bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knee immobilization reproduces key arthrofibrotic phenotypes in mice
Authors: Dagneaux Louis , Limberg Afton K. , Owen Aaron R. , Bettencourt Jacob W. , Dudakovic Amel , Bayram Banu , Gades Naomi M. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Berry Daniel J. , van Wijnen Andre , Morrey Mark E. , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: January 2023

Aims

As has been shown in larger animal models, knee immobilization can lead to arthrofibrotic phenotypes. Our study included 168 C57BL/6J female mice, with 24 serving as controls, and 144 undergoing a knee procedure to induce a contracture without osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Experimental knees were immobilized for either four weeks (72 mice) or eight weeks (72 mice), followed by a remobilization period of zero weeks (24 mice), two weeks (24 mice), or four weeks (24 mice) after suture removal. Half of the experimental knees also received an intra-articular injury. Biomechanical data were collected to measure passive extension angle (PEA). Histological data measuring area and thickness of posterior and anterior knee capsules were collected from knee sections.

Results

Experimental knees immobilized for four weeks demonstrated mean PEAs of 141°, 72°, and 79° after zero, two, and four weeks of remobilization (n = 6 per group), respectively. Experimental knees demonstrated reduced PEAs after two weeks (p < 0.001) and four weeks (p < 0.0001) of remobilization compared to controls. Following eight weeks of immobilization, experimental knees exhibited mean PEAs of 82°, 73°, and 72° after zero, two, and four weeks of remobilization, respectively. Histological analysis demonstrated no cartilage degeneration. Similar trends in biomechanical and histological properties were observed when intra-articular violation was introduced.

Conclusion

This study established a novel mouse model of robust knee contracture without evidence of OA. This was appreciated consistently after eight weeks of immobilization and was irrespective of length of remobilization. As such, this arthrofibrotic model provides opportunities to investigate molecular pathways and therapeutic strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(1):58–71.
Research on Efficiency Optimization of Logistics Vehicle Monitoring Model Based on Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhou Ronghu
Published: January 2023

For enhance running effectiveness efficiency of logistics carriage supervisory depended on wireless sensor network (WSN), a novel wireless sensor network optimized by improved bat algorithm is established. Firstly, working theory and system framework of WSN depended on logistics monitoring system are analyzed. Secondly, B-MAC protocol is used in proposed wireless sensor network, and corresponding models are established, and recovery ratio of wireless sensor network is defined, and node deployment optimization of wireless sensor network is constructed. Thirdly, the optimization algorithm of node deployment of WSN is designed based on amended bat algorithm, and analysis procedure of this algorithm is established. Finally, a simulation analysis is carried out, analysis results show that performance of proposed WSN logistics carriage supervisory based on improved bat algorithm is better, which has quicker convergence speed and higher convergence precision, and reliability of proposed WSN logistics carriage supervisory is improved, the energy consumption of sensor node data transmission is reduced, and the life of WSN is improved. Proposed WSN based on logistics carriage supervisory based on improved BA has higher coverage ratio and higher efficiency. Therefore proposed wireless sensor network based on logistics carriage supervisory based on improved bat algorithm can obtain better monitoring efficiency, which has prospect application view.
Blockchain-based Collaborative Caching Mechanism for Information Center IoT
Authors: Ying Yin , Zhou Zhihong , Zhang Quanhai
Published: January 2023

The development of fifth generation mobile communication (5G) technology and Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled more mobile terminals to access the network and generate huge amounts of information content. This will make it difficult for the traditional IP-based host-to-host model to cope with the demand for massive data transmission, making network congestion an increasingly serious problem. To cope with these problems, a new network architecture, the Information-Centric Networking (ICN), a content network with content caching as one of its most core functions, has emerged. In addition, in the era when 5G and future 6G networks gradually realize the interconnection of everything, the Information-Centric Internet of Things (IC-IoT) based on ICN architecture has emerged, and a large number of IoT devices can use ICN nodes as edge devices to realize collaborative caching. The caching capacity of IC-IoT is directly related to the transmission efficiency and capacity of the whole network, and the performance of IC-IoT caching capacity is the top priority of research in this field.
To address the above issues, the research in this paper focuses on deploying blockchains in IC-IoT networks and using the consensus mechanism of custom blockchains to motivate ICN nodes and non-ICN nodes in the network to perform caching collaboratively, which in turn improves the caching capacity of the whole network.
The main work of this paper has the following points. First, incentivize IC-IoT collaborative caching based on blockchain consensus mechanism: by deploying blockchain in IC-IoT, rewarding nodes that obtain bookkeeping rights to incentivize network-wide collaborative caching, and designing experiments to compare the caching capacity of the network before and after the incentive; second, improve DPoS consensus mechanism to incentivize collaborative caching: Experiments are designed to compare the incentive capacity of PoW consensus mechanism and improved DPoS consensus mechanism for IC-IoT network collaborative caching, and to select the consensus mechanism with better performance; third, the design and implementation of IC-IoT test bed: write ICN program to form ICN network from basic communication to multiple nodes, and then deploying blockchain on the network for subsequent extension studies.
This thesis demonstrates the feasibility of using blockchain for IC-IoT network cache collaborative incentive, and proves that the blockchain incentive method in this paper can improve the throughput of IC-IoT network cache by building a test bed.
Multi-scale Feature Extraction and Fusion Net: Research on UAVs Image Semantic Segmentation Technology
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Su Di , Chang Dongxu , Liu Jiajia , Wang Liwei , Tian Zhansheng , Wang Shuxuan , Sun Wei
Published: January 2023

Since UAV aerial images are usually captured by UAVs at high altitudes with oblique viewing angles, the amount of data is large, and the spatial resolution changes greatly, so the information on small targets is easily lost during segmentation. Aiming at the above problems, this paper presents a semantic segmentation method for UAV images, which introduces a multi-scale feature extraction and fusion module based on the encoding-decoding framework. By combining multi-scale channel feature extraction and multi-scale spatial feature extraction, the network can focus more on certain feature layers and spatial regions when extracting features. Some invalid redundant features are eliminated and the segmentation results are optimized by introducing global context information to capture global information and detailed information. Moreover, one compares the proposed method with FCN-8s, MSDNet, and U-Net network models on the large-scale multi-class UAV dataset UAVid. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method has higher performance in both MIoU and MPA, with an overall improvement of 9.2% and 8.5%, respectively, and its prediction capability is more balanced for both large-scale and small-scale targets.
Carbon Dioxide Emission Evaluations in the Chinese Furniture Manufacturing Industry Using the IPCC Tier-2 Methodology
Authors: Lao Wan-Li , Li Xiao-Ling , Gong Ying-Chun , Duan Xin-Fang
Published: January 2023

Estimating industrial carbon dioxide emissions at the national scale is crucial for China's carbon peak and carbon neutralization targets, as well as the low-carbon development of the Chinese furniture manufacturing industry. For this purpose, in this study the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tier-2 methodology was used to evaluate the carbon dioxide emissions of the Chinese furniture manufacturing industry at the national scale. The results show that carbon dioxide emissions increased from 219.50 × 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent in 2000 to 850.68 × 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent in 2019. Moreover, carbon dioxide emission intensity decreased from 9.50 tons of CO2 per million dollars to 1.73 tons of CO2 per million dollars in this period. Moreover, electricity and raw coal were observed to have a significant influence on carbon dioxide emissions, followed by diesel oil, gasoline, heat energy, and natural gas. The results reveal that the Chinese furniture manufacturing industry has generally realized low-carbon development over the past two decades. This work proposes several suggestions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Chinese furniture manufacturing industry, including promoting the use of clean electricity, the installation of photovoltaic cells, industrial transformation and upgrading, the optimization of transport modes for product delivery and material supply, and the employment of low-carbon raw materials.
Design and implementation of a Si3N4 three-stigmatic-point arrayed waveguide grating with a resolving power over 17,000
Authors: Zhan Jiahao , Zhang Yang , Hsu Wei-Lun , Veilleux Sylvain , Dagenais Mario
Published: January 2023

To provide a solution to the issue of the non-flat focal surface in traditional Rowland AWGs, we have designed and implemented a Si3N4 three-stigmatic-point arrayed waveguide grating (TSP AWG) with three inputs, and a spectral resolving power over 17,000 has been achieved experimentally. The flat focal surface of this AWG can accommodate a butt-coupled detector array positioned at the output facet without any reduction of the resolving power of the edge channels. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to some astronomical applications which require an AWG as a light-dispersing component to obtain a complete 2D spectrum. As a proof-of-concept for next generation devices, the multi-input aspect of the design accommodates multiple single-mode fibers coming into the AWG. In addition, because the device is implemented on a high-index-contrast platform (Si3N4/SiO2), a compact size of ∼9.3 × 9.3 mm2 is achieved.
Design of a high-speed circular polarization converter with a large field of view and wavelength range
Authors: Yu Yang , Sun Zhibo , Mu Quanquan , Kwok Hoi-Sing , Wang Qidong , Yang Chengliang , Li Shixiao , Chen Wan , Han Tongtong
Published: January 2023

A high-speed circular polarization converter (CPC) with a wide field of view (FOV) and wavelength range is designed and fabricated in this paper. The multi-waveplate combined structure is applied to constitute the basic configuration of the CPC for broadening the wavelength range. An electrically suppressed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (ESHFLC) material with fast response is used as a medium for dynamic polarization operation. The compensation films are used to expand the FOV by attaching to the configuration. The simulation results demonstrate that the optimized CPC structure can achieve over 97% orthogonal circular polarization conversion efficiency in 300 nm bandwidth at a 90° viewing cone for both working states. Finally, we have experiments and the results show well consistency with the theoretical results.
Few-cycle THz wave manipulation with a high degree of freedom via f-t modulation
Authors: Wei Hao-Keng , Ito Hironori , Huang Wei-Hong , Chen Zai-Wen , Ko Ying-Kuan , Tu Chien-Ming , Yabushita Atsushi , Misawa Kazuhiko , Luo Chih-Wei
Published: January 2023

THz waves have been intensively applied in many fields, e.g., spectroscopy, imaging, and communications. However, owing to the rarity of available techniques for manipulating circularly polarized few-cycle THz waves on picosecond time scales, most of the current studies are conducted with linearly polarized THz waves. Here we demonstrate circularly polarized (CP) THz (dual) pulses generated by a polarization-twisting pulse/dual pulse (PTP/PTDP). The polarization-twisting optical dual pulses can be generated via a modified Michelson interferometer (MI) system, which provides the ability to control the frequency, helicity, and time interval of the dual pulses arbitrarily and individually. Such a novel, to the best of our knowledge, modulation technique shows huge potential for applications, not only in imaging and spectroscopy but also in next-generation communications.
Efficient 330-Gb/s PAM-8 modulation using silicon microring modulators
Authors: Chan David W. U. , Wu Xiong , Lu Chao , Lau Alan Pak Tao , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: January 2023

We propose and demonstrate a high-efficiency silicon microring modulator for next-generation optical transmitters operating at line rates above 300 Gb/s. The modulator supports high-order PAM-8 modulation up to 110 Gbaud (330 Gb/s), with a driving voltage of 1.8 Vpp. The small driving voltage and device capacitance yields a dynamic energy consumption of 3.1 fJ/bit. Using the modulator, we compare PAM-8 with ultrahigh baud rate PAM-4 of up to 130 Gbaud (260 Gb/s) and show PAM-8 is better suited for 300-Gb/s lane rate operation in bandwidth-constrained short-reach systems.
Electro-optic fs pulsed laser deflection in KTN crystals using UV illumination
Authors: Shang Annan , Liu Ruijia , Goo Lee Yun , Ahsanul Kabir Mohammad , Ji Yaoyang , Yin Shizhuo
Published: January 2023

UV-illuminated, paraelectric-phased potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) single crystals mitigate the beam deformation effects of femtosecond pulsed lasers in KTN deflectors. UV light illumination can control the amount of trapped charge present and minimize domain inversion in KTN deflectors, owing to its generated electron–hole pairs. This enables high beam quality deflection of fs pulsed lasers, with access to larger deflection angles, deflection speeds, and modulation switching ratios. These results enable the use of KTN deflectors in many fs pulsed laser applications and hasten the advancement of fs applications that require these deflection qualities.
Optical waveguide switch based on a negative-index metamaterial load
Authors: Hill Martin T.
Published: January 2023

An optical switch concept is presented which involves moving a negative-index metamaterial (NIM) load, possibly with loss, close to one waveguide in a two-waveguide directional coupler. The NIM load limits the number of optical modes in the switch, creating a system where the single waveguide mode propagation constant is far from other mode propagation constants. The wide spacing in propagation constants, not possible with positive-index media (PIM) loads, permits a small switch size. Three-dimensional (3D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations confirm results from a simple one-dimensional (1D) model. Importantly, realistic NIM losses do not impede switch operation.
Spectrometer-based wavelength interrogation SPR imaging via Hadamard transform
Authors: Kim Soocheol , Ryu Jin Hwa , Yang Hoesung , Han Kyuwon , Kim Hyunseok , Cho Kwangsoo , Park Soyoung , Hong Sang Gi , Lee Kangbok
Published: January 2023

We present spectrometer-based wavelength interrogation surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) without mechanical scanning. A polarized broadband light source illuminates an object via a gold-coated prism; the reflected light is spatially modulated by a digital mirror device (DMD) and then measured with a spectrometer. Reflectance spectral images are reconstructed via the Hadamard transform (HT), and a refractive index (RI) map is visualized from the reflectance spectral images by analyzing the resonance peak shift of the spectrum at each image pixel. We demonstrate the feasibility of our method by evaluating the resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic detection range, experimentally obtained as ∼2.203 × 10−6 RI unit (RIU), ∼3,407 nm/RIU, and ∼0.1403 RIU, respectively. Furthermore, simulations are performed to validate the experimental results.
High-power, high-repetition-rate tunable longwave mid-IR sources based on DFG in the OPA regime
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Jimin , Wei Zhiyi , Kärtner Franz X. , Chang Guoqing
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate high-power longwave mid-IR ultrafast sources based on a high-power Er-fiber laser system at 1.55 µm with a 32-MHz repetition rate. Compared with previous 1.03-µm-driven difference frequency generation (DFG), our current configuration allows tighter focusing in the GaSe crystal thanks to an increased damage threshold at 1.55 µm. Consequently, the 1.55-µm-driven DFG can operate in the regime of optical parametric amplification (OPA), in which the mid-IR power grows exponentially with respect to the square root of the pumping power. We experimentally demonstrate this operation regime and achieve broadband mid-IR pulses that are tunable in the 7.7–17.3 µm range with a maximum average power of 58.3 mW, which is also confirmed by our numerical simulation.
Fundamental study of a femtosecond laser ablation mechanism in gold and the impact of the GHz repetition rate and number of pulses on ablation volume
Authors: Vaghasiya Hardik , Krause Stephan , Miclea Paul-Tiberiu
Published: January 2023

In this work, we performed an experimental investigation supported by a theoretical analysis of single-shot laser ablation of gold to study the laser-matter interaction for predicting the ablation morphology and optimizing the process parameters. A set of coupled partial differential equations of the two-temperature model with dynamic optical properties and a phase explosion mechanism were used to determine the temporal and spatial evolution of the electron and lattice temperatures. The primary research focus of this work is to use the GHz frequency to investigate the ablation performance because the irradiated material is still far from thermal equilibrium during the laser-matter interaction. In contrast to conventional single-pulse laser ablation, intra-burst frequencies and the number of pulses are important factors in optimizing ablation efficiency and quality for fast material processing. Theoretical investigation revealed that the ablation volume increased due to heat accumulation, but the ablation quality decreased as the intra-burst frequencies decreased from 1000 GHz to 10 GHz. Moreover, the specific ablation volume increases with a higher burst number and lower intra-burst frequency at the expense of ablation quality.
Nigeria healthcare worker SARS-CoV-2 serology study: Results from a prospective, longitudinal cohort
Authors: Ojji Dike B. , Sancilio Amelia , Shedul Gabriel L. , Orji Ikechukwu A. , Chopra Aashima , Abu Joel , Akor Blessing , Ripiye Nana , Akinlade Funmi , Okoye Douglas , Okpetu Emmanuel , Eze Helen , Odoh Emmanuel , Baldridge Abigail S. , Tripathi Priya , Abubakar Haruna , Jamda Abubakar M. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , McDade Thomas , Huffman Mark D.
Published: January 2023

Healthcare workers, both globally and in Nigeria, have an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with the general population due to higher risk contacts, including occupational exposures. In addition, primary healthcare workers represent an important group for estimating prior infection to SARS-CoV-2 because they work at the first point-of-contact for most patients yet have not been included in prior COVID-19 seroepidemiology research in Nigeria. We sought to evaluate baseline seroprevalence, rates of seroconversion (IgG- to IgG+) and seroreversion (IgG+ to IgG-), change in IgG concentration at 3- and 6-month follow-up, and factors associated with seropositivity. From June 2020 to December 2020, we conducted a longitudinal seroepidemiology study among frontline health care workers in Nigeria using a validated dried blood spot assay. Among 525 participants, mean (SD) age was 39.1 (9.7) years, 61.0% were female, and 45.1% were community health workers. The six-month follow-up rate was 93.5%. Seropositivity rates increased from 31% (95% CI: 27%, 35%) at baseline to 45% (95% CI: 40%, 49%) at 3-month follow-up, and 70% (95% CI: 66%, 74%) at 6-month follow-up. There was a corresponding increase in IgG levels from baseline (median = 0.18 ug/mL) to 3-month (median = 0.35 ug/mL) and 6-month follow-up (median = 0.59 ug/mL, Ptrend < .0001). A minority of participants reported symptoms from February 2020 until baseline (12.2%) or during 3-month (6.6%) or 6-month (7.5%) follow-up. only 1 participant was hospitalized. This study demonstrated high baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up prevalence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria among a cohort of unvaccinated frontline healthcare workers, including primary healthcare workers despite low symptomatology. These results may have implications in state- and national-level disease pandemic modeling.

Trial registration: NCT04158154.
Community engagement in health services research on elimination of lymphatic filariasis: A systematic review
Authors: Naing Cho , Htet Norah Htet , Aung Htar Htar , Whittaker Maxine A.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to contextualize the extent, nature, and quality of community engagement in health services research on eliminating lymphatic filariasis in low-and middle-income countries of Southeast Asia and Pacific Region. We performed a systematic review, and the results were reported according to the PRISMA-S checklist. Relevant studies were searched in health-related electronic databases, and selected according to the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies with various study designs were identified. The majority (68%) were conducted in India. Lay people, community leaders, and volunteers were the most common groups of community members (12/16,75%). Overall, the majority (13/16, 81%) were at the ‘moderate level’ of engagement in research context mainly by ‘collaboration’ in ‘developing methodology’ ‘collaboration’ in data collection and ‘collaboration’ for ‘dissemination of findings. The common barriers to the community engagement were lack of involvement of participating bodies and technology-related issues. In conclusion, the insufficient description of the community engagement process in the studies limits a deeper understanding and analysis of the issue. Future well-designed prospective studies with attention to the description of mechanisms of engagement, facilitating the whole process and reporting the community level outcome are recommended.
The association between multimorbidity and osteoporosis investigation and treatment in high-risk fracture patients in Australia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bliuc Dana , Tran Thach , Chen Weiwen , Alarkawi Dunia , Alajlouni Dima A. , Blyth Fiona , March Lyn , Ensrud Kristine E. , Blank Robert D. , Center Jacqueline R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Multimorbidity is common among fracture patients. However, its association with osteoporosis investigation and treatment to prevent future fractures is unclear. This limited knowledge impedes optimal patient care.

This study investigated the association between multimorbidity and osteoporosis investigation and treatment in persons at high risk following an osteoporotic fracture.

Methods and findings

The Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study is a prospective population-based cohort of 267,153 people in New South Wales, Australia, recruited between 2005 and 2009. This analysis followed up participants until 2017 for a median of 6 years (IQR: 4 to 8). Questionnaire data were linked to hospital admissions (Admitted Patients Data Collection (APDC)), emergency presentations (Emergency Department Data Collection (EDDC)), Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Data were linked by the Centre for Health Record Linkage and stored in a secured computing environment. Fractures were identified from APDC and EDDC, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) from APDC, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) investigation from MBS, and osteoporosis treatment from PBS.

Out of 25,280 persons with index fracture, 10,540 were classified as high-risk based on 10-year Garvan Fracture Risk (age, sex, weight, prior fracture and falls) threshold ≥20%. The association of CCI with likelihood of investigation and treatment initiation was determined by logistic regression adjusted for education, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors). The high-risk females and males averaged 77 ± 10 and 86 ± 5 years, respectively; >40% had a CCI ≥2. Only 17% of females and 7% of males received a DXA referral, and 22% of females and 14% males received osteoporosis medication following fracture. A higher CCI was associated with a lower probability of being investigated [adjusted OR, females: 0.73 (95% CI, 0.61 to 0.87) and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.62); males: 0.47 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.68) and 0.52 (0.31 to 0.85) for CCI: 2 to 3, and ≥4 versus 0 to 1, respectively] and of receiving osteoporosis medication [adjusted OR, females: 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99); males: 0.75 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.94) and 0.37 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.53) for CCI: 2 to 3, and ≥4 versus 0 to 1, respectively]. The cohort is relatively healthy; therefore, the impact of multimorbidity on osteoporosis management may have been underestimated.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity contributed significantly to osteoporosis treatment gap. This suggests that fracture risk is either underestimated or underprioritized in the context of multimorbidity and highlights the need for extra vigilance and improved fracture care in this setting.
Patterns of polysubstance use among adults in Malaysia—A latent class analysis
Authors: Rodzlan Hasani Wan Shakira , Robert Lourdes Tania Gayle , Ganapathy Shubash Shander , Ab Majid Nur Liana , Abd Hamid Hamizatul Akmal , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Polysubstance useis the use of more than one non-prescribed licit or illicit substance at one time. This is a common phenomenon, but little is known about the severity and the various substances used by adults in Malaysia.

Objective

To determine the pattern of polysubstance use and its associated factors among general adults in Malaysia.

Methodology

This was a secondary data analysis from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019), a cross-sectional population survey with a two-stage stratified random sampling design. A total of 10,472 Malaysians aged 18 years and above participated in this survey. Polysubstance use was defined as concurrent use of more than one substance, either alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (opioids, marijuana, amphetamine/ methamphetamine or kratom). A latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify the membership of polysubstance groups. The association of class membership with demographic profiles was examined using Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis.

Results

Fit indices (AIC = 16458.9, BIC = 16443.6) from LCA supported 3 classes solution: Class 1; “moderate-drug” group primarily combination used of tobacco and alcohol (2.4%), Class 2; “high-drug” group using multiple substance including kratom (0.3%) and Class 3; “low-drug” group reporting minimal alcohol and tobacco use or non-user (97.3%). The multinomial model showed young adults (18–40 years) had a higher likelihood of being polysubstance users both for moderate-drug class (OR = 4.1) and high-drug class (OR = 3.9) compared to older age (≥60 years). Chinese (OR = 18.9), Indian (OR = 23.3), Indigenous Sabah & Sarawak (OR = 34.6) and others ethnicity (OR = 8.9) showed higher odds of being moderate-drug users than Malays. The greater odds of moderate-drug use for males (OR = 35.5), working groups (OR = 1.5) and low education level group (OR = 3.2).

Conclusion

Our study highlights patterns and demographics related to the use of polysubstances among adults in Malaysia. These results would help formulate specific prevention programmes for these high-risk groups.
Validity and reliability of the XSENSOR in-shoe pressure measurement system
Authors: Parker Daniel , Andrews Jennifer , Price Carina
Published: January 2023

Background

In-shoe pressure measurement systems are used in research and clinical practice to quantify areas and levels of pressure underfoot whilst shod. Their validity and reliability across different pressures, durations of load and contact areas determine their appropriateness to address different research questions or clinical assessments. XSENSOR is a relatively new pressure measurement device and warrants assessment.

Research question

Does the XSENSOR in-shoe pressure measurement device have sufficient validity and reliability for clinical assessments in diabetes?

Methods

Two XSENSOR insoles were examined across two days with two lab-based protocols to assess regional and whole insole loading. The whole insole protocol applied 50–600 kPa of pressure across the insole surface for 30 seconds and measured at 0, 2, 10 and 30 seconds. The regional protocol used two (3.14 and 15.9 cm2 surface area) cylinders to apply pressures of 50, 110 and 200 kPa to each insole. Three trials of all conditions were averaged. The validity (% difference and Root Mean Square Error: RMSE) and repeatability (Bland Altman, Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient: ICC) of the target pressures (whole insole) and contact area (regional) were outcome variables.

Results

Regional results demonstrated mean contact area errors of less than 1 cm2 for both insoles and high repeatability (≥0.939). Whole insole measurement error was higher at higher pressures but resulted in average peak and mean pressures error < 10%. Reliability error was 3–10% for peak pressure, within the 15% defined as an analytical goal.

Significance

Errors associated with the quantification of pressure are low enough that they are unlikely to influence the assessments of interventions or screening of the at-risk-foot considering clinically relevant thresholds. Contact area is accurate due to a high spatial resolution and the repeatability of the XSENSOR system likely makes it appropriate for clinical applications that require multiple assessments.
HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infection in postpartum Kenyan women and their infants
Authors: Begnel Emily R. , Chohan Bhavna H. , Ojee Ednah , Adhiambo Judith , Owiti Prestone , Ogweno Vincent , Holland LaRinda A. , Fish Carolyn S. , Richardson Barbra A. , Khan Adam K. , Maqsood Rabia , Lim Efrem S. , Sadarangani Manish , Lehman Dara A. , Slyker Jennifer , Kinuthia John , Wamalwa Dalton , Gantt Soren
Published: January 2023

Background

HIV may increase SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and COVID-19 severity generally, but data are limited about its impact on postpartum women and their infants. As such, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 infection among mother-infant pairs in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a nested study of 62 HIV-uninfected and 64 healthy women living with HIV, as well as their HIV-exposed uninfected (N = 61) and HIV-unexposed (N = 64) infants, participating in a prospective cohort. SARS-CoV-2 serology was performed on plasma collected between May 1, 2020-February 1, 2022 to determine the incidence, risk factors, and symptoms of infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR and sequencing was also performed on available stool samples from seropositive participants.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found in 66% of the 126 mothers and in 44% of the 125 infants. There was no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and maternal HIV (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.810, 95% CI: 0.517–1.27) or infant HIV exposure (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.859–2.53). Maternal SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a two-fold increased risk of infant infection (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.08–4.94). Few participants (13% mothers, 33% infants) had symptoms; no participant experienced severe COVID-19 or death. Seroreversion occurred in about half of mothers and infants. SARS-CoV-2 sequences obtained from stool were related to contemporaneously circulating variants.

Conclusions

These data indicate that postpartum Kenyan women and their infants were at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and that antibody responses waned over an average of 8–10 months. However, most cases were asymptomatic and healthy women living with HIV did not have a substantially increased risk of infection or severe COVID-19.
Spatially selective cell treatment and collection for integrative drug testing using hydrodynamic flow focusing and shifting
Authors: Wang Xu , Zheng Jingtian , Iyer Maheshwar Adiraj , Szmelter Adam Henry , Eddington David T. , Lee Steve Seung-Young
Published: January 2023

Hydrodynamic focusing capable of readily producing and controlling laminar flow facilitates drug treatment of cells in existing microfluidic culture devices. However, to expand applications of such devices to multiparameter drug testing, critical limitations in current hydrodynamic focusing microfluidics must be addressed. Here we describe hydrodynamic focusing and shifting as an advanced microfluidics tool for spatially selective drug delivery and integrative cell-based drug testing. We designed and fabricated a co-flow focusing, three-channel microfluidic device with a wide cell culture chamber. By controlling inlet flow rates of sample and two side solutions, we could generate hydrodynamic focusing and shifting that mediated precise regulation of the path and width of reagent and drug stream in the microfluidic device. We successfully validated a hydrodynamic focusing and shifting approach for spatially selective delivery of DiI, a lipophilic fluorophore, and doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, to tumor cells in our device. Moreover, subsequent flowing of a trypsin EDTA solution over the cells that were exposed to doxorubicin flow allowed us to selectively collect the treated cells. Our approach enabled downstream high-resolution microscopy of the cell suspension to confirm the nuclear delivery of doxorubicin into the tumor cells. In the device, we could also evaluate in situ the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin to the tumor cells that were selectively treated by hydrodynamic flow focusing and shifting. These results show that hydrodynamic focusing and shifting enable a fast and robust approach to spatially treat and then collect cells in an optimized microfluidic device, offering an integrative assay tool for efficient drug screening and discovery.
Accelerating L1-penalized expectation maximization algorithm for latent variable selection in multidimensional two-parameter logistic models
Authors: Shang Laixu , Xu Ping-Feng , Shan Na , Tang Man-Lai , Ho George To-Sum
Published: January 2023

One of the main concerns in multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) is to detect the relationship between observed items and latent traits, which is typically addressed by the exploratory analysis and factor rotation techniques. Recently, an EM-basedL1-penalized log-likelihood method (EML1) is proposed as a vital alternative to factor rotation. Based on the observed test response data, EML1 can yield a sparse and interpretable estimate of the loading matrix. However, EML1 suffers from high computational burden. In this paper, we consider the coordinate descent algorithm to optimize a new weighted log-likelihood, and consequently propose an improved EML1 (IEML1) which is more than 30 times faster than EML1. The performance of IEML1 is evaluated through simulation studies and an application on a real data set related to the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire is used to demonstrate our methodologies.
Detection of hotspots of school dropouts in India: A spatial clustering approach
Authors: Venkatesan Raghul Gandhi , Mappillairaju Bagavandas
Published: January 2023

School dropout is a significant concern universally. This paper investigates the incorporation of spatial dependency in estimating the topographical effect of school dropout rates in India. This study utilizes the secondary data on primary, upper primary, and secondary school dropout rates of the different districts of India available at the Unified District Information System for Education plus (UDISE+) for the year 2020 to contemplate the impact of these dropouts from one region to different regions in molding with promotion rate and repetition rate. The Global Moran’s I, Univariate and Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association, and spatial models are utilized to investigate the geographical variability and to find the possible relationship between dropout rates and the school-level factors at the district level. The outcomes provide clear spatial clustering and precisely highlight the hot zone dropout regions with high repetition and low promotion rates. Based on this study’s results, educational administrators can make evidence-based decisions to reduce dropout rates in hot zones of various regions of India. Furthermore, futuristic studies focusing on linking spatial hot zones with causal factors will add consistent data in assisting policymakers in taking necessary measures to develop a sound education management system.
Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought
Authors: Radzikowska-Kujawska Dominika , Sawinska Zuzanna , Grzanka Monika , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Sobiech Łukasz , Świtek Stanisław , Skrzypczak Grzegorz , Drożdżyńska Agnieszka , Ślachciński Mariusz , Nowicki Marcin
Published: January 2023

To counterbalance the growing human population and its increasing demands from the ecosystem, and the impacts on it, new strategies are needed. Use of organic fertilizers boosted the agricultural production, but further increased the ecological burden posed by this indispensable activity. One possible solution to this conundrum is the development and application of more environmentally neutral biofertilizers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two doses of Hermetia illucens frass (HI frass) with the commercial cattle manure in the cultivation of basil under drought. Soil without the addition of any organic fertilizer was used as a baseline control substrate for basil cultivation. Plants were grown with cattle manure (10 g/L of the pot volume) or HI frass at two doses (10 and 12.5 g/L). The health and physiological condition of plants were assessed based on the photosynthetic activity and the efficiency of photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence). Gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere were also assessed to verify the effect of fertilizer on soil condition. In addition, the mineral profile of basil and its antioxidant activity were assessed, along with the determination of the main polyphenolic compounds content. Biofertilizers improved the fresh mass yield and physiological condition of plants, both under optimal watering and drought, in comparison with the non-fertilized controls. Use of cattle manure in both water regimes resulted in a comparably lower yield and a stronger physiological response to drought. As a result, using HI frass is a superior strategy to boost output and reduce the effects of drought on basil production.
Populist ideology, ideological attitudes, and anti-immigration attitudes as an integrated system of beliefs
Authors: Pellegrini Valerio
Published: January 2023

A challenge for the identification of the core components of a beliefs system is the topological examination of these components within the overall structure of the said system. By modeling beliefs as nodes of interconnected networks, this research investigated the centrality of adherence to populist ideology and classical ideological attitudes in relation to voting behavior and negative feelings toward immigrants. Data from a sample of 774 Italian adults were examined by means of threeNetwork Analysismodels. Results showed four constitutive dimensions of populist ideology: People Sovereignty, Anti-elitism, People Homogeneity, and Manichaeism. The dimensions of Anti-elitism, People Sovereignty and Homogeneity were found to be the core. Analyses also highlighted the centrality ofright-wing authoritarianism(RWA) andsocial dominance orientation(SDO) within the broader beliefs system, including voting, populist ideology dimensions, and anti-immigration. RWA was positively related to the core of populist ideology, whilst SDO was negatively associated with or unrelated to it. However, both RWA and SDO exceeded populist dimensions when associated with populist right-wing voting, representing the unique intermediate links in connecting it with anti-immigration. Five Star Movement voting emerged as a purer form of populist support, relating directly only to populist dimensions and placing itself at a greater distance from ideological attitudes and anti-immigration.
The experiences of UK-Chinese individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Al-Talib Mohammed , Bailey Pippa K. , Zhou Qiaoling , Wong Katie
Published: January 2023

Infectious disease outbreaks have historically been associated with stigmatisation towards minority groups, specifically those associated with the geographical region that the disease was first identified. We aimed to investigate how the emerging COVID-19 pandemic was experienced by UK-resident individuals of Chinese ethnicity: how their perceived cultural and ethnic identity influenced their experiences, and how early insights into the pandemic in China influenced attitudes and behaviours. We undertook in-depth semi-structured interviews with individuals who self-identified as UK-Chinese. Participants were recruited from three cities in the UK. Interviews were undertaken over the telephone between 9th April 2020 and 16th July 2020. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using NVivo software and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Sixteen individuals were interviewed. Three main themes were identified: (1) Attribution of stigma, (2) Pandemic legacies, and (3) Individual versus societal responses. These reflected six sub-themes: (1) Stigmatisation through (mis)identity, (2) Markers of pandemic awareness, (3) Legacies of previous pandemics, (4) Ascription of blame, (5) Extent of freedom, and (6) Implicit faith in government. Experiences of xenophobia included accounts of physical violence. UK-Chinese individuals experienced and perceived widespread xenophobia, in the context of media representations that ascribed blame and exacerbated stigmatisation. Prior experience of respiratory epidemics, and insight into the governmental and societal response in China, contributed to the early adoption of face masks. This in turn marked UK-Chinese individuals as targets for abuse. Awareness is needed to safeguard stigmatized groups from social and economic harm in future infectious disease pandemics.
Dementia Frequently Coexists With Hepatic Encephalopathy but Not Other Cirrhosis Complications in US Veterans
Authors: Adejumo Adeyinka , Noll Alan , Rogal Shari S. , Yakovchenko Vera , Chia Linda , Spoutz Patrick , Morgan Timothy R. , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common decompensating event in patients with cirrhosis. Because of the aging population of patients with cirrhosis, differentiating HE from nonhepatic etiologies of cognitive impairment, such as dementia, is increasingly important.

METHODS:

Veterans with cirrhosis were identified via International Classification of Diseases-10 codes between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021, using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Baseline characteristics were compared between cohorts based on the presence vs absence of dementia. Factors associated with having a diagnosis of dementia were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for demographics, comorbid illnesses, cirrhosis etiology, and cirrhosis complications.

RESULTS:

A total of 71,552 veterans with cirrhosis were identified, of which, 5,647 (7.89%) veterans had a diagnosis of dementia. Veterans with dementia were older, more frequently White, urban located, and diagnosed with alcohol-related cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, brain trauma, and cerebrovascular disease more frequently. On multivariable analysis, the presence of any decompensating event was associated with dementia. Multivariable analysis of individual decompensating events revealed HE to be associated with a dementia diagnosis, but not ascites, independent of other risk factors analyzed.

DISCUSSION:

Dementia is commonly diagnosed in patients with cirrhosis and correlates with a diagnosis of HE, independent of alcohol use, brain injury, age, and other metabolic risk factors. Dementia did not correlate with other decompensating events. Increased awareness of the overlap between dementia and HE, as well as reliable diagnostic and treatment strategies, is needed for the aging population of veterans with cirrhosis.
Vitamin E-loaded polymeric nanoparticles from biocompatible adipate-based copolymer obtained using the nanoprecipitation method
Authors: Sokołowska Martyna , Marchwiana Maja , El Fray Miroslawa
Published: January 2023

An enzymatic synthesis of new aliphatic biopolyesters - poly(butylene adipate)-co-(dilinol adipate) (PBA-DLA) with the use of monomers obtained from natural sources was carried out. Lipase B from the strain Candida antarctica (CALB) was used as a biocatalyst. The chemical structure of the PBA-DLA copolyester was confirmed by 1H NMR. In vitro biological studies did not show its cytotoxic effect on mouse fibroblast cells. PBA-DLA nanoparticles obtained in a single-stage nanoprecipitation process were used to encapsulate hydrophobic α-tocopherol (α-TP), the main component of vitamin E, obtaining an encapsulation efficiency of 48−74% (EE%) depending on the concentration of α-TP (2.5 ; 5; 10 mg/ml), which was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and 1H NMR.
Thermal and physico-mechanical properties of biodegradable materials based on polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Semeniuk Igor , Kochubei Viktoria , Karpenko Elena , Melnyk Yuriy , Skorokhoda Volodymyr , Semenyuk Natalia
Published: January 2023

Thermal and physico-mechanical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates of Rhodococcus erythropolis Au-1, Pseudomonas sp. PS-17, Azotobacter vinelandii N-15 and polyhydroxybutyrate/polylactide mixtures were identified. Modifying polyhydroxybutyrate with polylactide improves physical and mechanical characteristics such as heat resistance, rigidity, and brittleness. An increase in the content of polylactide in mixtures leads to a decrease in the thermal stability of the samples and an increase in relative elongation. Polyhydroxybutyrate/ polylactide mixtures are recommended as packaging materials for food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products.
Hearer-Addressed or Not, That’s the Question
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Yook Cheongmin
Published: January 2023

This paper first observes the sharp semantic difference between the -ta ending sentences and the -e/a ending sentences in Korean. Based on the observation that the -ta ending sentences are statement delivered through declaratives while the -e/a ending sentences are directly addressed to the hearer, regardless of their sentence types, this study argues that -e/a is not an imperative sentence ending but a direct address marker, which has not hitherto been recognized in Korean linguistics. This paper clearly shows that any sentence directly addressed to the hearer ends with the -e/a ending, no matter whether it is a declarative, interrogative, or imperative form. It further develops this observation and shows that -e/a is a direct address marker, -la an indirect address marker, and the complex form [-e/a la] a combination of direct and indirect addressing, which induces pragmatic effect of attenuating the directness of -e/a.