bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Biomarkers in Atherosclerosis: Advancing Early Detection and Risk Stratification
Authors: Sojka Aleksandra , Sosin Julia , Pilarz Anna , Stachowiak Julia , Zwierzchowska Maria , Salamon Dariusz , Domagała Wojciech
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Atherosclerosis is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including obesity, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2. The disease progresses gradually, and often remains unnoticed for years until serious health complications such as coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD) or cerebrovascular disease arise.
Nowadays, the diagnosis of atherosclerosis relies on the identification of specific biological markers, enabling early detection and assessment of disease progression. The most common markers used in clinical practice include low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TGs), and lipoprotein(a) (Lpa). However, considering that atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and its etiology still remains insufficiently elucidated, there is a pressing need for new, more specific biomarkers for its earlier detection.
Aim of the study:
The aim of this study is to summarize the knowledge concerning new potential biomarkers for the early detection of atherosclerosis through analyzing the biological processes associated with the initiation and progression of the disease, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, to better understand its pathophysiology.
 Materials and methods:
A systematic review of scientific and medical literature from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted.
Results:
The analysis of available studies indicates that there are numerous potential biomarkers that might be used for the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis, such as molecules associated with inflammation, lipid oxidation, or endothelial damage. However, further research is needed to establish their full clinical utility.
PoZnajmy się na nowo... Poradnik tworzenia gier i zabaw terenowych dla nauczycieli i edukatorów w Krakowie
Authors: Kudela-Świątek Wiktoria
Published: December 2024

Celem poradnika jest przybliżenie dziejów Krakowa w nieoczywisty sposób, pokazanie, że budynki mijane codziennie mają swoją – nierzadko fascynującą – historię, a miejskie zakamarki skrywają w sobie niezwykłe opowieści.
Wskazówki zawarte w poradniku mają służyć do pogłębienia wiedzy na temat społeczności ukraińskiej w Krakowie oraz do znalezienia inspiracji w zaplanowaniu i przeprowadzeniu własnej gry terenowej lub zabawy typu „pokój zagadek” z wykorzystaniem mapy ukraińskich śladów w Krakowie.
Gry terenowe zaprezentowane w poradniku sprawdzą się także jako urozmaicenie zajęć dydaktycznych, godzin wychowawczych lub spotkań integracyjnych w klasach wielokulturowych. Można też zaprojektować własną grę na podstawie mapy „Ukraińskie ślady w Krakowie” lub zmodyfikować inne podobne gry tak, aby odpowiadały potrzebom edukacyjnym i integracyjnym w klasach zróżnicowanych kulturowo.
Cost-Aware Calibration of Classifiers
Authors: Yang Mochen , Bi Xuan
Published: December 2024

Most classification techniques in machine learning are able to produce probability predictions in addition to class predictions. However, these predicted probabilities are often not well calibrated in that they deviate from the actual outcome rates (i.e., the proportion of data instances that actually belong to a certain class). A lack of calibration can jeopardize downstream decision tasks that rely on accurate probability predictions. Although several post hoc calibration methods have been proposed, they generally do not consider the potentially asymmetric costs associated with overprediction versus underprediction. In this research, we formally define the problem of cost-aware calibration and propose a metric to quantify the cost of miscalibration for a given classifier. Next, we propose three approaches to achieve cost-aware calibration, two of which are cost-aware adaptations of existing calibration algorithms; the third one (named MetaCal) is a Bayes optimal learning algorithm inspired by prior work on cost-aware classification. We carry out systematic empirical evaluations on multiple public data sets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in reducing the cost of miscalibration. Finally, we generalize the definition and metric as well as solution algorithms of cost-aware calibration to account for nonlinear cost structures that may arise in real-world decision tasks.

Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: There are no data ethics considerations. The code capsule is available on Code Ocean at https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.8552538.v1 and in the e-Companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2024.0038 ).
The Role of Lockups in Stock Mergers
Authors: Chen Zhong , Liu Yi , Rossi Stefano
Published: December 2024

We document the frequent use of stock lockup agreements in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) paid in stock and examine the corporate determinants and consequences of the use and duration of lockups. Lockup agreements prohibit target shareholders from selling shares issued by the acquirer as a means of payment for a prespecified period. We find support for the hypothesis that target shareholders agree to lockups to precommit to hold on to the acquirer’s stock if they believe the merger’s long-term fundamentals are strong. Consistent with our hypothesis, lockups come with larger acquirer announcement returns, particularly when acquirer valuations are high; ex ante, lockup adoption likelihood increases with acquirers’ valuation. Lockups also come with higher deal completion likelihood, shorter merger negotiations, and higher long-term operating performance. We conclude the market interprets lockups as a signal of strong fundamentals, particularly when acquirers’ valuations are high.

This paper was accepted by Bo Becker, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00993 .
Tigecycline-induced acute pancreatitis with electrocardiogram changes in renal insufficiency elderly
Authors: Wee Hong Chin , Ng Ru Shing , Ong Loke Meng
Published: December 2024

Background: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant pathogens has led to increased reliance on broad-spectrum antimicrobials, such as tigecycline. This medicine is commonly used to treat complicated skin and intraabdominal infections as well as community-acquired pneumonia. However, the increasing use of tigecycline has been linked to serious complications, including acute pancreatitis. Case description: We present a case of tigecycline-induced acute pancreatitis in a 78-year-old man with complex medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, and triple vessel disease. The patient was initially treated with tigecycline for bilateral dry gangrene of his toes. Six days after initiation of the tigecycline treatment, the patient developed symptoms of acute pancreatitis with electrocardiogram changes. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Tigecycline was stopped promptly, and supportive treatment was initiated. The patient recovered from the acute pancreatitis and was discharged home. He later passed away at home due to his underlying cardiac disease. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential complications of tigecycline therapy, particularly in patients with significant comorbidities.
A rare case of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema due to crystal methamphetamine abuse
Authors: Abdulmajeed Abdulmajeed K. , Almehrzi Mansour O. , Al-Bazzaz Saba A. , Khalid Farah A. , Fathi Sherif A. , Hefny Ashraf F.
Published: December 2024

Background: Crystal methamphetamine abuse is a growing concern due to its significant adverse effects on various organ systems. Case description: This report presents a rare case of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema resulting from crystal methamphetamine abuse. The exact mechanism linking methamphetamine abuse to pneumomediastinum remains ambiguous. Pneumomediastinum is uncommon with drug abuse, especially if it is smoked and the subject coughs against a closed glottis; however, it is rare to cause such severe presentation. Conclusions: This report discusses the toxic effects of crystal methamphetamine on the respiratory system. It emphasises the importance of increased awareness among clinicians regarding these complications to facilitate timely intervention and prevent life-threatening outcomes.
FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE PARA A ALFABETIZAÇÃO DO ESTUDANTE COM DEFICIÊNCIA INTELECTUAL
Authors: Burock Neuzilene Ferreira Nascimento , Mascaro Cristina Angélica Aquino de Carvalho , Oliveira Caroline Menezes Nunes de
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo apresenta um relato de experiência sobre uma proposta de formação docente que tem como foco a elaboração e aplicação do Plano Educacional Individualizado (PEI) para estudantes jovens e adultos com deficiência intelectual, realizada através da mediação tecnológica. A implementação do PEI é destacada como uma estratégia para atender às necessidades individuais dos alunos, promovendo sua inclusão social e desenvolvimento acadêmico. Discute a importância da utilização de práticas pedagógicas democráticas para garantir a participação efetiva, socialização e aprendizagem de todos os alunos. Tendo como viés metodológico a pesquisa-ação, que se apresenta como uma metodologia flexível e participativa, que permitiu o desenvolvimento de práticas pedagógicas inclusivas e colaborativas. Os resultados do estudo demonstram a importância do trabalho personalizado no atendimento aos alunos com deficiência intelectual, contribuindo para a eliminação de barreiras ao aprendizado e promovendo a inclusão. A utilização de tecnologias digitais e práticas inclusivas foi enfatizada como possibilidade de contribuir com a melhoria na qualidade da educação e promover o desenvolvimento autônomo e independente dos alunos. Destaca-se também que a formação docente pautada no diálogo entre a pesquisa e a prática, é um caminho para uma educação mais inclusiva. A experiência formativa propiciou a difusão do conhecimento sobre o PEI e práticas pedagógicas voltadas para favorecer o alfaletramento de jovens e adultos com deficiência intelectual.
LÓGICA DE PROGRAMAÇÃO
Authors: Fleck Pereira Fernanda Verônica , Mamcasz-Viginheski Lucia Virginia
Published: December 2024

A pesquisa discute o uso de jogos na educação de pessoas com deficiência visual. Objetiva investigar as contribuições do uso de um jogo de tabuleiro adaptado no processo de ensino e aprendizagem do conteúdo de Lógica de Programação para estudantes cegos e está fundamentada nos pressupostos da Teoria Histórico Cultural, de Vygotsky e na Teoria da Formação da Ação Mental por meio de etapas de Galperin. A natureza do estudo é aplicada e faz uso da abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio de entrevistas e observações realizadas durante a aplicação de um jogo de tabuleiro. Participaram do estudo três estudantes cegos por retinopatia da prematuridade. Os resultados revelam que o ensino de programação, para ser inclusivo, depende de alguns fatores, entre eles, da atuação do docente como mediador entre os estudantes e o objeto de aprendizagem, da interação entre os estudantes, do apoio dos profissionais da Educação Especial, de modificações que permitam aos estudantes cegos o acesso às informações, entre outros. Além disso, a resolução de problemas é necessária no processo de ensino e aprendizagem, assim como a contextualização do ensino com ações cotidianas dos estudantes. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa apontam contribuições do uso de jogos de tabuleiro no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos estudantes com deficiência visual, visto que, além de promover a sua inclusão nas atividades, também contribui para a apropriação dos conceitos envolvidos e o desenvolvimento das funções psicológicas superiores, entre elas, o pensamento.
ATOS DE CURRÍCULO EM PERSPECTIVA DE CIBERACESSIBILIDADE
Authors: De Almeida Wallace Carriço
Published: December 2024

Discutimos o conceito de ciberacessibilidade a partir da perspectiva de App-Learning, ou aprendizagem mediada por aplicativos móveis, destacando-se a portabilidade e mobilidade dos sujeitos em conexão com a cidade e o ciberespaço, removendo barreiras. A pesquisa adotou a abordagem metodológica da ciberpesquisa-formação na cibercultura, a multirreferencialidade e as pesquisas nos/dos/com os cotidianos. Foi realizada uma análise sobre a mobilização de Atos de Currículo na disciplina de Informática na Educação, oferecida em um curso de Pedagogia a distância da UERJ, em parceria com a Cecierj / Consórcio CEDERJ. O estudo explorou como criar atos de currículo em educação online por meio de práticas de App-Learning, considerando os usos dos dispositivos móveis pelas praticantes culturais e a instituição de práticas de App-Learning em seu cotidiano para formação docente na Cibercultura. Os resultados da pesquisa incluem narrativas, imagens, noções de autoria, fundamentação e ciberacessibilidade, bem como a experiência pessoal do autor, destacando sugestões de aplicativos e práticas para inspirar futuros educadores.
What do women want from their inflammatory bowel disease team during pregnancy?
Authors: Janiszewski Helen , Younge Lisa , Cooper Joanne , Coad Jane , Moran Gordon W , Greenaway Claire , Bailey Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as preterm birth, small for gestational age babies, gestational diabetes and caesarean section. Severe disease activity during pregnancy can further increase said complications. Pregnancy care pathways for women living with IBD may vary depending on the service provision available. While some women can have established relationships with IBD teams, others may have not.

Aims and methods:

This study aimed to understand the factors and influences that have shaped women's experiences of pregnancy when living with IBD, as well as explore components of maternity care pathways. Women's experiences were obtained through an online survey and a series of one-to-one interviews.

Results:

This mixed-methods study provides original first-hand insights into what women want from their IBD team during pregnancy, with novel themes identified regarding a need for information about what to expect about their disease activity during pregnancy and reassurance about medication use.

Discussion:

Without discussion of such possible disease activity in pregnancy, women may make assumptions based upon ‘hearsay’ or have expectations that may not be accurate within the context of their personal experience of disease severity. Women with IBD may also experience additional unnecessary negative psychological or physical effects if evidence-based information is not given about medication. Woman may stop taking medication, risking increased disease activity, or experience additional anxiety about the perceived effects that medication may have on their baby.

Conclusions:

The provision of specialist IBD care during pregnancy may vary according to service provider; however the IBD multidisciplinary team can be central to ensuring women receive optimal evidence-based care in a timely manner during pregnancy. This will help ensure women feel able to make informed decisions about their care, and avoid experiencing additional psychological and physical effects.
Implementing a physiotherapy-led prehabilitation service and improving inpatient rehabilitation for people with complex colorectal cancer: a service evaluation project
Authors: Finch Alice , Ashford Stephen , Taylor Claire
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims

Prehabilitation improves pre-operative functional status which improves post-operative outcomes. There is limited evidence on the role prehabilitation for people with locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer and because of the complex nature of the surgery, patients have particular need for optimisation and specialist rehabilitation. A service evaluation was implemented to evaluate the impact of prehabilitation and increased post-operative rehabilitation in those with locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.

Methods

Exercise-based prehabilitation and an increase in inpatient rehabilitation was implemented for those referred to the complex colorectal cancer clinic (n=59). Hospital length of stay and number of inpatient physiotherapy contacts (therapy sessions) were collected between May 2021 and May 2022 and compared to retrospective data of 44 people who underwent surgery between 2018 and 2019 to help evaluate this project. A range of secondary outcome measures were also collected to assess the impact of prehabilitation, including the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, Duke Activity Status Index and a patient questionnaire. Paired sample t-tests were performed to compare the total hospital length of stay for all patients in the retrospective 2018–2019 data group with the prehabilitation data group from 2021–2022.

Results

A total of 59 patients entered the service between May 2021 and May 2022. A significant difference between the length of stay in the two groups was found (P<0.05, t=0.731). Improvements in the Sit-to-Stand Test and Duke Activity Status Index were demonstrated (P<0.001). Data from the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 showed small but not significant reductions in the severity of physical, fatigue, pain and appetite functioning scales. For the more complex patients, average weekly inpatient physiotherapy contacts per person increased from three in 2018–2019 to seven in 2021–2022. Patient compliance and satisfaction was high following implementation of the service development project.

Conclusions

Prehabilitation improves pre-operative functional status and combined with effective inpatient rehabilitation, may reduce hospital length of stay for those undergoing complex colorectal cancer surgery.

Implications for practice

Services that offer surgery for locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer should consider implementing a prehabilitation programme to improve pre-operative functional status. For those undergoing more complex surgeries, increased post-operative rehabilitation provision should be considered, as combined with prehabilitation, it may reduce hospital length of stay.
Vertical perception following stroke: a survey of rehabilitation therapists’ opinions on the impact of vertical perception deficits on rehabilitation and recovery
Authors: Shaw Amelia , Johnson Louise , Cook Katherine , Faulkner James
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims

Following stroke, people can present with spatial perceptual deficits, which are associated with vertical perception deficits and are known to negatively influence the outcome of rehabilitation. It is not known how vertical perception deficits influence rehabilitation therapists’ assessment and treatment choices. A survey of mainly UK-based physiotherapists and occupational therapists was undertaken to explore views and current practice in relation to vertical perception following stroke. Specifically, the survey investigated rehabilitation therapists’ views on terminology, assessment and treatment, impact on functional outcome and clinical decision making.

Methods

An online survey was completed by a convenience sample of 70 rehabilitation therapists (52 physiotherapists and 18 occupational therapists).

Results

Vertical perception deficits were commonly encountered by respondents and were diagnosed mainly through observation. Respondents were confident in their ability to assess and treat vertical perception deficits. Vertical perception deficits were understood to be associated with pushing behaviour, neglect, weight-bearing asymmetry and decreased balance. Respondents understood it was related to severe, right-sided strokes with sensory and proprioceptive loss, but were inconsistent in their awareness of the specific brain regions involved in vertical perception deficits, specifically in posterior circulation strokes. Respondents reported that stroke survivors with vertical perception deficits require longer periods of rehabilitation, and overall have a worse functional outcome than those without. A variety of treatment options were used to address vertical perception deficits.

Conclusions

Further research should investigate the treatment and assessment used by rehabilitation therapists in relation to vertical perception deficits following stroke.

Implications for practice

Vertical perception deficits are commonly encountered in stroke rehabilitation. Rehabilitation therapists identify this mainly through observation. There are currently no methods to quantify vertical perception deficits in the clinical environment. Individuals living with vertical perception deficit may require longer periods of rehabilitation. At present, there are no evidence-based interventions to address vertical perception deficits in people who have had a stroke.
Lateral epicondylitis in physiotherapists working in clinical settings: etiopathogenesis and conservative treatment
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Cantagalli Stefano
Published: December 2024

Massimiliano Polastri and Stefano Cantagalli discuss lateral epicondylitis and what physiotherapists can do to protect their musculoskeletal health.
Improving feed efficiency and antioxidant properties in Thai native chickens by supplementing Thai rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatic (Lam.) Merr.) powder
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Jekmadan Chaiwat , Suwanlee Surachai ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Suebsima Bancha ,   Ubonratchathani Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand, Yuajit Chaowalit ,   College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Glinubon Jinda ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Tantisirin Nopporn ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Kaewluan Wichan ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Siriboon Chawalit ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Siriboon Chawalit ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the benefits of adding Thai rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatic (Lam.) Merr.) powder to the diet of Thai native chickens. Using a randomized completely block design (RCBD), 200 mixed-gender chickens were assigned to groups that received varying amounts of rice paddy herb powder (RPHP): 0% (Control), 1% (RPHP1), 2% (RPHP2), and 3% (RPHP3), along with oxytetracycline (OTC) at 0.25% in the diet. The addition of RPHP to the diet did not result in significant changes in body weight, body weight gain, or average daily gain (P>0.05). When compared to the control group, the RPHP-supplemented group had significantly lower feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Both RPHP1 and RPHP2 groups had comparable total feed costs and benefit-cost ratios to the control group (P>0.05). In contrast, the inclusion of OTC increased total feed costs, resulting in a lower benefit-cost ratio (P<0.05). Carcass analysis revealed no significant effects from RPHP supplementation, whereas OTC significantly reduced spleen percentage and spleen index (P<0.05). Except for the lightness of breast meat, which decreased significantly in the RPHP2 group compared to the control group (P<0.05), meat quality did not differ significantly among treatment groups (P>0.05). Additionally, supplementation of RPHP, particularly RPHP3, increased SOD and T-AOC levels in meat while decreasing O2- and MDA levels (P<0.05). Taken together, these findings indicated that Thai native chickens fed Thai rice paddy herb powder increased feed efficiency without changing meat quality or carcass characteristics. The inclusion of RPHP at a concentration of 3% in the diet showed potential in enhancing the antioxidant properties of meat.
Meta-analysis of laying hen performance and egg quality characteristics in response to Spirulina supplementation
Authors:   Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Sadid Muhammad Maulana , Anam Moh Sofi'ul ,   Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Published: December 2024

Because of its essential and beneficial nutritional content, the utilization of Spirulina in the layer chicken diet has received more attention nowadays. The meta-analysis in this study aimed to ascertain the efficacy of dietary Spirulina on feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), laying rate (LR), and egg quality in laying hens. The analysis drew upon nineteen (19) publications identified across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, collectively utilizing the varied search mechanisms therein. The data from these 19 trials underwent analysis using random-effects models within the OpenMEE software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with its accompanying 95% confidence interval was unveiled as the result. The findings revealed a significant improvement in FCR (SMD = -2.233; p<0.001), LR (SMD=2.290; p<0.001), egg weight (SMD=1.551; p<0.001), eggshell thickness (SMD=1.223; p<0.001), yolk colour (SMD=10.659; p<0.001), haugh unit (SMD=2.189; p<0.001), and a reduction in yolk cholesterol concentration (SMD=-0.964; p<0.001). The results for FI (SMD=0.776; p=0.074) and yolk weight (SMD=0.367; p=0.075) were compared to the control group. The meta-analysis unveiled considerable variation among the included papers, indicating high heterogeneity. The meta-regression uncovered that the factors scrutinized in the research—namely, a hen's age, inclusion level, and duration of treatment—greatly impacted the divergences observed in this meta-analysis and substantially accounted for its outcomes. The current meta-analysis concluded that dietary supplementation of Spirulina in laying hens could improve the performance and egg quality characteristics.
Growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of Wagyu crossbred with Kamphaengsaen, Brahman, and Thai Holstein Friesian cattle
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand, Thirawong Prayad , Oluodo Lukman Abiola ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand,   Graduate Program in Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University Under the CMU Presidential Scholarship, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Outreach Department, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Benin City 1069, Nigeria, Hnokaew Patipan ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand, Buaphan Sirirat ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand, Yammuen-Art Saowaluck ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand
Published: December 2024

This study compared the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of steers; Wagyu × Kamphaengsaen (WKPS), Wagyu × Brahman (WBR), and Wagyu × Thai Holstein Friesian (WTHF). Twenty-one crossbred Wagyu with a mean body weight of 395.10±43.89 kg were randomly assigned to three groups (n=7). All steers were fed the same diet from 19 months until slaughter age at 26 months. Growth performance indices were divided into two periods, at 19 – 22 and 23 – 26 months. The WTHF was found to have better body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to WBR and WKPS (p<0.05). The longissimus dorsi muscle was used to compare the meat quality traits. Thai Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle were found to have higher growth performance (p<0.05) and carcass characteristics (p<0.05); WKPS had a higher meat color value for a*, while L* and b* meat color values were higher with the WBR group (p<0.05); and WTHF meat had higher fat composition and lower shear force (p<0.05). The results show that WTHF cattle had better growth performance and provided higher fat content for high meat quality attributes, WBR had higher meat color values, while the WTHF cattle provided better meat quality attributes among the group
Hypercyclic and chaotic operators in space of functions analytic in domain
Authors: Rakhimova Alsu Il'darorna
Published: December 2024

We consider the space $H(\Omega)$ of functions analytic in a simply connected domain $\Omega$ in the complex plane equipped with the topology of uniform convergence on compact sets. We study issues on hypercyclicity, chaoticity and frequently hypercyclic for some operators in this space. We prove that a linear continuous operator in $H(\Omega),$ which commutes with the differentiation operator, is hypercyclic. We also show that this operator is chaotic and frequently hypercyclic in $H(\Omega).$
Design of polarization-maintaining fiber with uniform doping concentration supporting 14 weakly coupled modes based on discrete point configuration optimization
Authors: Ma Changzheng , Gu Zhenyu , Tan Zhongwei , Ning Tigang , Pei Li , Zheng Jingjing , Li Jing , Ye Xiao
Published: December 2024

In this work, we propose a polarization-maintaining, weakly coupled few-mode fiber with a uniform doping concentration, designed via a particle swarm optimization algorithm and a discrete point configuration method. The design features a circular central air hole and an irregular doped boundary. Across the C+L band, all 14 modes exhibit an effective refractive index difference exceeding 1.43×10−4. Compared to conventional polarization-maintaining few-mode fibers, the proposed design offers enhanced flexibility, ensuring mode isolation with a very non-complicated process. This approach can be readily extended to other inhomogeneous optical waveguides, offering a valuable framework for intelligent design in non-uniform waveguide systems.
Robust framework for modelling long range dToF SPAD Lidar performance
Authors: Scholes Stirling , Wade Ewan , McCarthy Aongus , Garcia-Armenta Jorge , Tobin Rachael , Soan Philip J. , Buller Gerald S. , Leach Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Time-of-flight Lidars based on single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector arrays are emerging as a strong candidate technology for long range three-dimensional imaging in challenging environmental conditions. However, reaching this bound requires the existence of an unbiased estimator, which does not necessarily exist for data acquired by realistic SPAD-based Lidar systems. Here, we extend our existing SPAD Lidar modelling framework to include a novel metric, which we term the ‘Binomial Separation Criterion’, as a means of quantifying whether a depth estimation algorithm will reach the Cramér-Rao bound (CRB). This enables us to evaluate the performance of SPAD Lidar systems over a significantly larger state space range than previously, i.e., evaluation in scenarios where the total number of measured photons and peak signal-to-noise ratio change by an order of magnitude. We validate this new approach against data acquired from two separate depth imaging systems, one operating at 532 nm and one at 1550 nm wavelengths, measuring targets at a range of 1.4 km. We present strong agreements between the outputs of our framework and the experimental results across different operating wavelengths, spatial resolutions, target types, and sensor architectures. We expect this framework to serve as a highly versatile tool with wide-ranging applicability to the SPAD Lidar community.
Intracavity coherent supercontinuum generation via high-order soliton dynamics in a dissipative soliton fiber laser
Authors: Tian Yiwei , Meng Fanchao , Yan Qi , Lv Changjian , Jia Zhixu , Qin Weiping , Qin Guanshi , Dudley John M.
Published: December 2024

High-order solitons exhibit fascinating dynamics during their propagation in anomalous dispersion media. High-order soliton dynamics have been intensively exploited for extreme pulse compression and coherent ultra-broadband spectrum generation. Despite recent advances, most previous studies have been restricted to soliton propagation external to a laser cavity, leaving the intracavity generation and evolution of high-order solitons less explored. Here, we numerically demonstrate that by carefully optimizing the cavity parameters, intracavity coherent supercontinuum could be generated via high-order soliton dynamics in a dissipative soliton fiber laser. In particular, a positively chirped dissipative soliton is formed in normal dispersion gain fiber, which acts as a robust nonlinear attractor. After dechirping, a high (∼8.5) order soliton was formed in a 1.1 m highly nonlinear fiber, which subsequently experienced significant intracavity temporal self-compression and spectral broadening. The shortest pulse duration was ∼14 fs, corresponding to ∼2.7 optical cycles at 1551 nm, with the spectrum spanning over 600 nm at the −30 dB level. The generated supercontinuum maintains high coherence under quantum noise injection. In addition, the supercontinuum bandwidths were further optimized via a genetic algorithm, demonstrating the great promise of machine learning tools in optimizing complicated nonlinear systems. This work opens new possibilities for constructing compact and highly coherent supercontinuum light sources. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the self-consistent evolution dynamics of high-order solitons within a fiber laser cavity.
Nodular-defect induced degradation of laser damage resistance of 532 nm high reflectivity coating after exposure to gamma rays
Authors: Peng Yunqi , Xia Xusheng , Xia Zhilin , Liu Xuyi , Zhang Weili , Cui Yun , Nasibli Humbet , Qin Yuyang , Shao Jianda , Zhao Yuan’an
Published: December 2024

The coupling effect of gamma-ray radiation and 532 nm nanosecond laser radiation on optical coatings and substrates was investigated. Fused silica and S-BSL7 glass with 532 nm high reflectivity (HR) coatings were irradiated using 60Co gamma-ray source at a dose rate of 1 Gy/s for a total dose of 1–500 kGy. After irradiation, the samples were subjected to raster scan testing using a laser with a pulse width of approximately 8.6 nanosecond and wavelength of 532 nm to measure their laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). The results showed that S-BSL7 glass was significantly darkened after gamma-ray irradiation, whereas fused silica did not change color, but E’ color centers appeared at a dose of 500 kGy. All the coated samples maintained a high level of reflectivity. No significant changes are observed in the material structures of the samples. However, the LIDT of the high reflectivity film decreased significantly after 500 kGy irradiation, whereas the LIDT of all other samples showed no obvious degradation. Scanning electron microscopy of the damage pit cross-sections revealed that all the damage was initiated by nodular defects, suggesting that gamma rays affected the nodular structure. We used Monte Carlo simulations to compare the energy deposition and electron excitation conditions of the film with a nodular structure and an intact multilayer structure under gamma-ray irradiation. We found that the nodular structure slightly enhanced the effect of gamma rays on the film. Considering the small size of the nodules, this small enhancement was only apparent under high-dose gamma-ray irradiation. In general, we confirmed that gamma-ray irradiation influenced the LIDT of the 532 nm HR coating through nodular defects other than the coating stack.
Inverse design of metalenses with polarization and chromatic dispersion modulation via transfer learning
Authors: Gao Fan , Yang Chenchen , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Jingwen , Ou Zhihao , Deng Juan , Yan Bo
Published: December 2024

Polarization and wavelength multiplexed metalenses address the bulkiness of traditional imaging systems. However, despite progress with numerical simulations and parameter scanning, the engineering complexity of classical methods highlights the urgent need for efficient deep learning approaches. This paper introduces a deep learning-driven inverse design model for polarization-multiplexed metalenses, employing propagation phase theory alongside spectral transfer learning to address chromatic dispersion challenges. The model facilitates the rapid design of metalenses with off-axis and dual-focus capabilities within a single wavelength. Numerical simulations reveal a focal length deviation of less than 5% and an average focusing efficiency of 43.3%. The integration of spectral transfer learning streamlines the design process, enabling multifunctional metalenses with enhanced full-color imaging and displacement measurement, thus advancing the field of metasurfaces.
Elevating the TMI threshold by incorporating QCW pumping in a high-power CW fiber oscillator
Authors: Ding Xinyi , Li Haobo , Zeng Lingfa , Wu Hanshuo , Zhang Hanwei , Wang Xiaolin , Ning Yu , Xi Fengjie
Published: December 2024

Transverse mode instability (TMI) significantly limits the power scaling of ytterbium-doped fiber lasers. In this Letter, what we believe to be a novel TMI mitigation strategy is proposed and demonstrated in a bidirectional output fiber laser. On the basis of the continuous wave (CW) pump, integrating a quasi-continuous wave (QCW) pump can effectively improve the TMI threshold of the system. In the experiment, a QCW pump with a repetition rate of 1 kHz and a duty cycle of 10% was injected into a CW-pumped fiber laser oscillator, which successfully broke the power limit and alleviated the beam quality degradation. Moreover, when applying a pump modulation depth of approximately 68%, the TMI threshold was notably increased from 624 W in the free-running condition to 1093 W at end B, which is a 469 W (75%) improvement. At this time, the beam quality factor M2 at end B is approximately 1.48, and the stimulated Raman scattering suppression ratio is about 28 dB. Compared to conventional TMI mitigation methods, this approach provides active control in the time domain of fiber lasers, without compromising the optical structures, thereby effectively mitigating TMI and offering broad application prospects.
Cell-free placental DNA: What do we really know?
Authors: Yuen Natalie , Lemaire Melanie , Wilson Samantha L.
Published: December 2024

Cell-free placental DNA (cfpDNA) is present in maternal circulation during gestation. CfpDNA carries great potential as a research and clinical tool as it provides a means to investigate the placental (epi)genome across gestation, which previously required invasive placenta sampling procedures. CfpDNA has been widely implemented in the clinical setting for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Despite this, the basic biology of cfpDNA remains poorly understood, limiting the research and clinical utility of cfpDNA. This review will examine the current knowledge of cfpDNA, including origins and molecular characteristics, highlight gaps in knowledge, and discuss future research directions.
Hsp90 and cochaperones have two genetically distinct roles in regulating eEF2 function
Authors: Fulton Melody D. , Yama Danielle J. , Dahl Ella , Johnson Jill L.
Published: December 2024

Protein homeostasis relies on the accurate translation and folding of newly synthesized proteins. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) promotes GTP-dependent translocation of the ribosome during translation. eEF2 folding was recently shown to be dependent on Hsp90 as well as the cochaperones Hgh1, Cns1, and Cpr7. We examined the requirement for Hsp90 and cochaperones more closely and found that Hsp90 and cochaperones have two distinct roles in regulating eEF2 function. Yeast expressing one group of Hsp90 mutations or one group of cochaperone mutations had reduced steady-state levels of eEF2. The growth of Hsp90 mutants that affected eEF2 accumulation was also negatively affected by deletion of the gene encoding Hgh1. Further, mutations in yeast eEF2 that mimic disease-associated mutations in human eEF2 were negatively impacted by loss of Hgh1 and growth of one mutant was partially rescued by overexpression of Hgh1. In contrast, yeast expressing different groups of Hsp90 mutations or a different cochaperone mutation had altered sensitivity to diphtheria toxin, which is dictated by a unique posttranslational modification on eEF2. Our results provide further evidence that Hsp90 contributes to proteostasis not just by assisting protein folding, but also by enabling accurate translation of newly synthesized proteins. In addition, these results provide further evidence that yeast Hsp90 mutants have distinct in vivo effects that correlate with defects in subsets of cochaperones.
Ensemble intelligence prediction algorithms and land use scenarios to measure carbon emissions of the Yangtze River Delta: A machine learning model based on Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Dai Qi , Liu Xiao-yan , Sun Fang-yi , Ren Fang-rong
Published: December 2024

Land use in urban agglomerations is the main source of carbon emissions, and reducing them and improving land use efficiency are the keys to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). To advance the literature on densely populated cities and highly commercialized regions, this research evaluates the total-factor carbon emission efficiency index (TCEI) of 27 cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration at different stages from 2011 to 2020 using two-stage dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA). The study carries out regression analysis and a long-short-term memory model (LSTM) to respectively filter out the factors and predict TCEI. The results indicate the following. (1) The total efficiency of 27 cities has significantly improved from 2011 to 2020, and there are obvious spatial heterogeneity characteristics. (2) In terms of stages, most cities’ efficiency values in the initial stage (energy consumption) exceed those in the second stage (sustainable land utilization). (3) In terms of influencing factors, urban green space’s ability to capture carbon has a notably positive correlation with carbon emission efficiency. In contrast, the substantial carbon emissions resulting from human respiration are a negative factor affecting carbon emission efficiency. (4) Over the forthcoming six years, the efficiency value of land use TCEI in the YRD urban cluster is forecasted to range between 0.65 and 0.75. Those cities with the highest performance are projected to achieve an efficiency value of 0.9480. Lastly, this research investigates the interaction between actors and land resources on TCEI, resulting in a beneficial understanding for the former to make strategic adjustments during the urbanization process.
Integration of pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and MD simulation for targeting EGFR: A comprehensive drug discovery study using commercial databases
Authors: Alanzi Abdullah R. , Moussa Ashaimaa Y. , Alsalhi Mohammed S. , Nawaz Tayyab , Ali Ijaz
Published: December 2024

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a crucial component of cellular signaling pathways, is frequently dysregulated in a range of cancers. EGFR targeting has become a viable approach in the development of anti-cancer medications. This study employs an integrated approach to drug discovery, combining multiple computational methodologies to identify potential EGFR inhibitors. The co-crystal ligand for the EGFR protein (R85) (PDB ID: 7AEI) was employed as a model for developing pharmacophore hypotheses. Nine databases underwent a ligand-based virtual screening, and 1271 hits meeting the screening criteria were chosen. EGFR protein crystal structure was obtained from the PDB database (PDB ID: 7AEI) and prepared. The hit compounds identified during virtual screening were docked to the prepared EGFR receptor to predict binding affinities by using the glide tool’s standard precision mode. The top ten compounds were chosen, and their affinities of binding ranged from -7.691 to -7.338 kcal/mol. The ADMET properties of the selected compounds were predicted, and three compounds MCULE-6473175764, CSC048452634, and CSC070083626 showed better QPPCaco values compared to other identified compounds, so these were selected for further stability analysis. To confirm the stability of the protein-ligand complexes, a 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was run using the binding sites of the top three compounds against the EGFR receptor. These results suggest that the selected compounds may be lead compounds in suppressing the biological activity of EGFR, additional experimental investigation is required.
The impact of new urbanization on water ecological resilience: An empirical study from central China
Authors: Kan Daxue , Lv Lianjv
Published: December 2024

Given the multitude of risks and challenges faced by the water ecological environment during urbanization, enhancing water ecological resilience and improving the water ecological environment have emerged as crucial topics in China’s economic and social development, as well as its ecological civilization construction. This study proposes a research hypothesis on the relationship between new urbanization and water ecological resilience. Employing various econometric models such as the extended STIRPAT model, dynamic panel model, panel threshold effect model, dynamic panel mediating effect model and dynamic panel difference-in-difference model, empirical tests were conducted to examine the impact of new urbanization on water ecological resilience in central China. The findings indicate that: (1) there exists a U-shaped curve relationship with a threshold effect between new urbanization and water ecological resilience; this conclusion remains valid even after conducting several robustness tests including extreme value treatment, re-measurement of independent variables, and replacement of econometric models. (2) In regions with lower levels of new urbanization, new urbanization exerts more significant stress effect on water ecological resilience through economic scale effect, population scale effect, investment pulling effect and foreign trade effect; whereas in regions with higher levels of new urbanization, new urbanization exerts more significant positive effect on water ecological resilience through factors agglomeration effect, technological progress effect, human capital effect, industrial structure effect and marketization effect. (3) Compared to non-pilot cities, the implementation of comprehensive pilot policies for new urbanization has significantly improved the water ecological resilience of cities in central China and the promotion of new urbanization of pilot cities contributes to enhancing water ecological resilience.