bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on synchronous characteristics of hydraulically expanded overhead cylinder of Automotive Torsion beam
Authors: Yang Kefan , Wang Youmin , Fu Kexun
Published: May 2022

The hydraulic bulging technology of tubes can provide hollow parts with special-shaped cross-sections. Its manufacturing process can effectively improve material utilization and product accuracy, and reduce the number and cost of molds. However, The design of hydraulic bulging die, especially the design of hydraulic system, is more complicated. The synchronization of the hydraulic system and the response of the system will affect the forming quality of parts. Aiming at the research of hydraulic system design and synchronous characteristics of hydraulic expansion mold of automobile torsion beam, this paper takes a hydraulic expansion mold of automobile closed torsion beam as the research object, CATIA software is used to design the structure of torsion beam products, and then the process loading route of parts processing is determined. Auto torsion beam hydraulic pressure expansion mould structure is designed, in view of the synchronization requirements on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder, design a new automatic correction of overhead cylinder hydraulic synchronous system, AMESIM is used to get two cylinder piston rod synchronous displacement curve, the system can adjust the bidirectional shunt follow up valve to realize the automatic adjustment function is validated, synchronization system mathematical model is established, The transfer function of the closed-loop control system is pushed to, and SIMULINK is used for simulation analysis of the system, the step response curve of the system is successfully obtained, which proves that the system performance is good, and the characteristics of the synchronization system of the overhead cylinder of the hydraulic expansion mold of the torsion beam are analyzed.
Quasi-acoustic impedance matching distributed optomechanical sensor with Aluminized coating optical fiber
Authors: Dong Yongkang , Ren Yuli , Shipulin Arkady , Zhou Dengwang , Li Tianfu , Zhang Hongying , Lin Dianyang , Ba Dexin
Published: May 2022

The uncoated optical fiber has been extensively researched as an optomechanical sensor since it can achieve substance identification of the surrounding media by exciting and detecting transverse acoustic waves via forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS), yet within danger of being easily broken. Although polyimide-coating fibers are reported to allow transverse acoustic waves transmission to the coating for reaching the ambient while maintaining the mechanical properties of the fiber, it still suffers from the problems of humidity sensitivity and spectral instability. Here, we propose for the first time a robust distributed FSBS-based optomechanical sensor using an aluminized coating optical fiber. Benefiting from the quasi-acoustic impedance matching condition of the aluminized coating and silica core-cladding, aluminized coating optical fibers not only have stronger mechanical properties and higher transverse acoustic wave transmission efficiency but also has a higher signal-to-noise ratio, compared to the polyimide-coating fibers. The distributed measurement ability is verified by identifying air and water around the aluminized coating optical fiber with a spatial resolution of 2 m. In addition, the proposed sensor is immune to the external relative humidity changes, which is a preponderance for liquid acoustic impedance measurements.
Analysis of the drivers of ASF introduction into pig compartments in South Africa and implications for the revision of biosecurity standards
Authors: Stoffel Carla , Buholzer Patrik , Fanelli Angela , De Nardi Marco
Published: May 2022

Background: While African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has historically circulated in wild pigs and in Ornithodoros ticks in parts of South Africa, the virus has spread among domestic pigs throughout the country since 2019. South Africa’s compartment system has been used as a mainstay approach to protecting the swine industry in the face of ASF. However, in 2020, two compartments broke down with ASF. The objectives of this study are to investigate the drivers for ASF introduction into the compartments, to categorize compartments by risk of ASF introduction, and to make corresponding recommendations. The relevance of risk factors for ASF introduction for each compartment were investigated among veterinarians and farm managers. The analysis of risk factors weighted according to an expert elicitation were used to categorize compartments into risk levels. Results: Drivers of disease related to human behaviors and to domestic pig management are perceived by farm managers and veterinarians of the compartments to be critical for ASF introduction into compartments in South Africa. Twenty-four units were categorized as high risk, forty-seven as medium risk, and twenty-four as low risk. “Insufficient boot and clothing biosecurity by animal health personnel” was identified as a relevant risk factor in all high risk units. Other prominent risk factors were “insufficient boot and clothing biosecurity by external people,” “underreporting of suspect ASF cases,” “improper hunting/ culling of wild suids inside the compartment,” “un-tested introductions into the herd,” and “entry and contact with free-roaming pigs.” The roles of wild pigs and competent vectors are considered minimal. There is a need for revision of the compartment standards and training of compartment personnel on the standards. The major gaps identified in the standards were absence of a monitoring programme to assess biosecurity implementation and suboptimal surveillance testing and audit strategies. Conclusions: The results of our study confirm that ASF is increasingly an anthropogenic problem. Updating the compartment standards and addressing gaps in the knowledge of compartment personnel on ASF are most critical. To enhance compliance with biosecurity measures and thus control the disease, close engagement with all stakeholders linked to the compartments is needed.
Circadian rhythm and hypothalamus-related symptoms of migraine: A prospective study
Authors: Duan Qiang , Chen Chunfu
Published: May 2022

Background: Hypothalamic symptoms and circadian rhythm in migraine are controversial。To use WeChat as a survey tool to explore the correlation between hypothalamus-related symptoms and migraine attacks and examine the circadian cycle of migraines. Methods: This prospective study enrolled migraine patients at the Headache Specialty Clinic, Neurology Department of Shandong Provincial Hospital, from November 2018 to January 2020. Each patient was required to report the migraine attack via WeChat for 3 months. At 08:00 every day, the WeChat mass texting function was used to send an inquiry about migraines in the past 24 h. If yes, a questionnaire was issued to obtain the details. The participants were assigned to the low (LFM) (≤5 days/month) and high (HFM) (>5 days/month) frequency migraine groups. Results: 162 participants completed the study. A total of 2875 migraine attacks were recorded. The HFM group showed more attacks at night (37.8% vs. 5.7%) and before dawn (25.5% vs. 7.9%) compared with the LFM group, while the LFM group had more attacks in the morning (53.5% vs. 11.7%) (P<0.001). Generally speaking, the two groups showed a reverse attack trend. Yawning was more frequent in the prodromal phase; facial sweating, conjunctival congestion, neck stiffness, photophobia, runny nose, nasal obstruction, and emotional changes were more frequent in the headache phase; inattention and fatigue were more frequent in the postdrome phase (all P<0.001). Conclusions: HFM and LFM display different migraine attack temporal patterns. Hypothalamus-related non-headache symptoms were present in all phases of migraine attacks. The rates of non-headache symptoms were significantly different in different phases.
Depression and anxiety among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: A systematic review protocol
Authors: LUDWIG-WALZ Helena , DANNHEIM Indra , PFADENHAUER Lisa M. , FEGERT Jörg M. , BUJARD Martin
Published: May 2022

Background: A growing number of studies point to a high mental health burden among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly concerning depression and anxiety. However, the study quality and effect direction are heterogeneous in the existing studies with a lacking overview for the European continent. Therefore, research gaps exist particular regarding (1) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety among children and adolescents in European countries with (2) a methodologically high-quality summarizing review of studies. Therefore, the planned systematic review aims to close these gaps. Methods: The systematic review was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and the protocol was prepared in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. Search strategy was peer reviewed according to the evidence-based checklist Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS). Systematic search was conducted in six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and WHO COVID-19 database). Literature screening will be conducted independent by two authors, disagreement will be solved by a third author. Risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed using the RoB instrument for non-randomized studies of exposures. Certainty of evidence will be evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach adapted to the use of non-randomized studies. Also, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias will be performed.Discussion: This systematic review will summarize the actual overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among children and adolescents in European countries compared to a pre-pandemic baseline with an expert opinion on the clinical relevance and extrapolation of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents in the next years. In addition, it aims identifying geographic and pandemic-policy differences and designate particularly vulnerable risk groups within European children and adolescents.
One-pot and environmentally beneficial synthesis of benzylamine and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives with choline chloride/sodium salts
Authors: kamali Ehsan , Mohammadkhani Abolfazl , pazoki Farzane , Heydari Akbar
Published: May 2022

In this research, choline chloride/sodium salts are employed as a green medium to produce benzyl amines without salt by-products. In addition, choline chloride/sodium salts are being used as a green medium in producing benzyl azide. The synthesis of 1,2,3 triazoles is followed by a formal cycloaddition process of benzyl azide using nitro-styrene to complete the process. As a result, a component one-pot green fundamental reaction to synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles has been devised. Furthermore, since no poisonous solvents or hazardous catalysts are employed, the method is environmentally friendly.
Climate change mitigation benefits for labor exceed mitigation costs
Authors: Parsons Luke , Shindell Drew , Nagamoto Emily , Chang Jonathan , Faluvegi G , Kroeger Timm
Published: May 2022

Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to limit global warming below 2°C. However, the magnitude and timing of beneficial effects of emissions reductions on labor productivity and the size of those effects relative to the costs of emissions reductions remain understudied. Here we use reanalysis data and climate model simulations to estimate current and future potential global labor losses associated with heat and air pollution exposure. We also examine the timing of benefits for avoided air pollution and heat exposure under a mitigation scenario consistent with limiting warming to around 2°C. Under the 2°C scenario compared to a higher emissions scenario representative of current mitigation policies, we find large, near-term benefits for countries with relatively poor air quality, such as China, India, and Nigeria. Avoided global labor productivity losses associated with air pollution exceed $600 billion/year within a decade, and peak by mid-century at about $860 billion/year. By contrast, avoided productivity losses associated with heat exposure do not exceed $500 billion/year until mid-century, but continue to grow for the remainder of the century. Over all time horizons, the avoided global labor productivity losses from aggressive emissions reductions exceed estimated additional energy investments needed to limit warming to ~2°C.
Relationship of inflammatory cytokines with postoperative pain and knee skin temperature following primary total knee arthroplasty：a prospective study
Authors: Su Wanying , Li Xiaosheng , Li Sihong , Huang Shu , Chen Tiezhu
Published: May 2022

Background:Total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most serious postoperative complications of knee arthroplasty, and serum inflammatory cytokines, postoperative pain, and knee skin temperature are often used as indicators for evaluation of PJI. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between postoperative serum inflammatory cytokines (erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin-6(IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) ) and postoperative pain and skin temperature of the operated knee in patients with primary unilateral knee arthroplasty, and to provide a reference for early postoperative screening of PJI.Methods: 78 who underwent primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty from December 2020 to November 2021 were selected as the research subjects. Knee pain at rest (NRSR) and knee pain at walking (NRSW) were evaluated by numerical pain score (NRS). Knee skin temperature was measured, and fasting blood samples were collected to detect ESR , CRP , IL-6, PCT.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the rest pain and the preoperative rest pain on the 3rd and 5th days after the operation (P<0.05). And there was a statistically significant difference between the walking pain and preoperative walking pain on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days after operation (P<0.05). Significant statistical difference was identified in the knee skin temperature between the operative side and the healthy side on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th after operation (P < 0.05). The levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (ESR, CRP, IL-6) in patients on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after operation were statistical significance compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The levels of serum inflammatory cytokines PCT on the 1st, 3rd after operation were significantly different from those before operation. NRSW was positively correlated with preoperative NRSW on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days postoperatively (P<0.05). Preoperative NRSW was positively correlated with PCT, and NRSR and NRSW were positively correlated with IL-6 and PCT on the 1st day after operation, while the NRSR was positively correlated with CRP and NRSW was positively correlated with CRP on the 3rd days after operation. There was no correlation between the skin temperature of the operative knee , postoperative pain and serum inflammatory cytokines .Conclusion: Serum inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6, PCT) after TKA were positively correlated with postoperative pain after TKA. Serum inflammatory cytokines (ESR, CRP, IL-6, and PCT), postoperative pain, and skin temperature of the operated knee have normal fluctuations, and persistent elevation must be a cause for concern and may complicate periprosthetic joint infection and require further evaluation.
Comparison between direct anterior approach and minimally invasive posterolateral approach for bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Wei , Hao Congqiang , Zong Yaqi
Published: May 2022

Background To compare the clinical effect after bipolar hemiarthroplasty（BHA）via the direct anterior approach（DAA）or minimally invasive posterolateral approach（MIPA）following the elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. Methods 196 elderly patients with femoral neck fracture were divided into DAA group (n=98) and MIPA group (n=98) according to the surgical approach. The clinical data，postoperative pain and complications，the time to keep seating for 1 hour and walking independently，postoperative Harris score of functional activity in 6 weeks and 2 years and mortality at 2 years after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results （1）The patients in group DAA had longer operation time, but the patients with pneumonia 72 hours after the operation was less，the VAS score of DAA patients decreased after 24 hours of operation, and the time of keep seating for 1 hour and walking independently was earlier (P< 0.05).（2）6 weeks after the operation, the Harris score of wearing socks and shoelaces , sitting on chairs and climbing stairs in the DAA group was better than that in the MIPA group (P< 0.05). After 2 years, there was no significant difference in Harris scores between the two groups (P> 0.05). Conclusion In the elderly patients with BHA, DAA can be more effective than MIPA to reduce the incidence of complications associated with long-term bed rest, relieve early postoperative pain, and improve the early postoperative hip function.
Rapid Imaging of Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma with a Fluorogenic Probe Targeting γ - Glutamyltranspeptidase
Authors: Yoshida Daisuke , Kamiya Mako , Kawashima Shun , Yoshioka Takafusa , Hino Haruaki , Fujita Kyohhei , Kojima Ryosuke , Shinozaki-Ushiku Aya , Urano Yasuteru , Nakajima Jun
Published: May 2022

In recent years, thoracoscopic and robotic surgical procedures have increasingly replaced median sternotomy for thymoma and thymic carcinoma. In cases of partial thymectomy, the prognosis is greatly improved by ensuring a sufficient margin from the tumor, and therefore intraoperative fluorescent imaging of the tumor is especially valuable in thoracoscopic and robotic surgery, where tactile information is not available. γ-Glutamyl hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (gGlu-HMRG) has been applied for fluorescence imaging of some types of tumors in the resected tissues, and here we aimed to examine its validity for the imaging of thymoma and thymic carcinoma. 22 patients with thymoma or thymic carcinoma who underwent surgery between February 2013 and January 2021 were included in the study. Ex vivo imaging of specimens was performed, and the sensitivity and specificity of gGlu-HMRG were 77.3% and 100%, respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to confirm expression of gGlu-HMRG's target enzyme, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT). IHC revealed high GGT expression in thymoma and thymic carcinoma in contrast to absent or low expression in normal thymic parenchyma and fat tissue. These results suggest that gGlu-HMRG is a promising candidate as an intraoperative navigation tool for thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
Epidemiological factors associated with revision of total joint replacement surgery: A nested case-control study
Authors: Gill Robert , Liu Ming , Costello Christie , Furey Andrew , Rahman Proton , Zhai Guangju
Published: May 2022

Background: Total Joint Replacement (TJR) is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage joint pathologies, such as osteoarthritis (OA). However, this procedure can result in prosthesis failure, consequently requiring an early revision. These revision surgeries come at a high cost to the healthcare system and increase morbidity to patients. Therefore, it is crucial to identify factors associated with revisions to inform surgical decision-making. Methods: This study was a nested-case control study utilizing participants recruited in the he Newfoundland Osteoarthritis Study (NFOAS), initiated in 2011. Study participants were patients who underwent TJR (hip/knee) due to various pathologies, with OA accounting for a large proportion of cases. Revision status was collected through a chart review on the Eastern Health Meditech Health Care Information System. Seventy-two variables collected by general health questionnaires and medical reports were examined for associations with revisions. Results: A total of 1086 patients were recruited in the study; 810 patients were included (41.5% hip and 58.5% knee) in the final analysis; 30 of them underwent revision surgery. Seven factors were identified to be associated with revision status (number of live births, hysterectomy, hypertension, lateral epicondylitis, back pain that radiates to legs, more than five comorbidities, and the surgeon; all p<0.05). Of these variables, patients requiring revisions were more likely to have had lateral epicondylitis or their primary surgery conducted by the surgeon coded E5. In contrast, non-revision patients were associated with more live births, more than five comorbidities, hysterectomy, hypertension, or back pain that radiated to their legs.Conclusions: Our data suggested that surgeon and patients' health factors were associated with the odds of requiring revision surgery. Therefore, patients' risk of revision surgery could theoretically be calculated prior to TJR, better informing patient treatment decisions.
Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV and cervical morphological results in southern Hunan Province, China: analyses of results from a tertiary institution, 2018-2020
Authors: Lan Zhihua , Zhang Jing , Li Hongtao , He Rongfang , Zhao Qiang , Yang Fang
Published: May 2022

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely correlated with cervical lesions. However, the HPV prevalence varies among different districts. This retrospective study investigated the HPV genotype distribution and its relationship with cervical lesions in southern Hunan Province.Methods: HPV and morphological examinations results from HPV-positive patients during 2018-2020 were reviewed. A total of 49,955 gynaecological inpatients and outpatients, each of whom underwent HPV testing, were included in this study. Available cytology and relevant histological examination results were reviewed. Furthermore, we limited the interval between HPV testing and the receipt of associated morphological results (if available) in the same patient to within 180 days to ensure their correlation when analysing their relationship.Results: The overall HPV positivity rate was 14.6%. The top five most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV52, 16, 58, 53 and 51 (23.0%, 17.5%, 14.3%, 7.5%, and 6.0%, respectively). The HPV prevalence in the group aged ≤20 years was the highest, followed by the prevalence in the group aged 60–69 years. Single infection was the main type of HPV infection, and multiple infections occurred in 21.96% (1600/7286) of the infected women. Cytological and pathological abnormalities were mainly associated with infection with HPV16, 52 and 58. Further analysis found that HPV16, 58, 52 and 33 were the main genotypes associated with high-grade squamous lesions (HSIL) and that HPV16, 31, 33 and 58 were independent risk factors for HSIL (OR=1.70, 1.99, 2.59, 2.29; all P<0.05). HPV16, 58, 52, 18 and 33 were the most frequent genotypes detected in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, and HPV16 and 18 were independent risk factors for cervical carcinomas (OR=6.72, P<0.001; OR=1.67, P=0.001).Conclusion: This retrospective study demonstrated the prevalence and the distribution characteristics of HPV infection and its correlation with cervical lesions in southern Hunan Province. The comprehensive results of this survey can guide HPV vaccine research to protect against some common genotypes in China.
Dynamical systems model of development of the action differentiation in early infancy: a requisite of physical agency
Authors: Fujihira Ryo , Taga Gentaro
Published: May 2022

Young infants are sensitive to the circular causality between their body movements and environmental events. This ability has been revealed by empirical studies on the reinforcement of limb movements when a string is attached between an infant limb and a mobile toy suspended overhead. A previous theoretical study reproduced this experimental observation by using a coupled oscillator model for the limb and mobile with positive feedback for the mobile conjugate reinforcement, and argued that the phase transition to a highly coordinated state of infant and mobile movements comprised the origin of agency. However, the model could not reproduce empirical observations regarding the development of action differentiation between the enhancement of arm movements for self-generated mobile movements (interaction condition) and inhibition of limb movements for incongruent mobile movements generated by others (stimulation condition). In the present study, we present a dynamical system model for the development of action differentiation for a mobile task. In addition to the pair of limb and mobile oscillators for providing positive feedback for reinforcement in the previous model, bifurcation dynamics are incorporated to enhance or inhibit self-movements in response to detecting contingencies between the limb and mobile movements. The results from computer simulations reproduce experimental observations on the developmental emergence of action differentiation between 2 and 3 months of age in the form of a bifurcation diagram. We infer that the emergence of physical agency entails young infants’ ability not only to enhance but also to decouple action-perception cycles based on self-referential processing using an efference copy.
Unwanted ingredients - Highly specific and sensitive method for the extraction and quantification of PFAS in everyday foods
Authors: Roberts Joanne , McNaughtan Moyra , Prieto Hector de las Heras
Published: May 2022

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic substances and can only come from polluted sources. There are many classes of PFAS which can be transformed to perfluoalkyl carboxylic acids and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in the environment. Once they are in this form they are environmentally mobile and extremely stable with half lifes of decades. These compounds are not innocuous and are implicated in causing many different diseases.In this publication a method for the extraction and quantitation of perflurocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulfonic acids, using high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HRMS), is evaluated. The linearity, recovery and matrix effect are described and the method tested on tomato, strawberry and milk purchased from different locations. The C8 PFAS – perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid which were added to the Stockholm Convention list for restricted use in 2008 were not determined. However, the C4 version – perfluorobutanoic acid was determined at different concentrations in all 3 matrices. The samples were sourced from different locations and had different packaging and therefore it is likely the contamination was from environmental sources such as bio-accumulation from groundwater or airborne particles.
Widespread occurrence of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and novel bfpA variants in Australian fruit bats
Authors: McDougall Fiona , Gordon David , Robins-Browne Roy , Bennett-Wood Vicki , Boardman Wayne , Power Michelle
Published: May 2022

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is an important cause of diarrhoeal disease in human infants. EPEC is characterised by specific virulence factors including intimin (encoded by the eae gene) and bundle forming pili (Bfp; encoded by the bfp operon, including the bfpA gene for the major pilus subunit). By definition, Bfp are only present in typical EPEC (tEPEC). Humans are the only known natural host of tEPEC. Here we investigated the occurrence and genetic characteristics of EPEC from an Australian fruit bat species, the grey-headed flying-fox. Whole genome sequencing of 61 E. coli isolates from fruit bat faeces revealed that 13 were tEPEC, 11 of which had novel bfpA variants. HEp-2 cell adhesion assays indicated that every tEPEC strain carried a functional bfp operon that encoded localised adherence to human-derived epithelial cells in vitro. Additional analysis of faecal samples using an EPEC-specific multiplex PCR, identified tEPEC in fruit bats from three geographic areas in eastern Australia, with sampling conducted on six occasions over a four-year period (mean occurrence 19.1%, range 1.3–87.0%). This is the first report of the widespread occurrence of tEPEC in a non-human host over extensive geographical and temporal scales. Our findings suggest that fruit bats are a natural host of tEPEC and that host-specific lineages may have evolved in bats to comprise part of their commensal microbiome.
Comparison of the Results of Four Different Refraction Measurement Devices in Childhood with Retinoscopy
Authors: Simsek Merve , Oral Yesim , Erogul Ozgur , Sabaner Mehmet Cem , Simsek Cem , Yorukoglu Seray
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 4 different autorefractometer devices with the results of retinoscopy in childhood. Methods: A total of 120 eyes of 60 patients aged between 6 and 18 who applied to Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University were included in the study. Patients were first measured refraction with Plusoptix A09 (photoscreener) without cycloplegia. Spherical and cylindrical values ​​were recorded. Then, half an hour after the patients were instilled 2 drops of cyclopentalate with an interval of 5 minutes, dilated retinoscopy was performed, and spherical and cylindrical values ​​were recorded. Autorefractometer measurements with cycloplegia were performed with Canon RK-F1 autorefractometer, Nidek Tonoref III and Retinomax K-Plus 3, and spherical and cylindrical values ​​were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.02 ± 2.1. Mean spherical equivalents were Canon RKF1 autorefractometer +0.045±2.49, Nidek TonoRef III +0.023±2.48, Retinomax K-Plus 3 +0.078±1.42, Plusoptix A09 -0.119±2.20, retinoscopy +0.124±2.65. Mean cylindrical values ​​were Canon RK-F1 autorefractometer -0.893±0.69, Nidek TonoRef III -0.927±0.72, Retinomax K-Plus 3 -0.888±0.73, Plusoptix A09 -0.883±0.719, retinoscopy -0.923±0.71. Statistical values ​​compared with retinoscopy; Canon RKF1 spherical equivalent (p=0.376), cylindrical (p= 0.515), Nidek TonoRef III spherical equivalent (p=0.485), cylindrical (p=0.198), Retinomax K-Plus 3 spherical equivalent (p=0.141), cylindrical (p=0.058), Plusoptix A09 spherical equivalent (p=0.085) and cylindrical (p=0.086) values ​​were not different. Conclusions: In spherical and cylindrical refractive error detection, all 4 devices showed reasonable and consistent results compared to retinoscopy.
The association between apparent temperature and cardiovascular mortality in Puducherry, India: an exploratory study between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Shrikhande Shreya S , Pedder Hugo , Röösli Martin , Dalvie Mohammad Aqiel , Lakshmanasamy Ravivarman , Gasparrini Antonio , Utzinger Jürg , Cissé Guéladio
Published: May 2022

Background and aimClimate change has far reaching consequences on all aspects of life, including health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the global leading cause of death, have also been found to be climate sensitive, mainly to temperature. However, the associations between CVDs and temperature are region-specific with relatively few studies focusing on low and middle-income countries. This study explores this association in Puducherry, a coastal district in the Eastern part India.Methods We analyzed the association between apparent temperature (Tapp) and in-hospital CVD mortalities in Puducherry between 2010 and 2020 using a binomial regression model. We used a distributed lag non-linear model to capture the delayed and non-linear trends and identify the optimal temperature range for Puducherry. The results are expressed as the fraction of CVD mortalities attributable to non-optimal temperatures. We also performed stratified analysis to explore the associations between Tapp and age and sex combined and different types of CVDs.Results We found that the optimal temperature range for Puducherry is between 33⁰C and 35⁰C with respect to CVDs. Temperatures both above and below the optimal temperature range were associated with an increased risk of overall in-hospital CVD mortalities, resulting in a U-shaped association curve. Up to 20% of the CVD deaths could be attributable to non-optimal temperatures, with a slightly higher burden attributable to cold (11.2%) than heat (9.1%). We also found that males above 60 years of age were more vulnerable to colder temperatures, while females above 60 years were more vulnerable to heat. Mortality with cerebrovascular accidents was associated more with heat compared to cold, while ischemic heart diseases did not seem to be affected by temperature.Conclusions We found the optimal temperature range for Puducherry to be higher than that previously reported for India as a whole, with a relatively high burden attributable to ‘cold’ temperatures, despite being an inherently hot region. Our study also identified the age and gender differences in temperature attributable CVD mortalities, which can be socio-cultural. Further studies from India could identify the regional associations and enhance the development of region and context specific climate-health action plans.
The molecular basis for pore pattern morphogenesis in diatom silica
Authors: Heintze Christoph , Babenko Iaroslav , Suchanova Jirina Zackova , Skeffington Alastair , Friedrich Benjamin , Kroeger Nils
Published: May 2022

Biomineral forming organisms produce inorganic materials with complex, genetically encoded morphologies that are unmatched by current synthetic chemistry. It is poorly understood which genes are involved in biomineral morphogenesis and how the encoded proteins guide this process. We addressed these questions using diatoms, which are paradigms for the self-assembly of hierarchically meso- and macroporous silica under mild reaction conditions. Proteomics analysis of the intracellular organelle for silica biosynthesis led to identification of new biomineralization proteins. Three of these, dAnk1-3, are largely specific to diatoms and contain a common protein-protein interaction domain (ankyrin repeats), indicating a role in coordinating assembly of the silica biomineralization machinery. Knocking out individual dank genes led to aberrations in silica biogenesis that are consistent with liquid-liquid phase separation as underlying mechanism for pore pattern morphogenesis. Our work provides an unprecedented path for the synthesis of tailored meso- and macroporous silicas using Synthetic Biology.
Polarization-controlled multifunctional polarization conversion in bilayer chiral metamaterials
Authors: Luan Weimeng , Zhang Yihao , Gao Xinzhuo , Yan Xiaona , Jin Zuanming , Ma Guohong , Yao Jianquan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a chiral metamaterial (MM) structure composed of bilayer twisted split-ring resonator (SRR) arrays is proposed and demonstrated to realize polarization-controlled, dual-directional, and multifunctional polarization conversion for terahertz (THz) waves. Simulated results show that the converter can selectively achieve linear-to-linear, or linear to left-handed circular, or linear to right-handed circular’s polarization conversion according to the polarization state and propagating direction of the incident THz wave. Stokes parameters, ellipticity, and polarized rotation angle are introduced to determine the polarization states of the output waves. The circular polarization transmission coefficients and surface current distributions at the resonance frequency points are simulated to explain and demonstrate the physical origin of polarization conversion. The proposed multifunctional converter can find potential applications in THz sensing, imaging and communication areas.
Using short knee radiographs to predict the coronal alignment after TKA: is it an accurate proxy for HKA on full-length images?
Authors: Shang Guangqian , Hu Mingwei , Guo Jianjun , Hao Xu , Xiang Shuai
Published: May 2022

Background: The postoperative clinical outcomes has been extensively demonstrated to largely correlate with the coronal alignment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in different studies, either the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) on a full-length radiograph or the femorotibial angle (FTA) on a short knee film was used to categorize the postoperative coronal alignment. Meanwhile, several different FTA ranges were regarded as neutral alignment in different studies. As a result, it is still unknown that how FTA on short knee films and HKA related to each other. Methods: 223 patients were included in this study and standard weight-bearing short knee films as well as full-length radiographs were acquired. The pre- and postoperative FTA, as well as the postoperative anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) and anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA) were measured on short knee films by two orthopedic surgeons independently. On full-length films, the pre- and postoperative FTA, the pre- and postoperative HKA, as well as the postoperative mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) were also recorded by two other surgeons independently. Results: A good linear relationship between the postoperative FTA and HKA were demonstrated (r=0.86). The concordant classifications were reached 82.7%, 71.0%, and 68.2% of all patients using three previously reported FTA ranges. When analyzing the independent alignment of the tibial tray and the femoral component, 84.1% and 57.9% of all patients was reached an agreement on the classification. Conclusions: In most occasions, the consistence between the FTA and HKA in assessing the overall coronal alignment of the lower extremity and the tibial component is satisfactory. However, the postoperative full-length film is still needed to evaluate accurately measure the coronal alignment of the femoral component.
The Split Friction Model - The Isotropic Origin of the Lateral Force in Curling
Authors: Ziegler Martin
Published: May 2022

The deviation of a curling stone with 1-5 rotations in a normal game can be explained with the isotropic nature of friction.Due to isotropy, the lateral force arises as a delta of asymmetric friction forces opposite to the centripetal forces. Considering lubricant accumulation, the quadratic Stribeck-curve on the advancing side is modified to show rather constant values. Below a critical velocity difference of the two sides this will result in a curl.For few rotations, an exact calculation based on experimental measurements explains the observed deviation of roundabout 1m declining with increasing rotations.The deviation above 5 rotations can be explained considering statics and additional heuristic calculations that involve Scratch-Theory and the influence of gyroscopic precession. All this then yields a graph that also explains the observed increasing deviation up to 2m for 80 rotations.
A spatiotemporal ensemble machine learning framework for generating land use / land cover time-series maps for Europe (2000 – 2019) based on LUCAS, CORINE and GLAD Landsat
Authors: Witjes Martijn , Parente Leandro , Diemen Chris J. van , Hengl Tomislav , Landa Martin , Brodsky Lukas , Halounova Lena , Krizan Josip , Antonic Luka , Ilie Codrina M , Craciunescu Vasile , Kilibarda Milan , Antonijevic Ognjen , Glusica Luka
Published: May 2022

A spatiotemporal machine learning framework for automated prediction and analysis of long-term Land Use / Land Cover dynamics is presented. The framework includes: (1) harmonization and preprocessing of spatial and spatiotemporal input datasets (GLAD Landsat, NPP/VIIRS) including 5 million harmonized LUCAS and CORINE Land Cover-derived training samples, (2) model building based on spatial k-fold cross-validation and hyper-parameter optimization, (3) prediction of the most probable class, class probabilities and model variance of predicted probabilities per pixel, (4) LULC change analysis on time-series of produced maps. The spatiotemporal ensemble model consists of a random forest, gradient boosted tree classifier, and an artificial neural network, with a logistic regressor as meta-learner. The results show that the most important variables for mapping LULC in Europe are: seasonal aggregates of Landsat green and near-infrared bands, multiple Landsat-derived spectral indices, long-term surface water probability, and elevation. Spatial cross-validation of the model indicates consistent performance across multiple years with overall accuracy (a weighted F1-score) of 0.49, 0.63, and 0.83 when predicting 43 (level-3), 14 (level-2), and 5 classes (level-1). Additional experiments show that spatiotemporal models generalize better to unknown years, outperforming single-year models on known-year classification by 2.7% and unknown-year classification by 3.5%. Results of the accuracy assessment using 48,365 independent test samples shows 87% match with the validation points. Results of time-series analysis (time-series of LULC probabilities and NDVI images) suggest forest loss in large parts of Sweden, the Alps, and Scotland. Positive and negative trends in NDVI in general match the land degradation and land restoration classes, with “urbanization” showing the most negative NDVI trend. An advantage of using spatiotemporal ML is that the fitted model can be used to predict LULC in years that were not included in its training dataset, allowing generalization to past and future periods, e.g. to predict LULC for years prior to 2000 and beyond 2020. The generated LULC time-series data stack (ODSE-LULC), including the training points, is publicly available via the ODSE Viewer. Functions used to prepare data and run modeling are available via the eumap library for python.
Habitat characteristics and spatial distribution of Anopheles mosquito larvae in malaria elimination settings in Dembiya District, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tarekegn Mihretu , Tekie Habte , Wolde-hawariat Yitbarek , Dugassa Sisay
Published: May 2022

The persistence and productivity of larval habitat is a major factor that regulates adult Anopheles mosquitoes’ density and malaria transmission intensity. A study on Anopheles mosquitoes breeding habitat diversity, distribution, characteristics and larval density in different seasons across various habitat types is important to design effective larval control strategies. This study was aimed to investigate the Anopheles species composition, the productivity of larval breeding habitats, and their spatial distribution in selected localities of Dembiya District. A longitudinal study on characteristics and productivity of Anopheles larval breeding habitats was conducted from June 2018 to May 2019 in selected localities of Dembiya District. Anopheles larvae were collected using standard WHO dipper (350 ml capacity) and droppers depending on the size of the breeding habitats. Physicochemical characteristics of breeding habitats were measured and Anopheles mosquitoes were identified by using morphological keys and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression was used to assess the association of environmental factors with the presence or absence of Anopheles mosquitoes larvae. A total of 1,629 Anopheles larvae and 185 pupae were collected from both localities. These comprise Anopheles arabiensis, An. pharoensis, An. coustani, An. christyi, An. squamosus, An. demeilloni, An. danicalicus, and An. cinereus. The highest density of Anopheles larvae was collected from at a drying water canal (14.7 ± 3.5 larvae/dip) and the lowest larval density was recorded in rain water pools (0.2 ± 0.2 larvae/dip). The presence or absence of Anopheles larvae were significantly associated with physical characteristics of the breeding habitats such as turbidity (mid turbid) (AOR = 66.03; 95% CI: 2.01-2168.24, p = 0.019) and presence of grasses (AOR = 12.62; 95% CI: 1.29-122.78, p = 0.029). This study indicated that breeding sites persist and support Anopheles mosquito breeding activities and impact malaria control and elimination programs. Incorporating vector control strategies targeting Anopheles larvae as a part of malaria intervention strategies could enhance the malaria control and elimination program in the study area.
Nintedanib reduces corticosteroid resistance pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice by increasing the expression of β3 & β6 integrins
Authors: Alghamdi Doha , Eweis Hala , damanhouri zoheir
Published: May 2022

Background
Corticosteroid resistance pulmonary fibrosis is a major health problem. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nintedanib on corticosteroid resistance pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice.
Methods
The mice were divided into five groups 12 mice each. control group, BLM group received single dose of bleomycin (BLM), BLM + MP group received BLM and methylprednisolone (MP), BLM + NIN group received BLM and nintedanib(NIN) and BLM + NIN + MP group. The lung tissues were obtained for biochemical analysis, gene expression and histopathological examination on day 7 and day 28.
Results
after 7 days, both NIN groups showed a significant decrease in the levels of interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interferon-gamma, lung tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Malondialdehyde and lung water content with a significant increase in the Glutathione content in lung tissues compared to MP group. After 28 days, both NIN groups showed a significant reduction in hydroxyproline, and Trans-forming Growth Factor beta lung tissues contents compared to MP group, and they showed a positive effect on the expression of β 3 &β6 integrins compared to the negative effect of MP group. Histopathologically, both NIN groups showed significant improvement compared to MP group by H&E and Masson’s trichrome stains. Immunohistochemical staining revealed negative BCL-2 expression in the cytoplasm of bronchiolar epithelium in both NIN groups after 7 and 28 days of treatment. Lung tissue morphometric studies showed significant improvement of pathological changes induced by BLM in both NIN groups.
Conclusions
Altogether, our data indicates that nintedanib overcame corticosteroid resistance pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin.
Reported Evidence-Based Writing Practices and Teachers’ Beliefs in Catalonia, Spain: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Birello Marilisa , Comajoan-Colomé Llorenç , Sorolla Natxo
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the reported frequency of the use of evidence-based writing practices (EBWPs) by teachers (N = 51) in primary and secondary school classrooms in a sample of schools in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain), and how teacher beliefs contribute to the reported use of EBWPs. The results showed that the teachers declared to implement most of the EBWPs from previous studies. The three most frequent declared practices were 1) give praise individually for writing, 2) teaching writing strategies for planning and writing skills, and 3) using text assessment as a guide to shape instructions. Regarding teachers’ beliefs about teaching writing, the study focused on teachers’ attitudes and teacher efficacy. The results on attitude showed that teachers had a positive attitude toward writing. Results regarding teacher efficacy showed that teachers felt quite efficacious, especially when they were required to determine the level of difficulty in written assignments. A factor analysis of the EBWPs showed that the two main factors for the frequency of reported use of EBWPS were strategy teaching for evidence-based writing and writing practices based on text assessment. PLS regression analyses showed that the reported frequency of use of EBWPs was highly predicted by the feeling of efficacy of teachers.