bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Air Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Salih Mustafa , Alkhalifah Joud Mohammed , Alsomali Abdulaziz Hassan , Almushawah Abdullah Abdulrahman
Published: July 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Environmental Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on lung airway inflammation by assessing the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in students studying in schools located in or away from air-polluted areas.
Methods: This matched case-control cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from August 2022 to July 2023. In this study, two schools were selected, one was located near a traffic-polluted area (School #1), and the second was located away from the traffic-polluted area (School #2). A total of 300 students were recruited, 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from the school located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from the school located away from a traffic-polluted area. Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2, were recorded. The Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) was measured using a Niox Mino.
Results: The mean concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were 35.00±0.65 significantly higher in a school located in motor vehicle polluted area compared to a school located away from a motor vehicle-polluted area (29.95±0.32) (p=0.001). The mean values for FeNO were significantly higher (18.75±0.90) among students studying in a school located in the motor vehicle-polluted area compared to students studying in a school located away from the motor vehicle-polluted area (11.26±0.56) (p=0.001).
Conclusions: Environmental pollution can cause lung inflammation among students in schools located in traffic-polluted areas.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9630
How to cite this: Meo SA, Salih MA, Alkhalifah JM, Alsomali AH, Almushawah AA. Effect of Air Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO). Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9630
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical efficacy of Apatinib combined with Epidermal growth factor receptor - tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) in nonsmall cell lung cancer after EGFR-TKI resistance
Authors: Tian Ruifen , Guo Yi , Zhang Xing , Zhang Xia , Song Xia
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Apatinib combined with epidermal growth factor receptor - tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and acquired EGFR-TKI resistance.
Methods: Clinical records of 106 patients with NSCLC at Shanxi Tumor Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to October 2020, with acquired drug resistance after EGFR-TKI treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 52 patients received Apatinib combined with EGFR-TKI (Apatinib group), and 54 patients received a standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed combined with platinum) (chemotherapy group). Clinical efficacy indicators, follow-up results, and adverse reactions in both groups were compared.
Results: There was no significant difference in the objective response rate and disease control rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The progression free survival (PFS) of the Apatinib group was significantly longer than that of the chemotherapy group (10.5 months vs. 5.7 months; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with standard chemotherapy, Apatinib combined with EGFR-TKI has the same efficacy in treating NSCLC patients with EGFR-TKI resistance, and was associated with longer PFS with no significant increase in adverse reactions.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9682
How to cite this: Tian R, Guo Y, Zhang X, Zhang X, Song X. Clinical efficacy of Apatinib combined with Epidermal growth factor receptor - tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) in nonsmall cell lung cancer after EGFR-TKI resistance. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9682
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of probiotics combined with Ulinastatin and Somatostatin in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Dou Hehe , Kan Yue , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Zhenjie , Zheng Chuanming
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of probiotics combined with Ulinastatin and Somatostatin in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 160 patients with severe acute pancreatitis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from July 2021 to June 2023. There were 78 patients received Ulinastatin and Somatostatin treatment (Control group), and 82 patients received probiotics in addition to Ulinastatin and Somatostatin treatment (Observation group). The treatment effect and the time required to alleviate clinical symptoms were compared between the two groups. Serum levels of inflammatory factors, intestinal mucosal indexes and the incidence of adverse reactions before and after treatment were analyzed.
Results: The total efficacy of the Observation group (95.12%) was higher than that of the Control group (85.90%) (P<0.05). Combined probiotic/Ulinastatin + Somatostatin treatment was associated with shorter time to remission of the clinical symptoms (P<0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of inflammatory factors in the two groups were decreased, and was significantly lower in the Observation group compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Similarly, post-treatment serum levels of intestinal mucosal indexes in the two groups were lower than before the treatment, and significantly lower in the Observation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions: A combined regimen of probiotics, Ulinastatin and Somatostatin is safe and can more effectively relieve clinical symptoms in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, reduce levels of inflammatory factors, lower intestinal mucosal damage and improve the overall treatment effect compared to Ulinastatin and Somatostatin regimen alone.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9744
How to cite this: Dou H, Kan Y, Xu Z, Wang Z, Zheng C. Effect of probiotics combined with Ulinastatin and Somatostatin in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9744
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η πρόσληψη της θρησκείας κατά τον Πλούταρχο
Authors: Μαραγκουδάκης Γεώργιος
Published: July 2024

Στην παρούσα εργασία επιχειρήσαμε να προσεγγίσουμε την φιλοσοφία του Πλουτάρχου στην θρησκευτική και θεολογική της διάσταση εξετάζοντας, εν τέλει, τον βαθύτερο ανθρωποκεντρικό και μυστηριακό σκοπό που αυτή υπηρετεί. Η εργασία διαρθρώνεται σε δύο κύρια μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος αναφέρεται στην βιογραφία του Πλουτάρχου, στην διαμόρφωση του θρησκευτικού φαινομένου κατά την διάρκεια της εποχής στην οποία έζησε, αλλά και στο αρχαιοελληνικό φιλοσοφικό υπόβαθρο της θεολογικής του σκέψης. Επιπλέον, το πρώτο μέρος ολοκληρώνεται με αναφορά στην ιδεολογική και γλωσσολογική συσχέτιση του Πλουτάρχου με φιλοσοφικά και θεολογικά στοιχεία του αιγυπτιακού πολιτισμού. Το δεύτερο μέρος αναπτύσσεται σε πέντε κεφάλαια που καλύπτουν διαφορετικές πτυχές της θρησκείας κατά τον Πλούταρχο. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο αναλύει την πρόσληψη από τον Πλούταρχο του αιγυπτιακού μύθου για την Ίσιδα και τον Όσιρι και τα ερμηνευτικά μοντέλα βάση των οποίων ο φιλόσοφος αναλύει την μυθική αφήγηση, από το ιστοριογραφικό ερμηνευτικό μοντέλο έως και την πλατωνική ερμηνεία, η οποία κρίνεται από τον Πλούταρχο ως αυτή που, εν τέλει, βρίσκεται πιο κοντά στην βαθύτερη αλήθεια του εν λόγω μύθου. Σε αυτό το κεφάλαιο διακρίνει κανείς την σημασία της αναζήτησης και της διανοητικής προσπάθειας, αλλά και της φιλοσοφικής και ορθολογικής επεξήγησης, προκειμένου να μπορέσει να προσεγγίσει ο άνθρωπος το αινιγματικό και μυθολογικό στοιχείο της θρησκείας. Το δεύτερο κεφάλαιο εξετάζει την πορεία της ψυχής μετά τον θάνατο, τονίζοντας τη σημασία της ηθικής καθαρότητας και της απόκτησης της αρετής. Το τρίτο κεφάλαιο αναφέρεται στη δεισιδαιμονία, τη φύση των δαιμόνων και την αρετή της μεσότητας, που θα οδηγήσει τον πιστό στην ευσέβεια και στην αποφυγή τόσο της αθεΐας, όσο και της δεισιδαιμονίας. Το τέταρτο κεφάλαιο πραγματεύεται τη διαρχία μεταξύ Διονύσου και Απόλλωνα, την ερμηνεία του δελφικού έψιλον, την στάση του Πλουτάρχου ως προς τον ιουδαϊσμό, αλλά και την απουσία οποιασδήποτε αναφοράς στον χριστιανισμό. Ιουδαϊσμός και χριστιανισμός αποτελούν τις δύο μονοθεϊστικές θρησκείες της εποχής του Πλουτάρχου. Το τελευταίο κεφάλαιο αναλύει την έννοια της θέωσης στον Πλούταρχο, αλλά και την σημασία της φιλοσοφίας και της μύησης σε κάποια μυστηριακή λατρεία, προκειμένου η θέωση να μπορέσει να επιτευχθεί. Η θέωση δεν είναι τίποτα άλλο από την ένωση με αυτό που ο Πλούταρχος χαρακτηρίζει ως το πρώτο και κύριο και νοητό, είναι η φιλοσοφική εποπτεία που πραγματοποιείται μέσα από την ανάβαση του νου και τον έλεγχο της κατώτερης φύσης του ανθρώπου. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται με συμπεράσματα, όπου αποδίδονται συνοπτικά τα βασικά σημεία στα οποία καταλήξαμε σχετικά με το προς εξέταση θέμα.
Bóg i cierpienie zwierząt. Próba rozwiązania problemu z nawiązaniem do mistyki i wybranych koncepcji filozoficznych
Authors: Pachniewski Konrad
Published: July 2024

Artykuł podejmuje temat poważnego problemu monoteizmu tj.cierpienia zwierząt. Autor sądzi, że osoba wierząca jest w stanie go satysfakcjonująco wyjaśnić i przedstawia propozycje wyjaśnień. Najpierw nawiązując do mistyki żydowskiej, neoplatońskiej oraz chrześcijańskiej rozpatruje problem zła fizycznego ogólnie, traktując cierpienie zwierząt jako jego przejaw, a następnie koncentruje się na nim samym, choć i w tej części tekstu nie abstrahuje od problemu zła rozpatrywanego ogólnie. Autor dochodzi do wniosku, że niedoskonałość wpisana jest w naturę stworzenia, oraz że jest ona konsekwencją środka kontaktu z Bogiem zdeterminowanego jego właściwościami - wiary. Ponadto, autor pokazuje, że cierpienie zwierząt jest skutkiem właściwej im zmysłowości oraz wolności, a także iż zjawisko to nie jest bezsensowne. Nawiązanie do poglądów współczesnych i nowożytnych wzbogaciło wywód o wątki eschatologiczne oraz o koncepcję “łaski kreacyjnej”. Warto również zaznaczyć, że w kontekście cierpienia zwierząt, użyte argumenty należy rozpatrywać całościowo, gdyż rozpatrywane osobno mogą nie być w pełni zadowalające.
Technologia w służbie komunizmu
Authors: Lekki Wiktor Jan
Published: July 2024

Celem niniejszego artykułu recenzyjnego jest przybliżenie książki W Pełni Zautomatyzowany Luksusowy Komunizm. Manifest autorstwa Aarona Bastaniego. W tym celu przeprowadzone jest krótkie omówienie struktury tej książki i zawartych w niej tez przy równoczesnej próbie umiejscowienia jej treści w szerszym kontekście filozoficznym. Tematem ostatniej części pracy jest bliższe porównanie metodologii oraz pojęciowości wykorzystywanej przez Aarona Bastaniego i Karola Marksa oraz wskazanie różnic, które są przyczyną istotnych różnic w postrzeganiu politycznego wymiaru przemian społecznych przez obu autorów.
Basic aspects of ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression - a review paper
Authors: Szafrańska Weronika , Poborowska Dominika , Gańko Tomasz , Kahan Weronika , Bąk Emilia , Fordymacki Jacek , Wojaczek Marta , Polańska Katarzyna , Najjar Oliwia
Published: July 2024

Introduction and purpose: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric illness, affecting millions of people worldwide. The first line of pharmacological treatment is usually monoamine reuptake inhibitors. Up to 60% of cases, may be drug-resistant patients, prompting researchers to research substances other than conventional. 1 The purpose of this article was to review recent studies on the use of ketamine in the treatment of drug-resistant depression and present their findings.
 
Brief description of the state of knowledge: Ketamine has been a well-known drug used in anesthesiology and pain management for decades. Because of its multidirectional effects, researchers have become interested in its effects on psychiatric illnesses. Over the past decade or so, there has been a definite increase in research and articles on the use of ketamine in psychiatry. The study has resulted in FDA approval of esketamine for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults in 2019.
 
Material and method: This article is the result of searching keywords on databases such as Google Scholar and Pubmed and collecting scientific literature about depression and ketamine. Articles were preselected by title, number of citations, source, and publication date.
 
Summary: Ketamine has the potential to be a treatment for drug-resistant depression. Its effectiveness varies with the form and dosage, with racemic and higher doses offering greater therapeutic benefits. Ketamine's efficacy is on par with the electroconvulsive therapy. Its onset is faster than traditional antidepressants, significantly reducing suicide risk in a shorter time frame. While the precise mechanisms of its antidepressant effects are not fully understood, it is suggested that its impact on brain neuroplasticity may contribute to the rapid onset of action. Growing evidence supports ketamine's effectiveness in treating TRD, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
AILS-II: An Adaptive Iterated Local Search Heuristic for the Large-Scale Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Máximo Vinícius R. , Cordeau Jean-François , Nascimento Mariá C. V.
Published: July 2024

A recent study on the classical capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) introduced an adaptive version of the widely used iterated local search paradigm, hybridized with a path-relinking (PR) strategy. The solution method, called adaptive iterated local search (AILS)-PR, outperformed existing meta-heuristics for the CVRP on benchmark instances. However, tests on large-scale instances suggest that PR is too slow, making AILS-PR less advantageous in this case. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents an AILS combined with mechanisms to handle large CVRP instances, called AILS-II. The computational cost of this implementation is reduced, whereas the algorithm also searches the solution space more efficiently. AILS-II is very competitive on smaller instances, outperforming the other methods from the literature with respect to the average gap to the best-known solutions. Moreover, AILS-II consistently outperforms the state of the art on larger instances with up to 30,000 vertices.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools. This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Computing Special Issue on Software Tools for Vehicle Routing.

Funding: This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo [Grants 2013/07375-0, 2019/22067-6, and 2022/05803-3] and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grants 309385/2021-0 and 403735/2021-1].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0106 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0106 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
"MILTON SANTOS, UMA BIOGRAFIA"
Authors: Cirqueira Diogo Marçal
Published: July 2024

Esse texto é uma resenha do livro “Milton Santos, uma biografia” de autoria de Fernando Conceição.
APRENDIZADO DE MÁQUINA APLICADO NO MAPEAMENTO DO USO E COBERTURA DO SOLO DE ASSENTAMENTOS DE REFORMA AGRÁRIA NO ACRE.
Authors: Favero Isabella , Júnior José Marcato , Araújo Márcio Santos , De Souza Mauricio , Santos Neto João Batista Sarmento dos , Gonçalves Wesley Nunes
Published: July 2024

O conhecimento do uso e cobertura do solo auxilia na tomada de decisões no processo de regularização fundiária e no desenvolvimento do Plano Nacional de Reforma Agrária executado pelo INCRA, por meio das Superintendências Regionais em cada estado brasileiro. Neste estudo, investigamos a aplicação da técnica de aprendizado de máquina com o uso do algoritmo Suporte de Vetor de Máquina, combinado com imagens de satélite PlanetScope referente ao mês de outubro de 2022, para a classificação supervisionada do uso e cobertura do solo em 15 projetos de assentamentos no estado do Acre. Para o treinamento das amostras, definimos cinco classes: Vegetação, Infraestrutura, Pastagem degradada, Pastagem e Corpos d’água. Os resultados obtidos revelaram uma excelente concordância com índice kappa entre 0,861 e 0,983, e porcentagens mínimas para erros de omissão e inclusão nas classificações da cobertura terrestre nos projetos de assentamentos analisados. Esses resultados demostram que a combinação de técnicas de aprendizado de máquina com imagens de satélite resulta em classificações satisfatórias do uso e cobertura do solo. Desse modo, essa abordagem configura-se como uma ferramenta eficaz e de custo-benefício para o poder público, tanto no ordenamento fundiário quanto na execução da reforma agrária nos projetos de assentamentos no território brasileiro.
PARTICIPAÇÃO DO IFPA CAMPUS PARAUAPEBAS NA V OLIMPÍADABRASILEIRA DE CARTOGRAFIA: AMAZÔNIA NO MAPA
Authors: Resende Santos Paula , Chaves Almeida Kawane Brenda , Melo da Silva Andrey , Rodrigues e Sousa Estevão Lucas
Published: July 2024

Este trabalho relata a participação do Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia (IFPA) do campus Parauapebas na V Olimpíada Brasileira de Cartografia (OBRAC) que teve como tema “Amazônia no Mapa”. Na etapa Etapa II (Prova Prática 1) a equipe elaborou um mapeamento participativo destacando a presença da vegetação de savana metalófilas na Floresta Nacional de Carajás, enquanto que na Etapa II (Prova Prática 2) a equipe mapeou os desafios enfrentados na região da Floresta Nacional de Carajás, com enfoque para as atividades mineradoras que ocorrem na região.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and their role in managing type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: July 2024

Until recently the focus in diabetes care was on managing blood glucose – a glucocentric view. This is changing to a more holistic model aimed at prevention, treatment and management through lifestyle interventions as well as medication. An estimated 5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, most have type 2 diabetes which is associated with obesity. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, treated with diet and weight loss, or managed with medication. The number of people with diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. To manage diabetes well and reduce complications of poorly managed diabetes, management of the condition can no longer be restricted to endocrinologists and diabetes specialist nurses. This article provides guidance on how glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Choosing your words
Authors: Qureshi Tif
Published: July 2024

Tif Qureshi outlines the importance of language in the dental practice.
Clinical approach for pulmonary lymphatic disorders
Authors: Thamkittikun Chalisa , Tovichien Prakarn
Published: July 2024

In this editorial, we discuss the clinical implications of the article “Lymphatic plastic bronchitis and primary chylothorax: A study based on computed tomography lymphangiography” published by Li et al . Pulmonary lymphatic disorders involve abnormalities in the lymphatic tissues within the thoracic cavity. Specifically, pulmonary lymphatic perfusion syndrome describes a condition where the flow of lymphatic fluid in the lungs is redirected towards abnormally widened lymphatic vessels. Clinically, individuals with this syndrome may experience symptoms such as chyloptysis, plastic bronchitis (PB), chylothorax, chylopericardium, and interstitial lung disease. These disorders can be caused by various factors, including PB, chylothorax, and complex lymphatic malformations. Advancements in lymphatic imaging techniques, such as intranodal lymphangiography, computed tomography lymphangiography, and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography, have enabled the detection of abnormal lymphatic flow. This has enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions. Additionally, innovative minimally invasive treatments, such as thoracic duct embolization, selective embolization of lymphatic channels, and surgical procedures aim to improve clinical condition of patients and address their dietary needs.
Reflections on How What We Say, Do, and Acknowledge as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Researchers Matters
Authors: Shogren Karrie A.
Published: July 2024

This article highlights reflections by the author on the importance of considering what we say, do and acknowledge in intellectual and developmental disability research. The goal is to advance thinking that can lead to personal and collective change in our approaches to truly share power and elevate the expertise of people with lived experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the movement for equity, inclusion, and disability justice. Implications for inclusive research, policy, and practice are discussed as is the need to engage in personal reflection and build new partnerships for collective change.
Effect of steady-state thermal blooming on partially coherent radially polarized beams propagating in the atmosphere
Authors: Gu Kexin , Wang Yakun , Liu Yonglei , Chen Yahong , Cai Yangjian , Wang Fei
Published: July 2024

We undertake a computational study of the steady-state thermal blooming effect on a special class of partially coherent vector beams, called partially coherent radially polarized (PCRP) beams, propagating through the atmosphere. A computational propagation model that is based on a multi-phase screen method is established to simulate partially coherent vector beams. With the use of this model, the propagation properties of PCRP beams with different initial powers and spatial coherence widths are studied in detail, including average intensity distribution, r.m.s. beam width, and polarization. Our results unveil that PCRP beams can effectively reduce or overcome the negative effects caused by thermal blooming when the initial coherence width falls below a certain threshold. Further, it is shown that the spatial distribution of degree of polarization (DOP) is significantly affected by the thermal blooming during beam propagation, whereas the global DOP (integrating the DOP over a beam’s cross-section) is not.
Stretchable terahertz metasurface based on laser induced graphene for contactless deformation sensing
Authors: Deng Bowen , Wang Zongyuan , Liu Weiguang , Zhang Jia , Hu Bin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a 1D stretchable terahertz (THz) metasurface based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) for deformation sensing is developed with low cost, good sensitivity and robustness. After the LIG metasurface is fabricated by laser-direct writing on a polyimide film, it is divided into columns and bonded to a medical polyurethane (PU) tape, thus endowed with high elasticity due to the excellent flexibility of PU. Because LIG supports surface plasmon polaritons in the THz band, a plasmonic resonance is introduced in the reflection spectrum and red shifts with lateral stretching. Experimental results show that the device can realize a resonant frequency shift of 336 GHz at a deformation of 0-14 mm, and the linearity reaches 0.988, achieving a sensitivity of 24 GHz/mm and excellent robustness (>1000 repetitions). The LIG-based stretchable THz sensor has great application potential for contactless deformation sensing in aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and related fields.
Coherent feedback ground state cooling of the mechanical resonator in quadratic optomechanical system assisted by an atomic ensemble
Authors: Chang Rui , Zhang Suying
Published: July 2024

We propose a scheme for cooling a mechanical resonator to its ground state in a quadratic optomechanical system, assisted by an atomic ensemble in the unresolved sideband regime. The system features an auxiliary cavity directly coupled to an optical cavity, with a portion of the optical cavity’s output field being fed back through an asymmetric beam splitter. Utilizing quantum Langevin and master equations, we derive the optical fluctuation spectrum, the cooling rate, and the mean phonon number of the mechanical resonator. Our results demonstrate that the feedback mechanism substantially enhances the cooling rate. Furthermore, under optimal cooling conditions, the mechanical resonator achieves ground state cooling even with weaker optomechanical coupling strengths and higher auxiliary cavity dissipation rates, thereby mitigating the experimental constraints associated with these parameters. Additionally, we provide the feasible ranges for optomechanical coupling strength and atomic decay rates. Our findings suggest promising avenues for quantum manipulation in nonlinear systems and its applications in macroscopic optical devices.
Dynamic of stationary soliton to soliton pulsation transition in spatiotemporal mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Congcong , Ning Yu , Wang Shihai , Xiao Mingtong , Li Zhezhe , He Jiangyong , Liu Yange , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the experimental observation of the transition from stationary spatiotemporal soliton (STS) to spatiotemporal soliton pulsation (STSP) in spatiotemporal mode-locked fiber lasers for the first time. Three STSs maintain an asynchronous pulsating state with the same period, while another STS remains in a stationary mode-locked state. Through numerical analysis, the dynamic transition process of STS to STSP is studied. Numerical analysis reveals that STSP occurs under specific cavity parameters when the energy is comparatively high. As pulse energy increases, a stationary STS gradually transitions to a pulsation state. The modes have undergone distinct evolutionary trajectories, and the pivotal role of the saturable absorption effect as well as the interaction among modes has been demonstrated to be crucial for STSP. Our study contributes to understanding the formation mechanism of STSP.
Controllable perfect chiral optical response in planar metasurfaces empowered by quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Huang Zhisen , Wang Jin , Jia Wei , Zhang Shanwen , Zhou Changhe
Published: July 2024

Chiral metasurfaces with strong chirality and high quality factors (Q-factors) have become essential components for achieving strong light-matter interactions and have a wide range of applications in chiral lasers, detectors, etc. However, current schemes primarily focus on enhancing the chiral response and Q-factor, with limited consideration of their modulability and flexibility. In this paper, we present a chiral a-Si metasurface that can support multiple symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum (BIC). The perfect extrinsic and intrinsic chiral responses (circular dichroism exceeding 0.99), with ultra-high Q-factors, are achieved by utilizing quasi-BICs induced by illumination symmetry and in-plane symmetry breaking. The circular dichroism value and the transmittance of the two circular polarization states can be arbitrarily controlled by adjusting the structural parameters. Furthermore, the feasibility of achieving dynamic modulation of chiral response is demonstrated based on the a-Si-graphene hybrid metasurface. Our research offers an approach to the design of controllable planar optical chirality, which also provides promising avenues for applications in spin-selective bio-detection, electrically tunable chiral switching, and chiral lasers.
On-orbit high-precision calibration for deep-coupled parameters of star sensor and gyroscope systems
Authors: Yi Jinhui , Ma Yuebo , Long Hongfeng , Lu Kaili , Zhao Rujin
Published: July 2024

To enhance the dynamic performance and stability of spacecraft attitude measurement, a commonly adopted approach is to integrate a star sensor with an inertial gyroscope. While an integrated sensor system offers benefits in high-precision and high-dynamic scenarios, it also introduces errors in the extrinsic parameters of the camera and gyroscope, directly contributing to increased fixed error in attitude determination. Hence, real-time correction of integrated system parameters becomes crucial for enhancing the accuracy of attitude estimation. However, a deep coupling relationship exists between the camera's principal point and the extrinsic parameters of the two sensors, unified calibration of system parameters increases the computational time to decouple all the parameters. In response to this challenge, a stepwise calibration method for system parameters is proposed. Firstly, the calibration of camera intrinsic parameters leverages the principle of invariant interior star angles, which are independent of extrinsic parameters. Secondly, based on the observation vector error model of the integrated sensor, observation equations and state equations are constructed, followed by proposing a 4-position maneuver strategy based on observability analysis to achieve rapid decoupling of gyroscope bias, attitude error, and extrinsic parameters. Simulation results affirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, extrinsic parameter errors reaching the arc-second level.
FURNA: A database for functional annotations of RNA structures
Authors: Zhang Chengxin , Freddolino Lydia
Published: July 2024

Despite the increasing number of 3D RNA structures in the Protein Data Bank, the majority of experimental RNA structures lack thorough functional annotations. As the significance of the functional roles played by noncoding RNAs becomes increasingly apparent, comprehensive annotation of RNA function is becoming a pressing concern. In response to this need, we have developed FURNA (Functions of RNAs), the first database for experimental RNA structures that aims to provide a comprehensive repository of high-quality functional annotations. These include Gene Ontology terms, Enzyme Commission numbers, ligand-binding sites, RNA families, protein-binding motifs, and cross-references to related databases. FURNA is available at https://seq2fun.dcmb.med.umich.edu/furna/ to enable quick discovery of RNA functions from their structures and sequences.
A rule-based multiscale model of hepatic stellate cell plasticity: Critical role of the inactivation loop in fibrosis progression
Authors: Bouguéon Matthieu , Legagneux Vincent , Hazard Octave , Bomo Jérémy , Siegel Anne , Feret Jérôme , Théret Nathalie
Published: July 2024

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the source of extracellular matrix (ECM) whose overproduction leads to fibrosis, a condition that impairs liver functions in chronic liver diseases. Understanding the dynamics of HSCs will provide insights needed to develop new therapeutic approaches. Few models of hepatic fibrosis have been proposed, and none of them include the heterogeneity of HSC phenotypes recently highlighted by single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Here, we developed rule-based models to study HSC dynamics during fibrosis progression and reversion. We used the Kappa graph rewriting language, for which we used tokens and counters to overcome temporal explosion. HSCs are modeled as agents that present seven physiological cellular states and that interact with (TGFβ1) molecules which regulate HSC activation and the secretion of type I collagen, the main component of the ECM. Simulation studies revealed the critical role of the HSC inactivation process during fibrosis progression and reversion. While inactivation allows elimination of activated HSCs during reversion steps, reactivation loops of inactivated HSCs (iHSCs) are required to sustain fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated the model’s sensitivity to (TGFβ1) parameters, suggesting its adaptability to a variety of pathophysiological conditions for which levels of (TGFβ1) production associated with the inflammatory response differ. Using new experimental data from a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we validated the predicted ECM dynamics. Our model also predicts the accumulation of iHSCs during chronic liver disease. By analyzing RNA sequencing data from patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with liver fibrosis, we confirmed this accumulation, identifying iHSCs as novel markers of fibrosis progression. Overall, our study provides the first model of HSC dynamics in chronic liver disease that can be used to explore the regulatory role of iHSCs in liver homeostasis. Moreover, our model can also be generalized to fibroblasts during repair and fibrosis in other tissues.
Reassessing the modularity of gene co-expression networks using the Stochastic Block Model
Authors: Melo Diogo , Pallares Luisa F. , Ayroles Julien F.
Published: July 2024

Finding communities in gene co-expression networks is a common first step toward extracting biological insight from these complex datasets. Most community detection algorithms expect genes to be organized into assortative modules, that is, groups of genes that are more associated with each other than with genes in other groups. While it is reasonable to expect that these modules exist, using methods that assume they exist a priori is risky, as it guarantees that alternative organizations of gene interactions will be ignored. Here, we ask: can we find meaningful communities without imposing a modular organization on gene co-expression networks, and how modular are these communities? For this, we use a recently developed community detection method, the weighted degree corrected stochastic block model (SBM), that does not assume that assortative modules exist. Instead, the SBM attempts to efficiently use all information contained in the co-expression network to separate the genes into hierarchically organized blocks of genes. Using RNAseq gene expression data measured in two tissues derived from an outbred population of Drosophila melanogaster, we show that (a) the SBM is able to find ten times as many groups as competing methods, that (b) several of those gene groups are not modular, and that (c) the functional enrichment for non-modular groups is as strong as for modular communities. These results show that the transcriptome is structured in more complex ways than traditionally thought and that we should revisit the long-standing assumption that modularity is the main driver of the structuring of gene co-expression networks.
REV1 coordinates a multi-faceted tolerance response to DNA alkylation damage and prevents chromosome shattering in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Khodaverdian Varandt , Sano Tokio , Maggs Lara R. , Tomarchio Gina , Dias Ana , Tran Mai , Clairmont Connor , McVey Mitch
Published: July 2024

When replication forks encounter damaged DNA, cells utilize damage tolerance mechanisms to allow replication to proceed. These include translesion synthesis at the fork, postreplication gap filling, and template switching via fork reversal or homologous recombination. The extent to which these different damage tolerance mechanisms are utilized depends on cell, tissue, and developmental context-specific cues, the last two of which are poorly understood. To address this gap, we have investigated damage tolerance responses in Drosophila melanogaster. We report that tolerance of DNA alkylation damage in rapidly dividing larval tissues depends heavily on translesion synthesis. Furthermore, we show that the REV1 protein plays a multi-faceted role in damage tolerance in Drosophila. Larvae lacking REV1 are hypersensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and have highly elevated levels of γ-H2Av (Drosophila γ-H2AX) foci and chromosome aberrations in MMS-treated tissues. Loss of the REV1 C-terminal domain (CTD), which recruits multiple translesion polymerases to damage sites, sensitizes flies to MMS. In the absence of the REV1 CTD, DNA polymerases eta and zeta become critical for MMS tolerance. In addition, flies lacking REV3, the catalytic subunit of polymerase zeta, require the deoxycytidyl transferase activity of REV1 to tolerate MMS. Together, our results demonstrate that Drosophila prioritize the use of multiple translesion polymerases to tolerate alkylation damage and highlight the critical role of REV1 in the coordination of this response to prevent genome instability.
mRNA and circRNA mislocalization to synapses are key features of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Smukowski Samuel N. , Danyko Cassidy , Somberg Jenna , Kaufman Eli J. , Course Meredith M. , Postupna Nadia , Barker-Haliski Melissa , Keene C. Dirk , Valdmanis Paul N.
Published: July 2024

Proper transport of RNAs to synapses is essential for localized translation of proteins in response to synaptic signals and synaptic plasticity. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by accumulation of amyloid aggregates and hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles followed by widespread synapse loss. To understand whether RNA synaptic localization is impacted in AD, we performed RNA sequencing on synaptosomes and brain homogenates from AD patients and cognitively healthy controls. This resulted in the discovery of hundreds of mislocalized mRNAs in AD among frontal and temporal brain regions. Similar observations were found in an APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mouse model. Furthermore, major differences were observed among circular RNAs (circRNAs) localized to synapses in AD including two overlapping isoforms of circGSK3β, one upregulated, and one downregulated. Expression of these distinct isoforms affected tau phosphorylation in neuronal cells substantiating the importance of circRNAs in the brain and pointing to a new class of therapeutic targets.
Could prophylactic antivirals reduce dengue incidence in a high-prevalence endemic area?
Authors: Jafari Yalda , Brady Oliver J. , Biggs Joseph R. , Lien Le Thuy , Mai Huynh Kim , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Van Loock Marnix , Herrera-Taracena Guillermo , Menten Joris , Iwasaki Chihiro , Takegata Mizuki , Kitamura Noriko , Do Thai Hung , Minh Bui Xuan , Morita Kouichi , Anh Dang Duc , Clifford Sam , Prem Kiesha , Hafalla Julius , Edmunds W. John , Yoshida Lay Myint , Hibberd Martin L. , Hué Stéphane
Published: July 2024

Prophylactic drugs against dengue are currently under development. In this study, we explored how such prophylactic approaches might affect dengue cases in four communes of Nha Trang City, Vietnam. A community level dengue transmission survey indicated high levels of previous exposure to dengue (89.7%; 95% CI: 87.2,92.0). We fitted a spatially explicit model to an observed outbreak and simulated likely effectiveness of Case-Area Targeted Interventions (CATI) and One-Time Mass Distribution (OTMD) of drug and vector control strategies. Increasing radius and effectiveness and decreasing delay of CATI was most effective, with drugs being more effective in averting dengue cases than vector control. Using an OTMD approach early in the outbreak required the least number of treatments to avert a case, suggesting that OTMD strategies should be considered as pre-emptive rather than reactive strategies. These findings show that pre-emptive interventions can substantially reduce the burden of dengue outbreaks in endemic settings.
Identification of drug-like molecules targeting the ATPase activity of dynamin-like EHD4
Authors: Mohd Saif , Oder Andreas , Specker Edgar , Neuenschwander Martin , Von Kries Jens Peter , Daumke Oliver
Published: July 2024

Eps15 (epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 15) homology domain-containing proteins (EHDs) comprise a family of eukaryotic dynamin-related ATPases that participate in various endocytic membrane trafficking pathways. Dysregulation of EHDs function has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. The lack of small molecule inhibitors which acutely target individual EHD members has hampered progress in dissecting their detailed cellular membrane trafficking pathways and their function during disease. Here, we established a Malachite green-based assay compatible with high throughput screening to monitor the liposome-stimulated ATPase of EHD4. In this way, we identified a drug-like molecule that inhibited EHD4’s liposome-stimulated ATPase activity. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies indicated sites of preferred substitutions for more potent inhibitor synthesis. Moreover, the assay optimization in this work can be applied to other dynamin family members showing a weak and liposome-dependent nucleotide hydrolysis activity.
Screening to understand pregnancy preferences and offer referrals and treatment (SUPPORT): Results of a pilot quality improvement initiative
Authors: Janiak Elizabeth , Rexrode Kathryn , Santacroce Leah , Johns Sarah L. , Behn Maya , Braaten Kari P. , Feldman Candace H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess the feasibility of integrating a pregnancy intention assessment screening algorithm into the electronic medical record (EMR) at a multispecialty clinic focused on the health of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

Study design

This pilot quality improvement project implemented a series of clinician reminders, new data fields in the patient record, and templated clinical notes to prompt care providers across specialties to ask AFAB reproductive age individuals about their desire for future pregnancies. Investigators created a novel screening question based on prior literature and expert input. Prospective observational study of one year of during-intervention EMR data on screening uptake and documentation, contraceptive use, and referrals to obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) for preconception care, contraceptive care, and related services.

Results

SUPPORT launched in February 2020 and was paused for 6 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the intervention period through July 2021, 18% of patients for whom the automated screening reminder was activated had a documented pregnancy intention. Patients were screened in OBGYN, internal medicine, and eight subspecialty medical clinics. Among those screened, individuals who reported they did not desire pregnancy in the next year were more likely to use contraception (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.1). Individuals that did desire pregnancy in the next year were more likely to be subsequently referred to OBGYN (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2, 6.0).

Conclusions

Despite the competing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SUPPORT intervention was utilized at higher rates than prior similar interventions and across multiple disease specialties.

Implications

Results from the SUPPORT pilot suggest that pregnancy intention screening of reproductive age AFAB individuals with an EMR-based screening prompt is feasible at scale.
An experimental and theoretical investigation on the hyper-viscoelasticity of polyamide 12 produced by selective laser sintering
Authors: Kadkhodaei Mahmoud , Pawlikowski Marek , Drobnicki Rafał , Domański Janusz
Published: July 2024

Polyamide 12 (PA12) is vastly utilized in many additive manufacturing methods, such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and a better understanding of its mechanical behaviors promotes available knowledge on the behaviors of 3D-printed parts made from this polymer. In this paper, SLS-produced standard tensile specimens are studied under monotonic and cyclic tension tests, as well as stress relaxation experiments, and the obtained force-displacement responses are shown to be consistent with a hyper-viscoelastic material model. This finding is also observed in typical pantographic structures produced by the same manufacturing parameters. To propose a constitutive model for predicting these behaviors, the convolution integral of a strain-dependent function and a time-dependent function is developed where the material parameters are determined with the use of both short-term and long-term responses of the specimens. Numerical results of the presented model for standard test specimens are shown to be in good agreements with the experimental ones under various loading conditions. To prove the capabilities of the proposed model in studying any SLS-produced part, finite element implementation of the constitutive equations is shown to provide numerical results in agreement with the empirical findings for tensile loading of the 3D-printed pantographic structure.
Designing strategies of Pingyao lacquerware tourist souvenirs based on tourists’ demand
Authors: Zhang Xing , Dolah Jasni
Published: July 2024

The continuous development of the economy and the constant improvement in living standards have led tourists to have higher expectations for the entire travel experience. However, outdated Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs have struggled to attract tourists’ attention and cannot better meet their demands. It is worth considering whether analyzing tourists’ demands could solve the current issues with lacquerware tourism souvenirs. To address this question, tourists in the Pingyao region were surveyed, and semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as research methods. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourists in the Pingyao region to obtain the initial demand indicators for Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs. Based on a literature review and expert summaries, 21 demand indicators were selected for the KANO model questionnaire, and 400 tourists were surveyed using stratified sampling. Data analysis revealed that of the 21 demand indicators evaluated by tourists, 5 as must-be quality, 7 as one-dimensional quality, 5 as attractive quality, and 4 as indifferent quality. The results of this study indicate that the demand attributes evaluated are related to tourists’ satisfaction levels, and the lack of these attributes could lead to dissatisfaction with lacquerware tourism souvenirs. Tourists have shown a strong demand for appearance and a desire for functional diversification in lacquerware souvenirs, with higher expectations for regional and commemorative aspects. Due to the uniqueness of lacquerware materials, tourists have highly prioritized safety and environmental friendliness. Combining the KANO model and AHP have better-assisted researchers in identifying the quality types and importance of tourist demands, providing more targeted insights for designing Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs.