bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Q lithium niobate metasurfaces with transparent electrodes for efficient amplitude and phase modulation
Authors: Leng Runxue , Chen Xingqiao , Liu Ping , Zhu Zhihong , Zhang Jianfa
Published: March 2024

Lithium niobate (LN)-based metasurfaces have demonstrated remarkable potential in integrated electro-optically adjustable metadevices with the maturation of thin film LN on insulator (LNOI) technology. Here, we proposed a type of high Q factor tunable metasurface with etchless LN, which is electrically driven in the vertical direction by using transparent conductive film. A transmission amplitude modulation of over 60 dB at a voltage of 20 V is realized through guided mode resonances created at the LN layer with a Q factor of 1320. Meanwhile, phase modulation is also realized with a reflective design by adding a gold layer at the bottom of the metasurface. With a gate voltage of 80 V, about 1.75π phase modulation is achieved while keeping reflection over 92%. Our proposed device achieves effective modulation of optical amplitude and phase in the near-infrared band, which lays a good foundation for the development of high performance LN-based active nanophotonic devices.
205–240  GHz free-space-to-fiber mode adapter with an 80% mode conversion efficiency
Authors: Liu Lufei , Heng Xiaobo , Xuan Hongwen
Published: March 2024

In this work, we propose an integrated terahertz mode adapter that couples broadband terahertz radiation from free-space to hollow-core fiber with a high mode conversion efficiency (Gaussian beam-to-TE01) of up to 80%. The adapter consists of a pyramidal horn antenna, a broadband mode converter, and a conical horn. The simulation results indicate that the TE01 mode in the hollow-core fiber can be efficiently excited by the terahertz mode adapter. The terahertz mode adapter successfully achieved a wide operating bandwidth of more than 15.7% ranging from 205 to 240 GHz in our simulation.
Label-free differentiation of functional zones in mature mouse placenta using micro-Raman imaging
Authors: Inanc Arda , Bektas Nayce Ilayda , Kecoglu Ibrahim , Parlatan Ugur , Durkut Begum , Ucak Melike , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Celik-Ozenci Ciler
Published: March 2024

In histopathology, it is highly crucial to have chemical and structural information about tissues. Additionally, the segmentation of zones within a tissue plays a vital role in investigating the functions of these regions for better diagnosis and treatment. The placenta plays a vital role in embryonic and fetal development and in diagnosing some diseases associated with its dysfunction. This study provides a label-free approach to obtain the images of mature mouse placenta together with the chemical differences between the tissue compartments using Raman spectroscopy. To generate the Raman images, spectra of placental tissue were collected using a custom-built optical setup. The pre-processed spectra were analyzed using statistical and machine learning methods to acquire the Raman maps. We found that the placental regions called decidua and the labyrinth zone are biochemically distinct from the junctional zone. A histologist performed a comparison and evaluation of the Raman map with histological images of the placental tissue, and they were found to agree. The results of this study show that Raman spectroscopy offers the possibility of label-free monitoring of the placental tissue from mature mice while simultaneously revealing crucial structural information about the zones.
Breaking the limitations with sparse inputs by variational frameworks (BLIss) in terahertz super-resolution 3D reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yiyao , Chen Ke , Yang Shang-Hua
Published: March 2024

Data acquisition, image processing, and image quality are the long-lasting issues for terahertz (THz) 3D reconstructed imaging. Existing methods are primarily designed for 2D scenarios, given the challenges associated with obtaining super-resolution (SR) data and the absence of an efficient SR 3D reconstruction framework in conventional computed tomography (CT). Here, we demonstrate BLIss, a new approach for THz SR 3D reconstruction with sparse 2D data input. BLIss seamlessly integrates conventional CT techniques and variational framework with the core of the adapted Euler-Elastica-based model. The quantitative 3D image evaluation metrics, including the standard deviation of Gaussian, mean curvatures, and the multi-scale structural similarity index measure (MS-SSIM), validate the superior smoothness and fidelity achieved with our variational framework approach compared with conventional THz CT modal. Beyond its contributions to advancing THz SR 3D reconstruction, BLIss demonstrates potential applicability in other imaging modalities, such as X-ray and MRI. This suggests extensive impacts on the broader field of imaging applications.
On-chip photonic convolution by phase-change in-memory computing cells with quasi-continuous tuning
Authors: Sun Jigeng , Zhou Shaolin , Ye Ziyang , Hu Bo , Zou Yi
Published: March 2024

Matrix multiplication acceleration by on-chip photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is emerging as one of the attractive and promising solutions, offering outstanding benefits in speed and bandwidth as compared to non-photonic approaches. Incorporating nonvolatile phase-change materials into PICs or devices enables optical storage and computing, surpassing their electrical counterparts. In this paper, we propose a design of on-chip photonic convolution for optical in-memory computing by integrating the phase change chalcogenide of
Ge
2
Sb
2
Se
4
Te
1
(GSST) into an asymmetric directional coupler for constructions of an in-memory computing cell, marrying the advantages of both the large bandwidth of Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) and the small size of micro-ring resonators (MRRs). Through quasi-continuous electro-thermal tuning of the GSST-integrated in-memory computing cells, numerical calculations about the optical and electro-thermal behaviors during GSST phase transition confirm the tunability of the programmable elements stored in the in-memory computing cells within [-1, 1]. For proof-of-concept verification, we apply the proposed optical convolutional kernel to a typical image edge detection application. As evidenced by the evaluation results, the prototype achieves the same accuracy as the convolution kernel implemented on a common digital computer, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed scheme for on-chip photonic convolution and optical in-memory computing.
Dielectric function and interband critical points of compressively strained ferroelectric K0.85Na0.15NbO3 thin film with monoclinic and orthorhombic symmetry
Authors: Bin Anooz Saud , Petrik Peter , Wang Yankun , Mukherjee Deshabrato , Schmidbauer Martin , Schwarzkopf Jutta
Published: March 2024

The dielectric function and interband critical points of compressively strained ferroelectric K0.85Na0.15NbO3 thin film grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) are studied in broad spectral and temperature ranges by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The temperature dependence of the measured pseudodielectric functions is strongly affected by a structural phase transition from the monoclinic Mc-phase to the orthorhombic c-phase at about 428 K. Using a parametric optical constant model, the corresponding dielectric functions as well as the interband optical transitions of the film are determined in the spectral range of 0.73–6.00 eV. Standard critical point (SCP) analysis of the 2nd derivatives of the dielectric functions identified three and four critical points for monoclinic and orthorhombic symmetries, respectively. A systematic redshift of the threshold energies with increasing temperatures was observed.
High-resolution spectroscopy of liquid water with dispersive atomic vapor prism cell
Authors: Leonov Boris S. , Randolph Robert T. , Rekhy Anuj , Dogariu Arthur , Miles Richard B.
Published: March 2024

This article presents an experimental demonstration of a spectroscopic method based on the dispersion of the scattering spectrum from laser-illuminated liquid water collected through a rubidium atomic vapor prism cell. Resonant absorption at 780 nm suppresses Mie/Rayleigh scattering and the steep gradients in refractive index near the 780 nm absorption lines separate Brillouin scattering from Raman scattering in liquid water. The opposing spatial displacements of the Stokes and Anti-Stokes shifted Brillouin peaks yield a measurement of their spectral shifts and thus the temperature or salinity of the water. Performance of the prism cell was mapped with a frequency tunable laser for frequency offsets from the center of the rubidium absorption feature of between −15 GHz and 15 GHz and at rubidium cell temperatures between 148 °C and 177 °C. The experimental results are compared with a numerical model and show good agreement with the scattering peak displacements within experimental uncertainties of probe frequency and cell temperature. In the present configuration, the minimum detectable frequency shift is estimated to be 15.5 MHz. Experiments were conducted in water demonstrating the utility of this method for the measurement of water temperature. Liquid water LiDAR was suggested as one of the possible applications for this method and several ways to improve the experimental setup and cell temperature stability were identified.
All-optical high-contrast femtosecond switching using nonlinearity from an epsilon-near-zero effect in plasmonic metamaterials
Authors: Bhowmik Tanmay , Chakraborty Bodhan , Sikdar Debabrata
Published: March 2024

Metamaterials opened a new realm to control light–matter interactions at sub-wavelength scale by engineering meta-atoms. Recently, the integration of several emerging nonlinear materials with metamaterial structures enables ultra-fast all-optical switching at the nanoscale and thus brings enormous possibilities to realize next-generation optical communication systems. This Letter presents a novel, to the best of our knowledge, design of plasmonic metamaterials for high-contrast femtosecond all-optical switching. We leverage magnetic plasmon (MP) resonance combined with the nonlinear effects of an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ)-material. The proposed design comprises a periodic array of two closely spaced Au-nanogratings deposited on an optically thick Au-substrate to excite MP-resonance. To enable a dynamically tunable resonance, the nanogrooves in meta-atoms are filled with an ENZ-material, cadmium-oxide (CdO). The intraband transition-induced optical nonlinearities in the ENZ-medium are studied using a two-temperature model. The MP-resonance ensures strong light–matter interactions enabling enhancement of the nonlinearities of the proposed structure. We observe that the pump-induced refractive index change in the CdO layer causes a redshift of the MP-resonance dip wavelength in the reflectance spectrum, leading to a high modulation depth of 0.83 at 1.55 µm. With an ultra-fast response time of 776 fs while maintaining a low pump-fluence of 75 µJ/cm2, the proposed metamaterial could help in realizing switches for next-generation optical computation systems.
High-power 2.3 µm Tm:YLF laser with intracavity upconversion pumping by a Nd:ASL laser at 1051 nm
Authors: Dupont Hippolyte , Lenfant Timothée , Guillemot Lauren , Loiko Pavel , Delen Xavier , Loiseau Pascal , Viana Bruno , Georges Thierry , Georges Patrick , Camy Patrice , Druon Frédéric
Published: March 2024

A Tm:LiYF4 laser operating on the 3H4 → 3H5 transition is embedded in a high-power diode-pumped Nd:ASL laser for intracavity upconversion pumping at 1.05 µm. This leads to a record-high output power at 2.3 µm for any bulk thulium laser pumped by an upconversion process. The continuous-wave Tm:LiYF4 laser delivers 1.81 W at 2.3 µm for 32 W of laser-diode pump power, making this kind of pumping competitive with direct diode pumping. The intracavity pumping process allows for counteracting the low absorption inherent to upconversion pumping and to dispatch the thermal loads on two separate laser crystals. The proposed laser architecture also features a relatively weak heating of the Tm:LiYF4 crystal and an increased tolerance to Tm3+ absorption. This laser design opens a new paradigm that holds great promise for high-power 2.3-µm solid-state lasers based on thulium ions.
Generation of stable ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces for cooling atoms
Authors: Yu Xiaobin , Guo Yanan , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Yonghui , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Yan Jianchang
Published: March 2024

Optical ring lattices containing multiple optical traps in a ring configuration have gradually evolved into indispensable tools in cold atom experiments. However, the conventional methods for generating optical ring lattices require bulky apparatus and work at a limited wavelength range. Recently, metasurfaces have emerged as promising ultra-compact platforms for the implementation of optical ring lattices. Here, we report the generation of ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces. The feasibility of trapping atom and atom-like systems in the optical ring lattices is validated through theoretical calculation of the optical forces using the dipole model. The adoption of AlN metasurfaces can reduce the size and cost of generating optical ring lattices and thus give rise to diverse applications such as transportable atom clocks.
Retaliating against cyber-attacks: a decision-taking framework for policy-makers and enforcers of international and cybersecurity law
Authors: Leventopoulos Sozon , Pipyros Kosmas , Gritzalis Dimitris
Published: March 2024

Cyber warfare is a reality taking on increasing importance. Governments, state-sponsored actors, and non-state sponsored actors have used cyber-attacks as the “weapon of choice” due to their specific characteristics. Cyber-attacks can be highly targeted and focused, even tailored to a specific unit or system, providing limited to no physical destruction (unlike a cruise missile) and potentially resulting in no loss of life. There are several incident response frameworks and approaches that an organization can implement to enhance its security posture. Usually, these will address specific adverse events such as computer security incidents, which in turn are limited in scope and coverage, typically within an organization. Nations have made limited effort in confronting severe cyber-attacks targeting and/or threatening them, as well as in preventing these attacks from being launched. In this work, we identify and discuss a decision-taking framework that may allow state actors to adopt new options against severe cyber-attacks, not always complying with international norms. Such options are neither encouraged nor supported. On the contrary, we discuss them so that the international community is made aware of such potential frameworks. More specifically, by defining clear thresholds, roles, and responsibilities, by introducing a structured chain of command, and by identifying the potential of certain actions, policy makers can recognize an extended decision space that may lead to unpredictable deterrence options against cyber-attacks.
Predicting Successful Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation by Reduction in Positive End-expiratory Pressure Level Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sheikhalishahi Seyedmostafa , Kaspar Mathias , Zaghdoudi Sarra , Sander Julia , Simon Philipp , Geisler Benjamin P. , Lange Dorothea , Hinske Ludwig Christian
Published: March 2024

Weaning patients from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a critical and resource intensive process in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that impacts patient outcomes and healthcare expenses. Weaning methods vary widely among providers. Prolonged MV is associated with adverse events and higher healthcare expenses. Predicting weaning readiness is a non-trivial process in which the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), a crucial component of MV, has potential to be indicative but has not yet been used as the target. We aimed to predict successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by targeting changes in the PEEP-level using a supervised machine learning model. This retrospective study included 12,153 mechanically ventilated patients from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) and eICU collaborative research database (eICU-CRD). Two machine learning models (Extreme Gradient Boosting and Logistic Regression) were developed using a continuous PEEP reduction as target. The data is splitted into 80% as training set and 20% as test set. The model’s predictive performance was reported using 95% confidence interval (CI), based on evaluation metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), F1-Score, Recall, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The model’s descriptive performance was reported as the variable ranking using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) algorithm. The best model achieved an AUROC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.83–0.85) and an AUPRC of 0.69 (95% CI 0.67–0.70) in predicting successful weaning based on the PEEP reduction. The model demonstrated a Recall of 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.86), F1-score of 0.86 (95% CI 0.85–0.87), PPV of 0.87 (95% CI 0.86–0.88), and NPV of 0.64 (95% CI 0.63–0.66). Most of the variables that SHAP algorithm ranked to be important correspond with clinical intuition, such as duration of MV, oxygen saturation (SaO2), PEEP, and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) components. This study demonstrates the potential application of machine learning in predicting successful weaning from MV based on continuous PEEP reduction. The model’s high PPV and moderate NPV suggest that it could be a useful tool to assist clinicians in making decisions regarding ventilator management.
Sexual and reproductive health among men with genital schistosomiasis in southern Tanzania: A descriptive study
Authors: Makene Twilumba , Zacharia Abdallah , Haule Stanley , Lukumay Gift , Ngasala Billy
Published: March 2024

Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) is a significantly neglected condition, and its consequences often receive inadequate attention. The disease is suggested to cause schistosomiasis-induced sexual and reproductive health problems among males. The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MGS, sexual and reproductive health problems that could be caused by MGS among adult males in Mtama district. A community-based cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was carried out among males aged ≥ 18 years in selected households. Semen and urine samples were collected from each participant to establish the prevalence of MGS and urogenital schistosomiasis respectively. Semen quality was macroscopically and microscopically assessed. Urine samples were analyzed using filtration technique. A structured questionnaire interview was carried out to collect socio-demographic data, sexual and reproductive health information. Descriptive statistics were used to provide a summary of each variable. The prevalence (proportions) were presented in percentages and their respective 95% confidence intervals. A total of 223 adult males participated in this study. The prevalence of MGS and urogenital schistosomiasis were 5.8% (95% CI; 3.1%-9.0%) and 22.4% (95% CI; 16.6%-27.8%) respectively. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in semen was found high among young adults 12/129 (9.3%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%), who never attended to school 6/35 (17.1%, 95% CI; 6.6%-33.6%), petty traders 4/26 (15.4%, 95% CI; 4.4%-34.9%), never impregnated woman 9/70 (12.9%, 95% CI: 6.6%-33.6%), experienced pain during ejaculation 4/17 (23.5%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%), and with brownish semen 2/5 (40%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%). According to the findings, MGS, like urogenital schistosomiasis, is prevalent in southern Tanzania. The disease is prevalent among males with some reproductive and sexual issues. This highlight the need for more research to investigate the association of MGS and male reproductive and sexual health for improved health services among males.
Why do people sell their kidneys? A thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence
Authors: Shrestha Bijaya , Sringernyuang Luechai , Shrestha Manash , Shrestha Binita , Adhikari Anuska , Sunuwar Dev Ram , Mishra Shiva Raj , Adhikari Bipin
Published: March 2024

Globally, demands for the kidneys have surpassed supply both living and deceased donors. High demands relative to the availability have made the kidney one of the most saleable human organs. The main objective was to explore the drivers of kidney selling. Literature related to kidney selling and its drivers was explored in three databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), and JSTOR covering the period from 1987 to 2022. A total of 15 articles were selected, which underwent thematic analysis. Investigators independently assessed the articles for relevance and study quality to synthesize the data. The thematic analysis involved a critical approach to understanding the reasons for kidney selling by examining power disparities and social inequities. Kidney selling and the underlying reasons for it showed similarities across various geographic regions. Several factors were identified which increased individuals’ vulnerability for kidney selling. At the micro level, poverty and illiteracy emerged as significant factors. Lack of financial safety nets obliged family to resort to kidney selling which helped to alleviate poverty, resolve debt, and other urgent financial issues. Nonetheless, the revenues from kidney selling were also used to purchase luxury items (diverting away from investing in livelihood expenses) such as buying motorbikes, mobile phones and televisions. Family, and gender responsibilities also played roles in kidney selling such as obligations related to paying dowry made parents particularly vulnerable. Surprisingly, a few victims of kidney selling later adopted kidney brokering role to support their livelihood. Kidney selling was further fostered by lack of stringent policy to regulate and monitor background checks for kidney transplantation. There were myriad factors that affected individual’s vulnerability to kidney selling which stemmed from micro (poverty, illiteracy), meso (weak legal system, lacking stringent institutional policy, regulatory framework) and macro (social inequalities, corruption, organ shortage, insufficient health infrastructure) levels.
Lower autonomic arousal as a risk factor for criminal offending and unintentional injuries among female conscripts
Authors: Oskarsson Sofi , Andersson Anneli , Bertoldi Bridget M. , Latvala Antti , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Evans Brittany , Raine Adrian , Patrick Christopher J. , Larsson Henrik , Tuvblad Catherine
Published: March 2024

Background

Lower autonomic arousal is a well-known correlate of criminal offending and other risk-taking behaviors in men, but few studies have investigated this association in women.

Aim

To test associations between autonomic arousal and criminal offending as well as unintentional injuries among female conscripts.

Methods

All women born 1958–1994 in Sweden who participated in voluntary military conscription (n = 12,499) were identified by linking Swedish population-based registers. Predictors were resting heart rate (RHR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Covariates were height, weight, and physical energy capacity. Main outcomes were criminal convictions (any, violent, and non-violent) from the National Crime Register. Secondary outcome was unintentional injuries requiring medical treatment or causing death. We used survival analyses to test for associations between predictors and outcomes.

Results

Low RHR, relative to high RHR, was associated with an increased risk of any criminal conviction, non-violent criminal convictions, and unintentional injuries. Low SBP, relative to high SBP, was associated with an increased risk of violent criminal convictions.

Conclusions

Results support lower autonomic arousal, particularly lower RHR, as a correlate of criminal offending among women that warrants further examination, as the reported findings have potential implications for the prediction of future female crime.
Electroacupuncture stimulation enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical evidence and possible mechanisms
Authors: Xu Nuo , Gong Peng , Xu Shiting , Chen Yangyun , Dai Mengyuan , Jia Zhaoxing , Lin Xianming
Published: March 2024

An important cellular barrier to maintain the stability of the brain’s internal and external environment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It also prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue through blood circulation while providing protection for the central nervous system. It should be noted, however, that the intact BBB can be a barrier to the transport of most drugs into the brain via the conventional route of administration, which can prevent them from reaching effective concentrations for the treatment of disorders affecting the central nervous system. Electroacupuncture stimulation has been shown to be effective at opening the BBB in a series of experimental studies. This study systematically analyzes the possibility and mechanism by which electroacupuncture opens the BBB. In PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, papers have been published for nearly 22 years aimed at opening the BBB and its associated structures. A comparison of EB content between electroacupuncture and control was selected as the primary outcome. There were also results on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), P-Glycoprotein (P-gp), Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We utilized Review Manager software analysis to analyze correlations between studies with a view to exploring the mechanisms of similarity. Evans Blue infiltration forest plot: pooled effect size of 2.04, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.87, P < 0.01. These results indicate that electroacupuncture significantly increases EB penetration across the BBB. Most studies have reported that GFAP, MMP-9, and VEGF were upregulated after treatment. P-gp expression decreased as well. Electroacupuncture can open the BBB, and the sparse-dense wave is currently the most effective electroacupuncture frequency for opening the BBB. VEGF plays an important role in opening the BBB. It is also important to regulate the expression of MMP-9 and GFAP and inhibit the expression of P-gp.
THC and sperm: Impact on fertilization capability, pre-implantation in vitro development and epigenetic modifications
Authors: Kuzma-Hunt Alexander G. , Sabry Reem , Davis Ola S. , Truong Vivien B. , Khokhar Jibran Y. , Favetta Laura A.
Published: March 2024

Global cannabis use has risen 23% since 2010, with 209 million reported users, most of whom are males of reproductive age. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, disrupts pro-homeostatic functions of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within the male reproductive system. The ECS is highly involved in regulating morpho-functional and intrinsic sperm features that are required for fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. Previous work by our group demonstrated that THC altered sperm capacitation and the transcriptome, including several fertility-associated microRNAs (miRs). Despite the prevalent use of cannabis among males of reproductive age, clinical and pre-clinical research investigating the impact of paternal cannabis on sperm function and the outcomes of artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs) remains inconclusive. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of in vitro THC exposure on morpho-functional and intrinsic sperm functions, including contributions to embryo development following IVF. Bovine sperm were used as a translational model for human and treated with concentrations of THC that reflect plasma levels after therapeutic (0.032μM), and low (0.32μM)-high (4.8μM) recreational cannabis use. After 6-hours of treatment, THC did not alter the acrosomal reaction, but 4.8μM significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (p<0.05), primarily through agonistic interactions with CB-receptors. Fertilization of bovine oocytes with THC-treated sperm did not alter developmental rates, but blastocysts generated from sperm treated with 0.32–4.8μM THC had fewer trophoblasts (p<0.05), while blastocysts generated from sperm exposed to any concentration of THC had fewer cells in the inner cell mass (ICM), particularly within the 0.032μM group (p<0.001). Fertility associated miRs, including miR-346, miR-324, miR-33b, and miR-34c were analyzed in THC-exposed sperm and associated blastocysts generated by IVF, with lower levels of miRs-346, -324, and -33b found in sperm treated with 0.32μM THC, while miR-34c levels were higher in sperm treated with 0.032μM THC (p<0.05). Levels of miR-346 were also lower in sperm treated with 0.032μM THC, but higher in blastocysts generated from sperm exposed to 0.32μM THC (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that THC may alter key morpho-functional and epigenetic sperm factors involved in fertilization and embryo development. This is the first study to demonstrate that sperm exposed to THC in vitro negatively affects embryo quality following IVF.
The motivations and experiences of specialists who provide outreach services in rural operating rooms: A survey study from British Columbia
Authors: Parajulee Anshu , Stoll Kathrin , Humber Nancy , Ebert Sean , Williams Kim , Kornelsen Jude
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Outreach care has long been used in Canada to address the lack of access to specialist care in rural settings, but research on the experiences of specialists providing these services is lacking. This descriptive survey study aimed to understand 1) specialists’ motivation for engaging in outreach work, (2) their perceptions of the quality of care at their rural outreach hospital, and (3) the supports they receive for their outreach work, in order to create a supportive framework to encourage specialist outreach contributions.

Methods

In July 2022, specialist physicians who provide outreach operating room services at rural hospitals participating in the Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Networks initiative in the province of British Columbia were invited to complete an anonymous survey.

Results

21 of 45 invited outreach specialists completed the survey (47% response rate). Three-quarters of respondents had a surgical specialty. The opportunity to deliver care to underserved patients was the most common motivator for outreach work. Rural hospitals received high ratings from respondents on overall safety and various aspects of communication and teamwork. Postoperative care was a concern for a minority (one-fifth) of respondents, and about half had experienced unnecessary delays between procedures some or most of the time. Generally, respondents felt integrated into rural teams and reported receiving adequate nursing and anesthetic support. The two most common desired additional supports were better/more equipment and space and additional staffing. All 19 respondents not planning to retire soon intended to provide outreach services for at least three more years.

Conclusion

Specialists providing outreach OR services in small volume rural hospitals in BC usually have altruistic motives for outreach work. For the most part, these specialists have positive experiences in rural hospitals, but they can be better supported through investment in infrastructure and health human resources. Specialists intend to provide outreach services long-term, indicating a stable outreach workforce. More research on the facilitators and barriers of specialist outreach work is needed.
Difficulties and challenges experienced by nurses in eldercare institutions in Albania: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Podgorica Nertila , Pjetri Emiljano , Müller (M. A.) Andreas W. , Perkhofer Susanne
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The global and Albanian populations of elderly people are steadily increasing. It is estimated that the number of elderly adults requiring care in Albania will rise from 90.9 thousand to 130.4 thousand by 2030. Despite the envisaged increase in the number and life expectancy of the elderly population in Albania, which will result in an increased demand for nursing care, little is known about the difficulties and challenges that nurses face while providing care for elderly Albanian individuals.

Aim

To explore the difficulties and challenges nurses experience while caring for elderly people in Albanian eldercare institutions.

Methods

The study employed a qualitative design using purposive sampling of 20 nurses in 8 eldercare institutions who participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and subsequently subjected to analysis using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative conventional content analysis. Data analysis was supported by the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA 2020. The reporting of this study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Results

Five key categories emerged from data analysis: (1) professional difficulties, (2) educational difficulties, (3) relationship challenges, (4) increased mental stress, and (5) participation in advocacy. This study showed that nursing staff experienced many barriers, challenges, and unmet needs when implementing care for elderly people in long-term care facilities.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that nurses working in eldercare institutions faced significant challenges in caring for elderly people. Nurses need more legal, financial, educational, and emotional support. The study indicates that more organizational and national support is necessary for nursing staff to care for elderly people in eldercare Albanian institutions properly. Eldercare institution leaders need to recognize the importance of their role in overcoming the barriers and providing adequate support for their staff in caring for elderly people.
The double-edged scalpel: Experiences and perceptions of pregnancy and parenthood during Canadian surgical residency training
Authors: Peters Mikaela J. , Zhang Alissa W. , Roffey Darren M. , Lefaivre Kelly A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Only 34% of Canadian surgeons in 2022 were female. The protracted length of surgical residency training, concerns regarding infertility, and increased rates of obstetrical complications have been shown to contribute to the disproportionate lack of females in surgical specialties.

Methods

A novel online survey was sent to all surgical residents in Canada. Respondents were asked about perceptions of pregnancy and parenthood during surgical training, and parents were asked about parental leave, accommodations they received, and pregnancy complications. Chi squared tests were used to compare opinions of male and female residents.

Results

A total of 272/2,419 (11.2%) responses were obtained, with a high response from females (61.8%) and orthopaedic residents (29.0%). There were 56 women reporting 76 pregnancy events during training, 62.5% of which had complications. Notably, 27.3% of men and 86.7% of women ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that surgeons have higher pregnancy complication rates than the general population (p<0.001). Men were much less likely to believe that pregnant residents should be offered modified duties (74.2% of men, 90.0% of women, p = 0.003). Women were much more likely to experience significant stigma or bias due to their status as a parent (43% of women, 0% of men, p<0.001). Women reported negative comments from others at a higher rate (58.5% of women, 40.7% of men, p = 0.013). Women believe there is negative stigma attached to being pregnant during training (62.7% of women, 42.7% of men, p = 0.01). The limitations of our study include a small sample size and response bias.

Conclusion

Challenges and negative perceptions exist around pregnancy and parenthood in surgical residency, which disproportionately affect women trainees.
Disrupted odontoblast differentiation and dentin dysplasia in Epiprofin-deficient mice
Authors: Jiménez-Rojo Lucia , de Vega Susana , Ibarretxe Gaskon , Nakamura Takashi , Unda Fernando J.
Published: March 2024

Tooth formation is a process tightly regulated by reciprocal interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. These epithelial-mesenchyme interactions regulate the expression of target genes via transcription factors. Among the regulatory elements governing this process, Epiprofin/Sp6 is a zinc finger transcription factor which is expressed in the embryonic dental epithelium and in differentiating pre-odontoblasts. Epiprofin knockout (Epfn-/-) mice present severe dental abnormalities, such as supernumerary teeth and enamel hypoplasia. Here, we describe dentin defects in molars and incisors of Epfn-/- mice. We observed that in the absence of Epfn, markers of early odontoblast differentiation, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, Dsp/Dpp expression, and Collagen Type I deposition, are downregulated. In addition, the expression of tight and gap junction proteins was severely impaired in the predontoblastic cell layer of developing Epfn-/- molars. Altogether, our data shows that Epfn is crucial for the proper differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells towards functional odontoblasts and subsequent dentin-matrix deposition.
Keterlibatan Santri dalam Persepsi Wacana Tiongkok
Authors: Dewi Anitasa , Ansori Feri , Hakam Saiful
Published: March 2024

Santris who have had the opportunity to go to China then face some contemplation, questions, and curiosity about what is really going on in the relationship between the two countries. Not all but some of them try to trace the substance and variations of Indonesians’ perceptions of China in the past. It’s like a philosophical romance where a child migrates to a foreign land but because of their migration, they become curious about their hometown. In scientific language, they try to slowly trace the existence of negative perceptions of China. They even unconsciously dismantle, although not frontally, the bad and negative image. Following Hong Liu’s (2015) opinion on the Chinese Metaphor, where China is used as a metaphor to express a sense of anxiety over domestic politics that is not going according to ideals, then, the santri are trying to dismantle the conflicting perceptions and narratives about China. For Indonesians, especially natives, Tiongkok as a nation-state is respected as a model country where leaders set an example so that the masses can work closely together. How the Chinese metaphor expresses the mood of the general public and anchors political and cultural thought in the early days of Indonesia as a country. Hong Liu even provides historical information that China for some Indonesian political elites was once used as an alternative form of modernity to the conception and practice of government politics that at that time still followed and emulated Western-derived systems and institutions. This study tries to apply a transnational approach to provide new insights into modern Asian History and regional transformation.
O léxico de Paulo Coelho presente em seus romances literários
Authors: Rangel Marden Aleandro
Published: March 2024

Em nossa pesquisa de Mestrado (2022) desenvolvemos uma proposta metodológica capaz de realizar análises linguísticas de obras literárias através da Linguística de Corpus. Neste artigo apresentamos um recorte de tal pesquisa com o objetivo principal de analisar o léxico utilizado pelo escritor Paulo Coelho em um corpus com 16 dos seus romances literários lançados até a realização da pesquisa e utilizado na mesma. Para isto, nos baseamos em pressupostos teóricos sobre Léxico e Linguística de Corpus, sendo esta também a metodologia utilizada. Entre os referenciais teóricos constam, entre outros, Abbade (2011), Biderman (1987 e 2001), Berber Sardinha (1999, 2000 e 2009) e Fromm (2003). Para utilizarmos a Linguística de Corpus como metodologia, primeiramente digitalizamos as obras em aparelhos scanner, em seguida convertemos do formato PDF para Word, conferimos e corrigimos manualmente os textos e analisamos pelo programa WordSmith Tools 6.0 (SCOTT, 2012) e índice Flesch. Os resultados permitiram observar aspectos lexicais de Paulo Coelho, como diversidade lexical, uso específico de determinadas palavras e campos e subcampos lexicais.
Match or Mismatch of Expectation-Realization Behind the Motives in Supporting Social Entrepreneurship Programs
Authors: Widayat Prama , Suci Afred , Maryanti Sri , Van FC Lucky Lhaura , Fauzi Abu Amar , Nanda Satria Tri
Published: March 2024

Abundant studies regarding motives in social enterprise have been conducted but have barely explored the gaps between motivational expectations and realizations. Particularly in waste bank studies, such a study has yet to be scholarly discussed. Using expectancy theory and mismatch hypotheses, this study explored the motives in waste bank participation towards owners/managers and customers and measured the gaps between the motive expectations and realizations. Quantitative comparison tests were employed on 45 Indonesian waste bank owners/managers and 162 customers whose data were collected directly and through online surveys. The findings reveal that the most expected motive was the environmental, while the least was the economic; this went for both waste bank owners/managers and customers. The results also show that severe mismatches occurred between expectations and realizations, in which the most significant gap for waste bank owners/managers was educational, while the environmental motive was the biggest for customers. This study's findings enrich the social entrepreneurship literature by showing that the motives per se are insufficient to reveal individuals' actual situations in supporting the social programs, as disparities are very likely to occur between expectations and realities. The gap analysis in this study provides a different alternative to conducting studies related to the underlying motives for supporting social entrepreneurship programs.
การศึกษาปัจจัยที่ส่งผลต่อระดับการรับรู้การบริหารจัดการและการปฏิบัติงาน เกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการของบุคลากรสายสนับสนุนในมหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยี พระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ
Authors:   นักวิชาการศึกษา สำนักพัฒนาเทคนิคศึกษา มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ, ม่วงเนย บุญญรัตน์
Published: March 2024

วัตถุประสงค์ของการวิจัยนี้ทำขึ้นเพื่อศึกษาระดับการรับรู้การบริหารจัดการและระดับการปฏิบัติงานเกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการของบุคลากรสายสนับสนุนในมหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ อีกทั้งปัจจัยหลักที่ส่งผลกระทบ โดยการรวบรวมข้อมูล เอกสาร ดำเนินการกำหนดกลุ่มประชากร ออกแบบและสร้างเครื่องมือแบบสอบถาม การเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล และนำข้อมูลมาวิเคราะห์สถิติโดยโปรแกรมสำเร็จรูปคำนวณเป็นค่าสถิติต่าง ๆ และวิเคราะห์ความแตกต่างของค่าเฉลี่ยด้วยการวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวน (ANOVA) ที่ระดับความเชื่อมั่นทางสถิติที่ร้อยละ 95 (p-value < 0.05) โดยเก็บข้อมูลจากกลุ่มประชากร 122 ราย พบว่า ภาพรวมระดับการรับรู้การบริหารจัดการเกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการ มีการรับรู้ในระดับปานกลาง และภาพรวมระดับการปฏิบัติงานเกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการ มีการปฏิบัติในระดับเบื้องต้น และผลการวิเคราะห์ปัจจัยที่ส่งผลต่อระดับการรับรู้การบริหารจัดการเกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการ มี 3 ปัจจัย ได้แก่ ตำแหน่ง หน่วยงานที่สังกัด และระดับการศึกษา ส่วนปัจจัยที่ส่งผลต่อระดับการปฏิบัติงานเกี่ยวกับงานบริการวิชาการ มี 1 ปัจจัย คือตำแหน่ง สรุปได้ว่าบุคลากรในตำแหน่งนักวิเคราะห์นโยบายและแผน มีระดับการรับรู้สูงกว่าตำแหน่งนักวิชาการคอมพิวเตอร์ แต่ทั้ง 2 ตำแหน่งไม่มีความแตกต่างจากตำแหน่งอื่น บุคลากรในสำนักพัฒนาเทคโนโลยีเพื่ออุตสาหกรรม (ITDI) มีระดับการรับรู้สูงกว่าสำนักพัฒนาเทคนิคศึกษา (ITED) และสถาบันสหกิจศึกษาและพัฒนาสื่ออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ ไทย-เยอรมัน (TGDE) โดยที่สถาบันนวัตกรรมเทคโนโลยีไทย-ฝรั่งเศส (TFII) มีระดับการรับรู้ไม่แตกต่างกับหน่วยงานอื่น ในด้านระดับการศึกษา พบว่า บุคลากรที่มีการศึกษาระดับปริญญาเอก มีระดับการรับรู้ในระดับสูง ส่วนระดับปริญญาโท ปริญญาตรี และต่ำกว่าปริญญาตรี มีระดับการรับรู้ในระดับปานกลาง แต่ไม่มีความแตกต่างกัน ส่วนในด้านของระดับการปฏิบัติงาน พบว่า ไม่มีความแตกต่างกันเมื่อจำแนกตามตำแหน่ง จากผลการวิจัยนี้เพื่อให้เกิดประสิทธิภาพในการดำเนินงานการให้บริการวิชาการ ควรให้มีการอบรมจากผู้มีประสบการณ์หรือผู้เชี่ยวชาญ และในส่วนงานต้องมีการอธิบายชี้แจงแนวทางการดำเนินงานให้กับบุคลากรที่ปฏิบัติหน้าที่ต่าง ๆ และเกิดศักยภาพในการรองรับงานบริการวิชาการของบุคลากรสายสนับสนุนในมหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือต่อไปในอนาคต
Harmaline induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Shariat Razavi Seyed Ali , Taghdisi Khaboushan Masoumeh , Jafari Raha , Shahini Arshia , Ferns Gordon A. , Bahrami Afsane
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women. Harmaline is reported to have powerful anticancer properties. We aimed to investigate the apoptotic and antimetastatic properties of harmaline in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated in cells treated with harmaline. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mRNA expression of apoptosis‐associated genes, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 were measured. Harmaline attenuated the viability of A2780 ovarian cancer cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent way. Furthermore, compared to NIH/3T3 mouse normal cell line (IC50 = 417 μM), the malignant A2080 cells were more sensitive to harmaline (IC50 = 300 μM after 24 h). Harmaline increased the production of ROS, raised the mRNA expression of p53 and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Harmaline also increased the proportion of cells in the late apoptotic and necrotic phases. MMP‐2 and MMP‐9's mRNA expression, gelatinase activity, and migration of A2780 cells also decreased by harmaline. These findings suggest that harmaline may have the potential to be a therapeutic drug for ovarian cancer by triggering apoptosis and suppressing invasion and migration.
Analysis and control of surface cracks in a B-bearing continuous casting blooms
Authors: Mao Wenwen , Li Jie , Liu Yong , Yang Chengyu , Gao Yu , Xing Liyong , Liu Xianmin , Li Jie , Zhao Haitao
Published: March 2024

In this work, normal manufacture of a B-bearing steel was hampered by cracks in steel. In order to control these cracks, the formation mechanism has been examined through a comprehensive analysis of crack morphology, element segregation, high temperature mechanical properties, and precipitates. The high-temperature thermoplastic capabilities of the steel were found to be reduced by boron nitride particles precipitated at grain boundary. This led to the formation of a brittle zone in the straightening zone of the continuous casting process, which in turn caused cracks. Based on the formation mechanism of these cracks, the cracks were successfully controlled by adding an appropriate amount of Ti element to the steel and reducing the charging temperature of the heating furnace.