Alanine aminotransferase predicts incident steatotic liver disease of metabolic etiology: Long life to the old biomarker!

Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)serum levels increase because of hepatocellular damage.Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD),which identifies steatotic liver disease(SLD)associated with≥2 metabolic abnormalities,has prominent sexual differences.The Metabolic Syndrome defines a cluster comprising abdominal obesity,altered glucose metabolism,dyslipidemia,and hypertension.Male sex,body mass index,glucose,lipids,ferritin,hypertension,and age independently predict ALT levels among blood donors.Over the last few decades,the reference range of ALT levels has been animatedly debated owing to attempts to update sex-specific reference ranges.With this backset,Chen et al have recently published a study which has two main findings.First,>80%of indi-viduals with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.Second,there was a linear increa-sing trend in the association between cumulative excess high-normal ALT levels and the rate of incident MAFLD.This study has biologically credible findings.However,it inaccurately considered sex differences in the MAFLD arena.Therefore,future studies on SLD owing to metabolic dysfunction should adopt locally determined and prospectively validated reference ranges of ALT and carefully consider sex differences in liver enzymes and MAFLD pathobiology.

Precise and accurate Ga isotope ratio measurements of geological samples by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Gallium isotope is a potential geochemical tool for understanding planetary processes,environmental pollution,and ore deposit formation.The reported Ga isotope compositions(δ^(71)Ga NIST994 values)of some international geological standards,such as BCR-2 and BHVO-2 basalts,exhibit inconsistencies between diff erent laboratories.During mass spectrometry analysis,we found thatδ^(71)Ga NIST994 values of geological standards with or without the correction of the interference of^(138)Ba^(2+)(mass/charge ratio=69)on 69 Ga show signifi cant isotope off sets,and thus effi cient separation of Ba and correcting the interference of^(138)Ba^(2+)are both crucial to obtain accurateδ^(71)Ga values.By comparingδ^(71)Ga NIST994 values(relative to NIST SRM 994 Ga)of the same geostandards from diff erent laboratories,we suggest that the isotopic heterogeneity from NIST SRM 994 Ga is one of the key reasons for the inconsistencies inδ^(71)Ga NIST994 values of BCR-2 and BHVO-2.To facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons,we measured the Ga isotopic compositions of 11 geological reference materials(including Pb-Zn ore,bauxite,igneous rocks,and loess)and two Ga solution standards(NIST SRM 3119a and Alfa Aesar).Theδ^(71)Ga NIST994 andδ^(71)Ga IPGP values of these reference materials vary from 1.12‰to 2.63‰and−0.13‰to 1.38‰,respectively,and can be used to evaluate the precision and accuracy of Ga isotope data from diff erent laboratories.

Leveraging the Empirical Wavelet Transform in Combination with Convolutional LSTM Neural Networks to Enhance the Accuracy of Polar Motion Prediction

High-precision polar motion prediction is of great significance for deep space exploration and satellite navigation.Polar motion is affected by a variety of excitation factors,and nonlinear prediction methods are more suitable for polar motion prediction.In order to explore the effect of deep learning in polar motion prediction.This paper proposes a combined model based on empirical wavelet transform(EWT),Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)and Long Short Term Memory(LSTM).By training and forecasting EOP 20C04 data,the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified,and the performance of two forecasting strategies in deep learning for polar motion prediction is explored.The results indicate that recursive multi-step prediction performs better than direct multi-step prediction for short-term forecasts within 15 days,while direct multi-step prediction is more suitable for medium and long-term forecasts.In the 365 days forecast,the mean absolute error of EWT-CNN-LSTM in the X direction and Y direction is 18.25 mas and 15.78 mas,respectively,which is 23.5% and 16.2% higher than the accuracy of Bulletin A.The results show that the algorithm has a good effect in medium and long term polar motion prediction.

The Application of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Small Electrical Time Constant in Fiber Positioner

With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.

Stepwise Ecological Restoration:A framework for improving restoration outcomes

Ecosystem degradation is one of the critical constraints for the sustainable development of our planet.However,recovering an ecosystem to a pre-impairment condition is often not practical.The International Restoration Standards provide the first framework for practical guidance on what constitutes the process of ecological repair and how this repair process can be influenced to improve net ecological benefits.In these Standards,Restorative Continuum is highlighted and it recognises that many do not,yet there is still value in aspiring to improvements to the highest extent possible,with some sites potentially being able to be improved in a stepwise manner.Here we elaborate on these Standards by providing a cross-ecosystem theoretical framework of Stepwise Ecological Restoration(STERE)for promoting higher environmental benefits.STERE allows the selection of suitable restorative modes by considering the degree of degradation while encouraging a transition to a higher state.These models include environmental remediation for completely modified and degraded ecosystems,ecological rehabilitation for highly modified and degraded ecosystems,and ecological restoration for degraded native ecosystems.STERE requires selecting tailored restorative modes,setting clear restorative targets and reference ecosystems,applying a systematic-thinking approach,and implementing a continuous monitoring program at all process stages to achieve a resilient trajectory.STERE allows adaptive management in the context of climate change,and when the evidence is available,to“adapt to the future”to ensure climate resilience.The STERE framework could assist in initiating and implementing restoration projects worldwide,especially in developing countries.

A Reference Vector-Assisted Many-Objective Optimization Algorithm with Adaptive Niche Dominance Relation

It is still a huge challenge for traditional Pareto-dominatedmany-objective optimization algorithms to solve manyobjective optimization problems because these algorithms hardly maintain the balance between convergence and diversity and can only find a group of solutions focused on a small area on the Pareto front,resulting in poor performance of those algorithms.For this reason,we propose a reference vector-assisted algorithmwith an adaptive niche dominance relation,for short MaOEA-AR.The new dominance relation forms a niche based on the angle between candidate solutions.By comparing these solutions,the solutionwith the best convergence is found to be the non-dominated solution to improve the selection pressure.In reproduction,a mutation strategy of k-bit crossover and hybrid mutation is used to generate high-quality offspring.On 23 test problems with up to 15-objective,we compared the proposed algorithm with five state-of-the-art algorithms.The experimental results verified that the proposed algorithm is competitive.

Referring to Third-Persons in English Interaction： A Single Case Analysis

Talking about and referring to others is a fundamentally human activity that relies on the meaningful use of referring expressions for interlocuters to be able to identify the specific individual( s) being spoken of. With a primary focus on practices for referring to third parties,the broad aim of this paper is to show that whilst the selection of referring expression is based on complex,deeply social and cultural conventions,it is also a highly systematic and orderly activity. More specifically,this paper explores an interactional 'puzzle' contained in a single piece of data,in which a daughter — in conversation with her mother — refers to her father( her mother's ex-husband) in three different ways in quick succession. In doing so,we illustrate the potential interactional import of referring expressions for accomplishing social action beyond indexing an individual. In analysing this single case,one procedure for doing conversation analytic work is also illustrated. That is,in contrast to building and analysing collections,this paper draws on and applies what is already known from previous conversation analytic literature about practices for referring to persons. In analysing one fragment in which reference to a third party is made,we will review the fundamentals of the organisation of person reference in English.

Correction to:Bottomonium suppression in heavy‑ion collisions and the in‑medium strong force

Correction to:NUCL SCI TECH(2023)34:63 https://doi.org/10.1007/s41365-023-01213-3 While typesetting,reference[16]in the list has not been properly placed in the proof.The orders of the references[13-16]were mistaken by the production.The correct order of the references is.

Identification of optimal reference genes in golden Syrian hamster with ethanol-and palmitoleic acid-induced acute pancreatitis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

Background:Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a severe disorder that leads to high morbidity and mortality.Appropriate reference genes are important for gene analysis in AP.This study sought to study the expression stability of several reference genes in the golden Syrian hamster,a model of AP.Methods:AP was induced in golden Syrian hamster by intraperitoneal injection of ethanol(1.35 g/kg)and palmitoleic acid(2 mg/kg).The expression of candidate genes,including Actb,Gapdh,Eef2,Ywhaz,Rps18,Hprt1,Tubb,Rpl13a,Nono,and B2m,in hamster pancreas at different time points(1,3,6,9,and 24 h)posttreatment was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The expression stability of these genes was calculated using Best Keeper,Comprehensive Delta CT,Norm Finder,and ge Norm algorithms and Ref Finder software.Results:Our results show that the expression of these reference genes fluctuated during AP,of which Ywhaz and Gapdh were the most stable genes,whereas Tubb,Eef2,and Actb were the least stable genes.Furthermore,these genes were used to normalize the expression of TNF-αmessenger ribonucleic acid in inflamed pancreas.Conclusions:In conclusion,Ywhaz and Gapdh were suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in AP induced in Syrian hamster.

RT-qPCR normalization of reference genes in different lifehistory stages of Gracilaria vermiculophylla(Rhodophyta)

The quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)is a powerful and sensitive method to measure expression of targeted gene but it highly relies on the use of suitable reference genes for data normalization.We evaluated the expressions of 8 housekeeping genes:18S ribosomal rDNA(18S rDNA),28S ribosomal r DNA(28S rDNA),rubisco large subunit(rbc-L),β-actin(ACT),glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH),elongation factor 1(EF1),β-tubulin(Tub B),and P-phycoerythrin B(PEB),to select the suitable reference genes for different life-history stages(tetrasporophyte,carposporophyte,and male/female gametophyte)of Gracilaria vermiculophylla by absolute quantitative method.Softwares geNorm and BestKeeper were used to verify the results acquired from copy number analysis.Results show that the expression of identified reference genes varied in comparing groups composed of different type of life stages.It is suggested that 18S rDNA and TubB could be used for highly complex samples composed of mixed ploidy and phases.18S rDNA and 28S rDNA were also preferred for using among the matured isomorphic samples.But for samples with different maturities,TubB and ACT were recommended for tetrasporophytes and gametophytes respectively.

Responses of vegetation yield to precipitation and reference evapotranspiration in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia,China

Drought,which restricts the sustainable development of agriculture,ecological health,and social economy,is affected by a variety of factors.It is widely accepted that a single variable cannot fully reflect the characteristics of drought events.Studying precipitation,reference evapotranspiration(ET_(0)),and vegetation yield can derive information to help conserve water resources in grassland ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions.In this study,the interactions of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner(DMJB),a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China were explored using two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)joint distribution models.Three types of Copula functions were applied to quantitatively analyze the joint distribution probability of different combinations of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield.For the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet type,the 2D joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a or ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a in DMJB was approximately 0.60,while the joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a and ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a was approximately 0.20.Correspondingly,the joint return period that at least one of the two events(precipitation was dry or ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 2 a,and the co-occurrence return period that both events(precipitation was dry and ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 5 a.Under this condition,the interval between dry and wet events would be short,the water supply and demand were unbalanced,and the water demand of vegetation would not be met.In addition,when precipitation remained stable and ET_(0)increased,the 3D joint distribution probability that vegetation yield would decrease due to water shortage in the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet years could reach up to 0.60–0.70.In future work,irrigation activities and water allocation criteria need to be implemented to increase vegetation yield and the safety of water resources in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia.

Novel 3D local feature descriptor of point clouds based on spatial voxel homogenization for feature matching

Obtaining a 3D feature description with high descriptiveness and robustness under complicated nuisances is a significant and challenging task in 3D feature matching.This paper proposes a novel feature description consisting of a stable local reference frame(LRF)and a feature descriptor based on local spatial voxels.First,an improved LRF was designed by incorporating distance weights into Z-and X-axis calculations.Subsequently,based on the LRF and voxel segmentation,a feature descriptor based on voxel homogenization was proposed.Moreover,uniform segmentation of cube voxels was performed,considering the eigenvalues of each voxel and its neighboring voxels,thereby enhancing the stability of the description.The performance of the descriptor was strictly tested and evaluated on three public datasets,which exhibited high descriptiveness,robustness,and superior performance compared with other current methods.Furthermore,the descriptor was applied to a 3D registration trial,and the results demonstrated the reliability of our approach.

Selection of Stable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR on Herbaceous Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) in Response to Drought Stress

Herbaceous peony(Paeonia lactiflora Pall.),as a high-end cut flower in the international market,has high ornamental and medicinal values.But in Northern China,drought is a major environmental factor influencing the growth and development of P.lactiflora.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)can evaluate gene expression levels under different stress conditions,and stable internal reference is the key for qRT-PCR.At present,there is no systematic screening of internal reference for correcting gene expressions of P.lactiflora in response to drought stress.In this study,10 candidate genes[ubiquitin(UBQ2),UBQ1,elongation factor 1-α(EF-1α),Histidine(His),eukaryotic initiation factor(eIF),tubulin(TUB),actin(ACT),UBQ3,ACT2,RNA polymerase II(RNA Pol II)]were chosen,and 4 analysis methods were used to compare the stabilities for these 10 genes coping with drought stress.Due to the difference of operation methods,the results of different analysis were distinct,and the final comprehensive analysis indicated that EF-1αwas a relatively stable internal reference gene for P.lactiflora under drought stress.Also,UBQ1 and UBQ2 were the best reference gene combination according to GeNorm analysis.This study will lay a foundation for screening the key genes of P.lactiflora in response to drought stress.

Stochastic Investigations for the Fractional Vector-Host Diseased Based Saturated Function of Treatment Model

The goal of this research is to introduce the simulation studies of the vector-host disease nonlinear system(VHDNS)along with the numerical treatment of artificial neural networks(ANNs)techniques supported by Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation(LMQBP),known as ANNs-LMQBP.This mechanism is physically appropriate,where the number of infected people is increasing along with the limited health services.Furthermore,the biological effects have fadingmemories and exhibit transition behavior.Initially,the model is developed by considering the two and three categories for the humans and the vector species.The VHDNS is constructed with five classes,susceptible humans Sh(t),infected humans Ih(t),recovered humans Rh(t),infected vectors Iv(t),and susceptible vector Sv(t)based system of the fractional-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations.To solve the number of variations of the VHDNS,the numerical simulations are performed using the stochastic ANNs-LMQBP.The achieved numerical solutions for solving the VHDNS using the stochastic ANNs-LMQBP have been described for training,verifying,and testing data to decrease the mean square error(MSE).An extensive analysis is provided using the correlation studies,MSE,error histograms(EHs),state transitions(STs),and regression to observe the accuracy,efficiency,expertise,and aptitude of the computing ANNs-LMQBP.

Maternal Deaths after Obstetrical Referral and/or Evacuation to the Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center, Togo

Introduction: Maternal death or maternal mortality is “the death of a woman occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, regardless of duration or location, for any specific cause or aggravated by pregnancy or its management, but neither accidental nor fortuitous. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from January 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022 at the Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center (SOUHC). Results: we noted 86 cases of maternal deaths after referral/evacuation i.e. a maternal mortality rate hospital of 555 maternal deaths per 100,000 LB. The average age of the patients was 31.1 ± 6.3 years with extremes of 15 and 45 years. In 33.7% of cases our patients were resellers. Multiparas represented 33.7% of the sample, they had performed less than three antenatal consultations. Postpartum hemorrhage was the reference reason in 33.7%. In 74.4% of cases, the patients referred had arrived by taxi. In 87.9% of cases, the patients had died of direct obstetric causes. Immediate postpartum hemorrhage accounted for 44.6% of cases and anemia, 36.4%. There is a statistically significant association between the availability of blood product and the avoidability of maternal death after obstetrical referral and/or evacuation (p value = 0.0188 0.05). Conclusion: Determining responsibility for maternal death is not always easy. There is an urgent need to strengthen the policy of reducing maternal mortality in Togo. This remains possible by developing communication strategies and a solid referral/counter-referral system.

Speed Identification of Speed Sensorless Linear Induction Motor Based on MRAS

In the linear induction motor control system,the optical grating speed transducer is susceptible to strong magnetic field interference.What's more,it may reduce motor integration and raise device costs.Therefore a speed identification method to replace grating speed transducer is studied in this article.This speed identification method for linear induction motor mainly adopts Model Reference Adaptive Method(Abbreviated as MRAS)and Popov Hyperstability Theory.The research content of this paper can be divided into four parts.First,the mathematical model of the motor based on the model reference adaptive system structure is deduced.Second,the adaptive law of the estimated speed is solved by Popov hyper-stability theory,which ensures the stability of the system.Third,the simulation model of the linear induction motor speed identification control system based on model reference adaptation is built in the MATLAB environment.Finally,the simulation test and analysis are carried out.The simulation results show that the speed identification control system can track the actual speed of the linear induction motor well in the no-load operation and the load operation,and the stability of the system is guaranteed in the full speed range.

Evidence-based literature review:De-duplication a cornerstone for quality

Evidence-based literature reviews play a vital role in contemporary research,facilitating the synthesis of knowledge from multiple sources to inform decisionmaking and scientific advancements.Within this framework,de-duplication emerges as a part of the process for ensuring the integrity and reliability of evidence extraction.This opinion review delves into the evolution of de-duplication,highlights its importance in evidence synthesis,explores various de-duplication methods,discusses evolving technologies,and proposes best practices.By addressing ethical considerations this paper emphasizes the significance of deduplication as a cornerstone for quality in evidence-based literature reviews.

Radiation Dose Survey of Pediatric Chest Computed Tomography Examinations: A Local Diagnostic Reference Levels Approach to Patient Safety

Objectives: The aim of this work was to initially establish both age and weight driven pediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for chest computed tomography (CT) examinations performed at tertiary care medical institution. Another aim was to compare the presented data with internationally published ones. This initial data shall serve as basis for establishing a national DRLs values for pediatric diagnostic CT examinations. Methods: Dosimetric indexes were collected for the chest examination for 93 patients during the past 2 years in a tertiary care medical city. Results: The results are within and below the international reported levels for chest CT in several countries. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of the radiation doses received by the patients in computed tomography is continuous and ongoing process in order to ensure compliance and to optimize clinical imaging protocols. More extensive data acquisition and analysis are required to allow better understanding of the contributing factors leading to less patient radiation dose while preserving the clinical image quality. .

Evaluation of Actual Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient in Carrot by Remote Sensing Methodology Using Drainage and River Water to Overcome Reduced Water Availability

Searching for alternative methods for traditional irrigation is World trend at days due to a reduction in water and increased of drought due to climate changes therefore farmers need use modern methods of scheduling water and minimizing water losses while also increasing yield. To meet the future increasing demands water and food there is a need to utilize alternative methods to reduce evaporation, transpiration and deep percolation of water. Any countries use recycled water (drain and sewage) and desalination water from the sea or drains to irrigate crops plus computing actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc) so as to calculate the amount of water to apply to a crop. The paper aims to assess the actual evaporation and evaporation coefficient of carrots, by planting carrots in a field and the crop was exposed to several sources of water (DW and RW) and comparing ETc, Kc and production among plots of three sites (A, B and C). The study used two types of irrigation water (drain water (DW) and river water (RW)). The results were to monthly rate and accumulated actual evapotranspiration to C (irrigation by RW only) more than A (67% RW and 33% DW) and B (17% RW and 83% DW) via 7% and 58%, respectively. The yield to C more than A and B by 17% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion the use of DW can cause a reduction in crop consumptive of carrot crops also causes a reduction in yield, crop length, root length, root size, canopy of crop, number of leaves and biomass of the plant therefore, the drainage water needs to treated before irrigating crops And making use of it to irrigate the fields and fill the shortfall in the amount of water from the river. The drain water helped on filling the water shortage due to climate changes and giving production of carrot crop but less than river water.

Capacity Development of National Reference Centers (NRC) to Face the Challenges of Emerging Infections in Côte d’Ivoire

Background: Some national and international strategies for the detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases have been established across sectors. The capacity to carry out these tasks varies from country to country, and that remains largely undervalued. The Pasteur Institute of C?te d’Ivoire has created and implemented the capacity of national reference centers to fight against emerging and other infectious diseases. Objective: Show on the one hand the strategies used to develop the National Reference Centers and the IPCI and on the other hand the results obtained by performing these strategies. Method: Datas collection by documentary analysis (published scientific articles and grey literature) was done on Google Scholar, PUBMED and institutional reference documents. The documentary research was carried out to have a better understanding of strategies used to create and develop the NRCs in microbiology of communicable diseases. Results: Seven integrated strategies were launched: 1-training and workforce development;2-investigation of epidemics or public health events;3-strengthening laboratory epidemiological research;4-strengthening surveillance systems;5-improving communication with partners and stakeholders;6-building national and international collaborations;and 7-strengthening technical and technological platforms. In two decades, the number of researchers has risen from 10 in 2004 to ninety (90) in 2021, with 12 senior researchers and 32 junior researchers. A number of health service staff had attended a qualifying training course, 27 investigations into outbreaks and other public health events had been carried out, 18 short-term research projects had been launched, major surveillance programs and epidemiological research efforts on vector-borne, food-borne and nosocomial infections had begun, and several scientific manuscripts had been published or were edited in the writting press. Conclusion: The Ivorian experience shows that, with concerted effort, considerable progress can be made in the development and implementation of an infectious disease control program.