bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAPEAMENTO DE RIOS EM IMAGENS RGB COM APRENDIZAGEM DE MÁQUINA SUPERVISIONADA.
Authors: De Souza Mariany Kerriany Gonçalves , Faita Pinheiro Mayara Maezano Faita Pinheiro Maezano , Furuya Danielle Elis Garcia Furuya Garcia , Osco Lucas Prado Osco Prado , Júnior José Marcato Júnior Marcato , Gonçalves Wesley Nunes Gonçalves Nunes , Ramos Ana Paula Marques Ramos Marques
Published: February 2024

O mapeamento de rios possui elevada importância para estudos ambientais no que tange a proteção e conservação de recursos naturais, além de ser um recurso chave para manutenção da vida e do ecossistema. O objetivo desse trabalho consistiu em mapear rios em imagens RGB com algoritmos de aprendizagem de máquina supervisionados. O estudo de caso foi conduzido na região da 22ª Unidade de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos do Pontal do Paranapanema - São Paulo usando imagens aéreas RGB de alta resolução espacial (01 metro). O método aplicado compreende a preparação dos dados, como a anotação das feições de rios nas imagens e divisão das imagens e das feições vetorizadas em subconjuntos de treinamento e teste; treinamento dos algoritmos de aprendizagem de máquina, como o Support Vector Machine (SVM) e o Random Forest (RF); validação dos resultados usando métricas quantitativas, como F1-score; e avaliação qualitativa dos resultados. O algoritmo SVM mostrou melhor desempenho geral (F1-Score média superior a 90%) na tarefa proposta. Todavia, o RF se destacou ao lidar com regiões complexas das imagens RGB, apresentando menos falsos-negativos. A abordagem trazida é capaz de mapear rios em imagens RGB em grande escala, sendo importante para auxiliar estudos como análise de impacto ambiental.
Going cold turkey
Authors: Svec Julia
Published: February 2024

Julia Svec explains why bruxism is a habit patients need to get out of.
Positive outcome reporting in orthopaedic literature
Authors: Filtes Peter , Sobol Keenan , Lin Charles , Anil Utkarsh , Roberts Timothy , Pargas-Colina Carlos , Castañeda Pablo
Published: February 2024

Aims

Perthes' disease (PD) is a relatively rare syndrome of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis. Treatment for Perthes' disease is controversial due to the many options available, with no clear superiority of one treatment over another. Despite having few evidence-based approaches, many patients with Perthes' disease are managed surgically. Positive outcome reporting, defined as reporting a study variable producing statistically significant positive (beneficial) results, is a phenomenon that can be considered a proxy for the strength of science. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review with the hypothesis that positive outcome reporting is frequent in studies on the treatment of Perthes' disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of all available abstracts associated with manuscripts in English or with English translation between January 2000 and December 2021, dealing with the treatment of Perthes' disease. Data collection included various study characteristics, surgical versus non-surgical management, treatment modality, mean follow-up time, analysis methods, and clinical recommendations.

Results

Our study included 130 manuscripts. Overall, 110 (85%) reported positive (beneficial) results, three (2%) reported negative results, and 17 (13%) reported no significant difference. Despite only 10/130 studies (8%) having a testable hypothesis, 71 (55%) recommended the use of their studied treatment methods for the patients, five (4%) made recommendations against the use of the studied treatment modality, and 54 (42%) did not make any recommendations.

Conclusion

The overall rate for positive outcomes among included manuscripts regarding different treatment methods for Perthes' disease (85%) is higher than the 74% positive outcome rate found among studies for other surgically treated disorders and significantly higher than most scientific literature. Despite the lack of testable hypotheses, most manuscripts recommended their studied treatment method as a successful option for managing patients solely based on the reporting of retrospective data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):121–127.
Robotic trials in arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Khatri Chetan , Metcalfe Andrew , Wall Peter , Underwood Martin , Haddad Fares S. , Davis Edward T.
Published: February 2024

Total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) are largely successful procedures; however, both have variable outcomes, resulting in some patients being dissatisfied with the outcome. Surgeons are turning to technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery in an attempt to improve outcomes. Robust studies are needed to find out if these innovations are really benefitting patients. The Robotic Arthroplasty Clinical and Cost Effectiveness Randomised Controlled Trials (RACER) trials are multicentre, patient-blinded randomized controlled trials. The patients have primary osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. The operation is Mako-assisted THA or TKA and the control groups have operations using conventional instruments. The primary clinical outcome is the Forgotten Joint Score at 12 months, and there is a built-in analysis of cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include early pain, the alignment of the components, and medium- to long-term outcomes. This annotation outlines the need to assess these technologies and discusses the design and challenges when conducting such trials, including surgical workflows, isolating the effect of the operation, blinding, and assessing the learning curve. Finally, the future of robotic surgery is discussed, including the need to contemporaneously introduce and evaluate such technologies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):114–120.
Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi extracts isolated from the petiole of sungkai plant (Peronema canescens)
Authors: OKTIANSYAH RIAN , ELFITA ELFITA , WIDJAJANTI HARY , SALNI SALNI , SETIAWAN ARUM
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Oktiansyah R, Elfita, Widjajanti H, Salni, Setiawan A. 2023. Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi extracts isolated from the petiole of sungkai plant (Peronema canescens). Biodiversitas 24: 6516-6526. Indonesia has a diverse number of medicinal plants that are very helpful in preventing infectious diseases. Sungkai (Peronema canescens) is a medicinal plant of the family Verbenaceae that is often used and found in Indonesia. Its leaves possessed antibacterial and antioxidant properties that boost immunity and lessen the signs of infectious disorders. This study explored the types of endophytic fungi found in sungkai petioles and examined their relationship to previously reported sungkai leaf endophytic fungal isolates and spectrum of compounds contained them. Endophytic fungal were isolated from fresh leaf petioles of host plants, and their morphological and molecular characteristics were determined. Endophytic fungal extracts were tested for antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Utilizing the paper disk diffusion technique, the antibacterial characteristics were ascertained, while the DPPH method was used to determine antioxidant activity. Molecular identification was carried out on the fungal isolate with the most potential, and chemical compounds were isolated using column chromatography. The structures of the compounds were determined using spectroscopy, including 1D and 2D NMR. Eight endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from sungkai leaf stalks (RA1-RA8) of various species of the genus Trichoderma. Differences in the diversity of endophytic fungi found in leaf stalks and endophytic fungi from leaves were identified. RA1 showed the strongest antibacterial and antioxidant activity and was molecularly identified as T. harzianum. Spectroscopic analysis showed that the pure compound contained within was 9-hydroxy-7-methylenebenzo[c]oxepin-3(7H)-one (1), which had never previously been found in sungkai plants and endophytic fungi. The antibacterial activity of Compound 1 is in the strong category (MIC = 64 µg/mL) but is not active as an antioxidant. In terms of producing medicinal ingredients from endophytic fungi, T. harzianum in extract form has more potential to be developed.
TLC-fingerprinting and chemometrics for identification of Curcuma xanthorrhiza from different geographical origins in Indonesia
Authors: KARTINI KARTINI , SABATINI SYAHNA S. , HARIDSA NINDYA M. , JAYANI NIKMATUL I. E. , SETIAWAN FINNA , HADIYAT MOCHAMMAD A.
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Kartini K, Sabatini SS, Haridsa NM, Jayani NIE, Setiawan F, Hadiyat MA. 2023. TLC-fingerprinting and chemometrics for identification of Curcuma xanthorrhiza from different geographical origins in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6557-6566. Geographical origin is an important parameter that influences the quality of herbal medicine. The fingerprint of herbal plants is expressed as chemical compounds contributing to said quality. Curcuma xanthorrhiza, popular as java turmeric, is extensively used in Indonesian traditional medicine. This study aimed to validate and develop a Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) fingerprint of C. xanthorrhiza, followed by chemometric techniques to classify C. xanthorrhiza rhizomes from 15 regions in Indonesia. Under selected TLC conditions (i.e., stationary phase: TLC plate Silica gel 60 GF254, mobile phase: dichloromethane, chloroform, and ethanol (10: 10: 1), detection: vanillin-sulfuric acid reagent), C. xanthorrhiza produced five zones of the compound. Extracts were stable both on the TLC plate and in the extract solution during chromatography and within 60 minutes after derivatization. In terms of precision, the chromatogram meets the requirement of intraday precision. Chemometric analysis with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) showed that the samples of C. xanthorrhiza from 15 regions in Indonesia were grouped into five clusters based on the similarity of the chemical compounds, namely cluster 1 (Tawangmangu, Bangkalan, Kediri, and Surabaya); cluster 2 (Batu, Sragen, Tulungagung, Pasuruan, Blitar, and Lombok Tengah); cluster 3 (Ngawi); cluster 4 (Gresik); and cluster 5 (Bojonegoro, Banyuwangi, and Palangkaraya). The TLC fingerprinting with chemometrics on C. xanthorrhiza rhizome is useful for quality control based on geographic origin and authenticity identification.
Limits of the detection of microplastics in fish tissue using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Floess Moritz , Fagotto-Kaufmann Marie , Gall Andrea , Steinle Tobias , Ehrlich Ingrid , Giessen Harald
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate the detection sensitivity of microplastic beads within fish tissue using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. The intrinsically provided chemical contrast distinguishes different types of plastic compounds within fish tissue. We study the size-dependent signal-to-noise ratio of the microplastic beads and determine a lower boundary for the detectable size. Our findings demonstrate how SRS microscopy can serve as a complementary modality to conventional Raman scattering imaging in order to detect and identify microplastic particles in fish tissue.
PMONN: an optical neural network for photonic integrated circuits based on micro-resonator
Authors: Ding Jingya , Zhu Lianqing , Yu Mingxin , Lu Lidan , Hu Penghao
Published: February 2024

We propose an improved optical neural network (ONN) circuit architecture based on conventional micro-resonator ONNs, called the Phase-based Micro-resonator Optical Neural Network (PMONN). PMONN's core architecture features a Convolutions and Batch Normalization (CB) unit, comprising a phase-based (PB) convolutional layer, a Depth-Point-Wise (DPW) convolutional layer, and a reconstructed Batch Normalization (RBN) layer. The PB convolution kernel uses modulable phase shifts of Add-drop MRRs as learnable parameters and their optical transfer function as convolution weights. The DPW convolution kernel amplifies PB convolution weights by learning the amplification factors. To address the internal covariate shift during training, the RBN layer normalizes DPW outputs by reconstructing the BN layer of the electronic neural network, which is then merged with the DPW layer in the test stage. We employ the tunable DAs in the architecture to implement the merged layer. PMONN achieves 99.15% and 91.83% accuracy on MNIST and Fashion-MNIST datasets, respectively. This work presents a method for implementing an optical neural network on the improved architecture based on MRRs and increases the flexibility and reusability of the architecture. PMONN has potential applications as the backbone for future optical object detection neural networks.
Pattern-reconfigurable integrated array antenna based on a coding metasurface
Authors: Fan YiHang , Chen Juan , Mou ChunHui
Published: February 2024

An electrically tunable pattern-reconfigurable integrated array antenna based on a 1-bit digital coding metasurface is proposed in this paper. The array antenna consists of 8 × 8 unit cells which is divided into the radiation antenna and the phase control metasurface. The rectangular microstrip patch antenna is used as the radiation source. The phase control metasurface includes three stacked layers of square slot units loaded with varactor diodes and a biasing circuit layer. The metasurface regulates the transmission phase of the quasi-plane wave generated by the radiation antenna. The pattern reconfigurability is achieved by switching coding sequences of the metasurface which can be regulated by the capacitance of varactor diodes. The measured results show the design has the capability of pencil-beam radiation, beam deflection, and multi-beam radiation at 5 GHz. The proposed array antenna preserves the coding metasurface without requiring the additional horn antenna. This highly integrated design is more concise and reduces the profile height. This article offers what we believe is a new method for the design of high integration, multi-unit, and electrically tunable reconfigurable array antenna.
Microwave coupled Zeeman splitting spectroscopy of a cesium nPJ Rydberg atom
Authors: Fan Jiabei , Bai Jingxu , Song Rong , Jiao Yuechun , Zhao Jianming , Jia Suotang
Published: February 2024

We perform measurements of microwave spectra of cesium Rydberg 51S1/2 → 51P
J
transitions with the linewidth approaching the Fourier limit. A two-photon scheme excites the ground-state atoms to the Rydberg 51S1/2 state, and a weak microwave photon couples the Rydberg transition of 51S1/2 → 51P
J
. The hyperfine structure of 51P1/2 can be clearly resolved with a narrow linewidth microwave spectra by using the method of ion detection. Furthermore, we investigate the Zeeman effect of the 51P1/2,3/2 state. The theoretical calculations reproduce the measurement well. Our experimental measurements provide a reliable technical solution for the investigation of high angular momentum Rydberg states, which is conducive to further realizing the coherent manipulation of Rydberg energy levels and improving the sensitivity of electromagnetic field measurement.
Propagation dynamics of self-accelerating second-order Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian wave packets in a harmonic potential
Authors: Ouyang Jingyun , Deng Dongmei , Peng Xi
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the evolutionary dynamics of self-accelerating second-order Hermite complex-variable-function Gaussian (SSHCG) wave packets in a harmonic potential. The periodic variation of the wave packets is discussed via theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The control variables method is applied to manipulate the distribution factor, cross-phase factor, potential depth, and chirp parameter, enabling the realization of unique propagation dynamics. In three-dimensional models, the SSHCG wave packets exhibit rotational states, featuring butterfly shape, three peaks shape, two polarity shape, elliptical shape, and ring-shaped double-vortex structures. Furthermore, the energy flow and the angular momentum of the wave packets are investigated. Additionally, the performance of the radiation force on a Rayleigh dielectric particle is studied. This investigation results in the emergence of distinct SSHCG wave packet propagation dynamics, and potential applications in optical communications and optical trapping are presented.
External chirality enhancing downconversion in a waveguide-coupled nonlinear plasmonic metasurface
Authors: Abir Tsafrir , Sideris Symeon , Ellenbogen Tal
Published: February 2024

Metasurfaces, typically constructed from spatial arrangements of localized building blocks, can enhance light–matter interactions through local field enhancement or by coherent coupling to extended photonic modes. Recent works have explored how guided mode resonances influence the performance of nonlinear metasurfaces. Here we investigate the modal impact on difference-frequency generation in a waveguide-coupled metasurface platform. The system is constructed from gold split-ring resonators on a high-index TiO2 waveguide. We find that a symmetric configuration of the metasurface’s localized modes and the extended waveguide modes lead to a modest enhancement of the downconversion process. However, when the mirror symmetry of the localized modes with respect to the guided mode propagation breaks, it introduces external chirality. This enables coupling to a higher quality mode, resulting in a 70-fold enhancement of the difference-frequency generation. The capacity to manipulate the nonlocal modes through the design offers broader control over the interaction and new avenues to tailor the nonlinear processes.
Wearable photoacoustic watch for humans
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Heng , Qi Weizhi , Xi Lei
Published: February 2024

Longitudinal detection of hemodynamic changes based on wearable devices is imperative for monitoring human healthcare. Photoacoustic effect is extremely sensitive to variations in hemoglobin. Therefore, wearable photoacoustic devices are apt to monitor human healthcare via the observation of hemodynamics. However, the bulky system and difficulties in miniaturizing and optimizing the imaging interface restrict the development of wearable photoacoustic devices for human use. In this study, we developed a wearable photoacoustic watch with a fully integrated system in a backpack that has a size of 450 mm × 300 mm × 200 mm and an affordable weight of 7 kg for an adult to wear. The watch has a size of 43 mm × 30 mm × 24 mm, weighs 40 g, and features a lateral resolution of 8.7 µm, a field of view (FOV) of 3 mm in diameter, and a motorized adjustable focus for optimizing the imaging plane for different individuals. We recruited volunteers to wear the watch and the backpack and performed in vivo imaging of the vasculatures inside human wrists under the conditions of walking and human cuff occlusion to observe hemodynamic variations during different physiological states. The results suggest that the focus shifting capability of the watch makes it suitable for different individuals, and the compact and stable design of the entire system allows free movements of humans.
Optical path optimization of chromatic line confocal displacement sensor for high resolution and wide range
Authors: Wang Shuai , Diao Kuan , Liu Xiaojun , Gong Chuqiao
Published: February 2024

This study introduces the optical path-optimized dual-grating chromatic line confocal imaging (DG-LCI) technique for high-resolution and wide-range surface topography measurements. Chromatic line confocal imaging (LCI) finds extensive applications in high-speed 3D imaging of surface morphology, roughness analysis in industrial production, and quality inspection. A key advantage of LCI is its ability to achieve a large depth of focus, enabling the imaging system to measure a wide range in the Z direction. However, the challenge lies in the trade-off between the measurement range and resolution. Increasing the measurement range reduces the resolution, making it unsuitable for precise measurements required in industrial processing. Conversely, enhancing the resolution limits the measurement range, thereby sacrificing the advantage of LCI systems’ broad measurement capabilities. Addressing this limitation, we propose a dual optical path dual-grating structure using a simplified and ingenious optical path optimization design. This design overcomes the challenge of sacrificing the millimeter-level measurement range while simultaneously improving the resolution. Rigorous simulations and experiments validate the effectiveness and validity of our proposed method.
Numerical simulation of split ring resonator near-fields and antiferromagnetic magnon hybridization
Authors: Heligman Daniel M. , Potts Alex M. , Valdés Aguilar R.
Published: February 2024

We report on the results of finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of the terahertz response of a split ring resonator (SRR) metamaterial coupled to a hypothetical antiferromagnetic material (AFM) characterized by a magnon resonance. We find a hybridization of the SRR’s local magnetic field and the magnon, which manifests as an avoided crossing in the far-field transmission spectrum. We show that the strong light-matter coupling can be modelled via a two coupled oscillator model. We further evaluate the SRR-AFM coupling strength by varying the physical separation with a dielectric spacer between them. We find strong coupling for spacers thinner than 3 μm, suggesting far-field transmission measurements of metamaterial near-fields to be a versatile platform to investigate magnetic excitations of quantum materials.
Intra-lineage microevolution of Wolbachia leads to the emergence of new cytoplasmic incompatibility patterns
Authors: Namias Alice , Ngaku Annais , Makoundou Patrick , Unal Sandra , Sicard Mathieu , Weill Mylène
Published: February 2024

Mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex are worldwide vectors of arbovirus, filarial nematodes, and avian malaria agents. In these hosts, the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), i.e., reduced embryo viability in so-called incompatible crosses. Wolbachia infecting Culex pipiens (wPip) cause CI patterns of unparalleled complexity, associated with the amplification and diversification of cidA and cidB genes, with up to 6 different gene copies described in a single wPip genome. In wPip, CI is thought to function as a toxin-antidote (TA) system where compatibility relies on having the right antidotes (CidA) in the female to bind and neutralize the male’s toxins (CidB). By repeating crosses between Culex isofemale lines over a 17 years period, we documented the emergence of a new compatibility type in real time and linked it to a change in cid genes genotype. We showed that loss of specific cidA gene copies in some wPip genomes results in a loss of compatibility. More precisely, we found that this lost antidote had an original sequence at its binding interface, corresponding to the original sequence at the toxin’s binding interface. We showed that these original cid variants are recombinant, supporting a role for recombination rather than point mutations in rapid CI evolution. These results strongly support the TA model in natura, adding to all previous data acquired with transgenes expression.
Topological data analysis reveals core heteroblastic and ontogenetic programs embedded in leaves of grapevine (Vitaceae) and maracuyá (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Percival Sarah , Onyenedum Joyce G. , Chitwood Daniel H. , Husbands Aman Y.
Published: February 2024

Leaves are often described in language that evokes a single shape. However, embedded in that descriptor is a multitude of latent shapes arising from evolutionary, developmental, environmental, and other effects. These confounded effects manifest at distinct developmental time points and evolve at different tempos. Here, revisiting datasets comprised of thousands of leaves of vining grapevine (Vitaceae) and maracuyá (Passifloraceae) species, we apply a technique from the mathematical field of topological data analysis to comparatively visualize the structure of heteroblastic and ontogenetic effects on leaf shape in each group. Consistent with a morphologically closer relationship, members of the grapevine dataset possess strong core heteroblasty and ontogenetic programs with little deviation between species. Remarkably, we found that most members of the maracuyá family also share core heteroblasty and ontogenetic programs despite dramatic species-to-species leaf shape differences. This conservation was not initially detected using traditional analyses such as principal component analysis or linear discriminant analysis. We also identify two morphotypes of maracuyá that deviate from the core structure, suggesting the evolution of new developmental properties in this phylogenetically distinct sub-group. Our findings illustrate how topological data analysis can be used to disentangle previously confounded developmental and evolutionary effects to visualize latent shapes and hidden relationships, even ones embedded in complex, high-dimensional datasets.
Sleep deprivation detected by voice analysis
Authors: Thoret Etienne , Andrillon Thomas , Gauriau Caroline , Léger Damien , Pressnitzer Daniel
Published: February 2024

Sleep deprivation has an ever-increasing impact on individuals and societies. Yet, to date, there is no quick and objective test for sleep deprivation. Here, we used automated acoustic analyses of the voice to detect sleep deprivation. Building on current machine-learning approaches, we focused on interpretability by introducing two novel ideas: the use of a fully generic auditory representation as input feature space, combined with an interpretation technique based on reverse correlation. The auditory representation consisted of a spectro-temporal modulation analysis derived from neurophysiology. The interpretation method aimed to reveal the regions of the auditory representation that supported the classifiers’ decisions. Results showed that generic auditory features could be used to detect sleep deprivation successfully, with an accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art speech features. Furthermore, the interpretation revealed two distinct effects of sleep deprivation on the voice: changes in slow temporal modulations related to prosody and changes in spectral features related to voice quality. Importantly, the relative balance of the two effects varied widely across individuals, even though the amount of sleep deprivation was controlled, thus confirming the need to characterize sleep deprivation at the individual level. Moreover, while the prosody factor correlated with subjective sleepiness reports, the voice quality factor did not, consistent with the presence of both explicit and implicit consequences of sleep deprivation. Overall, the findings show that individual effects of sleep deprivation may be observed in vocal biomarkers. Future investigations correlating such markers with objective physiological measures of sleep deprivation could enable “sleep stethoscopes” for the cost-effective diagnosis of the individual effects of sleep deprivation.
Atmosphere and ocean energy transport in extreme warming scenarios
Authors: Poletti Alyssa N. , Frierson Dargan M. W. , Aerenson Travis , Nikumbh Akshaya , Carroll Rachel , Henshaw William , Scheff Jack
Published: February 2024

Extreme scenarios of global warming out to 2300 from the SSP5-8.5 extension scenario are analyzed in three state-of-the-art climate models, including two models with climate sensitivity greater than 4.5°C. The result is some of the largest warming amounts ever seen in simulations run over the historical record and into the future. The simulations exhibit between 9.3 and 17.5°C global mean temperature change between pre-Industrial and the end of the 23rd century. The extremely large changes in global temperature allow exploration of fundamental questions in climate dynamics, such as the determination of moisture and energy transports, and their relation to global atmosphere-ocean circulation. Three models performed simulations of SSP5-8.5 to 2300: MRI-ESM2-0, IPSL-CM6A-LR, and CanESM5. We analyze these simulations to improve understanding of climate dynamics, rather than as plausible futures. In the model with the most warming, CanESM5, the moisture content of the planet more than doubles, and the hydrologic cycle increases in intensity. In CanESM5 and IPSL-CM6A-LR nearly all sea ice is eliminated in both summer and winter in both hemispheres. In all three models, the Hadley circulation weakens, the tropopause height rises, and storm tracks shift poleward, to varying degrees. We analyze the moist static energy transports in the simulations using a diffusive framework. The dry static energy flux decreases to compensate for the increased moisture transport; however the compensation is imperfect. The total atmospheric transport increases but not as quickly as expected with a constant diffusivity. The decrease in eddy intensity plays an important role in determining the energy transports, as do the pattern of cloud feedbacks and the strength of ocean circulations.
Using a mobile nanopore sequencing lab for end-to-end genomic surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum: A feasibility study
Authors: Holzschuh Aurel , Lerch Anita , Fakih Bakar S. , Aliy Safia Mohammed , Ali Mohamed Haji , Ali Mohamed Ali , Bruzzese Daniel J. , Yukich Joshua , Hetzel Manuel W. , Koepfli Cristian
Published: February 2024

Genomic epidemiology holds promise for malaria control and elimination efforts, for example by informing on Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and prevalence of mutations conferring anti-malarial drug resistance. Limited sequencing infrastructure in many malaria-endemic areas prevents the rapid generation of genomic data. To address these issues, we developed and validated assays for P. falciparum nanopore sequencing in endemic sites using a mobile laboratory, targeting key antimalarial drug resistance markers and microhaplotypes. Using two multiplexed PCR reactions, we amplified six highly polymorphic microhaplotypes and ten drug resistance markers. We developed a bioinformatics workflow that allows genotyping of polyclonal malaria infections, including minority clones. We validated the panels on mock dried blood spot (DBS) and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) samples and archived DBS, demonstrating even, high read coverage across amplicons (range: 580x to 3,212x median coverage), high haplotype calling accuracy, and the ability to explore within-sample diversity of polyclonal infections. We field-tested the feasibility of rapid genotyping in Zanzibar in close collaboration with the local malaria elimination program using DBS and routinely collected RDTs as sample inputs. Our assay identified haplotypes known to confer resistance to known antimalarials in the dhfr, dhps and mdr1 genes, but no evidence of artemisinin partial resistance. Most infections (60%) were polyclonal, with high microhaplotype diversity (median HE = 0.94). In conclusion, our assays generated actionable data within a few days, and we identified current challenges for implementing nanopore sequencing in endemic countries to accelerate malaria control and elimination.
Geographic characteristics of HTLV-1 molecular subgroups and genetic substitutions in East Asia: Insights from complete genome sequencing of HTLV-1 strains isolated in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Nozuma Satoshi , Yoshimura Akiko , Pai Shun-Chung , Chen Hung-Jen , Matsuura Eiji , Tanaka Masakazu , Kodama Daisuke , Dozono Mika , Matsuzaki Toshio , Takashima Hiroshi , Yang Ya-Chien , Kubota Ryuji
Published: February 2024

Background

Although Japan is a major endemic area for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and the virus has been well-studied in this region, there is limited research on HTLV-1 in surrounding regions. In this study, we determined the complete genome sequences of HTLV-1 strains isolated from Taiwan and Japan and investigated the geographic characteristics of molecular subgroups and substitution mutations to understand the spread of HTLV-1 and its correlation with human migration.

Methodology/Principal findings

The complete genome sequences of 26 HTLV-1 isolates from Taiwan were determined using next-generation sequencing and were compared with those of 211 isolates from Japan in terms of subgroup and genetic mutations. In total, 15/26 (58%) isolates from Taiwan belonged to the transcontinental subgroup and 11/26 (42%) isolates belonged to the Japanese subgroup. The transcontinental subgroup was significantly more prevalent among Taiwanese isolates than Japanese isolates (58% vs 18%, P < 0.0001). The mutation rate for the complete HTLV-1 sequence was as low as 0.2%. On examining individual base substitutions, the G-to-A mutation was predominant. Bayesian phylogenetic tree analysis estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor for the transcontinental and Japanese subgroups to be 28447 years. The transcontinental subgroups from Taiwan and Japan appeared to form clusters according to their respective regions.

Conclusions/Significance

The transcontinental subgroup of HTLV-1 is predominant in Taiwan, while the Japanese subgroup is common in Japan. The difference in subgroup distribution may be attributed to the initial spread of the transcontinental subgroup in East Asia, followed by the influx of the Japanese subgroup.
Covid-19 demography in France and South Africa: A comparative study of morbidity and mortality in 2020–2022
Authors: Garenne Michel , Stiegler Nancy
Published: February 2024

Background

Covid-19 epidemics raged around the world in years 2020–2022. The dynamics of the epidemics and their mortality varied by country depending on prevention, treatments, vaccination and health status of the population.

Objective

The study compares Covid-19 morbidity and mortality in South-Africa and in France, two countries with similar population size and with reliable reporting systems, in order to better understand the dynamics and impacts of the epidemics and the effects of health policies and programs.

Data and methods

Data on cases, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccinations were drawn from national statistics. Published data on cases and deaths were corrected for undercount.

Results

Results show a different epidemiology in the two countries in the first three years of the epidemic (2020–2022). Incidence was higher in South Africa, and some 44% more people were infected by December 2022 than in France. Mortality and case-fatality were also higher in South Africa despite a favourable age structure. The age pattern of mortality showed higher values in South Africa among the young adults. Young women appeared somewhat disadvantaged in South Africa. Lastly, vaccination appeared to have had no effect on incidence, but a large effect on case-fatality in France.

Conclusions

Despite about the same population size and the same crude death rate at baseline, South Africa exhibited more cases and more deaths from Covid-19 over the 2020–2022 period. Prevention strategies (lockdown and vaccination) appear to have had large impacts on morbidity and mortality.
A study of roflumilast treatment on functional and structural changes in hippocampus in depressed Adult male Wistar rats
Authors: Hassan Ghida , Kamar Sherif A. , Rady Hagar Yousry , Abdelrahim Dina Sayed , Abdel Hay Ibrahim Nesma Hussein , Lasheen Noha N.
Published: February 2024

Depression is a common stress disability disorder that affects higher mental functions including emotion, cognition, and behavior. It may be mediated by inflammatory cytokines that interfere with neuroendocrine function, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, reductions in inflammation might contribute to treatment response. The current study aims to evaluate the role of Protein Kinase (PKA)- cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)- brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in depression and the effects of roflumilast (PDE4 inhibitor) as potential antidepressant on the activity of the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, histology, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Forty Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group, Positive Control group: similar to the controls but received Roflumilast (3 mg / kg / day) by oral gavage for the last 4 weeks of the experiment, Depressed group which were exposed to chronic stress for 6 weeks, and Roflumilast-treated group which were exposed to chronic stress for 6 weeks and treated by Roflumilast (3 mg / kg / day) by oral gavage for the last 4 weeks of the experiment. The depressed group showed significant increase in immobility time with significant decrease in swimming and struggling times, significant decrease in hippocampal PKA, CERB, BDNF, Dopamine, Cortisone, and Superoxide dismutase while hippocampal Phosphodiesterase-E4, Interleukin-6, and Malondialdhyde levels were significantly elevated. These findings were significantly reversed upon Roflumilast treatment. Therefore, it could be concluded that depression is a neurodegenerative inflammatory disease and oxidative stress plays a key role in depression. Roflumilast treatment attenuated the depression behavior in rats denoting its neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Aromatase deficiency in transplanted bone marrow cells improves vertebral trabecular bone quantity, connectivity, and mineralization and decreases cortical porosity in murine bone marrow transplant recipients
Authors: Rubitschung Katie , Sherwood Amber , Kapadia Rasesh , Xi Yin , Hajibeigi Asghar , Rubinow Katya B. , Zerwekh Joseph E. , Öz Orhan K.
Published: February 2024

Estradiol is an important regulator of bone accumulation and maintenance. Circulating estrogens are primarily produced by the gonads. Aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogen, is expressed by bone marrow cells (BMCs) of both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic origin. While the significance of gonad-derived estradiol to bone health has been investigated, there is limited understanding regarding the relative contribution of BMC derived estrogens to bone metabolism. To elucidate the role of BMC derived estrogens in male bone, irradiated wild-type C57BL/6J mice received bone marrow cells transplanted from either WT (WT(WT)) or aromatase-deficient (WT(ArKO)) mice. MicroCT was acquired on lumbar vertebra to assess bone quantity and quality. WT(ArKO) animals had greater trabecular bone volume (BV/TV p = 0.002), with a higher trabecular number (p = 0.008), connectivity density (p = 0.017), and bone mineral content (p = 0.004). In cortical bone, WT(ArKO) animals exhibited smaller cortical pores and lower cortical porosity (p = 0.02). Static histomorphometry revealed fewer osteoclasts per bone surface (Oc.S/BS%), osteoclasts on the erosion surface (ES(Oc+)/BS, p = 0.04) and low number of osteoclasts per bone perimeter (N.Oc/B.Pm, p = 0.01) in WT(ArKO). Osteoblast-associated parameters in WT(ArKO) were lower but not statistically different from WT(WT). Dynamic histomorphometry suggested similar bone formation indices’ patterns with lower mean values in mineral apposition rate, label separation, and BFR/BS in WT(ArKO) animals. Ex vivo bone cell differentiation assays demonstrated relative decreased osteoblast differentiation and ability to form mineralized nodules. This study demonstrates a role of local 17β-estradiol production by BMCs for regulating the quantity and quality of bone in male mice. Underlying in vivo cellular and molecular mechanisms require further study.
Exploring the eating experience of a pneumatically-driven edible robot: Perception, taste, and texture
Authors: Nakata Yoshihiro , Ban Midori , Yamaki Ren , Horibe Kazuya , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of animated food consumption on human psychology. We developed a movable, edible robot and evaluated the participants’ impressions induced by the visualization of its movements and eating of the robot. Although several types of edible robots have been developed, to the best of our knowledge, the psychological effects associated with the eating of a robot have not been investigated. We developed a pneumatically driven edible robot using gelatin and sugar. We examined its perceived appearance and the participants’ impressions when it was eaten. In the robot-eating experiment, we evaluated two conditions: one in which the robot was moved and one in which it was stationary. Our results showed that participants perceived the moving robot differently from the stationary robot, leading to varied perceptions, when consuming it. Additionally, we observed a difference in perceived texture when the robot was bitten and chewed under the two conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the practical applications of edible robots in various contexts, such as the medical field and culinary entertainment.
A pilot study using hospital surveillance and a birth cohort to investigate enteric pathogens and malnutrition in children, Dili, Timor-Leste
Authors: Cribb Danielle M. , Sarmento Nevio , Moniz Almerio , Fancourt Nicholas S. S. , Glass Kathryn , Draper Anthony D. K. , Francis Joshua R. , Lay dos Santos Milena M. , Soares da Silva Endang , Polkinghorne Benjamin G. , de Lourdes da Conceiҫão Virginia , da Conceiҫão Feliciano , da Silva Paulino , Jong Joanita , Kirk Martyn D. , Colquhoun Samantha
Published: February 2024

In low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), enteric pathogens contribute to child malnutrition, affecting nutrient absorption, inducing inflammation, and causing diarrhoea. This is a substantial problem in LMICs due to high disease burden, poor sanitation and nutritional status, and the cyclical nature of pathogen infection and malnutrition. This relationship remains understudied in Timor-Leste. In our pilot study of enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Dili, Timor-Leste (July 2019–October 2020), we recruited 60 infants in a birth cohort from Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) with up to four home visits. We collected faecal samples and details of demographics, anthropometrics, diet and food practices, and animal husbandry. Additionally, we collected faecal samples, diagnostics, and anthropometrics from 160 children admitted to HNGV with a clinical diagnosis of severe diarrhoea or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We tested faeces using the BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal Panel. We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens in 68.8% (95%CI 60.4–76.2%) of infants at home, 88.6% of SAM cases (95%CI 81.7–93.3%) and 93.8% of severe diarrhoea cases (95%CI 67.7–99.7%). DiarrhoeagenicEscherichia coliandCampylobacterspp. were most frequently detected. Pathogen presence did not significantly differ in birth cohort diarrhoeal stool, but hospital data indicated associations betweenSalmonellaandShigellaand diarrhoea. We observed wasting in 18.4% (95%CI 9.2–32.5%) to 30.8% (95%CI 17.5–47.7%) of infants across home visits, 57.9% (95%CI 34.0–78.9%) of severe diarrhoea cases, and 92.5% (95%CI 86.4–96.2%) of SAM cases. We associated bottle feeding with increased odds of pathogen detection when compared with exclusive breastfeeding at home (OR 8.3, 95%CI 1.1–62.7). We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens and signs of malnutrition in children in Dili. Our pilot is proof of concept for a study to fully explore the risk factors and associations between enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
Touch or click friendly: Towards adaptive user interfaces for complex applications
Authors: Hussain Ibrar , Khan Iftikhar Ahmed , Jadoon Waqas , Jadoon Rab Nawaz , Khan Abdul Nasir , Shafi Muhammad
Published: February 2024

This study evaluated the usability of a direct manipulation device (touchscreen) vs. indirect manipulation devices (mouse and touchpad) on the selected Microsoft (MS) Word tasks as per ISO-9241-11 standard. MS Word was taken as an example of a complex application. The tasks were evaluated in terms of touch-friendly or click-friendly using efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction parameters to propose a customized task menu. The experiment was conducted with fifty-four participants, divided into three MS Word usage-based expertise groups. Each participant performed fifty-six tasks using a mouse, a touchpad, and a touchscreen. To assess task-level usability, individual one-way ANOVAs were performed for each task to gauge both efficiency and effectiveness. It’s worth noting that the touchscreen significantly outperformed other input methods in just one specific task regarding effectiveness. Consequently, an ANCOVA was employed, with task completion time as the independent variable and the number of errors as a covariate, to further investigate effectiveness. A total of 19 (34%) of the total tasks were found to be significantly efficient with a mouse, while 21 (37.5%) were significantly efficient with a touchscreen. Based on the results, a customized menu is recommended for MS Word-like applications that combine actions in touch-friendly tasks and mouse-friendly tasks separately.
Roles of adipose-derived stem cells and derived exosomes in therapeutic applications to testicular injury caused by cisplatin
Authors: Wu Shixuan , Lv Kunlong , Zheng Tao , Zhang Tianbiao , Nan Yonghao , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

In recent years, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and derived exosomes (ADSC-Ex) have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in various diseases due to their satisfactory differentiation and regeneration ability. We aimed to explore the potential treatment of ADSCs and ADSC-Ex for testicular injury caused by cisplatin. ADSCs and ADSC-Ex s were identified and extracted to treat the rat model with testicular injury caused by cisplatin. Then the immunohistochemistry and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the potential treatment of ADSCs and ADSC-Ex. We found that ADSCs and ADSC-Ex significantly improved the testicular tissue damage, increased the number of germ cells, and improved the arrangement of the seminiferous tubules. The levels of malondialdehyde and testosterone were also improved. We speculated that ADSCs and ADSC-Ex may alleviate the testicular injury caused by cisplatin.