bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pluripotency of a founding field: rebranding developmental biology
Authors: Rogers Crystal D. , Amemiya Chris , Arur Swathi , Babonis Leslie , Barresi Michael , Bartlett Madelaine , Behringer Richard , Benham-Pyle Blair , Bergmann Dominique , Blackman Ben , Brown C. Titus , Browne Bill , Camacho Jasmin , Chabu Chiswili Yves , Chow Ida , Cleaver Ondine , Cool Jonah , Dennis Megan Y. , Dickinson Alexandra Jazz , Di Talia Stefano , Frank Margaret , Gillmor Stewart , Haag Eric S. , Hariharan Iswar , Harland Richard , Husbands Aman , Jerome-Majewska Loydie , Koenig Kristen , LaBonne Carole , Layden Michael , Lowe Chris , Mani Madhav , Martik Megan , McKown Katelyn , Moens Cecilia , Mosimann Christian , Onyenedum Joyce , Reed Robert , Rivera Ajna , Rokhsar Dan , Royer Loic , Rutaganira Flora , Shahan Rachel , Sinha Neelima , Swalla Billie , Van Norman Jaimie M. , Wagner Daniel E. , Wikramanayake Athula , Zebell Sophia , Brady Siobhán M.
Published: February 2024

The field of developmental biology has declined in prominence in recent decades, with off-shoots from the field becoming more fashionable and highly funded. This has created inequity in discovery and opportunity, partly due to the perception that the field is antiquated or not cutting edge. A ‘think tank’ of scientists from multiple developmental biology-related disciplines came together to define specific challenges in the field that may have inhibited innovation, and to provide tangible solutions to some of the issues facing developmental biology. The community suggestions include a call to the community to help ‘rebrand’ the field, alongside proposals for additional funding apparatuses, frameworks for interdisciplinary innovative collaborations, pedagogical access, improved science communication, increased diversity and inclusion, and equity of resources to provide maximal impact to the community.
The buzz within: the role of the gut microbiome in honeybee social behavior
Authors: Nguyen J. B. , Marshall C. W. , Cook C. N.
Published: February 2024

Gut symbionts influence the physiology and behavior of their host, but the extent to which these effects scale to social behaviors is an emerging area of research. The use of the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) as a model enables researchers to investigate the gut microbiome and behavior at several levels of social organization. Insight into gut microbial effects at the societal level is critical for our understanding of how involved microbial symbionts are in host biology. In this Commentary, we discuss recent findings in honeybee gut microbiome research and synthesize these with knowledge of the physiology and behavior of other model organisms to hypothesize how host–microbe interactions at the individual level could shape societal dynamics and evolution.
Early Onset Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Clinical Characteristics, Oncological Outcomes, and Genomic/Transcriptomic Features
Authors: Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Han Xu , Guglielmi Alfredo , Aldrighetti Luca , Weiss Matthew , Bauer Todd W. , Alexandrescu Sorin , Poultsides George A. , Maithel Shishir K. , Marques Hugo P. , Martel Guillaume , Pulitano Carlo , Shen Feng , Chaucy François , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Endo Itaru , Sasaki Kazunari , Aucejo Federico , Zhang Xu-Feng , Zhu Hua , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Data on clinical characteristics and disease-specific prognosis among patients with early onset intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are currently limited.

Methods

Patients undergoing hepatectomy for ICC between 2000 and 2020 were identified by using a multi-institutional database. The association of early (≤50 years) versus typical onset (>50 years) ICC with recurrence-free (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) was assessed in the multi-institutional database and validated in an external cohort. The genomic and transcriptomic profiles of early versus late onset ICC were analyzed by using the Total Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center databases.

Results

Among 971 patients undergoing resection for ICC, 22.7% (n = 220) had early-onset ICC. Patients with early-onset ICC had worse 5-year RFS (24.1% vs. 29.7%, p < 0.05) and DSS (36.5% vs. 48.9%, p = 0.03) compared with patients with typical onset ICC despite having earlier T-stage tumors and lower rates of microvascular invasion. In the validation cohort, patients with early-onset ICC had worse 5-year RFS (7.4% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.002) compared with individuals with typical onset ICC. Using the TCGA cohort, 652 and 266 genes were found to be upregulated (including ATP8A2) and downregulated (including UTY and KDM5D) in early versus typical onset ICC, respectively. Genes frequently implicated as oncogenic drivers, including CDKN2A, IDH1, BRAF, and FGFR2 were infrequently mutated in the early-onset ICC patients.

Conclusions

Early-onset ICC has distinct clinical and genomic/transcriptomic features. Morphologic and clinicopathologic characteristics were unable to fully explain differences in outcomes among early versus typical onset ICC patients. The current study offers a preliminary landscape of the molecular features of early-onset ICC.
Nanofiltration and selective crystallisation as technologies for the recovery of chemicals from seawater desalination brine to be used as ingredients for Bio-based fertilisers
Authors: Athanasoulia Ioanna Georgia , Kyriazi Maria , Katsiolis Spyridon , Novakovic Jelica , Malamis Dimitris
Published: February 2024

The majority of companies that operate desalination units produce significant quantities of brine, a hypersaline product whose disposal in the sea contributes to the degradation of local fauna and flora. The proposed process for the valorisation of seawater brine and recovery of high purity water consists of two precipitation steps for the recovery of Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3. After pH conditioning, the brine (without Mg2+ and Ca2+) is led to Nanofiltration unit for Na2SO4 separation from the NaCl - KCl rich stream. Monovalent salt stream is further concentrated by Multiple Effect Distillation evaporator and crystallizer and KCl is separated from NaCl by flotation using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate as floating agent. The aforementioned micronutrients have readily been tested for their part in enhancing the agronomic performance of fertilising products, so they possess market potential to support local/national/European fertilisation purposes. Last but not least, such a nutrient recovery approach can ensure capital recovery within the expected time limitations of an investment and in some cases offset completely the treatment cost.
Cohort profile: Improved Pregnancy Outcomes via Early Detection (IMPROvED), an International Multicentre Prospective Cohort
Authors: Maher Gillian M. , Kenny Louise C. , Navaratnam Kate , Alfirevic Zarko , Sheehan Darina , Baker Philip N. , Gluud Christian , Tuytten Robin , Kublickas Marius , Niklasson Boel , Duvekot Johannes J. , van den Berg Caroline B. , Wu Pensee , Kublickiene Karolina , McCarthy Fergus P. , Khashan Ali S.
Published: February 2024

Background Improved Pregnancy Outcomes via Early Detection (IMPROvED) is a multi-centre, European phase IIa clinical study. The primary aim of IMPROvED is to enable the assessment and refinement of innovative prototype preeclampsia risk assessment tests based on emerging biomarker technologies. Here we describe IMPROvED’s profile and invite researchers to collaborate. Methods A total of 4,038 low-risk nulliparous singleton pregnancies were recruited from maternity units in Ireland (N=1,501), United Kingdom (N=1,108), The Netherlands (N=810), and Sweden (N=619) between November 2013 to August 2017. Participants were interviewed by a research midwife at ~11 weeks (optional visit), ~15 weeks, ~20 weeks, ~34 weeks’ gestation (optional visit), and postpartum (within 72-hours following delivery). Findings to date Clinical data included information on maternal sociodemographic, medical history, and lifestyle factors collected at ~15 weeks’ gestation, and maternal measurements, collected at each study visit. Biobank samples included blood, urine, and hair collected at each study visit throughout pregnancy in all units plus umbilical cord/blood samples collected at birth in Ireland and Sweden. A total of 74.0% (N=2,922) had an uncomplicated pregnancy, 3.1% (N=122) developed preeclampsia, 3.6% (N=143) had a spontaneous preterm birth, and 10.5% (N=416) had a small for gestational age baby. We evaluated a panel of metabolite biomarkers and a panel of protein biomarkers at 15 weeks and 20 weeks’ gestation for preeclampsia risk assessment. Their translation into tests with clinical application, as conducted by commercial entities, was hampered by technical issues and changes in test requirements. Work on the panel of proteins was abandoned, while work on the use of metabolite biomarkers for preeclampsia risk assessment is ongoing. Future plans In accordance with the original goals of the IMPROvED study, the data and biobank are now available for international collaboration to conduct high quality research into the cause and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
IRB challenges in multisite studies: A case report and commentary from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA)
Authors: McCausland Darren , Haigh Margaret , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary
Published: February 2024

A shift from single to multi-site health studies enabled a range of research benefits including faster recruitment of larger and more diverse samples; increased statistical power, greater rigour, generalisability, and external reliability; and increased likelihood of impacting policy and clinical practice. However, ethical review of multi-site studies by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) raises specific challenges compared with single site studies, with requirements to apply to multiple local IRBs increasing the burden on research, possibly endangering the integrity of the research process or inhibiting development of multi-site studies. The option of a single centralised IRB may offer a clearer, more consistent and efficient review process. This study presents a case report and commentary from 15 years engaging with IRBs in multiple sites in Ireland by the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA). It examines the ethics review process for IDS-TILDA through its first four waves. While the majority of 48 IRBs granted ethical approval within 13 weeks, six IRBs took 21–47 weeks to approve, leading to delays in data collection of up to 11 months. Despite additional review time, no changes were required to the study protocol. Therefore, a critical impact of the process was the delay in starting data collection within a small number of organisations, and reduced involvement in the study for one organisation. The ethical review process with multiple IRBs increased the degree of complexity of the process, with added bureaucracy and far greater communication required across 48 IRBs, substantially adding to the resource commitment for the review process. The relatively quick approval from the majority of IRBs was partially a result of the longitudinal study building relationships with organisations throughout multiple waves. That other health studies may not accrue this benefit supports calls for a single IRB system for multi-site health studies.
The Double-Edged Sword of Third-Party Resources: Examining Use and Financial Burden of Extracurricular Tools in Medical Students
Authors: Farhan Saaniya , Kienzle Drake , Guler Meryem , Siddique Faizaan , Fernandez Andres , Papanagnou Dimitrios
Published: February 2024

Background Since before the COVID-19 pandemic, use of third-party resources (or educational tools separate from the in-house medical curriculum) has been steadily increasing. The transition to virtual learning in 2020 fostered a greater reliance on these mostly online resources during medical training, yet their contributions have rarely been evaluated. Thus, we aimed to review third-party resources and their implications for medical education, particularly their financial burden on students. Methods We examined 31 peer-reviewed articles that discuss third-party resources for medical students and relevant studies related to their equitable access. Results Studies suggest third-party resources are used in a task-dependent manner with a supplemental role to the in-house lectures during the preclinical phase and a primary role for USMLE preparation during the clinical phase. Medical students ubiquitously access these resources out of a perceived necessity to use them to perform well on board exams, prompted by studies demonstrating their efficacy in increasing USMLE Step 1 scores. Though certain resources have been more frequently cited for improving board performance (e.g.,First Aid and UWorld), students may combine multiple third-party resources to best serve their exam preparation. Findings also show the subscription-pricing model of most third-party resources and 12-month access prices range from $100 to $479, suggesting that third-party resource use contributes to an increase financial strain on students. This, coupled with overwhelming medical student debt, may exacerbate existing socioeconomic disparities in medical education. Conclusion Institutions should evaluate third-party resource use among their medical students and consider provisions to increase access to these co-curricular tools.
Assessing alkali activation of waste stone wool from greenhouses combined with direct foaming or granulation to obtain recycled plant substrate
Authors: de Oliveira Karine Goulart , Jokipii-Lukkari Soile , Luukkonen Tero
Published: February 2024

Background Stone wool is commonly used as a plant substrate in soilless cultivation and discarded after one growing season. Stone wool waste is difficult to recycle, and thus it is typically landfilled. Alkali-activation of stone wool (i.e., milling and mixing with an alkaline solution) has been shown to be a feasible way to upcycle this waste fraction into, for example, construction products. In this study, the aim was to develop recycled plant substrate from stone wool waste from greenhouses via alkali activation. Methods Waste stone wool from greenhouses was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and mixed with sodium silicate solution either directly or after ball milling. The alkali-activation process was combined with the addition of H2O2, pre-made foam, or granulation to obtain suitable porous material for the plant substrate application. Preliminary greenhouse cultivation experiments of pea (Pisum sativum) were conducted with alkali-activated stone wool mixed with peat (a weight ratio of 1:1) and fertility analysis of the mixture were conducted. Results The results indicated that the most feasible production method was to use ball-milled stone wool and to combine alkali activation with granulation. The obtained granules could reach 2.7 MPa as compressive strength while the other methods resulted in very fragile material. The preliminary greenhouse cultivation experiments revealed that there were significant levels of nutrients (Ca, P, K, and S) and alkalinity leached from the granules which hindered the growth of pea. The high P and S amounts were also confirmed by the XRF results of stone wool. Conclusions It can be concluded that the developed granules did not function well as a plant substrate for pea but could enable the re-utilization of the nutrients contained in the greenhouse stone wool waste. Moreover, their application to acidic sulfate soils could be feasible as it would utilize the alkalinity of granules.
The genome sequence of the small forest hoverfly, Chalcosyrphus nemorum (Fabricius, 1805)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Poole Oliver ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Chalcosyrphus nemorum (the small forest hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 366.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.75 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,753 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of a sawfly, Macrophya alboannulata (Costa, 1859)
Authors: Falk Steven , Green Andrew ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Macrophya alboannulata (sawfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence is 245.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 23.17 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 24,359 protein coding genes.
Eesti grammatika
Authors: Metslang Helle , Erelt Mati , Habicht Külli , Hennoste Tiit , Kasik Reet , Teras Pire , Viht Annika , Asu Eva Liina , Lindström Liina , Lippus Pärtel , Pajusalu Renate , Plado Helen , Rääbis Andriela , Veismann Ann
Published: February 2024

„Eesti grammatika“ on koguteos, mis kirjeldab enam kui tuhandel leheküljel eesti keele ehitust alates häälikutest kuni lausete ja dialoogideni. Raamatu viis osa annavad ülevaate eesti keele foneetikast ja fonoloogiast, sõnamuutmisest ja sõnamoodustusest, kirjalikust süntaksist ning esmakordselt ka suulise keele süntaksist ja dialoogi põhiehitusest. Sissejuhatus tutvustab keele tasandeid ja keelekirjelduse põhimõisteid. Grammatika koondab ennekõike selle sajandi eesti keele uurimise tulemusi, pakkudes kasutajale ühtede kaante vahel olulist teavet nüüdiseesti ühiskeele kõigi peamiste aspektide kohta. Käsitlus toetub tänapäevase keelekasutuse andmetele ning toob esile ka keelekasutuse varieerumise ja muutumise tendentsid. Raamatu lõpus on põhjalik eesti keele alaste uurimuste valikbibliograafia. „Eesti grammatika“ on vajalik infoallikas kõigile, kelle töö, õpingud või huvid seostuvad eesti keelega.
Differential diagnosis of retronychia, onychomycosis and onychomadesis
Authors: Wahlen Bianca Maria , El-Menyar Ayman , Elkholy Ayman
Published: February 2024

Background: In rare dermatology cases the differential diagnosis is challenging, e.g. when one nail is growing below another, the provisional diagnosis could be confusing. It may present as chronic paronychia, candidiasis, bacterial infections, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, subungual tumours, or cysts. Case description: We present a case of iatrogenic rupture of the nails of both big toes following a commonly known recommendation from physiotherapists in the initial stages of hallux valgus or chronic arthritis by using kinesio tape to prevent the big toe from fixation in the valgus position. The initial provisional diagnosis of retronychia was revised, and a final diagnosis of onychomadesis was made. The patient’s complaint was solved after around one year without any specific therapy. Conclusion: The differential diagnosis for onychomadesis needs a careful and detailed history that may prevent a patient from a frightening diagnosis and painful, long-lasting treatments.
Optical characterization of native aerosols from e-cigarettes in localized volumes
Authors: Zora-Guzman Erick , Guzman-Sepulveda Jose R.
Published: February 2024

Measuring the size distribution of aerosols typically requires processing a sample, specifically to adjust the particle concentration to an adequate level. Unfortunately, this manipulation can significantly alter the native composition of some aerosols, which can lead to unreliable or even unusable measurements. We demonstrate that coherence-gated dynamic light scattering is suitable to measure the size distribution of native aerosols without the need for sample processing. Another novel aspect of the present work is the first demonstration of these type of localized light-scattering-based measurements in aerial media. Measuring the size distribution reliably in optically dense aerosols is possible thanks to the interferometric amplification of single scattering in an optically isolated, picolitre-sized coherence volume. We carried out proof-of-concept experiments in aerosols from electronic cigarettes, which poses a challenge mainly due to their high concentration, volatility, and hygroscopicity. We generated aerosols using two common moisturizers, propylene glycol and glycerol, and measured their particle size distribution as a function of the burning power. The aerosols generated in the presence of glycerol are more polydisperse and have larger particles with increasing burning power. This unique characterization of native aerosols can provide valuable information for dosimetry and hosting sites in the respiratory system.
Novel Techniques in Microscopy: introduction to the feature issue
Authors: Tang Shuo , Elson Daniel , Durr Nicholas
Published: February 2024

The editors introduce the feature issue on “Novel Techniques in Microscopy,” which was the topic of a symposium held on April 24–27, 2023, in Vancouver, BC. This symposium was part of the Optics in the Life Sciences Congress.
Broadband 2 × 2 multimode-interference coupler on the silicon-nitride platform
Authors: Ai Xiheng , Zhang Yang , Hsu Wei-Lun , Veilleux Sylvain , Dagenais Mario
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present the design, optimization, and implementation of a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) multi-mode interference coupler (MMI) on the silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform with a significantly enhanced bandwidth compared to the conventional MMI. We extend the SWG MMI theory, previously presented for the silicon-on-insulator platform, to the Si3N4/SiO2 platform. Our approach involves an initial parameter optimization for a non-paired design, followed by a shift to a paired design that offers a smaller footprint and a broader bandwidth. The optimized SWG MMI exhibits a 1 dB bandwidth of 300 nm for both the insertion loss and power imbalance, making it a significant addition to silicon nitride photonics.
Impacts of spatial symmetries on stimulated Brillouin scatterings in nanoscale silicon waveguides: a theoretical and numerical study considering material anisotropies
Authors: Xing Xue-Yuan , Su Xiao-Xing , Shui Guo-Shuang , Qin Jixing , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: February 2024

Fully considering the mechanical and photoelastic anisotropies of monocrystalline silicon, the impacts of spatial symmetries on the stimulated Brillouin scatterings (SBSs) in nanoscale suspended silicon waveguides are studied theoretically and numerically based on group theory. First, starting from an assumption that the principal material coordinate system can be arbitrarily orientated in a waveguide with fixed geometry, the silicon waveguides are systematically classified into a number of point groups according to their spatial symmetry features. Thereafter, the symmetry characteristics of physical fields and SBS opto-mechanical coupling characteristics in the silicon waveguides belonging to different point groups are further examined, and the major new findings can be summarized as follows: The SBS opto-mechanical couplings in several kinds of silicon waveguides with certain nontrivial symmetry features exhibit relatively predictable behaviors in that the opto-mechanical coupling coefficients can be deterministically vanishing or nonvanishing under very few constraints, which can thus serve as general symmetry selection rules for SBSs in suspended silicon waveguides. The results obtained in the present study could be a useful theoretical reference for the design of novel SBS-active silicon photonic devices.
Heterogeneous integration of single InAs/InP quantum dots with the SOI chip using direct bonding
Authors: Burakowski Marek , Holewa Paweł , Mrowiński Paweł , Sakanas Aurimas , Musiał Anna , Sȩk Grzegorz , Yvind Kresten , Semenova Elizaveta , Syperek Marcin
Published: February 2024

Quantum information processing with photons in small-footprint and highly integrated silicon-based photonic chips requires incorporating non-classical light sources. In this respect, self-assembled III-V semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are an attractive solution, however, they must be combined with the silicon platform. Here, by utilizing the large-area direct bonding technique, we demonstrate the hybridization of InP and SOI chips, which allows for coupling single photons to the SOI chip interior, offering cost-effective scalability in setting up a multi-source environment for quantum photonic chips. We fabricate devices consisting of self-assembled InAs QDs embedded in the tapered InP waveguide (WG) positioned over the SOI-defined Si WG. Focusing on devices generating light in the telecom C-band compatible with the low-loss optical fiber networks, we demonstrate the light coupling between InP and SOI platforms by observing photons outcoupled at the InP-made circular Bragg grating outcoupler fabricated at the end of an 80 µm-long Si WG, and at the cleaved edge of the Si WG. Finally, for a device with suppressed multi-photon generation events exhibiting 80% single photon generation purity, we measure the photon number outcoupled at the cleaved facet of the Si WG. We estimate the directional on-chip photon coupling between the source and the Si WG to 5.1%.
Multifunctional metalens optical tweezers for optical information recognition
Authors: Deng Yuehua , Huang Xiaoyan , Lu Zhechun , Wang Dongying , Li Shaoqi , Zhou Shengru , Zhang Zhaojian , Zhang Jianfa , Yu Yang , Yang Junbo
Published: February 2024

Traditional optical information recognition (OIR), particle capture and manipulation require many optical devices or mechanical moving system components to achieve a specific function, which is difficult to achieve integration. This paper proposes a new method to realize these functions by using multi-focus metalens combining spectrum and polarization selection. The design incorporates three spectral bands, namely 500 nm, 580 nm, and 660 nm, within the visible light range. Additionally, it utilizes either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized (LCP/RCP) light, resulting in six distinct focus focusing effects on a single focal plane. By analyzing the normalized light intensity (NLI) at the corresponding focus position, the OIR of any wavelength and polarization detection in the design can be realized, and the particle capture at different focusing positions can be realized. Our work can provide a new idea for the high integration of on-chip light recognition and operation and inspire the design of a highly integrated optical system with a smaller size and more substantial function.
Linearized EUV mask optimization based on the adjoint method
Authors: He Pinxuan , Liu Jiamin , Gu Honggang , Jiang Hao , Liu Shiyuan
Published: February 2024

Mask optimization, a compensation method for the thick mask effect and the optical proximity effect in projection lithography, is essential for advanced EUV-enabled production nodes. However, owing to high computation costs and the absence of gradient calculations, it is challenging to optimize EUV masks under rigorous consideration of the thick mask effect. In this work, a linearized EUV mask optimization method based on the adjoint method is proposed to provide fast and effective optimizations. The adjoint method is introduced to calculate the gradient of the EUV mask model. Additionally, a linearized gradient is proposed to quickly compensate for wafer pattern distortion caused by the prominent thick mask effect. Two examples of the EUV mask optimization implemented with a two-step strategy were provided, from which it was observed that the linearized gradient can improve the efficiency by about 40% in the coarse optimization step. The proposed method is promising for accurate full-chip EUV mask optimization.
MnO2-based dual channel surface plasmon resonance fiber sensor for trace glutathione and refractive index detection
Authors: Yan Xin , Fu Rao , Hu Taotao , Li Haihui , Qu Yuhan , Cheng Tonglei
Published: February 2024

Glutathione (GSH) plays vital role in human biological systems, so its rapid and sensitive detection is necessary for health condition monitoring. In this work, a simple structure for dual channel GSH and refractive index (RI) detection is proposed. By introducing Au-MnO2 thin film coating on the fiber surface for the first time, GSH solution would lead to the dissolution of MnO2, the change in GSH levels could be monitored over a short period in channel 2. For channel 1, ITO-Ag thin film is applied for RI change detection. After optimization, the GSH detection sensitivity reached about -2.361 nm/mM in the range of 0.005-50 mM, and the RI sensitivity reached 1704.252 nm/RIU in the range of 1.331-1.3895 RIU. Channel 1 could also put into GSH detection in the high concentration scale to enlarge the sensor’s range and 0.095 nm/mM of sensitivity is acquired within the range of 50-600 mM. With the presence of MnO2 film, the detection sensitivity increased 25.663 times. Neither channel interferes with the operation of the other. Proposed sensor provides stability, high selectivity and elevation in GSH detection sensitivity, which shows great potential for environmental and biological detection field and their applications.
Optical fiber immunosensors based on surface plasmon resonance for the detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Oliveira Sandro C. , Soares Simone , Rodrigues Andreia C. M. , Gonçalves Bárbara V. , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Santos Nuno , Kumar Santosh , Almeida Pedro , Marques Carlos
Published: February 2024

Every year, millions of people suffer some form of illness associated with the consumption of contaminated food. Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the intestines of humans and other animals, is commonly associated with various diseases, due to the existence of pathogenic strains. Strict monitoring of food products for human consumption is essential to ensure public health, but traditional cell culture-based methods are associated with long waiting times and high costs. New approaches must be developed to achieve cheap, fast, and on-site monitoring. Thus, in this work, we developed optical fiber sensors based on surface plasmon resonance. Gold and cysteamine-coated fibers were functionalized with anti-E. coli antibody and tested using E. coli suspensions with concentrations ranging from 1 cell/mL to 105 cells/mL. An average logarithmic sensitivity of 0.21 ± 0.01 nm/log(cells/mL) was obtained for three independent assays. An additional assay revealed that including molybdenum disulfide resulted in an increase of approximately 50% in sensitivity. Specificity and selectivity were also evaluated, and the sensors were used to analyze contaminated water samples, which verified their promising applicability in the aquaculture field.
Formation of electromagnetic pulses with nonzero electrical area by media with ferromagnetism
Authors: Rosanov Nikolay N.
Published: February 2024

The known rule of conservation of the electrical area of pulses, which plays a decisive role in the effectiveness of the action of extremely short pulses on microobjects, is valid for a wide class of media, including all non-magnetic ones. We show how this rule changes in magnetically ordered media, where pulses can induce magnetization variation. We found that such variations serve as another source of pulse electrical area, in addition to the movement of charges.
Barriers to accessibility of medicines for hyperlipidemia in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Spencer Garrison , Husain Muhammad Jami , Nugent Rachel , Auzenne Deon , Kostova Deliana , Richter Patricia
Published: February 2024

Despite the high burden of hyperlipidemia and the effectiveness of treatment, evidence suggests that the accessibility of hyperlipidemia medicines can be low in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to identify common barriers to the accessibility of medicines for hyperlipidemia in LMICs. A multimethod analysis and multiple data sources were used to assess the accessibility and barriers of medicines for hyperlipidemia in selected LMICs. The overall median availability of statins for hyperlipidemia in public facilities was 0% and 5.4%, for originators and generics, respectively. In private facilities, median availability was 13.3% and 35.9%, for originators and generics, respectively. Statin availability was lowest in Africa and South-East Asia. Private facilities generally had higher availability than public facilities. Statins are less affordable in lower-income countries, costing around 6 days’ wages per month. Originator statins are less affordable than generics in countries of all income-levels. The median cost for statin medications per month ranges from a low of $1 in Kenya to a high of $62 in Mexico, with most countries having a median monthly cost between $3.6 and $17.0. The key informant interviews suggested that accessibility to hyperlipidemia medicines in LMICs faces barriers in multiple dimensions of health systems. The availability and affordability of statins are generally low in LMICs. Several steps could be implemented to improve the accessibility of hyperlipidemia medicines, including private sector engagement, physician education, investment in technology, and enhancement of health systems.
The association between cesarean birth and breastfeeding initiation in Odisha, India: A mother fixed effects analysis
Authors: Smita  , Franz Nathan , Coffey Diane
Published: February 2024

Cesarean births are becoming more common in India, with health implications for both mothers and infants. Between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of cesarean births to total births in India roughly doubled, from 9% to 17%. We analyze Annual Health Survey data from the state of Odisha in eastern India. These population-level, longitudinal data on births between 2007 and 2011 allows us to estimate the association between cesarean birth and breastfeeding outcomes using mother fixed effects. Mother fixed effects allow comparisons of siblings born to the same mother who experienced different types of births (vaginal and cesarean). This empirical strategy controls for many potential observable and unobservable confounders in the relationship. Ordinary Least Squares linear probability models without mother fixed effects find that babies born by cesarean in Odisha are about 14 percentage points (p<0.001) more likely to experience delayed initiation of breastfeeding (that is, not being breastfed in the first 24 hours) compared with babies born vaginally. After introducing mother fixed effects, we find that babies born by cesarean are 11 percentage points more likely to (p<0.001) experience delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Because breastfeeding success is important for protecting against infectious disease in this context, future research should investigate whether cesarean birth impacts other aspects of breastfeeding as well.
Provider and female client economic costs of integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mangenah Collin , Sibanda Euphemia L. , Maringwa Galven , Sithole Justice , Gudukeya Stephano , Mugurungi Owen , Hatzold Karin , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Maheswaran Hendramoorthy , Thirumurthy Harsha , Cowan Frances M.
Published: February 2024

A retrospective facility-based costing study was undertaken to estimate the comparative cost per visit of five integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus) services (provider perspective) within five clinic sites. These five clinics were part of four service delivery models: Non-governmental-organisation (NGO) directly managed model (Chitungwiza and New Africa House sites), NGO partner managed site (Mutare site), private-public-partnership (PPP) model (Chitungwiza Profam Clinic), and NGO directly managed outreach (operating from New Africa House site. In addition client cost exit interviews (client perspective) were conducted among 856 female clients exiting integrated services at three of the sites. Our costing approach involved first a facility bottom-up costing exercise (February to April 2015), conducted to quantify and value each resource input required to provide individual SRH and HIV services. Secondly overhead financial expenditures were allocated top-down from central office to sites and then respective integrated service based on pre-defined allocation factors derived from both the site facility observations and programme data for the prior 12 months. Costs were assessed in 2015 United States dollars (USD). Costs were assessed for HIV testing and counselling, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis screening with smear microscopy, family planning, and cervical cancer screening and treatment employing visual inspection with acetic acid and cervicography and cryotherapy. Variability in costs per visit was evident across the models being highest for cervical cancer screening and cryotherapy (range: US$6.98—US$49.66). HIV testing and counselling showed least variability (range; US$10.96—US$16.28). In general the PPP model offered integrated services at the lowest unit costs whereas the partner managed site was highest. Significant client costs remain despite availability of integrated sexual and reproductive health and HIV services free of charge in our Zimbabwe study setting. Situating services closer to communities, incentives, transport reimbursements, reducing waiting times and co-location of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services may help minimise impact of client costs.
How and when is academic stress associated with mobile phone addiction? The roles of psychological distress, peer alienation and rumination
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Han Miao , Lian Shuailei , Cao Xiaoxuan , Yan Lei
Published: February 2024

Background

Mobile phone addiction has a high detection rate among adolescents and is thought to be related to academic stress. However, the underlying mechanisms in this relation were still unclear. The present study tested the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating roles of peer alienation and rumination in the relationship between academic stress and mobile phone addiction.

Methods

A total of 742 middle school students were recruited to complete measures of academic stress, psychological distress, mobile phone addiction, peer alienation, rumination, and demographic variables. Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

The results indicated that academic stress was significantly and positively associated with mobile phone addiction, and this link could be mediated by psychological distress. Moreover, this indirect effect was moderated by both peer alienation and rumination. Specifically, the mediating effect of psychological distress was stronger for adolescents with higher levels of peer alienation or adolescents with higher levels of rumination, as well as those with both higher levels of peer alienation and rumination.

Conclusion

The findings of this study enrich our understanding of how and for whom academic stress is correlated with mobile phone addiction. Education experts and parents should pay special attention to adolescents suffering from academic stress, especially those with higher peer alienation and rumination, and help them get rid of mobile phone addiction.
The shadow of the family: Historical roots of social trust in Europe
Authors: Kravtsova Maria , Oshchepkov Aleksey , Welzel Christian
Published: February 2024

This study provides new evidence on how historical patterns of household formation shape the present-day level of trust. We test two distinct features of historical family arrangements that might be harmful to trust towards out-groups: (a) family extendedness in terms of the number of household members, and (b) generational hierarchy and gender relations within the household. To conduct our study, we compiled a historical database that reflects family structure and socio-economic development, mostly in the 19th century. The analysis was performed on a sample of 94 historical subnational units within eight contemporary Western and Eastern European countries that participated in the Life in Transition Survey in 2010. We find that cohabitation of several generations within the historical family and power of older generations over the younger are detrimental for out-group trust today. By contrast, family extendedness per se was revealed to have no impact on trust.
Clinical epidemiology, determinants, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yeboah Richmond , Gorman Richmond , Acheampong Henry Kyeremateng , Nyarko-Afriyie Emmanuella , Aryeetey Sherihane , Tetteh Henrietta Dede , Owusu Michael , Yeboah Eric Smart , Adade Titus , Bonney Joseph , Amoako Yaw Ampem , El-Duah Philip , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Drosten Christian , Phillips Richard Odame , Sylverken Augustina Angelina
Published: February 2024

Viral encephalitis is a rare, yet severe neurological disorder. It poses a significant public health threat due to its high morbidity and mortality. Despite the disproportionate burden of the disease in impoverished African countries, the true extent of the problem remains elusive due to the scarcity of accurate diagnostic methods. The absence of timely and effective diagnostic tools, particularly Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, has led to misguided treatment, and an underestimation of the disease burden in Ghana. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to determine the viral aetiologies of encephalitis among patients presenting to a major referral hospital in Ghana from May 2019 and August 2022. The study aimed at providing a comprehensive information on the clinical epidemiology, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana. Clinical samples were collected from patients presenting with signs and symptoms of encephalitis and tested for viral agents using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We assessed the clinical epidemiology, risk factors and outcome of individuals using descriptive and logistic regression analysis. Seventy-seven (77) patients were enrolled unto the study. The participants frequently presented with fever (85.7%), seizures (80.5%), lethargy (64.9%) and headache (50.6%). Viruses were detected in 40.3% of the study participants in either cerebrospinal fluid, rectal or oral swab samples. The most frequently detected viruses were cytomegalovirus (48.4%), enteroviruses (38.7%) and HSV (29.0%). Twenty-one (27.3%) of the patients died while on hospital admission. Gender (OR = 5.70 (1.536–1.172), p = 0.01), and negative polymerase chain reaction test results were identified as significant factors associated with death. Antiviral treatment increased the chance of survival of viral encephalitis patients by 21.8%. Our results validate the crucial role of molecular tools as essential for the rapid diagnosis of viral encephalitis, enabling effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. This study contributes valuable epidemiological and clinical insight into viral encephalitis in Ghana.
Green finance and corporate environmental investment: "Scale Up" or "Efficiency Up"?
Authors: Yang Qu , Ming Shiyi , Zhang Rongguang , Yan Haitao
Published: February 2024

The establishment of green finance reform and innovation (GFRI) pilot zone is an important measure of the Chinese government to urge enterprises to develop green transformation. This paper explores the impact of pilot policies in the GFRI pilot zone on corporate environmental investment. Based on 819 A-share listed enterprises from 2010 to 2020, our staggered difference-in-differences (staggered DID) estimation documents revealed that enterprises in the GFRI pilot zone significantly increased the corporate environmental investment efficiency but reduced the scale of corporate environmental investment.This conclusion remained robust after Propensity Scores Matching difference-in-differences (PSM-DID), replacing dependent variables, and shortening the time window. We contend that the increased research and development (R&D) expenditure and technological innovation are the potential mechanisms at work. Heterogeneity analysis showed that the establishment of GFRI improved the environmental investment efficiency of polluting enterprises but had no effect on green enterprises.Meanwhile, the effect of GFRI exhibited heterogeneity in the type of enterprise ownership. This paper evaluates the implementation effect of GFRI from the perspective of corporate environmental investment, and provides theoretical support and an empirical basis for green finance policy to serve China’s green economy.
Prescription drug coverage and effective coverage of three chronic conditions of high prevalence in Chile: Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia
Authors: Matute Isabel , Castillo-Laborde Carla
Published: February 2024

Background

Access to medicines is a serious problem globally and in Chile. Despite the creation of coverage policies, part of the population with chronic conditions of high prevalence, still does not have access to the medicines it requires and disease control continues to be low. The objective of the study was to estimate the medication use and effective coverage for diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension in Chile, analyzing them according to sociodemographic variables and social determinants of health.

Methods

Cross-sectional analytical study with information from the 2016–2017 National Health Survey (sample = 6,233 people aged 15 years or older, expanded = 14,518,969). Descriptive analyses of medication use and effective coverage for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were carried out, and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to analyze possible associations with variables of interest.

Results

60% of people with hypertension or diabetes use medications and only 27.7% in dyslipidemia. While 54.2% of those with diabetes have their glycemia controlled, in hypertension and dyslipidemia the effective coverage drops to 33.3% and 6.6%, respectively. There are no differences in use by health system, but there are differences in the control of hypertension and diabetes, favoring beneficiaries of the private subsystem. Effective coverage of dyslipidemia and hypertension also increases in those using medications. The drugs coincide with the established protocols, although beneficiaries of the private sector report greater use of innovative drugs.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of Chileans with hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia still do not use the required medications and do not control their conditions.