bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival in adult patients with chronic primary and secondary immune thrombocytopenia: A population‐based study
Authors: Mannering Nikolaj , Hansen Dennis Lund , Pottegård Anton , Frederiksen Henrik
Published: January 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated long‐term survival in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP). Further, changes in prognosis over the past decades and prognosis of secondary immune thrombocytopenia (sITP) are largely unstudied. Our objectives were to study comorbidity‐adjusted prognostic changes and causes of death in chronic pITP and sITP patients.

Study Design/Methods

Using nationwide Danish health registries 1980–2016, we identified 1762 patients with chronic pITP (median age 58 (IQR, 37–73) years) and 128 with chronic sITP (median age 59 (IQR, 40–73) years). Patients were age‐sex‐matched to 74,781 general population comparators.

Comorbidity was assessed using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results

Overall median survival was reduced by 5.1 years (95% CI, 0.7–9.4) (p < .001) for pITP and 11.1 years (95% CI, 5.8–16.4) (p < .001) for sITP. 5‐year survival increased from 69% (95% CI, 59–78) in 1980–89 to 80% (95% CI, 75–83) in 2010–16 for pITP, and decreased from 100% (95% CI, 89–98) to 64% (95% CI, 87–91) for sITP. However, numbers were small for sITP. 5‐year survival for pITP with high CCI was 41% (95% CI, 32–49), and 85% (95% CI, 83–87) for low CCI.

Bleeding, infection and hematological cancer were relatively frequent causes of death with adjusted subhazard ratios of 3.25 (95% CI, 2.33–4.52), 1.53 (95% CI, 1.08–2.16) and 2.16 (95% CI, 1.12–4.16) in pITP respectively, and 10.52 (95% CI, 1.43–77.36) for hematological cancer in sITP.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival is reduced in chronic ITP but seems to be improving. Comorbidity and sITP are associated with a poor prognosis.
Study of Salmonella detection in laying hens using a Bayesian model
Authors: Arnold Mark , Lawes Joanna , Davies Robert H. , Evans Sarah
Published: January 2023

As part of the measures to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in poultry in the UK, National Control Programmes (NCPs) have been implemented. These involve regular statutory testing of poultry holdings to monitor and estimate the prevalence of Salmonella in the national flock population and to control Salmonella on holdings with positive flocks, especially those serovars most identified with human illness: Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and S. Typhimurium (ST). It is very important to ensure that the level of testing is appropriate so that it is sufficiently effective to identify positive flocks and to monitor prevalence, but also efficient in the use of resources. The aim of this study was to estimate the sensitivity of both the Operator and Competent Authority (CA) Official sampling used to detect infected flocks, and to also estimate the true proportion of infected holdings of commercial laying flocks in GB each year of the NCP, along with the trend of any changes in prevalence for both SE/ST and non‐SE/ST. A Bayesian model was developed to estimate the sensitivity of both Operator and CA Official sampling from the NCP data 2009–2018, and to estimate the true prevalence of infected holdings. The model estimate for the prevalence of infected holdings for the first complete year of the NCP was 3.9% (95% Credible Interval (CI) 2.8–6.2%) for non‐SE/ST and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4%–1.5%) for SE/ST. Prevalence had reduced to 1.6% (non‐SE/ST) (95% CI 1.0%–2.5%) and 0.2% (SE/ST) (95% CI 0.1%–0.4%) in 2018. Results indicated a very low sensitivity of Operator sampling (~9%), but a much higher sensitivity of CA Official sampling (~44%). The true prevalence of Salmonella infected holdings in the UK had a mean average reduction of 10.6% (95% CI: 6.3%–15.1%) per annum (non‐SE/ST) and 15.9% (95% CI: 6.0%–19.8%) annual reduction for SE/ST. This has shown the effectiveness of the NCP for Salmonella in commercial laying flocks, with reductions in Salmonella overall more or less equal to the target reduction for regulated serovars of 10% per annum. The true prevalence of SE/ST was estimated to be below the final target of less than 2% in every year and was below 0.5% at the end of the 10 year period.
Effect of Electric Current and Graphite Content on the Wear Behaviors of Copper/Graphite Composites
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zuo Xue , Zhou Yuankai , Xie Wenxin
Published: January 2023

The reasonable electric current and graphite content will slow down the wear failure of friction pair and prolong the service life of slip ring. To study the wear behaviors of copper/graphite composites under different currents, the composites with graphite contents of 30%, 25%, 20%, and 15%, denoted as CG30, CG25, CG20, and CG15, were prepared as the material of slip ring. A series of friction and wear tests were carried out, and wear topography and friction vibration were measured. With the increase of electric current, the wear mechanism of CG30 is adhesive wear, and that of CG25 changes from adhesive wear to combined effect of adhesive wear and arc ablation. The anti-wear effect of CG30 is better than CG25. However, the ability of arc suppression of CG25 is better than that of CG30. Therefore, in order to improve the service life of slip rings, it is recommended to choose the composite CG25.
Lithium niobate photonics: Unlocking the electromagnetic spectrum
Authors: Boes Andreas , Chang Lin , Langrock Carsten , Yu Mengjie , Zhang Mian , Lin Qiang , Lončar Marko , Fejer Martin , Bowers John , Mitchell Arnan
Published: January 2023

Lithium niobate (LN), first synthesized 70 years ago, has been widely used in diverse applications ranging from communications to quantum optics. These high-volume commercial applications have provided the economic means to establish a mature manufacturing and processing industry for high-quality LN crystals and wafers. Breakthrough science demonstrations to commercial products have been achieved owing to the ability of LN to generate and manipulate electromagnetic waves across a broad spectrum, from microwave to ultraviolet frequencies. Here, we provide a high-level Review of the history of LN as an optical material, its different photonic platforms, engineering concepts, spectral coverage, and essential applications before providing an outlook for the future of LN.
Why optics needs thickness
Authors: Miller David A. B.
Published: January 2023

This study shows why and when optical systems need thickness as well as width or area. Wave diffraction explains the fundamental need for area or diameter of a lens or aperture to achieve some resolution or number of pixels in microscopes and cameras. This work demonstrates that if we know what the optics is to do, even before design, we can also deduce the minimum required thickness. This limit comes from diffraction combined with a concept called overlapping nonlocality
C
that can be deduced rigorously from just the mathematical description of what the device is to do.
C
expresses how much the input regions for different output regions overlap. This limit applies broadly to optics, from cameras to metasurfaces, and to wave systems generally.
Materialism meets transcendence
Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science
Geoffrey Haines-Stiles, director
Premieres 7 January 2023 on PBS.org and on public television stations; check local listings.
Authors: Krauss Robert S.
Published: January 2023

A new documentary series follows a physicist’s pursuit of the profound
Energy in 2023
Authors: Yeston Jake S. , Vinson Valda , Thorp H. Holden
Published: January 2023

The new year 2023 arrives with promising developments in fusion research. In December, scientists at the US National Ignition Facility (NIF) focused 2.05 megajoules of laser light onto a capsule of fusion fuel and produced 3.15 megajoules of energy. This was the first laser-driven fusion demonstration in which the reaction produced more energy than the laser light used to start it—a goal set for NIF at its founding. Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist Anne White, who was not involved in the work, described it to
Science
as “a major breakthrough.” After a year of ups and downs in science policy and research, this was the kind of exciting event needed to propel scientists into the promises of 2023.
A river’s pulse
Authors: Moutinho Sofia
Published: January 2023

In the Brazilian Amazon, Indigenous people and researchers join hands to monitor the impacts of a controversial dam
China is flying blind as the pandemic rages
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: January 2023

Official death tolls are impossibly low, and some worry new variants may escape detection
Once banned, spending earmarks see resurgence
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

Lawmakers can’t resist steering cash to universities and research projects back home
Did ancient tentacled microbes kick-start complex life?
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

New studies suggest early Asgards evolved into eukaryotes
In Vivo
Effectiveness of Several Antimicrobial Locks To Eradicate Intravascular Catheter Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Biofilms
Authors: Blanco-Di Matteo Andrés , Garcia-Fernandez Nuria , Aguinaga Pérez Aitziber , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Oteiza Amaya C. , Leiva José , Del Pozo José Luis
Published: January 2023

Tunneled central venous catheter (TCVC) related infection remains a challenge in the care of hemodialysis patients. We aimed to determine the best antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) to eradicate coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) biofilms.
Cyclic AMP-Mediated Inhibition of Cholesterol Catabolism in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
by the Novel Drug Candidate GSK2556286
Authors: Brown Kirstin L. , Wilburn Kaley M. , Montague Christine R. , Grigg Jason C. , Sanz Olalla , Pérez-Herrán Esther , Barros David , Ballell Lluís , VanderVen Brian C. , Eltis Lindsay D.
Published: January 2023

Despite the deployment of combination tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapy, efforts to identify shorter, nonrelapsing treatments have resulted in limited success. Recent evidence indicates that GSK2556286 (GSK286), which acts via Rv1625c, a membrane-bound adenylyl cyclase in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, shortens treatment in rodents relative to standard of care drugs.
PSMB1 Inhibits the Replication of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus by Recruiting NBR1 To Degrade Nonstructural Protein 12 by Autophagy
Authors: Li Liwei , Bai Yuanzhe , Zhou Yanjun , Jiang Yifeng , Tong Wu , Li Guoxin , Zheng Haihong , Gao Fei , Tong Guangzhi
Published: January 2023

PRRS is a major threat to the global pig industry and urgently requires an effective and sustainable control strategy. PRRSV Nsps have important roles in viral RNA synthesis, proteinase activity, induction of replication-associated membrane rearrangements, replicative endoribonuclease activity, determination of virulence, and regulation of host immune response.
Validation and Establishment of the SARS-CoV-2 Lentivirus Surrogate Neutralization Assay as a Prescreening Tool for the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test
Authors: Merluza John , Ung Johnny , Makowski Kai , Robinson Alyssia , Manguiat Kathy , Mueller Nicole , Audet Jonathan , Chen Julie Chih-Yu , Strong James E. , Wood Heidi , Bello Alexander
Published: January 2023

Neutralization studies play an important role in providing guidance and justification for vaccine administration and helping prevent the spread of diseases. The neutralization data generated in our laboratory have been included in the decision-making process of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in Canada.
Animal Age Affects the Gut Microbiota and Immune System in Captive Koalas (
Phascolarctos cinereus
)
Authors: Chen Jiayan , Lv Weijie , Zhang Xueli , Zhang Tianyou , Dong Jian , Wang Zhihui , Liu Tingting , Zhang Peng , Pyne Michael , Dong Guixin , Guo Shining
Published: January 2023

Although we have a preliminary understanding of the gut microbiota of koalas, we lack insight into which factors potentially impact captive koalas. This study creates the largest koala gut microbiota data set in China to date and describes several factors that may affect gut microbiota and the immune system in captive koalas, highlighting that age may be a key factor affecting captive koalas.
Sweat and Sebum Preferences of the Human Skin Microbiota
Authors: Swaney Mary Hannah , Nelsen Amanda , Sandstrom Shelby , Kalan Lindsay R.
Published: January 2023

The human skin microbiome is adapted to survive and thrive in the harsh environment of the skin, which is low in nutrient availability. To study skin microorganisms in a system that mimics the natural skin environment, we developed and tested a physiologically relevant, synthetic skin-like growth medium that is composed of compounds found in the human skin secretions sweat and sebum.
Supplemental Material: Phanerozoic cratonization by plume welding
Authors: Xu Xi , Chen Hanlin , al. et
Published: January 2023

Geophysical compilation and details for magnetic inversion, lithospheric structure, and seismic-based interpretation. 
Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis in a patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Flores Vincent Albert Galvez , Chicano Sonia , Resontoc Lourdes Paula , Aragon Eric Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 primarily presents with respiratory involvement. Extrapulmonary manifestations as the sole manifestation also occur although rare. The kidney, being one of the organs with the greatest number of ACE receptors, is usually reported as part of multiorgan involvement. We report an early adolescent boy who presented with nephrotic–nephritic syndrome with severe kidney dysfunction from COVID-19 infection. He had low C3 and undetected antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, antinuclear antibody and antistreptolysin O. Kidney biopsy revealed findings consistent with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with a focal glomerular crescent formation and thin basement nephropathy. Due to the rapidly progressive deterioration of kidney function, he was given pulse methylprednisolone therapy followed by oral prednisone. Complete recovery was documented 12 weeks after the onset of post-infectious glomerulonephritis. The possible pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis in a patient with COVID-19, its differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
Understanding COVID-19 reporting behaviour to support political decision-making: a retrospective cross-sectional study of COVID-19 data reported to WHO
Authors: Abbood Auss , Ullrich Alexander , Denkel Luisa A
Published: January 2023

Objective

Daily COVID-19 data reported by WHO may provide the basis for political ad hoc decisions including travel restrictions. Data reported by countries, however, are heterogeneous and metrics to evaluate its quality are scarce. In this work, we analysed COVID-19 case counts provided by WHO and developed tools to evaluate country-specific reporting behaviours.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, COVID-19 data reported daily to WHO from 3 January 2020 until 14 June 2021 were analysed. We proposed the concepts of binary reporting rate and relative reporting behaviour and performed descriptive analyses for all countries with these metrics. We developed a score to evaluate the consistency of incidence and binary reporting rates. Further, we performed spectral clustering of the binary reporting rate and relative reporting behaviour to identify salient patterns in these metrics.

Results

Our final analysis included 222 countries and regions. Reporting scores varied between −0.17, indicating discrepancies between incidence and binary reporting rate, and 1.0 suggesting high consistency of these two metrics. Median reporting score for all countries was 0.71 (IQR 0.55–0.87). Descriptive analyses of the binary reporting rate and relative reporting behaviour showed constant reporting with a slight ‘weekend effect’ for most countries, while spectral clustering demonstrated that some countries had even more complex reporting patterns.

Conclusion

The majority of countries reported COVID-19 cases when they did have cases to report. The identification of a slight ‘weekend effect’ suggests that COVID-19 case counts reported in the middle of the week may represent the best data basis for political ad hoc decisions. A few countries, however, showed unusual or highly irregular reporting that might require more careful interpretation. Our score system and cluster analyses might be applied by epidemiologists advising policy makers to consider country-specific reporting behaviours in political ad hoc decisions.
Efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation versus pelvic floor muscle training in treating postradical prostatectomy urinary incontinence: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chen Shan , Wang Siyou , Liu Shan , Wang Shenhong , Xuan Lihua , Gao Yunqiu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the main complications of radical prostatectomy. Electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) has been used to treat stress UI based on its mechanism of passive pelvic floor muscle contraction reported in the previous research. However, there are no studies comparing the effects of EPNS and active pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of postradical prostatectomy UI (PPUI). Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of EPNS in treating PPUI compared with PFMT.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as an open-label randomised controlled trial with blinded assessment and analysis. A total of 90 eligible men will be randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group (n=45) will receive EPNS while the control group will perform PFMT by doing the Kegel exercise. Forty EPNS treatment sessions will occur over a period of 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be improvement rate, and the secondary outcome measures, the number of pads used, 24-hour pad test, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form will be compared between baseline and the study endpoint. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life and care compared as the quality of life and satisfaction outcomes between groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (approval no. 2021 KL-040-02). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200055461.
Household living conditions and food insecurity in Nigeria: a longitudinal study during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Orjiakor Ebuka Christian , Adediran Adewumi , Ugwu Jamesclement Onyekachi , Nwachukwu Wisdom
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study set out to investigate the risk of household food insecurity in Nigeria during the novel COVID-19 pandemic using a harmonised dataset of Nigeria’s prepandemic face-to-face survey and two waves of the COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (NLPS).

Setting

Nigeria.

Participants

A representative sample of 1674 households is used in the analysis.

Design

A longitudinal study.

Results

Our longitudinal study reveals a significant increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in Nigeria during the COVID-19 crisis. For a sample of 1674 households used in the analysis, nearly 32% were moderately food insecure in the baseline survey (ie, the prepandemic period), compared with 74% and 72% that faced the same degree of food insecurity in the two waves of the COVID-19 phone survey. In like manner, not up to 4% of the households faced severe food insecurity in the prepandemic period, compared with 43% and 22% that experienced the same level of food insecurity during the period of the pandemic. Based on the available information in the dataset, we construct a composite non-monetary measure (or index) of household well-being and employ the binary logistic model to investigate the objects under study. The empirical results show that the well-being index has a strong negative association with household food insecurity. Further investigation reveals that the risk of being food insecure increases for households in relatively poor living conditions compared with those in the middle category and conversely declines for households in much better living conditions.

Conclusion

This study informs an understanding of the prevalence and risk of household food insecurity in Nigeria during the novel COVID-19 pandemic and provides insights that can guide policy actions in responding to the current wave of food crises in Nigeria.
Ionic conductivity of the Ag8GeSe6 compound
Authors: Sardarly R. M. , Ashirov G. M. , Mashadiyeva L. F. , Aliyeva N. A. , Salmanov F. T. , Agayeva R. Sh. , Mamedov R. A. , Babanly M. B.
Published: January 2023

The temperature dependences of the conductivity and permittivity of the Ag8GeSe6 compound have been studied in direct and alternating electric fields. This phenomenon is associated with the process of charge accumulation at the boundary of the sample with ionic conductivity and the blocking electrode, and the formation of a double electric layer. The observed dielectric relaxation is associated with the transition of the crystal to the superionic state. It has been established that hopping conduction with a variable hopping length over localized states near the Fermi level takes place in an Ag8GeSe6 crystal.
Ordovician stratigraphy and biota of Mexico
Authors: Cuen-Romero Francisco Javier , Buitrón-Sánchez Blanca Estela , Beresi Matilde S. , Palafox-Reyes Juan J. , Monreal Rogelio
Published: January 2023

In Mexico, Ordovician sedimentary rocks are exposed in the states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua and Oaxaca, comprising approximately 30 stratigraphic successions ranging from Lower to Upper Ordovician. The ages of the sequences have been established primarily by utilizing conodonts and graptolites, which have also allowed us to differentiate between platform and oceanic basin environments. The State of Sonora has the most complete Ordovician stratigraphic sequences, ranging from Tremadocian to Hirnantian. The deposits in Baja California are Floian in age, while the sequences of Chihuahua range from Sandbian to Katian, and the deposits in Oaxaca are Tremadocian. The Ordovician deposits of northern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua) present a palaeogeographic relationship to the North American craton, mainly owing to faunal interspecific affinities, while the southern deposits (Oaxaca) are controversial owing to the high degree of endemism of the faunas; however, they show affinity with Gondwana, Baltica and Avalonia, with a possible insular origin. The biotic assemblages of the Ordovician of Mexico include a variety of taxa, including algae, poriferans, corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, molluscs, trilobites, echinoderms, graptolites and conodonts as predominant elements. Despite many years of field studies in Mexican Ordovician localities, biostratigraphic correlations are as yet insufficient and incomplete or are based on limited interpretations. Thus, the Ordovician biostratigraphic data from Mexico compiled in the present paper have great potential and significant value. The advancement in the knowledge of the Ordovician biostratigraphy of Mexico will contribute to a major understanding of the relationships with the Ordovician System to a continental scale. Future advances will come mainly through increasing the amount and quality of data as well as improving biocorrelations among the Ordovician sequences of Mexico.
Lower crustal hot zones as zircon incubators: Inherited zircon antecryts in diorites from a mafic mush reservoir
Authors: Lim Hoseong , Nebel Oliver , Weinberg Roberto F. , Nebel-Jacobsen Yona , Barrote Vitor R. , Park Jongkyu , Myeong Bora , Cawood Peter A.
Published: January 2023

Continental arcs are key sites of granitic magmatism, yet details of the origins of these magmas, including the role and contribution of mafic magma, the timing and location of initial zircon formation and how zircon isotopic signatures relate to granite formation, remain as challenges. Here we use U–Pb dating, trace elements and Hf isotopic systematics of zircon in mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), from the convergent plate margin Satkatbong diorite (SKD) in Korea to understand lower arc magmatism and zircon production. The host granitic body and MMEs display similar major element evolutionary trends and similar ranges of Sr, Nd and Hf isotopes, implying a cognatic relationship. Zircons show a large variability in
ε
Hf (
t
) (
c.
6 units) and age (>30 Ma). We propose that the SKD and MMEs originated from the same, long-lasting, lower crustal mush reservoir, enabling long and variable residence times for zircons. Prolonged zircon ages, combined with the Hf isotope variability within a single pluton (SKD and its MME), indicate that not all zircons were instantaneously crystallized in a rapidly cooling shallow magma chamber but were continuously formed in a long-lasting hot source. A low-melt-fraction mush type reservoir in a deep crustal hot zone provides a viable model for the source setting. Continuous replenishment of mafic magmas acts as the main re-activator of the reservoir, and provide a critical role in spawning zircons that record a long age span, because (1) the magma adds Zr into the reservoir, enabling it to reach zircon saturation and (2) the generated zircon grains are transported upward as antecrysts by flow inside of the reservoir. This means that antecrysts with different ages may mix with each other in the ascending magma body. The significance of this model is that a conclusive time of intrusion cannot be constrained by such zircon ages, as these antecrysts constitute inherited grains.
Analysis and Design of a MuSiC-Based Angle of Arrival Positioning System
Authors: Gunia Marco , Zinke Adrian , Joram Niko , Ellinger Frank
Published: January 2023

In this research article, a concept for a secondary RAdio Direction And Ranging (RADAR) angle of arrival based system with cooperative targets transmitting at 2.4 GHz and using Multiple Signal Classification (MuSiC) to determine the angles of incidence is investigated. In addition to introducing common algorithms and presenting thorough derivations, the system is first examined through simulations. To prove the concept, hardware, firmware, and software are developed. For MuSiC, we propose three novel methods to obtain the correct incident angle from the spectrum, especially in strong multipath environments. These methods work either for a single spectrum or for a combination recorded at multiple times. Together with the estimated angles of incidence, our methods determine measures on the respective likelihoods. Based on this, we additionally propose two algorithms for computing the final position. Our system is characterized in both a simple 20 m × 15 m outdoor and a 17 m × 13 m multipath indoor environment, where we achieve a mean angular error of 3∘ and a mean positioning error of 0.67 m for the former using only four base stations with four antennas each. Our novel approach shows position accuracy improvements of 15% outdoors and 25% indoors compared to classical MuSiC estimation.
Closing the Assessment Excellence Gap: Why digital assessments should go beyond recall and be more inclusive
Authors: Cooney Gavin , Kleeman John
Published: January 2023

Stakeholders in digital assessments have requirements and expectations that technology implementations do not always meet. This is the "Assessment Excellence Gap." This article explains why digital assessment is important and focuses on two particular aspects with a call to action to make assessments more inclusive and to write questions that go beyond recall when creating assessments.
The molecular athlete: exercise physiology from mechanisms to medals
Authors: Furrer Regula , Hawley John A. , Handschin Christoph
Published: January 2023

Human skeletal muscle demonstrates remarkable plasticity, adapting to numerous external stimuli including the habitual level of contractile loading. Accordingly, muscle function and exercise capacity encompass a broad spectrum, from inactive individuals with low levels of endurance and strength to elite athletes who produce prodigious performances underpinned by pleiotropic training-induced muscular adaptations. Our current understanding of the signal integration, interpretation, and output coordination of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern muscle plasticity across this continuum is incomplete. As such, training methods and their application to elite athletes largely rely on a “trial-and-error” approach, with the experience and practices of successful coaches and athletes often providing the bases for “post hoc” scientific enquiry and research. This review provides a synopsis of the morphological and functional changes along with the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise adaptation to endurance- and resistance-based training. These traits are placed in the context of innate genetic and interindividual differences in exercise capacity and performance, with special consideration given to aging athletes. Collectively, we provide a comprehensive overview of skeletal muscle plasticity in response to different modes of exercise and how such adaptations translate from “molecules to medals.”
Fuzzy Inventory Model for Imperfect Items with Price Discount and Penalty Maintenance Cost
Authors: Kuppulakshmi V. , Sugapriya C. , Kavikumar J. , Nagarajan D.
Published: January 2023

The present paper considers the fuzzy economic manufacturing model (FEMM) for an inventory model with an imperfect production process that has been studied along with rework. During the pandemic, it is evident that the products accumulated without a sale, which has increased the maintenance cost of the products. This research paper compares a special sale of products with discount and without discount prices both in the fuzzy environment and in the crisp case. New computing methods based on fuzzy logic are being utilized to enhance identification, decision making, and optimization. A triangular fuzzy number is applied in the economic production quantity to emphasize the importance of optimal manufacturing. The EPQ model’s optimal total cost is obtained in the crisp version. It is to be noted that this model is developed in the fuzzy sense by using the deterioration as a triangular fuzzy number. The applications of this model in the fields are constructing customized industrial machinery or heavy‐duty construction equipment, specific chemicals, and processed food. By using MATLAB R2021, a numerical example of the optimal solution is provided. Finally, the present research discusses how changing several parameters affects the optimum total cost.
Resveratrol Improves the Progression of Osteoarthritis by Regulating the SIRT1-FoxO1 Pathway-Mediated Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Liang ChuanCai , Xing Hengte , Wang ChenYu , Xu XiongFeng , Hao Yarong , Qiu Bo
Published: January 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered a metabolic disorder. This study investigated the effect of resveratrol (RES) on cholesterol accumulation in osteoarthritic articular cartilage via the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead transcription factor (FoxO1) pathway. Interleukin (IL)-1β-treated chondrocytes that mimic OA chondrocytes were used in in vitro experiments. The optimal RES concentration was selected based on the results of chondrocyte proliferation in the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed. For the animal experiments, mice were randomly divided into the RES group (

n
=
15

), medial meniscus destabilization group (

n
=
15

), and sham group (

n
=
15

), and each group received the same dose of RES or saline. Articular cartilage tissue was obtained eight weeks after surgery for relevant histological analysis. Clinical tissue test results suggest that downregulation of the SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway is associated with cholesterol buildup in OA chondrocytes. For the in vitro studies, RES increased the expression of SIRT1 and phosphorylation of FoxO1 in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes, promoted the expression of cholesterol efflux factor liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), and inhibited the expression of cholesterol synthesis-associated factor sterol-regulatory element binding proteins 2 (SREBP2). This reduced IL-1β-induced chondrocytes cholesterol accumulation. SIRT1 inhibition prevented the RES-mediated reduction in cholesterol buildup. Inhibiting FoxO1 but not SIRT1 reduced FoxO1 phosphorylation and increased cholesterol buildup in cultured chondrocytes. Additionally, in vivo experiments have shown that RES can alleviate cholesterol buildup and pathological changes in OA cartilage. Our findings suggest that RES regulates cholesterol buildup in osteoarthritic articular cartilage via the SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway, thereby improving the progression of OA.
Food-to-Food Fortification of a Traditional Pearl Millet Gruel with a Natural Source of β-Carotene (Sweet Potato) Improves the Bioaccessibility of Iron and Zinc
Authors: Mawouma Saliou , Awoudamkine Emmanuel , Ponka Roger , Ndjidda Yaya Verlai , Dzusuo Tedom William
Published: January 2023

Iron and zinc deficiencies are still a major public health concern in the Far North Region of Cameroon where staple foods are mainly mineral rich cereals which equally contain inhibitors of their bioaccessibility. The effect of food-to-food fortification of a traditional pearl millet gruel with a natural source of β-carotene on the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc was assessed. A sensory evaluation of gruels fortified at 20, 30, and 40% with mashed sweet potato was carried out. The samples were analysed for carotenoids, phytates, polyphenols, iron, and zinc contents. Bioaccessible iron and zinc were evaluated using in vitro digestion method. The gruel fortified at 20% with mashed sweet potato had better scores (

P

 < 0.05) of taste (3.93), colour (3.36), and overall acceptability (3.80) compared to the control. Carotenoid, polyphenol, and phytate contents were higher in fortified gruels (

P

 < 0.05) compared to the control, while iron and zinc contents were lower. A significant increase (

P

 < 0.05) in bioaccessibility of 8.08% and 26.96% for iron and 53.79% and 62.92% for zinc was observed at 20 and 30% incorporation level, respectively. However, at 40% incorporation level, the increase in bioaccessible iron was less important and bioaccessible zinc decreased. Mashed sweet potato can be used as a fortificant to improve the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc contents of local pearl millet gruel, if added moderately.
TMJ Ankylosis in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ukwas Abdouldaim , Elshik Mahmoud , Elbialy Mohammed
Published: January 2023

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a serious disabling condition characterized by fusion of the mandibular condyle with the glenoid fossa, disc, and/or eminence, resulting in severely restricted mouth opening and significantly reduced mandibular movements. The condition often has a deteriorating effect on the patient’s daily functions such as speech, chewing, breathing, and oral hygiene as well as their wellbeing and quality of life. Furthermore, childhood TMJ ankylosis frequently has a detrimental impact on the facial growth resulting in facial asymmetry, micrognathia, and/or class II malocclusion with posterior or anterior open bite. Trauma is the main cause of TMJ ankylosis, but the condition can also occur as a result of surgery, local or systemic infections, or systemic disease. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, and several approaches have been applied, including gap arthroplasty (GA), interpositional gap arthroplasty (IGA), reconstruction arthroplasty (RA), or distraction osteogenesis (DO). The aim of this article is to present a post-traumatic TMJ ankylosis case in a 5-year-old male child who was treated with resection and simultaneous costochondral grafting and to provide a succinct update of literature.
Identification and Classification of Bus and Subway Passenger Travel Patterns in Beijing Using Transit Smart Card Data
Authors: Wang Lewen , Chen Yuan , Wang Yu , Sun Xiaofei , Wu Yizheng , Peng Fei , Song Guohua
Published: January 2023

Urban public transit has been rapidly developed in recent years. However, given increases in travel volume, the level of service still needs to be improved to meet the satisfaction of passengers. Transit service providers and researchers have focused on improving transit devices, but the service level of public transit has not yet been effectively improved, so more and more research is interested in analyzing the travel patterns of passengers. Compared with traditional survey methods, smart card collection systems—which can collect spatial-temporal information about passengers’ trips—are convenient for the study of bus and subway passengers’ travel patterns. However, the data provided by smart cards have not yet been fully explored. Therefore, this paper proposed a multistep methodology to gather information on the travel patterns of bus and subway passengers in Beijing, China. We conducted statistical analyses and used an unsupervised clustering method to study and classify passengers based on travel patterns. Four groups have been identified: standard commuters, flexible commuters, and two types of low-frequency passengers. Then, a comprehensive analysis was conducted. We also discussed the changes of passengers’ travel time consumption before and after the implementation of customized bus for high-frequency passengers. The analyses indicated that passengers’ travel patterns can provide useful information for transit service providers and can help improve the level of service of urban public transit by promoting the promulgation of local public transport policies and the implementation of customized services.
PGDRT: Prediction Demand Based on Graph Convolutional Network for Regional Demand-Responsive Transport
Authors: Lee Eunkyeong , Choi Hosik , Kim Do-Gyeong
Published: January 2023

To provide an efficient demand-responsive transport (DRT) service, we established a model for predicting regional movement demand that reflects spatiotemporal characteristics. DRT facilitates the movement of restricted passengers. However, passengers with restrictions are highly dependent on transportation services, and there are large fluctuations in travel demand based on the region, time, and intermittent demand constraints. Without regional demand predictions, the gaps between the desired boarding times of passengers and the actual boarding times are significantly increased, resulting in inefficient transportation services with minimal movement and maximum costs. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a regional demand generation prediction model that reflects temporal features for efficient demand response service operations. In this study, a graph convolutional network model that performs demand prediction using spatial and temporal information was developed. The proposed model considers a region’s unique characteristics and the influence between regions through spatial information, such as the proximity between regions, convenience of transportation, and functional similarity. In addition, three types of temporal characteristics—adjacent visual characteristics, periodic characteristics, and representative characteristics—were defined to reflect past demand patterns. With the proposed demand forecasting model, measures can be taken, such as having empty vehicles move to areas where demand is expected or encouraging adjustment of the vehicle’s rest time to avoid congestion. Thus, fast and efficient transportation satisfying the movement demand of passengers with restrictions can be achieved, resulting in sustainable transportation.
Strength Recovery Effect of Bisphenol A Epoxy Resin E44 on Rock Masses with Various Crack Widths
Authors: Zhou Yaming , Zhang Jianhai , Zhang Ru , Liu Enlong , Wang Lu , Zhang Guoyan
Published: January 2023

As a desirable bonding and repair material, epoxy resin combined with other materials is widely used in civil engineering, but its application in underground rock engineering is still limited compared with the wide use of cement grout. To explore and optimize the effect of room temperature-cured bisphenol A epoxy resin E44 on the strength recovery of rock samples with cracks of various widths, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of epoxy resin was studied and the mass ratio of the curing agent to epoxy resin (

k

C
E

) was adjusted and optimized. On this basis, the UCS of the selected epoxy resin was investigated by adding diverse amounts of ethanol so that the ratio corresponding to the repair material with better mechanical properties could be selected. Artificial cracks of various widths were filled with the optimized materials, and then, a UCS test was conducted on the repaired rock samples to evaluate the effect on strength recovery and compare it with that of ultrafine Portland cement (UPC). The results show that the UCS of epoxy resin stones increases when

k

C
E

 ≤ 0.25 and decreases when

k

C
E

 > 0.25, reaching a peak of 92.41 MPa. Furthermore, as the mass ratio of ethanol to curing agent and epoxy resin (

k

A

) increases, the UCS increases to 94.65 MPa for

k

C
E

 = 0.25 and

k

A

 = 0.01. The crack width influences the UCS of the repaired rock mass. With increasing crack width, the effect of epoxy resin on recovery continuously improves, whereas that of UPC shows the opposite trend. Compared with UPC, epoxy resin has an overwhelmingly greater effect on strength recovery. For instance, for a 3 mm-wide crack, the recovered UCS for 28 d epoxy resin is 83.48 MPa, with much larger peak strains, and the strength recovery rate (

k

r

) is 77.55%; however, the

k

r

of UPC is only 15.12%.
Persons with Diabetes’ Perceptions of Family Burden and Associated Factors
Authors: Molla Israel Bekele , Berhie Million Abera , Debele Kebebe Adugna , Germossa Gugsa Nemera , Hailu Fikadu Balcha
Published: January 2023

Background. Families of a person with diabetes play a vital part in diabetes management since their support helps with regimen engagement in self-management behaviors. However, focal information on the family burden of diabetes is lacking. This study is aimed at, therefore, assessing the persons with diabetes’ perceptions of family burden and associated factors at a university hospital. Methods and Materials. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from July 26 to September 26, 2021on 403 persons’ with diabetes attending Jimma Medical Center diabetic clinic, the study sample was selected using a simple random sampling method. The data was collected using the Zarit burden questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages) were ordered logistic regression, and statistical significance was declared atPvalue ≤0.05. Results and Discussion. About 36.8% of the patient was in mild to moderate family burden of diabetes. Farmer (AOR 5.419; CI: 1.18, 24.872), living with partners and family (AOR: 0.110, CI: 0.018, 0.659), comorbidity (AOR 5.419; CI: 1.18, 24.872), oral hypoglycemic agent (AOR: 0.380, CI: 0.191, 0.758), and being never hospitalized before because of diabetes (AOR: 0.044, CI: 0.003, 0.571) was statistically associated with a family burden. Conclusion. About one-fourth of diabetic patient-perceived mild to the moderate family burden of diabetes, persons with diabetes who work as farmers and have comorbidities have a higher opinion of family burden, whereas those who live with partners or family members, use oral hypoglycemic medications, and have never been hospitalized for diabetes have a lower view of family burden due to diabetes. The results of this study suggest that strategies for health promotion, intervention, and prevention of diabetes at the family level should consider the interaction between family member burden and the patient’s sociodemographic and disease-related factors. A further large-scale study is required to validate these findings.
Teachers’ Talk and Students’ Attitude in Learning English at Secondary Schools in Indonesia: A Correlational Analysis
Authors: Nasmilah Nasmilah
Published: January 2023

Teachers’ talk is a key tool for engaging students in learning. This research is carried out to examine the correlation between students’ attitude and teachers’ talk in learning English at secondary schools in Indonesia in which English is taught as a foreign language. These two aspects are substantial when learning objectives are to be achieved. Unlike the previous studies that focused more on the nature of teachers’ talk and its effect on the development of specific language skills, this study scrutinizes the interrelation between teachers’ talk and one of the individual differences possessed by language learners, i.e., attitude. Two research questions are formulated to be answered by this study. First, what types of attitude possessed by the learners and how they are classified? Second, how does teachers’ talk correlate with the learners’ attitude in the attempt of achieving the learning goals? A quantitative approach is applied in this study involving learners of two secondary schools, namely, SMAN 6 and SMKs Harapan Bangsa as research population in Sidrap, a district in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The researcher used purposive sampling technique in choosing 160 research samples from these two secondary schools. The data were collected using questionnaire and a set of hypotheses testing is utilized to measure the normality, linearity/regression, validity, and the reliability of the instrument. Pearson correlation value formula by Pearson was used to determine whether correlation existed between teachers’ talk and students’ attitude in learning English. The result of the analysis shows the correlation coefficient between teachers’ talk (X) and students’ attitude (Y), which confirms that both variables have correlation, which was interpreted as fair. The Pearson correlation value, which in this case is 0.350, shows a tenuous positive correlation. The implication of this study lies on the importance of teachers’ talk in shaping the learners’ attitude, which in turn leads to the success of language learning.