bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parabolic achromatic color matching functions: Dependence on incremental and decremental luminance
Authors: Rudd Michael E. , Kavcar Osman , Crognale Michael A.
Published: January 2023

Either the brightness or lightness of a disk surrounded by an annulus is characterized in the most general case by a parabolic function of the annulus luminance when plotted on a log–log scale. This relationship has been modeled with a theory of achromatic color computation based on edge integration and contrast gain control [J. Vis. 10, 1 (2010)1534-736210.1167/10.14.40]. We tested predictions of this model in new psychophysical experiments. Our results support the theory and reveal a previously unobserved property of parabolic matching functions that depends on the disk contrast polarity. We interpret this property in terms of a neural edge integration model incorporating data from macaque monkey physiology that indicates different physiological gain factors for incremental and decremental stimuli.
Multifunctional and tunable ultra-broadband linear to circle polarization converter based on VO2-integrated material
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Cao Rujia , Liao Siyuan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: January 2023

Considering that the metastructures (MSs) previously proposed usually perform in a single state, herein, a multifunctional and tunable ultra-broadband linear to circle (LTC) polarization converter based on phase transition material vanadium dioxide (

V
O

2

) is proposed in the terahertz (THz) region. By manipulating the temperature, the function of the LTC polarization conversion (PC) can be conveniently switched between transmission and reflection states. When the environment temperature is low,

V
O

2

presents the insulating state, and the MS can achieve ultra-wideband LTC PC from 0.57–0.83 THz with a relative bandwidth (RB) of 37.3%. When the temperature exceeds 68°C, LTC PC with the frequency bandwidth of 0.83–1.20 THz and 0.83–1.17 THz can be obtained in a reflection state when electromagnetic waves propagate forward and backward, whose RBs are 36.4% and 34.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, a broadband linear to linear (LTL) PC can also be realized in the range of 1.19–1.41 THz for the forward incident wave and 1.16–1.37 THz for the backward incident wave. The designed MS offers an effective method to realize four different functions and has tremendous potential value in realizing THz modulation devices, electromagnetic cloaking, and communication systems.
Effects of a nuclear-disturbed environment on electromagnetic wave propagation through the atmosphere
Authors: Wilson Brandon A. , Hooper David A. , Miloshevsky Alexander , Grice Warren P. , Peters Nicholas A.
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the effects of a nuclear-disturbed environment on the transmission of electromagnetic (EM) waves through the atmosphere. An atmospheric nuclear detonation can produce heightened free electron densities in the surrounding atmosphere that can disrupt EM waves that propagate through the disturbed region. Radiation transport models simulated the ionization and free electron densities created in the atmosphere from a 1 MT detonation at heights of burst of 5 km, 25 km, and 75 km. Recombination rates for the free electrons in the atmosphere were applied, from previous work in the literature, to determine the nuclear-induced electron densities as a function of time and space after the detonation. A ray-tracing algorithm was applied to determine the refraction and reflection of waves propagating in the different nuclear-disturbed environments. The simulation results show that the free electron plasma created from an atmospheric nuclear detonation depend on the height of burst of the weapon, the weapon yield, and the time after detonation. Detonations at higher altitudes produce higher free electron densities for greater durations and over larger ranges. The larger the free electron densities, the greater the impact on EM wavelengths in regards to refraction, reflection, and absorption in the atmosphere. An analysis of modern infrastructure and the effects of nuclear-disturbed atmospheres on different signal wavelengths and systems is discussed.
Quantification of dissipative effects in a complex Ginzburg-Landau equation governed laser system by tracing soliton dynamics
Authors: Cao Tao , Liu Shaozhen , Guo Ziyue , Hu Kailin , Yan Jikun , Liu Zhihong , Li Zhou , Xu Qi , Chen Kun , Peng Jiahui
Published: January 2023

The concept of dissipative solitons has provided new insight into the complex pulse dynamics in mode-locked lasers and stimulated novel laser cavity designs. However, most of these studies are restricted to qualitative regimes, because it is difficult to quantify dissipative effects in a mode-locked laser. Meanwhile, the quantification of dissipative effects is a general problem that can be also encountered in other dissipative systems. In this paper, we demonstrate a method for quantifying dissipative effects in a mode-locked laser based on analyzing the soliton dynamics traced by time-stretch dispersive Fourier transform. As a result, we are able to quantitatively reproduce the evolution of the pulse that seeds mode-locking through simulations and gain a deeper understanding of the whole process. The obtained physical picture of mode-locking allows us to propose a simple method to quantify the energy threshold for mode-locking buildup and the stability of mode-locked states. A parameter is introduced to evaluate mode-locking conditions, which can serve as a criterion for designing mode-locked lasers. This work opens up new possibilities in the diagnosis and improvement of mode-locked lasers and studies of soliton physics.
Two-mirror aerial mapping camera design with a tilted-aplanatic secondary mirror for image motion compensation
Authors: Liu Xueji , Yuan Dongming , Song Laiyun , Yuan Guoqin , Zhang Hongwen , Ding Yalin , Zhang Chang
Published: January 2023

The optical compensation method is a promising method to compensate the image motion by driving the optical element of the system. However, the tilt motion of the optical element could induce the degradation of the image quality. Based on the Nodal Aberration Theory (NAT), this paper proposes a novel optical image motion compensation design with a secondary tilt-aplanatic two-mirror optical system (STATOS), which achieves the insensitivity on the image quality of the optical system. First, the properties of coma-free pivot point depending on the location of stop at primary mirror or secondary mirror have been analyzed respectively. Then the calculating method about construction parameters in terms of STATOS is developed. Further, the maximum tilt angle of secondary mirror could be solved using NAT under ordered specific restriction. Finally, a prototype is designed with SM-tilting result of MTF value maintain above 0.32 at the cut-off frequency of detector, where the principal distance could remain stable and the changed distortion is better than 0.03%. A test flight has been carried out to prove the desired results and feasibility of STATOS used in an aerial mapping camera.
Experimental demonstration of a 160 Gbit/s 3D-integrated silicon photonics receiver with 1.2-pJ/bit power consumption
Authors: Wu Dingyi , Wang Dong , Chen Daigao , Yan Jie , Dang Ziyue , Feng Jianchao , Chen Shiping , Feng Peng , Zhang Hongguang , Fu Yanfeng , Wang Lei , Hu Xiao , Xiao Xi , Yu Shaohua
Published: January 2023

By using the flip-chip bonding technology, a high performances 3D-integrated silicon photonics receiver is demonstrated. The receiver consists of a high-speed germanium-silicon (Ge-Si) photodetector (PD) and a commercial linear transimpedance amplifiers (TIA). The overall 3 dB bandwidth of the receiver is around 38 GHz with appropriate gain. Based on this 3D-integrated receiver, the 56, 64, 90, 100 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and 112, 128 Gbit/s four-level pulse amplitude (PAM-4) modulation clear openings of eye diagrams are experimentally obtained. The sensitivities of -10, -5.2 dBm and -6.6, -2.7 dBm were obtained for 112 Gbit/s NRZ and 160 Gbit/s PAM-4 at hard-decision forward err correction (HD-FEC,3.8 × 10−3) and KP4 forward err correction (KP4-FEC,2 × 10−4) threshold, respectively. Additionally, the lowest power consumption of this receiver is about 1.2 pJ/bit, which implies its huge potential for short-reach data center applications.
Verdet constant dispersion of magnesium fluoride for deep-ultraviolet and vacuum-ultraviolet Faraday rotators
Authors: Tamaru Yuki , Fuchimukai Atsushi , Uehara Hiyori , Miura Taisuke , Yasuhara Ryo
Published: January 2023

The Verdet constant dispersion in magnesium fluoride (MgF2) crystals was evaluated over a wavelength range of 190–300 nm. The Verdet constant was found to be 38.7 rad/(T·m) at a wavelength of 193 nm. These results were fitted using the diamagnetic dispersion model and the classical Becquerel formula. The fitted results can be used for the designing of suitable Faraday rotators at various wavelengths. These results indicate the possibility of using MgF2 as Faraday rotators not only in deep-ultraviolet regions, but also in vacuum-ultraviolet regions owing to its large bandgap.
Micro-nano fiber-assisted active photoacoustic spectroscopy for gas sensing
Authors: Hu Mengpeng , Zhang Hui , Wang Weibiao , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2023

We report on the development of all-fiber active photoacoustic spectroscopy, where active photoacoustic effect is generated by embedding a micro-nano fiber inside a fiber laser resonator to exploit the evanescent field of the high intracavity power. Acetylene detection at 1530.37 nm was selected for gas sensing demonstration. With a small diameter of 1.1 µm, the tapped fiber exploited ∼20% intracavity power for the evanescent-wave photoacoustic excitation, while only introduced a low intrinsic cavity loss of 0.08 dB. Our sensor achieved a minimum detection limit of 1 ppm at an integration time of 10 s, which can be improved to 73 ppb at 1000 s benefited from the high system stability. The sensing dynamic range was determined to be more than five orders. This spectroscopic technique combines fiber laser, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and fiber evanescent-wave absorption to achieve gas sensing with high flexibility, low optical noise, and easy optical alignment. Current limitations were discussed in detail to explore feasible ways to improve the performance in response time, dynamic range and sensitivity.
Experimental realization of a reconfigurable Lieb photonic lattice in a coherent atomic medium
Authors: Liang Shun , Liu Zhenzhi , Ning Shaohuan , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Zhaoyang
Published: January 2023

We have experimentally demonstrated the realization of an instantaneously reconfigurable Lieb photonic lattice with a flatband in a three-level Λ-type rubidium atomic configuration. Such a coherently controllable Lieb photonic lattice is optically induced by a coupling field possessing a spatially periodic intensity distribution (generated via a spatial light modulator) under the condition of electromagnetically induced transparency. The incident weak Gaussian probe field can experience discrete diffraction and the observed probe beam at the output surface of the medium exhibits the same Lieb pattern, verifying the formation of the refractive index with a Lieb profile inside the atomic vapor cell. The potential wells and the band structure of the Lieb photonic lattice can be effectively manipulated by easily tuning the frequency of the involved laser beams. The current work can promisingly pave the way for exploring the exotic dynamics as well as tunable photonic devices in Lieb photonic lattices.
Helicity-resolved Raman scattering of MoS2 bulk crystal
Authors: Yang Ming-Ming , Wu Heng , Tan Li , Ma Yue , Zhao Ya-Nan , Liu Yi , Yang Fu-Rong , Wu Chun-Lin , Liu Xue-Lu , Liang Bao-Lai , Li Xiao-Li
Published: January 2023

Helicity-resolved Raman spectroscopy (HRRS) can effectively distinguish the Raman modes of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials by phonon symmetry. In this paper, we systematically investigated the phonon helicity selection of basal and edge planes of MoS2 bulk by HRRS. We find that the symmetry of the crystal structure changes the helicity selection of the E1g, E12g, and A1g modes in the edge plane. The theoretical calculation results confirm that the E12g and A1g modes of the basal plane exhibit a perfect helicity exchange, and the helicity selections of the E12g and A1g modes of the edge plane are eliminated or weakened. Our study provides references for phonon helicity selection of 2D layered materials represented by MoS2.
Learned digital lens enabled single optics achromatic imaging
Authors: He Tianyue , Zhang Qican , Zhang Chongyang , Kou Tingdong , Shen Junfei
Published: January 2023

High-quality imaging with reduced optical complexity has been extensively investigated owing to its promising future in academic and industrial research. However, the practical performance of most imaging systems has encountered a bottleneck posed by optics rather than electronics. Here, we propose a digital lens (DL) to compensate for the chromatic aberration induced by physical optical elements, while the residual wavelength-independent degradation is tackled through a self-designed neural network. By transforming physical aberration correction to an algorithm-based computational imaging task, the proposed DL enables our framework to reduce optical complexity and achieve achromatic imaging in the analog domain. Real experiments have been conducted with an off-the-shelf single lens and recovered images show up to 14.62 dB higher peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) than the original chromatic input. Furthermore, we run a comprehensive ablation study to highlight the contribution of embedding the proposed DL, which shows a 4.83 dB PSNR improvement compared with the methods without DL. Technically, the proposed method can be an alternative for future applications that require both simple optics and high-fidelity visualization.
New topic categories for Optical Materials Express: editorial
Authors: Alù Andrea
Published: January 2023

Optical Materials Express Editor-in-Chief, Andrea
Alù, introduces new topic categories for the Journal that
redefine the Journal scope and better reflect the current state of
this dynamic field of research.
First assessment of seagrass carbon accumulation rates in Sweden: A field study from a fjord system at the Skagerrak coast
Authors: Dahl Martin , Asplund Maria E. , Bergman Sanne , Björk Mats , Braun Sara , Löfgren Elin , Martí Elisa , Masque Pere , Svensson Robin , Gullström Martin
Published: January 2023

Seagrass meadows are globally important blue carbon sinks. In northern cold-temperate regions, eelgrass (Zostera marina) is the dominant seagrass species, and although their sedimentary carbon stocks have been quantified across regions, information regarding the CO2withdrawal capacity as carbon sinks remains scarce. Here we assessed the carbon (Corg) accumulation rates (CARs) and stocks as well as the organic matter sources in five seagrass meadows in the Gullmar Fjord area on the Swedish Skagerrak coast. We found that the mean (±SD) CAR was 14 ± 3 g Corgm-2yr-1over the last ~120–140 years (corresponding to a yearly uptake of 52.4 ± 12.6 g CO2 m-2). The carbon sink capacity is in line with otherZ.marinaareas but relatively low compared to other seagrass species and regions globally. About half of the sedimentary carbon accumulation (7.1 ± 3.3 g Corgm-2yr-1) originated from macroalgae biomass, which highlights the importance of non-seagrass derived material for the carbon sink function of seagrass meadows in the area. The Corgstocks were similar among sites when comparing at a standardized depth of 50 cm (4.6–5.9 kg Corgm-2), but showed large variation when assessed for the total extent of the cores (ranging from 0.7 to 20.6 kg Corgm-2for sediment depths of 11 to at least 149 cm). The low sediment accretion rates (1.18–1.86 mm yr-1) and the relatively thick sediment deposits (with a maximum of >150 cm of sediment depth) suggests that the carbon stocks have likely been accumulated for an extended period of time, and that the documented loss of seagrass meadows in the Swedish Skagerrak region and associated erosion of the sediment could potentially have offset centuries of carbon sequestration.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors from December 2020 to June 2021 in Koutiala district, Mali
Authors: Temessadouno Fara Wagbo , Ndong Jean Gilbert , Gignoux Etienne , Coppieters Yves , Ba Alhassane , Sidibe Youssouf Diam , Daou Aminata , Malou Nada , Compaore Idrissa , Fane Tidiani , Simons Erica , Luquero Francisco , Mills Clair , Vuti Komla Mawunya , Nkokolo massamba Marie Hortense , Guiramand Sonia
Published: January 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). At the time of the study, little data on the level of exposure of the population in Koutiala district in Mali to SARS-CoV-2 was available. Although blood donors are not representative of the general population, a COVID-19 seroprevalence estimate in this population was intended to assess the extent of community transmission, serve as a health alert system, and help guide the public health response. We measured seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using NG-Biotech SARS-Cov-2 RDT and ECLIA test between January and June 2020. This is a cross-sectional study of volunteer blood donors aged 18 to 60 years, independent of any previous COVID-19 disease. A stratified analysis of seroprevalence by month of sample collection and a comparison of the results of the NG-Biotech SARS-Cov-2 RDT with those of the ECLIA test was performed. The overall prevalence of antibodies to SARS-Cov-2 virus assessed by the NG-Biotech SARS-Cov-2 RDT was 24.6% (95% CI 21.8–27.4) and by the ECLIA test was 70.2 (95% CI 64.9–75.5). Both estimates remained relatively stable over the study period. We observed SARS-CoV-2 exposure much higher than indicated by case-based surveillance. The national surveillance system, as it was, was not able to detect variations in incidence, and as such, we do not recommend it as an alert system. However, the discrepancy between the results of the rapid test and the ECLIA test shows that further research is required to assess the validity of these test before a more solid conclusion can be drawn it their use in surveillance.
Machine learning algorithms can predict tail biting outbreaks in pigs using feeding behaviour records
Authors: Ollagnier Catherine , Kasper Claudia , Wallenbeck Anna , Keeling Linda , Bee Giuseppe , Bigdeli Siavash A.
Published: January 2023

Tail biting is a damaging behaviour that impacts the welfare and health of pigs. Early detection of precursor signs of tail biting provides the opportunity to take preventive measures, thus avoiding the occurrence of the tail biting event. This study aimed to build a machine-learning algorithm for real-time detection of upcoming tail biting outbreaks, using feeding behaviour data recorded by an electronic feeder. Prediction capacities of seven machine learning algorithms (Generalized Linear Model with Stepwise Feature Selection, random forest, Support Vector Machines with Radial Basis Function Kernel, Bayesian Generalized Linear Model, Neural network, K-nearest neighbour, and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) were evaluated from daily feeding data collected from 65 pens originating from two herds of grower-finisher pigs (25-100kg), in which 27 tail biting events occurred. Data were divided into training and testing data in two different ways, either by randomly splitting data into 75% (training set) and 25% (testing set), or by randomly selecting pens to constitute the testing set. In the first data splitting, the model is regularly updated with previous data from the pen, whereas in the second data splitting, the model tries to predict for a pen that it has never seen before. The K-nearest neighbour algorithm was able to predict 78% of the upcoming events with an accuracy of 96%, when predicting events in pens for which it had previous data. Our results indicate that machine learning models can be considered for implementation into automatic feeder systems for real-time prediction of tail biting events.
Cell-surface protein YwfG of Lactococcus lactis binds to α-1,2-linked mannose
Authors: Tsuchiya Wataru , Fujimoto Zui , Inagaki Noritoshi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Miwa , Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Yamazaki Toshimasa , Suzuki Chise
Published: January 2023

Lactococcus lactis strains are used as starter cultures in the production of fermented dairy and vegetable foods, but the species also occurs in other niches such as plant material. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis G50 (G50) is a plant-derived strain and potential candidate probiotics. Western blotting of cell-wall proteins using antibodies generated against whole G50 cells detected a 120-kDa protein. MALDI-TOF MS analysis identified it as YwfG, a Leu-Pro-any-Thr-Gly cell-wall-anchor-domain–containing protein. Based on a predicted domain structure, a recombinant YwfG variant covering the N-terminal half (aa 28–511) of YwfG (YwfG28−511) was crystallized and the crystal structure was determined. The structure consisted of an L-type lectin domain, a mucin-binding protein domain, and a mucus-binding protein repeat. Recombinant YwfG variants containing combinations of these domains (YwfG28–270, YwfG28–336, YwfG28−511, MubR4) were prepared and their interactions with monosaccharides were examined by isothermal titration calorimetry; the only interaction observed was between YwfG28–270, which contained the L-type lectin domain, and d-mannose. Among four mannobioses, α-1,2-mannobiose had the highest affinity for YwfG28–270 (dissociation constant = 34 μM). YwfG28–270 also interacted with yeast mannoproteins and yeast mannan. Soaking of the crystals of YwfG28–511 with mannose or α-1,2-mannobiose revealed that both sugars bound to the L-type lectin domain in a similar manner, although the presence of the mucin-binding protein domain and the mucus-binding protein repeat within the recombinant protein inhibited the interaction between the L-type lectin domain and mannose residues. Three of the YwfG variants (except MubR4) induced aggregation of yeast cells. Strain G50 also induced aggregation of yeast cells, which was abolished by deletion of ywfG from G50, suggesting that surface YwfG contributes to the interaction with yeast cells. These findings provide new structural and functional insights into the interaction between L. lactis and its ecological niche via binding of the cell-surface protein YwfG with mannose.
Eighteen mitochondrial genomes of Syrphidae (Insecta: Diptera: Brachycera) with a phylogenetic analysis of Muscomorpha
Authors: Li Hu , Yan Yan , Li Juan
Published: January 2023

In this study, 18 mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Syrphidae were sequenced. These mitogenomes ranged from 15,648 to 16,405 bp and contained 37 genes that were similar to those from other Syrphidae species. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) started with a standard ATN codon and ended with TAA/G. All transfer RNAs (tRNAs) could be folded into the cloverleaf secondary structure except tRNA-Ser (AGN), which lacks a dihydrouridine arm. The secondary structures of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) were predicted. Six domains (III is absent in arthropods) and 44 helices were included in the 16S rRNA, and three domains and 24 helices were included in the 12S rRNA. We found three conserved fragments in all syrphid mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide data of 13 PCGs and two rRNAs from 76 Muscomorpha and three outgroup species. In results the paraphyly of Aschiza and Schizophora were supported, the Acalyptratae was also paraphyletic but the relationships of its superfamilies were difficult to determine, the monophyly of Calyptratea was supported with the relationships of Oestroidea and Muscoidea need to be further reconsidered. Within Syrphidae the monophyly of family level was supported, the Syrphinae were clustered into one branch, while the paraphyly of Eristalinae was still well supported.
Children of the grave: Investigating non-adult feeding practices in medieval and early modern Estonia through stable isotope analysis
Authors: Morrone Alessandra , Tõrv Mari , Piombino-Mascali Dario , Saupe Tina , Sepp Holar , Valk Heiki , Malve Martin , Oras Ester
Published: January 2023

Studying infant diet and feeding practices through stable isotope analysis provides direct insight into the life and health of vulnerable population groups in the past. Although the general diet in medieval and early modern Livonia has been reconstructed from written sources, little is known about childhood diet during this tumultuous period of Eastern European history. This study presents a comparative investigation of the staple non-adult diet in urban/rural communities during the 13th-17thcenturies AD, with a special focus on feeding practices. We aim to reveal the impact of socio-economic circumstances on early childhood nutrition, which affects the physical development and overall survival of this susceptible population group. Bone collagen samples from 176 individuals between the fetal and the 7–15 age categories from four urban/rural South-Estonian cemeteries were cross-sectionally analyzed via EA-IRMS (Elemental Analysis with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectroscopy) for δ13C and δ15N. Results suggest that South-Estonian children had a staple terrestrial C3diet integrated with animal proteins. Significant divergences were observed between urban and rural sites and slight variation occurred among rural subgroups, possibly resulting from a wider food choice available in towns, different consumption of C4foods, and/or secular changes. This study provides the first data regarding infant feeding practices in medieval and early modern Livonia. These practices were similar among the different contexts, indicating comparable cultural traditions in child rearing. Breastfeeding was likely practiced for 1–2 years, with supplementary foods introduced around 1 year of age. The weaning process was probably concluded around the age of 3. The δ13C and δ15N values of older children are comparable to those of the adults from the same sites, indicating their diets became similar after weaning, when they started working and obtained a more mature social status.
Association between abdominal obesity and diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Shouqiang , Zhang Liwei , Xu Jing , Liu Ximing , Zhu Xiaoyun
Published: January 2023

Objective

Previous studies have reported different opinions regarding the association between abdominal obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we aimed to investigate this problem through a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a basis for clinical interventions.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to May 1, 2022, for all eligible observational studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated using a random-effects model in the Stata software. We then conducted, publication bias assessment, heterogeneity, subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 5596 DR patients and 17907 non-DR patients were included from 24 studies. The results of the meta-analysis of abdominal obesity parameters showed statistically significant differences between DR and non-DR patients in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Waist circumference (WC) was higher in patients with DR than in the non-DR patients. In the waist-hip ratio (WHR) subgroup, the level of WHR was higher in patients with DR than that in non-DR patients. The association between abdominal obesity and mild to moderate nonproliferative DR or vision-threatening DR groups did not show any statistical difference. Subgroup analysis according to ethnicity showed that Caucasians had higher levels of combined abdominal obesity parameters than Asians.

Conclusion

We found that abdominal obesity measured by WC and WHR is associated with DR in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This association is stronger in Caucasians than in Asians, where isolated abdominal obesity might be more related to DR. However, no correlation was found between abdominal obesity and varying degrees of diabetic retinopathy. Further prospective cohort studies with larger sample sizes are yet to be conducted to clarify our findings.
A novel clustering approach to bipartite investor-startup networks
Authors: Carniel Théophile , Halloy José , Dalle Jean-Michel
Published: January 2023

We propose a novel similarity-based clustering approach to venture capital investors that takes as input the bipartite graph of funding interactions between investors and startups and returns clusterings of investors built upon 5 characteristic dimensions. We first validate that investors are clustered in a meaningful manner and present methods of visualizing cluster characteristics. We further analyze the temporal dynamics at the cluster level and observe a meaningful second-order evolution of the sectoral investment trends. Finally, and surprisingly, we report that clusters appear stable even when running the clustering algorithm with all but one of the 5 characteristic dimensions, for instance observing geography-focused clusters without taking into account the geographical dimension or sector-focused clusters without taking into account the sectoral dimension, suggesting the presence of significant underlying complex investment patterns.
Educação em comunidades tradicionais no sul do Amapá
Authors: Bittencourt da Silva José , da Conceição Alves João Paulo
Published: January 2023

O presente artigo objetiva expor e analisar aspectos educacionais e valorativos presentes na conduta de moradores das comunidades tradicionais no sul do Amapá residentes em duas Unidades de Conservação de Uso Sustentável nessa área que enfrentam grandes dificuldades para implementar processos de desenvolvimento social local. O trabalho configura-se como um estudo de caso duplo com pesquisa de campo de cunho qualitativo realizada nas RESEX Cajari e RDS do Rio Iratapuru. Com instrumentos peculiares ao método etnográfico foram utilizados caderno de campo, roteiro de entrevista e técnicas de observação in loco. Observamos que uma alternativa capaz de gerar sinergias positivas neste contexto é a educação escolar, a qual poderia contribuir com o processo de edificação de novos valores e intencionalidades comunitárias de seus membros. As Escolas Familiares Agrícolas e Agroextrativistas, baseadas na pedagogia da alternância, poderiam ser viáveis neste sentido.
EDUCAR À EMERGÊNCIA CLIMÁTICA: UM IMPERATIVO ÉTICO E PRÁTICO
Authors: Ángel Meira Cartea Pablo , Marques Ramos Pinto Joaquim Jose
Published: January 2023

La crisis climática es el principal reto social y ambiental de la humanidad contemporánea. La ciencia advierte que estamos en una fase crítica para sentar las bases que permitan eludir los peores escenarios climáticos que se pronostican para la segunda mitad de siglo de no reducir drásticamente el nivel actual de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI). La transición hacia sociedades bajas en carbono ya no es una opción, sino un imperativo ecológico, ético, social y político para la supervivencia humana y para dignificar la vida en todas sus expresiones, que exige una mutación rápida y a escala planetaria del modelo energético, renunciando a los combustibles fósiles como soporte principal del modo de producción y consumo hegemónico. Para que esto sea posible es necesario impulsar un cambio cultural acelerado en el que la ciudadanía tenga un papel activo, participando en los procesos de decisión y apoyando estrategias de adaptación y mitigación en los diferentes contextos y territorios. La prioridad urgente de reducir emisiones debe convertir la crisis climática en una finalidad educativa estructural y prioritaria, hasta el punto de exigir un «currículum de emergencia climática» en cada Estado, y tendría que situarse en el centro de toda praxis curricular. La alfabetización climática es necesaria y habrá que potenciarla, principalmente para cualificar agentes (técnicos, profesionales, decisores) cuyo liderazgo será estratégico.
Controle químico de mosca-branca (Bemisia tabaci) biotipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) na cultura do algodão
Authors: Silva Bruna Guimarães da , Côrrea Fernando Rezende , Silva Nelmício Furtado da , Cavalcante Wendson Soares da Silva , Ribeiro Daniele Ferreira , Rodrigues Estevão
Published: January 2023

A cultura do algodão (Gossypium hirsutum) é uma agrícola que sofre constantemente com ataques de insetos praga. Dentre esses insetos, descrevemos a mosca-branca (Bemisia tabaci) que é um inseto polífago que apresenta danos diretos e indiretos nesta cultura agrícola. O principal método de controle desta praga é o uso de inseticidas, com mecanismos de ação distintos. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência após aplicação de diferentes opções de inseticidas para o controle das ninfas de mosca-branca na cultura do algodoeiro. Os tratamento foram distintos: 1-Testemunha; 2-Ciantraniliprole (35 g i.a ha-1); 3 Ciantraniliprole (40 g i.a ha-1); 4-Ciantraniliprole (45 g i.a ha-1); 5-Ciantraniliprole (50 g i.a ha-1); 6-Ciantraniliprole + óleo mineral (35 g i.a ha-1 + 756 g i.a ha-1); 7-Acetameprido + Piriproxifem (60 g i.a ha-1 + 30 g i.a ha-1); 8-Abamectina + Ciantraniliprole (20 g i.a ha-1 + 5 g i.a ha-1) e 9-Sulfoxaflor + espalhante adesivo (96 g i.a ha-1 + 4,5 g i.a ha-1). Foram realizadas 2 aplicações foliares, com intervalos de 10 dias (23/02/21 e 05/03/21), utilizando-se pulverizador costal com pressurização por CO2, dotado de barra de pulverização, com volume de calda de 150 L ha-1. No momento das aplicações a cultura encontrava-se entre os estádios V7 e B4, respectivamente. Foi realizada avaliação prévia da infestação e após a aplicação 3, 7 e 10 após primeira (DA1A) e 3,7 e 10 após a segunda aplicação (DA2A). As avaliações foram realizadas sobre a contagem do número de ninfas de mosca-branca em 10 folhas em cada parcela com o auxílio de uma lupa binocular estereoscópica (20x). Os dados foram transformados (√x+K) pelo software estatístico SASM®. Sendo interpretado pelo teste de média Scott-Knott com 5% de significância. Conclui-se que a aplicação com Acetamiprido + Piriproxifem (60 g i.a ha-1 + 30 g i.a ha-1) e o Ciantraniliprole nas doses (40 e 50 g i.a ha-1) se destacaram em relação aos outros tratamentos sobre Bemisia tabaci.
Regional climate projections for the State of São Paulo, Brazil, in the 2020 - 2050 period
Authors: Armani Gustavo , Beserra de Lima Nádia Gilma , Pelizzon Garcia Maria Fernanda , de Lima Carvalho Jussara
Published: January 2023

The objective of this article is to present climate projections for the 2020–2050 period for several climate variables for the State of São Paulo, considering two scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. These projections were based on four climate models (HadGEM2-ES, MIROC5, CanESM2, and BESM) with downscaling of 20 km improved by the CPTEC/INPE Eta Regional Climate Model. Nine variables related to air temperature and rainfall were selected, and the deviation between the observed period (1961–1990) and the projected period (2020–2050) was calculated for the two RCP scenarios for each model and selected variable. Then, the highest and lowest values of the deviations were selected, which represent the maximum and minimum deviations projected for each cell. With this, we obtained the widest range between the possible trends of the four models compared for each variable analyzed in the state of São Paulo. The models used for the two RCP scenarios show the warming of the atmosphere, which tends to be less intense on the shoreline due to the control exerted by the ocean, and greater in the northwest region of the state, furthest from the Atlantic. A reduction in the Cold Spell Duration Index (CSDI) and an increase in the Warm Spell Duration Index (WSDI) is projected, with these trends increasing from south to north of the state. Considering the precipitation, no consensus between the trends of the models used in this study was found, with projections of both increase and decrease in annual total variables and in related extreme indices. Among the different projected trends, the reduction in precipitation is the worst scenario to be faced, given the essential aspect of water. The indicators related to intense precipitation (R95p and RX5day) showed a wide range between the maximum and minimum values projected in the analyzed scenarios, and the increase of these indicators deserves particular attention, since the increase in intense precipitation is a potential trigger of disasters, such as landslides, floods, and accelerated erosion. The results, given their relevance, were applied to the Ecological-Economic Zoning (ZEE) of the State of São Paulo, a technical and political planning instrument that establishes guidelines for land use and management, considering the environmental characteristics and socioeconomic dynamics of different regions of the state.
Regression of Hepatic Fibrosis After Endoscopic Gastric Plication in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Jirapinyo Pichamol , Zucker Stephen D. , Thompson Christopher C.
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Fibrosis stage is the strongest predictor of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is currently no approved therapy that specifically targets fibrosis. This study aims to assess the effect of endoscopic gastric plication on hepatic fibrosis in patients with underlying NAFLD.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected registry of patients with obesity and NAFLD with clinically significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) who underwent endoscopic gastric plication. Full-thickness plications were placed in the gastric body using a commercially available platform to reduce the gastric volume. The primary outcome included various noninvasive tests (NITs) of hepatic fibrosis based on clinical chemistry and/or imaging. The secondary outcomes included NITs of hepatic steatosis, other metabolic outcomes, including hemoglobin A1c, insulin resistance, and total weight loss (TWL), and adverse events.

RESULTS:

Forty-five patients (age 51 ± 13 years and body mass index 40.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2) were included. All patients underwent endoscopic gastric plication successfully. At 6–12 months, there were significant reductions in biochemistries (alanine aminotransferase: 49.7 ± 36.8 U/L to 24.2 ± 12.0 U/L [P < 0.0001], aspartate aminotransferase: 39.1 ± 24.1 U/L to 24.1 ± 10.0 U/L [P < 0.0001]), composite fibrosis score (NAFLD fibrosis score: 0.48 ± 1.51 to −1.18 ± 1.56 [P < 0.0001], fibrosis-4 index: 1.4 ± 1.2 to 1.2 ± 0.7 [P = 0.03]), and imaging-based markers of fibrosis (vibration-controlled transient elastography: 13.9 ± 7.5 kPa to 8.9 ± 4.8 kPa (P < 0.0001) and Agile 3+: 0.53 ± 0.28 to 0.37 ± 0.28 [P = 0.001]). There were significant reductions in controlled attenuation parameter, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, and hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05 for all). At 12 months, patients experienced 15.5% ± 7.9% TWL, with 63% reaching at least 10% TWL.

DISCUSSION:

Endoscopic gastric plication seems effective at treating NAFLD, with significant reduction in NITs of hepatic fibrosis even in patients with cirrhosis.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients With Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Yoosuf Shakira , Singh Prashant , Khaitan Ashank , Strand Tor A. , Ahuja Vineet , Makharia Govind K.
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

A subset of patients with celiac disease (CeD) has liver involvement in the form of hypertransaminasemia, liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune hepatitis. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses to determine the pooled prevalence of CeD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia.

METHODS:

We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2022. Cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies performing serological tests and/or intestinal biopsy for CeD on patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia were included to calculate pooled estimates of seroprevalence and the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in these 4 groups.

RESULTS:

Of 6,871 articles screened, 20 articles were included finally in 3 meta-analyses for cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia. For the all-cause hypertransaminasemia group, a qualitative review of 4 studies was conducted instead of a meta-analysis due to significant differences in studies. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of biopsy-confirmed CeD in cryptogenic cirrhosis was 4.6% (2.2%–7.5%) while the pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in all-cause cirrhosis was 0.8% (0%–3.4%). The pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia was 5.7% (3.2%–8.8%).

DISCUSSION:

Nearly 1 in 20 patients each with cryptogenic cirrhosis and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia have CeD; hence, they should both be considered high-risk groups for CeD. While the prevalence of CeD in those with all-cause cirrhosis is similar to that in general population, it may be worth screening them for CeD because liver pathology has the potential for reversal in them.
Randomized Trial of Tenofovir With or Without Peginterferon Alfa Followed by Protocolized Treatment Withdrawal in Adults With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Terrault Norah A. , Lok Anna S. , Wahed Abdus S. , Ghany Marc G. , Perrillo Robert P. , Fried Michael W. , Wong David K. , Khalili Mandana , Lau Daryl T.Y. , Sterling Richard K. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Lisker-Melman Mauricio , Cooper Stewart L. , Chung Ray T. , Patel Keyur , Roberts Lewis R. , Belle Steven H. , Janssen Harry L.A. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is associated with improved long-term outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B but is infrequently achieved with current monotherapies. We assessed whether combination strategies that included treatment withdrawal enhanced HBsAg loss.

METHODS:

A randomized (1:1) trial of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for 192 weeks with or without peginterferon (PegIFN) alfa-2a for the first 24 weeks, followed by withdrawal of TDF at week 192 with 48 weeks of off-treatment follow-up to week 240. The primary end point was HBsAg loss at week 240.

RESULTS:

Of 201 participants (52% HBeAg positive, 12%/6% genotype A/A2, 7% cirrhosis) randomized to TDF + PegIFN (n = 102) or TDF alone (n = 99), 6 participants had lost HBsAg at the end of the treatment phase (week 192), 5 (5.3%) in the combination group, and 1 (1.0%) in the TDF alone group (P = 0.09). By week 240, 9 participants had cleared HBsAg, 5.3% in combination, and 4.1% in monotherapy arms (P = 0.73). HBsAg decline and loss occurred earlier with TDF + PegIFN than TDF, with a ≥1-logIU/mL qHBsAg decline by week 24 in 28% in TDF + PegIFN compared with 6% in TDF (P = 0.04). HBsAg loss occurred in 7 of 12 (58%) with hepatitis B virus subgenotype A2 (all HBeAg positive) compared with only 2 of 189 (1%) with other hepatitis B virus genotypes and in 8 of 93 (8.6%) HBeAg positive vs 1 of 87 (1.1%) HBeAg negative.

DISCUSSION:

PegIFN combined TDF followed by protocolized TDF withdrawal led to earlier but not higher percentages of HBsAg clearance. Pretreatment HBeAg positivity and subgenotype A2 were strongly associated with HBsAg clearance.
Role of Cholangioscopy in a Patient With Hepatolithiasis and Caroli Disease
Authors: Morales Ximena , Jiménez-Hermida Laura , Pérez Juan Manuel , Hernández-Cely Geovanny
Published: January 2023

Caroli disease is an infrequent congenital pathology that is part of the spectrum of fibrocystic diseases, characterized mainly by malformation of bile ducts. These patients often have stones and cholangitis, which respond poorly to conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. To date, there is little evidence on the usefulness of cholangioscopy in this disease, so we describe the experience of performing cholangioscopy in a patient with hepatolithiasis and Caroli disease.
An Unusual Presentation of Segmental Arterial Mediolysis
Authors: Karna Rahul , Kaye Dylan , Jagdish Balaji , Johnston Alexandra , Venkat Divya
Published: January 2023

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare nonatherosclerotic and noninflammatory disease that often affects medium to large-sized arteries. We report a case of SAM involving bilateral hepatic arteries in an elderly woman. Although her initial presentation mimicked vasculitis, the clinical course and imaging led to the diagnosis of SAM. She was treated with coil embolization and stenting of the involved hepatic vessel leading to dramatic clinical improvement. It should be differentiated from vasculitis because there is no role of steroids in the management of SAM.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Presenting as Dysphagia and Weight Loss: Common Symptoms but an Uncommon Diagnosis
Authors: Pham Linhchi , Swanson Paul E. , Tomizawa Yutaka
Published: January 2023

A 76-year-old woman was referred for 6 months of progressively worsening dysphagia and unintentional weight loss. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated an area of extrinsic compression in the lower esophagus measuring 7 cm in greatest dimension. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a solid homogeneous mass in the lower middle/posterior mediastinum, laterally displacing the esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy showed a hypocellular infiltrate of pleomorphic cells in a loose collagenous matrix. By immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells were negative for epithelial, vascular, neural, and melanocytic markers. Fluorescent in situ hybridization detected MDM2 amplification, compatible with a diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
Finland: Prepared for Challenges Ahead
Authors: Väliverronen Jari
Published: January 2023

Historically, journalistic self-regulation in Finland has evolved in three phases that are closely connected with developments in journalistic professionalism: early attempts until the late 1960s, institutionalization and solidification from the late 1960s to the mid-2000s, and the current phase of constant change. In the current phase, the self-regulatory institution – the Council for Mass Media (CMM) – was initially struggling to find its place in the changing mediascape. However, in the last ten years, it has been able to re-adjust itself and gain a relatively secure position in society. This position is likely to be increasingly challenged in the coming years by the many ongoing transformations of communications and journalism, but the CMM appears rather well placed to meet the future challenges.
liens entre droit et déontologie journalistique
Authors: Cruysmans Édouard
Published: January 2023

La contribution met en lumière les liens entre la déontologie journalistique et le droit. Elle rappelle les caractéristiques générales de la déontologie journalistique et de son rapport au droit. Plus précisément, elle s’interroge quant à la façon dont les décisions du pouvoir judiciaire prennent en compte ces règles professionnelles non légalement contraignantes. Il s’agit tant des dispositions inscrites dans les codes de déontologie que des avis adoptés par les instances déontologiques. Il apparaît que dans les litiges en matière de responsabilité civile extracontractuelle impliquant des journalistes, les juges sont de plus en plus enclins à prendre en compte la déontologie journalistique, à des degrés divers.