bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformed pupil-function misalignment calibration strategy for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Liu Hongnian , Xu Tingfa , Chen Yiwen , Wang Yuncheng , Li Jianan
Published: January 2024

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is an enabling quantitative phase imaging technique with both high-resolution (HR) and wide field-of-view (FOV), which can surpass the diffraction limit of the objective lens by employing an LED array to provide angular-varying illumination. The precise illumination angles are critical to ensure exact reconstruction, while it’s difficult to separate actual positional parameters in conventional algorithmic self-calibration approaches due to the mixing of multiple systematic error sources. In this paper, we report a pupil-function-based strategy for independently calibrating the position of LED array. We first deduce the relationship between positional deviation and pupil function in the Fourier domain through a common iterative route. Then, we propose a judgment criterion to determine the misalignment situations, which is based on the arrangement of LED array in the spatial domain. By combining the mapping of complex domains, we can accurately solve the spatial positional parameters concerning the LED array through a boundary-finding scheme. Relevant simulations and experiments demonstrate the proposed method is accessible to precisely correct the positional misalignment of LED array. The approach based on the pupil function is expected to provide valuable insights for precise position correction in the field of microscopy.
Local-field engineering in slot waveguide for fabricating on-chip Bragg grating filters with high reflectivity across a flat broadband
Authors: Wu Shengbao , Su Yongxia , Zhang Lei , Gu Xiaofei , Feng Ting , Xiao Jinbiao , Yao X. Steve
Published: January 2024

On-chip Bragg gratings with high reflectivities have been found to have widespread applications in filters, resonators, and semiconductor lasers. However, achieving strong Bragg reflections with flat response across a broad bandwidth on the popular 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform still remains a challenge. In this paper, such a high performance device is proposed and fabricated, which is based on a slot waveguide with gratings etched on the inner sidewalls of the slot. By manipulating the local field in the slot region using a chirped and tapered grating-based mode transition, the device achieves a flat response with ultra-high reflection and low transmission for the TE mode across a broad operating bandwidth. Leveraging the ultra-high birefringence of the SOI waveguide, the device functions both as a TE slot waveguide reflector and a TM pass polarizer. Simulation results demonstrate that the device exhibits an ultra-high rejection of more than 50 dB and a reflectivity exceeding 0.99 for the TE mode across a 91 nm wavelength range, while maintaining a high transmittance of larger than 0.98 for the TM mode. Experimental results validate that the device performance is consistent with the simulation results. A fabricated device based on such a gratings exhibits a low insertion loss (<0.8 dB) and high polarization extinction ratio (>30 dB) over 100 nm bandwidth (1484 nm–1584 nm), demonstrating that the performance of the present design is competitive with that of the state-of-the-art SOI Bragg gratings.
Digital image correlation-assisted phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Dong Bo , Wu Rui , Ni Zihao , Xie Shengli , Bai Yulei
Published: January 2024

In this Letter, we introduce a digital image correlation-assisted (DIC-assisted) method to tackle the challenges of phase decorrelation and the inability to measure lateral displacement in phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT). This DIC-assisted PhS-OCT (DIC-PhS-OCT) first employs DIC to track displacements from the measured amplitude spectra and subsequently uses these tracked displacements to correct supra-pixel displacement offsets in the measured phase spectra. As a result, it effectively mitigates phase decorrelation resulting from both axial and lateral displacements while enabling the acquisition of sub-pixel-level lateral displacements during the DIC computation. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of DIC-PhS-OCT in addressing these challenges while retaining the ultrahigh sensitivity of conventional PhS-OCT.
Optical ReLU-like activation function based on a semiconductor laser with optical injection
Authors: Liu Guan-Ting , Shen Yi-Wei , Li Rui-Qian , Yu Jingyi , He Xuming , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2024

Artificial neural networks usually consist of successive linear multiply–accumulate operations and nonlinear activation functions. However, most optical neural networks only achieve the linear operation in the optical domain, while the optical implementation of activation function remains challenging. Here we present an optical ReLU-like activation function (with 180° rotation) based on a semiconductor laser subject to the optical injection in an experiment. The ReLU-like function is achieved in a broad regime above the Hopf bifurcation of the injection-locking diagram and is operated in the continuous-wave mode. In particular, the slope of the activation function is reconfigurable by tuning the frequency difference between the master laser and the slave laser.
Unidirectional coupled chiral fiber grating
Authors: Wang Donghui , Ma Chao , Wang Hongye , Feng Chengcheng , Zhang Xiaotong , Liu Houquan , Yuan Libo
Published: January 2024

We investigate a unidirectional coupled chiral fiber grating (UCFG) with both helical refractive index (RI) and loss modulation. The two modulations form a π/2 phase difference in the fiber cross-sectional azimuth angle, which “breaks” the mode coupled reciprocity of the forward and backward propagation. The forward propagation fundamental mode coupling is forbidden, while the backward propagation fundamental mode is coupled to the vortex mode. A simulation model based on the beam propagation method (BPM) is utilized to confirm the unidirectional coupling. Using the coupled mode analysis, we find that the key to the coupling difference lies in the non-Hermitian coupling matrix. In addition, the UCFG design involving mixed modulation is also discussed. The UCFG demonstrates its potential as a passive vortex beam generator, filter, and detector, with a transmittance difference of up to 30 dB between the coupled and uncoupled vortex modes.
Broadband tunable laser and infrared camouflage by wavelength-selective scattering metamaterial with radiative thermal management
Authors: Deng Zichen , Hu Wenyuan , Zhou Peng , Huang Linqi , Wang Tao , Wang Xian , Gong Rongzhou
Published: January 2024

Metamaterial-based multispectral (including infrared and multiple lasers) camouflage compatible with non-atmospheric window radiative cooling is effective for low observability against multiple detection means. However, simultaneously achieving low reflectance in a non-atmospheric window band and broadband laser scattering, especially for a broadband tunable long-wave infrared laser, remains challenging. This Letter proposes a wavelength-selective scattering metamaterial (WSSM) that realizes effective camouflage for mid-wave infrared (MWIR), long-wave infrared (LWIR), broadband tunable LWIR and near-infrared (NIR) lasers. Moreover, the WSSM achieves radiative cooling in a non-atmospheric window (5–8 µm). The simulated emissivity is 0.19/0.20 in MWIR and LWIR bands, while it is 0.54 in a non-atmospheric window band that ensures radiative cooling. The WSSM also achieves low specular reflectance (4.35%) in 8–12 µm for broadband tunable laser camouflage, together with low reflectance at 1.06 µm and 1.55 µm. The thermal simulation is also conducted, demonstrating that the WSSM has a surface temperature decrement of 12.6°C compared to the conventional low-emissivity reference at the heated temperature of 400°C due to selective emission. The radiation temperatures have a reduction of 37%/64% than the real surface temperature in MWIR and LWIR bands. This work achieves the multispectral compatible camouflage by regulating specular reflection and scattering, providing a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach for manipulating electromagnetic waves.
Poling-assisted hydrofluoric acid wet etching of thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Yu Simin , Kang Hui , Shen Xiaoqin , Xue Yibo , Wan Wenjie , Zou Changling , Chen Baile , Lu Juanjuan
Published: January 2024

Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) has been extensively investigated for a wide range of applications due to continuous advancements in its fabrication methods. The recent emergence of high-fidelity ferroelectric domain poling of TFLN provides an opportunity for achieving a precise pattern control of ferroelectric domains and a subsequent pattern transfer to the TFLN layer using hydrofluoric acid (HF). In this work, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of z-cut TFLN microdisks using a poling-assisted HF wet etching approach. By applying intense electric fields, we are able to induce a domain inversion in the TFLN with a designed microdisk pattern. A HF solution is subsequently utilized to transfer the inverted domain pattern to the TFLN layer with the selective etching of −z LN, ultimately revealing the microdisks.
High-resolution ghost imaging through complex scattering media via a temporal correction: erratum
Authors: Xiao Yin , Zhou Lina , Chen Wen
Published: January 2024

We correct a typographical error in our Letter [Opt. Lett. 47, 3692 (2022)10.1364/OL.463897]. The corrections have no influence on the results and conclusions of the original Letter.
Somnotate: A probabilistic sleep stage classifier for studying vigilance state transitions
Authors: Brodersen Paul J. N. , Alfonsa Hannah , Krone Lukas B. , Blanco-Duque Cristina , Fisk Angus S. , Flaherty Sarah J. , Guillaumin Mathilde C. C. , Huang Yi-Ge , Kahn Martin C. , McKillop Laura E. , Milinski Linus , Taylor Lewis , Thomas Christopher W. , Yamagata Tomoko , Foster Russell G. , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V. , Akerman Colin J.
Published: January 2024

Electrophysiological recordings from freely behaving animals are a widespread and powerful mode of investigation in sleep research. These recordings generate large amounts of data that require sleep stage annotation (polysomnography), in which the data is parcellated according to three vigilance states: awake, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Manual and current computational annotation methods ignore intermediate states because the classification features become ambiguous, even though intermediate states contain important information regarding vigilance state dynamics. To address this problem, we have developed "Somnotate"—a probabilistic classifier based on a combination of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with a hidden Markov model (HMM). First we demonstrate that Somnotate sets new standards in polysomnography, exhibiting annotation accuracies that exceed human experts on mouse electrophysiological data, remarkable robustness to errors in the training data, compatibility with different recording configurations, and an ability to maintain high accuracy during experimental interventions. However, the key feature of Somnotate is that it quantifies and reports the certainty of its annotations. We leverage this feature to reveal that many intermediate vigilance states cluster around state transitions, whereas others correspond to failed attempts to transition. This enables us to show for the first time that the success rates of different types of transition are differentially affected by experimental manipulations and can explain previously observed sleep patterns. Somnotate is open-source and has the potential to both facilitate the study of sleep stage transitions and offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying sleep-wake dynamics.
Use of machine learning tools to predict health risks from climate-sensitive extreme weather events: A scoping review
Authors: Ssebyala Shakirah N. , Kintu Timothy M. , Muganzi David J. , Dresser Caleb , Demetres Michelle R. , Lai Yuan , Mercy Kobusingye , Li Chenyu , Wang Fei , Setoguchi Soko , Celi Leo Anthony , Ghosh Arnab K.
Published: January 2024

Machine learning (ML) algorithms may play a role in predicting the adverse health impacts of climate-sensitive extreme weather events because accurate prediction of such effects can guide proactive clinical and policy decisions. To systematically review the literature that describe ML algorithms that predict health outcomes from climate-sensitive extreme weather events. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases from inception–October 2022: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, bioRxiv, medRxiv, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Google Scholar, and Engineering Village. The retrieved studies were then screened for eligibility against predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The studies were then qualitatively synthesized based on the type of extreme weather event. Gaps in the literature were identified based on this synthesis. Of the 6096 records screened, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the studies predicted health outcomes from heat waves, and one for flooding. Health outcomes described included 1) all-cause non-age standardized mortality rates, 2) heat-related conditions and 3) post-traumatic stress disorder. Prediction models were developed using six validated ML techniques including non-linear exponential regression, logistic regression, spatiotemporal Integrated Laplace Approximation (INLA), random forest and decision tree methods (DT), and support vector machines (SVM). Use of ML algorithms to assess adverse health impacts from climate-sensitive extreme weather events is possible. However, to fully utilize these ML techniques, better quality data suitable for use is desirable. Development of data standards for climate change and health may help ensure model robustness and comparison across space and time. Future research should also consider health equity implications.
A conserved transcription factor controls gluconeogenesis via distinct targets in hypersaline-adapted archaea with diverse metabolic capabilities
Authors: Hackley Rylee K. , Vreugdenhil-Hayslette Angie , Darnell Cynthia L. , Schmid Amy K.
Published: January 2024

Timely regulation of carbon metabolic pathways is essential for cellular processes and to prevent futile cycling of intracellular metabolites. In Halobacterium salinarum, a hypersaline adapted archaeon, a sugar-sensing TrmB family protein controls gluconeogenesis and other biosynthetic pathways. Notably, Hbt. salinarum does not utilize carbohydrates for energy, uncommon among Haloarchaea. We characterized a TrmB-family transcriptional regulator in a saccharolytic generalist, Haloarcula hispanica, to investigate whether the targets and function of TrmB, or its regulon, is conserved in related species with distinct metabolic capabilities. In Har. hispanica, TrmB binds to 15 sites in the genome and induces the expression of genes primarily involved in gluconeogenesis and tryptophan biosynthesis. An important regulatory control point in Hbt. salinarum, activation of ppsA and repression of pykA, is absent in Har. hispanica. Contrary to its role in Hbt. salinarum and saccharolytic hyperthermophiles, TrmB does not act as a global regulator: it does not directly repress the expression of glycolytic enzymes, peripheral pathways such as cofactor biosynthesis, or catabolism of other carbon sources in Har. hispanica. Cumulatively, these findings suggest rewiring of the TrmB regulon alongside metabolic network evolution in Haloarchaea.
The genome of Litomosoides sigmodontis illuminates the origins of Y chromosomes in filarial nematodes
Authors: Stevens Lewis , Kieninger Manuela , Chan Brian , Wood Jonathan M. D. , Gonzalez de la Rosa Pablo , Allen Judith , Blaxter Mark
Published: January 2024

Heteromorphic sex chromosomes are usually thought to have originated from a pair of autosomes that acquired a sex-determining locus and subsequently stopped recombining, leading to degeneration of the sex-limited chromosome. The majority of nematode species lack heteromorphic sex chromosomes and determine sex using an X-chromosome counting mechanism, with males being hemizygous for one or more X chromosomes (XX/X0). Some filarial nematode species, including important parasites of humans, have heteromorphic XX/XY karyotypes. It has been assumed that sex is determined by a Y-linked locus in these species. However, karyotypic analyses suggested that filarial Y chromosomes are derived from the unfused homologue of an autosome involved in an X-autosome fusion event. Here, we generated a chromosome-level reference genome for Litomosoides sigmodontis, a filarial nematode with the ancestral filarial karyotype and sex determination mechanism (XX/X0). By mapping the assembled chromosomes to the rhabditid nematode ancestral linkage (or Nigon) elements, we infer that the ancestral filarial X chromosome was the product of a fusion between NigonX (the ancestrally X-linked element) and NigonD (ancestrally autosomal). In the two filarial lineages with XY systems, there have been two independent X-autosome chromosome fusion events involving different autosomal Nigon elements. In both lineages, the region shared by the neo-X and neo-Y chromosomes is within the ancestrally autosomal portion of the X, confirming that the filarial Y chromosomes are derived from the unfused homologue of the autosome. Sex determination in XY filarial nematodes therefore likely continues to operate via the ancestral X-chromosome counting mechanism, rather than via a Y-linked sex-determining locus.
Enabling targeted mass drug administration for schistosomiasis in north-western Tanzania: Exploring the use of geostatistical modeling to inform planning at sub-district level
Authors: Mathewson Jake D. , van der Spek Linda , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Kabona George , de Vlas Sake J. , Nshala Andreas , Rood Ente J. J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease in Tanzania affecting over 50% of the population. Current control strategies involve mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns at the district level, which have led to problems of over- and under-treatment in different areas. WHO guidelines have called for more targeted MDA to circumvent these problems, however a scarcity of prevalence data inhibits decision makers from prioritizing sub-district areas for MDA. This study demonstrated how geostatistics can be used to inform planning for targeted MDA.

Methods

Geostatistical sub-district (ward-level) prevalence estimates were generated through combining a zero-inflated poisson model and kriging approach (regression kriging). To make predictions, the model used prevalence survey data collected in 2021 of 17,400 school children in six regions of Tanzania, along with several open source ecological and socio-demographic variables with known associations with schistosomiasis.

Results

The model results show that regression kriging can be used to effectively predict the ward level parasite prevalence of the two species of Schistosoma endemic to the study area. Kriging was found to further improve the regression model fit, with an adjusted R-squared value of 0.51 and 0.32 for intestinal and urogenital schistosomiasis, respectively. Targeted treatment based on model predictions would represent a shift in treatment away from 193 wards estimated to be over-treated to 149 wards that would have been omitted from the district level MDA.

Conclusions

Geostatistical models can help to support NTD program efficiency and reduce disease transmission by facilitating WHO recommended targeted MDA treatment through provision of prevalence estimates where data is scarce.
B memory cell responses to LPS, IVP and IpaB antigen after oral vaccination with Shigella sonnei vaccine candidates WRSs2 and WRSs3
Authors: Venkatesan Malabi M. , Barnoy Shoshana , Frenck Robert , McNeal Monica , Baqar Shahida
Published: January 2024

B memory (BM) cell responses were evaluated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were collected and cryopreserved during a Phase 1 trial of two live Shigella sonnei vaccine candidates WRSs2 and WRSs3. An ELISpot assay was used to measure IgG+ and IgA+ BM cell responses against S. sonnei LPS, IVP and IpaB antigens. Analysis of BM cell responses at baseline, and on days 28 and 56 post vaccination indicate that after a single oral dose of WRSs2 and WRSs3, both groups of vaccinees induced IgG+ and IgA+ BM cell responses that were variable in magnitude among subjects and reached significance to IVP and IpaB at several doses. The responses generally peaked at d28 after vaccination. The baseline as well as post-vaccination levels of IgA+ BM cells were relatively higher than IgG+ BM cells, but the maximum fold-increase at d28/d56 over baseline was greater for IgG+ than IgA+ BM cell responses. Furthermore, at the three highest vaccine doses, >60–90% of subjects were considered responders indicating a ≥2-fold higher IgG+ BM cell responses to IVP and IpaB post vaccination, while fewer subjects indicated the same level of response to LPS.
Locomotor activity as an effective measure of the severity of inflammatory arthritis in a mouse model
Authors: Doucet Mélina R. , Laevski Angela M. , Doiron Jérémie A. , Boudreau Luc H. , Surette Marc E.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Mouse models are valuable in preclinical studies of inflammatory arthritis. However, current methods for measuring disease severity or responses to treatment are not optimal. In this study a smart cage system using multiple sensors to measure locomotor activity was evaluated in the K/BxN serum transfer model of inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in C57BL/6 mice with injections of K/BxN serum. Clinical index and ankle thickness were measured for 14 days. Locomotor activity was measured in smart cages for 23 h periods on Days 0, 7, and 13. The same measurements were taken in mice consuming diets supplemented or not with fish oil to evaluate a preventative treatment.

Results

Initiation, peak and resolution phases of disease could be measured with the smart cages. Locomotor activity including speed, travel distance, number of active movements and rear movements were all significantly lower on Days 7–8 of illness (peak) compared to Days 0 and 13–14 (resolution) (one-way repeated measures analyses, p<0.05). The clinical index and ankle thickness measurements did not capture differences between dietary groups. Significantly increased activity was measured in most of the locomotor parameters in the fish oil group compared to the control mice at both Days 8 and 14 (2-way repeated measures ANOVA, p<0.05).

Conclusion

The measurement of locomotor activity provided a more detailed evaluation of the impact of inflammatory arthritis on animal well-being and mobility than that provided by measuring clinical index and ankle thickness, and could be a valuable tool in preclinical studies of inflammatory arthritis.
An archaeomagnetic study of the Ishtar Gate, Babylon
Authors: Di Chiara Anita , Tauxe Lisa , Gries Helen , Helwing Barbara , Howland Matthew D. , Ben-Yosef E.
Published: January 2024

Data from the marriage of paleomagnetism and archaeology (archaeomagnetism) are the backbone of attempts to create geomagnetic field models for ancient times. Paleointensity experimental design has been the focus of intensive efforts and the requirements and shortcomings are increasingly well understood. Some archaeological materials have excellent age control from inscriptions, which can be tied to a given decade or even a specific year in some cases. In this study, we analyzed fired mud bricks used for the construction of the Ishtar Gate, the entrance complex to the ancient city of Babylon in Southern Mesopotamia. We were able to extract reliable intensity data from all three phases of the gate, the earliest of which includes bricks inscribed with the name of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605 to 562 BCE). These results (1) add high quality intensity data to a region relatively unexplored so far (Southern Mesopotamia), (2) contribute to a better understanding of paleosecular variation in this region, and the development of an archaeomagnetic dating reference for one of the key regions in the history of human civilizations; (3) demonstrate the potential of inscribed bricks (glazed and unglazed), a common material in ancient Mesopotamia, to archaeomagnetic studies; and (4) suggest that the gate complex was constructed some time after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, and that there were no substantial chronological gaps in the construction of each consecutive phase. The best fit of our data (averaging 136±2.1 ZAm2) with those of the reference curve (the Levantine Archaeomagnetic Curve) is 569 BCE.
The burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to dietary risk factors in Australia between 1990 and 2019
Authors: Moreno Sebastian V. , Uddin Riaz , McNaughton Sarah A. , Livingstone Katherine M. , George Elena S. , Siopis George , Maddison Ralph , Huxley Rachel R. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: January 2024

Unhealthy diet is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, there are no studies reporting the impact and trends of dietary risk factors on CVD in Australia. This study aimed to determine the burden of CVDs attributable to dietary risk factors in Australia between 1990 and 2019. We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study and quantified the rate (per 100,000) of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with a disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) for 21 CVDs attributable to 13 dietary risk factors (eight food groups and five nutrients) in Australia by sex and age groups (≥25 years and over). In 2019, the age-standardised rates of deaths, YLDs, YLLs, and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors attributable to CVDs in the Australian population were 26.5, 60.8, 349.9, and 410.8 per 100,000 in women and 46.1, 62.6, 807.0, and 869.6 in men. Between 1990 and 2019, YLLs consistently contributed more towards the rates of DALYs than YLDs. Over the 30-year period, CVD deaths, YLLs, and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors declined in both women and men. The leading dietary risk factors for CVD deaths and DALYs were a diet high in red meat (6.1 deaths per 100,000 [3.6, 8.7] and 115.6 DALYs per 100,000 [79.7, 151.6]) in women and a diet low in wholegrains (11.3 deaths [4.4, 15.1] and 220.3 DALYs [86.4, 291.8]) in men. Sex differences were observed in the contribution of dietary risk factors to CVD over time such that the lowest rate of decrease in deaths and DALYs occurred with diets high in sodium in women and diets high in processed meat in men. Although the burden of diet-related CVD has decreased significantly in the Australian population over the past 30 years, diets low in wholegrains and high in red meat continue to contribute significantly to the overall CVD burden. Future nutrition programs and policies should target these dietary risk factors.
Racial discrimination within United Nations offices in Geneva: Results from an online survey
Authors: Strohmeier Hannah , Musizvingoza Ronald , Sajnani Nisha
Published: January 2024

Racial discrimination adversely impacts health and well-being, and interferes with organizational functioning, including United Nations offices where limited systematic research exists. This article presents and discusses a secondary analysis of data from the ‘Survey on Racial Discrimination’ issued by the United Nations Staff Union Geneva in 2020. The survey produced quantitative and qualitative data and was completed by 1251 staff, consultants, and interns (response rate: 14.7%). Descriptive statistics were computed for key findings. More than one third (34.4%) of participants reported having personally experienced racial discrimination. Most reported national origin as basis (61.8%), stated that this experience had affected their opportunities for career advancement (66.2%), and took no action as response (57.4%), mainly due to a lack of trust in the organization’s recourse mechanism. In addition, more than one third (34.3%) of survey participants had witnessed colleagues being racially discriminated against. Chi-square tests to assess differences between groups showed that those belonging to a racial, ethnic, and/or national minority or group reported higher rates of personally experienced and witnessed incidents of racial discrimination compared to those who did not identify as such. Furthermore, participants who reported having experienced racial discrimination had a higher proportion of witnessing racial discrimination. The qualitative survey data on suggested measures to address racial discrimination in the workplace were examined through thematic analysis and rendered three overarching themes: Understanding racial discrimination; revising practices of recruitment, promotion, and appointment; and restructuring case management processes. Our results suggest that racial discrimination poses a significant issue within United Nations offices in Geneva and call for educational initiatives and significant structural changes. We recommend tailored research to inform these measures and highlight that committed leadership and the participation and vigilance of all involved in shaping the culture of the organization is needed to address racial discrimination in the workplace.
Longitudinal MRI and 1H-MRS study of SCA7 mouse forebrain reveals progressive multiregional atrophy and early brain metabolite changes indicating early neuronal and glial dysfunction
Authors: Pérot Jean-Baptiste , Niewiadomska-Cimicka Anna , Brouillet Emmanuel , Trottier Yvon , Flament Julien
Published: January 2024

SpinoCerebellar Ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited disorder caused by CAG triplet repeats encoding polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN7 protein, which is part of the transcriptional coactivator complex SAGA. The mutation primarily causes neurodegeneration in the cerebellum and retina, as well as several forebrain structures. The SCA7140Q/5Q knock-in mouse model recapitulates key disease features, including loss of vision and motor performance. To characterize the temporal progression of brain degeneration of this model, we performed a longitudinal study spanning from early to late symptomatic stages using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in vivo 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Compared to wild-type mouse littermates, MRI analysis of SCA7 mice shows progressive atrophy of defined brain structures, with the striatum, thalamus and cortex being the first and most severely affected. The volume loss of these structures coincided with increased motor impairments in SCA7 mice, suggesting an alteration of the sensory-motor network, as observed in SCA7 patients. MRI also reveals atrophy of the hippocampus and anterior commissure at mid-symptomatic stage and the midbrain and brain stem at late stage. 1H-MRS of hippocampus, a brain region previously shown to be dysfunctional in patients, reveals early and progressive metabolic alterations in SCA7 mice. Interestingly, abnormal glutamine accumulation precedes the hippocampal atrophy and the reduction in myo-inositol and total N-acetyl-aspartate concentrations, two markers of glial and neuronal damage, respectively. Together, our results indicate that non-cerebellar alterations and glial and neuronal metabolic impairments may play a crucial role in the development of SCA7 mouse pathology, particularly at early stages of the disease. Degenerative features of forebrain structures in SCA7 mice correspond to current observations made in patients. Our study thus provides potential biomarkers that could be used for the evaluation of future therapeutic trials using the SCA7140Q/5Q model.
Nutrient density of Bangladeshi foods and its application in planning diet for pregnant women
Authors: Shaheen Nazma , Nowar Abira , Islam Saiful , Islam Md. Hafizul , Amin Md. Ruhul
Published: January 2024

Nutrient profiling is a method that classifies foods based on their nutrient content and identifies foods that are high in micronutrients both across and within food groups. This study aimed to identify foods that are rich sources of the seven micronutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin B12) of public health concern for the Bangladeshi population.. This study developed a metric termed “naturally nutrient-rich score 7 (NNR7)” specifically for third-trimester pregnant women to identify nutrient-dense foods. Further, it computed the nutrient adequacy score (NAS) of the top NNR7-scored foods for seven micronutrients to assess the extent (percent) to which foods can meet pregnant women’s recommended dietary allowances (RDA). A linear programming technique was then used to construct a nutrient-adequate model diet for third-trimester pregnant women using the top ten NNR7-scored foods. According to the NNR7, food groups such as leafy vegetables, fish, meat, poultry and eggs, and vegetables are the richest sources of the problem micronutrients. Mutton liver (916.7%), soybean (39.3%), lamb liver (2160%) and duck liver (50.0%) were found to fulfill the highest percentage of the RDA of vitamin A, zinc, vitamin B12, and iron, respectively. In the formulated nutrient-adequate diets for pregnant women, rice, potato, brown wheat flour, and soya oil were universal to all three diets and Bengal gram, orange, Ganges River sprat, and duck liver were the most common ones. The study findings highlight the need for the consumption of foods such as leafy vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, pulses and vegetables to increase the intake of problematic micronutrients. Planning a nutrient-adequate diet for pregnant women using linear programming can be an alternative approach to optimize and shape food choices to meet their nutritional requirements.
Gift-giving intentions in pan-entertainment live streaming: Based on social exchange theory
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Liu Fang
Published: January 2024

Pan-entertainment live streaming combines video with two-way communication and real-time viewer participation, allowing viewers to send virtual gifts to their favorite streamers. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study investigates the factors that influence viewers’ gift-giving intentions in live streaming from the perspectives of both viewers and streamers. It also explores the moderating role of streamers’ deceptive self-presentation. The theoretical framework is tested using AMOS and PROCESS Macro based on survey responses collected from 331 TikTok users in China. The results suggest that streamers’ attractiveness, expertise, parasocial interaction, and the viewers’ deceptive self-presentation significantly affect viewers’ gift-giving intention, and that streamers’ deceptive self-representation moderates the relationship between attractiveness, expertise, parasocial inter-action and the viewer’s consumer intention. These findings contribute to social exchange theory by highlighting the importance of streamers’ deceptive self-presentation in moderating the effects of attractiveness, expertise, parasocial interaction, and the viewer’s deceptive self-presentation on the viewer’s gift-giving intention.
The universal suppressor mutation restores membrane budding defects in the HSV-1 nuclear egress complex by stabilizing the oligomeric lattice
Authors: Draganova Elizabeth B. , Wang Hui , Wu Melanie , Liao Shiqing , Vu Amber , Gonzalez-Del Pino Gonzalo L. , Zhou Z. Hong , Roller Richard J. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: January 2024

Nuclear egress is an essential process in herpesvirus replication whereby nascent capsids translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This initial step of nuclear egress–budding at the inner nuclear membrane–is coordinated by the nuclear egress complex (NEC). Composed of the viral proteins UL31 and UL34, NEC deforms the membrane around the capsid as the latter buds into the perinuclear space. NEC oligomerization into a hexagonal membrane-bound lattice is essential for budding because NEC mutants designed to perturb lattice interfaces reduce its budding ability. Previously, we identified an NEC suppressor mutation capable of restoring budding to a mutant with a weakened hexagonal lattice. Using an established in-vitro budding assay and HSV-1 infected cell experiments, we show that the suppressor mutation can restore budding to a broad range of budding-deficient NEC mutants thereby acting as a universal suppressor. Cryogenic electron tomography of the suppressor NEC mutant lattice revealed a hexagonal lattice reminiscent of wild-type NEC lattice instead of an alternative lattice. Further investigation using x-ray crystallography showed that the suppressor mutation promoted the formation of new contacts between the NEC hexamers that, ostensibly, stabilized the hexagonal lattice. This stabilization strategy is powerful enough to override the otherwise deleterious effects of mutations that destabilize the NEC lattice by different mechanisms, resulting in a functional NEC hexagonal lattice and restoration of membrane budding.
El periodismo científico en el actual ecosistema digital: retos y alertas desde la perspectiva de los profesionales chilenos
Authors: Martin-Neira Juan-Ignacio , Trillo-Domínguez Magdalena , Olvera-Lobo María-Dolores
Published: January 2024

El periodismo científico se encuentra en un constante proceso de digitalización, por lo que se hace necesario contar con análisis que permita entender la realidad actual de la disciplina y estar atentos a las tendencias y dificultades futuras. Ante el hecho de que la consideración que se le presta al periodismo científico en América Latina no es uniforme entre las diferentes regiones, el presente estudio persigue determinar cómo los periodistas científicos de Chile están desempeñándose en el nuevo escenario digital. Por medio de la técnica de “bola de nieve”, se difundió una encuesta con preguntas asociadas al ejercicio profesional, las cuales permiten evaluar la labor de la disciplina en el país. Los 42 periodistas participantes destacaron la importancia de usar adecuadamente el lenguaje científico y saber utilizar de forma apropiada las redes sociales para comunicarse con las audiencias. Además, alertaron sobre el desafío que se le presenta al periodismo científico local para enfrentar las desinformaciones que se comparten en el entorno digital, así como la constante especialización en contenidos y el empleo cualificado de tecnologías que deben desarrollar los profesionales en la materia. Esta investigación pone de manifiesto la necesidad de que los periodistas tengan una mayor versatilidad y conocimiento de los nuevos canales por los que se informan los públicos y así aprovechar el auge actual del consumo de noticias de ciencia por parte de la sociedad.
Divulgación científica en YouTube en países hispanoamericanos: youtubers vs canales institucionales
Authors: Perdomo Bexi , Cortazar José-Carlos
Published: January 2024

YouTube se ha configurado como un espacio para la divulgación masiva de la ciencia que ha gozado de una amplia aceptación de la población. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la divulgación científica en YouTube en canales institucionales y de Youtubers de ciencia en México, Perú y Bolivia. El abordaje metodológico se hizo sobre las premisas epistemológicas del pragmatismo, por lo que fue un estudio mixto de diseño concurrente. Se empleó un grupo de técnicas sistematizadas empíricas (análisis cuantitativo) y críticas (análisis cualitativo del contenido). Se analizaron 71 vídeos, equivalentes a 40.096,28 minutos de grabación. Estos provenían de cuatro canales de Youtubers de ciencia y de cuatro canales institucionales de México, Perú y Bolivia que se seleccionaron con base en los criterios de inclusión y exclusión.  Se observaron diferencias en cuanto al engagement comportamental y alcance en los canales de Youtubers e institucionales. Se identificaron estrategias para la presentación del contenido que favorecen el engagement emocional y cognitivo, pero que son usadas principalmente por los Youtubers de ciencia. Se concluye la necesidad de que las instituciones productoras y gestoras de ciencias incorporen el uso de estas estrategias sencillas y efectivas para una mayor y mejor divulgación de ciencia en YouTube.
Estrategias de los creadores de contenido científico en redes sociales: cambio climático y economía circular como ámbitos emergentes
Authors: Gálvez-de-la-Cuesta María-del-Carmen , Álvarez-García Sergio , Gutiérrez-Manjón Sergio , Gertrudis-Casado María-del-Carmen
Published: January 2024

El fenómeno de los creadores de contenido científico en redes sociales representa una forma de acercar el conocimiento científico a la sociedad, fuera de los canales institucionales. Este artículo trata de identificar dichas estrategias y analizar el impacto de la incorporación a sus publicaciones de contenidos relativos al cambio climático y la economía circular, como ámbitos emergentes. Para la obtención de información se ha optado por realizar una recogida de datos a través de un cuestionario distribuido entre un grupo de creadores de contenido científico con diversidad de perfiles en redes sociales. Entre los resultados destaca especialmente la utilización de estrategias propias del ámbito digital en la generación del mensaje, una percepción de la propia credibilidad todavía ligada a la verificación del ámbito académico, así como una opinión positiva en cuanto al posible impacto social de los contenidos referentes al cambio climático y la economía circular. Esta última percepción difiere de los efectos que los propios creadores observan cuando desarrollan publicaciones relacionadas con el cambio climático y la economía circular y denotan un relativo interés de la audiencia hacia estas temáticas.
Visibilización de la ciencia en las redes sociales: retos y oportunidades [Editorial]
Authors: Parejo-Cuéllar Macarena , De-Casas-Moreno Patricia , Martín-Pena Daniel , Mena-Young Margoth
Published: January 2024

Editorial
A minimization problem related to the principal frequency of the
p
-Bilaplacian with coupled Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Farcaseanu Maria , Mihăilescu Mihai , Stancu-Dumitru Denisa
Published: January 2024

For each fixed integer
N
≥

2

let
Ω

⊂

R

N

be an open, bounded and convex set with smooth boundary. For each real number
p
∈

(
1
,
∞

)

define
M
(
p
;
Ω

)
=

inf

u
∈

W

C

2
,
∞

(
Ω

)
∖

{
0
}

∫

Ω

(
exp
⁡

(

|

Δ

u

|

p

)
−

1
)

d
x

∫

Ω

(
exp
⁡

(

|

u

|

p

)
−

1
)

d
x

,
where

W

C

2
,
∞

(
Ω

)
:=

∩

1
<
p
<
∞

{
u
∈

W
0

2
,
p

(
Ω

)
:

Δ

u
∈

L
∞

(
Ω

)
}
. We show that if the radius of the largest ball which can be inscribed in
Ω

is strictly larger than a constant which depends on
N
then
M
(
p
;
Ω

)

vanishes while if the radius of the largest ball which can be inscribed in
Ω

is strictly less than
1
then
M
(
p
;
Ω

)

is a positive real number. Moreover, in the latter case when
p
is large enough we can identify the value of
M
(
p
;
Ω

)

as being the principal frequency of the
p
-Bilaplacian on
Ω

with coupled Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions.
Multiple subharmonic solutions with prescribed minimal periods for a
class of second order impulsive differential systems
Authors: Ou Huaxin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we obtain three subharmonic solutions with different
prescribed minimal periods for a class of second order impulsive
differential systems. Our proof is based on level estimates and the least
action principle in critical point theory.
Rendimiento del exoma para el diagnóstico temprano de las enfermedades raras genéticas en pacientes pediátricos. Revisión Narrativa
Authors: Piñeros Fernández Martha Cecilia
Published: January 2024

Introducción: La definición establecida por  la  Organización Mundial de la Salud de  las enfermedades raras es: «aquellas que afectan  a menos de 5 a 7 individuos en 10.000 y,  aproximadamente del 6 % al 8 % de la población mundial» Temática: la categoría fenotípica más común de los casos pediátricos y de adultos son  los trastornos neurológicos en estudios realizados en diferentes países. En enfermedades raras como son los  trastornos  de las plaquetas e inmunodeficiencias el rendimiento  diagnóstico del exoma se aproxima al  25%  reportado para  enfermedades genéticas de presentación común. Los datos de rendimiento diagnóstico del exoma  se encuentran por   encima del 50% en  enfermedades  neurológicas pediátricas  tales como enfermedades neuromusculares,  trastornos neurometabólicos y paraplejía  espástica hereditaria y del 50%  en miocardiopatías dilatadas hereditarias. Conclusión: los avances tecnológicos como la secuenciación de nueva generación han facilitado significativamente el diagnóstico y el descubrimiento de genes nuevos  en pacientes con enfermedades genéticas raras, especialmente con la introducción de la secuenciación del exoma.
Oxígeno como factor asociado a retinopatía del prematuro en una unidad neonatal de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Guevara-Suta Sonia Esperanza , Narvaez-Rumie Olivia Margarita , Gutierrez Adriana Roció , López-Cruz Ruth Liliana , Sánchez-Rojas Maryerli Catherine , Guacaneme-Ariza Laura Natalia , Velandia-Murcia Carlos Giovani
Published: January 2024

Los prematuros por su inmadurez pulmonar pueden presentar trastornos respiratorios, requiriendo soporte ventilatorio y oxígeno, el oxígeno induce a daño en las estructuras visuales como cristalino y retina generando retinopatía de la prematuridad. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre la oxigenoterapia y la retinopatía del prematuro en una unidad neonatal en Bogotá 2018-2019. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, que determinó la relación entre la oxigenoterapia y la retinopatía, se revisaron historias clínicas de prematuros menores de 32 semanas de gestación, se compararon los grupos con retinopatía y sin retinopatía. Resultados: Se revisaron 76 casos, el 39.5% presentaron retinopatía, el 56,6 % de sexo femenino, el 64.5% se clasificaron de muy prematuros y el 59.2% tenían muy bajo peso al nacer. El 63.2% presentaron dificultad respiratoria moderada. El sistema de oxigenoterapia más usado en adaptación en el grupo de retinopatía fue la bolsa autoinflable 57.9% y en la hospitalización la cánula nasal 71.4%. El número de días de oxígeno en la hospitalización fue mayor en pacientes con retinopatía. El peso estuvo entre 1006.83 ± 228.73 (media ± D.E) para el grupo con retinopatía. Conclusiones: El personal de salud encargado del cuidado respiratorio del prematuro debe administrar de forma segura el oxígeno, conocer los sistemas de administración, el tiempo de exposición, y la fracción inspirada de oxígeno ya que son factores que aumentan la incidencia de retinopatía del prematuro.