bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High burden of wasting among children under-five with hydrocephalus receiving care at CURE children’s hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Grace Naula , Mbabazi Edith , Mukunya David , Tumuhamye Josephine , Okechi Humphrey , Wegoye Emmanuel , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Matovu Joseph KB , Hopp Leah , Napyo Agnes
Published: January 2024

Background

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurological disabilities presenting in children. Although there are limited studies on its association with wasting, neurological comorbidities such as dysphagia have been associated with an increased risk of wasting in children. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with wasting in children less than five years with hydrocephalus.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at various satellite clinics of CURE Children’s Hospital in Uganda between September and November 2021. Children with hydrocephalus were identified at the outpatient departments of the satellite clinics of the Cure Children’s Hospital and these include Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Jinja and Katalemwa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on several variables including (1) for the mother: socio-demographic characteristics, partner support, and wealth index (2) for the child: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, feeding difficulties and neural comorbidity. Anthropometric measurements were also taken and these included the mid-upper arm circumference. Data were analysed using Stata version 14. We estimated adjusted odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals while relying on multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of wasting among children with hydrocephalus was 23.2% (n = 89/384) (95%CI: 19 − 27.7%). Their mean age was 19.5 months (SD 16.8). Most of the children were below 12 months (47.9%) and were male (57.5%). The factors associated with wasting among children with hydrocephalus included: having; difficulty in chewing and swallowing (AOR = 2.6, (95%CI:1.05–3.94), a poor appetite (AOR = 1.74, (95%CI: 1.31–2.32), difficulty in breathing (AOR = 1.9, (95%CI: 1.18–3.16), chocking on food (AOR = 1.42, (95%CI:1.1–1.9) and attending the Mbale satellite clinic (AOR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.19–3.7). Children under 5 years of age with hydrocephalus that were born to women whose highest level of education was 7 to 10 years of formal schooling (AOR = 0.32, 95%CI: (0.12–0.87) were less likely to be wasted.

Conclusions and recommendations

The prevalence of wasting among children with hydrocephalus was high. The factors associated with wasting were mainly feeding challenges. We recommend that children with hydrocephalus should be given greater attention regarding their nutrition especially those with various forms of feeding difficulties. The caregivers of children with hydrocephalus should receive counseling on nutrition and on the best modalities to rely on while feeding their children.
Global shocks and fiscal stimulus: a tale of an oil-dependent-exporting country
Authors: Okorie David Iheke , Lin Boqiang
Published: January 2024

Global shocks potentially distort economy’s achieved equilibria. Considering the 2020 global crude oil price shock and the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, this study proposes an energy and environment integrated general equilibrium model to analyze the economic, energy, and environmental effects of these global shocks on Nigeria, a developing, oil-producing, oil-dependent, and oil-exporting country. Furthermore, the mitigating roles of a fiscal stimulus–response package (palliative) are investigated and analyzed. Generally, the developed model predicts a decline in the level of economic activities. The study results are unsurprising due to Nigeria’s heavy reliance on crude oil. However, sectorial-specific impacts exist as some sectors experience output declines while others do not. Environmental quality is improved since more carbon is abated, nonetheless. Carbon intensities increased given that the price effects outweighed the quantity effects— reduced emission results from reduced economic activities and not from technological progress. The results further show a revenue-abatement paradox; a fixed carbon tax approach minimizes the tax revenue loss but may discourage carbon abatement. Conversely, the ad valorem and specific carbon tax systems encourage carbon abatement but reduce carbon tax revenues. The government’s fiscal policy stimulus–response (palliative) action dampens the impact of these global shocks on both the domestic agents and the overall economy. The results are robust and can be applied to the experiences of other developing oil-producing, oil-exporting, and oil-dependent economies.
Two decades of research on the role of diet in Alzheimer’s disease (2003–2023): a bibliometric and visual analysis based on CiteSpace
Authors: Xu Wanyin , Xu Zhengyanran , Guo Yi , Wu Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

In recent years, the impact of diet on Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a modifiable lifestyle has attracted widespread attention. We aimed to elucidate the current research status, frontiers, and research trends regarding the role of diet in AD over the past two decades through CiteSpace.

Methods

Studies related to AD and diet that were published from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2023, were retrieved via the Web of Science Core Collection. We imported the study data into CiteSpace for visual analysis of countries, institutions, co-authors, and co-occurring keywords.

Results

A total of 922 relevant studies were included in our analysis, which found Nikolaos Scarmeas was the most prolific author (13 studies, 1.41%). The results also indicated that USA and Columbia University were the country and institution with the highest number of publications, with 209 (22.67%) and 23 (2.49%), respectively. The keywords that had a burst in the past four years were neuroinflammation, AD, tau, association, and beta.

Conclusion

Talent exchange and regional cooperation are recommended in this study field. The results indicate that the effectiveness of various dietary patterns and mechanisms of dietary interventions using biomarkers and supplementation with refined nutrients will be the main research trends in the future.
Sustainable development of inland waterways transport: a review
Authors: Calderón-Rivera N. , Bartusevičienė I. , Ballini F.
Published: January 2024

Over the years, the demand for transportation has experienced a consistent rise, which has exacerbated a multitude of issues including environmental, visual, and noise pollution, congestion, land use conflicts, and various other related challenges. In this regard, the pursuit of alternatives aimed at mitigating these adverse effects stands as a priority for governments and policymakers. Consequently, inland waterway transport (IWT) emerges as an appealing solution, due to its advantages across the social, environmental, and economic considerations. However, in relation to IWT the concept of sustainable development is insufficiently investigated. The objective of this paper is to undertake a comprehensive review of how the concept of sustainable development is addressed and applied within the framework of IWT systems. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review was meticulously conducted, utilizing three academic databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, and EBSCO). The review process yielded a total of 51 papers that proved to be pertinent and relevant to the subject matter. The comprehensive literature review facilitated the delineation of the principal elements, factors, and characteristics of the IWT system, as well as the primary drivers for its sustainable development. However, the implications for further research were identified, such as a comprehensive examination of each case due to the distinct geographical, social, economic, and political conditions inherent to each individual basin. That is essential for understanding the unique barriers present within each context and for formulating viable solutions aimed at fostering and incentivizing the sustainable development of IWT systems.
Development of a combined radiomics and CT feature-based model for differentiating malignant from benign subcentimeter solid pulmonary nodules
Authors: Liu Jianing , Qi Linlin , Wang Yawen , Li Fenglan , Chen Jiaqi , Cui Shulei , Cheng Sainan , Zhou Zhen , Li Lin , Wang Jianwei
Published: January 2024

Background

We aimed to develop a combined model based on radiomics and computed tomography (CT) imaging features for use in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant subcentimeter (≤ 10 mm) solid pulmonary nodules (SSPNs).

Methods

A total of 324 patients with SSPNs were analyzed retrospectively between May 2016 and June 2022. Malignant nodules (n = 158) were confirmed by pathology, and benign nodules (n = 166) were confirmed by follow-up or pathology. SSPNs were divided into training (n = 226) and testing (n = 98) cohorts. A total of 2107 radiomics features were extracted from contrast-enhanced CT. The clinical and CT characteristics retained after univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to develop the clinical model. The combined model was established by associating radiomics features with CT imaging features using logistic regression. The performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Six CT imaging features were independent predictors of SSPNs, and four radiomics features were selected after a dimensionality reduction. The combined model constructed by the logistic regression method had the best performance in differentiating malignant from benign SSPNs, with an AUC of 0.942 (95% confidence interval 0.918–0.966) in the training group and an AUC of 0.930 (0.902–0.957) in the testing group. The decision curve analysis showed that the combined model had clinical application value.

Conclusions

The combined model incorporating radiomics and CT imaging features had excellent discriminative ability and can potentially aid radiologists in diagnosing malignant from benign SSPNs.

Relevance statement

The model combined radiomics features and clinical features achieved good efficiency in predicting malignant from benign SSPNs, having the potential to assist in early diagnosis of lung cancer and improving follow-up strategies in clinical work.

Key points

• We developed a pulmonary nodule diagnostic model including radiomics and CT features.

• The model yielded the best performance in differentiating malignant from benign nodules.

• The combined model had clinical application value and excellent discriminative ability.

• The model can assist radiologists in diagnosing malignant from benign pulmonary nodules.

Graphical Abstract
Clinician and patient views on janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis: a mixed methods study
Authors: de Souza Savia , Williams Ruth , Nikiphorou Elena
Published: January 2024

Background

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are new targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) licenced in the UK to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritides. Unlike currently often prescribed biological DMARDs, they target a different part of the inflammatory pathway and are taken orally. The aim of this study was to explore what UK-based rheumatology clinicians and inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients think about the awareness, prescription and use of JAKi; how they compare with biologics; and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how JAKi are viewed and prescribed.

Methods

Rheumatology clinicians and IA patients completed online surveys and participated in interviews/focus groups between September 2021 and January 2022. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview/focus group data underwent an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

66.6% of patients had at least some awareness of JAKi, 73.0% from their rheumatology team. Problems getting earlier access to these drugs were raised by some patients, with many being prescribed JAKi after multiple other therapies had failed. 91.5% of clinicians prescribed JAKi in keeping with their local guidelines, with 72.3% prescribing them frequently as a monotherapy. Some clinicians had lingering safety concerns over JAKi use. Despite experiencing side effects and knowing of possible long-term risks, patients felt overall the benefits of JAKi outweighed the risks. 39.3% of patients were ‘very satisfied’ on JAKi, compared with 25.0% on biologics. Patients on JAKi appreciated their short half-life when it comes to infections, and their convenience as an oral therapy. When JAKi were discontinued in patients, it was predominantly due to inefficacy and non-cardiovascular adverse events. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased prescription of JAKi as an alternative to injections and infusions, primarily to avoid potentially exposing patients to the coronavirus. Some patients believed their JAKi may confer some protection against developing severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

JAKi are an effective treatment option for IA and are liked by patients. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have impacted their prescription favourably. However, clinicians have safety concerns over JAKi use. Any decision to go on a JAKi should be informed and take into account individual patient risk factors, circumstances and preferences.
Ramadan fasting intentions among pregnant women in Lebanon
Authors: Alaeddine Chaza , Schreiber Jim , Amin Mohamed E. K.
Published: January 2024

Background

According to Islam’s teachings, women are religiously exempt from fasting during pregnancy if a woman is concerned about her health or that of the fetus. This study assesses the intentions of pregnant women to fast during Ramadan and evaluates the contribution of items derived from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting these intentions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Arabic on a convenience sample of 181 pregnant women in Lebanon using a mixture of in-person (46), telephone (31), and online recruitment (104) techniques from February to April 2020. An Exploratory Bayes Tree Analysis was done to examine which TPB items appeared to separate the intention to fast in the best possible way. Then, an ordinal regression was completed followed by a latent class analysis to examine specific classes of participants that could be determined based on the regression results.

Results

Overall, 58% of participants had the intention to fast all days of Ramadan, 22% had the intention to fast some days and 20% did not intend to fast for any duration. A model was run with perceptions of physical ability, Islam guidance, husband’s opinion importance, mother’s opinion beliefs, and impact on general health as predictors (R2 = 0.74). A four-cluster model was chosen as the most parsimonious one in interpretation, where classes one and two included the groups of women who intended to fast month-long with differences in predictors. Class three represented the group of women who did not have the intention to fast and the final class represented the group of women who had the intention to fast some days of the month. The women’s belief in their physical ability to fast and the opinion of the pregnant women’s mothers were very important in deciding the participants’ intention to fast.

Conclusions

Items derived from TPB constructs helped in producing a model predicting women’s intention to fast during Ramadan. Educational messages and interventions related to fasting while pregnant may be delivered by individuals with legitimacy among pregnant women such as those viewed by the target population as powerful motherly figures in their communities.
Selective and persistent toxicity of seven insecticides to five egg parasitoids of
Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Li Hao-Ran , Li Cheng-Yang , Dai Peng , Zang Lian-Sheng , Desneux Nicolas , Xu Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

Spodoptera frugiperda,
a major migratory and invasive pest, inflicts significant yield loss on rice and maize in China. As part of an integrated pest management system, biological control agents can be used against
S. frugiperda
, especially egg parasitoids. However, limited evidence exists regarding the combined and persistent effects of various pest control products on those parasitoids.

Results

This study examined the selective and persistent toxicity of seven approved pesticides [chlorantraniliprole, lufenuron, emamectin benzoate, spinetoram (synthetic pesticides),
Mamestra brassicae
Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (MabrNPV),
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) (biopesticides) and a chlorantraniliprole-lufenuron mixture (3:1) treatment] to five species of egg parasitoids, namely
Trichogramma dendrolimi
,
Trichogramma chilonis
,
Trichogramma mwanzai
,
Trichogrammatoidea lutea
, and
Telenomus remus
. The residual toxicity tests revealed that spinetoram showed high toxicity to
T. mwanzai
,
T. dendrolimi
, and
T. chilonis
in adults stage with mortality of over 92.6%, but caused low mortality in
T. lutea
(64.9%) and
T. remus
(49.2%) when used at the recommended rate. However, after treated by chlorantraniliprole, lunefuron, chl. + luf. (3:1), MabrNPV, and Bt, the mortality rates of all tested parasitoid adults were below 25% (lunefuron lower than 10%). A 3-day emamectin benzoate treatment caused 90% mortality in
T. mwanzai
,
T. lutea
,
T. dendrolimi
, and
T. chilonis
adults. The 3:1 mixture of chlorantraniliprole and lufenuron did not affect the lifespan of
T. mwanzai
and
T. lutea
. Chlorantraniliprole exhibited exceptional safety for all developmental stages (adult, egg, and pupa) of the five egg parasitoid species. A risk analysis indicated that chlorantraniliprole, MabrNPV, Bt, and the 3:1 mixture had the least toxicity to the five tested parasitoid adults, followed by lufenuron. Conversely, spinetoram and emamectin benzoate displayed moderate toxicity to adults of all tested parasitoid species.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that chlorantraniliprole is safe for the five egg parasitoids species studied even after prolonged use and can be used in conjunction with lufenuron. However, spinetoram and emamectin benzoate had the potential to be harmful to these parasitoids.
A rapid method to quantify sub-micrometer polystyrene particles in aqueous model systems by TOC analysis
Authors: Schmidtmann Johanna , Peiffer Stefan
Published: January 2024

For several laboratory experiments with microplastics, a simple and fast quantification method is advantageous. At the same time, the requirements are often lower compared to microplastic detection from environmental samples. We determined the concentration of non-purgable organic carbon of polystyrene (PS) particles (diameter 0.5, 1, 2, 6 μm) in suspension with known concentrations. Commercially available PS particles were used to test the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer method for quantifying microplastics in the lower micrometer range under absence of other organic compounds. Addition of iron or aluminum hydroxide to the samples prior to the measurement increased the recovery from 52.9 to 89.7% relative to measurements in the absence of metal hydroxides. With increasing particle size, the recovery in the presence of iron hydroxides decreased from 95.1% at 0.5 μm to 67.1% at 6 μm PS particles and in the presence of aluminum hydroxides from 92.6% at 0.5 μm to 88.9% at 6 μm PS particles. We conclude that metal hydroxides have a catalytic effect on the thermocatalytic oxidation of PS particles and allow a complete conversion to CO2 for a successful quantification of PS particles using a TOC analyzer. Especially for particles larger than 0.5 μm, in the absence of metal hydroxides, the TOC device is not able to fully oxidize the PS particle to CO2 and subsequently detect its concentration. Thus, TOC analysis of PS particles in the presence of metal hydroxides provides a cheap and simple alternative for quantifying microplastic particles in the lower micrometer range for laboratory experiments (e.g. sedimentation studies) where no other organic substances are present.
Three-dimensional simulation and characterization of airborne transient electromagnetic response in rough media
Authors: Gao Ruoyun , Yin Changchun , Liang Hao , Liu Yunhe , Wang Luyuan , Su Yang , Xiong Bin
Published: January 2024

In fractal, porous, and cranny rough media, the diffusion of the electromagnetic (EM) field differs from that in piecewise smooth media. This phenomenon is known as anomalous diffusion. To study the influence of anomalous diffusion on EM signals, we use the fractional time derivative and derive a governing equation describing the subdiffusion process of electric fields in rough media. Three-dimensional forward modeling of the time-domain airborne EM is performed using the finite-difference method and frequency-time transformation. We verify the accuracy of our forward-modeling method by comparing it with semianalytical solutions for a layered earth model. The numerical results indicate that as the conductivity of rough media decreases with time, the amplitude of the EM field decreases during the early periods but increases during subsequent periods compared with nonrough media. The EM field does not diffuse in the classical mode of the “smoke ring,” but instead demonstrates a “trailing pattern,” meaning that it maintains its maximum value at positions close to the source and diffuses outward and attenuates until it vanishes.
A method for denoising active source seismic data via Fourier transform and spectrum reconstruction
Authors: Liu Lihua , Hao Tianyao , Guo Yonggang , Lü Chuanchuan , Wang Sujing
Published: January 2024

Denoising is a critical step in signal processing. We develop a method for random noise reduction in active source seismic data using spectrum reconstruction. Two methods are developed for modifying the observed data’s amplitude spectrum: one substitutes it with the source wavelet’s amplitude spectrum, whereas the other involves multiplying the source wavelet’s amplitude spectrum with the observed data’s amplitude spectrum. By reconstructing the modified amplitude spectrum while preserving the observed data’s phase spectrum, noise suppression is achieved. Extensive testing with theoretical models, synthetic shot gathers, and field data indicate a notable improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) compared with the traditional band-pass filtering method. This method proves particularly effective for enhancing the S/N in the context of active source wide-angle seismic data used in offshore structural studies, eliminating the need for data segmentation based on offset, and thereby improving processing efficiency. Our method relies solely on a single complete cycle of the source wavelet, making it a purely data-driven solution. It has broad applications in processing active source or controlled source data with consistent source wavelets, including but not limited to seismic exploration, acoustic detection, and signal denoising in various ground-penetrating radars used on Mars, the moon, and earth.
Robust multidimensional reconstruction via group sparsity with Radon operators
Authors: Li Ji , Liu Dawei
Published: January 2024

Seismic data processing, specifically tasks like denoising and interpolation, often hinges on sparse solutions of linear systems. Group sparsity plays an essential role in this context by enhancing sparse inversion. It introduces more refined constraints, which preserve the inherent relationships within seismic data. To this end, we propose a robust orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm, combined with Radon operators in the frequency-slowness [Formula: see text] domain, to tackle the strong group sparsity problem. This approach is vital for interpolating seismic data and attenuating erratic noise simultaneously. Our algorithm takes advantage of group sparsity by selecting the dominant slowness group in each iteration and fitting Radon coefficients with a robust [Formula: see text] norm using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) solver. Its ability to resist erratic noise, along with its superior performance in applications such as simultaneous source deblending and reconstruction of noisy onshore data sets, underscores the importance of group sparsity. Synthetic and real comparative analyses further demonstrate that strong group sparsity inversion consistently outperforms corresponding traditional methods without the group sparsity constraint. These comparisons emphasize the necessity of integrating group sparsity in these applications, thereby indicating its indispensable role in optimizing seismic data processing.
The interface between the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act: physical health treatment
Authors: Curtice Martin
Published: January 2024

The interface between the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) can throw up complex issues. This article reviews a Court of Protection case that considered this interface specifically in the context of physical healthcare for a patient detained under the MHA. The court analysis also included consideration of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018 and the concept of residual liberty. The judgment describes principles to be applied when considering whether non-consensual physical health treatment for detained patients could result in a further deprivation of liberty. Discussion of other Court of Protection cases considers the issue of communication during a capacity assessment, the MHA/MCA interface in obstetric cases and what test to apply in determining whether a patient could be detained under the MHA. Such principles and guidance are helpful in clinical practice for healthcare professionals who deal with the MHA/MCA interface.
Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel Versus Gemcitabine Alone After 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Irinotecan in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Randomized Phase III PRODIGE 65-UCGI 36-GEMPAX UNICANCER Study
Authors: De La Fouchardière Christelle , Malka David , Cropet Claire , Chabaud Sylvie , Raimbourg Judith , Botsen Damien , Launay Simon , Evesque Ludovic , Vienot Angélique , Perrier Hervé , Jary Marine , Rinaldi Yves , Coutzac Clélia , Bachet Jean Baptiste , Neuzillet Cindy , Williet Nicolas , Desgrippes Romain , Grainville Thomas , Aparicio Thomas , Peytier Annie , Lecomte Thierry , Roth Gaël S. , Thirot-Bidault Anne , Lachaux Nicolas , Bouché Olivier , Ghiringhelli François
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

GEMPAX was an open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial designed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of gemcitabine plus paclitaxel versus gemcitabine alone as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) who previously received 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

METHODS

Patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed mPDAC were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive GEMPAX (paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2; IV; once at day (D) 1, D8, and D15/arm A) or gemcitabine (arm B) alone once at D1, D8, and D15 every 28 days until progression, toxicity, or patient's decision. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life, and safety.

RESULTS

Overall, 211 patients (median age, 64 [30-86] years; 62% male) were included. After a median study follow-up for alive patients of 13.4 versus 13.8 months in arm A versus arm B, the median OS (95% CI) was 6.4 (5.2 to 7.4) versus 5.9 months (4.6 to 6.9; hazard ratio [HR], 0.87 [0.63 to 1.20]; P = 0.4095), the median PFS was 3.1 (2.2 to 4.3) versus 2.0 months (1.9 to 2.3; HR, 0.64 [0.47 to 0.89]; P = 0.0067), and the ORR was 17.1% (11.3 to 24.4) versus 4.2% (0.9 to 11.9; P = 0.008) in arm A versus arm B, respectively. Overall, 16.7% of patients in arm A and 2.9% in arm B discontinued their treatment because of adverse events (AEs). One grade 5 AE associated with both gemcitabine and paclitaxel was reported in arm A (acute respiratory distress), and 58.0% versus 27.1% of patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs in arm A versus arm B, among which 15.2% versus 4.3% had anemia, 15.9% versus 15.7% had neutropenia, 19.6% versus 4.3% had thrombocytopenia, 10.1% versus 2.9% had asthenia and 12.3% versus 0.0% had neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

While GEMPAX did not meet the primary end point of OS versus gemcitabine alone in patients with mPDAC in the second-line setting, both PFS and ORR were significantly improved.
Segregation of nascent GPCRs in the ER-to-Golgi transport by CCHCR1 via direct interaction
Authors: Xu Xin , Qiu Lifen , Zhang Maoxiang , Wu Guangyu
Published: January 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell surface signaling proteins that share a common structural topology. When compared with agonist-induced internalization, how GPCRs are sorted and delivered to functional destinations after synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is much less well understood. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of coiled-coil α-helical rod protein 1 (CCHCR1) by siRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 significantly inhibits surface expression and signaling of α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR; also known as ADRA2A), without affecting α2B-AR. Further studies show that CCHCR1 depletion specifically impedes α2A-AR export from the ER to the Golgi, but not from the Golgi to the surface. We also demonstrate that CCHCR1 selectively interacts with α2A-AR. The interaction is mediated through multiple domains of both proteins and is ionic in nature. Moreover, mutating CCHCR1-binding motifs significantly attenuates ER-to-Golgi export, surface expression and signaling of α2A-AR. Collectively, these data reveal a novel function for CCHCR1 in intracellular protein trafficking, indicate that closely related GPCRs can be sorted into distinct ER-to-Golgi transport routes by CCHCR1 via direct interaction, and provide important insights into segregation and anterograde delivery of nascent GPCR members.
In situ observation of a macrourid fish at 7259 m in the Japan Trench: swimbladder buoyancy at extreme depth
Authors: Priede Imants G. , Jamieson Alan J. , Bond Todd , Kitazato Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

A macrourid, Coryphaenoides yaquinae sp. inc., was observed to be attracted to bait and exhibiting normal foraging behaviour during a period of 80 min within view of a baited video camera on the sea floor at 7259 m – the deepest ever observation of a fish species with a swim bladder. The buoyancy provided by an oxygen-filled swim bladder at 74.4 MPa pressure was estimated to be 0.164 N, at a theoretical energy cost of 20 kJ, 200 times less than the cost of equivalent lipid buoyancy. During normal metabolism, 192 days would be required to fill the swimbladder. At these depths, oxygen is very incompressible, so changes in volume during ascent or descent are small. However, swimbladder function is crucially dependent on a very low rate of diffusion of oxygen across the swimbladder wall. The oxygen in the swimbladder could theoretically sustain aerobic metabolism for over 1 year but is unlikely to be used as a reserve.
Evidence for individual vocal recognition in a pair-bonding poison frog, Ranitomeya imitator
Authors: Podraza Molly E. , Moss Jeanette B. , Fischer Eva K.
Published: January 2024

Individually distinctive vocalizations are widespread in nature, although the ability of receivers to discriminate these signals has only been explored through limited taxonomic and social lenses. Here, we asked whether anuran advertisement calls, typically studied for their role in territory defense and mate attraction, facilitate recognition and preferential association with partners in a pair-bonding poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator). Combining no- and two-stimulus choice playback experiments, we evaluated behavioral responses of females to male acoustic stimuli. Virgin females oriented to and approached speakers broadcasting male calls independent of caller identity, implying that females are generally attracted to male acoustic stimuli outside the context of a pair bond. When pair-bonded females were presented with calls of a mate and a stranger, they showed significant preference for calls of their mate. Moreover, behavioral responses varied with breeding status: females with eggs were faster to approach stimuli than females that were pair bonded but did not currently have eggs. Our study suggests a potential role for individual vocal recognition in the formation and maintenance of pair bonds in a poison frog and raises new questions about how acoustic signals are perceived in the context of monogamy and biparental care.
Σύνταξη ερμηνευτικού λεξικού των αρβανίτικων ιδιωμάτων
Authors: Μπιλάλι Ενκελέντ
Published: January 2024

Μέσα από την αποδελτίωση και διερεύνηση μιας σειράς κειμένων, γλωσσαρίων και χειρογράφων, η παρούσα διατριβή έχει ως αντικείμενο μελέτης τα Αρβανίτικα, τη γλώσσα που μιλάνε εδώ και επτά αιώνες οι Αρβανίτες σε διάφορα μέρη της Ελλάδας. Ειδικότερα, πρωταρχικός σκοπός είναι η σύνταξη ενός ολοκληρωμένου ερμηνευτικού λεξικού, το οποίο να συμπεριλαμβάνει όλα τα αρβανίτικα ιδιώματα, και αφετέρου, μέσα από την ανάλυση των λημμάτων, να οδηγηθούμε σε γενικότερα συμπεράσματα για το φωνητικό, μορφολογικό και σημασιολογικό επίπεδο της γλώσσας, όπως επίσης να δοθούν νέες ετυμολογικές προτάσεις, αξιοποιώντας τα νέα ευρήματα μέσα από τη συγκεκριμένη εργασία. Μέχρι σήμερα, δεν έχει εκπονηθεί κάποια διατριβή, αλλά δεν υπάρχει και αντίστοιχο λεξικογραφικό έργο, ούτε στην ελληνική αλλά ούτε και στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία, στο πλαίσιο του οποίου να συλλέγονται δεδομένα από όλες τις αρβανίτικες ποικιλίες και να μελετάται η προκύπτουσα ετερογένεια των λημμάτων. Υπάρχει σχετική βιβλιογραφία και εξειδικευμένες μονογραφίες για επιμέρους αρβανίτικες διαλέκτους, αλλά δεν έχουμε ένα ολοκληρωμένο ερμηνευτικό λεξικό, με γραμματικές πληροφορίες και παραδείγματα χρήσης των λέξεων, το οποίο να συμπεριλαμβάνει όλα τα επιμέρους αρβανίτικα ιδιώματα προσφέροντας μια συνολική εικόνα του ζητήματος.
Επιπτώσεις της κλιματικής αλλαγής και της ατμοσφαιρικής ρύπανσης στα υλικά
Authors: Κουρεμάδας Γεώργιος
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή είχε στόχο τη μελέτη της φθοράς που προκαλείται στα υλικά τα οποία εκτίθενται στο ατμοσφαιρικό περιβάλλον λόγω της ατμοσφαιρικής ρύπανσης και των κλιματικών παραμέτρων. Ο βασικός στόχος ήταν η ανάπτυξη νέων συναρτήσεων, οι οποίες με την εισαγωγή δορυφορικών δεδομένων ρύπανσης και κλιματικών παραμέτρων, θα μπορούν να πραγματοποιούν μια ποσοτική εκτίμηση της φθοράς που υφίσταται ένα υλικό όταν αυτό εκτεθεί στο ατμοσφαιρικό περιβάλλον για χρονικό διάστημα ενός έτους. Για το σκοπό αυτό συγκεντρώθηκαν και μελετήθηκαν δεδομένα που προέκυψαν από διεθνείς πειραματικές εκστρατείες έκθεσης δομικών, κυρίως, υλικών σε πραγματικές συνθήκες. Τα υλικά που μελετήθηκαν χρησιμοποιούνται ως δομικά υλικά σε σύγχρονες κατασκευές, αλλά και σε μνημεία πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Το γεγονός αυτό προσδίδει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον στα αποτελέσματα που προέκυψαν λόγω των πολύ σημαντικών αρχαίων μνημείων που περιλαμβάνονται στηνελληνική επικράτεια. Η ανάπτυξη των νέων αυτών συναρτήσεων, οι οποίες ονομάζονται Satellite Sensed Dose Response Functions (SSDDRFs), πραγματοποιήθηκε με στατιστική προσέγγιση και όχι μηχανιστική λόγω της πολυπλοκότητας που παρουσιάζει η διαδικασία της φθοράς των υλικών στο ατμοσφαιρικό περιβάλλον. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό μελετήθηκε η συσχέτιση που παρουσίασαν οι ατμοσφαιρικές συγκεντρώσεις των βασικών ρύπων και οι κλιματικές παράμετροι (θερμοκρασίας του αέρα στην επιφάνεια και σχετική υγρασία) με τις τιμές της πραγματικής φθοράς όπως αυτή καταγράφηκε μετά από την ανάλυση των πειραματικών αποτελεσμάτων. Τα αποτελέσματα των συσχετίσεων χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως κριτήριο για την επιλογή των κατάλληλων παραμέτρων πάνω στις οποίες βασίστηκε η ανάπτυξη των SSD-DRFs. Για την ανάπτυξη τους χρησιμοποιήθηκαν αλγόριθμοι μηχανικής μάθησης κάνοντας χρήση της γλώσσας Python. Λόγω της μη γραμμικής φύσης και της πολυπλοκότητας που παρουσιάζουν τέτοια φαινόμενα ως προς την εφαρμογή μαθηματικών εργαλείων επιλέχθηκε να γίνει γραμμικοποίηση. Η προσέγγιση αυτή οδήγησε σε αποτελέσματα που παρουσιάζουν ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον για την διεθνή επιστημονική κοινότητα.
Ποσοτική ανάλυση ανθρωπιστικών αλυσίδων εφοδιασμού
Authors: Ταουκτσής Ξενοφών
Published: January 2024

Ο κύριος στόχος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη μίας νέας μεθοδολογίας που αξιοποιεί έναν συνδυασμό μεθόδων και τεχνικών από διαφορετικά επιστημονικά πεδία ώστε να βελτιώσει την ικανότητα ανταπόκρισης σε ανθρωπιστικές κρίσεις μέσω της επιτάχυνσης λήψης αποφάσεων που αφορούν τη διοίκηση της ανθρωπιστικής εφοδιαστικής αλυσίδας. Συγκεκριμένα, αναπτύσσεται μία υβριδική προσέγγιση προσδιορισμού της θέσης εγκατάστασης του κέντρου διανομής ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας σε μία πληγείσα περιοχή. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία στη συνέχεια ενσωματώνεται σε ένα εργαλείο λήψης αποφάσεων, απαραίτητο για επιχειρήσεις, μη κερδοσκοπικούς οργανισμούς και κυβερνήσεις που εμπλέκονται στις διαδικασίες προσφοράς ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας σε περιπτώσεις φυσικών ή ανθρωπογενών καταστροφών. Αυτή η νέα μεθοδολογία, και κατ’ επέκταση το εργαλείο λήψης απόφασης, προορίζεται για δίκτυα που, ως αποτέλεσμα μιας καταστροφής, είναι ασταθή και απαιτούν γρήγορες αποφάσεις σχετικά με τη θέση του κέντρου διανομής και τη διαμόρφωση του προγράμματος διανομής, για την επίτευξη άμεσης ανταπόκρισης στις απαιτήσεις του δικτύου της ανθρωπιστικής εφοδιαστικής. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία βασίζεται σε δύο πυλώνες. Στον πρώτο πυλώνα εκτελούνται όλες οι διαδικασίες για την πρόταση πιθανών θέσεων εγκατάστασης του κέντρου διανομής χρησιμοποιώντας ένα ποσοστό του συνολικού αριθμού των κόμβων του υπό εξέταση δικτύου. Στο δεύτερο πυλώνα εκτελούνται όλες οι διαδικασίες για τη μελέτη της Δικτυακής Ζωτικότητας σύμφωνα με τους προτεινόμενους κόμβους μετά από επιθέσεις στις συνδέσεις τους για τη λήψη της τελικής απόφασης επιλογής του καταλληλότερου κόμβου για την εγκατάσταση ενός ανθεκτικού κέντρου διανομής. Η μοντελοποίηση των διεργασιών των δύο πυλώνων βασίζεται σε συνδυασμό μεθόδων και τεχνικών από τους τομείς της Διαχείρισης Εφοδιαστικής Αλυσίδας, της Επιστήμης των Δικτύων, της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης και της Θεωρίας της Πληροφορίας. Το εργαλείο λήψης απόφασης αναπτύχθηκε με τη γλώσσα προγραμματισμού R μαζί με άλλα πακέτα επεξεργασίας, ανάλυσης και οπτικοποίησης δεδομένων. Έμφαση δίνεται στο πακέτο “Shiny” για τη συμβολή του στην ανάπτυξη μιας διαδικτυακής εφαρμογής με κατάλληλο γραφικό περιβάλλον που επιτρέπει στο χρήστη να λαμβάνει έγκαιρα αποφάσεις για την υποστήριξη των πληγεισών περιοχών με τη διανομή ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας.
The Fall of Acre and the Salvation of Sodom. The use of peccatis exigentibus in response to the loss of Acre in 1291.
Authors: Pretzer Christoph
Published: January 2024

In 1291 the Egyptian Mamluks conquered the city of Acre. The loss of Acre has come to signify the end of the crusades into the eastern Mediterranean from the Latin West. This fact posed a great challenge to medieval audiences and the authors writing for them. The crusades were supposed to be ordained by God. How could their failure be explained in a world in which everything is supposed to happen according to God’s plan? A common discourse used to explain defeat that seemingly went against God’s plan is the so-called peccatis exigentibus. This phrase is frequently used in medieval historiography to posit that bad things happen to God’s favoured people – in the Latin Middle Ages this refers of course to the European Christians – as punishment for their sins. This template has been used and developed throughout the entire crusading period to explain the many defeats the crusading movement had to suffer since the early 12th century. It is again on display in various texts who now aim to explain the conquest of Acre from a Western point of few. This article explores the development of the peccatis exigentibus argument from its biblical roots to its particular place in crusader historiography in the 12th century and subsequently referring to the capture of Acre after 1291. The article then takes a closer look at two texts which in reaction to the conquest of Acre adapt the peccatis exigentibus argument with reference to the same passage from the Old Testament (Genesis 18,17–32) but arrive at very different conclusions.
Product Redesign and Innovation Based on Online Reviews: A Multistage Combined Search Method
Authors: Qin Jindong , Zheng Pan , Wang Xiaojun
Published: January 2024

Online reviews published on the e-commerce platform provide a new source of information for designers to develop new products. Past research on new product development (NPD) using user-generated textual data commonly focused solely on extracting and identifying product features to be improved. However, the competitive analysis of product features and more specific improvement strategies have not been explored deeply. This study fully uses the rich semantic attributes of online review texts and proposes a novel online review–driven modeling framework. This new approach can extract fine-grained product features; calculate their importance, performance, and competitiveness; and build a competitiveness network for each feature. As a result, decision making is assisted, and specific product improvement strategies are developed for NPD beyond existing modeling approaches in this domain. Specifically, online reviews are first classified into redesign- and innovation-related themes using a multiple embedding model, and the redesign and innovation product features can be extracted accordingly using a mutual information multilevel feature extraction method. Moreover, the importance and performance of features are calculated, and the competitiveness and competitiveness network of features are obtained through a personalized unidirectional bipartite graph algorithm. Finally, the importance performance competitiveness analysis plot is constructed, and the product improvement strategy is developed via a multistage combined search algorithm. Case studies and comparative experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed method and provide novel business insights for stakeholders, such as product providers, managers, and designers.

History: Accepted by Ram Ramesh, Area Editor for Data Science and Machine Learning.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project 72071151] and the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, China [Grant 2023CFB712].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0333 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0333 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Promotional Campaign Duration and Word of Mouth in Solar Panel Adoption
Authors: Bollinger Bryan , Gillingham Kenneth , Lamp Stefan , Tsvetanov Tsvetan
Published: January 2024

This paper highlights the role of the duration of promotional campaigns that leverage word of mouth on long-term solar adoption rates after the campaigns conclude.
Biomedical Optics Express Feature Issue Introduction: Optical Manipulation and Its Applications (OMA) 2023
Authors: Jones Philip , Bernatová Silvie , Kotsifaki Domna G.
Published: January 2024

The feature issue of Biomedical Optics Express presents studies that were the focus of the Optical Manipulation and its Applications (OMA) meeting that was held on 24 - 27 April 2022 in Vancouver, Canada.
Biomedical Optics Express recognizes the 2023 best paper prize winners: editorial
Authors: Wang Ruikang K. , Farsiu Sina
Published: January 2024

The Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor of Biomedical Optics
Express announce the prize for the best paper published in
the Journal between 2020 and 2022.
Using double pulse laser ablation in air to enhance the strength of laser-driven shocks
Authors: Crowhurst Jonathan C. , Ly Sonny , Koroglu Batikan , Keller Wesley J.
Published: January 2024

In the process of multi-pulse laser ablation, inter-pulse delay time, Δt, is known to be an important parameter for maximizing ablation efficiency as well as impulse imparted to the target. In this work, using photon Doppler velocimetry, we show that for single pairs of colinear pulses (1064 nm, 8 ns, ∼ 60 J cm-2 per pulse) in air, the peak free surface velocity of the back surface of an aluminum target (125 µm thick) is increased, by a factor of nearly 3, when Δt = 10 microseconds, compared with both pulses arriving simultaneously (Δt = 0). Fast imaging of the ablation process suggests this enhancement is due to rarefaction of the contiguous air in the passage of the leading shock produced by ablation, which then in turn allows a larger fraction of the energy of the second pulse to reach the target surface. This interpretation is strengthened by additional experiments in which the two pulses do not overlap on the target surface, but the shock strength is nevertheless enhanced. Given a fixed energy budget this work suggests a prescription for maximizing laser-driven shock strength by judicious choice of inter-pulse delay.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution robust against environmental disturbances
Authors: Zhao Huanxi , Wang Tao , Xu Yuehan , Li Lang , Tan Zicong , Tan Piao , Huang Peng , Zeng Guihua
Published: January 2024

Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) can guarantee that two parties share secure keys even in the presence of an eavesdropper. However, the polarization direction of the coherent state transmitted in CV-QKD is susceptible to environmental disturbances during channel transmission, making it difficult to share keys consistently over long periods of time. Therefore, a CV-QKD system that can resist environmental disturbance is very urgent. In this paper, we propose a new optical architecture for CV-QKD based on the Faraday-Michelson interference (FMI) structure, and finally form an all-single-mode (SM) fiber-based stable CV-QKD system which employs transmitted local oscillator (TLO) scheme and discrete modulation coherent state (DMCS) protocol. Specifically, since the Faraday mirror rotates the polarization direction of light by 90
o
, the birefringence effect of light can be effectively dealt with, thus ensuring the same polarization state of light before and after reflection. The final simulation results show that the theoretical secret key rate of this scheme can reach 139 kbps at 70 km, which can further improve the stability and robustness of CV-QKD in the real environment, and provide technical support for the next-generation high-stability QKD system.
Terahertz spectroscopy of thick and diluted water solutions
Authors: Novelli Fabio
Published: January 2024

While bright terahertz sources are used to perform nonlinear experiments, they can be advantageous for high-precision linear measurements of opaque samples. By placing the sample away from the focus, nonlinearities can be suppressed, and sizeable amounts of transmitted radiation detected. Here, this approach is demonstrated for a 0.5 mm thick layer of liquid water in a static sample holder. Variations of the index of refraction as small as (7 ± 2) · 10−4 were detected at 0.58 THz for an aqueous salt solution containing ten millimoles of sodium chloride. To my knowledge, this precision is unprecedented in time-domain spectroscopy studies of diluted aqueous systems or other optically thick and opaque materials.