bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altering developmental oxygen exposure influences thermoregulation and flight performance of Manduca sexta
Authors: Wilmsen Sara M. , Dzialowski Edward M.
Published: June 2024

Endothermic, flying insects are capable of some of the highest recorded metabolic rates. This high aerobic demand is made possible by the insect's tracheal system, which supplies the flight muscles with oxygen. Many studies focus on metabolic responses to acute changes in oxygen to test the limits of the insect flight metabolic system, with some flying insects exhibiting oxygen limitation in flight metabolism. These acute studies do not account for possible changes induced by developmental phenotypic plasticity in response to chronic changes in oxygen levels. The endothermic moth Manduca sexta is a model organism that is easy to raise and exhibits a high thorax temperature during flight (∼40°C). In this study, we examined the effects of developmental oxygen exposure during the larval, pupal and adult stages on the adult moth's aerobic performance. We measured flight critical oxygen partial pressure (Pcrit­), thorax temperature and thermoregulating metabolic rate to understand the extent of developmental plasticity as well as effects of developmental oxygen levels on endothermic capacity. We found that developing in hypoxia (10% oxygen) decreased thermoregulating thorax temperature when compared with moths raised in normoxia or hyperoxia (30% oxygen), when moths were warming up in atmospheres with 21–30% oxygen. In addition, moths raised in hypoxia had lower critical oxygen levels when flying. These results suggest that chronic developmental exposure to hypoxia affects the adult metabolic phenotype and potentially has implications for thermoregulatory and flight behavior.
An integrative review on physical restraint in adult critical care unit
Authors: Kavumpurath Janisha , KC Mani Kulanthayan , Refaat Fatma , Devaraj Navin , Abdul Rashid Aneesa , Ibrahim Noor Airini
Published: June 2024

Background Physical restraints (PRs) are frequently used in adult critical care units to protect staff and prevent self-harm, despite the fact that they represent significant safety risks. Restraint complications may have an impact on the patient’s long- and short-term outcomes. This integrative review aimed to meticulously evaluate existing evidence pertaining to physical restraint practices in adult critical care settings. The review was specifically geared towards examining the prevalence of PR, identifying influential factors, elucidating the role of nurses in PR implementation, exploring nurses’ experiences in caring for patients under restraint, and scrutinizing the complications associated with PR application Method This integrative review included the studies published between January 2009 and December 2019 and the literature search was conducted in July 2020. The databases searched included EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect. The keywords included in the search were restraint, critical care, intensive care, ICU, mechanical ventilation, intubation, nursing, and experience. A checklist based on the CASP checklist and the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Results The findings were evaluated and summarized into seven key topics after twenty-one publications were found to be evaluated. i) High prevalence of PR application in adult critical care unit; ii) determinants of PR applications; iii) types of PR in adult critical care units; iv) decision maker of PR; v) moral and ethical dilemma in PR application; vi) awareness and guidelines for PR applications; vii) common complications and use of sedation, analgesics, antipsychotic drugs in PR application. Conclusion The number of days PR is used is related to the risk of an adverse event. In order to standardize nursing practice, ICU nurses require greater training on the ideas of PR use. Evidence-based recommendations will assist critical care nurses in making the best judgments possible concerning the use of PR.
Developing a framework for understanding policy decision-making behaviors in the transition of an HIV prevention program towards sustainability: a case study from Zambia’s voluntary medical male circumcision program
Authors: Gantayat Nishan , Baer James , Gangaramany Alok , Kretschmer Steve , Surana Rasi , Samona Alick , Mukamba Njekwa , Jere Bright , Chinsenga Tina , Prasad Ram , Goetschius Stephen , Sharma Saransh
Published: June 2024

Faced with declining donor funding for HIV, low- and middle-income countries must identify efficient and cost-effective ways to integrate HIV prevention programs into public health systems for long-term sustainability. In Zambia, donor support to the voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program, which previously funded non-governmental organizations as implementing partners, is increasingly being directed through government structures instead. We developed a framework to understand how the behaviors of individual decision-makers within the government could be barriers to this transition. We interviewed key stakeholders from the national, provincial, and district levels of the Ministry of Health, and from donors and partners funding and implementing Zambia’s VMMC program, exploring the decisions required to attain a sustainable VMMC program and the behavioral dynamics involved at personal and institutional levels. Using pattern identification and theme matching to analyze the content of the responses, we derived three core decision-making phases in the transition to a sustainable VMMC program: 1) developing an alternative funding strategy, 2) developing a policy for early-infant (0–2 months) and early-adolescent (15–17 years) male circumcision, which is crucial to sustainable HIV prevention; and 3) identifying integrated and efficient implementation models. We formulated a framework showing how, in each phase, a range of behavioral dynamics can form barriers that hinder effective decision-making among stakeholders at the same level (e.g., national ministries and donors) or across levels (e.g., national, provincial and district). Our research methodology and the resulting framework offer a systematic approach for in-depth investigations into organizational decision-making in public health programs, as well as development programs beyond VMMC and HIV prevention. It provides the insights necessary to map organizational development and policy-making transition plans to sustainability, by explaining tangible factors such as organizational processes and systems, as well as intangibles such as the behaviors of policymakers and institutional actors.
Frontiers in Operations: Optimal Genetic Testing of Families
Authors: Adelman Daniel , Wang Kanix
Published: June 2024

Problem definition: Through the laws of inheritance, knowing an individual’s genetic status informs disease risk for family members, but current protocols for deciding whom to genetically test only consider one person at a time rather than design an optimal testing plan for the entire family. Methodology/results: We develop a Markov decision process framework for maximizing the net benefits of genetic testing that integrates a Bayesian network of genetic statuses, with a functional representation of cost-effectiveness. Our model provides a contingent sequence of family members to test one at a time, that is, a plan that dynamically incorporates new test results, revealed sequentially at random, to decide who next to test. In the general case, we show that optimal stopping follows a structure with two-sided thresholds, previously known only for individual testing. Although the optimal testing sequence, in general, is contingent on the family test results, in the special case of sibling-only tests we can identify this sequence a priori. Our numerical case study, which was conducted in a realistic BRCA1/2 testing setting, demonstrates that an optimal policy significantly improves cost-effectiveness over existing policies. Thus, our framework offers a promising and powerful new approach to genetic testing. Managerial implications: In an optimal policy, prioritizing testing family members who might otherwise not have been tested can lead to an overall improvement in familial health value, surpassing even the most cost-effective existing protocols. From a management perspective, healthcare organizations and insurance companies can potentially save costs by implementing this approach for such families.

History: This paper has been accepted in the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Frontiers in Operations Initiative.

Funding: D. Adelman is grateful for financial support from Booth School of Business.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0057 .
Lymphoma for the acute physician: diagnostic challenges and initial treatment decisions
Authors: Henderson Ross D , Wilson Matthew R
Published: June 2024

Prompt diagnosis of lymphoma facilitates early treatment and improves outcomes for patients. For non-haemato-oncologists, it is important to have an understanding of how lymphoma can present and the initial work-up. This review is intended to provide clinicians with background to aid clinical decisional making at presentation and when managing treatment related complications. There will be particular emphasis on emergency presentations (tumour lysis syndrome, management of patients with a mediastinal mass, infections in lymphoma patients) and novel treatment options which have unique toxicities often requiring multi-specialty expertise.
How to harness AI securely in your business
Authors: Adeyanju Suid
Published: June 2024

In the race to exploit AI solutions for competitive gain, too many organisations are ignoring the inherent security issues. In fact, a significant proportion are unaware that there are security issues. This is leading to high-risk situations about which firms remain dangerously ignorant. However, there are ways to reap the benefits of AI without exposing yourself to the risks.
Traditional fraud engines need to widen their view
Authors: Kadyshevitch Danny
Published: June 2024

Most fraud detection systems are based on the frauds of the past. As criminals develop new and innovative ways of committing fraud, based on emerging technologies such as AI, those systems are lagging dangerously behind.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE CÂNCER DE MAMA E OBESIDADE:
Authors: Gomes Magno Augusto , Baptista Giffoni Rodolfo , Marcus Vinícius Sousa Mendes  , Amorim Machado Flávio , Borges de Andrade Carla
Published: June 2024

O câncer de mama é uma doença multifacetada e ocupa o segundo lugar entre as malignidades globais em mulheres, após o câncer de pele não melanoma. A natureza complexa dessa doença demanda um entendimento mais profundo de seus subtipos, vias moleculares e fatores de risco associados. A obesidade, com sua prevalência global crescente, emerge como um significativo fator de risco modificável para o câncer de mama. Esta revisão narrativa explora a literatura recente do PubMed (2003-2024), analisando 35 estudos selecionados para investigar a complexa interação entre obesidade e câncer de mama. Os resultados destacam o impacto prejudicial da obesidade, especialmente em mulheres pós-menopausa, na incidência, prognóstico e mortalidade do câncer de mama. Mecanicamente, a obesidade contribui para uma maior produção de estrogênio, um estado pró-inflamatório, hipovitaminose D e hiperinsulinemia, todos implicados na progressão da neoplasia mamária. Insights de estudos epidemiológicos e fisiológicos elucidam como o excesso de adiposidade, especialmente a gordura abdominal, cria um ambiente inflamatório, altera os níveis hormonais e aumenta a resistência à insulina, culminando em um ambiente propício para a carcinogênese mamária. Compreender essas vias intricadas não apenas destaca a necessidade de intervenções no estilo de vida, como também aponta o papel crítico da detecção precoce e de estratégias terapêuticas personalizadas na mitigação do ônus do câncer de mama, especialmente em populações de alto risco.
Pedunculated Osteochondroma Presenting as Verruca Vulgaris: A Diagnosis Requiring a High Index of Suspicion: Case Report
Authors:   Department of Medicine College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA,, Heck Holly C , Poucke Logan Van ,   Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA,, Heck Benjamin E ,   Department of Medicine College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA,, Vasiloff Joseph ,   Department of Engineering Technologies, College of Technology and Applied Engineering, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA,, Heck Bruce E ,   [4] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA, [5] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwest Ohio Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Findlay, Ohio, USA.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Osteochondromas are the most common benign tumors of the bone and can be sessile or pedunculated. Although osteochondromas are typically seen in the long bones, they are rarely seen in the small bones of the hand or foot. Verruca vulgaris, also known as the common wart, is one of the most common skin conditions presenting to physicians and must be distinguished either clinically or histologically from other hyperkeratotic conditions, including bone conditions such as bone tumors that can place pressure on the skin and cause callus formation that can mimic a wart or create skin deformity. A high index of suspicion for underlying bone mass or tumor should be entertained when evaluating patients for skin conditions, particularly of the hand or foot, with failure to improve with treatment. Case Report: This case report presents a 20-year-old male with a pedunculated osteochondroma of the left fourth distal phalanx with hyperkeratotic skin overlying the mass at the end of the toe. He was initially treated by a family doctor and podiatrist for verruca vulgaris for over 5 years with two treatments of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy and surgical excision of the mass when the treating podiatrist encountered bone and recommended radiographs. The family requested follow-up with our practice several days later after they were told the patient had a bone tumor. The patient requested surgical excision of the osteochondroma secondary to pain with activities and difficulties with his vocation as a pilot. Conclusion: All physicians must be mindful of an underlying bone tumor or mass in patients presenting with skin changes, particularly about the foot or hand. Knowledge that an underlying bone tumor can present as a verruca vulgaris may prevent a delay in diagnosis or unnecessary treatment when evaluating and treating a patient with a skin lesion. Fortunately, our case was a benign osteochondroma; a malignant tumor with a delay in diagnosis could lead to loss of limb or life. Keywords: Osteochondroma, verruca vulgaris, skin changes, exostosis, bone tumor, wart.
Highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor based on the anti-resonant fiber with six nested tubes
Authors: Yang Lin , Liu Chao , Fu Haihao , Lv Jingwei , Liu Wei , Wang JianXin , Chu Paul K.
Published: June 2024

On the heels of the continuous development of optical fiber sensing technology, optical fiber sensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) have attracted widespread attention. Herein, an SPR sensor based on the six nested anti-resonant fiber (ARF) is designed and analyzed by the finite element method (FEM). All the structural parameters are optimized to achieve high-sensitivity liquid refractive index detection. Filling the anti-resonant tube with plasmonic materials to excite SPR can further reduce the manufacturing complexity. The optimal ARF-SPR sensor has excellent characteristics, including an average wavelength sensitivity of 42,000 nm/RIU, maximum sensor length of 0.08 cm, and resolution of 1.61×10−6RIU. The ARF-SPR sensor has great potential in chemical analysis, biomedicine, and other fields.
Study of particle equilibrium based on the combination of light-actuated AC electroosmosis and light-actuated dielectrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Chen Bo , Gan Chunyuan , Huang Shunxiao , Xiong Hongyi , Ye Jingwen , Zhang Peng , Feng Lin
Published: June 2024

Optoelectronic tweezers (OETs) represent a flexible, high-throughput method for manipulating micro/nano particles or cells. This technique involves not only light-actuated dielectrophoresis (LDEP) but also light-actuated AC electroosmosis (LACE), which occurs concurrently in OETs devices. Despite this, the combination of negative LDEP and LACE has been relatively unexplored in previous research. To this end, particle equilibrium in OETs devices under the combined influence of negative LDEP and LACE was hereby proposed for what we believe is the first time. The findings revealed that particles experiencing negative dielectrophoresis encountered opposing forces from LDEP and LACE, reaching equilibrium near the light pattern. The location of the equilibrium point was frequency-dependent. The research further demonstrated the rapid differentiation between individual particles and adherent particles by leveraging the distinct equilibrium point positions. These phenomena were corroborated through numerical simulations, which showed a strong correlation between the theoretical analysis results and the experimental data. Overall, the particle equilibrium phenomenon in OET systems exhibits high stability and holds promising potential for future applications in particle or cell sorting and patterning two-dimensional structures.
Rotation of liquid crystal microdroplets in the intensity minima of an optical vortex beam
Authors: Chomchok Treerathat , Hirankittiwong Pemika , Pattanaporkratana Apichart , Phettong Bussayamas , Hongkanchanakul Natthawat , Prajongtat Pongthep , Hatch Tyler R. , Singh Dharmendra Pratap , Chattham Nattaporn
Published: June 2024

An optical vortex is characterized by its donut-shaped intensity distribution and helical phase structure. In this study, we demonstrate that an optical vortex beam, generated by a spatial light modulator, can trap, circulate, and rotate liquid crystal microdroplets of various sizes at different positions within the beam. Our findings indicate that larger microdroplets are trapped at intensity minima without altering their internal liquid crystal orientation, which is fluid by nature, and the rotation of microdroplets were observed. This rotation, a rare phenomenon, occurs without damaging or altering the inner liquid crystal molecules, offering an advantage over traditional circularly polarized optical trapping, which can generally alter inner molecular arrangements of liquid crystal. This report details the relationship between trapped particle size, trapping position, and rotation angle of liquid crystal microdroplets within an optical vortex beam.
High speed single pixel imaging using a microLED-on-CMOS light projector
Authors: Johnstone G. E. , Gray J. , Bennett S. , Johnson S. D. , Higham C. F. , Dehkhoda F. , Xie E. , Herrnsdorf J. , Murray P. , Padgett M. J. , Murray-Smith R. , Henderson R. K. , Dawson M. D. , Strain M. J.
Published: June 2024

Achieving high frame-rate operation in single pixel imaging schemes normally demands significant compromises in the flexibility of the imaging system, requiring either complex optical setups or a hardware-limited pattern mask set. Here, we demonstrate a single pixel imaging capability with pattern frame-rates approaching 400 kfps with a recently developed microLED light projector and an otherwise simple optical setup. The microLED array has individually addressable pixels and can operate significantly faster than digital micromirror devices, allowing flexibility with regards to the pattern masks employed for imaging even at the fastest frame-rates. Using a full set of Hadamard or Noiselet patterns, we demonstrate 128 × 128 pixel images being generated at 7.3 fps. We generate a pattern set specifically for the light projector using deep learning tools and use these patterns to demonstrate single pixel imaging at almost 800 fps.
Design and dynamic characterization of a phototunable optofluidic lens
Authors: Sandlass Sara , Gordon Michael J.
Published: June 2024

Optofluidic devices that dynamically respond to light stimuli have the potential to impart modern adaptive optics with intrinsic optical logic without the need for external power sources or feedback control. While photo actuation is typically associated with low energy efficiency compared with alternative modes of actuation, fluid lenses can be tuned with minimal work by generating small differential pressures across the surface of the lens to drive a change in focal length. In this study, we developed a wide aperture (9.5 mm) photothermally actuated lens that leverages spatially and thermodynamically informed design principles developed for resistively heated thermo-pneumatically actuated lenses. Using experimentally validated models to describe the curvature of pressurized elastomer-bound interfaces, we demonstrated phototunable modulation of the focal length from 124 mm to 90 mm in real time using 233 mW of 405 nm light over 30 s of irradiation with an estimated 8.2 µJ of mechanical work (10−4% efficiency). The initial focal length recovered after 60 s in the dark over three consecutive cycles of actuation. Additionally, the photoactuated response is shown to correlate well with the light intensity.
Manipulating circular Airy beam dynamics with quadratic phase modulation in fractional systems under some diffraction modulations and potentials
Authors: Tan Chao , Lei Tong , Zou Min , Liang Yong , Chen Long , Tang Pinghua , Liu Mingwei
Published: June 2024

Based on a split-step Fourier algorithm, the transmission of circular Airy beams with quadratic phase modulation (QPM) is investigated in the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) under diffraction modulations (periodic modulation, linear modulation and power function modulation) and external potentials (parabolic potential and linear potential). The results show that QPM is able to change the focusing position and intensity, as well as the transmission trajectory of the beam. In a periodic modulation, the circular Airy beam (CAB) exhibits periodic variation characteristics, and the beam splitting is retarded under the action of the QPM. The self-focusing distance of the beam is significantly reduced, and its transmission trajectory and beam width are altered by the QPM under the linear modulation. The CAB progressively evolves into a non-diffraction beam under the power function modulation, and the QPM is able to reduce the light intensity and increase the beam width as the Lévy index decreases. In a parabolic potential, CABs display autofocusing and defocusing behavior, and the QPM affects the intensity distribution and optical width of the beam. The CAB is deflected and evolves periodically in a linear potential. The beam width increases and gradually stabilizes with the addition of the QPM. The propagation of CABs controlled with QPM in parabolic and linear potentials is also analyzed in the frequency domain. The results demonstrate that we can control the transmission of CABs in an FSE optical system by rationally setting parameters such as QPM, modulation coefficients, and external potentials.
Reflective signatures of unresolved objects
Authors: Nero Gregory , Hageman Gordon , Alghamdi Ahmed , Brady David
Published: June 2024

We present a method for identifying, classifying, and distinguishing unresolved reflective objects. A forward model is developed to predict how the radiance field from a specular surface will be angularly distributed and how samples detected from that field can be used to infer surface profile characteristics. We present lab studies to validate the forward model and demonstrate unresolved object identification and classification. We demonstrate unresolved specular object identification for a 35 mm target at a 4.6 km and 50 mm targets at a 27.6 km range with a 28 cm aperture telescope. Preliminary observations for specular signatures of drones and helicopters are also presented.
Optimization of stimulated rotational Raman scattering over vibrational scattering in a hydrogen-filled fiber
Authors: Courtney Trevor L. , Hemmer Patrick , Welsh Chad , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Keyser Christian K.
Published: June 2024

We present the first, to the best of our knowledge, investigation of the gain competition between rotational and vibrational stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the transient regime for a hydrogen (H2)-filled antiresonant fiber (ARF) with the aim of generating multispectral emission composed of only rotational SRS. We show numerically and experimentally that purely rotational emission requires optimization of ARF length and spectral transmission, pump power and polarization, and H2 pressure. In this work, the H2-filled ARF is pumped by 40 kW, 7 ns pulses at λ = 1.06 µm to produce six discrete rotational lines from 1.1 to 1.7 µm with unique temporal profiles and pulse energies up to tens of microjoules.
High-resolution non-confocal non-line-of-sight imaging based on spherical-slice transform from spatial and temporal frequency to space and time
Authors: Yu Jingping , Xie Guiyan , Yang Jie , Tian Xiaorui , Shi Xiaojie , Tang Meng , Zhang Siqi , Jin Chenfei
Published: June 2024

Current non-confocal non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging faces the problems of low resolution and limited scene adaptability. We propose a non-confocal NLOS imaging method based on spherical-slice transform from spatial and temporal frequency to space and time. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method has high-resolution reconstruction without artifact interference, shape distortion, and position offset. Furthermore, it has strong scene adaptability. After GPU acceleration, the reconstruction time of the proposed method can be reduced to several hundred milliseconds for the PF32 photon array camera with 32 × 32 detection units. In the future, the proposed method has great potential for application in real-time NLOS imaging systems.
Forward–backward wavefront manipulation of orthogonal linearly polarized waves based on a metasurface zone plate
Authors: Tang Tingting , Liu Chen , Li Jie , Chen Leling , Liang Xiao , He Yu , Li Chaoyang
Published: June 2024

Metasurface zone plates exhibit stronger optical control capabilities
than traditional Fresnel zone plates, especially in polarization
transformation and multiplexing. However, there are still few studies
on metasurface zone plates that can be used for simultaneous control
of forward and backward waves. In this work, we propose what is to our
knowledge a new scheme that utilizes metasurface zone plates for
orthogonal linear polarization separation and wavefront manipulation
at the same time. We demonstrate the separation of linearly polarized
components and transmission-reflection focusing by using the
destructive and constructive interference between different meta-atoms
in the super-cell, as well as the phase difference between the
super-cells. The metasurface not only needs a simple binary phase
design but also shows a working bandwidth more than 30 nm with a
central wavelength of 875 nm. This scheme can be extended to other
electromagnetic bands such as visible and terahertz ones, providing an
important way for the multi-dimensional light field manipulations.
Highly-efficient Tm-fiber Laser Resonantly Pumped by 1.7 μm Laser Diode
Authors: Sulc Jan , Nemec Michal , Kratochvíl Jan , Jelinkova Helena
Published: June 2024

CW laser diode emitting at 1.7 μm was used to unidirectionally pump a thulium-doped fiber laser. Cladding-pumped fiber laser resonator consisted of dichroic (high reflectivity at 2 μm, high transparency at 1.7 μm) free-space plane mirror, placed between two lenses used to collimate and to focus the pumping radiation, and Fresnell reflection of active fiber end which serves as an output coupler. For absorbed power 11.5 W output power 5.2 W was reached at wavelength 1950 nm with slope efficiency 70 %. The goal of our work is to attract attention to the possibility of pumping thulium fiber lasers resonantly using laser diodes that are already readily available today. Thanks to resonant pumping, compared to cross-relaxation-assisted pumping at 0.8 μm, higher efficiency and lower heat generation can be achieved, which can help to reach high mean powers from thulium fiber lasers. An important fact is that both the generated laser radiation and pumping radiation belong to the eye-safe spectral region, which reduces the risk of vision damage.
Using random forests to uncover the predictive power of distance-varying cell interactions in tumor microenvironments
Authors: VanderDoes Jeremy , Marceaux Claire , Yokote Kenta , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Rice Gregory , Hywood Jack D.
Published: June 2024

Tumor microenvironments (TMEs) contain vast amounts of information on patient’s cancer through their cellular composition and the spatial distribution of tumor cells and immune cell populations. Exploring variations in TMEs between patient groups, as well as determining the extent to which this information can predict outcomes such as patient survival or treatment success with emerging immunotherapies, is of great interest. Moreover, in the face of a large number of cell interactions to consider, we often wish to identify specific interactions that are useful in making such predictions. We present an approach to achieve these goals based on summarizing spatial relationships in the TME using spatial K functions, and then applying functional data analysis and random forest models to both predict outcomes of interest and identify important spatial relationships. This approach is shown to be effective in simulation experiments at both identifying important spatial interactions while also controlling the false discovery rate. We further used the proposed approach to interrogate two real data sets of Multiplexed Ion Beam Images of TMEs in triple negative breast cancer and lung cancer patients. The methods proposed are publicly available in a companion R package funkycells.
Effects of two substrates at different phosphorus levels on morphology and physiology of Dianthus barbatus Linn
Authors: Chen Gui , Mao Zhihuan , Yin Danhong , Liu Ling , Bin Xin , Qin Yike , Zhao Shengping , Ma Aoqin , Huang Tengfei
Published: June 2024

Dianthus barbatus linn. is widely used in gardens, mainly as flower beds and flower borders. The effects of different gradients of P on the growth and root morphology of Dianthus barbatus were studied to explore its morphological and physiological responses and adaptive strategies. Hence, this study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for D. barbatus production. Two soil substrates, namely loess and vegetable soil, and five phosphorus concentration gradients were set; no phosphorus application was used as the control. The morphology and physiology of D. barbatus were also investigated. Low-to-medium- and low-phosphorus treatments promoted the growth of D. barbatus in the above and underground parts of the plants grown on both substrates. Chlorophyll content, flower quantity, and acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were significantly increased in the H1 and H2 treatments of loess and in the C4 treatment of vegetable soil. Thus, D. barbatus seems to reduce the damage caused by phosphorus stress by increasing chlorophyll content and root acid phosphatase activity. The latter was significantly higher in vegetable soil than in loess. Vegetable soil was more conducive to D. barbatus growth than loess.
Research on robust adaptive control of strong nonlinear complex large power grids
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Chen Yongji , Zhang Yaqiong , Wang Pengcheng , Huang Wenzhe
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a Multi-Index Nonlinear Robust Adaptive Control (MINRAC) method was proposed for ultra-complex multi-input multi-output power systems with uncertain parameter factors and external disturbances. The controller designed by this method has excellent static and dynamic characteristics. Under the condition of the uncertainty of system parameters and external disturbance at the same time, the MINRAC method can ensure that the multiple indexes concerned by ultra-complex power systems can be controlled at their expected values. The simulation results showed that the control mechanism of MINRAC method was consistent in both single-machine infinite bus system and multi-machine interconnected coupling system. The output function chooses power angle, angular frequency and terminal voltage as constraints. When the system has parameter uncertainty and external interference, the uncertain parameter values are adjusted by adaptive control to force these indicators to tend to the given expected value. For three-phase short circuit, which is the most serious fault in power system, the use of multi index nonlinear robust controller can ensure that the system is stable in a wide range and has better dynamic performance.
Understanding the value of curation: A survey of US data repository curation practices and perceptions
Authors: Johnston Lisa R. , Curty Renata , Braxton Susan M. , Carlson Jake , Hadley Hannah , Lafferty-Hess Sophia , Luong Hoa , Petters Jonathan L. , Kozlowski Wendy A.
Published: June 2024

Data curators play an important role in assessing data quality and take actions that may ultimately lead to better, more valuable data products. This study explores the curation practices of data curators working within US-based data repositories. We performed a survey in January 2021 to benchmark the levels of curation performed by repositories and assess the perceived value and impact of curation on the data sharing process. Our analysis included 95 responses from 59 unique data repositories. Respondents primarily were professionals working within repositories and examined curation performed within a repository setting. A majority 72.6% of respondents reported that “data-level” curation was performed by their repository and around half reported their repository took steps to ensure interoperability and reproducibility of their repository’s datasets. Curation actions most frequently reported include checking for duplicate files, reviewing documentation, reviewing metadata, minting persistent identifiers, and checking for corrupt/broken files. The most “value-add” curation action across generalist, institutional, and disciplinary repository respondents was related to reviewing and enhancing documentation. Respondents reported high perceived impact of curation by their repositories on specific data sharing outcomes including usability, findability, understandability, and accessibility of deposited datasets; respondents associated with disciplinary repositories tended to perceive higher impact on most outcomes. Most survey participants strongly agreed that data curation by the repository adds value to the data sharing process and that it outweighs the effort and cost. We found some differences between institutional and disciplinary repositories, both in the reported frequency of specific curation actions as well as the perceived impact of data curation. Interestingly, we also found variation in the perceptions of those working within the same repository regarding the level and frequency of curation actions performed, which exemplifies the complexity of a repository curation work. Our results suggest data curation may be better understood in terms of specific curation actions and outcomes than broadly defined curation levels and that more research is needed to understand the resource implications of performing these activities. We share these results to provide a more nuanced view of curation, and how curation impacts the broader data lifecycle and data sharing behaviors.
Chromosomal analysis of single sperm cells from infertile couples with severe oligoteratozoospermia: A cross-sectional prospective study
Authors: Sassanarakkit Supitcha , Chamnankran Sudaporn , Singwongsa Artitaya , Sukprasert Matchuporn , Satirapod Chonthicha
Published: June 2024

In this cross-sectional prospective study, advanced next-generation sequencing technology was used to compare the molecular karyotyping of individual human sperm cells in infertile couples with severe oligoteratozoospermia (i.e., low sperm count and motility) to those of infertile couples with normal semen. Fourteen infertile couples who were patients at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, were recruited from January to November 2023, and they were categorized into two groups based on semen analysis results. The study group comprised couples with severe oligoteratozoospermia, whereas the control group exhibited normal semen. Individual sperm cells from the semen samples were isolated by the micromanipulation technique for subsequent whole-genome amplification and next-generation sequencing, where the primary outcome was the aneuploidy rate. Seventy individual sperm cells were isolated with a 90% success rate for amplification. The next-generation sequencing results showed that the aneuploidy rate was 25%–75%, with a mean of 48.28% in the study group. In contrast, the control group exhibited aneuploidy rates of 0–75%, with a mean of 15.15%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (odds ratio: 5.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.30–26.03). Sperm cells of the study group showed a threefold higher aneuploidy rate than those in the control group, even though the sperm cells were selected by micromanipulation for their normal morphology. Comprehensive counseling is recommended to address elevated aneuploidy rates that potentially surpass those of the general infertile population. Guidance on preimplantation genetic testing is also recommended to ensure the transfer of embryos with normal chromosomes.
Characterization of Silybum marianum and Silybum eburneum seed oils: Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant properties supporting important nutritional interests
Authors: Maaloul Samah , Ghzaiel Imen , Mahmoudi Maher , Mighri Hédi , Pires Vivien , Vejux Anne , Martine Lucie , de Barros Jean-Paul Pais , Prost-Camus Emmanuelle , Boughalleb Fayçal , Lizard Gérard , Abdellaoui Raoudha
Published: June 2024

Milk thistle seed oil is still not a well-known edible oil. Silybum marianum (milk thistle), is present in several countries and is the only known representative of the genus Silybum. However, Silybum eburneum, which is an endemic plant in Spain, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, is considered a marginalized species. The present work is the first report that gives information on the lipid and phenolic profiles of Tunisian S. eburneum seed oil compared to those of Tunisian S. marianum seed oil. In addition, the antioxidant properties of these oils were determined with DPPH, FRAP, and KRL assays, and their ability to prevent oxidative stress was determined on human monocytic THP-1 cells. These oils are characterized by high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids; linoleic acid and oleic acid are the most abundant. Campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and β-amyrin were the major phytosterols identified. α-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol found. These oils also contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds. The diversity and richness of Silybum marianum and Silybum eburneum seed oils in unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols are associated with high antioxidant activities revealed by the DPPH, FRAP, and KRL assays. In addition, on THP-1 cells, these oils powerfully reduced the oxidative stress induced by 7-ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol, two strongly pro-oxidant oxysterols often present at increased levels in patients with age-related diseases. Silybum marianum and Silybum eburneum seed oils are therefore important sources of bioactive molecules with nutritional interest that prevent age-related diseases, the frequency of which is increasing in all countries due to the length of life expectancy.
Neurosteroids mediate and modulate the effects of pro-inflammatory stimulation and toll-like receptors on hippocampal plasticity and learning
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , O’Dell Kazuko A. , Cashikar Anil G. , Paul Steven M. , Covey Douglas F. , Mennerick Steven J. , Zorumski Charles F.
Published: June 2024

Pro-inflammatory changes contribute to multiple neuropsychiatric illnesses. Understanding how these changes are involved in illnesses and identifying strategies to alter inflammatory responses offer paths to potentially novel treatments. We previously found that acute pro-inflammatory stimulation with high (μg/ml) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 10–15 min dampens long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and impairs learning. Effects of LPS involved non-canonical inflammasome signaling but were independent of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a known LPS receptor. Low (ng/ml) LPS also inhibits LTP when administered for 2–4 h, and here we report that this LPS exposure requires TLR4. We also found that effects of low LPS on LTP involve the oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, akin to high LPS. Effects of high LPS on LTP are blocked by inhibiting synthesis of 5α-reduced neurosteroids, indicating that neurosteroids mediate LTP inhibition. 5α-Neurosteroids also have anti-inflammatory effects, and we found that exogenous allopregnanolone (AlloP), a key 5α-reduced steroid, prevented effects of low but not high LPS on LTP. We also found that activation of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR7 inhibited LTP and that AlloP prevented the effects of TLR2 and TLR7, but not TLR3. The enantiomer of AlloP, a steroid that has anti-inflammatory actions but low activity at GABAA receptors, prevented LTP inhibition by TLR2, TLR3 and TLR7. In vivo, both AlloP enantiomers prevented LPS-induced learning defects. These studies indicate that neurosteroids play complex roles in network effects of acute neuroinflammation and have potential importance for development of AlloP analogues as therapeutic agents.
Influences of earthworm activity and mucus on Cd phytoremediation based on harvesting different leaf types of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Li Hongwei , Luo Jie , Cao Min , Luo Wenquan , Li Xingying , Shao Zongqi , Zhu Lianming , Feng Siyao
Published: June 2024

To explore cost-effective and efficient phytoremediation strategies, this study investigated the distinct roles of earthworm activity and mucus in enhancing Cd phytoextraction from soils contaminated by Festuca arundinacea, focusing on the comparative advantages of selective leaf harvesting versus traditional whole-plant harvesting methods. Our study employed a horticultural trial to explore how earthworm activity and mucus affect Festuca arundinacea’ s Cd phytoremediation in soils using control, earthworm, and mucus treatments to examine their respective effects on plant growth and Cd distribution. Earthworm activity increased the dry weight of leaves by 13.5% and significantly increased the dry weights of declining and senescent leaves, surpassing that of the control by more than 40%. Earthworm mucus had a similar, albeit less pronounced, effect on plant growth than earthworm activity. This study not only validated the significant role of earthworm activity in enhancing Cd phytoextraction by Festuca arundinacea, with earthworm activity leading to over 85% of Cd being allocated to senescent tissues that comprise only approximately 20% of the plant biomass, but also highlighted a sustainable and cost-effective approach to phytoremediation by emphasizing selective leaf harvesting supported by earthworm activity. By demonstrating that earthworm mucus alone can redistribute Cd with less efficiency compared to live earthworms, our findings offer practical insights into optimizing phytoremediation strategies and underscore the need for further research into the synergistic effects of biological agents in soil remediation processes.
Understanding interaction in problematic dementia and social care encounters: Protocol for a micro-level study combining video-ethnography and Conversation Analysis (CA)
Authors: Chatwin John , Ludwin Katherine , Jones Danielle , Bravington Alison
Published: June 2024

Introduction

It is well established that the actions and behaviour of dementia care workers are fundamental to the wellbeing of the people they care for. Not only do they deal with basic healthcare needs, but they also perform a vital psycho-social function by providing–through their regular presence–an underlying continuity for residents. This has been shown to improve well-being, particularly for those in the advanced stages of dementia. It has also been suggested that there are additional psycho-social benefits of such contact which can directly influence the need for anti-psychotic medication. However, unlike most other healthcare and medical settings, the specialised and often difficult interactions that dementia care workers handle every day have not yet been the subject of detailed micro-level analysis. This is particularly significant because much of the impact that care-workers have relates to the way in which they interact with the people they care for. Not having a clear understanding of how their interactions ‘work’ at the micro-level–particularly ones that are specific to dementia care settings, and that care workers report to be difficult or challenging–means that any training interventions that are developed may not resonate with their real-world experience, and ultimately run the risk of failing. This video-based observational study aims to provide a detailed micro-exploration of problematic and challenging interactions involving care-workers and people living with dementia.

Setting and methods

The study is based in the UK and will involve up to 20 dementia care staff and 60 people living with dementia. Fieldwork will be conducted in 5 dementia care home and community-based dementia day care settings using naturalistic observational methods (primarily video-ethnography). Data will be analysed using Conversation Analysis (CA).
Factors affecting onion production: An empirical study in the Raya Kobo district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Zegeye Mesele Belay , Alemu Tesfahun Ayanaw , Sisay Moges Asmare , Mulaw Sisay Genanu , Abate Tadesse Wudu
Published: June 2024

Onion is a vital vegetable crop in Ethiopia, with significant economic and health benefits. However, its production trend is not consistent, with periods of increase and decrease; and its productivity in the country falls far below its potential. As a result, farmers are not yet fully benefited from onion production. Thus, this study was initiated to identify the factors influencing onion production in the Raya Kobo District of Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 189 onion-producing farmers through household surveys, and both descriptive and econometric techniques were used for analysis. The study found significant variation in onion production among farmers, with lower levels compared to national and international averages. Factors such as gender, education level, experience, labor force, land size, access to extension services, irrigation water, land plough frequency, and fertilizer availability positively impact onion production. However, excessive fertilizer use was found to have a negative effect. The study also identified challenges faced by farmers, including input shortages, high costs, diseases, labor issues, soil infertility, and storage knowledge gaps. The study recommends policymakers and stakeholders to utilize these findings to develop effective policies and interventions that can enhance onion production, benefiting farmers and improving the overall onion production.