bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerance to aberration and misalignment in a two-point-resolving image inversion interferometer
Authors: Schodt David J. , Cutler Patrick J. , Becerra Francisco E. , Lidke Keith A.
Published: April 2023

Image inversion interferometry can measure the separation of two incoherent point sources at or near the quantum limit. This technique has the potential to improve upon current state-of-the-art imaging technologies, with applications ranging from microbiology to astronomy. However, unavoidable aberrations and imperfections in real systems may prevent inversion interferometry from providing an advantage for real-world applications. Here, we numerically study the effects of realistic imaging system imperfections on the performance of image inversion interferometry, including common phase aberrations, interferometer misalignment, and imperfect energy splitting within the interferometer. Our results suggest that image inversion interferometry retains its superiority to direct detection imaging for a wide range of aberrations, so long as pixelated detection is used at the interferometer outputs. This study serves as a guide for the system requirements needed to achieve sensitivities beyond the limits of direct imaging, and further elucidates the robustness of image inversion interferometry to imperfections. These results are critical for the design, construction, and use of future imaging technologies performing at or near the quantum limit of source separation measurements.
93-THz ultra-broadband and ultra-low loss Y-junction photonic power splitter with phased inverse design
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Peng Zheng , Zhang Yuqing , Wu Yilu , Hu Yuqi , Wu Jiagui , Yang Junbo
Published: April 2023

Optical power splitters with ultra-broadband and ultra-low insertion loss are desired in the field of photonic integration. Combining two inverse design algorithms for staged optimization, we present the design of a Y-junction photonic power splitter with 700 nm wavelength bandwidth (from 1200 nm to 1900 nm) within a 0.2 dB insertion loss, corresponding to a 93 THz frequency bandwidth. The average insertion loss is approximately −0.057 dB in the valuable C-band. Moreover, we comprehensively compared the insertion loss performance of different types and sizes of curved waveguides, and also give the cases of 1:4 and 1:6 cascaded power splitters. These scalable Y-junction splitters provide new alternatives for high-performance photonic integration.
Differential synthetic illumination based on multi-line detection for resolution and contrast enhancement of line confocal microscopy
Authors: Qiao Wei , Li Yafeng , Ning Kefu , Luo Qingming , Gong Hui , Yuan Jing
Published: April 2023

Line confocal (LC) microscopy is a fast 3D imaging technique, but its asymmetric detection slit limits resolution and optical sectioning. To address this, we propose the differential synthetic illumination (DSI) method based on multi-line detection to enhance the spatial resolution and optical sectioning capability of the LC system. The DSI method allows the imaging process to simultaneously accomplish on a single camera, which ensures the rapidity and stability of the imaging process. DSI-LC improves X- and Z-axis resolution by 1.28 and 1.26 times, respectively, and optical sectioning by 2.6 times compared to LC. Furthermore, the spatially resolved power and contrast are also demonstrated by imaging pollen, microtubule, and the fiber of the GFP fluorescence-labeled mouse brain. Finally, Video-rate imaging of zebrafish larval heart beating in a 665.6 × 332.8 µm2 field-of-view is achieved. DSI-LC provides a promising approach for 3D large-scale and functional imaging in vivo with improved resolution, contrast, and robustness.
Deep-learning-based 3D blood flow reconstruction in transmissive laser speckle imaging
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Tong Shanbao , Miao Peng
Published: April 2023

Transmissive laser speckle imaging (LSI) is useful for monitoring large field-of-view (FOV) blood flow in thick tissues. However, after longer transmissions, the contrast of the transmitted speckle images is more likely to be blurred by multiple scattering, resulting in decreased accuracy and spatial resolution of deep vessels. This study proposes a deep-learning-based strategy for high spatiotemporal resolution three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from a single transilluminated laser speckle contrast image, providing more structural and functional details without multifocus two-dimensional (2D) imaging or 3D optical imaging with point/line scanning. Based on the correlation transfer equation, a large training dataset is generated by convolving vessel masks with depth-dependent point spread functions (PSF). The UNet and ResNet are used for deblurring and depth estimation. The blood flow in the reconstructed 3D vessels is estimated by a depth-dependent contrast model. The proposed method is evaluated with simulated data and phantom experiments, achieving high-fidelity structural reconstruction with a depth-independent estimation of blood flow. This fast 3D blood flow imaging technique is suitable for real-time monitoring of thick tissue and the diagnosis of vascular diseases.
Generating multi-focus beams with a spatial non-uniform coherence structure
Authors: Xu Ying , Guan Yadi , Liu Yulu , Lin Shuqin , Zhu Xinlei , Cai Yangjian , Yu Jiayi , Gbur Greg
Published: April 2023

We introduce a class of structured light beams, named multi-focus beams, which exhibit self-focusing at multiple propagation distances. We show that the proposed beams not only have the ability to produce multiple longitudinal focal spots, but also that the number, intensity, and position of the foci can be controlled by adjusting the initial beam parameters. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these beams still exhibit self-focusing in the shadow of an obstacle. We have experimentally generated such beams and the results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. Our studies may find application where fine control of the longitudinal spectral density is needed, such as longitudinal optical trapping and manipulation of multiple particles, and transparent material cutting.
Noninvasive material anisotropy estimation using oblique incidence reflectometry and machine learning
Authors: Wang Lezhong , Bigdeli Siavash Arjomand , Christensen Anders Nymark , Corredig Milena , Tonello Riccardo , Dahl Anders Bjorholm , Frisvad Jeppe Revall
Published: April 2023

Anisotropy reveals interesting details of the subsurface structure of a material. We aim at noninvasive assessment of material anisotropy using as few measurements as possible. To this end, we evaluate different methods for detecting anisotropy when observing (1) several sample rotations, (2) two perpendicular planes of incidence, and (3) just one observation. We estimate anisotropy by fitting ellipses to diffuse reflectance isocontours, and we assess the robustness of this method as we reduce the number of observations. In addition, to support the validity of our ellipse fitting method, we propose a machine learning model for estimating material anisotropy.
Infrared camouflage and radar compatible stealth structure based on metamaterial
Authors: Yang Chang , Guo Hao , Chang Huicong , Qu Yanchen , Xiao Lin
Published: April 2023

In this study, an infrared camouflage and radar compatible stealth
structure based on metamaterial is designed and fabricated. Two types
of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) with different infrared
emissivity values are arranged into a specific pattern, which is
similar to a visible camouflage pattern. The different infrared
emissivity regions in the infrared camouflage layer (IRCL) are 0.27,
0.55, and 0.93, and the radar waves transmittance within 18 GHz is
greater than 98%. Below the IRCL is a wideband radar
metamaterial absorber based on square-ring resonant elements, which
can absorb the radar waves and dissipate them through ohmic loss. The
particle swarm optimization algorithm combined with the equivalent
circuit model rapidly optimises the structure of the radar
metamaterial abosrber, achieving an absorption rate greater than
90% from 4.5 GHz-18 GHz. And the absorption efficiency still
maintains 80% at an oblique incidence range of 45°. The
Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) film was etched by laser to obtain the above
microstructures. The combination of two layers of metamaterial
structure realizes the compatible stealth capability of infrared
camouflage and radar absorption.
Single-shot quantitative amplitude and phase imaging based on a pair of all-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Wu Qianyi , Zhou Junxiao , Chen Xinyu , Zhao Junxiang , Lei Ming , Chen Guanghao , Lo Yu-Hwa , Liu Zhaowei
Published: April 2023

Quantitative amplitude and phase imaging (QAPI) has been an effective technique to examine label-free biomedical samples. Simple and reliable QAPI techniques realized by replacing conventional bulky optical elements with planar structures will improve the system portability and facilitate in vivo imaging applications. Here, we propose a single-shot QAPI method realized by simply inserting a pair of all-dielectric geometric phase metasurfaces into a traditional microscope. The first metasurface splits a linearly polarized incident beam into two circularly polarized components and the following metasurface deflects the two beams back toward their initial directions. The metasurface pair generates two laterally displaced replicas of the input object, of which the interference forms a retardance image with a bias retardation controlled by an analyzer. The amplitude and phase information of the object is reconstructed from four retardance images simultaneously recorded by a polarized camera. The metasurface pair can be placed near any conjugate plane of the object, which provides a flexible and robust configuration for QAPI, demonstrating its wide usage in live imaging.
Being noisy in a crowd: Differential selective pressure on gene expression noise in model gene regulatory networks
Authors: Puzović Nataša , Madaan Tanvi , Dutheil Julien Y.
Published: April 2023

Expression noise, the variability of the amount of gene product among isogenic cells grown in identical conditions, originates from the inherent stochasticity of diffusion and binding of the molecular players involved in transcription and translation. It has been shown that expression noise is an evolvable trait and that central genes exhibit less noise than peripheral genes in gene networks. A possible explanation for this pattern is increased selective pressure on central genes since they propagate their noise to downstream targets, leading to noise amplification. To test this hypothesis, we developed a new gene regulatory network model with inheritable stochastic gene expression and simulated the evolution of gene-specific expression noise under constraint at the network level. Stabilizing selection was imposed on the expression level of all genes in the network and rounds of mutation, selection, replication and recombination were performed. We observed that local network features affect both the probability to respond to selection, and the strength of the selective pressure acting on individual genes. In particular, the reduction of gene-specific expression noise as a response to stabilizing selection on the gene expression level is higher in genes with higher centrality metrics. Furthermore, global topological structures such as network diameter, centralization and average degree affect the average expression variance and average selective pressure acting on constituent genes. Our results demonstrate that selection at the network level leads to differential selective pressure at the gene level, and local and global network characteristics are an essential component of gene-specific expression noise evolution.
Bridging the gap between mechanistic biological models and machine learning surrogates
Authors: Gherman Ioana M. , Abdallah Zahraa S. , Pang Wei , Gorochowski Thomas E. , Grierson Claire S. , Marucci Lucia
Published: April 2023

Mechanistic models have been used for centuries to describe complex interconnected processes, including biological ones. As the scope of these models has widened, so have their computational demands. This complexity can limit their suitability when running many simulations or when real-time results are required. Surrogate machine learning (ML) models can be used to approximate the behaviour of complex mechanistic models, and once built, their computational demands are several orders of magnitude lower. This paper provides an overview of the relevant literature, both from an applicability and a theoretical perspective. For the latter, the paper focuses on the design and training of the underlying ML models. Application-wise, we show how ML surrogates have been used to approximate different mechanistic models. We present a perspective on how these approaches can be applied to models representing biological processes with potential industrial applications (e.g., metabolism and whole-cell modelling) and show why surrogate ML models may hold the key to making the simulation of complex biological systems possible using a typical desktop computer.
“If I don’t take my treatment, I will die and who will take care of my child?”: An investigation into an inclusive community-led approach to addressing the barriers to HIV treatment adherence by postpartum women living with HIV
Authors: Pepper Katy
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Initiatives to support adherence to HIV treatment in South Africa are often centred on service delivery thereby avoiding key challenges to adherence: stigma and poverty. In contrast, this study aims to demonstrate the strength of an inclusive research and programme approach to improving the lives of people living with HIV and simultaneously ARV adherence.

Methods

Participatory Action Research combined with a visual participatory method (Photovoice) was used by postpartum women to share their experience of taking ARVs. The research was analysed from an interpretative and critical paradigm where both the women and a non-governmental organisation collaborated in the data collection, analysis and interpretation of the findings. Together, they then disseminated the findings and used a community-led approach to create a programme addressing these barriers effectively.

Findings

Two main barriers to ARV adherence emerged: the anticipated stigma associated with issues of disclosure and poverty epitomized by alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and hunger. The women and the NGO staff successfully presented their findings at conferences and collaborated to develop a programme of support for all women living with HIV in the area. The programme addresses each of the issues raised by the co-researchers and is run via a community-led process where the participants lead on design, implementation, and monitoring and ultimately will revise the programme as needed.

Discussion

The inclusive approach of this study enabled these postpartum women to portray the intersectional nature of both HIV stigma and poverty that affects their lives. By working with the local NGO to develop a programme based on these insights, they were able to tailor specific interventions to the issues women living with HIV face in their area. In doing so, they aim to improve the lives of people living with HIV by demonstrating a more sustainable way to impact ARV adherence.

Conclusion

Currently, health service insistence on measuring ARV adherence does not address the core barriers to taking ARVs and misses the opportunity to focus on the long term health and well-being of people living with HIV. In contrast, locally targeted participatory research and programme development based on inclusivity, collaboration and ownership do address the fundamental challenges of people living with HIV. In doing so, it can have a greater impact on their long term well-being.
Energy evolution and crack development characteristics of sandstone under freeze-thaw cycles by digital image correlation
Authors: Ma Junzu , Jin Jiaxu , Feng Jiaju , Qin Zhifa
Published: April 2023

Freeze-thaw erosion is the main reason for rock mass instability in cold regions and poses major threats to public safety. In this study, the stress threshold, energy, and strain field evolution of sandstone and the variation in stress intensity factor of fractures in various stress fields were all investigated after freeze-thaw cycles by uniaxial compression tests and digital image correlation technology. The results show that the elastic modulus, crack initiation stress, and peak stress all fell by 97%, 92.5%, and 89.9%, respectively, as the number of freeze-thaw cycles approaches 80. Elastic energy’s storage capacity also dropped from 0.85 to 0.17. Sandstone’s strain was increased by freeze-thaw erosion, which also improved ductility and shortened the cracking time. The stress intensity factor at the crack tip was positively correlated with the tip inclination angle and negatively correlated with the number of freeze-thaw cycles. This study provides a useful reference for understanding the stability of rock masses and the characteristics of crack derivation in cold regions.
Effect of aluminum accumulation on bone and cardiovascular risk in the current era
Authors: Carbonara Cinthia E. M. , Roza Noemi A. V. , Quadros Kelcia R. S. , França Renata A. , Esteves André B. A. , Pavan Celia R. , Barreto Joaquim , dos Reis Luciane M. , Jorgetti Vanda , Sposito Andrei C. , Oliveira Rodrigo Bueno
Published: April 2023

Background

The prevalence of aluminum (Al) intoxication has declined over the past 3 decades. However, different groups still report on the diagnosis of Al in bone. Prolonged and low-intensity exposures to Al may not be captured by serum Al measurements, preventing its proper diagnosis. We hypothesize that bone Al accumulation may be related to bone and cardiovascular events in the current Era.

Aims

To detect the diagnosis of bone Al accumulation; to explore bone and cardiovascular consequences of Al accumulation.

Methods

This is a sub-analysis of The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy, a prospective, multicentre cohort, with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years, including patients with CKD undergoing bone biopsy; bone fracture and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were adjudicated; Al accumulation was identified by solochrome-azurine staining; history of previous Al accumulation was registered based on information provided by the nephrologist who performed the bone biopsy; bone histomorphometry parameters, clinical data, and general biochemistry were registered.

Results

275 individuals were considered; 96 (35%) patients have diagnosed with bone Al accumulation and were younger [50 (41–56) vs. 55 (43–61) years; p = 0.026], had lower body mass index [23.5 (21.6–25.5) vs. 24.3 (22.1–27.8) kg/m2; p = 0.017], higher dialysis vintage [108 (48–183) vs. 71 (28–132) months; p = 0.002], presented pruritus [23 (24%) vs. 20 (11%); p = 0.005], tendon rupture [7 (7%) vs. 3 (2%); p = 0.03) and bone pain [2 (0–3) vs. 0 (0–3) units; p = 0.02]. Logistic regression reveals that prior bone Al accumulation [OR: 4.517 (CI: 1.176–17.353); p = 0.03] and dialysis vintage [OR: 1.003 (CI: 1.000–1.007); p = 0.046] as independent determinants of bone Al accumulation; minor perturbations in dynamic bone parameters and no differences in bone fractures rate were noted; MACE was more prevalent in patients with bone Al accumulation [21 (34%) vs. 23 (18%) events; p = 0.016]. Cox regression shows the actual/prior diagnosis of bone Al accumulation and diabetes mellitus as independent predictors for MACE: [HR = 3.129 (CI: 1.439–6.804; p = 0.004) and HR = 2.785 (CI: 1.120–6.928; p = 0.028].

Conclusions

An elevated proportion of patients have bone Al accumulation, associated with a greater prevalence of bone pain, tendon rupture, and pruritus; bone Al accumulation was associated with minor perturbations in renal osteodystrophy; actual/prior diagnosis of bone Al accumulation and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors for MACE.
Changes in the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes and associated risk factors in rural Baluchistan; a secondary analysis from repeated surveys (2002–2017)
Authors: Abdul Basit Khalid , Fawwad Asher , Mustafa Nida , Davey Thomas , Tahir Bilal , Basit Abdul
Published: April 2023

To observe trends of diabetes and its associated risk factors from health surveys 2002–2017 in rural areas of Baluchistan-Pakistan and a secondary analysis based on community based health surveys of Baluchistan conducted between 2001–02, 2009–10, and 2016–17. A total of 4250 participants were included in this combined analysis, 2515 from 2001–2002, 1377 from 2009–2010 and 358 from 2016–2017 survey year. In each survey, detailed information of baseline parameters were noted on a predesigned questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was used for diagnosis of diabetes for comparative purposes in this analysis. Cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors including hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were compared. Most subjects were aged 30–50 years and males were found higher in 2016–17 compared to 2001–02 and 2009–10. Pronounced increases in BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and family history of diabetes were observed in 2016–17. Diabetes prevalence was 4.2 (3.4–4.9), 7.8 (6.6–9.2) and 31.9 (26.9–37.4), whilst pre-diabetes was 1.7 (1.3–2.2), 3.6 (2.8–4.6) and 10.7 (7.6–14.9) in years 2001–02, 2009–10, and 2016–17, respectively. Among those aged 20-39years, prevalence of diabetes was stable from 2001–10 yet increased considerably between the ages of 30-39years in 2016–17. Throughout the observed period, rapid increases were observed in hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidaemia, however, addiction to tobacco use and alcohol intake decreased. Adjusted odd ratios showed age, marital status, education, hypertension, and family history of diabetes as associated risk factors for glycaemic dysregulation. The rural Baluchistan population is confronted with increasing trends of early onset diabetes due to highly associated CVD risk factors, especially central obesity and dyslipidaemia, raising a major public health challenge.
Cover crop termination options and application of remote sensing for evaluating termination efficiency
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Singh Vijay , Flessner Michael L. , Haymaker Joseph , Reiter Mark S. , Mirsky Steven B.
Published: April 2023

Efficient termination of cover crops is an important component of cover crop management. Information on termination efficiency can help in devising management plans but estimating herbicide efficacy is a tedious task and potential remote sensing technologies and vegetative indices (VIs) have not been explored for this purpose. This study was designed to evaluate potential herbicide options for the termination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), and to correlate different VIs with visible termination efficiency. Nine herbicides and one roller-crimping treatment were applied to each cover crop. Among different herbicides used, glyphosate, glyphosate + glufosinate, paraquat, and paraquat + metribuzin provided more than 95% termination for both wheat and cereal rye 28 days after treatment (DAT). For hairy vetch, 2,4-D + glufosinate and glyphosate + glufosinate, resulted in 99 and 98% termination efficiency, respectively, followed by 2,4-D + glyphosate and paraquat with 92% termination efficiency 28 DAT. No herbicide provided more than 90% termination of rapeseed and highest control was provided by paraquat (86%), 2,4-D + glufosinate (85%), and 2,4-D + glyphosate (85%). Roller-crimping (without herbicide application) did not provide effective termination of any cover crop with 41, 61, 49, and 43% termination for wheat, cereal rye, hairy vetch, and rapeseed, respectively. Among the VIs, Green Leaf Index had the highest Pearson correlation coefficient for wheat (r = -0.786, p = <0.0001) and cereal rye (r = -0.804, p = <0.0001) with visible termination efficiency rating. Whereas for rapeseed, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) had the highest correlation coefficient (r = -0.655, p = <0.0001). The study highlighted the need for tankmixing 2,4-D or glufosinate with glyphosate for termination instead of blanket application of glyphosate alone for all crops including rapeseed and other broadleaf cover crops.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae as a predictive model to study gentamicin-induced structural alterations of the kidney
Authors: Bolten Jan Stephan , Tanner Christine , Rodgers Griffin , Schulz Georg , Levano Soledad , Weitkamp Timm , Waldner Samuel , Puligilla Ramya Deepthi , Bodmer Daniel , Müller Bert , Huwyler Jörg
Published: April 2023

Nephrotoxicity is an important drug safety aspect to be assessed during drug discovery and development. To study renal toxicity, in vitro cell-based assays are often used. Unfortunately, translating the results of such cell assays to vertebrates including human remains challenging. Therefore, we aim to evaluate whether zebrafish larvae (ZFL) could serve as a vertebrate screening model to detect gentamicin-induced changes of kidney glomeruli and proximal tubules. To validate the model, we compared the results of ZFL with those obtained from kidney biopsies of gentamicin-treated mice. We used transgenic zebrafish lines expressing enhanced green fluorescent proteins in the glomerulus to visualize glomerular damage. Synchrotron radiation-based computed tomography (SRμCT) is a label-free approach providing three-dimensional representations of renal structures with micrometre resolution. Clinically used gentamicin concentrations induce nephrotoxicity and affect glomerular and proximal tubular morphology. Findings were confirmed in mice and ZFL. There was a strong correlation between fluorescent signals in ZFL, SRμCT- derived descriptors of glomerular and proximal tubular morphology and the histological analysis of mouse kidney biopsies. A combination of SRμCT and confocal microscopy provides unprecedented insights into anatomical structures of the zebrafish kidney. Based on our findings, we suggest to use ZFL as a predictive vertebrate screening model to study drug-induced nephrotoxicity and to bridge the gap between cell culture-based test systems and experiments in mammals.
Hydroxycamptothecin regulates scar formation of the filtration channel under scleral flap by inhibiting the proliferation of scleral fibroblasts
Authors: Gu Hongwei , Liang Ya , Shen Yao , Shuai Jie , Yu Qiuli , Guan Huaijin , Yuan Zhilan
Published: April 2023

Background

To investigate the inhibitory effect of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) on scar formation after filtration surgery in a rabbit model.

Methods

Scleral fibroblasts were isolated and extracted from rabbits’ eyes. After treatment with different concentrations of HCPT, cytotoxicity was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and proliferation and extent of apoptosis were analysed using flow cytometry. Hydrogels loaded with different dosages of HCPT were prepared and placed under the scleral flap after the filtration surgery. One day, one week, and two weeks after surgery, follicular, conjunctival, corneal, and anterior chamber inflammation and iris and lens changes were observed.

Results

In vitro, compared with cells not treated with HCPT, cells treated with HCPT had decreased survival rate and proliferation, and the apoptosis level increased with increasing HCPT concentrations (p < 0.05). In vivo, the flattening time of filtering blebs in the three groups treated with different dosages of HCPT hydrogel was delayed. The degrees of oedema, inflammation, and bleeding were similar to those observed in the control group. The HCPT hydrogel effectively downregulated the expression of collagen 1 and 3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 and upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

HCPT significantly inhibited the growth of rabbits’ scleral fibroblasts and effectively inhibited scar formation after filtering surgery by accelerating the degradation of extracellular matrix deposition.
Effects of typhoon and upwelling on Chlorophyll-a distribution in the northeastern coast of Hainan during Summer
Authors: Shi Haiyi , Chen Ying , Gao Hui , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2023

Typhoons or upwelling are thought to promote higher phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in many previous studies. However, the combined effects of typhoons and upwelling have been less studied in the South China Sea. Based on satellite remote sensing data, we investigated potential contributions of temperature-characterizing upwelling and typhoon events to Chl-a changes in the Hainan northeast area. Results showed that the Chl-a concentration was 0.80 mg m-3 at the coastal upwelling index (CUI) of 1.7°C in the summer of 2020 when there were no typhoons crossing the area. The CUI (1.01°C) of typhoon-influenced period in 2019 was 0.21°C higher than that of typhoon-free period in 2019. And the Chl-a also increased from 0.70 mg m-3 to 0.99 mg m-3. In comparison, during the typhoon-free period, with the higher CUI, there was the higher concentration of Chl-a. In addition, the typhoon affected Chl-a concentration is significantly higher than that in the other two typhoon-free periods of 2019 and 2020. Though the typhoon has a limited effect on the upwelling intensity, the Chl-a concentration is much higher than when the upwelling acts alone. This is due to the combined effect of typhoon (vertical mixing and runoff) and upwelling. The above results indicate that upwelling dominated the changes in Chl-a concentration in the Hainan northeast upwelling area during the typhoon-free period. In contrast, strong vertical mixing and runoff dominated the changes of Chl-a concentration during the typhoon-influenced period in the above area.
Helping patients with chronic diseases quit smoking by understanding their risk perception, behaviour, and smoking-related attitudes
Authors: Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Li William Ho Cheung , Cheung Ankie Tan
Published: April 2023

Continued smoking among patients with chronic diseases detrimentally affects their health and treatment outcomes. However, a majority of smokers with chronic diseases appear to have no intention to quit. Understanding the needs and concerns of this population is a crucial step in facilitating the design of an appropriate smoking cessation intervention. This study aimed to understand the risk perception, behaviours, attitudes, and experiences related to smoking and smoking cessation among patients with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and/or diabetes in Hong Kong. Individual semi-structured interviews with smokers with chronic diseases (n = 30) were conducted from May to July 2021. The methods and results are reported according to the COREQ. Four themes were generated: (1) perceptions of the association between chronic diseases and smoking/smoking cessation; (2) perceptions of the health/disease status; (3) quitting smoking is not the first priority; and (4) perceived barriers to quitting smoking. This study addressed a gap in the literature by gathering data concerning the perspectives of smokers with chronic diseases on smoking and smoking cessation. The deficit of knowledge among smokers with chronic diseases warrants the reinforcement of health education targeting this population. Our findings indicate the need for further efforts in designing appropriate smoking cessation interventions targeting smokers with chronic diseases, which will match the needs and concerns identified in this study.
The impact of tinnitus on adult cochlear implant recipients: A mixed-method approach
Authors: Assouly Kelly K. S. , Shabbir Maryam , van Dijk Bas , Hoare Derek J. , Akeroyd Michael A. , Stokroos Robert J. , Stegeman Inge , Smit Adriana L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Tinnitus is a common problem in patients with a cochlear implant (CI). Between 4% and 25% of CI recipients experience a moderate to severe tinnitus handicap. However, apart from handicap scores, little is known about the real-life impact tinnitus has on those with CIs. We aimed to explore the impact of tinnitus on adult CI recipients, situations impacting tinnitus, tinnitus-related difficulties and their management strategies, using an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach.

Methods

A 2-week web-based forum was conducted using Cochlear Ltd.’s online platform, Cochlear Conversation. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data from the forum discussion to develop key themes and sub-themes. To quantify themes and sub-themes identified, a survey was developed in English with face validity using cognitive interviews, then translated into French, German and Dutch and disseminated on the Cochlear Conversation platform, in six countries (Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands and United Kingdom). Participants were adult CI recipients experiencing tinnitus who received a Cochlear Ltd. CI after 18 years of age.

Results

Four key themes were identified using thematic analysis of the discussion forum: tinnitus experience, situations impacting tinnitus, difficulties associated with tinnitus and tinnitus management. Among the 414 participants of the survey, tinnitus burden on average was a moderate problem without their sound processor and not a problem with the sound processor on. Fatigue, stress, concentration, group conversation and hearing difficulties were the most frequently reported difficulties and was reported to intensify when not wearing the sound processor. For most CI recipients, tinnitus seemed to increase when performing a hearing test, during a CI programming session, or when tired, stressed, or sick. To manage their tinnitus, participants reported turning on their sound processor and avoiding noisy environments.

Conclusion

The qualitative analysis showed that tinnitus can affect everyday life of CI recipients in various ways and highlighted the heterogeneity in their tinnitus experiences. The survey findings extended this to show that tinnitus impact, related difficulties, and management strategies often depend on sound processor use. This exploratory sequential mixed-method study provided a better understanding of the potential benefits of sound processor use, and thus of intracochlear electrical stimulation, on the impact of tinnitus.
Correcting systematic errors by hybrid 2D correlation loss functions in nonlinear inverse modelling
Authors: Mayerhöfer Thomas G. , Noda Isao , Pahlow Susanne , Heintzmann Rainer , Popp Jürgen
Published: April 2023

Recently a new family of loss functions called smart error sums has been suggested. These loss functions account for correlations within experimental data and force modeled data to obey these correlations. As a result, multiplicative systematic errors of experimental data can be revealed and corrected. The smart error sums are based on 2D correlation analysis which is a comparably recent methodology for analyzing spectroscopic data that has found broad application. In this contribution we mathematically generalize and break down this methodology and the smart error sums to uncover the mathematic roots and simplify it to craft a general tool beyond spectroscopic modelling. This reduction also allows a simplified discussion about limits and prospects of this new method including one of its potential future uses as a sophisticated loss function in deep learning. To support its deployment, the work includes computer code to allow reproduction of the basic results.
COVID-19, maternal, and neonatal outcomes: National Mother-Child Cohort (NMCC) of K-COV-N cohort in South Korea
Authors: Oh Jongmin , Lee Whanhee , Kim Choong-jong , Kim Yi Jun , Park Hyesook , Lee Ji Hyen , Park Mi Hye , Lee Seulbi , Ha Eunhee , Lee Kyung A.
Published: April 2023

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women have been classified as a vulnerable population. However, the evidence on the effect of infection during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes is still uncertain, and related research comprising a large population of pregnant women in Asian countries is limited. We constructed a national cohort including mothers and children (369,887 pairs) registered in the Prevention Agency-COVID-19-National Health Insurance Service (COV-N), from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. We performed propensity score matchings and generalized estimation equation models to estimate the effect of COVID-19 on maternal and neonatal outcomes. In summary, we found little evidence of the effect of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes; however, a relationship between COVID-19 infection in the second trimester and postpartum hemorrhages was discovered (Odds ratio (OR) of Delta period: 2.26, 95% Confidence intervals (CI): 1.26, 4.05). In addition, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions increased due to COVID-19 infection (pre-Delta period: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.10; Delta period: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.69; Omicron period: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.75, 3.18). Based on the national retrospective cohort study data, this study investigated the effects of COVID-19 infection on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Korea from the pre-Delta to the initial Omicron epidemic periods. Our evidence suggests that the timely and successful policies of the government and academia in response to COVID-19 infections in newborns in Korea may cause an increase in NICU admissions, but nonetheless, they prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes simultaneously.
Bacterial and fungal community composition and community-level physiological profiles in forest soils
Authors: Kunito Takashi , Hibino Shota , Sumi Hirotaka , Sawada Kozue , Park Ho-Dong , Nagaoka Kazunari
Published: April 2023

We characterized the potential functioning and composition of the bacterial and fungal communities in the O and A horizons of forest soils using community-level physiological profile (CLPP) based on BIOLOG analysis, and polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis of 16S and 18S rDNA fragments, respectively. In addition, relationships between the potential functioning and the community composition in each horizon, and between the O and A horizons, were assessed using Procrustes analysis. For the bacterial and fungal communities, the CLPP and DGGE profile were clearly separated between the O and A horizons in a principal coordinate analysis except for the fungal CLPP. No significant links for CLPP and DGGE profile between the O and A horizons were observed for either bacterial or fungal communities, suggesting that different factors had considerable influence on the microbial communities between the O and A horizons. Significant couplings between bacterial and fungal DGGE profiles (p <0.05 for O horizon; p <0.01 for A horizon), and between bacterial and fungal CLPPs (p = 0.001 for O horizon; p <0.01 for A horizon), were observed in the O and A horizons, implying that common factors strongly influenced the bacterial and fungal communities in each horizon. Although a significant correlation was observed between bacterial community composition and the potential functioning in the A horizon (p <0.01), such a correlation was not observed for the fungal community in the A horizon, and for the bacterial and fungal communities in the O horizon. This finding suggested that potential functioning, which would reflect only rapidly growing microorganisms, was not strongly associated with the composition of the entire microbial community. Further studies are needed to unravel the factors shaping the composition and functioning of microbial communities in forest soils.
Toward a pan-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine targeting conserved epitopes on spike and non-spike proteins for potent, broad and durable immune responses
Authors: Wang Chang Yi , Peng Wen-Jiun , Kuo Be-Sheng , Ho Yu-Hsin , Wang Min-Sheng , Yang Ya-Ting , Chang Po-Yen , Shen Yea-Huei , Hwang Kao-Pin
Published: April 2023

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 non-Spike (S) structural protein targets on nucleocapsid (N), membrane (M) and envelope (E), critical in the host cell interferon response and memory T-cell immunity, are grossly overlooked in COVID vaccine development. The current Spike-only vaccines bear an intrinsic shortfall for promotion of a fuller T cell immunity. Vaccines designed to target conserved epitopes could elicit strong cellular immune responses that would synergize with B cell responses and lead to long-term vaccine success. We pursue a universal (pan-SARS-CoV-2) vaccine against Delta, Omicrons and ever-emergent new mutants.

Methods and findings

We explored booster immunogenicity of UB-612, a multitope-vaccine that contains S1-RBD-sFc protein and sequence-conserved promiscuous Th and CTL epitope peptides on the Sarbecovirus N, M and S2 proteins. To a subpopulation (N = 1,478) of infection-free participants (aged 18–85 years) involved in a two-dose Phase-2 trial, a UB-612 booster (third dose) was administered 6–8 months after the second dose. The immunogenicity was evaluated at 14 days post-booster with overall safety monitored until the end of study. The booster induced high viral-neutralizing antibodies against live Wuhan WT (VNT50, 1,711) and Delta (VNT50, 1,282); and against pseudovirus WT (pVNT50,11,167) vs. Omicron BA.1/BA.2/BA.5 variants (pVNT50, 2,314/1,890/854), respectively. The lower primary neutralizing antibodies in the elderly were uplifted upon boosting to approximately the same high level in young adults. UB-612 also induced potent, durable Th1-oriented (IFN-γ+-) responses (peak/pre-boost/post-boost SFU/106PBMCs, 374/261/444) along with robust presence of cytotoxic CD8+T cells (peak/pre-boost/post-boost CD107a+-Granzyme B+, 3.6%/1.8%/1.8%). This UB-612 booster vaccination is safe and well tolerated without SAEs.

Conclusions

By targeting conserved epitopes on viral S2, M and N proteins, UB-612 could provide potent, broad and long-lasting B-cell and T-cell memory immunity and offers the potential as a universal vaccine to fend off Omicrons and new VoCs without resorting to Omicron-specific immunogens.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT04773067; ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT05293665; ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT05541861.
Circ-JA760602 promotes the apoptosis of hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes by transcriptionally suppressing BCL2
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Jingwen , Feng Jun , Zhou Gaoliang , Jiang Yongjin , Luo Chunmiao , Cheng Ziping , Li Jiehua
Published: April 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is myocardial necrosis caused by the complete or partial obstruction of a coronary artery. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proven as regulators in the progression of various human diseases, including AMI. However, the role of novel circ-JA760602 in AMI remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of circ-JA760602 in modulating the apoptosis of hypoxia-induced AMI cells using the AC16 cardiomyocyte in vitro cell model. The expression of circ-JA760602 in AC16 cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was evaluated by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis. The cellular location of circ-JA760602 was identified through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay and subcellular fractionation assay. The downstream molecular mechanisms of circ-JA760602 were demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Rescue assays were performed to demonstrate the effects of BCL2 knockdown on circ-JA760602 silencing-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Circ-JA760602 expression was elevated after hypoxia treatment. Knockdown of circ-JA760602 enhanced viability and curbed apoptosis of hypoxia-treated cardiomyocytes. EGR1 and E2F1 could activate BCL2 transcription. Cytoplasmic circ-JA760602 bound with EGR1 and E2F1 to thus inhibit their nuclear translocation. BCL2 knockdown reversed the effects of circ-JA760602 silencing on the apoptosis of hypoxia-treated AC16 cells. Circ-JA760602 promotes hypoxia-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by binding with EGR1 and E2F1 to inhibit the transcriptional activation of BCL2.
Infestation of pinhole borer [Euplatypus parallelus (F.)] on Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.
Authors: Manohara TN , Balakrishna S M , Shetteppenavar V S
Published: April 2023

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Indian rosewood) is India's one of the main timber tree. This is the first report of infestation of D. latifolia by Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), beetle in Karnataka, India. Pinhead-sized holes with reddish resinous exudation oozing from them and blackened areas around the holes caused by the ambrosia fungi are the characteristic feature of infestation. Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. was isolated from infected portion of sapwood. Infested trees wilt, lose leaves and die. The infection may seriously threaten Indian rosewood.
Implementacja polityki ochrony środowiska w Chinach a wzorce zarządzania publicznego
Authors: Świstak Marek
Published: April 2023

Artykuł odnosi się do implementacji polityki ochrony środowiska w Chinach w kontekście polityki publicznej. Założono, iż celem badań nad implementacją polityki ekologicznej Chin jest rozpoznanie i zrozumienie mechanizmów rządzących tą polityką publiczną. Jest to istotne, ponieważ chińskiej polityce ekologicznej formułowanej na poziomie centralnym, zarzuca się deficyt implementacji na poziomie lokalnym. Celem artykułu jest identyfikacja kluczowych problemów (mechanizmów) implementacji polityki ekologicznej ChRL w świetle światowych doświadczeń. W artykule podejmuje się weryfikację hipotezy, iż implementacja polityki ochrony środowiska naturalnego w Chinach jest wypadkową wielu czynników, za kluczowy z nich uznaje się dominujący model zarządzania publicznego w kraju. Zidentyfikowano, iż mamy do czynienia z nakazowym modelem implementacji działań pro środowiskowych. Zidentyfikowano główne mechanizmy oraz podmioty odpowiedzialne za występowanie tzw. luki implementacyjnej.
RECA: Related Tables Enhanced Column Semantic Type Annotation Framework
Authors: Sun Yushi , Xin Hao , Chen Lei
Published: April 2023

Understanding the semantics of tabular data is of great importance in various downstream applications, such as schema matching, data cleaning, and data integration. Column semantic type annotation is a critical task in the semantic understanding of tabular data. Despite the fact that various approaches have been proposed, they are challenged by the difficulties of handling wide tables and incorporating complex inter-table context information. Failure to handle wide tables limits the usage of column type annotation approaches, while failure to incorporate inter-table context harms the annotation quality. Existing methods either completely ignore these problems or propose ad-hoc solutions. In this paper, we propose Related tables Enhanced Column semantic type Annotation framework (RECA), which incorporates inter-table context information by finding and aligning schema-similar and topic-relevant tables based on a novel named entity schema. The design of RECA can naturally handle wide tables and incorporate useful inter-table context information to enhance the annotation quality. We conduct extensive experiments on two web table datasets to comprehensively evaluate the performance of RECA. Our results show that RECA achieves support-weighted F1 scores of 0.853 and 0.937 with macro average F1 scores of 0.674 and 0.783 on the two datasets respectively, which outperform the state-of-the-art methods.