bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methamphetamine use increases the risk of cerebral small vessel disease in young patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Vanderschelden Benjamin , Shafie Mohammad , Soun Jennifer E , Chow Daniel , Chang Peter , Stradling Dana , Blackwill Haley , Yu Wengui
Published: March 2023

Methamphetamine use causes spikes in blood pressure. Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). The aim of this study is to investigate whether methamphetamine use increases the risk of cSVD. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke at our medical center were screened for methamphetamine use and evidence of cSVD on MRI of the brain. Methamphetamine use was identified by self-reported history and/or positive urine drug screen. Propensity score matching was used to select non-methamphetamine controls. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of methamphetamine use on cSVD. Among 1369 eligible patients, 61 (4.5%) were identified to have a history of methamphetamine use and/or positive urine drug screen. Compared with the non-methamphetamine group (n = 1308), the patients with methamphetamine abuse were significantly younger (54.5 ± 6.9 vs. 70 ± 12.4, p < 0.001), male (77% vs. 54%, p < 0.001) and White (78.7% vs. 51%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that methamphetamine use was associated with increased white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, and total burden of cSVD. The association was independent of age, sex, acute hypertension, and stroke severity. Our findings suggest that methamphetamine use increases the risk of cSVD in young patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Depositional characteristics of microbial carbonate reservoir and their effects on favorable reservoir distributions of the IV Member of Sinian Dengying Formation, Gaoshiti-Moxi area, Sichuan Basin, Southwest China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wang Shaoyong , Yan Haijun , Zhang Yijie , Zhao Zhenyu , Ma Debo
Published: March 2023

Previous scientific research on reservoirs of the Deng IV Member in Gaoshiti-Moxi area, the main production area of Anyue gas field with tens of billions of cubic meters reserves, concerns on karst paleogeomorphology reconstruction, facies distribution on platform margin and their effects on favorable reservoirs. However, the quality of microbial carbonate reservoirs is also closely related with their original depositional environments on the whole platform, which is significant for further petroleum exploration and exploitation of ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in this area. Therefore, this paper attempts to reveal favorable microbial carbonate reservoir characteristics and sedimentary effects on their distribution and prediction, based dominantly on synthetic analysis of depositional characteristics, including both sequence stratigraphy and facies, such as seismic facies, microfacies and microfacies associations. The results show that favorable reservoirs of the Deng IV Member are classified into three types according to their space types, namely, fracture-cavity reservoir, pore-cavity reservoir and pore. Secondary dissolution pores and cavities are primary reservoir spaces developed mainly in non-skeletal grain dolomites with sparry cements, thrombolites, and stromatolites in microfacies association 1 (MA1), MA2, MA5, and MA7. Physical property of fracture-cavity type of reservoir is better in the upper and lower parasequence sets with a porosity between 1% and 5%, a permeability between 0.01 × 10− 3 µm2 and 1 × 10− 3 µm2; physical property of pore-cavity reservoir is fine throughout all the parasequence sets with a porosity between 2% and 4%, a permeability between 0.01 × 10− 3 µm2 and 1 × 10− 3 µm2; physical property of pore-cavity reservoir is the worst. In vertical, the favorable reservoirs are developed mainly in parasequence set 6 (PSS6) and PSS7 in vertical. On planar, they are distributed in well zone MX9-MX19-MX1 for the fracture-cavity type, MX105-MX110-GS20 for the pore-cavity type and MX17-MX107-MX41-MX102-GS102 for the pore type. What’s more, effects of depositional sequences, seismic facies, microfacies and microfacies associations on reservoir distribution indicate that to some extent, fracture-cavity type of reservoir is constrained by the top boundaries of PSS7, PSS2, parasequence 17 (PS17) and PS14; pore-cavity type of reservoir by the top boundaries of PSS7, PSS4, PS18 and PS12; pore type of reservoir by the top boundaries of PSS7, PSS6, PSS3, PSS2, PS18, PS17, PS14, and PS12. Seismic facies associated with shoals and of mound-flat complex are related with facies distributions of pore cavity and pore reservoirs. MA1, MA3, MA7, MA8 are predominant microfacies associations of favorable reservoirs of the Deng IV Member in Gaoshiti-Moxi area.
Assessment of the Capacity of ChatGPT as a Self-Learning Tool in Medical Pharmacology: A Study Using MCQs
Authors: Choi Woong
Published: March 2023

Background
ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) developed by OpenAI. Drawing upon a substantial textual corpus, ChatGPT exhibits a remarkable ability to simulate human speech. This investigation attempts to evaluate the potential of ChatGPT as a self-directed learning resource, with specific attention to its efficacy in answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and furnishing coherent rationale for its responses.
Methods
The study used 78 MCQs from the Korean Basic Medical Science Comprehensive Assessment (K-BMSCA) for years 2019 to 2021. The test items were translated from Korean to English, and lead-in prompts were engineered to test ChatGPT's ability to generate correct and relevant responses. Each test item produced four questions with different prompts. The questions were submitted to ChatGPT, and the responses were analyzed for correctness, consistency, and relevance.
Results
The study evaluated the efficacy of ChatGPT in responding to a total of 312 questions with an overall accuracy of 76.0% (237/312). The model demonstrated a commendable performance in addressing questions related to recall and interpretation, whereas its performance in solving problems was comparatively poor. ChatGPT offered correct rationales for 77.8% (182/234) of the responses, with errors primarily arising from two sources: faulty information and flawed reasoning. In terms of references, ChatGPT furnished incorrect citations for 69.7% (191/274) of the responses. While the veracity of reference paragraphs could not be ascertained, 80.4% (41/51) were deemed pertinent and accurate with respect to the answer key.
Conclusion
While ChatGPT has potential utilities in answering MCQs and generating the correct associated rationale, it shows poor performance in referencing. The limitations of ChatGPT as a self-learning tool should be explained and emphasized to students for a wise usage of AI technology.
Factors Associated With Anal Incontinence in Elderly Women Practicing Physical Exercises: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Henrique Thaise dos Santos , de Arruda Guilherme Tavares , Santos Maiara Gonçalves dos , Mazo Giovana Zarpellon , Virtuoso Janeisa Franck
Published: March 2023

This study verified the risk factors for Anal incontinence (AI) in elderly women who exercise. Cross-sectional study with elderly women from southern Brazil. Gynecological-obstetric and behavioral information, anthropometric measurements and physical skills were evaluated. The symptoms of AI were assessed using the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8). Variables with p ≤ 0.05 were taken into account for the logistic regression model. One hundred and twenty-nine elderly women (69.41 ± 4.95 years) participated in the study. The variables previous gynecological surgery (OR 2.18, 95% CI, 1.02–4.81), number of pregnancies (OR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.02–1.71) and urinary incontinence (UI) (OR 2.22; 95% CI, 1.01–4.87) were at risk for AI. Previous gynecological surgery, number of pregnancies and UI are risk factors for AI in elderly women who practice physical exercises. Implications for practice: We suggest to develop physical activity and rehabilitation programs aimed at the elderly population.
Optical Trapping of Sub-millimeter Sized Particles and Microorganisms
Authors: Lialys Laurynas , Lialys Justinas , Salandrino Alessandro , Ackley Brian D. , Fardad Shima
Published: March 2023

While Optical Tweezers (OT) are mostly used for confining smaller size particles, the counter-propagating (CP) dual-beam traps have been a versatile method for confining both small and larger size particles including biological specimen. However, CP traps are complex sensitive systems, requiring tedious alignment to achieve perfect symmetry with rather low trapping stiffness values compared to OT. Moreover, due to their relatively weak forces, CP traps are limited in the size of particles they can confine which is about 100µm. In this paper, a new class of counter-propagating optical tweezers with a broken symmetry is discussed and experimentally demonstrated to trap and manipulate larger than 100µm particles inside liquid media. Our technique exploits a single Gaussian beam folding back on itself in an asymmetrical fashion forming a CP trap capable of confining small and significantly larger particles (up to 250µm in diameter) based on optical forces only. Such optical trapping of large-size specimen to the best of our knowledge has not been demonstrated before. The broken symmetry of the trap combined with the retro-reflection of the beam has not only significantly simplified the alignment of the system, but also made it robust to slight misalignments and enhances the trapping stiffness as shown later. Moreover, our proposed trapping method is quite versatile as it allows for trapping and translating of a wide variety of particle sizes and shapes, ranging from one micron up to a few hundred of microns including microorganisms, using very low laser powers and numerical aperture optics. This in turn, permits the integration of a wide range of spectroscopy techniques for imaging and studying the optically trapped specimen. As an example, we will demonstrate how this novel technique enables simultaneous 3D trapping and light-sheet microscopy of C. elegans worms with up to 450µm length.
PpMYB105 inhibited chilling injury by regulating PpMsrA1 in peach fruit
Authors: jiao GABA Caifeng , Jiao Caifeng , Dong Jing , Wei Yancheng
Published: March 2023

Cold storage can maintain the quality of postharvest fruit. However, peaches are easy to suffer from chilling injury during cold storage, leading to economic loss. Our preliminary research has demonstrated that MeJA supplementation reduced the chilling injury (CI) severity, and enhanced the methionine sulfoxide reductase A1 (PpMsrA1) expression. In this study, results showed that MeJA application elevated the MsrA activity and methionine (Met) content, and reduced the methionine-S-sulfoxide (Met-S-SO) content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, PpMYB105, isolated by yeast one-hybrid screening, could activate the transcription of PpMsrA1 by binding to the MYB binding element in its promoter. The gene expression of PpMYB105 was up regulated by MeJA application. Overexpression of PpMYB105 in tomatoes enhanced the chilling tolerance and gene expression of SlMsrA1. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of PpMYB105 in peaches resulted in the increase in CI severity and the decrease in gene expression of PpMsrA1. Thus, PpMYB105 was involved in the MeJA-boosted chilling tolerance by regulating PpMsrA1.
Possible Molecular Explanation for the Resonance $Y(4500)$
Authors: süngü jale Y. , Veliev Elşen V. , Sundu Hayriye , Güngör Elif
Published: March 2023

The BESIII collaboration has discovered a new state with hidden charm-strange. Its mass is intriguingly close to the DsD̅s1 threshold and does not have the properties of the charmonium states. Working with the QCD sum rules (QCDSR) approach, we test if the charmonium-like structure Y (4500) , detected in the invariant mass spectrum K+ K-J/ψ may be interpreted as an exotic DsD̅s1 molecular structure with JPC=1--. Considering the contributions of QCD condensates up to operator dimension ten, we estimate the mass and decay constant of Y(4500) resonance. We get mY = (4488.35 ± 11.54) MeV in excellent agreement with the meson mass reported by BESIII and fY=(4.04 ± 0.36) ± 10-3 GeV4. Our findings indicate that a pseudoscalar-axialvector molecule current can well describe this state.
Application of human-computer interaction system based on machine learning algorithm in artistic visual communication
Authors: Nie Zexian , Yu Ying , Bao Yong
Published: March 2023

After entering the 21st century, with the development of science and technology represented by artificial intelligence, the content of art design and creation is increasingly rich. Its intelligence, interactivity, and digital content expression make the relationship between science and technology, art and people more close, and also bring new opportunities for the development of interactive art. Among them, human-computer interaction is more and more widely used. With the promotion of this kind of technology, interactive art is no longer based on auditory sensory experience, but on the in-depth study of human nature and comprehensive senses. On this basis, human-computer interaction technology is introduced, thus forming a comprehensive visual art form, which communicates and expresses through strong interaction, initiative and emotion. Based on machine learning technology and human-computer visual interaction technology, this paper explores the art visual communication module based on human-computer interaction system. By analyzing the audience's line of sight and visual differences, we can get the audience satisfaction, so as to improve the expression of the work. Firstly, this paper proposes the design of human-computer interaction visual structure, and introduces the basic structure of art visual communication system, the simulation of art visual scene, the process and evaluation index of human-computer interaction recognition, visual recognition effect, etc. based on the needs of visual interaction. Finally, it analyzes the common forms of human-computer interaction in art visual communication, the reconstruction of thinking mode of art visual communication and the development direction of art visual communication. This paper believes that human-computer interaction technology plays a leading role in the development of the art field. It has a variety of functions, display methods and values. By studying machine learning algorithm and human-computer interaction system, this paper applies it to the field of artistic vision, thus promoting the development of artistic visual communication.
Biodiversity Management within the Agroecosystem of the West Arsi Zone, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Babu Adugna , Hunderra Kitessa , Alemu Tibebu
Published: March 2023

The main objective of this study was to assess biodiversity management practices within the agroecosystem of the West Arsi Zone of Southeastern Ethiopia. Four Woredas namely, Wondo, Adaba, Kokossa and Nensebo were purposively selected based on their conservation and diversification practices. The Primary data collection methods like questionnaires, Focus group discussion, and key informant interview and field observation were used to identify the biodiversity conservation practices, especially, the vegetation diversity and the livestock management practices within the agroecosystem. Books, reports and articles were used as secondary sources of information to support the study. Diversity indices, Shannon diversity index and Evenness index were used to identify the vegetation diversity based on the three dominant land use practices homegarden, field crops and grazing land. To sum up, Least significance Difference (LSD) test at 0.05 was used to identify the vegetation diversity per land uses and households and also to check significant level among the household respondents. Therefore, SPSS (version 21) was implemented to assess the diversity of plants and animals within the agroecosystem of the study areas. The result of the study indicates that there was significant different among the Woredas (P < 0.05) regarding vegetation diversity per land uses and households. Based on the field experiments, homegarden is the most land use category having different diversity of vegetation (H׳=4.77) followed by field crops (H׳=4.06).From equity perspective, the homegarden vegetation of the agroecosystem is also the most evenly distributed (J׳=0.99) followed by grazing land (J׳=0.98).From the four Woredas, the highest vegetation diversity was recorded in Wondo Woreda, particularly, in homegarden (20.86 ± 3.85), while the lowest vegetation diversity was recorded in the homegarden of the Nensebo Woreda (7.38 ± 0.644). However, the Kokossa Woreda is the best in terms of vegetation diversity within the grazing land (13.774 ± 1.54) followed by the Nensebo Woreda (9.8723 ± 1.115). There is also significant variation (P < 0.005) among the Woredas regarding the livestock holding per households. For instance, Kokossa Woreda is the best in terms of cattle population per households (12.495 ± 4.633) followed by the Adaba Woreda (8.043 ± 2.86).Since the agroecosystem of the West Arsi Zone is full of animal and vegetation diversity, all concerned stakeholders should give due attention for the area to get greater output of production.
Early subchondral bone loss plays an important role in initiation and progression of osteoarthritis in the mouse DMM model
Authors: Hashimoto Teruaki , Akagi Masao , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Morishita Takafumi , Tsukamoto Ichiro , Ito Tomohiko
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Recently, uncoupled bone remodeling in the subchondral bone (SB) has been considered an important process to promote knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, it is unclear how SB metabolism in the early stage of KOA affects the initiation and progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the early changes in SB and the disease process, using wild-type (WT) mice and Tsukuba hypertensive mice (THM) with high-turnover bone metabolism.
Methods
Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or sham surgery was performed on the left knee of male 40-week-old THM and WT mice (n = 7 in each group). Bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), and mean height (Hm, µm) in the medial tibial SB were longitudinally measured in vivo using micro-computed tomography (µCT) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Tibial cartilage degeneration was evaluated histologically using the OARSI score at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively (n = 7 in each group).
Results
Significant decreases in BV/TV in both WT + DMM and THM + DMM groups were evident at 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively, respectively. Notably, significant decreases in the BMD (at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively) and Hm (at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively), and significant increases in the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score (at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively) in the THM + DMM and WT + DMM groups were observed, respectively. A strong correlation was noted between the Hm and the BMD. These time-dependent changes in the BV/TV, BMD, Hm in the SB, and OARSI score were significantly enhanced in the THM + DMM group compared to the WT + DMM group.
Conclusions
These results indicate that SB loss at the early stage and the subsequent uncoupled bone remodeling, which can be enhanced by high-turnover osteoporosis, play an important role in the initiation and progression of KOA in the mouse DMM model. SB loss in the early stage could be a key target for preventing the initiation and progression of the disease.
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid mitigates the detrimental effects of soy antigenic protein on the intestinal health and growth performance of Mirror carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Zhou Zuliang , Zhao Jianghua , de Cruz Clement R. , Xu Hong , Wang Liansheng , Xu Qiyou
Published: March 2023

The study investigated the alleviated effects of Alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) on the intestinal health of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio Songpu) caused by soy antigenic protein. The dietswere formulated from fishmeal (CON),50% soybean meal (SBM),the mixture of glycinin and β-conglycinin (11+7S) and adding 1% AKG in the 11+7S (AKG). Carp (~4 g) in triplicate (30 fish per tank) was fed to apparent satiation thrice a day for six weeks. Compared with CON, SBM treatment resulted in significantly poor growth performance (P<0.05), whereas 11+7S and AKG treatments were not significantly different from CON (P>0.05). Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) in proximal intestines (PI) and distal intestines (DI) were increased (P<0.05), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) in PI and middle intestines (MI) was decreased (P<0.05) in both SBM and 11+7S. The gene expression of caspase-3 in DI increased in SBM (P<0.05) and the caspase-3 and caspase-9 in DI increased in 11+7S (P<0.05); conversely, the gene expression of TGF-β in PI and MI was increased, TNF-α and IL-1β in the MI, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in DI was decreased in AKG (P<0.05). mRNA levels of TOR in PI and MI, ACC in PI, MI and DI was decreased in SBM (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of AMPK in the PI and DI, TOR in PI, MI and DI, ACC in PI and DI, 4E-BP in DI was reduced in 11+7S (P<0.05). AMPK in the PI and DI, ACC in the PI and MI, TOR PI, MI, and DI, 4E-BP in PI and DI was recovered by AKG supplementation (P<0.05). Lipids and lipid-like metabolism, organic acids and derivatives metabolism increased in AKG dietary treatment. In conclusion, AKG reduces the expression of intestinal inflammation and apoptosis pathway and changes glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism in the intestine of fish.
Monitoring Malicious DNS Queries: An Experimental Case Study of Utilising the National Cyber Security Centre’s Protective DNS within a UK Public Sector Organisation
Authors: Carr Andrew , Alam Abu , Allison Jordan
Published: March 2023

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a key part of the modern inter-net but is also a route that malicious actors can use as cyber security attack. This paper reviews security and privacy additions to DNS, specifically Protective DNS (PDNS). We present a case study of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre’s PDNS and its implementation in one regional public sector organisation in the north of England. We show how PDNS compliments DNS features to improve the security and privacy for eligible organisations. We also review how DNS queries have been blocked due to security risks. This block data can be integrated to a security information and event management system for further analysis and automation. The main contribution of this case study is that the NCSC’s PDNS Service is useful as part of a defense in depth strategy by allowing greater visibility of DNS queries and blocking of malicious content at the point of name resolution. This paper also recommends some techniques to improve the service which require further evaluation.
Monitoring roadkill in Spain: a three years survey during pandemic times
Authors: Antón Sergio Fuentes
Published: March 2023

Road-killed animal surveys are scarce in Spain compared to other countries. Also, the majority of the published papers about this issue, comprehends data analysis from particular species or involve only motorways or highways. This paper presents the monitoring of a common road during three years, from 1stJanuary 2020 to 31stDecember 2022 (both included), in order to evaluate wildlife loss by car hits. At the end of the survey, 53 individuals from 19 different species were found. The most affected groups were mammals with the 75% of car collisions and birds which obtained the 23% of total roadkills. Only one reptile was registered during the sampling. End of spring and summer were the seasons where wildlife was affected in high way, while autumn was the one with less fauna affection. The landscape across the road seems to influence on the biodiversity loss and according to conservation interests, most of the registered animals belongs to endangered or protected species, especially birds and reptiles. Also domestic animals like cats and dogs were directly affected by vehicle collisions. Annual results showed that roadkill data increased along the three years of survey, being 2020 the year with less incidences, probably due to the mobility restrictions established during the COVID-19 crisis.
Deciphering the role of a SINE-VNTR-Alu retrotransposon polymorphism as a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease progression
Authors: Fröhlich Alexander , Pfaff Abigail , Middlehurst Ben , Hughes Lauren , Bubb Vivien , Quinn John , Koks Sulev
Published: March 2023

SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are transposable elements which represent a source of genetic variation. We previously demonstrated that the presence/absence of a human-specific SVA, termed SVA_67, correlated with the progression of Parkinson´s Disease (PD). In the present study, we demonstrate that SVA_67 acts as expression quantitative trait loci, thereby exhibiting a strong regulatory effect across the genome using whole genome and transcriptomic data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative cohort. We further show that SVA_67 is polymorphic for its variable number tandem repeat domain which correlates with both regulatory properties in a luciferase reporter gene assay in vitro and differential expression of multiple genes in vivo. Additionally, this variation’s utility as a biomarker is reflected in a correlation with a number of PD progression markers. These experiments highlight the plethora of transcriptomic and phenotypic changes associated with SVA_67 polymorphism which should be considered when investigating the missing heritability of neurodegenerative diseases.
Research on Non-destructive Intelligence Detection of Tightness of Stator Slot Wedges of Large Hydro-generator
Authors: Xie Xiaoping , Zhang Chunhui , Mao Yedong , Cheng Shijie , Li Xuewei , Zhou Cong , Chen Weidong
Published: March 2023

In this study, the classification threshold of stator slot wedge tightness is established, and a non-destructive testing technology of stator slot wedge tightness based on acoustics is proposed. Firstly, the classification threshold of slot wedge tightness is determined. Then through the compression test of corrugated plate, the corresponding corrugated plate shape variable is obtained. The mechanical classification threshold is transformed into the deformation threshold of corrugated plate. Secondly, the tightness test platform of stator slot wedge is established and the tightness test is carried out. Then, the percussion signals is preprocessed by endpoint detection method, which greatly reduces the subsequent calculation. Subsequently, the characteristic parameters of the percussion signals are extracted by time-domain and frequency-domain analysis, and the characteristic parameters are screened by F-ratio method and Pearson correlation coefficient method. Finally, the Support Vector Machine(SVM) optimized by cross validation method is used to classify the test sets to realize pattern recognition. The results show that the tightness of stator slot wedge can be accurately detected by using this research. This research realizes the intelligent identification of the tightness of the stator slot wedge of the generator set, and provides an important reference for the tightness detection of the stator slot wedge.
Calibration method using a narrowband signal for measurement of the acoustic nonlinearity parameter
Authors: Song Dong-Gi , Park Seong-Hyun , Yoo Jiung , Lissenden Clifford J. , Jhang Kyung-Young
Published: March 2023

The measurement of absolute acoustic nonlinearity parameters using piezoelectric transducers consists of two steps; calibration and harmonic detection. In calibration, a frequency domain transfer function that converts the current output signal amplitude into the acoustic displacement amplitude is measured. Then, in harmonic detection, the amplitudes of the harmonics generated in the ultrasonic waves propagating through a medium are detected and converted to displacement amplitudes using the transfer function obtained in the calibration step for calculation of the acoustic nonlinearity parameters. However, in the conventional method, a broadband pulse signal is used for the calibration and a narrowband tone-burst signal is used for the harmonic detection; therefore, this method inconveniently uses different driving devices for calibration and harmonic detection. In this study, we propose a more convenient technique that can perform calibration using a narrowband signal so that a single driver of a narrowband signal can be used for both calibration and harmonic detection. To verify the validity of the proposed method, transfer functions were measured at typical frequencies for two types of material (aluminum alloy and fused silica) against two types of transducers (commercial PZT and LiNbO3 crystal), and the results were compared with those obtained using conventional calibration method. The transfer functions obtained by the conventional method and the proposed method showed good concordance, independent of material and transducer type.
Parent-adolescent informant discrepancies on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Booth Charlotte , Moreno-Agostino Dario , Fitzsimons Emla
Published: March 2023

Background: Developmental researchers often use a multi-informant approach to measure adolescent behaviour and adjustment, but informant discrepancies are common. In general population samples, it is often found that parents report more positive and less negative outcomes compared to adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with informant discrepancies, including adolescent’s sex, and parent’s level of psychological distress and highest level of education.
Methods: Informant discrepancies on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were investigated using a Latent Difference Score (LDS) approach, which estimates the true difference between parent and adolescent reports in a structural equation model. The sample were parent-adolescent dyads from the seventh wave of the UK Millennium Cohort Study (N = 6,631, 49.1% female, aged 17 years).
Results: Compared to adolescents, parents reported lower levels of difficulties (emotional symptoms, peer problems, conduct problems) and higher levels of pro-social behaviour in their children. Conditional effects were found, as discrepancy was greater amongst parent-daughter dyads for emotion and peer problems, and greater amongst parent-son dyads for pro-social behaviour. Parent-adolescent discrepancy was also greater if parents had a lower level of psychological distress or a higher level of education.
Conclusions: In a large general population sample from the UK, it was found that adolescents tended to report more negative and less positive outcomes than parents reported about them. Discrepancy was conditional on various factors, including adolescent’s sex, and parent’s level of psychological distress and education, showing that specific informant biases are likely to impact the measurement of adolescent behaviour and adjustment.
“Less patch more growth?”: comparing two different schools of thought in aortic arch reconstruction techniques during Norwood I
Authors: Uzdenov Murat , Ballazhi Fatos , Kroll Johannes , Markova Irina , Zürn Christoph , Stiller Brigitte , Kubicki Rouven , Kari Fabian
Published: March 2023

Background: We compared two different philosophies at one institution with respect to arch-geometry and clinical results: no/minimal patch vs. abundant patch augmentation.
Methods: Single center retrospective analysis of the interstage angiographies of 82 patients: 41 (50%) underwent stage I Norwood-type palliation with minimal/no patch material for arch augmentation (Group 1, 2001-2011), and 41 (50%) with an abundant use of patch material (Group 2, 2011-2019). Aortic arch angle, distal arch:descending ratio, planimetry of whole arch, left hilar space were quantified. Clinical endpoints were all interstage interventions on the aortic arch, left pulmonary artery and readmissions due to left lung atelectasis and respiratory failure.
Results: Arch angles were more acute in Group 1 (81°±13,2 vs. 90°±10,28, P = .012), with no difference in left hilar space (0,28±0,08 vs. 0,29±0,06, P = .43). Distal arch:descending ratio was smaller in Group 1 (0,72±0,2 vs 0,86±0,19, P = .04). Interstage interventions on the aortic arch and descending aorta were provided in 17 (41,5%) patients in Group 1 versus 19 (46,3%) patients in Group 2. Transcatheter interventions on the left pulmonary artery were necessary in 18 Group 1 patients versus 18 Group 2 patients (43,9%). Unilateral left lung atelectasis and respiratory failure occurred in 2 patients (4,4%) in Group 1 and in 3 patients (7,3%) in Group 2.
Conclusions: Abundant patch material is associated with less acute aortic arch angles and leads to significantly better distal arch growth. However, this theoretical geometric benefit did not lead to greater left hilar space, nor did it prove to be superior with respect to interstage-interventions on left hilar structures. Mid-term no clinical effect was detected but future long-term effects are substantial.
From the Forest to the City: the Arrival of Dragonflies and Damselflies to the Urban Jungle
Authors: Suárez-Tovar Catalina María , Rocha-Ortega Maya , Juen Leandro , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex
Published: March 2023

Can we predict which taxonomic groups and morphological or behavioral traits are favoured during urbanization? Here we have revised those odonate (dragonflies and damselflies) species are present in urban areas around world, their body size, body colour, sexual dimorphism, flight mode, habitat preference and mate guarding strategy. We wanted to know which of these traits are apparently favoure/ non-favoured in urban odonates. We found 88 urbanization-tolerant (Aeshnidae, Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae) and 87 urbanization-sensitive (Lestidae, Calopterygidae, Gomphidae) species. A phylogenetic path analysis showed that smaller dragonflies and damselflies species seem better adapted to urban environments. For dragonflies, yellow- or red-colored species as well as less sexually dimorphic were more frequent in urban areas. For damselflies species, those associated to lentic waters and with lesser mate guarding were more likely to use urban areas. We discuss the underlying physiological mechanisms linked to such urban-surviving ability as well as how we can use such information for conservation purposes. Indeed, it seems that odonates are well adapted to urbanization.
Rice Culture and Family Size
Authors: YUAN ZHENG , ZHU Fengshu
Published: March 2023

This paper studied the influence of rice culture on family size. Rice planting and the suitability of rice planting have significant positive effect on family size. Using the rice/grain yield ratio and rice/grain planting area ratio to replace the rice planting, the conclusion is still robust. Using the reservoir density as the instrumental variable of rice planting, the influence is still significant. Rice planting leads to stronger collectivism culture, higher childbearing willingness, son preference, lower divorce rate and less family division tendency, resulting larger family size. Therefore, the fertility-incentive policy may be more effective in rice planting areas.
Performance of cocultivation of Chlorella vulgaris and four different fungi in biogas slurry purification and biogas upgrading by induction of strigolactone (GR24) and endophytic bacteria
Authors: Ji Yuan , Huang Luanbei , Wang Zhengfang , Xu Jie , Wei Jing , Zhao Yongjun
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to determine the best fungi to form the algal-bacterial-fungi symbiotic system and identify the optimal conditions for the synchronous processing of biogas slurry and biogas. Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and endophytic bacteria (S395-2) isolated from it and four different fungi (Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus geesteranus, and Pleurotus corucopiae) were used to form different symbiotic systems. Four different concentrations of GR24 were added to systems to examine the growth characteristics, the content of chlorophyll a (CHL-a), the activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA), the photosynthetic performance, the removal of nutrients, and the biogas purification performance. The results suggested that the growth rate, CA, CHL-a content, and photosynthetic performance of the C. vulgaris-endophytic bacteria-Ganoderma lucidum symbiosis were higher than the other three symbiotic systems when 10-9 M GR24 was added. The highest nutrients/CO2 removal efficiency 78.36 ± 6.98% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 81.63 ± 7.35% for total nitrogen (TN), 84.05 ± 7.16% for total phosphorus (TP) and 65.18 ± 6.12% for CO2 was obtained under the above optimal conditions. This approach will provide a theoretical basis for the selection and optimization of an algal-bacterial-fungi symbiotic system for biogas slurry and biogas purification.
A Novel Interpretation for pressure pulse wavepropagation arterial system
Authors: R Ravichandran
Published: March 2023

In this paper is dedicated to the improvement of mathematical model with the aim of studyingtheoretically the propagation of blood pressure pulse waves through nonlinear blood vessel wall.The elastic modulus of the blood vessel, the radius of the tube that influenced the pulse wavepropagation will be explained. We have deliberated the amplitude modulation of nonlinear wavesin such a composite system by use of the reductive perturbation method. The governing evolutionequation is obtained as the famous nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation (NLS) using Hirota bilinearizationprocedure, subsequently found the solitons exhibit inelastic collision which we meanthat solitons change its shape after the collision. Further, we invoke the Exp-function methodaided with symbolic computation and obtain a series of solitonic excitations of arterial profilesadmitting the propagation of solitary pulse wave medium. It is create that the solitary pulsescan be excited by the nonlinear self-steepening at shock fronts.The significance of our analysis toblood solitary waves in arteries is discussed.
ALK-positive multisystemic malakoplakia: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ying , Li Jun , Chen Shui-lian , Li Ying , Wang Hao , He Jin-hua
Published: March 2023

Background: Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory disease of the urogenital tract. There have been no reports of malakoplakia expressing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) to date. Here, we present one case of ALK-positive multisystemic malakoplakia and discuss the clinical significance.
Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Chinese woman visited our hospital for treatment of right lumbar and abdominal pain of 1 month’s duration. Imaging revealed a soft tissue shadow measuring 59 × 58 × 45 mm at the middle and upper lateral margins of the right kidney. The boundary between the right posterior lobe of the liver and the hepatic curvature of the colon was not clear, and the adjacent hepatic curvature of the colon was slightly thickened. Colonoscopy revealed a 1.6-cm hummock-shaped protrusion in the middle of the ascending colon. Right nephrectomy and partial liver resection were performed. Microscopically, sheets of histiocytes with poor intercellular adhesion were seen, with Michaelis–Gutmann bodies present in both the intracellular and extracellular interstitium. CD10-, CD68-, and CD163-positive cells were present, with Michaelis–Gutmann bodies confirmed by staining with Alcian blue, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), periodic acid-Schiff with diastase, Von Kossa, and Prussian blue. Abnormal ALK1 and ALK (D5F3) expression was observed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. However, ALK gene mutation was not detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization or whole exome next-generation sequencing. The pathological diagnosis was ALK-positive multisystemic malakoplakia. The antibiotics imipenem and vancomycin were started based on the results of drug sensitivity analysis and the patient was subsequently discharged. She experienced no discomfort during 30 months of follow-up.
Conclusion: This is the first reported case of ALK-positive multisystemic malakoplakia. The expression, mechanism, and clinical significance of ALK in this disease are worthy of further study.
Dosimetric Impacts on Height Development after Radiotherapy for Intracranial Non-germinomatous Germ Cell Tumours
Authors: Deng Guanhua , Zhou Zhaoming , Li Juan , Lai Mingyao , He Jing , Hu Qingjun , Zhang Ping , Dai Peng , Luo Longhui , Zhen Junjie , Li Shaoqun , Zhou Jiangfen , Ye Mingting , Hong Weiping , Shan Changguo , Hu Xiaolei , Chen Longhua , Wen Lei , Cai Linbo , Zhou Cheng
Published: March 2023

Objectives
Intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumours (NGGCTs) are rare pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours. Growth impairment induced by radiation treatment was rarely evaluated. We aimed to study the impacts of radiotherapy on height development as well as the dosimetric constraints, providing potential insights for hormonal treatment.
Methods
A total of 148 pediatric patients diagnosed with NGGCTs were retrospectively studied. Sex, age at irradiation, physical doses and biologically effective dose (BED), height and endocrine status were obtained for analysis. The cumulative change in height was assessed using age-matched normalized height (ANH). Cumulative physical doses and BEDs for the whole brain and pituitary were derived via dose-volume histograms (DVHs) and BED-volume histograms (BEDVHs).
Results
In contrast to patients > 11.5 year., linear correlations between ANH and cumulative physical doses as well as BEDs to the whole brain and pituitary were identified in patients ≤ 11.5 year. Dosimetric constraints to the pituitary was 36 Gy for physical dose (AUC = 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54–0.86], P < 0.05) and 63 Gy2 BED (AUC = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.53–0.86], P < 0.05). Impaired hormone secretion in terms of GH and TSH were observed following cranial irradiation (both P < 0.001), particularly for those with tumours at the suprasellar region (GH: P < 0.01, TSH: P < 0.001). In contrast to patients > 11.5 year., the ANH for patients with tumours in the suprasellar region was significantly lower than those in the other locations (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our study revealed the impacts of cumulative doses and tumour locations for radiation-associated growth impairment. Reduced levels of GH and TSH were observed in patients ≤ 11.5 year. with tumours particularly in the suprasellar region.
Age-period-cohort analysis of lung cancer mortality inequalities in Southern Spain: missed opportunities for implementing equitable tobacco control policies
Authors: Córdoba-Doña Juan Antonio , Benítez-Rodríguez Encarnación , Escolar-Pujolar Antonio , Santos-Sanchez Vanessa
Published: March 2023

Background: Lung cancer mortality in European countries shows different epidemiological patterns according to sex and socioeconomic variables. Some countries show decreasing rates in both sexes, while others show a delayed profile, with increasing mortality in women, inconsistently influenced by socioeconomic status. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of age, period and birth cohort on lung cancer mortality inequalities in men and women in Andalusia, the southernmost region in Spain. Methods: We used the Longitudinal Database of the Andalusian Population, which collects demographic and mortality data from the 2001 census cohort of more than 7.35 million Andalusians, followed up between 2002 and 2016. Mortality rates were calculated for men and women by educational level, and small-area deprivation. Poisson models were used to assess trends in socioeconomic inequalities in men and women. Finally, age-period-cohort (APC) models were used separately for each educational level and gender. Results: There were 39,408 lung cancer deaths in men and 5,511 in women, yielding crude mortality rates of 78.1 and 11.4 x 105person-years, respectively. Negative educational inequalities in mortality increased in men: i.e. the rate ratio for primary studies compared to university studies increased from 1.30 (CI95:1.18–1.44) to 1.57 (CI95:1.43–1.73). For women, positive educational inequalities tended to decrease moderately. In APC analysis, a decreasing period effect in men and an increasing one in women were observed. Cohort effect differed significantly by educational level. The lower the educational level, the earlier the peak effect was reached among both men and women, with a 25-year difference between the least-educated and college-educated men and 12-year difference between the least-educated and college-educated women. The decline of mortality followed the reverse pattern, with the best-educated groups experiencing declining rates with earlier birth cohorts. Conclusions: Our study reveals that APC analysis by education helps to uncover changes in trends occurring in different socioeconomic and gender groups, which, combined with data on smoking prevalence, provide important clues for action. Despite its limitations, this approach to the study of lung cancer inequalities allows for the assessment of gaps in historical and current tobacco policies and the identification of population groups that need to be prioritised for public health interventions.
Economic evaluation in implementation science: A reconciled approach evaluating programmes to increase the uptake of magnesium sulphate in pre-term births
Authors: Sillero-Rejon Carlos , Hollingworth William , McLeod Hugh , Opmeer Brent C. , Luyt Karen
Published: March 2023

Background: Methods for the economic evaluation of implementation initiatives to increase the uptake of cost-effective healthcare interventions are not standardised. Value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness are two proposed approaches. This research aims to compare these two methods and propose a standardised approach. To illustrate this, we evaluated two implementation programmes to increase magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) uptake in preterm labour to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy: i) the National PReCePT Programme (NPP) which provided regional support and funded clinical time in maternity units in England, and ii) an enhanced support programme (ESP) with additional unit-level coaching and extra funded time, which was nested within NPP and subject to a cluster RCT.
Methods: After summarising value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness methods, we explored the extent to which the two methods can be viewed as mathematically equivalent for the purpose of evaluating the NPP (versus pre-existing trends) and the ESP (versus the NPP) calculating their incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, net monetary benefits, and their probability of being cost-effective.
Results: We demonstrate that value of implementation and policy cost-effectiveness methods can be expressed in mathematically equivalent terms and propose a standardised stepwise approach. Both methods depend on the change in the uptake of the healthcare technology, cost of the implementation activity, size of the eligible population affected over time, and the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare technology. We illustrated our standardised approach in two economic evaluations: the NPP generated a societal lifetime net monetary benefit of £30,247 per maternity unit over 12 months, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000; the probability of being cost-effective was 98%. In contrast, the ESP generated a net monetary benefit of -£28,682 per maternity unit in comparison to the NPP; the probability of being cost-effective was 22%.
Conclusions: Policy cost-effectiveness and value of implementation approaches can be represented by a standardised stepwise method for the economic evaluation of implementation initiatives. Our illustrative examples show how the value of different quality improvement interventions for the same cost-effective treatment can be evaluated and compared. Our standardised method may facilitate a more systematic assessment of the value for money of implementation initiatives, which should be viewed as an important component of implementation research.