bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital orthopedics in the new AI era: from ASIA aspect
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: December 2023

This editorial explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on orthopedics, with a particular focus on advancements in Asia. It delves into the integration of AI in hospitals, advanced applications in China, and future expectations. The discussion is underpinned by an examination of AI's role in assisted diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical navigation, predictive analysis, and post-operative rehabilitation monitoring.
Banking sector development and environmental degradation in the Economic Community of West African States: do technology effects matter?
Authors: Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng , Yeboah Samuel Asuamah , Danso Felix Kwabena , Frimpong Joseph Magnus
Published: December 2023

This paper contributes to the discussion on environmental degradation by exploring the connection between banking sector development and environmental degradation in the ECOWAS. In addition, we investigate the direction of causation between environmental degradation and its drivers and the technological effect of banking sector development on environmental degradation. We rely on a balanced panel dataset of 11 ECOWAS nations from 1990 to 2019. We present the following conclusions using the AMG estimator and the Driscoll–Kraay panel regression model. First, banking sector development reduces environmental degradation. Second, banking sector development has a deleterious technological effect on environmental quality. Thirdly, population and affluence were found to significantly promote environmental degradation, while the impact of technology was inconclusive. We further demonstrate a unidirectional causation association between the development of the banking sector and environmental degradation using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality analysis. Based on the study conclusions, numerous policy ramifications have been suggested for the ECOWAS nations to mitigate environmental degradation.
Investigating Hessian-based inversion velocity analysis
Authors: Assis Carlos A. M. , Chauris Hervé , Audebert François , Williamson Paul
Published: December 2023

Inversion velocity analysis (IVA) is an image-domain method built upon the spatial scale separation of the model. Accordingly, the IVA method is performed with an iterative process composed of two minimization steps consisting of migration (inner loop) and tomography (outer loop), respectively, with each step accounting for its Hessian or not. The migration part provides the common-image gathers (CIGs) with extension in the horizontal subsurface offset. Then, the differential semblance optimization (DSO) misfit measures the focusing of the events in the CIGs, which indicates the quality of the velocity model. Commonly, the velocity updates are obtained from the DSO gradient. IVA is a modified version in which the approximate inverse replaces the adjoint of the inner loop process; in that case, the migration Hessian is approximately diagonal in the high-frequency regime. In this work, we report on implementation of the tomographic Hessian (i.e., the second derivative of the DSO misfit with respect to the background model) for the estimation of the background velocity model. We apply the second-order adjoint-state method to obtain the application of the tomographic Hessian on a vector. Then, we use the truncated-Newton (TN) method to obtain the update directions by computing approximately the application of the inverse of the tomographic Hessian on the descent direction. We also make a theoretical comparison between tomography in the IVA and full-waveform inversion contexts. Two numerical examples are used to compare, in terms of geophysical results and computational costs, the TN method with different gradient-based optimization methods applied to the IVA. A small model allows us to evaluate the eigenvalues of the tomographic Hessian, which explains the large damping needed in the TN case.
Extraplanetary system under modified gravity
Authors: Alhejress Omaymah A.
Published: December 2023

We investigated the properties of exoplanets using a modified gravity law. We then devised a gravitational formula that linked the radius, mass, semimajor axis, and stellar mass of the exoplanet. This formula is then validated by taking into account four different astronomical organizations (WASP, HAT, TOI, and HATS). These findings are compared to those in the exoplanet.edu database. The findings corroborated the observational data. The Einstein curvature theory was created by incorporating planet spin into Newton's planet dynamics. As a result, the spin of the planet is connected to its gravity.
Altered Glucagon and GLP-1 Responses to Oral Glucose in Children and Adolescents With Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Stinson Sara Elizabeth , Fernández de Retana Alzola Ierai , Brünner Hovendal Emilie Damgaard , Lund Morten Asp Vonsild , Fonvig Cilius Esmann , Holm Louise Aas , Jonsson Anna Elisabet , Frithioff-Bøjsøe Christine , Christiansen Michael , Pedersen Oluf , Ängquist Lars , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Holst Jens Juul , Hartmann Bolette , Holm Jens-Christian , Hansen Torben
Published: December 2023

Context

Pediatric obesity is characterized by insulin resistance, yet it remains unclear whether insulin resistance contributes to abnormalities in glucagon and incretin secretion.

Objective

To examine whether fasting and stimulated glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentrations differ between children and adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance (OIR), obesity and normal insulin sensitivity (OIS), and controls with normal weight (NW).

Methods

80 (34 boys) children and adolescents, aged 7-17 years with OIR (n = 22), OIS (n = 22), and NW (n = 36) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test with measurements of serum insulin, plasma glucose, glucagon, total GLP-1, and total GIP. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE), Matsuda index, insulinogenic index (IGI), and oral disposition index (ODI) were calculated.

Results

Fasting concentrations of glucagon and GLP-1 were higher in the OIR group, with no significant differences for GIP. The OIR group had higher glucagon total area under the curve (tAUC0-120) and lower GLP-1 incremental AUC (iAUC0-120), with no significant differences in GIP iAUC0-120. Higher fasting glucagon was associated with higher HOMA-IR, lower Matsuda index, lower SPISE, higher IGI, and higher plasma alanine transaminase, whereas higher fasting GLP-1 was associated with higher HOMA-IR, lower Matsuda index, and lower ODI. Higher glucagon tAUC0-120 was associated lower SPISE and lower Matsuda index, whereas lower GLP-1 iAUC0-120 was associated with a higher HOMA-IR, lower Matsuda index, and lower ODI.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with OIR have elevated fasting concentrations of glucagon and GLP-1, higher glucagon and lower GLP-1 responses during an OGTT compared to those with OIS and NW. In contrast, individuals with OIS have similar hormone responses to those with NW.
Residual In-Stent Carotid Stenosis and Cigarette Smoking are Independent Predictors of Carotid Restenosis After Carotid Artery Stenting—Results from 738 Carotid Artery Stenting Procedures at a Single Center
Authors: Lai Pui Man Rosalind , Baig Ammad A. , Khawar Wasiq I. , Kruk Marissa D. , Donnelly Brianna M. , Siddiqi Manhal , Davies Jason M. , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Snyder Kenneth V. , Levy Elad I.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become a viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the management of carotid stenosis. Our aim was to determine the rate of radiographic restenosis after CAS and clinical, radiographic, and procedural predictors of in-stent restenosis.

METHODS:

Our single-center, prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for CAS procedures performed in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients over 12 years (2010-2022). Baseline demographic data, procedural characteristics, and preprocedural and postprocedural radiographic and clinical details were noted. Baseline characteristics of patients with and without carotid restenosis were compared using the χ2 test for categorical variables and the Student t-test for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with restenosis, defined as >70% on digital subtraction angiography.

RESULTS:

A total of 1017 consecutive CAS procedures were performed in 905 patients during the 12-year period, with 738 in 632 patients included in our study. Our cohort's overall restenosis rate was 17%, with a 14% restenosis rate at 2 years. On multivariate regression analysis, former or current smoking status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.1), plaque irregularity (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.91), moderate (50.1%-75%) contralateral stenosis (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.2), severe (75.1%-99.9%) contralateral stenosis (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-6.0), and residual (>70%) in-stent stenosis after initial stenting (OR 433, 95% CI 80-2346) were significantly associated with carotid restenosis. Area under the curve for the multivariate regression model analysis was 0.78. Patients with <28.6% initial (residual) in-stent stenosis (45/517 cases) had a 9% restenosis rate, whereas those with >28.6% initial in-stent stenosis (77/221 cases) had a 35% restenosis rate.

CONCLUSION:

In this large, single-center study of carotid artery stenosis treated with CAS, residual in-stent carotid stenosis of approximately 30% and smoking status were independent predictors for restenosis. Maximizing treatment of initial stenosis and smoking cessation education are important steps in preventing future carotid restenosis.
Eif4enif1 haploinsufficiency disrupts oocyte mitochondrial dynamics and leads to subfertility
Authors: Ding Yuxi , He Zequn , Sha Yanwei , Kee Kehkooi , Li Lin
Published: December 2023

Infertility affects couples worldwide. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to loss of ovarian function before 40 years of age and is a contributing factor to infertility. Several case studies have reported dominant-inherited POI symptoms in families with heterozygous EIF4ENIF1 (4E-T) mutations. However, the effects of EIF4ENIF1 haploinsufficiency have rarely been studied in animal models to reveal the underlying molecular changes related to infertility. Here, we demonstrate that Eif4enif1 haploinsufficiency causes mouse subfertility, impairs oocyte maturation and partially arrests early embryonic development. Using dual-omic sequencing, we observed that Eif4enif1 haploinsufficiency significantly altered both transcriptome and translatome in mouse oocytes, by which we further revealed oocyte mitochondrial hyperfusion and mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain distribution alteration in Eif4enif1-deficient oocytes. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical fertility failure and new avenues to pursue new therapeutic targets to address infertility.
Investigate the efficiency of primary care facilities in emergency situations by application of geographical and demographic standards using GIS
Authors: Jarghon Ali E. M. , Damayanti Nyoman Anita , Dhamanti Inge , Awad Anas M. M.
Published: December 2023

Background This study applied geographical standards (coverage distance) and demographic standards to investigate the capabilities of primary healthcare facilities to cover the largest area of the study area and the service area that can be accessed. This study was conducted to find out the sufficient number of primary healthcare (PHC) centers required to provide healthcare services to the entire community. Methods Data was obtained by applying geographic information system (GIS) techniques to analyze primary care facilities using the demographic and geographic standards for primary care facilities. Results PHC centers cover 79% of the study area according to the geographical standard. The study area needs 41 additional centers to cover the shortfall in service provision per the demographic and geographic standards. Conclusions A significant deficiency in the number of primary care centers found in the study area compared to the large population at the geographical and demographic standards level.
An Empirical View of the Extent of the Use of the Education Exception to Copyright
Authors: Kelli Aleksei , Pedaste Margus , Leijen Äli
Published: December 2023

The article is based on a study commissioned by the Ministry of Justice entitled ‘Extent of Use of Educational Exceptions of Copyright’. The presumed rationale for this is that holders of rights are not compensated for the use of copyright works and subject matter of related rights under the educational exception. In turn, holders of rights would like to be compensated for such use. Therefore, the results of this study, which reveal what is being used and to what extent, can serve as one of the legal policy inputs for addressing the issue.
The study was based on a survey. When drafting the questionnaire, it had to be taken into account that it was not answered by copyright experts, but by the staff of the educational institution. For this reason, a specific use was asked. The definition of an educational institution was based on subsection 3 (2) of the Republic of Estonia Education Act, according to which educational institutions are above all preschool education institutions, basic schools, upper secondary schools, vocational educational institutions, institutions of professional higher education, universities, hobby schools and continuing education institutions, including the research and methodology institutions which provide services to them.
Depending on the specialty, very old works whose copyright has expired (more than 70 years after the death of the author) may also be used. Mapping the use of such works was not the aim of this study, which was also emphasised in the questionnaire.
This study looked at copyright awareness, form and volume of copying, etc. in relation to literary and reference works, photographs, musical works, and audiovisual works. The authors of the study found that the surveyed works are the most widely used in educational institutions.
The results of the study were further verified through focus group interviews. Further input for the interpretation of the results was also obtained from the copyright training provided to the questionnaire respondents.
Fish diversity and community structure of a wetland system of the western Mediterranean Basin of Türkiye: Lake Koca (Dalaman)
Authors: Kaymak Nehir , Emre Yılmaz , Emre Nesrin , Akın Şenol
Published: December 2023

Lake Koca (Dalaman), a wetland in the western Mediterranean basin of Türkiye, is an extraordinary lake with salty, fresh, and sulfurous waters and is home to high biodiversity. The present study examines the spatial and seasonal variation in fish communities and assesses the influence of environmental parameters on the community structure of Lake Koca. A total of 1.530 specimens were captured, representing seven families and 11 species (2 non-native, 1 introduced, and 8 native species). Total fish abundance and richness were higher at the littoral than at the limnetic zone, but no seasonal variation was observed. Non-native fish species, Coptodon zillii, was the most abundant in the littoral zone, followed by species of Mugilidae. The abundance of the two endemic fish species (Capoeta aydinensis and Ladigesocypris irideus) was relatively low in both habitats. Shannon-Wiener diversity index and evenness did not vary seasonally and spatially. Fish abundance and richness were significantly and positively correlated with chlorophyll-a and macrophyte coverage while negatively correlated with depth. Spearmen’s Correlation analysis revealed that native fish species show a relationship with the chemical parameters of the water, while C. zillii showed a distribution related to depth and macrophyte density. Both anthropogenic activities and the presence of non-native fish may affect the distribution and abundance of endemic fishes.
Investigation of toxic effects of BPA and BPA analogues (BPS and BPAF) on Spirulina sp., Desmodesmus subspicatus and Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Turan Duygu , Çakal Arslan Özlem
Published: December 2023

Bisphenols (BPs) are produced for many applications for used in industry. BPs have been found all part of aquatic environments such as sediment and surface water that is poses a risk to the aquatic ecosystem. Restricting the use of BPA, environmental concentrations of bisphenol S, and bisphenol AF begin to increase. The present study aims to indicate that toxicity BPA and BPA analogues (BPS and BPAF) by algal growth inhibition test for the green algae Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina sp., Desmodesmus subspicatus. In this way, result of this study present the nominal effective concentrations of BPA analogues and the suitability of the species for use as a biomarker in ecotoxicology tests. IC50 values (growth rate inhibition by 50%, respectively) for three toxicants were determined separately. Results of this study showed the effects of these chemicals on photosynthesis (primer production). The result of algal growth inhibition test showed that BPAF (72h EC50 3.80 mg/L) was found to be more toxic than BPS (3d EC50 6.31 m L-1) for Spirulina sp. BPS (3d EC50 2.43 mg/L) showed the most toxic effect on the growth of C. vulgaris, followed by BPAF with 3d EC50 3.32 mg/L. BPS (3d EC50 0.88 mg/L) and BPAF (3d EC50 6.48 mg/L) were found to be toxic for D. subspicatus, respectively, from highest to lowest toxicity. These results indicate that bisphenol analogues are hazardous to primer production. Therefore, it is necessary to study their combined effects as well as to study how they act individually.
BilevelJuMP.jl: Modeling and Solving Bilevel Optimization Problems in Julia
Authors: Garcia Joaquim Dias , Bodin Guilherme , Street Alexandre
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we present BilevelJuMP.jl, a new Julia package to support bilevel optimization within the JuMP framework. The package is a Julia library that enables the user to describe both upper and lower-level optimization problems using the JuMP algebraic syntax. Because of the generality and flexibility that our library inherits from JuMP’s syntax, our package allows users to model bilevel optimization problems with conic constraints in the lower level and all constraints supported by JuMP in the upper level including conic, quadratic, and nonlinear constraints. Moreover, the models defined with the syntax from BilevelJuMP.jl can be solved by multiple techniques that are based on reformulations as mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). Manipulations on the original problem data are possible due to MathOptInterface.jl’s structures and Dualization.jl features. Hence, the proposed package allows quick modeling, deployment, and thereby experimenting with bilevel models based on off-the-shelf mixed-integer linear programming and nonlinear solvers.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools.

Funding: The authors were partially supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. The work of A. Street was also partially supported by Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). The work was partially funded by the project P&D ANEEL PD-00403-0050/2020 sponsored by ENGIE BRASIL ENERGIA S.A.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0135 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0135 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Use and Future Development of Optical Measurement Technology in the Study of Wood Surface Roughness CiteSpace-Based Scientometric Analysis (2003 through 2022)
Authors: Jia Na , Shi Wendi , Guo Lei , Liu Jiuqing
Published: December 2023

Although the contact probe measurement technique is excellent for wood surface roughness measurement, it is necessary to reevaluate the advantages and future development direction of optical measurement techniques in this field, given the emergence of optical measurement techniques such as laser technology and the increasing academic interest in wood surface roughness. The traditional review method, due to its rather limited research directions, only provides a macroscopic and qualitative description of certain laws and conclusions. The purpose of this review is to use the bibliometrics theory and method to comprehensively sort out the research hot spots in this field and explore them in depth.
Phase-matching of high-order harmonic generation in the extreme ultraviolet region with orbital angular momentum
Authors: Gao Jixing , Yang Chun , Ge Xiaochun , Zheng Yinghui , Zeng Zhinan , Li Ruxin
Published: December 2023

High-order harmonics can generate vortex beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the extreme ultraviolet region. However, experimental research on their phase-matching (PM) characteristics is limited. In this study, vortex high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in the extreme ultraviolet region was generated with Ar gas. Phase-matched HHG with OAM was obtained by optimizing the focus position, laser energy, and gas pressure. The dependence of the PM characteristics on these parameters was analyzed. In addition, we conducted an experimental analysis of the dimensional properties of vortex harmonics under PM conditions. This study is a contribution towards the intense vortex high-order harmonic light sources and their applications.
Study of computational sensing using frequency-domain compression
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhong Haozhe , Cao Liangqi
Published: December 2023

The computational sensing and imaging technique has been extended from spatial domain to temporal domain for capturing fast light signals with a slow photodetector. However, temporal computational sensing based on random source/modulation has to require a lot of measurements to reconstruct an object signal with acceptable SNR. In this paper, we study the frequency-domain acquisition technique for capturing a nanosecond temporal object with ten Hertz detection bandwidth. The frequency-domain acquisition technique offers a SNR gain of N, where N denotes the point number of Fourier spectrum. Because of the compressibility of data and the orthogonality and completeness of Fourier basis, it enables the reconstruction based on sub-Nyquist sampling. Because the slow detection only has low temporal resolution capability, the frequency-domain acquisition technique could provide robustness and is immune to the temporal distortion in experiments.
Method for generating spatiotemporal coherency vortices and spatiotemporal dislocation curves
Authors: Ding Chaoliang , Liang Chunhao , Horoshko Dmitri , Korotkova Olga , Pan Liuzhan , Liu Zeting
Published: December 2023

A simple method for designing spatiotemporal coherency vortices (STCVs) and spatiotemporal dislocation curves (STDCs) is introduced by means of coherent-mode representation and Fourier transforms. A partially coherent pulsed beam is represented by an incoherent superposition of a Gaussian and a Hermite-Gaussian pulsed beam with different waist positions. It well demonstrates that there exist STCVs and STDCs in the space-time plane. The detailed numerical calculations are performed to address the dependence of waist distance of two modes, reference position, beam order, distribution of original spectrum, topological charge and mode weights ratio on the STCVs and STDCs. The physical interpretation behind numerical results is shown. A possible scheme for experimental synthesis of the STCVs is proposed. The obtained results may have potential applications in the fields of light-matter interaction, spatiotemporal spin-orbit angular momentum coupling and STCV-based optical trapping and optical manipulation.
InP-based tunnel junctions for ultra-high concentration photovoltaics
Authors: Gou Yudan , Zhu Lihong , Mou Zhiqiang , Chen Yongji , Cheng Yang , Wang Jun , Yang Huomu , Deng Guoliang
Published: December 2023

To enhance the performance of multi-junction photovoltaics, we investigated three different InP-based tunnel junction designs: p++-InGaAs/n++-InP tunnel junction, p++-InGaAs/i-InGaAs-/n++-InP tunnel junction, and p++-InGaAs/i-InGaAs/n++-InGaAs tunnel junction. The p++-InGaAs/i-InGaAs/n++-InGaAs tunnel junction demonstrated a peak tunneling current density of 495 A/cm2 and a resistivity of 9.3 × 10−4 Ωcm2, allowing the tunnel junction device to operate at a concentration over 30000 suns. This was achieved by inserting an undoped InGaAs quantum well at the p++-InGaAs/n++InGaAs junction interfaces, which enhanced its stability within the operating temperature range of multi-junction solar cells. Moreover, the p++-InGaAs/i-InGaAs/n++-InGaAs tunnel junction exhibited the lowest resistance.
Design of an image-based BRDF measurement method using a catadioptric multispectral capture and a real-time Lambert calibration
Authors: Yuan Yue , Sun Ruoduan , Xu Chen , Ma Shining , Liu Yue , Wang Yongtian , Song Weitao
Published: December 2023

By utilizing a catadioptric system and a calibration Lambertian sample, a compact measurement method of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) has been proposed for rapid and accurate measurement. With the help of an ellipsoidal dome mirror, a hyperboloid mirror, and a high-resolution camera, spatial reflectance distributions from reflected directions with a large field of view (FOV) can be obtained. The built-in Lambertian standard allows for real-time calibration to account for fluctuations in the illumination spectrum, effectively reducing the measurement drift and achieving a high accuracy. Moreover, a multispectral camera captures images at 8 spectral bands for accurate spectral color reconstruction from different directions. To verify the method, a prototype capable of fast, high-resolution measurements with a large FOV has been developed for characterizing the scattering properties of objects. It achieves a measured angular range up to 160°. Multispectral BRDF data for each sample can be obtained within 5 minutes with an angular resolution of less than 0.6°. Eight ceramic samples with different colors were selected for the verification of measurement accuracy, and their mean relative bias of BRDF measurement was found to be as low as 2.5%.
Robust multi-mode rainbow trapping with ultra-high-Q Fano resonances
Authors: Soliman Sayed El. , Abood Israa , Lu Cuicui
Published: December 2023

We present a groundbreaking and versatile approach to multi-mode rainbow trapping in photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs), overcoming long-standing limitations in photonic device design. Our innovative semi-bilayer PC design, formed by stacking two PCs, enables the realization of new photonic modes that were previously inaccessible, leading to enhanced device flexibility, improved performance, and increased resilience to defects and imperfections. By meticulously engineering a chirped PC within the PCW, we achieve multi-mode light trapping at distinct positions for different frequencies along the waveguide, effectively creating a rainbow of light. This study paves the way for efficient and robust trapping and demultiplexing of multiple wavelengths, opening up new avenues for on-chip nanophotonic applications. Moreover, the realization of ultra-high-quality (Q) factor Fano resonances within the waveguide cavity unveils unprecedented possibilities for designing on-chip nanophotonic devices. The diverse array of Fano resonances holds immense potentials for developing novel optical filters, switches, and lasers with exceptionally low thresholds. Our proposed structure offers a more compact, efficient, and robust solution for multi-wavelength photonic device applications.
Microwave-free BOTDA based on a continuous-wave self-sweeping laser
Authors: Poddubrovskii Nikita R. , Lobach Ivan A. , Kablukov Sergey I.
Published: December 2023

This Letter presents the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of a Brillouin optical time domain analysis (BOTDA) system based on a self-sweeping fiber laser. The unique feature of such laser sources is the generation of a narrowband tunable radiation with a small (6 MHz) tuning step and a reasonably large tuning range (3 GHz) making self-sweeping lasers extremely attractive for use in BOTDA systems. Since the wavelength tuning occurs solely due to internal processes occurring in the laser cavity, there is no need to use complex current/temperature control and feedback systems. This makes it possible to completely eliminate microwave devices, such as electro-optic modulators, from the BOTDA design. In this work, distributed temperature measurements with sensing line length of 25 km, spatial resolution of 10 m, and sensitivity of 2°C is demonstrated in a BOTDA system based on an Er-doped self-sweeping laser. The described approaches can reduce the complexity and overall cost of the BOTDA systems.
Time-resolved dynamic computational modeling of human EEG recordings reveals gradients of generative mechanisms for the MMN response
Authors: Poublan-Couzardot Arnaud , Lecaignard Françoise , Fucci Enrico , Davidson Richard J. , Mattout Jérémie , Lutz Antoine , Abdoun Oussama
Published: December 2023

Despite attempts to unify the different theoretical accounts of the mismatch negativity (MMN), there is still an ongoing debate on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this complex brain response. On one hand, neuronal adaptation to recurrent stimuli is able to explain many of the observed properties of the MMN, such as its sensitivity to controlled experimental parameters. On the other hand, several modeling studies reported evidence in favor of Bayesian learning models for explaining the trial-to-trial dynamics of the human MMN. However, direct comparisons of these two main hypotheses are scarce, and previous modeling studies suffered from methodological limitations. Based on reports indicating spatial and temporal dissociation of physiological mechanisms within the timecourse of mismatch responses in animals, we hypothesized that different computational models would best fit different temporal phases of the human MMN. Using electroencephalographic data from two independent studies of a simple auditory oddball task (n = 82), we compared adaptation and Bayesian learning models’ ability to explain the sequential dynamics of auditory deviance detection in a time-resolved fashion. We first ran simulations to evaluate the capacity of our design to dissociate the tested models and found that they were sufficiently distinguishable above a certain level of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In subjects with a sufficient SNR, our time-resolved approach revealed a temporal dissociation between the two model families, with high evidence for adaptation during the early MMN window (from 90 to 150-190 ms post-stimulus depending on the dataset) and for Bayesian learning later in time (170-180 ms or 200-220ms). In addition, Bayesian model averaging of fixed-parameter models within the adaptation family revealed a gradient of adaptation rates, resembling the anatomical gradient in the auditory cortical hierarchy reported in animal studies.
A combined computational and experimental investigation of the filtration function of splenic macrophages in sickle cell disease
Authors: Li Guansheng , Qiang Yuhao , Li He , Li Xuejin , Buffet Pierre A. , Dao Ming , Karniadakis George Em
Published: December 2023

Being the largest lymphatic organ in the body, the spleen also constantly controls the quality of red blood cells (RBCs) in circulation through its two major filtration components, namely interendothelial slits (IES) and red pulp macrophages. In contrast to the extensive studies in understanding the filtration function of IES, fewer works investigate how the splenic macrophages retain the aged and diseased RBCs, i.e., RBCs in sickle cell disease (SCD). Herein, we perform a computational study informed by companion experiments to quantify the dynamics of RBCs captured and retained by the macrophages. We first calibrate the parameters in the computational model based on microfluidic experimental measurements for sickle RBCs under normoxia and hypoxia, as those parameters are not available in the literature. Next, we quantify the impact of key factors expected to dictate the RBC retention by the macrophages in the spleen, namely, blood flow conditions, RBC aggregation, hematocrit, RBC morphology, and oxygen levels. Our simulation results show that hypoxic conditions could enhance the adhesion between the sickle RBCs and macrophages. This, in turn, increases the retention of RBCs by as much as four-fold, which could be a possible cause of RBC congestion in the spleen of patients with SCD. Our study on the impact of RBC aggregation illustrates a ‘clustering effect’, where multiple RBCs in one aggregate can make contact and adhere to the macrophages, leading to a higher retention rate than that resulting from RBC-macrophage pair interactions. Our simulations of sickle RBCs flowing past macrophages for a range of blood flow velocities indicate that the increased blood velocity could quickly attenuate the function of the red pulp macrophages on detaining aged or diseased RBCs, thereby providing a possible rationale for the slow blood flow in the open circulation of the spleen. Furthermore, we quantify the impact of RBC morphology on their tendency to be retained by the macrophages. We find that the sickle and granular-shaped RBCs are more likely to be filtered by macrophages in the spleen. This finding is consistent with the observation of low percentages of these two forms of sickle RBCs in the blood smear of SCD patients. Taken together, our experimental and simulation results aid in our quantitative understanding of the function of splenic macrophages in retaining the diseased RBCs and provide an opportunity to combine such knowledge with the current knowledge of the interaction between IES and traversing RBCs to apprehend the complete filtration function of the spleen in SCD.
From dawn till dusk: Time-adaptive bayesian optimization for neurostimulation
Authors: Fleming John E. , Pont Sanchis Ines , Lemmens Oscar , Denison-Smith Angus , West Timothy O. , Denison Timothy , Cagnan Hayriye
Published: December 2023

Stimulation optimization has garnered considerable interest in recent years in order to efficiently parametrize neuromodulation-based therapies. To date, efforts focused on automatically identifying settings from parameter spaces that do not change over time. A limitation of these approaches, however, is that they lack consideration for time dependent factors that may influence therapy outcomes. Disease progression and biological rhythmicity are two sources of variation that may influence optimal stimulation settings over time. To account for this, we present a novel time-varying Bayesian optimization (TV-BayesOpt) for tracking the optimum parameter set for neuromodulation therapy. We evaluate the performance of TV-BayesOpt for tracking gradual and periodic slow variations over time. The algorithm was investigated within the context of a computational model of phase-locked deep brain stimulation for treating oscillopathies representative of common movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Essential Tremor. When the optimal stimulation settings changed due to gradual and periodic sources, TV-BayesOpt outperformed standard time-invariant techniques and was able to identify the appropriate stimulation setting. Through incorporation of both a gradual “forgetting” and periodic covariance functions, the algorithm maintained robust performance when a priori knowledge differed from observed variations. This algorithm presents a broad framework that can be leveraged for the treatment of a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions and can be used to track variations in optimal stimulation settings such as amplitude, pulse-width, frequency and phase for invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation strategies.
Neurofibromin 1 mediates sleep depth in Drosophila
Authors: Brown Elizabeth B. , Zhang Jiwei , Lloyd Evan , Lanzon Elizabeth , Botero Valentina , Tomchik Seth , Keene Alex C.
Published: December 2023

Neural regulation of sleep and metabolic homeostasis are critical in many aspects of human health. Despite extensive epidemiological evidence linking sleep dysregulation with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, little is known about the neural and molecular basis for the integration of sleep and metabolic function. The RAS GTPase-activating gene Neurofibromin (Nf1) has been implicated in the regulation of sleep and metabolic rate, raising the possibility that it serves to integrate these processes, but the effects on sleep consolidation and physiology remain poorly understood. A key hallmark of sleep depth in mammals and flies is a reduction in metabolic rate during sleep. Here, we examine multiple measures of sleep quality to determine the effects of Nf1 on sleep-dependent changes in arousal threshold and metabolic rate. Flies lacking Nf1 fail to suppress metabolic rate during sleep, raising the possibility that loss of Nf1 prevents flies from integrating sleep and metabolic state. Sleep of Nf1 mutant flies is fragmented with a reduced arousal threshold in Nf1 mutants, suggesting Nf1 flies fail to enter deep sleep. The effects of Nf1 on sleep can be localized to a subset of neurons expressing the GABAA receptor Rdl. Sleep loss has been associated with changes in gut homeostasis in flies and mammals. Selective knockdown of Nf1 in Rdl-expressing neurons within the nervous system increases gut permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the gut, raising the possibility that loss of sleep quality contributes to gut dysregulation. Together, these findings suggest Nf1 acts in GABA-sensitive neurons to modulate sleep depth in Drosophila.
Convergent evolution in a large cross-cultural database of musical scales
Authors: McBride John M. , Passmore Sam , Tlusty Tsvi
Published: December 2023

Scales, sets of discrete pitches that form the basis of melodies, are thought to be one of the most universal hallmarks of music. But we know relatively little about cross-cultural diversity of scales or how they evolved. To remedy this, we assemble a cross-cultural database (Database of Musical Scales:DaMuSc) of scale data, collected over the past century by various ethnomusicologists. Statistical analyses of the data highlight that certain intervals (e.g., the octave, fifth, second) are used frequently across cultures. Despite some diversity among scales, it is thesimilaritiesacross societies which are most striking: step intervals are restricted to 100-400 cents; most scales are found close to equidistant 5- and 7-note scales. We discuss potential mechanisms of variation and selection in the evolution of scales, and how the assembled data may be used to examine the root causes of convergent evolution.
Acceptability and appropriateness of a risk-tailored organised melanoma screening program: Qualitative interviews with key informants
Authors: Dunlop Kate L. A. , Keogh Louise A. , Smith Andrea L. , Aranda Sanchia , Aitken Joanne , Watts Caroline G. , Smit Amelia K. , Janda Monika , Mann Graham J. , Cust Anne E. , Rankin Nicole M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

In Australia, opportunistic screening (occurring as skin checks) for the early detection of melanoma is common, and overdiagnosis is a recognised concern. Risk-tailored cancer screening is an approach to cancer control that aims to provide personalised screening tailored to individual risk. This study aimed to explore the views of key informants in Australia on the acceptability and appropriateness of risk-tailored organised screening for melanoma, and to identify barriers, facilitators and strategies to inform potential future implementation. Acceptability and appropriateness are crucial, as successful implementation will require a change of practice for clinicians and consumers.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Key informants were purposively selected to ensure expertise in melanoma early detection and screening, prioritising senior or executive perspectives. Consumers were expert representatives. Data were analysed deductively using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) checklist.

Results

Thirty-six participants were interviewed (10 policy makers; 9 consumers; 10 health professionals; 7 researchers). Key informants perceived risk-tailored screening for melanoma to be acceptable and appropriate in principle. Barriers to implementation included lack of trial data, reluctance for low-risk groups to not screen, variable skill level in general practice, differing views on who to conduct screening tests, confusing public health messaging, and competing health costs. Key facilitators included the perceived opportunity to improve health equity and the potential cost-effectiveness of a risk-tailored screening approach. A range of implementation strategies were identified including strengthening the evidence for cost-effectiveness, engaging stakeholders, developing pathways for people at low risk, evaluating different risk assessment criteria and screening delivery models and targeted public messaging.

Conclusion

Key informants were supportive in principle of risk-tailored melanoma screening, highlighting important next steps. Considerations around risk assessment, policy and modelling the costs of current verses future approaches will help inform possible future implementation of risk-tailored population screening for melanoma.
Prevalence of dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Haiyang , Yang Yun , Lu Yunqiong , Kong Xiehe , Yang Guang , Liu Jie , Yang Yanting , Wang Xuejun , Ma Xiaopeng
Published: December 2023

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people devoted longer time to screen viewing due to the need for study, work, and online social activities, instead of outdoor activities, which may have led to an increase in dry eye symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from January 1, 2020 to October 20, 2022. Cross-sectional surveys on dry eye prevalence conducted after January 1, 2020 were included. Two review authors independently performed data extraction and assessed study quality. The random-effects model was used to analyze the prevalence of dry eye, and the odds ratio was used to assess the strength of the association between variables. Subgroup analysis was performed to detect heterogeneity, the leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis, and the Egger test for publication bias.

Results

A total of eleven studies with 15692 individuals met the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic was 61.0% (95%CI: 51.8%-70.2%) globally and 56.7% (95%CI: 45.3%-68.1%) in Asia. The prevalence of dry eye had significant differences in sex and visual display time, with higher prevalence among females and visual display time of more than 4 hours per day. Subgroup analysis was performed based on diagnostic tools, study population, and average age. A significant difference was found in diagnostic tools, but no significant change in heterogeneity (P<0.05). The leave-one-out method showed stable results, and the Egger test identified no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dry eye during the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly higher than before, and a higher prevalence is found among females and those having a visual display time of more than 4 hours per day.
What works in engaging communities? Prioritising nutrition interventions in Burkina Faso, Ghana and South Africa
Authors: Watson Daniella , Barker Mary , Boua P. Romuald , Chatio Samuel , Compaoré Adelaide , Danis Marion , Dalaba Maxwell , Erzse Agnes , Hardy-Johnson Polly , Kehoe Sarah H. , Hofman Karen J. , Lawrence Wendy T. , Nonterah Engelbert A. , Sorgho Hermann , Rwafa-Ponela Teurai , Ward Kate A. , Tugendhaft Aviva ,   on behalf of the INPreP study group
Published: December 2023

Background

“Choosing All Together” (CHAT), is a community engagement tool designed to give the public a voice in how best to allocate limited resources to improve population health. This process evaluation explored the mechanisms through which CHAT generates community engagement.

Method

The CHAT tool was adapted and implemented for use in two rural communities (Nanoro, Burkina Faso, and Navrongo, Ghana) and one urban township (Soweto, South Africa) to prioritize maternal and child nutrition interventions. Community discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Twenty-two transcripts, including six each from Navrongo and Soweto and 10 from Nanoro, were analysed thematically to generate data driven codes and themes to explain mechanisms underlying the CHAT process. The process evaluation was based on the UK MRC process evaluation guidance.

Results

Seven themes describing the functions and outcomes of CHAT were identified. Themes described participants deliberating trade-offs, working together, agreeing on priorities, having a shared vision, and increasing their knowledge, also the skills of the facilitator, and a process of power sharing between participants and researchers. Participants came to an agreement of priorities when they had a shared vision. Trained facilitators are important to facilitate meaningful discussion between participants and those with lower levels of literacy to participate fully.

Conclusion

CHAT has been shown to be adaptable and useful in prioritising maternal and child nutrition interventions in communities in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and South Africa. Conducting CHAT in communities over a longer period and involving policy-makers would increase trust, mutual respect and develop partnerships.
Differential gene regulation by a synthetic vitamin D receptor ligand and active vitamin D in human cells
Authors: Iwaki Miho , Kanemoto Yoshiaki , Sawada Takahiro , Nojiri Koki , Kurokawa Tomohiro , Tsutsumi Rino , Nagasawa Kazuo , Kato Shigeaki
Published: December 2023

Vitamin D (VD) exerts a wide variety of biological functions including calcemic activity. VD nutritional status is closely associated with the onset and development of chronic diseases. To develop a VD analog with the desired VD activity but without calcemic activity, we screened synthetic VDR antagonists. We identified 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-26-23-lactams (DLAM)-2a-d (DLAM-2s) as nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) ligands in a competitive VDR binding assay for 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), and DLAM-2s showed an antagonistic effect on 1α,25(OH)2 D3-induced cell differentiation in HL60 cells. In a luciferase reporter assay in which human VDR was exogenously expressed in cultured COS-1 cells, DLAM-2s acted as transcriptional antagonists. Consistently, DLAM-2s had an antagonistic effect on the 1α,25(OH)2D3-induced expression of a known VD target gene [Cytochrome P450 24A1 (CYP24A1)], and VDR bound DLAM-2s was recruited to an endogenous VD response element in chromatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) endogenously expressing VDR. In an ATAC-seq assay, the effects of 1α,25(OH)2 D3 and DLAM-2b on chromatin reorganization were undetectable in HaCaT cells, while the effect of an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist (bicalutamide) was confirmed in prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) expressing endogenous AR. However, whole genome analysis using RNA-seq and ATAC (Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin)-seq revealed differential gene expression profiles regulated by DLAM-2b versus 1α,25(OH)2D3. The upregulated and downregulated genes only partially overlapped between cells treated with 1α,25(OH)2D3 and those treated with DLAM-2b. Thus, the present findings illustrate a novel VDR ligand with gene regulatory activity differing from that of 1α,25(OH)2D3.