bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A database of freshwater macroinvertebrate occurrence records across Cuba
Authors: Torres-Cambas Yusdiel , Megna Yoandri S. , Salazar-Salina Juan Carlos , Diez Yander L. , Catalá Alejandro , Trapero-Quintana Adrian D. , Schröder Boris , Domisch Sami
Published: March 2023

In light of the ongoing freshwater biodiversity crisis, detailed knowledge regarding the spatial distribution of freshwater species is urgently required, especially in biodiversity hotspots. Here we present a database of georeferenced occurrence records of four freshwater invertebrate taxa groups across Cuba, namely flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida), insects (Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Hemiptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera), crabs and shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda), and mollusks (Mollusca). We collated the geographic occurrence information from scientific literature, unpublished field records, museum collections and online databases. The database, comprising 6292 records of 457 species at 1075 unique localities, is organized in 32 fields that contain the information about the taxonomic classification of each recorded species, the sex and life stage of collected individuals; the geographic coordinates, location, author and date of the record and a reference to the original data source. This database provides an important basis towards an improved understanding of the spatial distribution of freshwater biodiversity in Cuba.
Modelling the impact of historic landscape change on soil erosion and degradation
Authors: Brandolini Filippo , Kinnaird Tim C. , Srivastava Aayush , Turner Sam
Published: March 2023

International policies and guidelines often highlight the divide between ‘nature’ and ‘heritage’ in landscape management, and the weakness of monodisciplinary approaches. This study argues that historic agricultural practices have played a key role in shaping today’s landscapes, creating a heritage which affords opportunities for more sustainable landscape management. The paper develops a new interdisciplinary approach with particular reference to soil loss and degradation over the long term. It presents innovative methods for assessing and modelling how pre-industrial agricultural features can mitigate soil erosion risk in response to current environmental conditions. Landscape archaeology data presented through Historic Landscape Characterisation are integrated in a GIS-RUSLE model to illustrate the impact of varying historic land-uses on soil erosion. The resulting analyses could be used to inform strategies for sustainable land resource planning.
Facile preparation of a cost-effective platform based on ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials for electrochemical cell detection
Authors: Vajhadin Fereshteh , Mazloum-Ardakani Mohammad , Hemati Mahdie , Moshtaghioun Seyed Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important tumor markers that indicate early metastasis, tumor recurrence, and treatment efficacy. To identify and separate these cells from the blood, new nanomaterials need to be developed. The present study explored the potential application of ZnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles in capturing CTCs with cell surface markers. Folic acid was coupled to l-cysteine-capped ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (ZC) to provide binding sites on ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for the recognition of folate bioreceptors, which are highly expressed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and ZC against MCF-7 was analyzed with the MTT assay. After 24 h of incubation, there were IC50 values of 702.6 and 805.5 µg/mL for ZnFe2O4 and ZC, respectively. However, after 48 h of incubation, IC50 values of ZnFe2O4 and ZC were reduced to 267.3 and 389.7 µg/mL, respectively. The cell quantification was conducted with magnetically collected cells placed on a glassy carbon electrode, and the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) responses were analyzed. This cost-effective ZnFe2O4-based biosensing platform allowed cancer cell detection with a limit of detection of 3 cells/mL, ranging from 25 to 104 cells/mL. In future, these functionalized zinc ferrites may be used in electrochemical cell detection and targeted cancer therapy.
Study on the vertical bearing performances of piles on karst cave
Authors: Chen Huiyun , Feng Zhongju , Wu Min , Zhou Guimei , Chen Lu , Zhang Cong
Published: March 2023

Caves affected the load transfer mechanism of bridge pile foundation, and then the safety of the bridge was threatened. This study was to investigate the effect of karst cave under bridge pile foundations on the vertical bearing characteristics of bridge pile foundations by static load test, finite element analysis and mechanical model. The settlement of the pile was measured by displacement meter, and the axial force were measured by stress gauges in the test. The load-settlement, the axial force, the unit skin friction and the ratios of side and tip resistances were compared with the result of the simulation. Then sixteen conditions were selected in finite element analysis, one of them was a conventional pile not on cave. The others were about five kinds of height, five kinds of span and six kinds roof’s thickness of the cave. The simply supported and fixed wide beam were established to calculate the allowance roof thickness. The results reveal that when the cave span is greater than 9 m × 9 m or the roof thickness is less than 2 D (pile diameter), the stress and deformation of piles are significantly affected.
Genetic risk of depression is different in subgroups of dietary ratio of tryptophan to large neutral amino acids
Authors: Bruncsics Bence , Hullam Gabor , Bolgar Bence , Petschner Peter , Millinghoffer Andras , Gecse Kinga , Eszlari Nora , Gonda Xenia , Jones Debra J. , Burden Sorrel T. , Antal Peter , Deakin Bill , Bagdy Gyorgy , Juhasz Gabriella
Published: March 2023

Manipulation of intake of serotonin precursor tryptophan has been exploited to rapidly induce and alleviate depression symptoms. While studies show that this latter effect is dependent on genetic vulnerability to depression, the effect of habitual tryptophan intake in the context of predisposing genetic factors has not been explored. Our aim was to investigate the effect of habitual tryptophan intake on mood symptoms and to determine the effect of risk variants on depression in those with high and low tryptophan intake in the whole genome and specifically in serotonin and kynurenine pathways. 63,277 individuals in the UK Biobank with data on depressive symptoms and tryptophan intake were included. We compared two subpopulations defined by their habitual diet of a low versus a high ratio of tryptophan to other large amino acids (TLR). A modest protective effect of high dietary TLR against depression was found. NPBWR1 among serotonin genes and POLI in kynurenine pathway genes were significantly associated with depression in the low but not in the high TLR group. Pathway-level analyses identified significant associations for both serotonin and kynurenine pathways only in the low TLR group. In addition, significant association was found in the low TLR group between depressive symptoms and biological process related to adult neurogenesis. Our findings demonstrate a markedly distinct genetic risk profile for depression in groups with low and high dietary TLR, with association with serotonin and kynurenine pathway variants only in case of habitual food intake leading to low TLR. Our results confirm the relevance of the serotonin hypothesis in understanding the neurobiological background of depression and highlight the importance of understanding its differential role in the context of environmental variables such as complexity of diet in influencing mental health, pointing towards emerging possibilities of personalised prevention and intervention in mood disorders in those who are genetically vulnerable.
Microwave-assisted synthesis, antioxidant activity, docking simulation, and DFT analysis of different heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Shalaby Mona A. , Fahim Asmaa M. , Rizk Sameh A.
Published: March 2023

In this investigation, pressure microwave irradiation was used to clarify the activity of 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (3) towards several active methylene derivatives utilized the pressurized microwave irradiation as green energy resource . Chalcone 3 was allowed to react with ethyl cyanoacetate, acetylacetone, and thioglycolic acid; respectively, at 70 °C with pressure under microwave reaction condition to afford the corresponding 2-hydroxyphenylcyanopyridone, 2-hydroxyphenyl acetylcyclohexanone, and thieno[2,3-c]chromen-4-one derivatives respectively. Moreover, the reaction of chalcone 3 with hydrogen peroxide with stirring affords the corresponding chromen-4-one derivative. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed through spectral tools such as FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and mass spectrum. Furthermore, the synthesized heterocycles were exhibited excellent antioxidant activity and comparable with vitamin C, where the presence of the OH group increases the scavenger radical inhibition. Furthermore, the biological activity of compound 12 was demonstrated through molecular docking stimulation using two proteins, PDBID: 1DH2 and PDBID: 3RP8, which showed that compound 12 possesses greater binding energy and a shorter bond length comparable with ascorbic acid. Also, the compounds were optimized through DFT/B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) basis set and identification of their physical descriptors, whereas the compound 12 was confirmed through X-Ray single structure with Hirsh field analysis of the compound to know the hydrogen electrostatic bond interaction, and correlated with the optimized structure by comparing their bond length, bond angle, FT-IR, and NMR, which gave excellent correlation.
Unveiling the local structure of the amorphous metal $$\text {Fe}_{(1-x)}\text {Zr}_x$$ combining first-principles-based simulations and modelling of EXAFS spectra
Authors: Muscas Giuseppe , Johansson Robert , George Sebastian , Ahlberg Martina , Arvanitis Dimitri , Ahuja Rajeev , Scheicher Ralph H. , Jönsson Petra E.
Published: March 2023

Amorphous alloys exhibit useful properties such as the excellent soft magnetic behaviour of Fe-based metallic glasses. The detailed structure of amorphous $$\text {Fe}_{(1-x)}\text {Zr}_x$$

Fe

(
1
-
x
)

Zr
x

with x = 0.07, 0.10, and 0.20 is in this work explored through a synergetic combination of atomistic simulations and experimental characterisation. Thin-film samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), while the corresponding atomic structures were simulated using an efficient first-principles-based method called stochastic quenching (SQ). The simulated local atomic arrangements are investigated by constructing the radial- and angular-distribution functions, as well as by Voronoi tesselation. The radial distribution functions are then used to construct a model to fit simultaneously the experimental EXAFS data of multiple samples with different compositions, creating a simple yet accurate description of the atomic structures valid for any composition in the range x = 0.07 to 0.20, using a minimal number of free parameters. This approach significantly improves the accuracy of the fitted parameters and allows us to relate the compositional dependence of the amorphous structures with the magnetic properties. The proposed EXAFS fitting process can be generalised to other amorphous systems, contributing to the understanding of structure-property relationships and the development of amorphous alloys with tailored functional properties.
Spatial modelling of agro-ecologically significant grassland species using the INLA-SPDE approach
Authors: Fichera Andrew , King Rachel , Kath Jarrod , Cobon David , Reardon-Smith Kathryn
Published: March 2023

The use of spatially referenced data in agricultural systems modelling has grown in recent decades, however, the use of spatial modelling techniques in agricultural science is limited. In this paper, we test an effective and efficient technique for spatially modelling and analysing agricultural data using Bayesian hierarchical spatial models (BHSM). These models utilise analytical approximations and numerical integration called Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations (INLA). We critically analyse and compare the performance of the INLA and INLA-SPDE (Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation with Stochastic Partial Differential Equation) approaches against the more commonly used generalised linear model (glm), by modelling binary geostatistical species presence/absence data for several agro-ecologically significant Australian grassland species. The INLA-SPDE approach showed excellent predictive performance (ROCAUC 0.9271–0.9623) for all species. Further, the glm approach not accounting for spatial autocorrelation had inconsistent parameter estimates (switching between significantly positive and negative) when the dataset was subsetted and modelled at different scales. In contrast, the INLA-SPDE approach which accounted for spatial autocorrelation had stable parameter estimates. Using approaches which explicitly account for spatial autocorrelation, such as INLA-SPDE, improves model predictive performance and may provide a significant advantage for researchers by reducing the potential for Type I or false-positive errors in inferences about the significance of predictors.
Use of regression models for development of a simple and effective biogas decision-support tool
Authors: Duong Cuong Manh , Lim Teng-Teeh
Published: March 2023

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an alternative way to treat manure while producing biogas as a renewable fuel. To increase the efficiency of AD performance, accurate prediction of biogas yield in different working conditions is necessary. In this study, regression models were developed to estimate biogas production from co-digesting swine manure (SM) and waste kitchen oil (WKO) at mesophilic temperatures. A dataset was collected from the semi-continuous AD studies across nine treatments of SM and WKO, evaluated at 30, 35 and 40 °C. Application of polynomial regression models and variable interactions with the selected data resulted in an adjusted R2 value of 0.9656, much higher than the simple linear regression model (R2 = 0.7167). The significance of the model was observed with the mean absolute percentage error score of 4.16%. Biogas estimation using the final model resulted in a difference between predicted and actual values from 0.2 to 6.7%, except for one treatment which was 9.8% different than observed. A spreadsheet was created to estimate biogas production and other operational factors using substrate loading rates and temperature settings. This user-friendly program could be used as a decision-support tool to provide recommendations for some working conditions and estimation of the biogas yield under different scenarios.
Deep neural network training method based on vectorgraphs for designing of metamaterial broadband polarization converters
Authors: Gao Jiale , Feng Chunjie , Wu Xingyi , Wu Yanghui , Zhu Xiaobo , Sun Daying , Yue Yutao , Gu Wenhua
Published: March 2023

In this work, we proposed a method of extracting feature parameters for deep neural network prediction based on the vectorgraph storage format, which can be applied to the design of electromagnetic metamaterials with sandwich structures. Compared to current methods of manually extracting feature parameters, this method can automatically and precisely extract the feature parameters of arbitrary two-dimensional surface patterns of the sandwich structure. The position and size of surface patterns can be freely defined, and the surface patterns can be easily scaled, rotated, translated, or transformed in other ways. Compared to the pixel graph feature extraction method, this method can adapt to very complex surface pattern design in a more efficient way. And the response band can be easily shifted by scaling the designed surface pattern. To illustrate and verify the method, a 7-layer deep neural network was built to design a metamaterial broadband polarization converter. Prototype samples were fabricated and tested to verify the accuracy of the prediction results. In general, the method is potentially applicable to the design of different kinds of sandwich-structure metamaterials, with different functions and in different frequency bands.
Natural history and predictors for progression in pediatric keratoconus
Authors: Antunes-Foschini Rosalia , Doná Henrique , de Mello Pedro Henrique Sant’Anna , Pereira Renato Bredariol , Marqueis Isadora Mendes , Rocha Eduardo Melani , de Faria-e-Sousa Sidney Julio , Perdona Gleici Castro
Published: March 2023

We studied the demographic and clinical predictors associated with keratoconus progression in a pediatric population. Retrospective cohort study. We evaluated 305 eyes without previous surgeries from 168 patients, 9 to < 18 years old, and with a minimum 36-month follow-up in a hospital corneal ambulatory. We used Kaplan-Meyer survival curves; the dependent variable (main outcome measure) was the interval time (months) until the event, defined as an increase of 1.5 D in the maximum keratometry (Kmax), obtained with Pentacam. We evaluated the predictors: age (< or ≥ 14 years), sex, keratoconus familial history, allergy medical history, and the baseline tomographic parameters: mean keratometry (Km), Kmax (< or ≥ 55 D); and thinnest pachymetry (TP). We used log-rank tests and compared median survival times for right (RE)/left eyes (LE) and better (BE)/worse eyes (WE). A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. The patients’ mean ± SD age was 15.1 ± 2.3 years old; 67% were boys, 30% were < 14 years, 15% had keratoconus familial history, and 70% were allergic. The general Kaplan-Meyer curves showed no differences between RE/LE or BE/WE. RE with allergy and LE with Kmax ≥ 55 D had smaller survival times ((95%CI 9.67–32.1), p 0.031 and (95%CI 10.1–44.1), p 0.042, respectively). For BE and WE, Kmax ≥ 55 D had smaller survival times ((95% CI 6.42- ), p 0.031 and (95%CI 8.75–31.8), p 0.043, respectively). Keratoconus progression was similar between RE/LE and BE/WE. Steepest corneas are predictors of faster progression. Allergy is also a predictor of keratoconus progression in RE.
TEDC2 correlated with prognosis and immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fang Likui , Yu Wenfeng , Zhu Pengfei , Yu Guocan , Ye Bo
Published: March 2023

Tubulin epsilon and delta complex 2 (TEDC2) is a protein coding gene whose functions are poorly identified yet. This study aimed to identify the role of TEDC2 in prognosis and immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, the mRNA expression of TEDC2 was upregulated in LUAD tissues compared to normal tissues. The protein level of TEDC2 was also higher in LUAD in the Human Protein Atlas. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that high TEDC2 level could distinguish LUAD patients from normal subjects. In addition, the impact of TEDC2 expression on prognosis was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses, and the results suggested that high TEDC2 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis and was the independent prognostic factor in LUAD. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated the co-expressed genes of TEDC2 were mainly related to mitotic cell cycle processes. Importantly, high expression of TEDC2 indicated low infiltration of immune cells, especially dendritic cells and B cells. TEDC2 was also positively correlated with immune checkpoints such as PDCD1, LAG3 and CD276. Taken together, this study preliminarily revealed the clinical significance of TEDC2 in LUAD and provided novel insights into the role of TEDC2 in immune microenvironment.
Intracellular invertase hyperproducing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from Abagboro palm wine
Authors: Osiebe Oghenesivwe , Adewale Isaac Olusanjo , Omafuvbe Bridget Okiemute
Published: March 2023

There is an ever-increasing demand for industrial enzyme, necessitating a constant search for its efficient producers. The isolation and characterization of invertase producer yeasts from natural palm wine is reported in this study. Yeasts were isolated from fresh palm wine obtained from Abagboro community Ile-Ife, Nigeria following standard methods. A total of six yeast strains were isolated from the palm wine. The strains were screened for their ability to produce invertase and the most efficient invertase producer was characterized and identified using phenotypic and molecular methods. Isolate C showed the highest invertase activity (34.15 µmole/ml/min), followed by isolate B (18.070 µmole/ml/min) and isolate A (14.385 µmole/ml/min). The identity of isolate C was confirmed by genotypic methods to be Saccharomyces cerevisiae (OL629078.1 accession number on NCBI database). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain fermented galactose, arabinose, maltose, glucose, sucrose and raffinose, grew in 50% and 60% glucose and at 25–35 °C. The newly isolated Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain is an efficient producer of invertase and can be exploited for commercial biosynthesis of the enzyme for use in biotechnological applications.
Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on breast cancer surgery using the National Database of Japan
Authors: Fujita Misuzu , Hashimoto Hideyuki , Nagashima Kengo , Suzuki Kiminori , Kasai Tokuzo , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Onouchi Yoshihiro , Sato Daisuke , Fujisawa Takehiko , Hata Akira
Published: March 2023

Various countries have reported a decrease in breast cancer surgeries during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, inconsistent results have been reported in Japan. This study revealed changes in the number of surgeries during the pandemic using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) from January 2015 to January 2021, where insurance claims data from Japan as a whole are comprehensively accumulated. The number of breast-conserving surgeries (BCS) without axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) significantly decreased in July (− 846; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 1190 to − 502) and October 2020 (− 540; 95% CI − 861 to − 218). No decrease was observed for other types of surgery, BCS with ALND, and mastectomy with or without ALND. In the age-specific subgroup analysis, significant and transient reduction in BCS without ALND was observed in all age groups (0–49, 50–69, and ≥ 70 years). The number of BCS without ALND significantly decreased for a relatively short period in the early pandemic stages, suggesting reduced surgery for patients with a relatively low stage of cancer. Some patients with breast cancer might have been left untreated during the pandemic, and an unfavorable prognosis would be a concern.
Health effects of exposure to β-carboline heterocyclic amines: insight into metabolic perturbations and biochemical analysis
Authors: Wang Yijie , Kuang Yuezheng , Luo Jie , Zeng Maomao , He Zhiyong , Shen Qingwu , Chen Jie , Li Maiquan , Quan Wei
Published: March 2023

As a class of bioactive and toxic compounds widely present in foodstuffs, the health effects of dietary exposure to β-carboline heterocyclic amines (HAs) have not been elucidated.
Solvent-modulated binding selectivity of reaction substrates to onium-based σ-hole donors
Authors: Sysoeva Alexandra A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Il'in Mikhail V. , Bolotin Dmitrii S.
Published: March 2023

Solvation effects might play the dominant role in the catalysis providing an increase or suppression of the activity of the organocatalysts.
Rational design of zinc powder anode with high utilization and long cycle life for advanced aqueous Zn–S batteries
Authors: Li Jianbo , Cheng Zexiao , Li Zhen , Huang Yunhui
Published: March 2023

The In modified layer on Zn powder can effectively suppress corrosion and homogenize the deposition of Zn2+. When used as anode, the Zn–S full cells deliver a superior cyclability under high Zn utilization.
Synthesis of platinum(ii)-complex end-tethered polymers: spectroscopic properties and nanostructured particles
Authors: Qiu Shengchao , Xue Hua , Wang Ran , Zhang Chi , He Qun , Chang Guanjun , Bu Weifeng
Published: March 2023

Short-chain polystyrenes end-functionalized with [Pt(bzimpy)Cl]+complexes can self-assemble into nanofibers, nanoellipsoids, and nanospheres with internal, sub-10 nm scale lamellar structures together with remarkable luminescence enhancement.
TNF/iNOS/NO pathway mediates host susceptibility to endothelial-dependent circulatory failure and death induced by betacoronavirus infection
Authors: Vieira-Alves Ildernandes , Alves Antonielle Rodrigues Pereira , Souza Natália Muradas Valério , Melo Tales Leonardo de , Coimbra Campos Leda Maria de Castro , Lacerda Larisse de Souza Barbosa , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Andrade Ana Cláudia dos Santos Pereira , Barcelos Luciola Silva , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Cortes Steyner F. , Lemos Virginia S.
Published: March 2023

Poor disease outcomes and lethality are directly related to endothelial dysfunction in betacoronavirus infections. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the vascular dysfunction caused by the betacoronaviruses MHV-3 and SARS-CoV-2. Wild-type C57BL/6 (WT) and knockout mice for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS−/−) or TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1−/−) were infected with MHV-3, and K18-hACE2 transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Isometric tension was used to evaluate vascular function. Protein expression was determined by immunofluorescence. Tail-cuff plethysmography and Doppler were used to assess blood pressure and flow, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) was quantified with the DAF probe. ELISA was used to assess cytokine production. Survival curves were estimated using Kaplan–Meier. MHV-3 infection reduced aortic and vena cava contractility, arterial blood pressure, and blood flow, resulting in death. Resistance mesenteric arteries showed increased contractility. The contractility of the aorta was normalized by removing the endothelium, inhibiting iNOS, genetically deleting iNOS, or scavenging NO. In the aorta, iNOS and phospho-NF-kB p65 subunit expression was enhanced, along with basal NO production. TNF production was increased in plasma and vascular tissue. Genetic deletion of TNFR1 prevented vascular changes triggered by MHV-3, and death. Basal NO production and iNOS expression were also increased by SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, betacoronavirus induces an endothelium-dependent decrease in contractility in macro-arteries and veins, leading to circulatory failure and death via TNF/iNOS/NO. These data highlight the key role of the vascular endothelium and TNF in the pathogenesis and lethality of coronaviruses.
Learning a Sign Language Does Not Hinder Acquisition of a Spoken Language
Authors: Pontecorvo Elana , Higgins Michael , Mora Joshua , Lieberman Amy M. , Pyers Jennie , Caselli Naomi K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether and how learning American Sign Language (ASL) is associated with spoken English skills in a sample of ASL–English bilingual deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children.

Method:

This cross-sectional study of vocabulary size included 56 DHH children between 8 and 60 months of age who were learning both ASL and spoken English and had hearing parents. English and ASL vocabulary were independently assessed via parent report checklists.

Results:

ASL vocabulary size positively correlated with spoken English vocabulary size. Spoken English vocabulary sizes in the ASL–English bilingual DHH children in the present sample were comparable to those in previous reports of monolingual DHH children who were learning only English. ASL–English bilingual DHH children had total vocabularies (combining ASL and English) that were equivalent to same-age hearing monolingual children. Children with large ASL vocabularies were more likely to have spoken English vocabularies in the average range based on norms for hearing monolingual children.

Conclusions:

Contrary to predictions often cited in the literature, acquisition of sign language does not harm spoken vocabulary acquisition. This retrospective, correlational study cannot determine whether there is a causal relationship between sign language and spoken language vocabulary acquisition, but if a causal relationship exists, the evidence here suggests that the effect would be positive. Bilingual DHH children have age-expected vocabularies when considering the entirety of their language skills. We found no evidence to support recommendations that families with DHH children avoid learning sign language. Rather, our findings show that children with early ASL exposure can develop age-appropriate vocabulary skills in both ASL and spoken English.
Preliminary rain rate statistics with one‐minute integration time for radio propagation uses in Venezuela
Authors: Pérez‐García Nelson , Pinto Angel D. , Torres Juan M. , Rivera Yair E. , da Silva Mello Luiz A.R. , Garcia Rodrigo , Ramírez Eduardo J. , Guevara‐Salgado Pedro
Published: March 2023

In the present study, rainfall rate statistics for radio propagation applications collected during 1‐year measurement with a 1‐min integration time in three locations of Venezuela are presented and analyzed for the first time in the country. Specifically, the statistics of the worst‐month (WM) are assessed and compared with the Recommendation ITU‐R P.841‐7 prediction model. The results indicate that the model does not accurately predict the statistics of the WM in the country. Also, the performance of Recommendation ITU‐R P.837‐7 (Annex 1 and Annex 2) in estimating the rain rate for a 1‐min integration time at the three locations is examined, with the ITU‐R P.837‐7 Annex 1 exhibiting the best performance and providing results that encourage its use in the prediction of complementary cumulative distributions of rain rate in the country.
Bargaining game based on psychological cost of electric vehicles and risk assessment of aggregators
Authors: Li Yonggang , Lin Hui , Zhou Yichen , Zheng Haoyang , Zhen Xinghao , Bian Zhaoyuan , Yue Ziyi , Yang Yang , Peng Yonglong , Li Yabin
Published: March 2023

As electric vehicles (EVs) begin to participate in the peak‐shaving auxiliary service market, the question of how price aggregators can maximize the peak‐shaving capacity provided by EVs and maximize their own profit has become a major problem. This paper proposes a bargaining game pricing method based on the psychological cost of EVs and the risk assessment of aggregators. First, the comprehensive psychological cost of EV users is obtained based on the impact of users’ participation in peak shaving on the battery life of EVs and on users’ original travel plans and time, and the impact of aggregator pricing on users’ psychology. Then, based on users’ psychological cost and the law of gravitation, the evaluation scheme for the peak‐shaving capacity of EVs is obtained. On the basis of conditional value at risk (CVaR), the mixed CVaR is obtained by considering the risk‐chasing behaviour of users. Based on the mixed CVaR, the risk assessment of aggregators’ participation in the peak‐shaving auxiliary service market is carried out. According to the above information, the aggregator and EV groups are engaged in a bargaining game based on the peak‐shaving pricing problem, which is divided into complete information game and incomplete information game. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified by an example analysis which is run by the MATLAB R2019b. The method proposed in this paper provides aggregators with a complete peak‐shaving electricity pricing scheme, effectively improving the dispatching capacity of EVs. It is helpful to rationalize the pricing of aggregators and maximize their profits. EVs can also obtain satisfactory profits, attracting more EVs to participate in peak shaving, and reduce the pressure on power grid peak shaving.
Hot subdwarfs in close binaries observed from space
Authors: Schaffenroth V. , Barlow B. N. , Pelisoli I. , Geier S. , Kupfer T.
Published: March 2023

Context. Hot subdwarfs in close binaries with either M dwarf, brown dwarf, or white dwarf companions show unique light variations. In hot subdwarf binaries with M dwarf or brown dwarf companions, we can observe the so-called reflection effect, while in hot subdwarfs with close white dwarf companions, we find ellipsoidal modulation and/or Doppler beaming.

Aims. Analyses of these light variations can be used to derive the mass and radius of the companion and determine its nature. Thereby, we can assume the most probable sdB mass and the radius of the sdB derived by the fit of the spectral energy distribution and the Gaia parallax.

Methods. In the high signal-to-noise space-based light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and the K2 space mission, several reflection effect binaries and ellipsoidal modulation binaries have been observed with much better quality than with ground-based observations. The high quality of the light curves allowed us to analyze a large sample of sdB binaries with M dwarf or white dwarf companions using LCURVE.

Results. For the first time, we can constrain the absolute parameters of 19 companions of reflection effect systems, covering periods from 2.5 to 19 h and with companion masses from the hydrogen-burning limit to early M dwarfs. Moreover, we were able to determine the mass of eight white dwarf companion to hot subdwarf binaries showing ellipsoidal modulations, covering the as-yet unexplored period range of 7 to 19 h. The derived masses of the white dwarf companions show that all but two of the white dwarf companions are most likely helium-core white dwarfs. Combining our results with previously measured rotation velocities allowed us to derive the rotation period of seven sdBs in short-period binaries. In four of those systems, the rotation period of the sdB agrees with a tidally locked orbit, whereas in the other three systems, the sdB rotates significantly more slowly.
An analytic derivation of the empirical correlations of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Xu Fan , Huang Yong-Feng , Geng Jin-Jun , Wu Xue-Feng , Li Xiu-Juan , Zhang Zhi-Bin
Published: March 2023

Empirical correlations between various key parameters have been extensively explored ever since the discovery of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and have been widely used as standard candles to probe the Universe. The Amati relation and the Yonetoku relation are two good examples that enjoyed special attention. The former reflects the connection between the peak photon energy (Ep) and the isotropic γ-ray energy release (Eiso), while the latter links Ep with the isotropic peak luminosity (Lp), both in the form of a power-law function. Most GRBs are found to follow these correlations well, but a theoretical interpretation is still lacking. Some obvious outliers may be off-axis GRBs and may follow correlations that are different from those at the on-axis. Here we present a simple analytical derivation for the Amati relation and the Yonetoku relation in the framework of the standard fireball model, the correctness of which is then confirmed by numerical simulations. The off-axis Amati relation and Yonetoku relation are also derived. They differ markedly from the corresponding on-axis relation. Our results reveal the intrinsic physics behind the radiation processes of GRBs, and they highlight the importance of the viewing angle in the empirical correlations of GRBs.
Characteristics of water flooded layer in Minghuazhen Formation
Authors: Li Zhonglin
Published: March 2023

In the process of oilfield exploitation, the water-flooded layer in the Minghuazhen Formation cannot be accurately identified, which has a great impact on the oilfield exploitation efficiency. If the water-flooded layer marker in the Minghuazhen Formation cannot be fundamentally defined, the oilfield may not be able to carry out normal exploitation operation. Based ON this, THIS PAPER expounds the basic characteristics of oil accumulation in the water-flooded layer of Minghuazhen Formation, puts forward the characteristics of the water-flooded layer, and analyzes the factors of low resistance for reference.
Analysis on influencing factors of gully control in Loess Plateau
Authors: Lei Na , Zhang Panpan
Published: March 2023

There are about 270,000 gullies over 500 meters in length on the Loess Plateau, and the average soil water content in the gullies is nearly three times that of the slope surface of the Loess Plateau. In the crisscrossed gullies on the Loess Plateau, there are very rich reserve resources of cultivated land and potential for increasing grain production. How to manage channel ecologically and make full use of channel resources is a problem that needs to be paid attention to. This study puts forward five factors affecting gully governance, and pays more attention to the systematization, integrality and coordination of protection, governance and utilization, which can provide reference standards for more comprehensive and accurate implementation of gully governance and land construction projects, and provide technical support for promoting economic development, ecological environment improvement and new rural construction in western China and old revolutionary base areas. It is conducive to ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.
Preparation of high-temperature gels for enhanced oil recovery using methyl etherized melamine-formaldehyde resin
Authors: Guo Hongbin , Ge Jijiang , Li Jiayi
Published: March 2023

Polymer gels are the most commonly used materials in the petroleum industry for reservoir conformance control and resolving excessive water production problems. In this study, high-temperature gels were prepared with HPAM or AM/AMPS as the gel-forming agent, methyl etherified melamineformaldehyde resin (MEMFR) as the crosslinker, and nano-silica as the stabilizer, and their properties were evaluated. The results showed that HPAM-MEMFR gels were unstable at 110°C in a brine of 20665 mg/L. AM/AMPS-MEMFR gels are stable at 110°C, with gelation time ranging from 15 h to 92 h and storage modulus ranging from 3.6 Pa to 50 Pa. AM/AMPS-MEMFR gel has less than 10% dehydration after aging at 110°C for 90 days, almost no shrinkage in volume, and a significant increase in strength, making it suitable as a gel material for enhanced oil recovery.
Study on the influencing factors of productivity under pressure drive development in low permeability reservoir
Authors: Cui Chuanzhi , Wang Guobiao , Lu Shuiqingshan
Published: March 2023

The productivity of low-permeability reservoirs is affected by multiple factors. After the development of water injection by pressure drive, it will also be affected by factors such as construction, resulting in large differences in the productivity of different oil wells. According to reservoir engineering knowledge, the factors affecting the productivity of pressure drive water injection development are preliminarily determined. The conceptual model of pressure drive water injection development of low permeability reservoir is established by numerical simulation method. Combined with orthogonal design, the main control factors of pressure drive water injection development productivity are determined. The main control factors include injection production well spacing, water injection volume of pressure drive measures, water content before pressure drive, porosity, and quantitative analysis of the main control factors. Through correct analysis and evaluation of these factors, it provides guiding significance for the productivity prediction of pressure drive water injection development in low permeability reservoirs and the optimization of pressure drive water injection scheme.
A modified nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm for unconstrained optimization and portfolio selection problems
Authors: Diphofu Thamiso , Kaelo Professor , Tufa Abebe R.
Published: March 2023

Conjugate gradient methods play a vital role in finding solutions of large-scale optimization problems due to their simplicity to implement, low memory requirements and as well as their convergence properties. In this paper, we propose a new conjugate gradient method that has a direction satisfying the sufficient descent property. We establish global convergence of the new method under the strong Wolfe line search conditions. Numerical results show that the new method performs better than other relevant methods in the literature. Furthermore, we use the new method to solve a portfolio selection problem.
Our Experience of Eight Patients with Dural Arteriovenous Fistula's at Foramen Magnum with Respect to Presentation, Angioarchitecture, and Endovascular Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Mundhe Vijay Madhukar , Singh Rakesh Singh , Singh Neeraj , Karapurkar Anil , Deshmukh Narayan , Reddy Jagdish
Published: March 2023

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) around foramen magnum (FM) with peri medullary venous drainage, are uncommon and have wide spectrum of presentation. Literature about this lesion is sparse. We intent to analyze and report our experience with these cases with respect to presentation, evaluation, and endovascular treatment outcomes.

Materials and Methods All the eight patients who were diagnosed with DAVFs at FM and treated with transarterial embolization using ethylene viny alcohol were included in this study. Clinical record sheets, radiological, and angiographic data of these patients were retrieved from our departmental database.

Results Duration of symptoms ranged from 1 day to 3 years. Presentation with progressive ascending sensory symptoms and weakness (N = 4), acute headache (N = 2) acute quadriplegia (N = 1), and right ear bruit (N = 1) was seen. Exclusive feeders from occipital artery (OA) and vertebral artery (VA) were seen in two and four patients, respectively. Dual feeders from a combination of ascending pharyngeal artery and VA; from a combination of OA and VA were seen in one patient each. The exclusive venous drainage to spinal peri medullary veins (N = 3), brain stem peri medullary veins (N = 1), and both combined (N = 4). Two patients had a draining vein aneurysm. Complete obliteration of fistula was achieved in all patients. Complete resolution of symptoms was seen in six patients; two patients had significant improvement.

Conclusion The clinical presentation of dural AVF at foramen magnum is wide ranging and these lesions can be treated effectively and safely by transarterial embolization. Duration of symptoms strongly influences the final patient outcome.
Comparative Study of Intraoperative Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Videoangiography for Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Clipping: A Single Centre Study of 30 Cases
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Sharma Gaurav , Chand Vipin Kumar , Kaif Mohammad , Yadav Kuldeep
Published: March 2023

Aim This study assesses the application of microscope integrated videoangiography techniques in aneurysm clipping surgery using Indocyanine Green and Fluorescein fluorophores and evaluates merits and demerits of each technique.

Materials and Methods Total 30 patients of cerebral aneurysmal clipping were included. Standard microsurgical procedures were done. After clipping, we administered a 25 mg bolus intravenous dose of indocyanine green with microscope focused through the INFRARED 800 camera module, followed by administration of 60 mg bolus intravenous dose of fluorescein with microscope focused through the yellow 560 module and images were assessed.

Results The average aneurysm size was 17 mm. In 12 patients (40%), FL-VA allowed better assessment of perforating arteries (seven cases) or distal branches (three cases) or both (two cases), when compared with ICG-VA. In one case of MCA (M1) aneurysm, ICG-VA showed no fluorescent signal in one of the distal trunks whereas FL-VA showed normal signal. In one case of ACOM aneurysm, perforators were missed on ICG-VA but were seen on FL-VA. FL-VA was able to identify inadequate aneurysm clipping in one case. In two patients, FL-VA provided the advantage of real-time manipulation of the vessels to expose the vessels and aneurysms of interest. Fluorescein detected all the perforators that were visible under white light (68/68) whereas ICG was able to detect 56 (82.35%) perforators (p-value< 0.05).

Conclusion Intraoperative ICG and Fluorescein videoangiography recognize inadequate occlusion of aneurysm, decreased flow in branches or perforators. When various study parameters were considered such as ability to assess small size perforators, branching vessels, adequacy of aneurysmal clipping, and useful information on repeat imaging, FL-VA was found superior to ICG-VA.
Endoscopic Trans-Aqueductal Procedures for Juxta 4th Ventricular and Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst using Flexible/Video Neuroendoscope: A Novel Approach
Authors: Raju Subodh , Shighakolli Ramesh , Lingappa Lokesh
Published: March 2023

Objective Fourth ventricular and juxta fourth ventricular arachnoid cysts (ACs) are rare clinical entities. Conventionally, ACs are managed with either micro-surgical excision or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversionary procedures such as a shunt. Effective treatment modality still remains controversial. Advances in neuroendoscopy have helped in the effective management of this benign condition in a minimally invasive method. Description of a subset of patients with fourth ventricular and juxta fourth ventricular ACs and hydrocephalus who underwent transaqueductal cysto-ventriculostomy with a flexible neuroendoscope was the objective of this study.

Methods This study included the data of patients with fourth ventricular and juxta fourth ventricular ACs and hydrocephalus operated between 2008 and 2019. Of 350 intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures done during the last 11 years, 8 had obstructive hydrocephalus due to fourth ventricular and juxta ventricular arachnoid cyst. Endoscopic transaqueductal cystoventriculostomy and transaqueductal shunt placement was done in all using a flexible neuro-endoscope.

Results Patients were aged 20 days to 15 months; in the neonate, the diagnosis was established during routine antenatal screening. Surgical procedure was done using a flexible neuro-endoscope. All improved symptomatically, radiologically and are on regular follow-up to date. One patient had postoperative meningitis, which gradually improved with antimicrobial therapy. None required alternative form of treatment such as shunt or craniotomy and microsurgical excision.

Conclusion Endoscopic transaqueductal cysto-ventriculostomy is a safe, effective and minimal invasive modality in the hands of an experienced neurosurgeon for the management of fourth ventricular and juxta ventricular arachnoid cysts.