bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Case Report
Authors: Fujii Satoru , Tarabzoni Mohammed , Diamantouros Pantelis , Bagur Rodrigo , Chu Michael W. A.
Published: May 2024

This case report describes the rare occurrence of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in an 88-year-old male patient with aortic stenosis and other comorbidities. Initially asymptomatic, the patient was discharged but readmitted 2 weeks later with decompensated heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed an increase in the size of the VSD and right ventricular dilation. Surgical intervention was chosen over percutaneous closure due to the patient’s condition. A bovine pericardial patch was successfully used for repair. This case highlights the importance of vigilant post-TAVI monitoring and individualized treatment for TAVI-related complications.
Life of a Dog
Authors: Bauriedel Quinn
Published: May 2024

The June 2023 neh Institute—“Preserving and Transmitting American Ensemble-Based Theatre”—aimed to understand the work of the many ensembles who have made work within the United States. Each ensemble has a unique story but the Romanian phrase that an ensemble has “the life of a dog” struck a nerve, positing that ensembles come and go. Maybe so, but this essay suggests that though their candle may burn out, the light they produce lives on. In an era of tremendous uncertainty and extremes of teenage sadness, ensemble theatre as a practice can, and has, galvanized a new generation to take control of the narrative and to make work that speaks directly to the current moment. As seductive as the story is of artists emerging out of necessity during particularly tumultuous times, it helps the next generation know that their work will leave a mark and that meaning within performance is how culture is created.
Prefigurings Remembered
Authors: Cummings Ronald , Chin Matthew
Published: May 2024

This essay serves as an introduction to a suite of essays exploring the significance and resonance of Charles V. Carnegie’s Postnationalism Prefigured (2002). The occasion for these reflections is the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the book. The authors’ discussion examines the place of Carnegie’s work in relation to questions of Caribbean intellectual genealogies. They locate him multiply: as a student of the 1960s generation and as a scholar in his own right among a cohort of critics writing at the turn of the century. They also examine and reflect on the ongoing importance of Carnegie’s scholarship.
Staged Versus Same-Day Surgery in Circumferential Minimally Invasive Deformity Correction
Authors: Kolcun John Paul G. , Fessler Richard G. , Nunley Pierce D. , Eastlack Robert K. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Okonkwo David O. , Uribe Juan S. , Fu Kai-Ming , Wang Michael Y. , Kanter Adam S. , Anand Neel , Mundis Gregory M. , Passias Peter G. , Chou Dean
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We sought to compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent staged vs same-day circumferential minimally invasive surgery (cMIS) for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

METHODS:

We reviewed staged and same-day cMIS ASD cases in a prospective multi-institution database to compare preoperative and 2-year clinical and radiographic parameters between cohorts.

RESULTS:

A total of 85 patients with a 2-year follow-up were identified (27 staged, 58 same-day). Staged patients had more extensive surgeries and greater hospital length of stay (all P < .001). There were no significant differences in preoperative or 2-year postoperative clinical metrics between cohorts. Patients in the staged cohort also had greater preoperative coronal deformity and thus experienced greater reduction in coronal deformity at 2 years (all P < .01).

CONCLUSION:

Patients undergoing staged or same-day cMIS correction had similar outcomes at 2 years postoperatively. Staged cMIS ASD correction may be more appropriate in patients with greater deformity, higher frailty, and who require longer, more extensive surgeries.
A small-molecule TrkB ligand improves dendritic spine phenotypes and atypical behaviors in female Rett syndrome mice
Authors: Medeiros Destynie , Ayala-Baylon Karen , Egido-Betancourt Hailey , Miller Eric , Chapleau Christopher , Robinson Holly , Phillips Mary L. , Yang Tao , Longo Frank M. , Li Wei , Pozzo-Miller Lucas
Published: May 2024

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, a transcriptional regulator of many genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF levels are lower in multiple brain regions of Mecp2-deficient mice, and experimentally increasing BDNF levels improve atypical phenotypes in Mecp2 mutant mice. Due to the low blood-brain barrier permeability of BDNF itself, we tested the effects of LM22A-4, a brain-penetrant, small-molecule ligand of the BDNF receptor TrkB (encoded by Ntrk2), on dendritic spine density and form in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and on behavioral phenotypes in female Mecp2 heterozygous (HET) mice. A 4-week systemic treatment of Mecp2 HET mice with LM22A-4 restored spine volume in MeCP2-expressing neurons to wild-type (WT) levels, whereas spine volume in MeCP2-lacking neurons remained comparable to that in neurons from female WT mice. Female Mecp2 HET mice engaged in aggressive behaviors more than WT mice, the levels of which were reduced to WT levels by the 4-week LM22A-4 treatment. These data provide additional support to the potential usefulness of novel therapies not only for RTT but also to other BDNF-related disorders.
Modulation of prey capture kinematics in relation to prey distance helps predict success
Authors: Oufiero Christopher E. , Garikipati Lohitashwa , McMillan Elizabeth , Katherine Sullivan Mary , Turnbaugh Ryan
Published: May 2024

Predators are not perfect, as some of their prey capture attempts result in failure. Successful attempts may be partly due to predators modulating their capture kinematics in relation to variation in the visual cues of the prey to increase the probability of success. In praying mantises, which have been suggested to possess stereoscopic vision, variation in prey distance has been shown to elicit variation in the probability of an attempt. However, it remains to be examined whether variation in prey distance results in mantises modulating their attempt to successfully capture prey. The goals of this study were to examine these relationships using the praying mantis system. Using 11 adult female Sphodromantis lineola, we recorded 192 prey capture attempts at 1000 Hz with two cameras to examine the 3D kinematics of successful and unsuccessful prey capture attempts. Using a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression, our results show that as prey distance increases, mantises adjust through greater and faster expansion of the forelegs and body (PC1), which significantly predicts capture success. However, PC1 only explains 22% of the variation in all prey capture attempts, suggesting that the other components may be related to additional aspects of the prey. Our results suggest that the distances at which mantises prefer to attempt to capture prey may be the result of their greater probability of successfully capturing the prey. These results highlight the range of motions mantises use when attempting to capture prey, suggesting flexibility in their prey capture attempts in relation to prey position.
Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, intérprete do Brasil
Authors: Barbosa Alexandre de Freitas
Published: May 2024

Esse artigo procura mostrar como e por que Bresser-Pereira transformou-se ao longo da sua trajetória num importante interprete do Brasil. Depois de atualizar a discussão sobre o que caracteriza um intérprete do Brasil, o artigo discorre sobre o estilo de interpretação histórico-estrutural no Brasil e seus componentes básicos. Em seguida apresenta a trajetória peculiar de Bresser-Pereira, para finalmente realizar uma síntese sumária de três interpretações do Brasil realizadas pelo autor num período de 50 anos, que o inserem neste estilo de interpretação a partir de uma variante teórica própria.
Transfer pricing and tax avoidance effects on global and government revenue
Authors: Χαλλουμής Κωνσταντίνος
Published: May 2024

Σε αυτήν την διδακτορική διατριβή αναλύονται στοιχεία των ελεγχόμενων συναλλαγών και της φοροαποφυγής, υπό το πρίσμα των οικονομικών ερμηνειών και αναλύσεων, δίνοντας συγχρόνως και κάποια μαθηματικά εργαλεία ανάλυσης του βαθμού επίδρασης τους στα διεθνή οικονομικά. Ενώ, τα δομικά χαρακτηριστικά των ελεγχόμενων συναλλαγών χρησιμοποιούνται για να εξαχθούν συμπεράσματα επί των επιπτώσεων που έχουν οι ελεγχόμενες συναλλαγές και οι φοροαποφυγές στα φορολογικά έσοδα, προκειμένου να πραγματοποιήσουν κέρδη οι επιχειρήσεις. Εν γένει εξετάζεται ο τρόπος αλληλεπίδρασης ενός συνόλου οικονομικών στοιχείων της οικονομίας, μεταξύ τους. Εν τέλει εξάγονται συμπεράσματα σχετικά με τις αρμόδιες αρχές, στο πως διαχειρίζονται φορολογικά ζητήματα, και αντίστοιχα συμπεράσματα έχουμε για την πλευρά των επιχειρήσεων που τελούν ελεγχόμενες συναλλαγές. Λαμβάνει χώρα μια αναγωγή από ζητήματα ΑΕΠ (GDP) σε ζητήματα KX (Κύκλου του Χρήματος), αναδεικνύοντας ουσιαστικά πόσο μια οικονομία έχει κοινωνικά χαρακτηριστικά, το οποίο ερείδεται επί της συχνότητας επαναχρησιμοποιήσης, αλλά και της ταχύτητας επαναχρησιμοποίησης του χρήματος.
Ozone water or chloroxylenol: The comparison of disinfection effectiveness against the number of bacterial colonies in dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital
Authors: Rusdy Hendry , Dalimunthe Rahmi Syaflida , Riza Ahyar , D Ismahani Akilah
Published: May 2024

Background The application of disinfectants on dental instruments is one way to prevent cross-infection. Cross infection can occur due to microorganisms found in blood, saliva and dental plaque which can contaminate the instruments used by dental health workers. Thus, indirect contact transmission of pathogenic microorganisms occurs from instruments that have been contaminated by dental health workers. Ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol are disinfecting agents used to disinfect medical instruments. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of disinfection of ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol in reducing the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital between October-December 2022. Methods The samples used were mandibular molar pliers that have been used in tooth extraction procedures. This study was experimental and used three sample groups, where each group consisted of 10 tooth extraction instruments. The treatment group used ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol and the negative control group was cleaned with distilled water. The test effectiveness in this study used bacteria colony counter using the scatter cup method. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results The results of the data analysis showed a p-value ≤0.001, which means that there was a significant difference in the disinfection using ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol on the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments. The results of this study show that the average number of bacterial colonies formed in the ozone water treatment group was 4.00 ± 4.32, 16.00 ± 6.65 in the 4.8% chloroxylenol treatment group, and 217.50 ± 39.24 in the negative control group (Aquadest). Conclusions From this study it can be said that ozone water is more effective in disinfecting dental extraction instruments than 4.8% chloroxylenol.
Bibliometric Analysis of Islamic Crowdfunding: A Literature Review of Its Journey
Authors: Purwatiningsih Aris , Purnamasari S , Setyawati Harini , Indriani Astiwi , Prawitasari Dian , Fitria Shoimatul
Published: May 2024

Background The potential of Islamic crowdfunding to encourage the development of Islamic fintech globally, even in countries with non-Muslim majority populations, needs to be examined in a literature study on this issue. More extensive research is needed regarding the factors that most reliably predict the success of Islamic crowdfunding, such as compliance with Islamic crowdfunding laws, sustainability, and the potential of Islamic finance. This article describes a comprehensive and systematic Literature Review (SLR) regarding papers published in the field of Islamic crowdfunding. This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of Islamic crowdfunding, provide useful information for practitioners, and stimulate further research in the field to increase the success of Islamic crowdfunding. Methods We conducted a review of selected papers to identify gaps and significant issues in Islamic crowdfunding, providing guidance for future researchers. This article review was based on 704 articles retrieved using the keyword “Islamic crowdfunding” from the Scopus database between 2013 and 2022. To minimize bias, we formulated 5 research questions to guide our analysis: RQ1: How do publication and citation rates vary annually? RQ2: How can we determine the most influential studies based on citation counts for each keyword? RQ3: What are the most common subject areas addressed in Islamic crowdfunding literature from 2013 to 2022? RQ4: What are the most frequently used keywords in Scopus documents? RQ5: How are Islamic values discussed in articles related to Islamic crowdfunding? Results The findings of this research demonstrate that Islamic crowdfunding, characterized by interdisciplinary scholarship, has emerged as an increasingly significant alternative for aiding society and the economy. It contributes to poverty alleviation and the development of specific sectors through channels such as crowdfunding for small and medium enterprises and social projects tailored to meet the diverse needs of Muslims. However, the challenge facing the future development of Sharia crowdfunding is that, despite its benefit of increasing community participation in projects aligned with religious values, it also carries the potential risk of investment losses and non-compliance with Sharia principles. Ways to address the current scarcity of Sharia fintech are also needed, ensuring its broader acceptance across all societal levels, and enhancing Muslims’ understanding of compliance with Islamic religious rules, particularly Fiqh law. Conclusion Urgently needed are specific fiqh regulatory guidelines to ensure that Sharia-compliant crowdfunding adheres to Islamic principles. Government support, particularly through legislation in countries where the majority of the population is Muslim, is crucial to enhance public participation and trust in Sharia crowdfunding.
ZARP: A user-friendly and versatile RNA-seq analysis workflow
Authors: Katsantoni Maria , Gypas Foivos , Herrmann Christina J , Burri Dominik , Bąk Maciej , Iborra Paula , Agarwal Krish , Ataman Meriç , Balajti Máté , Pozzan Noè , Schlusser Niels , Moon Youngbin , Mironov Aleksei , Börsch Anastasiya , Zavolan Mihaela , Kanitz Alexander
Published: May 2024

Background RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a widely used technique in many scientific studies. Given the plethora of models and software packages that have been developed for processing and analyzing RNA-seq datasets, choosing the most appropriate ones is a time-consuming process that requires an in-depth understanding of the data, as well as of the principles and parameters of each tool. In addition, packages designed for individual tasks are developed in different programming languages and have dependencies of various degrees of complexity, which renders their installation and execution challenging for users with limited computational expertise. Workflow languages and execution engines with support for virtualization and encapsulation options such as containers and Conda environments facilitate these tasks considerably. The resulting computational workflows can then be reliably shared with the scientific community, enhancing reusability and the reproducibility of results as individual analysis steps are becoming more transparent and portable. Methods Here we present ZARP, a general purpose RNA-seq analysis workflow that builds on state-of-the-art software in the field to facilitate the analysis of RNA-seq datasets. ZARP is developed in the Snakemake workflow language and can run locally or in a cluster environment, generating extensive reports not only of the data but also of the options utilized. It is built using modern technologies with the ultimate goal to reduce the hands-on time for bioinformaticians and non-expert users and serve as a template for future workflow development. To this end, we also provide ZARP-cli, a dedicated command-line interface that may make running ZARP on an RNA-seq library of interest as easy as executing a single two-word command. Conclusions ZARP is a powerful RNA-seq analysis workflow that is easy to use even for beginners, built using best software development practices, available under a permissive Open Source license and open to contributions by the scientific community.
A validate and standardized pseudotyped microneutralization assay as a safe and powerful tool to measure LASSA neutralising antibodies for vaccine development and comparison
Authors: Antonelli Roberta , Forconi Vittoria , Molesti Eleonora , Semplici Claudia , Piu Pietro , Altamura Maria , Dapporto Francesca , Temperton Nigel , Montomoli Emanuele , Manenti Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Background Over the past few decades, WHO has made massive efforts to promote the development of a vaccine against Lassa virus (LASV), one of the top ten priority pathogens for research and development under the WHO R&D Blueprint for Emerging Infections. To date, several vaccines are at different stages of development. In this scenario, a validated and standardised assay to measure LSV neutralising antibodies is urgently needed for vaccine development and comparison. Methods The neutralisation assay remains the gold standard for determining antibody efficacy. Here we have proposed a safe and validated pseudotyped neutralisation assay for LASV, taking advantage of the development of the first WHO International Standard and Reference Panel for Anti-Lassa Fever (NIBSC code 21/332). Results and Conclusions The proposed results demonstrate that the pseudotyped luciferase neutralisation assay is a specific serological test for the measurement of LASV neutralising antibodies without cross-reacting with standard sera specific for heterologous viral infections. In addition, the assay is accurate, precise, and linear according to criteria and statistical analyses defined and accepted by international guidelines.
Case Report: Surgical management of petrous face meningioma
Authors: Chaulagain Dipak , Smolanka Volodymyr , Smolanka Andriy , Havryliv Taras
Published: May 2024

Petrous face meningioma presents a significant difficulty in neurosurgery because of its complex anatomical position near cranial nerves, brainstem, and important blood vessels. This case report describes the clinical course and successful surgical treatment of a 50-year-old female patient who had a two-month history of ataxia, along with a one-week episode of severe headache and vomiting. An MRI verified the existence of a petrous face meningioma after a thorough diagnostic assessment. Following that, the patient had a left retro-sigmoid craniotomy, which led to the complete excision of the tumour and relief of symptoms. A thorough one-month follow-up examination showed no recurring symptoms, suggesting a positive result and successful clearance of the meningioma. This case highlights the need of timely diagnosis and surgical treatment in dealing with petrous face meningioma, focusing on attaining complete tumour excision. This case demonstrates the success of complete removal of a tumour and the possibility of full return of neurological function in individuals with similar symptoms. This article enhances the current literature by offering insights into the management of petrous face meningioma and recommending a thorough surgical strategy to improve patient outcomes.
Association of maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels with anthropometry in term neonates born to malnourished mothers in coastal South India
Authors: GR Sugapradha , Holla Ramesh , Manjrekar Poornima , Rao Suchetha
Published: May 2024

Background Malnourished pregnant women are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency. We assessed the vitamin B12 status in both malnourished and normally nourished pregnant women and their neonates. Additionally, we studied the association between maternal B12 levels, cord B12 levels and neonatal anthropometry. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 63 malnourished and 63 normally nourished mothers and neonates. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery for estimation of vitamin B12 levels. Maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Neonatal anthropometry was correlated with maternal and cord B12 levels using Spearman’s correlation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results Mean maternal age was 26.58 yrs. The median cord B12 levels were lower than the maternal B12 levels. Maternal B12 levels showed a strong positive correlation with cord B12 levels (rho = 0.879; p < 0.001). Maternal (p < 0.001) and cord (p < 0.001) vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the malnourished group than in the normally nourished group. In malnourished group, 66.8% mothers and 95.2% neonates were Vitamin B12 deficient, whereas 1.5% mothers and 4.7% neonates were vitamin B12 deficient in normally nourished group. In the malnourished group, maternal B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (rho 0.363, p = 0.003) and length (rho 0.330, p =0.008), whereas cord B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight in the normally nourished group. (rho 0.277 p= 0.028) Conclusion High rates of vitamin B12 deficiency were observed in malnourished mothers and neonates. There was a positive correlation between birth weight, length, and maternal vitamin B12 levels in malnourished mothers. These findings emphasize the need to address maternal malnutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency to improve neonatal health.
Pigeonhole Design: Balancing Sequential Experiments from an Online Matching Perspective
Authors: Zhao Jinglong , Zhou Zijie
Published: May 2024

Practitioners and academics have long appreciated the benefits of covariate balancing when they conduct randomized experiments. For web-facing firms running online A/B tests, however, it still remains challenging in balancing covariate information when experimental subjects arrive sequentially. In this paper, we study an online experimental design problem, which we refer to as the online blocking problem. In this problem, experimental subjects with heterogeneous covariate information arrive sequentially and must be immediately assigned into either the control or the treated group. The objective is to minimize the total discrepancy, which is defined as the minimum weight perfect matching between the two groups. To solve this problem, we propose a randomized design of experiment, which we refer to as the pigeonhole design. The pigeonhole design first partitions the covariate space into smaller spaces, which we refer to as pigeonholes, and then, when the experimental subjects arrive at each pigeonhole, balances the number of control and treated subjects for each pigeonhole. We analyze the theoretical performance of the pigeonhole design and show its effectiveness by comparing against two well-known benchmark designs: the matched-pair design and the completely randomized design. We identify scenarios when the pigeonhole design demonstrates more benefits over the benchmark design. To conclude, we conduct extensive simulations using Yahoo! data to show a 10.2% reduction in variance if we use the pigeonhole design to estimate the average treatment effect.

This paper was accepted by George Shanthikumar, data science.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02184 .
Learning from the multidisciplinary team: advancing patient care through collaboration
Authors: Dawe Jessica , Cronshaw Helen , Frerk Christopher
Published: May 2024

Training for doctors, and other healthcare workers, has traditionally focussed on developing the knowledge and technical skills relevant to individual specialties. There has been an assumption that once trained in this way, we will be able to work easily and effectively in teams with other professionals. Multidisciplinary working is now a normal pattern of healthcare delivery and teamwork is taught as part of current curricula. Interdisciplinary learning is becoming more common, with medical students, nursing students and other professions allied to medicine learning together during their training. Healthcare staff who are already qualified have not had the benefit of being taught the particular skills needed to work well as part of diverse teams, nor given the skills to identify and overcome barriers to effective teamwork. We all need to develop these skills to help our patients get the best care from the teams looking after them.
The impact of COVID-19 on medical education and training
Authors: Alrumi Nahil
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic social isolation policies have accelerated the shift to online teaching for medical students and doctors in training worldwide. Online learning is cost-effective, available, and flexible. However, it can be challenging due to the technical system errors, which results in the disruption of the learning process and social isolation yielding to less satisfaction among students and teachers. The above can have negative consequences on the mental health of medical students and trainees, which is an under-researched area. United Kingdom based medical students and doctors in speciality training encountered disruptions to medical education and training due to the pandemic. Medical school and deaneries had to endorse adjustments to teaching and training delivery methods, examination, and assessments to ensure the continued progression of learning and training. A successful e-learning model depends on motivated and well-prepared medical students and teachers and structured educational materials in supported learning environment and institutions. A blended model is likely to be utilised by medical institutions for medical training in the future, which will need to be researched.
DESVENDANDO A JUVENTUDE NO CONTEXTO DE UMA CIDADE PEQUENA DO TERRITÓRIO DE IDENTIDADE DO SISAL
Authors: Luciano Saraiva Filho  , Joao Diogenes Ferreira dos Santos
Published: May 2024

Sabemos que as idades da vida são balizadas no desenvolvimento biopsíquico dos indivíduos. Por outro lado, não podemos considerá-las um fenômeno estritamente natural, pois estas se constituem social e historicamente, sendo, portanto, desenvolvidas no processo de constituição da modernidade, sobretudo se encararmos na perspectiva do que significou a modernidade em termos de ação sobre os costumes e comportamentos e, por consequência, sua capacidade intrinsecamente educativa (FÁVERO, 2007).
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy in the Osteoarthritis of The Knee
Authors: Agarwal A , Agarwal V.K , Mehta R , Narula R
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis (OA), with prevalence as high as 17 to 60.6%, is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of disability. There has been an increase in prevalence of knee osteoarthritis by as much as 100% since the mid-20th century.

Materials and Method:

The present prospective study of 50 cases was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Rohilkhand Medical College, Bareilly. All patients affected by a Unilateral or Bilateral knee osteoarthritis of all radiological grades (grade 1-4), attending the department from November 2016 to October 2017 were invited to participate in the study.

Results:

A significant change in WOMAC score was observed. The range of change in WOMAC score at 1 week to 6 months follow up was 9.85% to 24.84%. Changes in WOMAC score at all the follow up visits were statistically significant (p<0.001). A subsequent decline in pre-treatment VAS score (Pain) was also observed at follow up visits at 1 week (1.15±0.69; 18.18%), 3 months (2.07±1.03; 32.63%) and 6 months (2.29±1.29; 36.14%).

Conclusion:

The Novel PRP regimen is a very good alternative treatment modality in patients with knee OA from KL grade 1 to grade 3 to delay the progression of the disease. It provided significant symptomatic improvement along with improvement in the functional outcome of the patients without any severe side-effects.
Character rigidity for lattices and commensurators
Authors: Creutz Darren , Peterson Jesse
Published: May 2024

abstract: We prove an operator algebraic superrigidity statement for homomorphisms of irreducible lattices, and also their commensurators, from certain higher-rank groups into unitary groups of finite factors. This extends the authors' previous work regarding non-free measure-preserving actions, and also answers a question of Connes for such groups.
Remembering and Forgetting the Past on the Mississippi River: Toward an Environmental History of Catholicism
Authors: Pasquier Michael
Published: May 2024

Abstract: After the flood of 1927, the US government decided to master the Mississippi River. Nowhere was this state-sponsored determination more evident than in the lower Mississippi River delta. An historical examination of a cluster of Catholic churches in Pointe Coupée Parish, Louisiana, permits some understanding of how physical and material alterations to landscapes are not easily traced, especially when we consider the temporal and spatial scales of change to the Mississippi over the last one hundred years. In that time, Catholics of Pointe Coupée Parish managed to retain, erase, and revise aspects of their bonds to a river once central to the lives of their ancestors. This is not at all surprising, as the fallibility of memory is made apparent every time we try to tell stories about our pasts. Pointe Coupée Parish is one site where we can explore how alterations to a landscape have an impact not only on the trajectory of a Catholic community's future, but also on access to its past. Absences of memory in the living, combined with the erasure of material remains in modified landscapes, challenge us to consider how we might account for the relationship between Catholicism and the built environment throughout American history.
Performance analysis of fixed gain relay-assisted vertical UWOC systems with generalized misalignment fading model
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yue Dian-Wu , Xu Xian-Ying
Published: May 2024

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) as a potential
underwater transmission technology has attracted increasing attention
due to its high speed, low delay, and wide range of applications. In
addition to absorption and scattering, ocean turbulence fading and
misalignment fading seriously affect system performance. Thus, the
relay assistance methods have been presented as an effective technique
for fading mitigation in optical channels. In this paper, we propose a
fixed gain amplify-and-forward (AF) relay-assisted vertical UWOC
system with a generalized misalignment fading model over multi-layer
cascaded gamma-gamma turbulence channels. For the relay-assisted
system, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and the probability
density function (PDF) of the end-to-end instantaneous signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) are derived with the help of the Meijer-G function and the
bivariate Fox-H function. Subsequently, based on these statistical
analyses of SNR, we derive the closed-form expressions of the outage
probability and ergodic capacity. Furthermore, we provide a very tight
asymptotic expression for the outage probability in terms of simple
functions under high SNR, and the diversity order is analyzed.
Finally, results from Monte Carlo simulations are used to validate our
derived results. Numerical results for different relay position
deployments and alignment error levels reveal that the relay-assisted
vertical UWOC system performs better when the relay node is located
near the source, while the increase of alignment error level can
damage the system performance.
Multilayer restoration in IP-Optical networks by adjustable robust optimization and deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Bekri Malek , Romero Reyes Ronald , Bauschert Thomas
Published: May 2024

Today, IP-Optical networks apply IP restoration as the default strategy to recover IP traffic from optical failures. This strategy has been preferred over optical restoration as it circumvents the lengthy delays involved in the reconfiguration of the optical layer. Although fast, IP restoration requires the overprovisioning of costly capacity to cope with optical failures. The advent of software-defined optical networking enables a changeover towards more efficient methods that integrate IP-Optical restoration. These methods should not only restore traffic from failures considered in the planning phase, but they should also efficiently restore traffic from unforeseen failures. This paper studies this problem by investigating optimization algorithms for capacity planning and multilayer restoration based on the theory of adjustable robust optimization (ARO). The approach performs offline optimization of the capacities of IP links as well as the routing and capacities of IP tunnels in both failure-free mode of operation and in a foreseen set of optical failures. Besides, the approach optimizes an affine policy that is applied online to recover IP traffic from unforeseen failures, thereby providing robustness to optical failures not regarded in the planning phase. To overcome the limitations of the affine policy, an alternative robust algorithm is formulated based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and graph neural networks (GNNs). By training a DRL-GNN agent, the performance of the restoration process is improved by further minimizing the traffic losses when unforeseen optical failures occur. Results in selected scenarios show that the algorithms outperform IP restoration in terms of capacity requirements, while minimizing the traffic losses in the case of failures. Moreover, the DRL-GNN method significantly improves the ARO-based affine algorithm, which shows the capability of learning the complex relationship between the capacity impairments caused by optical failures and the routing strategy required to restore IP traffic.
Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser operating at 1064 nm with NiPS3 nanoflakes onto a silica metasurface as saturable absorbers
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Deng Junhong , Hu Xinmeng , Ma Xuhang , Wei Qihuo , Gao Shufang , Feng Jun
Published: May 2024

In this work, we show that a metasurface can be used to improve the performance of the two-dimensional (2D) material saturable absorber in a Nd:YVO4 solid-state laser. To our knowledge, the hybrid saturable absorber was fabricated by spraying the NiPS3 nanoflakes onto a silica metasurface for the first time. It is shown that the optical absorption, modulation depth, saturation intensity, and ultrafast recovery time of the metasurface-NiPS3 saturable absorber exhibit better performance than the 2D material control device. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the Q-switched pulses with a pulse duration of 20.5 ns, repetition rate of 4.35 MHz, output power of 2.3 W, peak power of 30.61 W, and pulse energy of 0.63 μJ were experimentally demonstrated. These findings suggest that a hybrid saturable absorber is a promising candidate for developing pulsed laser and optical modulators.
One-way valley-locked waveguide with a large channel achieved by all-dielectric photonic crystals
Authors: Liang Li , Zhang Xiao , Wang Chuan , Liu Jie , Fan Longzhen , Liang Chengpeng , Liang Liang , Li Feifei , Wu Qi , Poo Yin
Published: May 2024

One-way transmission of light constitutes the cornerstone of modern photonic circuits. In the realm of photonic devices, it has been widely utilized in isolators, circulators, etc. Recent topology in artificial materials, an unprecedented degree of freedom, has been proposed to solve the effect of impurities on one-way transmission. However, in view of the bulk-edge correspondence, the spatial width of the transmission channel with uniform field distribution is quite narrow and needs further exploration. In this paper, we proposed a one-way valley-locked waveguide with a large channel in an all-dielectric reciprocal photonic crystal. Quite different from the topological edge states, our waveguide is topologically trivial; the unidirectional property comes from the bulk modes with valley-lock in the vicinity of Dirac points, which can naturally fully utilize the whole dimension of the structure. Additionally, such one-way bulk modes keep single mode regardless of the channel width increasing, along with uniform electrical field distribution across the entire channel, which opens a new avenue for large channel optical devices.
Green etching of indium tin oxide metasurfaces
Authors: Blair Samuel F. J. , Male Joshua S. , Reardon Christopher P. , Krauss Thomas F.
Published: May 2024

Metasurfaces have become integral elements of the modern nanophotonics toolkit, finding applications in many areas of photonics. With the recent rise in the use of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), there is a desire to fabricate metasurface structures directly into materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) to utilize their tunability and non-linear effects. Current ITO dry etching techniques use harsh chemically active gases such as Cl2 or environmentally damaging gases such as CH4. As a result, etching processes often require metal masks and aggressive metal etchants that can damage deposited ITO thin films. Here, we present a straightforward reactive ion etch (RIE) using green and environmentally friendly source gases, namely an Ar and H2 gas mix, together with a soft resist mask. By variation of the process parameters, an optimal etch condition is realised, producing uniform features for nanoscale structures at a steady rate of 15 nm/min for small features (< 50 nm). As a proof of concept, guided-mode resonance (GMR) gratings are fabricated in ITO thin films, with the optical results showing a comparably high reflection and Q-factor to common silicon nitride GMR gratings. Hence, this work provides an environmentally friendly alternative for dry etching ITO, in addition to highlighting the potential of ITO as a photonic material for future applications.
Synchronization dynamics of tunable phase of monolithically-integrated external cold cavity edge-emitting laser array
Authors: Qi Jun , Lan Tian , Ma Wanli , Zhang Jinghao , Li Ying , Lou Yiwen , Qin Fengjiao , Liu Yuying , Wang Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

This study explores the synchronization dynamics of a one-dimension edge-emitting laser array monolithically-integrated with an external cold cavity comprehensively, aiming to achieve an in-phase mode optical field. By employing the optical feedback rate equation, the impact of mutual feedback coefficient and coupling coefficient on the synchronization process are investigated thoroughly. The proposed external cold cavity, designed according to the Talbot effect, could significantly diminish the reflectivity of front facet through separated electrode structure, therefore facilitating the phase-locking process. Consequently, the study uncovers the effective regime for establishing in-phase mode operation. Additionally, the numerical analysis also reveals the vivid synchronization dynamic from chaotic state to partial locking, then fully-phase-locked, and ultimately periodic oscillation. Based on the simulation results, our works could offer valuable insights for steering the on-chip optical field and developing novel laser arrays with high beam quality.
Delivering effective, comprehensive, multi-exercise component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for chronic heart failure patients in low resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital—(QECH-CR) randomised CR study, Malawi
Authors: Namanja Alice , Nyondo Daston , Banda Tendai , Mndinda Ephraim , Midgely Adrian , Hobkirk James , Carroll Sean , Kumwenda Johnstone
Published: May 2024

Background

The delivery of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) and attaining evidence-based treatment goals are challenging in developing countries, such as Malawi. The aims of this study were to (i) assess the effects of exercise training/ CR programme on cardiorespiratory and functional capacity of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and (ii) examine the effectiveness of a novel, hybrid CR delivery using integrated supervised hospital- and home-based caregiver approaches.

Methods

A pre-registered (UMIN000045380), randomised controlled trial of CR exercise therapy in patients with CHF was conducted between September 2021 and May 2022. Sixty CHF participants were randomly assigned into a parallel design-exercise therapy (ET) (n = 30) or standard of care (n = 30) groups. Resting hemodynamics, oxygen saturation, distance walked in six-minutes (6MWD) and estimated peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) constituted the outcome measures. The exercise group received supervised, group, circuit-based ET once weekly within the hospital setting and prescribed home-based exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks. Participants in both arms received a group-based, health behaviour change targeted education (usual care) at baseline, 8-, 12- and 16-weeks.

Results

Most of the participants were female (57%) with a mean age of 51.9 ±15.7 years. Sixty-five percent (65%) were in New York Heart Association class III, mostly with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) (mean Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction 52.9 ±10.6%). The 12-weeks ET led to significant reductions in resting haemodynamic measures (all P <0.05). The ET showed significantly higher improvements in the 6MWD (103.6 versus 13.9 m, p<0.001) and VO2 peak (3.0 versus 0.4 ml·kg-1·min-1, p <0.001). Significant improvements in 6MWD and VO2 peak (both p<0.001), in favour of ET, were also observed across all follow-up timepoints.

Conclusion

This novel, randomised, hybrid ET-based CR, delivered to mainly HFpEF patients using an integrated hospital- and home-based approach effectively improved exercise tolerance, cardiorespiratory fitness capacities and reduced perceived exertion in a resource-limited setting.
Research on the impact of regional integration policy on carbon emissions——Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Cui Muhua
Published: May 2024

The Yangtze River Economic Belt serves as a paradigm of ecological integration and high-quality development within China. Under the constraints of the "Dual Carbon" goal, how does the integrative policy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, aimed at reinforcing inter-regional industrial cooperation, impact carbon emissions across various provinces within the region? Leveraging panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2009–2019 and treating the 2016 promulgation of the "Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Planning Outline" as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model for discerning the effects of regional integration policies on carbon emissions, intensity, and efficiency in the 11 provinces of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The research further delves into the underlying mechanisms through which policy interventions modulate provincial carbon emissions. Key findings include: (1) The policy’s enactment has significantly attenuated provincial carbon emissions and intensity, albeit somewhat hampering the enhancement of carbon efficiency—conclusions robust to parallel trend and placebo tests; (2) Heterogeneity analyses reveal disparities in the policy’s carbon emission effects, contingent on varying economic development levels and geographical loci; (3) Mechanistically, while the integration bolsters regional environmental governance and strengthens economic ties—thereby curtailing provincial emissions—it is evident that local governments have been somewhat inept in effectively channeling the influx of substantial short-term capital, hence stifling provincial carbon efficiency. In light of these insights, it is posited that local governments within the Yangtze River Economic Belt should ardently endeavor to refine and elevate regional industrial structures, champion the construction of an integrated regional market, intensify capital oversight and coordinated utilization, and enhance the efficiency of regional capital allocation, all in the quest to augment regional carbon emission reduction performance.
Rational resistance amidst gentle breeze and mild rain: Examining online collective behavior among the Chinese public using the elaborated social identity model
Authors: Qing Wang , Xuebo Zhang
Published: May 2024

This research examines internet collective behavior in mainland China during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the factors and characteristics that drive such behavior. The Chinese government initially implemented a conservative and biased policy to contain the spread of the virus, but the sudden lifting of lockdown measures in late 2022 resulted in a surge in infections and scarcity of medical resources. This policy shift led many Chinese internet users to perceive the government’s actions as hasty and harsh, prompting them to engage in collective online behavior. The study employed a survey-based approach, collecting 1,626 valid questionnaires, which underwent reliability testing, descriptive statistical analysis, and a difference-in-differences test. A structural equation model (SEM) was then constructed and applied to comprehensively analyze the mediating and moderating effects of latent variables. Ethical considerations were prioritized, with informed consent obtained from all participants, who were provided with detailed information about the study and given sufficient time to review and ask questions. The research yielded three primary conclusions: the Chinese public demonstrated a perception of fairness and exhibited obedience, respect, and cooperation with the government during the epidemic; the observed online collective behavior can be characterized as a moderate and rational form of resistance, explained by the elaborated social identity model (ESIM); and the middle class consistently adopted a self-vulnerability strategy, positioning themselves as beneficiaries of protection to maximize their own interests in epidemic prevention and control. This study shows notable insights into internet collective behavior in mainland China during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting perceptions, resistance, and strategies adopted by different segments of the population.
Experimental and Independent Italian Cinema: Legacies and Transformations into the Twenty-first Century, Anthony Cristiano and Carlo Coen (eds) (2020)
Authors: Catanese Rossella
Published: May 2024

Review of: Experimental and Independent Italian Cinema: Legacies and Transformations into the Twenty-first Century, Anthony Cristiano and Carlo Coen (eds) (2020)

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 332 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47447-403-0, p/bk, $19.99/$90.00
Fare storia del cinema: Metodi, oggetti, temi, Fabio Andreazza (ed.) (2022)
Authors: Villa Paolo
Published: May 2024

Review of: Fare storia del cinema: Metodi, oggetti, temi, Fabio Andreazza (ed.) (2022)

Roma: Carocci, 239 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-82901-716-4, p/bk, €26.00