robustly. The BW distance and barycenter are further integrated into the Minimum Distance to Riemannian Mean classifier to explore their performance in classification tasks. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the BW distance and barycenter. Additionally, we showcase the superior classification performance and enhanced computational efficiency of BW distance through evaluations on five real datasets.
Phototransformation and toxicity enhancement of AgCl NPs by polystyrene microplastics under irradiation
Authors: Sun Yong hao , Huang Jiaolong , Wang Zhen , Duan Peng , zhang weicheng
Published: February 2024

Silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl NPs) and microplastics (MPs) ubiquitous pollutants that coexist in water surface and are exposed to sunlight irradiation, yet their transformation and environmental risks are poorly known, particularly in realistic water. Herein, we found the PS MPs could enhance phototransformation of AgCl NPs by •OH, 1O2 and 3PS*, which promoted the release of Ag+ and Cl−. Subsequently, O2•− reducing the Ag+ to Ag NPs. Notably, this PS MPs-related phototransformation of AgCl NPs also occurred in realistic water, but was significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as pH and humic acid. Consequently, the PS MPs-related Ag species transformation (AgCl→Ag+/Ag0) increased the toxicity of AgCl NPs at environmental concentration, as evidenced by the reduced survival rate of zebrafish larvae from 100 to 23.3% to. Overall, this is the first study to reveal that PS MPs can enhance phototransformation of AgCl NPs to Ag NPs, and thereby amplify the environmental risks of AgCl NPs in realistic water.
Sparse intensity sampling for ultrafast full-field reconstruction in low-dimensional photonic systems
Authors: Manuylovich Egor
Published: February 2024

Exploiting light’s phase dimension opened multiple avenues in photonics, from phase-contrast microscopy to coherent optical communications. Phase-sensitive measurements usually utilize interferometric techniques to extract the optical phase. However, in some cases, when the feature space of an electromagnetic field is highly degenerate or inherently low dimensional, the vast majority of field distribution parameters, including wavefront, can be extracted from intensity measurements only. But even the fastest of previously published intensity-only methods have too high a computational complexity to be applicable at the speeds used in optical communications and, most importantly, require data from CCD cameras, which are generally very slow. This paper shows how a few intensity measurements, taken from properly placed photodetectors, can be used to reconstruct the complex-valued field fully in systems with low-dimensional feature space. The presented method allows full-field characterization in few-mode fibers and does not employ a reference beam. It is 3 orders of magnitude faster than the fastest previously published result and uses 3 orders of magnitude fewer photodetectors, allowing retrieval of mode amplitudes and phases relative to the fundamental mode using only several telecom-grade photodetectors. This opens the avenue for ultra-fast applications of intensity-only mode decomposition methods, including the pulse-to-pulse beam complete characterization of lasers with spatio-temporal modelocking, providing an essential tool for experimental exploration of the modal dynamics in such systems. It can also be applied to ultra-fast sensing in few-mode fibers and for coherent mode division-multiplexed receivers using quadratic detectors only.
Enhancing daily PM2.5 air quality forecasts in Dakar, Senegal, through the integration of
data from the automatic measuring station into a server using data assimilation
Authors: gueye ahmed , Drame Mamadou Simina , Niang Serigne abdou aziz , Toure Mame Diarra , Niang Demba Ndao , Diallo Moussa , Talla Kharouna
Published: February 2024

The objective of this work is to predict daily PM2.5 air quality in Dakar, Senegal using data from an automated measurement station integrated into a server using a data assimilation model. Initially, a 3-year data set was used to identify and validate an appropriate ARIMA data assimilation model. The data was split into an 80% training set and a 20% test set. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was used to check the normality of the data series. Subsequently, we used the AutoArima method to determine the optimal model to represent the time series. Preliminary results show that a model with order (2,1,1) accurately represents the series. Additional analysis using model fit tests showed that the (3, 0, 1) model was most effective in representing and predicting the data. The statistical validation performance of this model demonstrates its capability to forecast PM2.5 concentrations for up to 72 hours (3 days), achieving correlation coefficients exceeding 80%. However, after three days, the predictions returned to background levels. In the final stage of the study, data from automatic stations were integrated into a server hosting the assimilation model to improve daily PM2.5 forecasts for Dakar. An interactive platform was developed to visualize measurements and forecasts over two days. The results show that by integrating the data with the assimilation model, predictions are significantly improved.
The Associations between Social Support and Mental Health among Chinese Immigrant Pregnant and Parenting Women
Authors: Tian Grace , Rojas Natalia M. , Norton Jennifer M. , Barajas-Gonzalez R. Gabriela , Montesdeoca Jacqueline , Kerker Bonnie D.
Published: February 2024

Background
While it is recognized that social support can alleviate mental health symptoms, this relationship is not well-understood among Chinese pregnant and parenting immigrants in the United States. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the relationships between different types of social support and women's anxiety and depression, and examining how these associations vary with pregnancy status.
Methods
Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Simplified Chinese or Mandarin between March-June 2021 among 526 women who were pregnant and/or parenting a child under five years. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, Depression, and Social Support scales were used to measure anxiety, depression, and social support levels. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlations were employed for analysis. Hierarchical regression was conducted to investigate the main and interaction effects of social support types and pregnancy status on mental health outcomes.
Results
Compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women reported higher mean scores for anxiety (non-pregnant: 55, pregnant: 59, p < 0.01) and depression (non-pregnant: 54, pregnant: 56, p = 0.02). Instrumental support displayed a significant main effect in relation to anxiety (β=-0.13, p = 0.01) and depression (β=-0.16, p < 0.01); emotional support exhibited a significant main effect solely on depression (β=-0.13, p = 0.01). Notably, the interaction effects between pregnancy status and both instrumental (β=-0.28, p = 0.01) and emotional support (β=-0.42, p < 0.01) were significant for anxiety. In contrast, informational support did not exhibit a significant impact on either anxiety or depression.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that tailoring support to the cultural context is crucial, especially for pregnant women in this Chinese immigrant community, with instrumental and emotional support being particularly beneficial in mitigating maternal anxiety.
Reflectance confocal microscopy for plaque psoriasis therapeutic follow-up during an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody: an observational study
Authors: Jiang Qian , Qu Zi-Lu , Wang Bei , Jiang Rui-Li , Zhou Yu , Wan Li , Chen Liu-Qing , Hu Feng
Published: February 2024

Background Interleukin-17A therapeutic inhibitors are among the most effective treatment methods for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PP). Reflectance confocal microscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique already documented to be beneficial in evaluating the follow-up of PP under treatment with topical actives and phototherapy. Objectives This study aimed to assess the epidermal and dermal changes associated with psoriasis and its treatment with RCM during systemic secukinumab treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe PP. Methods A pilot study was conducted to evaluate RCM as a non-invasive tool for monitoring secukinumab treatment in patients with PP. A total of 23 patients with PP were included in the study. Each patient received 300 mg of subcutaneous secukinumab as induction therapy at baseline and weeks 1–4, followed by maintenance therapy every four weeks. Lesional skin was selected for RCM imaging in patients with psoriasis using a standardized protocol. The RCM evaluation criteria were established based on the histopathological diagnostic criteria for psoriasis. The clinical severity of psoriasis was assessed utilizing the psoriasis area severity index. Results Microscopic confocal changes were observed during the treatment. The results identified early microscopic evidence of the anti-inflammatory activity of secukinumab, which was not detected during the clinical examination. RCM findings correlating with the PASI were used to observe the patient’s response to treatment and were identified as follows: acanthosis and parakeratosis, presence of epidermal and dermal inflammatory cells, presence of non-edge dermal papillae, and vascularization in the papillary dermis. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the use of RCM as an effective tool for non-invasive monitoring of secukinumab therapeutic response at a cellular level in a clinical or research setting. Early detection of RCM parameters associated with secukinumab activity may facilitate the identification of an early treatment response. RCM appears to be capable of providing practical and helpful information regarding follow-up in patients with PP undergoing secukinumab treatment. RCM may also provide novel perspectives on the subclinical evaluation of PP’s response to biological therapy.
Predicting Clinical Respondence of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Using White Matter Functional Characteristics
Authors: Lv Lingling , Xing Fengbo , Feng Jingjing , Chen Xin , Wang Mengqi , Zhao Ziye , Han Jinying , Liu Pingping , Yu Liuzhenxiong , Sun Jinmei , Liu Tingting , Ji Gongjun , Wang Kai , Hu Panpan
Published: February 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to predict the clinical respondence of rTMS in PD by WM.Methods According to the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRSIII) score reduction, Sixty-eight PD patients treated with rTMS for 14 days were divided into a responsive (R) group (UPDRSIII score reduction ≥ 30%, n = 20) and a nonresponsive (NR) group (UPDRSIII score reduction ≤ 30%, n = 48). The difference of low frequency fluctuation amplitude (ALFF) and fraction ALFF (fALFF) before rTMS and the correlation with UPDRSIII improvement were analyzed between the two groups.Results The ALFF values of the bilateral upper corticospinal tract and fALFF values of the left anterior thalamic radiation in R group were higher than those in NR group. The ALFF value of the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, the bilateral lower corticospinal tract, the left Forceps major and the right anterior thalamic radiation in R group was lower than that in NR group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the UPDRSIII deduction score was positively correlated with the bilateral upper corticospinal fasciculus and bilateral anterior thalamic radiation and negatively correlated with the bilateral lower corticospinal tract and the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus. The ALFF value of the upper right corticospinal tract and the lower right corticospinal tract and the fALFF value of the bilateral anterior thalamic radiation were included in the prediction model, and the prediction efficiency was 100%.Conclusion WM could be used as a predictor of the clinical efficacy of rTMS in PD.
Mechanisms of Anxiety-Like Behavior in the Great Ramshorn Snail (Planorbarius corneus)
Authors: Talk Andrew , Vanatheeva Sajeevan
Published: February 2024

Like vertebrate animals, some invertebrates have been shown to exhibit anxiety-like behavior while in apparatus that allow choice between sheltered, darkened spaces and open, lit spaces. The behavioral mechanisms by which invertebrates accomplish anxiety-like behavior, and whether those mechanisms are similar across species, has not been fully studied. Across three experiments, we investigated possible behaviors (photokinesis, phototaxis, and sheltering) that Great Ramshorn snails (Planorbarius corneus) could use to accomplish anxiety-like behavior while in presence of the odor of a predatory fish. In experiment one, we used a light/dark preference box to demonstrate reduced preference for exposed and lit areas caused by the predator odor. In experiment two, we used an open field apparatus to demonstrate an increase in refuge-seeking (time spent near a wall) in diffusely lit but not dark environments caused by predator odor. In the same experiment we saw no effect of predator odor on photokinesis (difference in movement speed in a lit versus dark environment). In experiment three, we conducted a second open field study with a directional light source and found no evidence of phototaxis (movement direction with respect to light), and no effect of predator odor on phototaxis. Thus, in our studies we found evidence for refuge-seeking as a mechanism for anxiety-like behavior in the presence of predator odor and little evidence for perhaps more computationally simple strategies of increased photokinesis and phototaxis.
A potential risk factor of periodontal disease for chronic bronchitis: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Shin Hye-Sun , Hong Min-Hee , Moon Ja-Young , Sim Seon-Ju
Published: February 2024

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the association of periodontal disease with chronic bronchitis(CB).
Materials and Methods
A retrospective follow-up study using National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort was performed from 2002 to 2015 in the Korean population. A total of 189,274 subjects were followed up for incident CB during 11 years. Periodontal disease and CB were defined by a diagnosis using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Periodontal status was divided based on the severity of periodontal status. Periodontal treatments included scaling and root planning.
Results
Periodontitis was associated with a 5% increase in risk for CB after adjusting for socio-demographic factor, health behaviors, and systemic diseases (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.12). The association of periodontitis with CB was increased in subjects aged 40 to 59 y (aHR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.11), and there is no sex difference (females; aHR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.10, male; aHR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.10). Participants with periodontal treatment showed no increase in hazard risk of CB, while those without periodontal treatment showed an 8% increase in CB risk (aHR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.12).
Conclusions
Our data showed that periodontal disease had an association with a higher incidence of CB. Thus, the periodic periodontal treatment should be emphasized to reduce the risk of CB.
Clinical Relevance
Prevention and management of periodontal disease could be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic bronchitis.
Individual-level differences in size drive movements and spatial segregation of a pelagic seabird
Authors: Krüger Lucas
Published: February 2024

Individual-level differences in size play a crucial role in shaping the movements and spatial segregation of sexually dimorphic pelagic seabirds. This study investigated how size influences the response of Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) to environmental conditions, particularly wind speed and direction, during foraging trips in the Maritime Antarctic Peninsula. Utilizing tracking data from 36 breeding individuals in two seasons, was found that smaller males exhibited higher transit speeds in response to stronger winds, whereas females showed more efficient utilization of wind during transit independently of size. Additionally, smaller females engaged in longer foraging trips associated with higher chlorophyll-a concentrations, while larger females were associated with areas of sea ice. The results suggest that size-driven variability influences not only individual movement patterns but also spatial segregation within the same sex. These findings provide insights into the intricate relationship between size, environmental factors, and foraging behavior in pelagic seabirds, highlighting the importance of considering individual-level variability in understanding population dynamics and responses to environmental change. Understanding how individual differences in size shape seabird ecology is essential in the face of climate-induced alterations in wind patterns in the Southern Ocean.
Metformin hydrolase is a recently evolved, nickel-dependent, heteromeric ureohydrolase
Authors: Hartig Jörg , Sinn Malte , Riede Lea , Funck Dietmar , Fleming Jennifer R. , Mayans Olga , Bachmann Andreas , Lutz Hannes
Published: February 2024

The anti-diabetic drug metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the world. Together with its degradation product guanylurea, it is a major pharmaceutical pollutant in wastewater treatment plants and surface waters. An operon comprising two genes of the ureohydrolase family in Pseudomonas and Aminobacter bacteria has recently been implicated in metformin degradation. However, the corresponding proteins have not been characterized. Here we show that these genes encode a Ni2+-dependent enzyme that efficiently and specifically hydrolyzed metformin to guanylurea and dimethylamine. The active enzyme is a heteromeric complex of α- and β- subunits in which only the α-subunits contain the conserved His and Asp residues for the coordination of two Ni2+ ions in the active site. A crystal structure of metformin hydrolase revealed an α2β4 stoichiometry of the hexameric complex, which is unprecedented in the ureohydrolase family. By studying a closely related but more widely distributed enzyme, we found that the putative predecessor specifically hydrolyzed dimethylguanidine instead of metformin. Our findings establish the molecular basis for metformin hydrolysis to guanylurea as the primary pathway for metformin biodegradation and provide insight into the recent evolution of ureohydrolase family proteins in response to an anthropogenic compound.
Willingness to use HIV pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and its Factors among Female Sex Workers in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Hussein Abdu , Mosisa Getu , Bayisa Lami
Published: February 2024

Background
Ethiopia has acknowledged HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis as one of the key prevention pillars and recommended it for all female sex workers and HIV-negative partners of serodiscordant couples. Even though pre-exposure prophylaxis is the most effective strategy for reducing HIV prevalence in those with increased exposure to HIV, there is limited data regarding the willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers in Ethiopia particularly in study area.
Objective
This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and its associated factors among female sex workers in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia.
Method
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 female sex workers to collect data on the willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis from May to July 2023. Snowball sampling method was used to approach the participants. Data were collected through face to face interview. Collected data was entered into EPI Data version 3.1, and transferred into SPSS version 25 for further statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significant association.
Results
A total of 422 FSW were included in the study and gave a response rate of 100%. Nearly two-third (68%) of them had willing to use the HIV PrEP with 95% CI: (63.3–72.4%). Respondents with age 18–23 years (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.2–7.3), separated and divorced marital status (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.02–0.4) and (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–0.79), more than three sexual partners (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.9–7.9), causal sexual intercourse (AOR = 7.87, 95% CI = 3.9–15.5), educational status primary educational level (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.2–0.6), and heard about PrEP (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.9–7.9) were significantly associated with willingness to use HIV PrEP
Conclusion and recommendation:
About Two-third of the study participants had willingness to use HIV PrEP. The PrEP related health information dissemination, reducing number of sexual partners, and reducing number of unemployment should be strengthened.