bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier ptychographic microscopy with multi-height illumination based on energy threshold pre-search
Authors: Cheng Hong , Liu Qihong , Chen Yu , Ju Hanpin , Shen Chuan
Published: August 2024

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) technology combines the concepts of synthetic aperture imaging, ptychography, and phase retrieval to address the contradiction between the large field of view and high resolution in traditional microscopy and can achieve high-resolution amplitude and phase images with a large field of view. However, for most samples, the primary information is concentrated in the low-frequency region, and traditional single-height FPM may suffer from insufficient sampling, leading to low reconstruction accuracy. In addition, the reconstruction process typically requires a large number of low-resolution images, which also significantly reduces the reconstruction efficiency. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a form of FPM with multi-height illumination based on an energy threshold pre-search. This method simply involves moving the LED array to three planes for multi-height sample illumination on the traditional FPM hardware, thus improving the sampling conditions and enhancing the reconstruction accuracy. The low-resolution images acquired in this way are then screened using an energy threshold method to select images with higher energy, and a phase retrieval method is employed to reconstruct high-resolution complex amplitude images. The results of simulations and experiments demonstrate that compared to traditional methods, our approach not only improves the reconstruction accuracy but also reduces the number of low-resolution images by at least approximately 60%, thereby significantly enhancing the reconstruction efficiency.
Substrate optimization with the adjoint method and layered medium Green’s functions
Authors: Simsek Ergun , Islam Raonaqul , Oishe Sumya H. , Menyuk Curtis R.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the photonics community has shown increasing interest in the inverse design of photonic components and devices using the adjoint method (AM) due to its efficient gradient computation and suitability for large parameter and continuous design spaces. This work focuses on substrate optimization to maximize light transmission or field enhancement at specific locations using layered medium Green’s functions (LMGFs). We first provide a numerical formulation for calculating two-dimensional (2D) LMGFs, leveraging their efficiency for fixed sources and observation points parallel to layer interfaces. We then present a step-by-step implementation of the AM for substrate optimization using LMGFs. Through numerical studies, we verify the field enhancement achieved with AM-designed substrates using a frequency-domain solver. We compare the results of AM with particle swarm optimization (PSO) for two optimization problems, demonstrating that AM not only generates realistic designs with smooth permittivity profiles but also achieves inverse design more efficiently than PSO. The AM designs are easier to fabricate and require significantly less computational effort due to the efficient gradient computation inherent in the method. This study underscores the advantages of AM in designing photonic devices with continuous parameter spaces.
Broadly tunable Tm:BaF2 and Tm:SrF2 lasers
Authors: Veselský Karel , Loiko Pavel , Eremeev Kirill , Benayad Abdelmjid , Šulc Jan , Jelínková Helena , Camy Patrice , Braud Alain
Published: August 2024

We report on the spectroscopic properties and first continuous-wave (CW) and broadly tunable operation of a Tm3+-doped barium fluoride (BaF2) crystal, comparing it with another fluorite-type compound, Tm3+:SrF2. Tm3+ ions in BaF2 exhibit broader emission around 2 µm (bandwidth: 235 nm) at the expense of a lower stimulated-emission cross-section (1.36×10−21cm2 at 1.86 µm) and a longer luminescence lifetime (12.03 ms) as compared with Tm:SrF2. The room-temperature CW Tm:BaF2 laser generated 184 mW at 1.88 µm with a slope efficiency of 54.8% exceeding the Stokes limit and a low laser threshold of 84 mW. In the quasi-CW regime, its output was further scaled to 0.56 W with even higher slope efficiency of 67.2%. By using an MgF2-based Lyot filter, continuous wavelength tuning of this laser from 1833 to 2002 nm (tuning range: 169 nm) was demonstrated. Tm:BaF2 is promising for ultrashort pulse generation from mode-locked lasers.
Chiral terahertz metasurface with asymmetric transmission, polarization conversion and circular dichroism
Authors: Qureshi Ubaid Ur Rahman , Deng Bowen , Wu Xudong , Xiong Chenjie , Jalal Abdul , Khan M. Ismail , Hu Bin
Published: August 2024

A tri-layer chiral metasurface with multi-functions of asymmetric transmission (AT), polarization conversion (PC) and circular dichroism (CD) is proposed in the terahertz (THz) range. Simulation results show that the metasurface is able to realize AT with more than 90% efficiency and PC fractional bandwidth of 80% over a frequency range of 0.15 to 0.35 THz. At 0.33 THz, it showcases the utmost CD of 58%. Through experimental measurements, the fabricated device demonstrate that the AT parameters exceed 35% in the frequency range of 0.24-0.33 THz. This broad frequency range represents a PC fractional bandwidth of 69% and reveals a prominent peak at 0.28 THz, wherein the transmission attains a value of 0.62. The proposed configuration exhibits CD, achieving 14% at 0.24 THz. Furthermore, the functionalities of AT, PC and CD are stable for changes in incident angle up to 60° for both linearly polarized and circularly polarized incident waves. Moreover, the experimental and measured results demonstrate that the proposed multilayer chiral metamaterial achieves multifunctionality for THz incident waves, offering promising implications for advancing THz communication bands.
Rapid generation of birefringent nanostructures by spatially and energy manipulated femtosecond lasers for ultra-high speed 5D optical recording exceeding MB/s
Authors: Gao Jichao , Yan Zhi , Wang Haiwei , Zhang Jingyu
Published: August 2024

In the current era of data explosion, developing a data storage method that combines longevity, large capacity, and fast read/writing capabilities has become imperative. A promising approach is the nanogratings-based 5D optical data storage, which is realized by femtosecond lasers processing of silica glass, with its extremely long storage lifetime and high-density storage capabilities. However, a significant limitation of nanogratings is that their formation relies on in-situ irradiation with tens to hundreds of femtosecond laser pulses. This limitation severely hinders the writing speed of storage techniques that rely on nanogratings. Addressing this challenge, our method, rooted in a deep understanding of the nanogratings evolution process, effectively reduces the pulse requirement for inducing a complete birefringent nanostructure to just three. By modulating the energies and focus depths of seeding and writing pulses, this method achieves control over the material environment and near-field enhancement in the focus region. Crucially, it circumvents the ascent process of nanovoids, a process traditionally necessitating more than 80% pulse number during nanogratings formation. This approach significantly boosts the recording speed of 5D optical data storage based on birefringent nanostructure, likely achieving speed exceeding megabytes per second (MB/s). Such a breakthrough facilitates the development of innovative practical applications utilizing nanogratings structures, including multi-dimensional optical data storage, microfluidics, waveguide, and geometric phase components.
3D deployment optimization of UAVs with visible light communications for sum data rate maximization
Authors: Liu Jiaji , Yang Fang , An Nan , Song Jian
Published: August 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their exceptional adaptability and maneuverability. This paper investigates the three-dimensional (3D) deployment of UAVs equipped with visible light communication (VLC) capabilities, aiming to maximize the sum data rate. To this end, the system model is established and an efficient algorithm is proposed, with detailed analyses of the computational complexity. Besides, the simulation results indicate the proposed method achieves the best performance in both the sum data rate and the coverage ratio, compared to existing UAV deployment algorithms. Moreover, the effects of both the shot noise induced by the periodic solar radiation and the attenuation of optical signals are also discussed.
Electron momentum correlation along laser magnetic field direction as a probe of nondipole effect in strong-field nonsequential double ionization
Authors: Xu Jingkun , Li Yingbin , Tian Yidian , Kang Shuaijie , Liu Fanfei , Wang Yuchen , Zhai Chunyang , Yu Benhai , Lu Peixiang , Zhou Yueming
Published: August 2024

The electric dipole approximation is commonly adopted in the theoretical investigation of light-atom/molecule interaction, wherein the magnetic component of the driving electromagnetic field is neglected. Our study highlights the significant role of the magnetic field effect in the recollision dynamics of nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) driven by a mid-infrared laser. Due to the magnetic component of the laser field, in the multiple-returning events, the tunneling electron with a large initial momentum along the laser magnetic field direction at some specific tunneling time is inefficient for NSDI. The corresponding footprint is revealed in the correlated electron momentum distribution along the magnetic field direction. Moreover, we show that this effect becomes more obvious with increasing laser wavelength, leading to a notable reduction in the NSDI yield. Our findings provide an alternative perspective for studying the recollision dynamics involving the magnetic field effect.
Angular selective broadband radiative cooling based on Berreman mode
Authors: Ryu Dong Gyun , Kim June Tae , Kim Min Seong , Kim Jeong Jin , Nam Hee Jun , Jeong Ik Hoon , Kim Yeong Jae , Lee Gil Ju
Published: August 2024

Conventional radiative coolers (RCs) exhibit excellent cooling performance in horizontally-installed scenarios but are mainly limited to roofing materials due to their emitting direction. To increase the availability of RC application on the area of a building facade, this article proposes an oblique radiation-angled photonic structure (ORAPS). ORAPS can facilitate thermal emission toward the outer space, evade the adjacent building, and reflect incoming radiative heat in a direction perpendicular to the panel. Along with the theoretical basis of designing the structure, we present simulation-based cooling performance analyses for diverse environmental parameters. This demonstrates that an ORAPS is useful not only for densely packed megacities but also for thermoregulation during the winter season.
Optical switch with an ultralow DC drift based on thin-film lithium tantalate
Authors: Wang Haohua , Xing Xinke , Ruan Ziliang , Yu Jiayang , Chen Kaixuan , Ou Xin , Liu Liu
Published: August 2024

We present an electro-optic (EO) switch with ultralow DC drift on a thin-film lithium tantalate (TFLT) platform, even with SiO2 cladding and without post-annealing processes. The flat Vπ and EO responses have been measured across various driving frequencies, input optical powers, and temperatures. Stable optical switching is achievable in the low-frequency range. The experiment also demonstrated superior long-term stability (up to 2 h) compared to thin-film lithium niobate optical switches under similar on-chip optical power conditions (around −8 dBm).
Modulation and real-time monitoring of the carrier-envelope phase of terahertz pulses based on shaping of near-infrared femtosecond pulses
Authors: Ito Hironori , Watanabe Ryuta , Saito Terumasa , Makino Kyosuke , Wei Hao-Keng , Luo Chih-Wei , Misawa Kazuhiko , Honma Satoshi
Published: August 2024

We propose a novel, to our knowledge, method for modulating and real-time monitoring of the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) of terahertz (THz) pulses. CEP is an essential parameter in the interaction of THz waves with matter due to the difference in temporal symmetry when the carrier is extended for several cycles. CEP can be continuously modulated at full range with high speed by oscillating the optical path length of the Michelson interferometer under 1 µm, as confirmed by electro-optic (EO) sampling. The proposed method can be combined with a data acquisition method that links the experimental parameters and measurements of individual high-repetition THz pulses to realize robust CEP modulation measurements. As the proposed CEP modulation and monitoring system does not require EO sampling but only extracts CEP dependence, the trend toward ultrafast physical property control and observation using THz pulses will spread to other fields.
Adenosine diphosphate released from stressed cells triggers mitochondrial transfer to achieve tissue homeostasis
Authors: Li Hao , Yu Hongping , Liu Delin , Liao Peng , Gao Chuan , Zhou Jian , Mei Jialun , Zong Yao , Ding Peng , Yao Meng , Wang Bingqi , Lu Yafei , Huang Yigang , Gao Youshui , Zhang Changqing , Zheng Minghao , Gao Junjie
Published: August 2024

Cell-to-cell mitochondrial transfer has recently been shown to play a role in maintaining physiological functions of cell. We previously illustrated that mitochondrial transfer within osteocyte dendritic network regulates bone tissue homeostasis. However, the mechanism of triggering this process has not been explored. Here, we showed that stressed osteocytes in mice release adenosine diphosphate (ADP), resulting in triggering mitochondrial transfer from healthy osteocytes to restore the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and to alleviate reactive oxygen species accumulation. Furthermore, we identified that P2Y2 and P2Y6 transduced the ADP signal to regulate osteocyte mitochondrial transfer. We showed that mitochondrial metabolism is impaired in aged osteocytes, and there were more extracellular nucleotides release into the matrix in aged cortical bone due to compromised membrane integrity. Conditioned medium from aged osteocytes triggered mitochondrial transfer between osteocytes to enhance the energy metabolism. Together, using osteocyte as an example, this study showed new insights into how extracellular ADP triggers healthy cells to rescue energy metabolism crisis in stressed cells via mitochondrial transfer in tissue homeostasis.
Seasonal variations in household food security and consumption affect women’s nutritional status in rural South Ethiopia
Authors: Mezgebe Bethelhem , Gari Taye , Belayneh Mehretu , Lindtjørn Bernt
Published: August 2024

Food availability varies seasonally in most rural areas of developing nations, especially in areas affected by drought and climate change, with women being one of the most vulnerable groups. This study aimed to assess the effect of seasonal variation in household food security, adequate dietary diversity, food consumption, and wealth on the nutritional status of women of reproductive age in a rural community in South Ethiopia. Further, the study aimed at identifying associated factors with women’s nutrition status. An open cohort study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022, with follow-up visits every three months. Anthropometric measurements were carried out along with interviews. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Multilevel, multiple linear regressions were employed. Findings revealed that women’s average body mass index (BMI) was 20.4 kg/m2 (95% CI: 20.4–20.5). The highest (20.6 kg/m2, 95% CI: 20.5–20.8) was observed in December, while the lowest (20.2 kg/m2, 95% CI: 20–20.3) occurred in September. During the main postharvest period in December, the household food insecurity score was the lowest (median: 4, Inter quartile range (IQR): 0–9), while the household dietary diversity score (median: 6, IQR: 5–7), and the household food consumption score were the highest (median: 50.5, IQR: 44–70). Factors such as household food security, food consumption, previous season BMI, age, marital status, and membership in safety net programs were identified as determinants of women’s BMI. The study showed the vulnerability of women in drought-prone areas to seasonal undernutrition. We recommend collaborative work among stakeholders to ensure sustainable food access and minimize seasonal food shortages’ effect on women’s nutrition and overall well-being.
DEprescribing: Perceptions of PAtients living with advanced cancer. A multicentre, prospective mixed observational study protocol
Authors: Evin Adrien , Bourdon Marianne , Nizet Pierre , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline , Huon Jean-François
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Polypharmacy in patients with advanced cancer represents a major public health problem, leading to risk of iatrogenesis, decrease of quality of life and increase of healthcare costs. In the field of geriatrics, health policies have been developed to address polypharmacy through the use of deprescribing tools. Recently, palliative care initiatives have been introduced, yet these have not fully considered the specificities of this population, particularly their perceptions. It is therefore important to better understand patients’ perceptions of deprescribing in order to adapt tools and actions to make these approaches more effective.

Objectives

The aim is to investigate patients’ perceptions of deprescribing in palliative oncology care, and to explore factors that may influence patients’ attitudes and beliefs about deprescribing and to validate a specific questionnaire (rPATD) in this population. An ancillary study will investigate the relationship between patients’ health literacy and their perception of deprescribing.

Method

A prospective, observational, multicenter study will be conducted using a sequential mixed exploratory design in a population of patients living with advanced cancer and with a physician-estimated life expectancy of less than 1 year. The study will include an initial qualitative phase. Individual semi-structured interviews using a descriptive approach (thematic analysis) will be conducted (upon saturation). Following analysis of the qualitative data, a quantitative study including 300 patients will be realized to meet secondary objectives. Several data will be collected and 2 self-questionnaires will be administered: the BMQ (beliefs about medicine) and rPATD (perception of deprescribing) possibly supplemented by additional items if required by the qualitative analysis. The auxiliary study will be conducted during this second phase, using a validated self-questionnaire to assess patients’ level of literacy.

Conclusion

The disparate outcomes will facilitate the understanding of the perception of deprescribing in palliative oncology care, enabling the development of tailored approaches adapted to this population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT06193083.
Reliability analysis of the solidification cooling of solid rocket motor grain material
Authors: Du Juan , Li Yangtian , He Yun
Published: August 2024

The reliability of solid rocket motor grain structure during solidification cooling is analyzed. First, a three-dimensional parametric modeling of the grain is carried out by ANSYS finite element software. The dangerous point and dangerous moment can be obtained based on the transient and dynamic thermo-structure coupling under the cooling condition. Moreover, the maximum equivalent strain and temperature values are extracted. Second, a dual neural network model is established based on the probability distribution of the copula function and specific parameters. Finally, the instantaneous reliability during the solidification cooling process of the grain is calculated. Then, the dynamic reliability analysis is realized. The proposed method reduces the computational cost of dynamic reliability of grain structure, demonstrating its applicability in practical engineering problems. Furthermore, comparing the results of the proposed method with the MCS method demonstrates that the proposed method has high computational accuracy.
Utilizing machine learning to tailor radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for low-grade glioma patients
Authors: Zhu Enzhao , Wang Jiayi , Shi Weizhong , Chen Zhihao , Zhu Min , Xu Ziqin , Li Linlin , Shan Dan
Published: August 2024

Background

There is ongoing uncertainty about the effectiveness of various adjuvant treatments for low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Machine learning (ML) models that predict individual treatment effects (ITE) and provide treatment recommendations could help tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.

Objective

We sought to discern the individual suitability of radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in LGG patients using ML models.

Methods

Ten ML models, trained to infer ITE in 4,042 LGG patients, were assessed. We compared patients who followed treatment recommendations provided by the models with those who did not. To mitigate the risk of treatment selection bias, we employed inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

The Balanced Survival Lasso-Network (BSL) model showed the most significant protective effect among all the models we tested (hazard ratio (HR): 0.52, 95% CI, 0.41–0.64; IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.58, 95% CI, 0.45–0.74; the difference in restricted mean survival time (DRMST): 9.11, 95% CI, 6.19–12.03; IPTW-adjusted DRMST: 9.17, 95% CI, 6.30–11.83). CRT presented a protective effect in the ‘recommend for CRT’ group (IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.60, 95% CI, 0.39–0.93) yet presented an adverse effect in the ‘recommend for RT’ group (IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.64, 95% CI, 1.19–2.25). Moreover, the models predict that younger patients and patients with overlapping lesions or tumors crossing the midline are better suited for CRT (HR: 0.62, 95% CI, 0.42–0.91; IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.59, 95% CI, 0.36–0.97).

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the potential of the BSL model in guiding the choice of adjuvant treatment for LGGs patients, potentially improving survival time. This study emphasizes the importance of ML in customizing patient care, understanding the nuances of treatment selection, and advancing personalized medicine.
Operational research to inform post-validation surveillance of lymphatic filariasis in Tonga study protocol: History of lymphatic filariasis elimination, rational, objectives, and design
Authors: Lawford Harriet , Tukia ‘Ofa , Takai Joseph , Sheridan Sarah , Lau Colleen L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne helminth infection, is an important cause of chronic disability globally. The World Health Organization has validated eight Pacific Island countries as having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, but there are limited data to support an evidence-based approach to post-validation surveillance (PVS). Tonga was validated as having eliminated LF in 2017 but no surveillance has been conducted since 2015. This paper describes a protocol for an operational research project investigating different PVS methods in Tonga to provide an evidence base for national and regional PVS strategies.

Methods

Programmatic baseline surveys and Transmission Assessment Surveys conducted between 2000–2015 were reviewed to identify historically ‘high-risk’ and ‘low-risk’ schools and communities. ‘High-risk’ were those with LF antigen (Ag)-positive individuals recorded in more than one survey, whilst ‘low-risk’ were those with no recorded Ag-positives. The outcome measure for ongoing LF transmission will be Ag-positivity, diagnosed using Alere™ Filariasis Test Strips. A targeted study will be conducted in May-July 2024 including: (i) high and low-risk schools and communities, (ii) boarding schools, and (iii) patients attending a chronic-disease clinic. We estimate a total sample size of 2,010 participants.

Conclusions

Our methodology for targeted surveillance of suspected ‘high-risk’ populations using historical survey data can be adopted by countries when designing their PVS strategies. The results of this study will allow us to understand the current status of LF in Tonga and will be used to develop the next phase of activities.
Speech-related parameters are sensitive measures of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy in mild Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hegedűs Éva , Pákáski Magdolna , Gosztolya Gábor , Hoffmann Ildikó , Kovács Ildikó , Kálmán János
Published: August 2024

Our aim was to find out whether speech-related temporal parameters (SRTPs) are sensitive indicators of the clinical outcome in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor therapy with donepezil, compared to the standard cognitive Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) used in clinical trials. In this 24-week-long, naturalistic, self-control, open-labeled, prospective pilot study with 10 mg donepezil on 20 mild AD patients, cognitive functions were evaluated using 15 different SRTPs analyzed by automatic speech recognition in the Speech-Gap Test® compared to ADAS-Cog test results. Among the SRTPs, the filled pause duration ratio significantly improved after 12 weeks of donepezil treatment. During the 24-week follow-up, additional SRTPs such as the filled pause count ratio and the filled pause frequency showed significant benefits. ADAS-Cog total scores showed a slight but not significant improvement compared to baseline after 12 and 24 weeks of donepezil treatment. Among the ADAS-Cog subtests, only orientation improved significantly after 24 weeks of donepezil treatment. Our results indicate that subtle changes in SRTPs measured by the Speech-Gap Test® could be considered as sensitive indicators of the efficacy of the pharmacotherapy in mild AD. According to our data, other cognitive domains did not show improvement in response to donepezil therapy rating by ADAS-Cog. Based on all of this, it is likely that examining and evaluating speech parameters may play an important role in determining the effects of pharmacological treatment of mild AD. The novelty of our study is that it applies the measurement of linguistic parameters as primary outcomes during a drug trial of mild AD in scientific research for the first time.
Research on the expansion, shrinkage properties and fracture evolution of red clay stabilised with phosphogypsum under dry-wet cycles
Authors: Chen Jinxiong , Chen Kaisheng , Liu Zeyu
Published: August 2024

In view of the special engineering properties of red clay and the waste of phosphogypsum resources, the expansion and contraction deformation and fissure evolution of phosphogypsum stabilized red clay under different conditions were investigated by laboratory tests and image processing system. The research results show that: (1) the absolute expansion and absolute shrinkage of phosphogypsum stabilized red clay are positively correlated with the compaction degree, the number of dry and wet cycles and the cement dosage, and negatively correlated with the initial water content and the phosphogypsum dosage; (2) the fissure rate increases with the increase of the number of dry and wet cycles, and decreases with the increase of the initial water content, the compaction degree, the cement, and the phosphogypsum dosage; (3) The relationship among absolute expansion rate (absolute shrinkage), degree of compaction and fracture rate can be fitted by the equation f(x,y) = ax+by+cx2+dy2+e; (4) Phosphogypsum has an obvious inhibiting effect on the expansion, shrinkage and cracking of the mix. It is recommended that the cement mixing amount of 6% and phosphogypsum: red clay = 1:1~1:2 as roadbed filler.
A refined reweighing technique for nondiscriminatory classification
Authors: Liang Yuefeng , Hsieh Cho-Jui , Lee Thomas C. M.
Published: August 2024

Discrimination-aware classification methods remedy socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by machine learning systems. In this paper, we propose a novel data pre-processing technique that assigns weights to training instances in order to reduce discrimination without changing any of the inputs or labels. While the existing reweighing approach only looks into sensitive attributes, we refine the weights by utilizing both sensitive and insensitive ones. We formulate our weight assignment as a linear programming problem. The weights can be directly used in any classification model into which they are incorporated. We demonstrate three advantages of our approach on synthetic and benchmark datasets. First, discrimination reduction comes at a small cost in accuracy. Second, our method is more scalable than most other pre-processing methods. Third, the trade-off between fairness and accuracy can be explicitly monitored by model users. Code is available at https://github.com/frnliang/refined_reweighing.
Multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Lingang , Li Qi , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Wei , Quan Jianwen
Published: August 2024

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and previous observational epidemiological studies have suggested an association between MS and male infertility; male infertility due to sperm abnormalities may result from a number of aetiological factors, such as genetics, autoimmune factors, etc., and there are currently no studies to assess whether MS is associated with sperm abnormalities in men. Therefore, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal relationship between MS and abnormal spermatozoa.

Methods

In this study, independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) were identified by mining public genome-wide association study repositories and used as instrumental variables to explore causality. The causal effect of MS on sperm abnormalities was systematically assessed using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, and various analytical models such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO were implemented to dissect the association. In addition, a wide range of sensitivity tests, including Cochran’s Q test to detect heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept analysis to assess bias, leave-one-out to test model robustness, and funnel plot analysis to detect potential publication bias, were implemented to ensure the robustness and reliability of the causal inference results.

Results

There was a significant causal relationship between MS and abnormal sperm (OR 1.090, 95% CI [1.017–1.168], p = 0.014); The accuracy and robustness of the results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Here we show that there appears to be a causal relationship between multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa. MS as a chronic disease has a higher risk of concomitant sperm abnormalities in its male patients, and reproductive and fertility issues in men with MS should receive special attention from clinicians.
The utilization of the Vezzoni modified Badertscher distension device in breeding programs: Heritability estimates and effect on the hip dysplasia prevalence
Authors: Deboutte Birgit , Vandekerckhove Louis , Stock Emmelie , Kromhout Kaatje , Morin Anthony , Saunders Jimmy H. , Peelman Luc , Broeckx Bart J. G.
Published: August 2024

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common orthopedic condition, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While current breeding programs often rely on ventrodorsal hip-extended (VDHE) radiographs, it is known they fail to accurately assess hip joint laxity. Therefore additional laxity-oriented diagnostic techniques have been developed. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Vezzoni modified Bädertscher distension device (VMBDD) technique, which quantifies hip joint laxity with the laxity index (LI), as a screening tool in two breeding programs. Data from a Belgian population of assistance dogs (population A) and a French population of guide dogs (population B) were analyzed. The heritability estimates of the LI, estimated using Bayesian statistical methods, were high in both populations (0.83 in population A and 0.82 in population B). Improved screening of parents by combining the VMBDD technique with the VDHE, significantly decreased LI and the prevalence of CHD in their offspring. In population A, when two parents were screened with the VMBDD compared to one, there was an average LI decrease of 0.03 (P<0.05). In population B, when one or both parents were screened with the VMBDD compared to none, the average LI decrease was 0.04 (P< 0.05) and 0.05 (P<0.01), respectively. In population A, screening both parents with the VMBDD in addition to the VDHE, resulted in 82.7% (P< 0.05) lower odds of CHD compared to screening only one parent. In population B, screening one parent led to 72.3% (P<0.05) lower odds of CHD compared to none of the parents being screened. In population B, when both parents were screened with the VMBDD, not a single case of CHD was observed in the puppies. In conclusion, based on these results, the VMBDD technique has the potential to drastically reduce CHD prevalence and is as such an excellent tool for breeding programs.
Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems
Authors: Regmi Pramod , Aryal Nirmal , Bhattarai Sankalpa , Sedhain Arun , K. C. Radheshyam Krishna , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, international media and the scientific community have expressed concerns regarding rising kidney health-related risks among Nepalese labour migrants in Gulf countries and Malaysia. Previous studies have highlighted poor lifestyles and work conditions among Nepalese migrants, which could potentially impact their kidney health. This qualitative study aims to explore the lifestyles and work environment of returnee Nepalese migrants who were diagnosed with kidney health problems. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve returnee migrants, all males, with half having worked abroad for at least a decade. Our analysis yielded seven themes: (a) living and lifestyles; (b) work environment; (c) exposure to pollutants; (d) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) experience; (e) use of painkillers and healthcare; (f) medical expenses for CKD patients; and (g) pre-departure training. This study indicates that Nepalese migrants face numerous challenges, including limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poor diets, exposure to occupational hazards, and overuse of pain medication, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of kidney disease. An enhanced pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programme focusing on kidney health-related topics, including the necessary advocacy at the country of destination to provide access to basic services, may encourage migrants to adopt healthy lifestyles and safe working environments, as well as help sensitise migrants to their kidney health risks.
KIC (ketoisocaproic acid) and leucine have divergent effects on tissue insulin signaling but not on whole-body insulin sensitivity in rats
Authors: Mann Gagandeep , Mora Stephen , Adegoke Olasunkanmi A. John
Published: August 2024

Plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids and their metabolites, the branched-chain ketoacids are increased in insulin resistance. Our previous studies showed that leucine and its metabolite KIC suppress insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myotubes along with the activation of the S6K1-IRS-1 pathway. Because other tissue and fiber types can be differentially regulated by KIC, we analyzed the effect of KIC gavage on whole-body insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling in vivo. We hypothesized that KIC gavage would reduce whole-body insulin sensitivity and increase S6K1-IRS-1 phosphorylation in various tissues and muscle fibers. Five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were starved for 24 hours and then gavaged with 0.75ml/100g of water, leucine (22.3g/L) or KIC (30g/L) twice, ten minutes apart. They were then euthanized at different time points post-gavage (0.5-3h), and muscle, liver, and heart tissues were dissected. Other sets of gavaged animals underwent an insulin tolerance test. Phosphorylation (ph) of S6K1 (Thr389), S6 (Ser235/6) and IRS-1 (Ser612) was increased at 30 minutes post leucine gavage in skeletal muscles irrespective of fiber type. Ph-S6 (Ser235/6) was also increased in liver and heart 30 minutes after leucine gavage. KIC gavage increased ph-S6 (Ser235/6) in the liver. Neither Leucine nor KIC influenced whole-body insulin tolerance, nor ph-Akt (Ser473) in skeletal muscle and heart. BCKD-E1 α abundance was highest in the heart and liver, while ph-BCKD-E1 α (Ser293) was higher in the gastrocnemius and EDL compared to the soleus. Our data suggests that only leucine activates the S6K1-IRS-1 signaling axis in skeletal muscle, liver and heart, while KIC only does so in the liver. The effect of leucine and KIC on the S6K1-IRS-1 signaling pathway is uncoupled from whole-body insulin sensitivity. These results suggest that KIC and leucine may not induce insulin resistance, and the contributions of other tissues may regulate whole-body insulin sensitivity in response to leucine/KIC gavage.
Recognition of the game situation in baseball
Authors: Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Takahashi Hiroshi , Nagaura Hiromu , Yoshitake Shinji , Nakata Hiroki
Published: August 2024

This study examines baseball players’ recognition framework of out, ball, and strike counts in baseball games and clarifies the differences in psychological perspectives between batters and pitchers. The participants were 396 players (294 batters and 102 pitchers) belonging to baseball clubs at eight universities. Participants answered 288 questions for all game situations by combining out, ball, and strike counts and runner position. The advantages for batters or pitchers were evaluated using a 7-point Likert scale (from very advantageous for batters to very advantageous for pitchers). Factor analysis indicated four significant factors (36 items): “Batter’s advantage count,” “Pitcher’s advantage count,” “2 out young count,” and “0 out young count.” In a direct comparison of these factors between batters and pitchers, batters were more aware of their advantage over pitchers in the factors “Batter’s advantage count” and “0 out young count” and disadvantage in the “Pitcher’s advantage count.” Significant differences in recognition of these factors were observed between batters and pitchers. Batters were more susceptible to game situations than were pitchers. Our findings suggest that baseball players recognize several types of game situations, although not an infinite number.
Global SVoD services in small audio-visual market contexts: Commissioning patterns in Flanders, Ireland and Norway
Authors: Domazetovikj Nino , Raats Tim , Donders Karen
Published: August 2024

Global streaming services’ investment strategies in Europe have shifted the production landscape for scripted fiction. This article examines the commissioning patterns for scripted serial TV fiction through a comparative analysis of three small European markets: Flanders, Ireland and Norway. The analysis assesses the differences and similarities in the volumes of scripted fiction and how they evolved, focusing on the position of SVoD commissions in the total volumes based on a dataset of 411 unique titles and 609 title seasons of serial scripted fiction released between 2016 and 2023. It reveals that different economic and cultural contexts modulate global streamers’ investments in local content, which in turn are an essential facet of global streamers’ localization strategies in Europe. Our findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of SVoD localization strategies within European markets, contextualizing the variations in investment and production patterns.
Markets as free speech providers and political resignation: Swedish (non)regulation of streaming platforms
Authors: Jansson Maria , Belle Jono Van
Published: August 2024

In Sweden, the government has been reluctant to regulate streaming platforms, including the measures in the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which aim to maintain domestic and European productions. This article investigates what values are mobilized to legitimate the (non)regulation of streaming platforms in Sweden and what this means for democratic deliberation about platforms, content and culture. Building on policy documents and in-depth interviews, our findings are structured around policies addressing (1) democracy, equality and diversity and (2) European content, production and cultural values. Regulations are perceived to be difficult to enforce and often undesirable. This article identifies a shift in policy where regulating television has given way to producing media-literate, self-governing subjects. We introduce the concept ‘platform gaze’ to explain how regulation has deferred to the desires of platform providers, neglecting, e.g. independent producers. Further, we argue that the political space to discuss streamed content as culture has diminished.
Localizing global platforms in Scandinavia and globalizing Scandinavian popular cinema: Netflix, SF Studios and the contemporary Nordic film industries
Authors: Meir Christopher
Published: August 2024

The year 2022 saw three Scandinavian films – Loving Adults, Black Crab and Troll – place highly on Netflix’s lists of the most popular non-English language films on the service globally. These were led by Troll, a Norwegian feature that was fully financed by Netflix itself and branded as an ‘original’ film, which went on to become the most popular non-English language film ever on the platform. Using the popularity of these films and other Nordic titles on the world’s leading subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) platform as a point of departure, this article investigates the changing industrial landscape for film production and distribution in the region in light of the influence that streaming platforms are having therein. The focus is on a detailed case study of the integrated studio SF Studios, which produced two of these three landmark films as well as numerous others that were released as Netflix original movies between 2020 and 2023. In addition to illuminating the business and creative practices of both SF and Netflix, the article argues that deals such as these are fomenting greater artistic diversity in Scandinavia by opening up distribution pathways and production resources for popular genre films from the region.
‘The End of Migration’: Emerging trends and countervailing forces
Authors: Baas Michiel , Schiller Nina Glick
Published: August 2024

This Manifesto calls on migration scholars to confront our transforming world in which the patterns and possibilities of migration on which our theories and assumptions have been based are rapidly ending. It addresses the process of dehumanization that accompanies the elimination of people’s ability to move and settle with the eventual possibility of citizenship. People needing or seeking to leave home are increasingly kept from attaining secure lives in terms of adequate employment, housing and legal protection. Instead, they face migration industries that profit from borders, surveillance, short-term labour contracts without rights to settle or to safety, legalized exploitation, and even the criminalization of migrancy itself. The basic human right to social and economic justice and dignity is at stake. This Manifesto therefore sounds the alarm for migration scholars not only to document the transformations in migration but to say clearly and forcefully: migration is a social good and is part of our struggle for a more just world. In this dramatically altered terrain scholars must conduct migration research with these assumptions, starting with developing a deeper understanding of our changing historical conjuncture that is indeed ending migration as we know it.
Superdiversity Migration and Social Complexity, Steven Vertovec (2023)
Authors: Phillimore Jenny
Published: August 2024

Review of: Superdiversity Migration and Social Complexity, Steven Vertovec (2023)

Abingdon: Routledge, 250 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-41583-463-6, p/bk, £27.99

ISBN 978-0-41583-462-9, h/bk, £96.00
Educación Ambiental antes y después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz en Colombia
Authors: Figueroa Ramirez Andres Alfonso , Imperador Adriana Maria
Published: August 2024

Discutir la cuestión ambiental en América Latina, la región con el mayor número de defensores ambientales asesinados, es un acto de resistencia contra la violencia generalizada. A este lúgubre panorama, en Colombia se le suma un conflicto armado interno que lleva muchas décadas sacudiendo desde las bases a la sociedad. Sin embargo, desde el 2016, con la firma de un acuerdo de Paz entre el Estado y el mayor grupo guerrillero, una nueva etapa está siendo escrita. A partir del marco esperanzador del posconflicto escribimos este artículo con el objetivo analizar, desde una óptica posdesarrollista, los procesos de Educación Ambiental implementados en el territorio colombiano, antes y después de la firma del acuerdo. Concluimos que sin duda dinámicas democratizantes y colectivas sobre las cuestiones ambientales se vienen implementando a lo largo de los últimos años, mucho más visible en los trabajos realizados después de la firma del acuerdo. No obstante, esto no significa que las luchas sociales por una vida digna y Paz para todas y todos deben ser abandonadas, por el contrario el posconflicto debe es el escenario para construir con ahínco nuevas racionalidades que las garanticen.
Uma análise do currículo da Engenharia Civil sob o olhar das competências indicadas em Gaia 2.0: contribuições para o mundo comum que visa a formação de uma cultura voltada à sustentabilidade
Authors: Zeni de Sá Patricia , Van Kaick Tamara , Sutil Noemi
Published: August 2024

A cultura voltada à sustentabilidade exige formação de competências pelos indivíduos e instituições. A Hipótese de Gaia 2.0 está baseada nos elementos: Autotrofia, Redes e Heterarquia que possuem fortes delineamentos concernentes à sustentabilidade. O objetivo do artigo é verificar como estes elementos podem ser evidenciados na Política de Sustentabilidade da UTFPR e na Matriz curricular do curso de Engenharia Civil. Em relação as evidências relativas a inserção do conceito de sustentabilidade, a matriz curricular apresentou 9% (n=61) e as disciplinas optativas 25% (n=51) apresentaram temas relacionados. A conclusão é que a formação voltada à sustentabilidade na graduação de Engenharia Civil analisada depende mais da opção do discente, do que da formação obrigatória do curso e a Política de Sustentabilidade ainda não está totalmente inferida na matriz curricular.
Comunidades “invisíveis” dos rios
Authors: Alves Maria Eduarda de Castro Cosendey , Genovez Jorge Gabriel Fernandes , Bevilacqua Maria Silvina , Costa Rafael Nogueira
Published: August 2024

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento de estudantes dos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental sobre invertebrados bentônicos (IB) de rios. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação de questionários e pela observação de gestos e comentários dos estudantes. Os resultados indicam uma baixa compreensão sobre os IB, quando comparada ao conhecimento sobre outras formas de vida nos rios. Além disso, constatou-se uma considerável confusão entre os estudantes ao discernir quais animais habitam ambientes de água doce ou marinhos. Por fim, observou-se alta aceitação dos estudantes em relação à oficina, sendo as curiosidades citadas sobre os IB o que os mais despertou interesse.