bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media use among the population after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mazur Magdalena , Kister Klaudia , Laskowski Jakub , Szabrańska Anna , Bronst Paulina , Czechowska Julia , Rosa Lidia , Zach-Źródlak Monika , Małolepsza Aleksandra , Rektor Natalia
Published: August 2023

Introduction: With the development of new technologies and easier access to the Internet, the number of mobile devices is growing. According to statistics, in 2023, 5.18 billion people worldwide used the Internet, which was 64.6% of the world's population. The use of the Internet, including social media, has many health effects, such as Internet addiction. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem. Home quarantine and increasing social distance have clearly increased the level of emotional stress among humanity.
Aim of the work: The aim of the work is to analyze the use of social media after the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland and the health consequences of this fact.
Materials and methods: A proprietary online questionnaire was prepared, containing19 questions. The survey was conducted in the Swietokrzyskie and Mazowieckie provinces from April 2023 to June 2023. 330 results were collected. The anonymity of participants taking part in the survey was preserved.
Research results: The respondents included 219 women, accounting for 66.36%, and111 men, 33.64% of the group. More than half of the respondents, 52.73%, believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the amount of time spent on social media. The largest number of citizens, 153 (46.36%), spent between 2 and 4 hours a day on social media, while the smallest number, only 21 (6.36%), spent more than 6 hours a day. Only 13.64% of respondents log out of social media. 71.82% of respondents deny the statement that using social media in stressful moments can bring solace.
Conclusions: This study proves the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of social media use, causing its prolongation. Research also shows the growing problem of Internet addiction and its many health consequences. The problem mainly affects young people. It is important to conduct educational campaigns on the effects of Internet and social media addiction.
Historia calamitatum: el Real Hospital de San Lázaro de Cartagena de Indias, 1759-1807
Authors: Alzate Echeverri Adriana María , Gámez Casado Manuel
Published: August 2023

En este texto se describen y analizan las circunstancias que provocaron el traslado del Real Hospital de San Lázaro del centro dela ciudad de Cartagena de Indias a una islacercana llamada Tierra Bomba, en el sitio conocido como Caño de Loro; las gestiones para el desplazamiento se inician en 1759 y terminan, más de treinta años después, en 1790. La reubicación serealizó en el marco de la política hospitalaria propuesta porel reformismo borbónico que generó múltiples proyectos por parte de las autoridades metropolitanas, virreinales y locales relacionados con el funcionamiento, las rentas, la ocupación de los espacios, la construcción y la ubicación de estas instituciones. El escrito también se detiene en la presentación y explicación del proyecto de arquitectura hospitalaria expuesto por el ingeniero militar Antonio de Arévalo con el fin de dar una estructura adecuada a la institución, aspecto nada conocido de la historia neogranadina. A pesar de que en el estudio prima una narrativa administrativa y procedimental, relacionada con trámites y discusiones de diversa índole sobre el hospital, el proceso de traslado pone en evidencia la forma en que distintos grupos de la sociedad percibían la enfermedad, las creencias que prevalecían sobre su origen, cómo pensaban que debían enfrentarla y muestra asimismo algunos aspectos de la vida de los enfermos en el hospital durante esa época.
Introdução à hermenêutica do pecado entre o símbolo do mal em Paul Ricoeur e a alienação existencial em Paul Tillich
Authors: Mariano da Rosa Luiz Carlos
Published: August 2023

Detendo-se no pecado enquanto construção histórico-cultural e sociorreligiosa em um processo que encerra os seus aspectos mítico-religiosos, o artigo assinala que o conceito que expressa a sua noção guarda raízes nas fronteiras envolvendo o fracasso humano no sentido de corresponder ao arcabouço paradigmático e o seu sistema de tabus, leis e códigos morais. Dessa forma, convergindo para os aspectos etimológico-literários e bíblico-religiosos do pecado, o artigo sublinha que, encerrando o sentido de errar o alvo, a tradução do referido termo como “pecado” mantém correspondência com a transposição textual instaurada pela versão Septuaginta em um movimento de abstração da noção de culpa moral. Baseado na leitura dos aspectos filosófico-teológicos do pecado em Paul Ricoeur, o artigo sublinha que o pecado não consiste em um termo capaz de esgotar o sentido da realidade que implica como símbolo da ruptura entre essência e existência, convergindo para a sua caracterização como símbolo do mal e “grandeza mítica” através de uma construção que assinala o pecado enquanto intersecção envolvendo o mal e o mundo e atribui a sua emergência ao ato e determina a sua identificação como produto e simultaneamente causa. Assim, detendo-se nos aspectos bíblico-teológicos do pecado em Paul Tillich e na construção do conceito como alienação entre a “não-fé” e o “não-amor”, o artigo enfatiza o caráter irredutível da concepção que, segundo o Apóstolo Paulo, encerra a condição de um poder quase pessoal que controla este mundo, o que implica a sobreposição de um estado de coisas caracterizado pela objetividade e a configuração do acontecimento ora designado como ruptura envolvendo essência e existência em um movimento que possa representar a separação humana do “Ser-em-Si” e expressar o elemento de responsabilidade pessoal imbricado em sua dinâmica existencial.
SOFRIMENTO PSÍQUICO GRAVE COMO PROCESSO DE UMA HISTÓRIA DE VIDA: CONCEPÇÕES SARTRIANAS EM TORNO DA PSICOPATOLOGIA
Authors: Polli Carolina Beckert , Schneider Daniela Ribeiro
Published: August 2023

O conceito sofrimento psíquico grave foi eleito neste trabalho para referenciar as experiências classicamente conceituadas como psicose ou loucura, ao considerar que tais fenômenos são expressões de uma trajetória existencial e das possibilidades de vivências emocionais cotidianas para qualquer sujeito, conforme as condições de sua vida de relações, contrapondo-se às tradições clássicas em psicopatologia, que centram suas produções na chamada doença mental e em seus sintomas. A psicopatologia fenomenológica e a definição do fenômeno como sofrimento psíquico grave buscam trazer o sujeito concreto, situado em seus contextos, para a cena da produção do conhecimento psicopatológico e para o lócus da intervenção, ao compreender que sofrer é parte da existência e o pathos é expressão de modos de estar na vida. O presente ensaio teórico tem como objetivo de discutir o fenômeno do sofrimento psíquico grave como processo resultante da dialética entre condições da objetividade e da subjetividade, tomando a filosofia de Sartre como base de sustentação. A Psicanálise Existencial é um método que visa elucidar o projeto de ser por meio de situações que compõem a história de vida de uma pessoa e ajudam a desvelar os sentidos expressos no sofrimento psíquico grave. O método progressivo-regressivo trata de considerar os diferentes níveis de mediação que as condições concretas da vida, sejam elas macroestruturais, tais como as condições socioculturais e as racionalidades, ou microestruturais, tais como os grupos de pertença e as redes sociológicas, engendram nas experiências singulares, estabelecendo condições de possibilidade para vivências psicopatológicas.
Effects of left thigh blood flow restriction exercise on muscle strength and golf performance in amateur golfers
Authors: Ahn Hyun , Bae Sea-Hyun , Kim Kyung-Yoon
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lower-extremity strengthening exercise (LSE) with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on the left thigh on golf performance. Eighteen amateur golfers with more than 1 year of golf experience participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: LSE+BFR group (LSE with BFR on the left thigh, n = 9) and LSE group (LSE without BFR, n = 9). The LSEs consisted of squats, lunges, and standing leg curls. All exercises were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Changes in thigh muscle strength, plantar foot pressure (weight transfer), and golf performance, such as club head speed, ball speed, and carry distance were measured before and after the exercise program. Right knee extension (P < 0.001) and left knee extension and flexion (P< 0.001) strength were higher in the LSE+BFR group than in the LSE group. The changes in plantar foot pressure confirmed that smooth weight transfer appeared in E1 (event 1) (address) (P < 0.05) of the LSE+BFR group, which confirmed that the carry distance (P < 0.05) of the LSE+BFR group improved after the exercise program. The results of this study showed that BFR muscle strengthening exercise are more effective than basic simple muscle strengthening exercise in improving golf performance through muscle strength and weight transfer improvement.
Effect of pesticides on phosphorylation of tau protein, and its influence on Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Torres-Sánchez Erandis D , Ortiz Genaro G , Reyes-Uribe Emmanuel , Torres-Jasso Juan H , Salazar-Flores Joel
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Oak Wilt Fungus (Bretziella fagacearum) Survival in Logs Following Fumigation with Ethanedinitrile
Authors: Yang Anna , Seabright Kendhl , Garrison Theresa , Taylor Adam , Myers Scott , Juzwik Jennifer
Published: August 2023

The phaseout of methyl bromide (MB) fumigation creates an urgent need for an alternative phytosanitary treatment to limit the risk of international spread of the oak wilt fungus, Bretziella fagacearum. Fumigation with ethanedinitrile (EDN) is considered a potential alternative to MB fumigation to eradicate wood-inhabiting pests and pathogens. We evaluated the efficacy of EDN fumigation by comparing the rate of B. fagacearum isolation before and after fumigation of red oak (Quercus rubra or Quercus ellipsoidalis) log sections from oak wilt–affected trees. Logs (range 15.2 to 98.0 cm long; diameter 9.1 to 46.1 cm) were obtained from red oak trees that were naturally infected (NI) or artificially inoculated (AI) with B. fagacearum. The logs were fumigated for 24, 48, and/or 72 hours with 120 g/m3 EDN. Frequencies of pathogen isolation from the sapwood before treatment were higher for AI logs than for NI logs. EDN treatments greatly reduced the frequency of viable pathogen recovery, but eradication occurred only in experiments using the smallest log diameters (9 to 14 cm). Our results suggest that EDN may have limited penetration in oak logs with intact bark, similar to fumigants currently used on wood products, such as MB and sulfuryl fluoride. Results of future work may help in the understanding of the limitations for consistent and full efficacy of EDN against B. fagacearum in logs harvested from diseased trees.
Modeling the celestial distribution of skylight polarization patterns by incorporating the influence of both the sun and the moon through an analytical model
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Yumin , Gao Jun
Published: August 2023

The orientation of many polarization-sensitive animals and the hypothetical
sky-polarimetric Viking navigation both rely on the polarization
pattern of skylight. For 40 years, scientists have attempted to
construct various models to simulate this pattern. However, existing
theoretical models have only analyzed the polarization pattern of
skylight that is influenced separately by the sun or the moon and have
built their modeling frameworks based on the position of one light
source. This approach fails to account for the combined influence of
the sun and the moon on the distribution of skylight polarization
patterns at certain times. In fact, ignoring the influence of the moon
during the dawn and dusk periods in clear weather conditions may lead
to significant errors in the simulation results compared to the
measured data. In this paper, we present an analytical model that
considers various factors, including skylight intensity, horizon
correction factor, atmospheric turbidity condition, and combined
influence of both the sun and moon on the distribution of polarized
skylight. We believe our model demonstrates enhanced agreement with
measured data and will further our understanding of how animals use
the celestial polarization pattern for navigation, particularly when
both the sun and the moon appear in the sky. Moreover, the findings of
this study may facilitate the advancement of bio-inspired navigation
systems.
Fast inverse lithography approach based on a model-driven graph convolutional network
Authors: Zhang Shengen , Ma Xu , Zhang Junbi
Published: August 2023

Inverse lithography technique (ILT) is a leading-edge method to improve the image fidelity of an advanced optical lithography system by performing pixel-wise optimization on the transmission function of photomask. However, traditional ILTs are computationally intensive, which limits their application in high volume manufacturing of integrated circuits. This paper proposes a model-driven graph convolutional network (MGCN) framework combined with the dense concentric circular sampling (DCCS) method to effectively improve computational efficiency and imaging fidelity of current ILTs. Firstly, the DCCS template is used to extract the geometric features from the layout pattern of integrated circuits, which are then input into a GCN-based encoder to predict the optimized mask pattern of the ILT. Then, a model-driven decoder based on the lithography imaging process is developed to retrieve the print image of the predicted ILT mask. By means of the cooperation between the encoder and decoder, an unsupervised training strategy is proposed to avoid the time-consuming labelling process of the training samples. With the help of the parallel computing under GPU framework, the well-trained encoder can make a fast prediction of ILT mask with high-fidelity image results. The results demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance of the proposed MGCN approach compared to some other comparative ILT methods.
Ridge resonators with compact guided mode coupling
Authors: Tang Phuong , Schoenhardt Steffen , Ren Guanghui , Han Xu , Boes Andreas , Tian Yonghui , Nguyen Thach G. , Mitchell Arnan
Published: August 2023

Ridge resonators are a recently introduced integrated photonic circuit element based on bound states in the continuum (BICs) which can produce a single, sharp resonance over a broad wavelength range with high extinction ratio. However, to excite these resonators, a broad beam of laterally unbound slab mode is required, resulting in a large device footprint, which is not attractive for integrated photonic circuits. In this contribution, we propose and numerically validate a guided-mode waveguide structure that can be analogue to the BIC-based ridge resonators. Our simulations show that the proposed guided-mode waveguide structure can produce resonances with similar characteristics, yet with a significantly reduced footprint. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of the resonator’s dimensions on the bandwidth of the resonance, demonstrating that resonances with Q-factors from low to very high (> 10000) are feasible. We believe that the reduced footprint and ability to design filters systematically make the guided-mode waveguide resonators an attractive photonic circuit component with particular value for foundry fabricated silicon photonic circuits.
Carrier conversion from terahertz wave to dual-wavelength near-infrared light for photonic terahertz detection in wireless communication
Authors: Matsumura Yudai , Tokizane Yu , Hase Eiji , Kuse Naoya , Minamikawa Takeo , Fujikata Jun-ichi , Kishikawa Hiroki , Haraguchi Masanobu , Okamura Yasuhiro , Kaji Takahiro , Otomo Akira , Morohashi Isao , Kanno Atsushi , Hisatake Shintaro , Yasui Takeshi
Published: August 2023

THz waves are promising wireless carriers for next-generation wireless communications, where a seamless connection from wireless to optical communication is required. In this study, we demonstrate carrier conversion from THz waves to dual-wavelength NIR light injection-locking to an optical frequency comb using asynchronous nonpolarimetric electro-optic downconversion with an electro-optic polymer modulator. THz wave in the W band was detected as a stable photonic RF beat signal of 1 GHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB via the proposed THz-to-NIR carrier conversion. In addition, the results imply the potential of the photonic detection of THz waves for wireless-to-optical seamless communication.
Metal-semiconductor-metal solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector based on Al0.55Ga0.45N/Al0.4Ga0.6N/Al0.65Ga0.35N heterostructures
Authors: Dai Shiting , Gu Yan , Guo Jiarui , Xie Feng , Liu Yushen , Yang Xifeng , Zhang Xiumei , Zhang Xiangyang , Qian Weiying , Yang Guofeng
Published: August 2023

We have designed a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) by utilizing Al0.55Ga0.45N/Al0.4Ga0.6N/Al0.65Ga0.35N heterostructures. The interdigital Ni/Au metal stack is deposited on the Al0.55Ga0.45N layer to form Schottky contacts. The AlGaN hetero-epilayers with varying Al content contribute to the formation of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) conduction channel and the enhancement of the built-in electric field in the Al0.4Ga0.6N absorption layer. This strong electric field facilitates the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Consequently, the fabricated PD exhibits an ultra-low dark current of 1.6 × 10−11 A and a broad spectral response ranging from 220 to 280 nm, with a peak responsivity of 14.08 A/W at −20 V. Besides, the PD demonstrates an ultrahigh detectivity of 2.28 × 1013 Jones at −5 V. Furthermore, to investigate the underlying physical mechanism of the designed solar-blind UV PD, we have conducted comprehensive two-dimensional device simulations.
Endogenous BOTDA in the self-homodyne coherent detection transmission system for communication-integrated datacenter temperature monitoring
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Wei Weilun , Li Weihao , He Huan , Chen Yizhao , Wu Hao , Zhao Can , Zhao Zhiyong , Tang Ming
Published: August 2023

This Letter demonstrates the high compatibility of the self-homodyne coherent detection (SHCD) transmission system with the Brillouin optical time-domain analyzer (BOTDA). By fully utilizing the remote delivered local oscillator (LO) light of the transmission system, the first, to the best of our knowledge, endogenously integrated BOTDA subsystem is achieved. The remote delivery of the homologous laser source in the SHCD system ensures the frequency match between the probe light and the pump light of the BOTDA. Furthermore, an injection-locked distributed feedback (DFB) laser is employed to amplify the LO and eliminate the impact induced by the Brillouin gain. The experiment demonstrates that a 16-km distributed temperature sensing based on BOTDA can be insensibly emerged into a 50-Gbaud DP-16QAM SHCD transmission system (400 Gbps/λ/core), achieving a spatial resolution of 3 meters and a temperature accuracy of 1°C. Remarkably, the auxiliary sensing module has negligible impact on the transmission.
Tightening the requirements for species diagnoses would help integrate DNA-based descriptions in taxonomic practice
Authors: Rheindt Frank E. , Bouchard Patrice , Pyle Richard L. , Welter-Schultes Francisco , Aescht Erna , Ahyong Shane T. , Ballerio Alberto , Bourgoin Thierry , Ceríaco Luis M. P. , Dmitriev Dmitry , Evenhuis Neal , Grygier Mark J. , Harvey Mark S. , Kottelat Maurice , Kluge Nikita , Krell Frank-T. , Kojima Jun-ichi , Kullander Sven O. , Lucinda Paulo , Lyal Christopher H. C. , Scioscia Cristina Luisa , Whitmore Daniel , Yanega Douglas , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Hong-Zhang , Pape Thomas
Published: August 2023

Modern advances in DNA sequencing hold the promise of facilitating descriptions of new organisms at ever finer precision but have come with challenges as the major Codes of bionomenclature contain poorly defined requirements for species and subspecies diagnoses (henceforth, species diagnoses), which is particularly problematic for DNA-based taxonomy. We, the commissioners of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, advocate a tightening of the definition of “species diagnosis” in future editions of Codes of bionomenclature, for example, through the introduction of requirements for specific information on the character states of differentiating traits in comparison with similar species. Such new provisions would enhance taxonomic standards and ensure that all diagnoses, including DNA-based ones, contain adequate taxonomic context. Our recommendations are intended to spur discussion among biologists, as broad community consensus is critical ahead of the implementation of new editions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and other Codes of bionomenclature.
Bright light therapy and early morning attention, mathematical performance, electroencephalography and brain connectivity in adolescents with morning sleepiness
Authors: Teicher Martin H. , Bolger Elizabeth , Garcia Laura C. Hernandez , Hafezi Poopak , Weiser Leslie P. , McGreenery Cynthia E. , Khan Alaptagin , Ohashi Kyoko
Published: August 2023

Adolescents typically sleep too little and feel drowsy during morning classes. We assessed whether morning use of an LED bright light device could increase alertness in school students. Twenty-six (8M/18F) healthy, unmedicated participants, ages 13–18 years, (mean 17.1±1.4) were recruited following screenings to exclude psychopathology. Baseline assessments were made of actigraph-assessed sleep, attention, math solving ability, electroencephalography and structural and functional MRI (N = 10–11, pre-post). Participants nonrandomly received 3–4 weeks of bright light therapy (BLT) for 30 minutes each morning and used blue light blocking glasses for 2 hours before bedtime. BLT devices were modified to surreptitiously record degree of use so that the hypothesis tested was whether there was a significant relationship between degree of use and outcome. They were used 57±18% (range 23%–90%) of recommended time. There was a significant association between degree of use and: (1) increased beta spectral power in frontal EEG leads (primary measure); (2) greater post-test improvement in math performance and reduction in errors of omission on attention test; (3) reduced day-to-day variability in bed times, sleep onset, and sleep duration during school days; (4) increased dentate gyrus volume and (5) enhanced frontal connectivity with temporal, occipital and cerebellar regions during Go/No-Go task performance. BLT was associated with improvement in sleep cycle consistency, arousal, attention and functional connectivity, but not sleep onset or duration (primary measures). Although this was an open study, it suggests that use of bright morning light and blue light blocking glasses before bed may benefit adolescents experiencing daytime sleepiness.

Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID—NCT05383690.
Spinal cord and brain concentrations of riluzole after oral and intrathecal administration: A potential new treatment route for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Keifer Orion P. , Gutierrez Juanmarco , Butt Mark T. , Cramer Sarah D. , Bartus Raymond , Tansey Malu , Deaver Daniel , Betourne Alexandre , Boulis Nicholas M.
Published: August 2023

Riluzole is the only treatment known to improve survival in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, oral riluzole efficacy is modest at best, further it is known to have large inter-individual variability of serum concentration and clearance, is formulated as an oral drug in a patient population plagued with dysphagia, and has known systemic side-effects like asthenia (limiting patient compliance) and elevated liver enzymes. In this context, we postulated that continuous intrathecal (IT) infusion of low doses of riluzole could provide consistent elevations of the drug spinal cord (SC) concentrations at or above those achieved with oral dosing, without increasing the risk for adverse events associated with systemic drug exposure or off-target side effects in the brain. We developed a formulation of riluzole for IT delivery and conducted our studies in purpose-bred hound dogs. Our non-GLP studies revealed that IT infusion alone was able to increase SC concentrations above those provided by oral administration, without increasing plasma concentrations. We then conducted two GLP studies that combined IT infusion with oral administration at human equivalent dose, to evaluate SC and brain concentrations of riluzole along with assessments of safety and tolerability. In the 6-week study, the highest IT dose (0.2 mg/hr) was well tolerated by the animals and increased SC concentrations above those achieved with oral riluzole alone, without increasing brain concentrations. In the 6-month study, the highest dose tested (0.4 mg/hr) was not tolerated and yielded SC significantly above those achieved in all previous studies. Our data show the feasibility and safety profile of continuous IT riluzole delivery to the spinal cord, without concurrent elevated liver enzymes, and minimal brain concentrations creating another potential therapeutic route of delivery to be used in isolation or in combination with other therapeutics.”
Predicting sport fish mercury contamination in heavily managed reservoirs: Implications for human and ecological health
Authors: Lepak Jesse M. , Johnson Brett M. , Hooten Mevin B. , Wolff Brian A. , Hansen Adam G.
Published: August 2023

Mercury (Hg) is a concerning contaminant due to its widespread distribution and tendency to accumulate to harmful concentrations in biota. We used a machine learning approach called random forest (RF) to test for different predictors of Hg concentrations in three species of Colorado reservoir sport fish. The RF approach indicated that the best predictors of 864 mm northern pike (Esox lucius) Hg concentrations were covariates related to salmonid stocking in each study system, while system-specific metrics related to productivity and forage base were the best predictors of Hg concentrations of 381 mm smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and walleye (Sander vitreus). Protecting human and ecological health from Hg contamination requires an understanding of fish Hg concentrations and variability across the landscape and through time. The RF approach could be applied to identify potential areas/systems of concern, and predict whether sport fish Hg concentrations may change as a result of a variety of factors to help prioritize, focus, and streamline monitoring efforts to effectively and efficiently inform human and ecological health.
A compact metasurface-based circularly polarized antenna with high gain and high front-to-back ratio for RFID readers
Authors: Tran-Huy Hung , Nguyen Huy-Hoang , Hoang Thi Phuong Thao
Published: August 2023

Developing a compact circularly polarized (CP) antenna with good radiation characteristics for handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) readers is a very challenging task. Many compact CP antennas have been reported in the open literature, but most suffer from critical drawbacks of low gain and/or high back radiation. This paper presents a metasurface (MS) based CP antenna with compact size, high gain, and high front-to-back ratio characteristics. The compact size of the proposed design is achieved by using a 2 × 2 unit-cell MS, while the CP realization is accomplished through a coupling between the MS and a Y-shaped patch as a primary CP source. The final antenna has compact overall dimensions of 0.45λ × 0.45λ × 0.02λ, where λ is the guided wavelength at the center frequency. The operating bandwidth is about 2.0% (2.43–2.48 GHz) and the broadside gain is about 6.3 dBi. Besides, the front-to-back ratio (FBR) defined by the difference gain levels between the forward and backward directions is about 18 dB. Compared with the related compact CP antennas in the literature, the proposed design has the advantages of high gain and high FBR, making it suitable for compact RFID readers.
Machine learning models can predict subsequent publication of North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meeting abstracts
Authors: Abbas Aazad , Olotu Olumide , Bhatia Akeshdeep , Selimovic Denis , Tajik Alireza , Larouche Jeremie , Ahn Henry , Yee Albert , Lewis Stephen , Finkelstein Joel , Toor Jay
Published: August 2023

Background context

Academic meetings serve as an opportunity to present and discuss novel ideas. Previous studies have identified factors predictive of publication without generating predictive models. Machine learning (ML) presents a novel tool capable of generating these models. As such, the objective of this study was to use ML models to predict subsequent publication of abstracts presented at a major surgical conference.

Study design/setting

Database study.

Methods

All abstracts from the North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meetings (AGM) from 2013–2015 were reviewed. The following information was extracted: number of authors, institution, location, conference category, subject category, study type, data collection methodology, human subject research, and FDA approval. Abstracts were then searched on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for publication. ML models were trained to predict whether the abstract would be published or not. Quality of models was determined by using the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). The top ten most important factors were extracted from the most successful model during testing.

Results

A total of 1119 abstracts were presented, with 553 (49%) abstracts published. During training, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy metrics was the partial least squares (AUC of 0.77±0.05, accuracy of 75.5%±4.7%). During testing, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy was the random forest (AUC of 0.69, accuracy of 67%). The top ten features for the random forest model were (descending order): number of authors, year, conference category, subject category, human subjects research, continent, and data collection methodology.

Conclusions

This was the first study attempting to use ML to predict the publication of complete articles after abstract presentation at a major academic conference. Future studies should incorporate deep learning frameworks, cognitive/results-based variables and aim to apply this methodology to larger conferences across other fields of medicine to improve the quality of works presented.
A workflow to visualize vertebrate eyes in 3D
Authors: Wang Jiayun , Baumgarten Sabine , Balcewicz Frederic , Johnen Sandra , Walter Peter , Lohmann Tibor
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To establish a workflow to visualize the surgical anatomy in 3D based on histological data of eyes of experimental animals for improving the planning of complex surgical procedures.

Methods

Four C57BL/6J wild-type(wt) mouse eyes, three Brown Norway rat eyes and four Chinchilla Bastard rabbit eyes were enucleated and processed for standard histology with serial sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Image stacks were processed to obtain a representation of the eye anatomy in 3D. In addition, virtual image stacks and 3D point clouds were generated by processing sagittal sections of eyes with stepwise 180° rotation and projection around the eye axis to construct a rotationally symmetric 3D model from one single sagittal section.

Results

Serial sections of whole eyes of mice, rats and rabbits showed significant artifacts interfering with a practical image stack generation and straightforward 3D reconstruction despite the application of image registration techniques. A workflow was established to obtain a 3D image of the eye based on virtual image stacks and point cloud generation by rotation of a single sagittal section of the eye around the symmetry axis. By analyzing the tissue shrinkage during histological processing true biometric reconstructions of the eyes were feasible making the resulting model usable for 3D modeling and simulation, e.g. for planning of complex surgical procedures in different species.

Conclusion

Because serial sections of the eye with standard histological protocols yielded too many artifacts for a straightforward 3D visualization we reconstructed a pseudorealistic 3D model based on virtual image stacks and point cloud generation calculated from a single sagittal section of the eye. Such a model detailing microscopic structures of the whole eye will allow for a specific planning of surgical procedures in small animal eyes in order to prevent surgical complications in a very early stage of an experiment and it will support the design and development of complex intraocular implants. It will therefore be helpful in surgical teaching and improve laboratory animal welfare by an expected reduction of experimental animal numbers. Further processing including integration of mechanical tissue properties is needed to convert these 3D models into a practical virtual reality teaching and simulation platform for eyes of several species.
Filológiai adalékok Kosztolányi Dezső életművének értelmezéséhez
Authors: Balogh Tamás
Published: August 2023

A disszertáció alapvetően életrajzi és mikrofilológiai kutatásokra épül, és Kosztolányi-művek értelmezéséhez ad eddig ismeretlen adalékokat. A Kosztolányi-szakirodalom és a kritikai kiadás korábbi eredményeit kiegészítve saját kutatásaim tapasztalata is megjelenik a dolgozatban: olyan levéltári és múzeumi dokumentumokat, kéziratokat, köz- és magángyűjtemények, leszármazottak és örökösök anyagát kutattam fel és emeltem be az értelmezésbe, amelyek eddig elkerülték a kutatók figyelmét. A bevezetésben az életrajzi kutatások gyakorlatát és Kosztolányinak ezekhez való viszonyát ismertetem, majd olyan művek értelmezéséhez adok új szempontokat, mint pl. az Édes Anna vagy a Szeptemberi áhítat, és részletesen foglalkozom az eddig senki által nem tárgyalt Mussolini-életrajz fordításával is.
Acúmulo de macronutrientes em bulbos de cebola em função de épocas de aplicação de enxofre em condição tropical de baixa altitude
Authors: Kiara Barros Milhomens Kellen , Borges de Oliveira Liomar , Torquato Tavares Aline , Neto João Francisco de Matos , Pereira de Sousa Adila , Pereira Teles Simone , Thalia Prolo Tamara , Rodrigues do Nascimento Ildon
Published: August 2023

A quantidade de nutrientes importantes para a avaliação dos bulbos deve ser utilizada para definir a quantidade de nutrientes do solo, meio de programas de adubação. Os diferentes estudos para verificar o acúmulo de nutrientes nos bulbos de cebola em função de aplicação de objetivo em estádios fenológicos. As épocas foram realizadas em sistema convencional, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de fato 2 x 5 x 2, com duas cultivares (Dulciana e Vulkana), em cinco aplicações de aplicação de S (Testemunha; Transplantio; estádio de 6 a 7 folhas; tecnologia de meditação plena dos bulbos e cultivo com quatro) e Após a cura escolheram-se quatro (4) bulbos de cada tratamento, um por repetição de experimentos comerciais foram feitos por 20 bulbos provenientes de experimentos de campo, os quais foram identificados de cada um deles e levados a um laboratório de nutrientes. Posteriormente, determinou-se a quantidade acumulada no bulbo do teor de cada nutriente no tecido. A adubação com enxofre promove maior acúmulo K e N. A ordem de transporte de nutrientes na presença de foi de K> N> P> S> Ca> Mg. Os maiores acúmulos de enxofre no bulbo para duas cultivares. A adubação com enxofre promove maior acúmulo K e N. A ordem de transporte de nutrientes na presença de foi de K> N> P> S> Ca> Mg. Os maiores acúmulos de enxofre no bulbo para duas cultivares. A adubação com enxofre promove maior acúmulo K e N. A ordem de transporte de nutrientes na presença de foi de K> N> P> S> Ca> Mg. Os maiores acúmulos de enxofre no bulbo para duas cultivares.
Recipientes e doses de adubo de liberação controlada na produção de rabanete em ambiente protegido
Authors: Viana Caris dos Santos , Marcelo de Almeida Guimarães  , Santiago Rubio Ruiz  , Ana Régia Alves de Araújo Hendges  , Lemos Neto Hozano de Souza , Tello Jean Paulo de Jesus
Published: August 2023

O cultivo do rabanete tem despertado interesse por parte dos produtores agrícolas, porém ainda é preciso o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento de práticas de manejo que possibilitem maior produção e qualidade das túberas. esse sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento e a produção de rabanetes cultivados em recipientes de diferentes volumes, preenchidos com substrato enriquecido com doses crescentes de adubo de liberação controlada (ALC), em ambiente protegido do tipo telado. A pesquisa foi realizada na Horta Didática da Universidade Federal do Ceará. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcela subdividida, com três repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas pelos volumes de recipientes (31 e 100 cm3.célula-1) e as subparcelas pelas doses de adubação (0, 4, 8, 12 kg.m-3 ou g.L-1). Avaliaram-se o número de folhas, altura da parte aérea, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, área foliar, clorofila ‘a’ e ‘b’, comprimento e diâmetro da túbera, massa fresca e seca da túbera e produção total por área. As plantas cultivadas em recipiente de 100 cm3 apresentaram os maiores valores para todas as variáveis e as doses de adubo de liberação controlada crescentes resultaram em incremento no crescimento e produção do rabanete. Conclui-se que é possível produzir rabanete em recipientes preenchidos com substrato enriquecido com adubo ALC em condições de cultivo protegido do tipo telado.
Defence-related components in cucumber susceptibility to target spot
Authors: Fischer Ivan Herman , Morales João Vitor Pelizzaro , Meleiro Da Silva Lucas , Cagnim Martins Parisi Marise , Amorim Lilian , Pascholati Sergio Florentino
Published: August 2023

Target spot is an important disease in cucumber culture. Due to differences in the susceptibility of cucumber cultivars to the disease, the objective was to evaluate the behavior of three cvs. in terms of leaf trichome density and biochemical variables in the interaction with the pathogen Corynespora cassiicola. The density of trichomes was evaluated on both sides of the leaves. The activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes and the levels of free and bound phenolic compounds were evaluated one, three and five days after inoculation or not with the pathogen. The enzymatic activity was higher in the Safira cv., less susceptible to the disease, in relation to the Taiko and Soldier cvs. Inoculated plants showed higher peroxidase activity, showing that the response to infection was accompanied by the synthesis of this enzyme, and it increased with the days after inoculation. The levels of phenolic compounds varied according to the cvs. and as a function of time, with the highest levels in the Safira and Soldier cvs. Higher density of trichomes was found in the Safira cv., with no differences between Soldier and Taiko cvs. The adaxial side of the leaves had a greater number of trichomes than the abaxial side. No direct relationships were observed between biochemical and trichome variables and disease severity in cucumber cvs., since the Soldier cv., the most susceptible to the disease, did not differ in relation to 'Taiko' in enzymatic activities, free phenolic compounds and number of trichomes, including higher levels of bound phenolic compounds.
Bile acid sequestrant use and gastric cancer: A national retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Lee Amy , Halvorson Alese E. , Noto Jennifer M. , Peek Richard M. , Wilson Otis , Hung Adriana , Roumie Christianne L. , Greevy Robert , Shah Shailja C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Bile acids have been implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. We hypothesized that bile acid sequestrant medication (BAM) use is associated with a lower gastric cancer (GC) incidence.

Methods:

We assembled a cohort of Veterans receiving longitudinal care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) between 2000-2020 who completed testing for H. pylori. The index date was the date of completed H. pylori testing. The primary exposure was the number of filled BAM prescription(s) in the 5 years prior to the index date. The primary outcome was incident GC, stratified by anatomic subsite. Follow-up began at the index date and ended at the earliest of GC, death, after 2 years of follow-up, or the study end (May 31, 2020). We used Kaplan-Meier curves to visualize differences in GC incidence by exposure group and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association between BAM exposure and anatomic site-specific GC.

Results:

Among 417,239 individuals (89% male, mean 54 years-old, 63% non-Hispanic White), 4,916 (1.2%) filled at least one BAM prescription, 2,623 of whom filled >4. Compared to unexposed individuals, those with >4 BAM fills prior to entry had a lower incidence (aHR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.37-1.36) of GC but confidence intervals were wide. Results were consistent irrespective of GC anatomic site.

Discussion:

BAMs may have a protective effect against both cardia and noncardia GC. Further research and external validation are needed to confirm these findings.
Note on the coefficient of variation properties
Authors: Santos Carla , Dias Cristina
Published: August 2023

The extent to which the values within the dataset differ from one another and from the mean value itself is revealed through measures of variability. One common measure of variability is the coefficient of variation, which expresses the standard deviation as a proportion of the mean and does not depend on the unit scales. Exploiting its potential as a unitless measure of variability, the coefficient of variation has been used as risk sensitivity measure, to represent the reliability of trials, and for other purposes. In different frameworks, the coefficient of variation can be used when a single sample is considered, but also when comparing distributions. In general, the assumptions for the use of the coefficient of variation are related to the type of data, nevertheless, some properties of this coefficient lead to limitations on its suitability in certain situations. In this work we present a comparative review of the coefficient of variation properties and those of an alternative coefficient.
Contribution of B-lymphocytes to the production of Interleukin-17 in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sursyakova N. V. , Kuklina E. M. , Baidina T. V. , Nekrasova I. V. , Trushnikova T. N.
Published: August 2023

The study of pathogenic systems involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential for the development of new therapies.Objective: to determine the contribution of B-lymphocytes to the production of IL-17 in MS with an assessment of the ability of B-cells to induce the differentiation of Th17 and the own production of IL-17 by B-lymphocytes in this pathology.Material and methods. A total of 81 subjects were examined, 68 of whom were patients diagnosed with MS, 13 were healthy individuals. The concentrations of IL-17A, IL-10, BAFF and total IgG were analyzed in blood serum by ELISA. The additional study included 13 MS patients and 11 healthy donors. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the blood, from which B-lymphocytes and CD4+T-lymphocytes were obtained. B-lymphocytes were incubated with tetanus toxoid or with myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), after which they were washed from unbounded antigen and cultured together with autologous CD4+T-lymphocytes or with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, then the content of Th17 cells in the sample was evaluated. Flow cytometry ex vivo assessed the expression of RORγt by B-lymphocytes and CD4+T-lymphocytes. The level of IL-17 in blood serum and cell culture supernatants was determined by ELISA.Results. High IL-17 serum levels in MS patients are associated with elevated BAFF concentrations, and in patients with high IgG levels, IL-17 concentrations were also twice as high. A statistically significant higher level of IL-17-positive B-lymphocytes was detected in MS.Conclusion. B-lymphocytes may contribute to the production of IL-17 in MS in two ways – by inducing the differentiation of T-lymphocytes producing this cytokine and by their own synthesis of IL-17.
Prolonged observation after the use of cladribine in multiple sclerosis: efficacy and safety
Authors: Kukushkina A. D. , Boyko A. N.
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease whose pathogenesis is based on autoimmune neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative components. The goal of therapy of MS is to reduce the risk of exacerbations and progression of the disease. In recent years, treatment options have expanded significantly with the advent of a greater number of highly effective drugs that alter the course of MS (disease-modyfyung therapies, DMTs) and in the context of the development of a new direction – immune reconstitution therapy (IRT). IRT has a number of advantages, including short treatment courses with long-term effects on immune mechanisms. Cladribine tablets are a selective, highly effective oral form of IRT for MS patients with exacerbations that targets lymphocytes while preserving innate immune cells. Given the increasing number of patients receiving cladribine therapy, questions are increasingly being raised about further tactics for managing these patients, particularly in cases of persistent disease activity despite ongoing pathogenetic therapy. In this review, we publish the results of the consensus opinion of international experts on the analysis of long-term experience with cladribine.