bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vectorial inverse scattering for dielectric tensor tomography: overcoming challenges of reconstruction of highly scattering birefringent samples
Authors: Hugonnet Hervé , Lee Moosung , Shin Seungwoo , Park YongKeun
Published: August 2023

Many important microscopy samples, such as liquid crystals, biological tissue, or starches, are birefringent in nature. They scatter light differently depending on the polarization of the light and the orientation of the molecules. The complete characterization of a birefringent sample is a challenging task because its 3 × 3 dielectric tensor must be reconstructed at every three-dimensional position. Moreover, obtaining a birefringent tomogram is more arduous for thick samples, where multiple light scattering should also be considered. In this study, we developed a new dielectric tensor tomography algorithm that enables full characterization of highly scattering birefringent samples by solving the vectoral inverse scattering problem while accounting for multiple light scattering. We proposed a discrete image-processing theory to compute the error backpropagation of vectorially diffracting light. Finally, our theory was experimentally demonstrated using both synthetic and biologically birefringent samples.
Theoretical and experimental study of the 6S-8S two-photon absorption cross-section in cesium atoms
Authors: Caracas Núñez Michael , Gonzalez Miguel A. , Núñez Portela Mayerlin
Published: August 2023

The probability of a two-photon absorption (TPA) process is quantified by means of the TPA cross-section. In this work the TPA cross-section for the 6S1/2 → 8S1/2 transition in cesium (Cs) atoms is obtained from a theoretical and experimental approach. It is calculated using second order perturbation theory including hyperfine structure and Doppler broadening for a thermal atomic vapor. The theoretical values for the TPA cross-sections of the two allowed hyperfine transitions are σ~3,3=3.10×10−24 cm4/W and σ~4,4=3.65×10−24 cm4/W. An experiment is set up to measure these cross-sections based on the quadratic dependence between the TPA transition rate and the intensity of the laser light. Values of σ~3,3=(3.6±1.1)×10−24 cm4/W and σ~4,4=(4.6±1.1)×10−24 cm4/W are obtained from the measurements. The results show an agreement between theory and experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these cross-sections are reported.
Fabrication and characterization of a two-dimensional individually addressable electrowetting microlens array
Authors: Gilinsky Samuel D. , Zohrabi Mo , Lim Wei Yang , Supekar Omkar D. , Bright Victor M. , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: August 2023

We demonstrate a two-dimensional, individually tunable electrowetting microlens array fabricated using standard microfabrication techniques. Each lens in our array has a large range of focal tunability from −1.7 mm to −∞ in the diverging regime, which we verify experimentally from 0 to 75 V for a device coated in Parylene C. Additionally, each lens can be actuated to within 1% of their steady-state value within 1.5 ms. To justify the use of our device in a phase-sensitive optical system, we measure the wavefront of a beam passing through the center of a single lens in our device over the actuation range and show that these devices have a surface quality comparable to static microlens arrays. The large range of tunability, fast response time, and excellent surface quality of these devices open the door to potential applications in compact optical imaging systems, transmissive wavefront shaping, and beam steering.
Light manipulation for all-fiber devices with VCSEL and graphene-based metasurface
Authors: He Kai , Ning Tigang , Li Jing , Pei Li , Bai Bing , Wang Jianshuai
Published: August 2023

Light manipulation for all-fiber devices has played a vital role in controllable photonic devices. A graphene-based metasurface is proposed to realize light manipulation. A row of VCSEL-based optical engines with low crosstalk is used as the control light to modulate the signal transmitted in the microstructured fiber. In this configuration, the proposed device can work independently of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system. With an insertion loss of only 0.28 dB, evanescent wave coupling to graphene layers is polarisation-insensitive. The device could be effectively manipulated for a few days (not less than 72 hours), which possesses the capacity to dynamically modulate the signal light with both low-temperature sensitivity and low-wavelength sensitivity. The 35 nm wavelength interval results in a change of only about 0.1 dB in the output light intensity of the microstructured fiber when the wavelength changes from 1530 nm to 1565 nm. Moreover, the modulation depth is approximately 2 dB when the modulating voltage is 2.2 V, which may open avenues for channel detection techniques and have deep implications in top tuning applications.
Light-narrowed parametric resonance magnetometer with the fundamental sensitivity beyond the spin-exchange limit
Authors: Zhang Guiying , Zeng Hongjian , Guo Ruihan , Zhang Qing , Yu Wenyue , Lin Qiang
Published: August 2023

In the field of biomagnetic measurements, one of the most important
recent challenges is to perform measurements in a magnetically
unshielded environment. This first requires that atomic magnetometers
can operate in a finite magnetic field, and have enough high
sensitivity. To meet these requirements, we develop a light-narrowed
parametric resonance (LPR) magnetometer. By adding a modulation
magnetic field to the large longitudinal magnetic field, our LPR
magnetometer can measure small transverse magnetic fields with an
intrinsic sensitivity of 3.5 fT/Hz1/2 in a longitudinal
magnetic field of μT range. Moreover, we have also
demonstrated that in contrast to the previous light-narrowed scalar
magnetometers, our LPR magnetometer has the potential to achieve
higher sensitivity. Because in our case spin-exchange relaxation
suppression by using light narrowing can lead to an improvement of
fundamental sensitivity limit regardless of which quantum noise is
dominant, and hence the fundamental sensitivity is no longer limited
by spin-exchange, and approaches the fundamental limit set by the
spin-exchange and spin-destruction cross sections.
Compact meta-optics infrared camera based on a polarization-insensitive metalens with a large field of view
Authors: Wang Yilin , Zhang Song , Liu Mingze , Huo Pengcheng , Tan Le , Xu Ting
Published: August 2023

Metasurfaces have recently emerged as a crucial tool because they achieve spherical-aberration-free focusing when exposed to normal incident light. Nevertheless, these metasurfaces often exhibit considerable coma when subjected to oblique incident light, thereby limiting their imaging field of view. In light of this, our study presents the design and an experimental demonstration of a polarization-insensitive, large-field-of-view metalens that uses a silicon metasurface. The metalens is specifically tailored to the long-wavelength infrared region and possesses a numerical aperture of 0.81, which is capable of focusing light at incident angles up to ±80°. Moreover, we successfully build a meta-optics camera by integrating the large field-of-view metalens on top of an image sensor, thus enabling wide-angle thermal imaging of practical scenes. This research provides new, to the best of our knowledge, insights for designing and realizing large-field-of-view optical systems and holds promise for applications in night vision imaging and security monitoring.
Coexistence of large-area topological pseudospin and valley states in a tri-band heterostructure system
Authors: Li Sijie , Chen Menglin L. N. , Lan Zhihao , Li Ping
Published: August 2023

The rapid development of topological photonics has significantly revolutionized our comprehension of electromagnetic wave manipulation in recent decades. Recent research exploiting large-area topological states inserts an additional gapless PC structure between topologically trivial and nontrivial PCs, effectively introducing the mode width degree of freedom. Nevertheless, these heterostructures mainly support only single-type waveguide states operating within a single frequency band. To address these limitations, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, tri-band three-layer heterostructure system, supporting both large-area pseudospin- and valley-locked states. The system showcases tunable mode widths with different operational bandwidths. Moreover, the heterostructures exhibit inherent topological characteristics and reflection-free interfacing, which are verified in the well-designed Z-shaped channels. The proposed heterostructure system can be used to design multi-band multi-functional high-flexibility topological devices, providing great advantages for enlarging the on-chip integrated communication systems.
Towards fiber-coupled plasmonic perfect absorber superconducting nanowire photodetectors for the near- and mid-infrared
Authors: Mennle Sandra , Karl Philipp , Ubl Monika , Ruchka Pavel , Weber Ksenia , Hentschel Mario , Flad Philipp , Giessen Harald
Published: August 2023

Modern photon-based technologies are in need for fast detectors with the ability to detect photons in the near- and mid-IR efficiently. Superconducting nanowire photon detectors, which use the resistivity change upon photon incidence caused by a state transition from their superconducting to normal conducting phase, are state-of-the-art detectors. However, detectors usually suffer from low efficiency in the IR, due to their low intrinsic absorption in this spectral range. To enhance the detection efficiency, we use a plasmonic perfect absorber geometry, which utilizes a localized surface plasmon resonance and a spacer/mirror combination. We present superconducting niobium plasmonic perfect absorber nanostructures, featuring near-unity absorption, tailorable up to wavelengths of 4 µm. Further, we confirm the working principle of the plasmonic perfect absorber for wavelengths in the near-IR, which manifests itself as a polarization-dependent detector response. Finally, we demonstrate an approach of coupling the detector directly to a fiber. This might also enable ultrasensitive sensing application in the near- and mid-IR in the future.
Non-Interference Patterns Evolving to Interference Patterns in Wave Experiments
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: August 2023

We experimentally show that, within macroscopic distances from diaphragm, patterns are non-interference and gradually evolve to the interferent patterns near the screen (far field) in the same wave experiment. Challenge is to interpret consistently the non-interference patterns, the interference patterns and the pattern evolution phenomena.
Deconvolution of cancer cell states by the XDec-SM method
Authors: Murillo Oscar D. , Petrosyan Varduhi , LaPlante Emily L. , Dobrolecki Lacey E. , Lewis Michael T. , Milosavljevic Aleksandar
Published: August 2023

Proper characterization of cancer cell states within the tumor microenvironment is a key to accurately identifying matching experimental models and the development of precision therapies. To reconstruct this information from bulk RNA-seq profiles, we developed the XDec Simplex Mapping (XDec-SM) reference-optional deconvolution method that maps tumors and the states of constituent cells onto a biologically interpretable low-dimensional space. The method identifies gene sets informative for deconvolution from relevant single-cell profiling data when such profiles are available. When applied to breast tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), XDec-SM infers the identity of constituent cell types and their proportions. XDec-SM also infers cancer cells states within individual tumors that associate with DNA methylation patterns, driver somatic mutations, pathway activation and metabolic coupling between stromal and breast cancer cells. By projecting tumors, cancer cell lines, and PDX models onto the same map, we identify in vitro and in vivo models with matching cancer cell states. Map position is also predictive of therapy response, thus opening the prospects for precision therapy informed by experiments in model systems matched to tumors in vivo by cancer cell state.
DNA repair function scores for 2172 variants in the BRCA1 amino-terminus
Authors: Diabate Mariame , Islam Muhtadi M. , Nagy Gregory , Banerjee Tapahsama , Dhar Shruti , Smith Nahum , Adamovich Aleksandra I. , Starita Lea M. , Parvin Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2023

Single nucleotide variants are the most frequent type of sequence changes detected in the genome and these are frequently variants of uncertain significance (VUS). VUS are changes in DNA for which disease risk association is unknown. Thus, methods that classify the functional impact of a VUS can be used as evidence for variant interpretation. In the case of the breast and ovarian cancer specific tumor suppressor protein, BRCA1, pathogenic missense variants frequently score as loss of function in an assay for homology-directed repair (HDR) of DNA double-strand breaks. We previously published functional results using a multiplexed assay for 1056 amino acid substitutions residues 2–192 in the amino terminus of BRCA1. In this study, we have re-assessed the data from this multiplexed assay using an improved analysis pipeline. These new analysis methods yield functional scores for more variants in the first 192 amino acids of BRCA1, plus we report new results for BRCA1 amino acid residues 193–302. We now present the functional classification of 2172 BRCA1 variants in BRCA1 residues 2–302 using the multiplexed HDR assay. Comparison of the functional determinations of the missense variants with clinically known benign or pathogenic variants indicated 93% sensitivity and 100% specificity for this assay. The results from BRCA1 variants tested in this assay are a resource for clinical geneticists for evidence to evaluate VUS in BRCA1.
A new tool for evaluating health equity in academic journals; the Diversity Factor
Authors: Gallifant Jack , Zhang Joe , Whebell Stephen , Quion Justin , Escobar Braiam , Gichoya Judy , Herrera Karen , Jina Ruxana , Chidambaram Swathikan , Mehndiratta Abha , Kimera Richard , Marcelo Alvin , Fernandez-Marcelo Portia Grace , Osorio Juan Sebastian , Villanueva Cleva , Nazer Lama , Dankwa-Mullan Irene , Celi Leo Anthony
Published: August 2023

Current methods to evaluate a journal’s impact rely on the downstream citation mapping used to generate the Impact Factor. This approach is a fragile metric prone to being skewed by outlier values and does not speak to a researcher’s contribution to furthering health outcomes for all populations. Therefore, we propose the implementation of a Diversity Factor to fulfill this need and supplement the current metrics. It is composed of four key elements: dataset properties, author country, author gender and departmental affiliation. Due to the significance of each individual element, they should be assessed independently of each other as opposed to being combined into a simplified score to be optimized. Herein, we discuss the necessity of such metrics, provide a framework to build upon, evaluate the current landscape through the lens of each key element and publish the findings on a freely available website that enables further evaluation. The OpenAlex database was used to extract the metadata of all papers published from 2000 until August 2022, and Natural language processing was used to identify individual elements. Features were then displayed individually on a static dashboard developed using TableauPublic, which is available at www.equitablescience.com. In total, 130,721 papers were identified from 7,462 journals where significant underrepresentation of LMIC and Female authors was demonstrated. These findings are pervasive and show no positive correlation with the Journal’s Impact Factor. The systematic collection of the Diversity Factor concept would allow for more detailed analysis, highlight gaps in knowledge, and reflect confidence in the translation of related research. Conversion of this metric to an active pipeline would account for the fact that how we define those most at risk will change over time and quantify responses to particular initiatives. Therefore, continuous measurement of outcomes across groups and those investigating those outcomes will never lose importance. Moving forward, we encourage further revision and improvement by diverse author groups in order to better refine this concept.
First report on mycetoma in Turkana County—North-western Kenya
Authors: Colom María Francisca , Ferrer Consuelo , Ekai John Lochuke , Ferrández David , Ramírez Laura , Gómez-Sánchez Noelia , Leting Simion , Hernández Carmen
Published: August 2023

Mycetoma is one of the six Neglected Tropical Diseases that are prevalent in Turkana County (northwest Kenya). The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of mycetoma in the county, as well as to describe the main causative agents involved in the disease using methods affordable locally. Based on the data collected by the team of cooperative medicine Cirugia en Turkana (Surgery in Turkana), a specific study for mycetoma was started during the 16th humanitarian medicine campaign in February 2019. Patients with suspected mycetoma were studied at the Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH). After informing the patient and getting their consent, the lesions were examined and sampled (mainly by biopsy) and clinical data were recorded. Samples were washed in sterile saline solution and cut in fragments. Some of these were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, Malt Extract Agar, and diluted Nutrient Agar plates. One fragment of each sample was used for DNA extraction. The DNA and the rest of the fragments of samples were kept at -20°C. All cultures were incubated at room temperature at the LCRH laboratory. The DNA obtained from clinical samples was submitted to PCR amplification of the ITS-5.8S and the V4-V5 16S rRNA gene region, for the detection and identification of fungi and bacteria respectively.

From February 2019 till February 2022, 60 patients were studied. Most of them were men (43, 74,1%) between 13 and 78 y.o. (mean age 37). Half of the patients were herdsmen but, among women 40% (6) were housewives and 26.7% (4) charcoal burners. Lesions were mainly located at the feet (87.9%) and most of the patients (54; 93.1%) reported discharge of grains in the exudate, being 27 (46.6%) yellow or pale colored and 19 (32.8%) of them dark grains.

Culture of clinical samples yielded 35 fungal and bacterial putative causative agents. Culture and molecular methods allowed the identification of a total of 21 causative agents of mycetoma (39.6% of cases studied). Most of them (17) corresponded to fungi causing eumycetoma (80.9%) being the most prevalent the genus Madurella (7; 41.2%), with two species involved (M. mycetomatis and M. fahalii), followed by Aspergillus (2; 11.8%). Other minority genera detected were Cladosporium, Fusarium, Acremonium, Penicillium, and Trichophyton (5.9% each of them). Actinobacteria were detected in 19.1% of samples, but only Streptomyces somaliensis was identified as a known agent of mycetoma, the rest being actinobacteria not previously described as causative agents of the disease, such as Cellulosimicrobium cellulans detected in two of the patients.

Although Kenya is geographically located in the mycetoma belt, to our knowledge this is the first report on mycetoma in this country from 1973, and the first one for Turkana County.
Investigating linkage to care between hospitals and primary care clinics for people with TB in rural South Africa
Authors: Garg Tushar , Nonyane Bareng Aletta Sanny , Mohlamonyane Mbali , Lebina Limakatso , Martinson Neil A. , Dowdy David W. , Hanrahan Colleen F.
Published: August 2023

People with tuberculosis (TB) are often lost to follow-up during treatment transition to another facility. These losses may result in substantial morbidity and mortality but are rarely recorded. We conducted a record review on adults diagnosed with TB at 11 hospitals in Limpopo, South Africa, who were subsequently transferred to a local clinic to initiate or continue treatment. We then performed in-depth record reviews at the primary care clinic to which they were referred and called participants who could not be identified as starting treatment. Between August 2017 and April 2018, we reviewed records of 778 individuals diagnosed with TB in-hospital and later referred to local clinics for treatment. Of the 778, 88 (11%) did not link to care, and an additional 43 (5.5%) died. Compared to people without cough, those with cough had higher odds of linking to care (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.26–3.25, p = 0.005) and were also linked more quickly [adjusted Time Ratio (aTR) = 0.53, 95% CI:0.36–0.79, p<0.001], as were those diagnosed microbiologically (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16–3.06, p = 0.012; aTR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34–0.98, p = 0.04). People diagnosed with TB in hospitals often disengage following referral to local clinics. Interventions to identify and re-engage people who do not present to local clinics within days of referral might close an important gap in the TB treatment cascade.
Application of referenced thermodynamic integration to Bayesian model selection
Authors: Hawryluk Iwona , Mishra Swapnil , Flaxman Seth , Bhatt Samir , Mellan Thomas A.
Published: August 2023

Evaluating normalising constants is important across a range of topics in statistical learning, notably Bayesian model selection. However, in many realistic problems this involves the integration of analytically intractable, high-dimensional distributions, and therefore requires the use of stochastic methods such as thermodynamic integration (TI). In this paper we apply a simple but under-appreciated variation of the TI method, here referred to as referenced TI, which computes a single model’s normalising constant in an efficient way by using a judiciously chosen reference density. The advantages of the approach and theoretical considerations are set out, along with pedagogical 1 and 2D examples. The approach is shown to be useful in practice when applied to a real problem —to perform model selection for a semi-mechanistic hierarchical Bayesian model of COVID-19 transmission in South Korea involving the integration of a 200D density.
The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 covalently modifies HUWE1 and strengthens the interaction of AMBRA1 and HUWE1
Authors: Mueller Stefanie , Bialas Johanna , Ryu Stella , Catone Nicola , Aichem Annette
Published: August 2023

The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 is highly upregulated under inflammatory conditions and targets its conjugation substrates to the degradation by the 26S proteasome. This process termed FAT10ylation is mediated by an enzymatic cascade and includes the E1 activating enzyme ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 6 (UBA6), the E2 conjugating enzyme UBA6-specific E2 enzyme 1 (USE1) and E3 ligases, such as Parkin. In this study, the function of the HECT-type ubiquitin E3 ligase HUWE1 was investigated as a putative E3 ligase and/or conjugation substrate of FAT10. Our data provide strong evidence that HUWE1 is FAT10ylated in a UBA6 and FAT10 diglycine-dependent manner in vitro and in cellulo and that the HUWE1-FAT10 conjugate is targeted to proteasomal degradation. Since the mutation of all relevant cysteine residues within the HUWE1 HECT domain did not abolish FAT10 conjugation, a role of HUWE1 as E3 ligase for FAT10ylation is rather unlikely. Moreover, we have identified the autophagy-related protein AMBRA1 as a new FAT10 interaction partner. We show that the HUWE1-FAT10 conjugate formation is diminished in presence of AMBRA1, while the interaction between AMBRA1 and HUWE1 is strengthened in presence of FAT10. This implies a putative interplay of all three proteins in cellular processes such as mitophagy.
Weighted Geometric Mean (WGM) method: A new chromatic adaptation model
Authors: Shen Che , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: August 2023

The human visual system has undergone evolutionary changes to develop sophisticated mechanisms that enable stable color perception under varying illumination. These mechanisms are known as chromatic adaptation, a fundamental aspect of color vision. Chromatic adaptation can be divided into two categories: sensory adaptation, which involves automatic adjustments in the visual system, such as retinal gain control, in response to changes in the stimulus, and cognitive adaptation, which depends on the observer’s knowledge of the scene and context. The geometric mean has been suggested to be the fundamental mathematical relationship that governs peripheral sensory adaptation. This paper proposes the WGM model, an advanced chromatic adaptation model based on a weighted geometric mean approach that can anticipate incomplete adaptation as it moves along the Planckian or Daylight locus. Compared with two other chromatic adaptation models (CAT16 and vK20), the WGM model is tested with different corresponding color data sets and found to be a significantly improvement while also predicting degree of adaptation (sensory and cognitive adaptation) in a physiologically plausible manner.
Periodontal treatment and subsequent clinical outcomes and medical care costs: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Michalowicz Bryan S. , Anderson Jeffrey P. , Kottke Thomas E. , Dehmer Steven P. , Worley Donald C. , Kane Sheryl , Basile Sarah , Rindal D. Brad
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Periodontitis is a common oral disease associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We studied if periodontitis treatment improves clinical outcomes and reduces medical care costs in patients with CAD, CBVD or T2D.

Methods

We used clinic records and claims data from a health care system to identify patients with periodontitis and CAD, CBVD or T2D, and to assess periodontal treatments, hospitalizations, medical costs (total, inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy), glycated hemoglobin, cardiovascular events, and death following concurrent disease diagnoses. We compared clinical outcomes according to receipt of periodontal treatment and/or maintenance care in the follow-up period, and care costs according to treatment status within one year following concurrent disease diagnoses, while adjusting for covariates. The data were analyzed in 2019–21.

Results

We identified 9,503 individuals, 4,057 of whom were in the CAD cohort; 3,247 in the CBVD cohort; and 4,879 in the T2D cohort. Patients who were selected and elected to receive treatment and maintenance care were less likely to be hospitalized than untreated individuals (CAD: OR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.92); CBVD: OR = 0.73 (0.56, 0.94); T2D: OR = 0.80 (0.64, 0.99)). Selection to treatment and/or maintenance care was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events, mortality, or glycated hemoglobin change. Total care costs did not differ significantly between treated and untreated groups over 4 years. Treated patients experienced lower inpatient costs but higher pharmacy costs.

Conclusions

Patients with periodontitis and CAD, CBVD or T2D who were selected and elected to undergo periodontal treatment or maintenance care had lower rates of hospitalizations, but did not differ significantly from untreated individuals in terms of clinical outcomes or total medical care costs.
Autonomic responses to aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review
Authors: Uzawa Hironobu , Akiyama Kazuya , Furuyama Hiroto , Takeuchi Shinta , Nishida Yusuke
Published: August 2023

Background

It is unknown whether patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) show autonomic dysregulation after exercise, and the interventional effects of exercise on the autonomic dysregulation have not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to reveal acute autonomic responses after aerobic and resistance exercises and the interventional effects of both exercises on autonomic dysregulation in patients with CMP.

Methods

A systematic search using nine electronic databases was performed based on three key search terms: “chronic musculoskeletal pain,” “autonomic nervous system,” and “exercise.” Data were extracted from measurements of the autonomic nervous system and pain.

Results

We found a total of 1170 articles; 17 were finally included, incorporating 12 observational and five interventional studies. Although a comparator has not been specified, healthy controls were compared to patients with CMP in observational studies. Three of five interventional studies were pre-post study with healthy controls as a comparator or no controls. The other two interventional studies were randomized controlled trial with a different treatment e.g., stretching. There were four good, 10 fair, and three poor-quality articles. The total number of participants was 617, of which 551 were female. There was high heterogeneity among the five disease conditions and nine outcome measures. Following one-time exposure to aerobic and resistance exercises, abnormal autonomic responses (sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal), which were absent in healthy controls, were observed in patients with CMP. The effects of aerobic and resistance exercise as long-term interventions were unclear since we identified both positive effects and no change in the autonomic activities in patients with CMP.

Conclusions

This study indicates dysfunctional autonomic responses following one-time exposure to exercise and inconsistent interventional effects in the autonomic activities in patients with CMP. Appropriate therapeutic dose is necessary for studying the management of autonomic regulation and pain after exercise.
Viral burden is associated with age, vaccination, and viral variant in a population-representative study of SARS-CoV-2 that accounts for time-since-infection-related sampling bias
Authors: Fryer Helen R. , Golubchik Tanya , Hall Matthew , Fraser Christophe , Hinch Robert , Ferretti Luca , Thomson Laura , Nurtay Anel , Pellis Lorenzo , House Thomas , MacIntyre-Cockett George , Trebes Amy , Buck David , Piazza Paolo , Green Angie , Lonie Lorne J , Smith Darren , Bashton Matthew , Crown Matthew , Nelson Andrew , McCann Clare M. , Adnan Tariq Mohammed , Elstob Claire J. , Nunes Dos Santos Rui , Richards Zack , Xhang Xin , Hawley Joseph , Lee Mark R. , Carrillo-Barragan Priscilla , Chapman Isobel , Harthern-Flint Sarah ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Bonsall David , Lythgoe Katrina A.
Published: August 2023

In this study, we evaluated the impact of viral variant, in addition to other variables, on within-host viral burden, by analysing cycle threshold (Ct) values derived from nose and throat swabs, collected as part of the UK COVID-19 Infection Survey. Because viral burden distributions determined from community survey data can be biased due to the impact of variant epidemiology on the time-since-infection of samples, we developed a method to explicitly adjust observed Ct value distributions to account for the expected bias. By analysing the adjusted Ct values using partial least squares regression, we found that among unvaccinated individuals with no known prior exposure, viral burden was 44% lower among Alpha variant infections, compared to those with the predecessor strain, B.1.177. Vaccination reduced viral burden by 67%, and among vaccinated individuals, viral burden was 286% higher among Delta variant, compared to Alpha variant, infections. In addition, viral burden increased by 17% for every 10-year age increment of the infected individual. In summary, within-host viral burden increases with age, is reduced by vaccination, and is influenced by the interplay of vaccination status and viral variant.
Inclusive Screenwriting for Film and Television, Jess King (2022)
Authors: de Estrellas Madison río
Published: August 2023

Review of: Inclusive Screenwriting for Film and Television, Jess King (2022)

Abingdon: Routledge, 268 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36777-218-5, p/bk, $34.36

ISBN 978-0-36777-220-8, h/bk, $136.00

ISBN 978-1-00317-031-0, e-book, $34.36
Gastrointestinal sensory neuropathy and dysmotility in Fabry disease: Presentations and effect on patient's quality of life
Authors: Bar Nir , Karaa Amel , Kiser Katheryn , Zar-Kessler Claire , Kuo Braden
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Fabry disease is a rare multisystemic lysosomal disease resulting in variable manifestations of the gastrointestinal (GI), neurologic, cardiac, and renal systems. Whether GI manifestations are a result of gut dysmotility is undetermined. We aimed to explore GI manifestations in depth, their effect on patients with Fabry disease, and to characterize gut motility.

Methods:

We recruited adult patients with Fabry disease reporting GI manifestations. All patients answered a battery of questionnaires covering symptom severity, GI specific quality of life (QoL), and work/productivity questionnaires, and underwent a wireless motility capsule (WMC) to measure pan-gut motility.

Results:

In 48 patients with Fabry disease, abnormal bowel habits and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms. Bloating, nausea, vomiting, and reflux were also prevalent. Neurologic manifestations were found in 95.8% of patients and along with their GI manifestations. Dysmotility was found in less than 35% of WMC tests. Colon transit time was associated with constipation severity and Bristol stool scale. Several GI symptoms were associated with reduced QoL, anxiety and work/productivity, but not Fabry severity score.

Discussion:

This is the largest study of GI manifestations in patients with Fabry disease that characterizes gut motility. We found little association between GI manifestations and motility indices, suggesting that visceral-hypersensitivity may be a major driver of symptoms. GI symptoms affect different aspects of patients’ lives, yet are not always well discussed or optimally managed in Fabry disease. Disease severity scores, when used for therapeutic decision making do not often include GI symptoms or their impact.
The experimental evaluation of tensile forces in stays of a cable-stayed footbridge
Authors: Boháčová Magdaléna
Published: August 2023

The topic of this paper is an experimental analysis of the dynamic behaviour of stays of an existing footbridge focusing on determination of the tensile forces in stays. The examined structure was the footbridge across the Vltava river in Lužec nad Vltavou. It is a cable-stayed footbridge, the horizontal load-bearing structure consists of UHPC components, which are prestressed by a pair of external cables. The horizontal load-bearing structure is suspended on a 39.85 m high A-shaped steel pylon by means of a system of 17 pairs of stays. As a part of the work the tensile forces in stays were determined using the vibration frequency method. The method is based on the knowledge of natural frequencies of the stays, which were investigated by the experimental analysis.
The footbridge Jesípek – application of radar interferometry for dynamic response evaluation
Authors: Čáp Miroslav , Polák Michal , Plachý Tomáš , Talich Milan , Havrlant Jan , Soukup Lubomír , Antoš Filip
Published: August 2023

Recent advances in radar systems have led to the development of radar interferometry (RI) methods for contactless vibration monitoring of large-scale structures, i.e. bridges, water tower reservoirs, and factory chimneys. Interferometric radars are devices capable to measure with 200 Hz sampling frequency and relative movement precision of 0.1 mm up to 0.01 mm. The major part of this paper describes an in-situ footbridge experiment near Hradec Králové. Radar interferometry devices were deployed along with ordinary techniques compounded by accelerometers, wiring, and acquisition station. Experiment was focused on the evaluation of basic dynamic structural properties such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. A lot of attention was also given to the result comparison of these measurement methods. Test results have confirmed the applicability of RI for bridge vibration monitoring.
Treatment of polypropylene microfibers by atmospheric and low-pressure plasma – application to a reinforced cement composite containing recycled concrete
Authors: Ďureje Jakub , Prošek Zdeněk , Trejbal Jan , Potocký Štěpán , Hlůžek Radim
Published: August 2023

The effect of atmospheric and low-pressure plasma modification on polypropylene (PP) microfibers was examined. Mechanical changes on the microfiber surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Next, wettability was measured using the packed-cell method. The fibers were applied into a cement matrix containing micro-milled recycled concrete. Test specimens were made and then the dynamic modulus of elasticity was continuously measured. After 28 days were made in the test specimens central notches to a depth of 14 mm. Finally, bending tests were performed. From the results, the fracture energy of the composite material was calculated. It was proven that low-pressure plasma modification as well as atmospheric plasma modification increases the wettability of PP fibers with water. Furthermore, it was found that samples containing plasma-modified microfibers have a higher fracture energy compared to the same samples with fibers without plasma modification. Conversely, plasma modification had no effect on the dynamic modulus of elasticity.
Bacterially induced calcite formation at the surface of recycled concrete
Authors: Holeček Petr , Stiborová Hana
Published: August 2023

The construction industry is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and portland cement production is responsible for approximately 8 % of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Microbially induced calcium precipitation (MICP) has the potential to partially replace cement or modify the properties of materials that would otherwise not find use in construction, for example, in concrete recycling. MICP might be an environmentally friendly method to improve the properties of recycled aggregates and form conglomerates from the finest fractions. In this paper, factors influencing MICP’s ability to solidify recycled concrete fines are thoroughly investigated. Calcium carbonate precipitate crystals produced by the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy.
Experimental analysis of the railway truss bridge using modern methods
Authors: Kálalová Petra , Polák Michal , Stančík Vojtěch
Published: August 2023

Experimental analyses of civil engineering structures have been carried out for decades. While in the past, mainly static load tests of new structures were performed, a few severe accidents with fatal results caused a lot of emphasis to be given to monitoring existing structures recently. The need for continuous or periodical evaluation of static or dynamic behaviour of structures in operation led to a good progress in the development of modern methods for experimental analysis. The paper deals with one of the modern methods of experimental analysis – the DIC method. Possible application of the DIC method was verified by an experimental analysis of a railway truss bridge in Rataje nad Sázavou. The experiment was divided into two stages. During the experiment, deflections of the bridge measured by LVDT sensors and the DIC method were compared. Technological problems of the DIC method were found in the first stage. One of the problems was related to stability of the camera tripod. A solution was proposed and verified during the second stage.
Effect of electric current on porosity of concrete
Authors: Ňachaj Daniel , Němeček Jiří , Kouřil Milan , Keppert Martin , Němeček Jiří
Published: August 2023

The paper describes the influence of electric current on the porosity of concrete samples after electrically accelerated tests and other electrokinetic treatments. Three different concrete mixtures consisting of CEM I 42.5R, CEM II / A-M(S-LL) 42.5R, and CEM I 42.5R with 10 % replacement of cement by microsilica were examined. Direct current (DC) test was performed on fully saturated samples. The samples were loaded with a constant voltage of 20 V for 24 hours in chambers filled with NaOH solution. The changes in porosity were examined using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and open porosity (OP). The results of open porosity indicate an increase in porosity for all mixtures measurements of ∼0.6 %–2 % for treated samples. The MIP showed increase of volume of pores with radius smaller than 0.01 μm after DC test. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) there was ∼2 % less calcite after DC test.
Application of cold atmospheric plasma for mold inactivation
Authors: Tichá Petra , Domonkos Mária , Rácová Zuzana , Demo Pavel
Published: August 2023

Mold growth in indoor interiors is an increasing problem that has adverse effects on both occupants and building materials. The aim of this study was to present the new environmentally friendly method (cold atmospheric plasma treatment) for decontamination of indoor environments contaminated by mold spores, with the potential to become an effective replacement for conventional methods, such as ultraviolet-C (UV-C) germicidal irradiation. The spores of Aspergillus species on malt extract agar plates were exposed to plasma produced by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge. The surface coverage of mold was evaluated using image analysis. Cold plasma treatment inactivated spores on the surface of the culture medium in 0.5 min, whereas a weak growth delay was observed after 30 minute exposure to UV-C irradiation. This study demonstrated that cold atmospheric plasma is a more effective method for reducing mold spores on agar compared with germicidal UV-C irradiation.
Generation of LDPM structure formed by Voronoi cells
Authors: Vozáb Jan , Vorel Jan
Published: August 2023

A preliminary study of an approach to internal structure generation used in lattice discrete particle models (LDPMs) [1]. The presented method used for particle generation and placement is intended to help realistically capture the internal structure of materials. First, a method for structure generation using LDPM is presented. Then, the method of particle generation using a Voronoi diagram [2] is described. The last part is the optimizations on the algorithm that use Apollonius circles to calculate the specific points of the Voronoi diagram.
Sex-Based Differences in the Presentation and Outcomes of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qiu Yu , Luo Jinming , Zhang Jian , Yan Qingqing
Published: August 2023

Background

The study aimed to review differences in the presentation and outcomes of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) between men and women.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies comparing clinical features or outcomes of PE between men and women. Baseline comorbidities, risk factors, clinical features, and mortality rates were also compared between men and women.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. It was noted that men presented with PE at a statistically significantly younger age than women (P < .001). Smoking history (P < .001), lung disease (P = .004), malignancy (P = .02), and unprovoked PE (P = .004) were significantly more frequent among men than among women. There was no difference between the sexes for hypertension, diabetes, and a history of recent immobilization. A significantly higher proportion of men presented with chest pain (P = .02) and hemoptysis (P < .001), whereas syncope (P = .005) was more frequent in women. Compared with men, women had a higher proportion of high-risk PE (P = .003). There was no difference in the use of thrombolytic therapy or inferior vena cava filter. Neither crude nor adjusted mortality rates were significantly different between men and women.

Conclusion

This review found that the age at presentation, comorbidities, and symptoms of PE differed between men and women. Limited data also suggest that women more frequently had high-risk PE compared with men, but the use of thrombolytic therapy did not differ between the 2 sexes. Importantly, both crude and adjusted data show that the mortality rate did not differ between men and women.
Planungskonflikte und Gerechtigkeit: Konzeptionelle Überlegungen am Beispiel des Ausbaus der Windenergie im Nordosten Deutschlands
Authors: Eichenauer Eva
Published: August 2023

The energy transition and the expansion of renewable energies are central challenges to planning. In view of tightened climate protection targets and the associated rise in installation capacity, planning conflicts are likely to intensify further in the coming years. At the same time, democratic institutions are under increasing pressure. The expansion of wind energy must proceed swiftly while democratic participation must be ensured. Based on planning conflicts over wind turbines in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Brandenburg, this paper addresses the extent to which research on planning conflicts can benefit from a justice perspective, both in theoretical-conceptual and empirical terms. Drawing on concepts from research on spatial justice, energy justice, and planning justice, the paper uses a three-dimensional conception of justice to identify access points for dealing constructively with conflicts. First, conflicts have to be recognized as such and their productive potential has to be acknowledged. Second, strategies have to be established that allow conflicts to be dealt with constructively. In doing so, several dimensions of justice must be taken into account: distributive justice and the question of what is to be distributed according to which criteria, recognition justice and the reflexion on difference and needs beyond hegemonic majority opinion, and finally procedural justice, which is intended to ensure that recognition and fair distribution can be implemented. In this way, a proactive attitude towards planning conflicts can make a central contribution to sustainable and democratic planning.
Trayectoria del compromiso académico en estudiantes secundarios de la provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina
Authors: Schönfeld Fátima Soledad , Mesurado Belén
Published: August 2023

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer la trayectoria del compromiso académico en estudiantes secundarios de Entre Ríos, Argentina, en tres tiempos de su recorrido escolar. El diseño fue cuantitativo, siendo un estudio de tipo longitudinal. El muestreo utilizado fue no probabilístico intencional. La muestra se constituyó por adolescentes escolarizados de Entre Ríos, consistió en 105 sujetos para el primer tiempo, 101 para el segundo y 97 para el tercero. Las edades abarcaron desde los 13 hasta los 15 años. En cuanto al instrumento, se utilizó la adaptación argentina de la Utrecht-Work Engagement Scale en su versión para estudiantes. Se realizaron análisis de estadística descriptiva básica y análisis de modelos de curva de crecimiento latente. Los resultados evidencian bajos niveles de compromiso de los estudiantes con sus actividades escolares. Además, en relación a la trayectoria del engagement, los hallazgos indican que el compromiso se mantuvo constante en el tiempo en la dimensión vigor y disminuyó en los componentes dedicación y absorción hacia el tercer tiempo de evaluación. Se reflexiona sobre la importancia de la promoción del compromiso académico en población adolescente, por ejemplo, a través de la ejecución de intervenciones.
Reconciling Science and Foreign Relations in The Hague
Authors: Somsen Geert
Published: August 2023

From 18 to 25 August, IUPAC will convene in The Hague. This is not the first time. One of the earliest IUPAC conferences, in 1928, also took place in the Dutch city. This was a truly historic meeting, because it was there that decisive steps were taken toward the reintegration of German, Austrian, and Hungarian chemists who had been banned from international science since the First World War, as has earlier been described by Jorrit Smit and Danielle Fauque in this magazine. An informal gathering the following year, in The Hague’s beach resort Scheveningen, finalized the process [1]. The rifts of war had been repaired; internationalism revived.