bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a clinically-based common coordinate framework for the human gut cell atlas: the gut models
Authors: Burger Albert , Baldock Richard A. , Adams David J. , Din Shahida , Papatheodorou Irene , Glinka Michael , Hill Bill , Houghton Derek , Sharghi Mehran , Wicks Michael , Arends Mark J.
Published: February 2023

Background

The Human Cell Atlas resource will deliver single cell transcriptome data spatially organised in terms of gross anatomy, tissue location and with images of cellular histology. This will enable the application of bioinformatics analysis, machine learning and data mining revealing an atlas of cell types, sub-types, varying states and ultimately cellular changes related to disease conditions. To further develop the understanding of specific pathological and histopathological phenotypes with their spatial relationships and dependencies, a more sophisticated spatial descriptive framework is required to enable integration and analysis in spatial terms.

Methods

We describe a conceptual coordinate model for the Gut Cell Atlas (small and large intestines). Here, we focus on a Gut Linear Model (1-dimensional representation based on the centreline of the gut) that represents the location semantics as typically used by clinicians and pathologists when describing location in the gut. This knowledge representation is based on a set of standardised gut anatomy ontology terms describing regions in situ, such as ileum or transverse colon, and landmarks, such as ileo-caecal valve or hepatic flexure, together with relative or absolute distance measures. We show how locations in the 1D model can be mapped to and from points and regions in both a 2D model and 3D models, such as a patient's CT scan where the gut has been segmented.

Results

The outputs of this work include 1D, 2D and 3D models of the human gut, delivered through publicly accessible Json and image files. We also illustrate the mappings between models using a demonstrator tool that allows the user to explore the anatomical space of the gut. All data and software is fully open-source and available online.

Conclusions

Small and large intestines have a natural “gut coordinate” system best represented as a 1D centreline through the gut tube, reflecting functional differences. Such a 1D centreline model with landmarks, visualised using viewer software allows interoperable translation to both a 2D anatomogram model and multiple 3D models of the intestines. This permits users to accurately locate samples for data comparison.
Correlation of psoas major muscle morphology with function and clinical symptoms in patients with symptomatic multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Hou Xiaofei , Hu Hailiang , Kong Chao , Li Yongjin , Zhang Sitao , Wang Wei , Lu Shibao
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study was performed to quantify the morphological characteristics of the psoas major muscle in patients with symptomatic multilevel degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (SMLSS) and assess the correlations of these morphological characteristics with function and clinical symptoms.

Methods

One hundred fourteen patients diagnosed with SMLSS (≥ 3 segments) were included. The patients’ presenting symptoms were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded. The morphology of the psoas major was evaluated at the L3/4 intervertebral disc level in three ways: by measuring (i) the psoas muscle mass index (PMI); (ii) the mean muscle attenuation (Hounsfield units, HU); and (iii) the morphologic change of the psoas major (mean ratios of the short axis to the long axis of the bilateral psoas major).

Results

Men had a higher PMI than women (p = 0.001). Patients with severe disability had a significantly lower PMI (p = 0.002) and muscle attenuation (p = 0.001). The PMI and muscle attenuation were significantly higher in the patients with no or mild back pain (both p < 0.001). In the univariable and multivariable analyses, a greater HU value was associated with a higher functional status as assessed by the ODI (p = 0.002), and a higher PMI was associated with less severe back pain as measured by the VAS score (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study showed that muscle attenuation of psoas major positively correlated with the functional status and PMI negatively correlated with low back pain severity in patients diagnosed with SMLSS. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether improvement in such muscle parameters through physiotherapy programs can alleviate the clinical symptoms and improve the functional status of patients with SMLSS.
Co-exposure to Anaplasma spp., Coxiella burnetii and tick-borne encephalitis virus in sheep in southern Germany
Authors: Bauer Benjamin Ulrich , Runge Martin , Schneider Melanie , Könenkamp Laura , Steffen Imke , Rubel Wiebke , Ganter Martin , Schoneberg Clara
Published: February 2023

The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are tick-transmitted pathogens circulating in the southern German sheep population. Knowledge of interaction among Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV in sheep is lacking, but together they might promote and reinforce disease progression. The current study aimed to identify co-exposure of sheep to Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV. For this purpose, 1,406 serum samples from 36 sheep flocks located in both southern German federal states, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, were analysed by ELISAs to determine the antibody levels of the three pathogens. Inconclusive and positive results from the TBEV ELISA were additionally confirmed by a serum neutralisation assay. The proportion of sheep with antibodies against Anaplasma spp. (47.2%), C. burnetii (3.7%) and TBEV (4.7%) differed significantly. Significantly more flocks with Anaplasma spp. seropositive sheep (91.7%) were detected than flocks with antibodies against TBEV (58.3%) and C. burnetii (41.7%), but there was no significant difference between the number of flocks which contained TBEV and C. burnetii seropositive sheep. Seropositivity against at least two pathogens was detected in 4.7% of sheep from 20 flocks. Most co-exposed sheep had antibodies against Anaplasma spp./TBEV (n = 36), followed by Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii (n = 27) and Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii/TBEV (n = 2). Only one sheep showed an immune response against C. burnetii and TBEV. Flocks with sheep being positive against more than one pathogen were widely distributed throughout southern Germany. The descriptive analysis revealed no association between the antibody response of the three pathogens at animal level. Taking the flocks as a cluster variable into account, the exposure to TBEV reduced the probability of identifying C. burnetii antibodies in sheep significantly (odds ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.85), but the reason for this is unknown. The presence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies did not influence the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and TBEV. Studies under controlled conditions are necessary to evaluate any possible adverse impact of co-exposure to tick-borne pathogens on sheep health. This can help to clarify rare disease patterns. Research in this field may also support the One Health approach due to the zoonotic potential of Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV.
Temporal transcriptome profiling of floating apical out chicken enteroids suggest stability and reproducibility
Authors: Nash Tessa J. , Morris Katrina M. , Mabbott Neil A. , Vervelde Lonneke
Published: February 2023

Enteroids are miniature self-organising three-dimensional (3D) tissue cultures which replicate much of the complexity of the intestinal epithelium. We recently developed an apical-out leukocyte-containing chicken enteroid model providing a novel physiologically relevant in vitro tool to explore host–pathogen interactions in the avian gut. However, the replicate consistency and culture stability have not yet been fully explored at the transcript level. In addition, causes for the inability to passage apical-out enteroids were not determined. Here we report the transcriptional profiling of chicken embryonic intestinal villi and chicken enteroid cultures using bulk RNA-seq. Comparison of the transcriptomes of biological and technical replicate enteroid cultures confirmed their high level of reproducibility. Detailed analysis of cell subpopulation and function markers revealed that the mature enteroids differentiate from late embryonic intestinal villi to recapitulate many digestive, immune and gut-barrier functions present in the avian intestine. These transcriptomic results demonstrate that the chicken enteroid cultures are highly reproducible, and within the first week of culture they morphologically mature to appear similar to the in vivo intestine, therefore representing a physiologically-relevant in vitro model of the chicken intestine.
The long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in Egypt
Authors: El-Hawagry Magdi S. A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The Dolichopodidae, commonly known as long-legged flies, are a cosmopolitan dipteran family in the superfamily Empidoidea. The adults and majority of larvae in this family are predaceous, feeding on small and soft-bodied invertebrates, and can be used as biological control agents. Nevertheless, only few old taxonomic studies on the Egyptian dolichopodids have been carried out.

Results

All dolichopodid taxa known to be represented in Egypt are cataloged in the present study. The classification of all species is updated, with synonyms, type localities, distributions and data of collection from Egypt being provided. Colored photographs of some species are also provided. Syntypes of eight species are preserved in the collection of Efflatoun Bey, Cairo University, Egypt (EFC), namely Asyndetus albifacies Parent, 1929; A. albifrons Parent, 1929; Argyrochlamys cavicola (Parent, 1929); Aphrosylus parcearmatus Parent, 1925; Thinophilus atritarsis Parent, 1929; T. maculatus Parent, 1929; T. spinulosus Parent, 1929 and T. tinctus Parent, 1929. Lectotypes are designated from these syntypes in the present work.

Conclusion

Sixty-six species in 21 genera and 8 subfamilies are known to be represented from Egypt and cataloged in the present study. One of these species, Tachytrechus notatus (Stannius, 1831), is recorded herein for the first time. Lectotypes are designated for eight species in the collection of Efflatoun Bey, Cairo University.
In vivo studies on evaluation of endophytic fungi extract from Trichoderma viride against cervical cancer
Authors: Harikrishnan Sheeba , Mohamed Yacoob Syed Ali , Venkatraman Anuradha , Nagarajan Yogananth , Kuppusam Saravanan Govidasamy
Published: February 2023

Background

The crude ethyl acetate Trichoderma viride extract obtained from Ziziphus mauritiana was initially analyzed by HPLC for identification of major bioactive compounds, and then, it was subjected for in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity, cervical cancer studies using Wistar albino rats.

Result

During acute toxicity studies, animal groups treated with distinct dosage of 2000 mg/kg restrained toxicity signs in tested groups compared to controls for 14 days which established to be secure and non-toxic even at high dose. However, in terms of sub-acute toxicity studies, animals were given with repeated amount of (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) for a period of 28 days along with control group. Upon investigations of hematological, biochemical and histopathological studies repeated dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of T. viride extract found to be normal and no other major changes observed among treated groups. During in vivo studies, after treatment of T. viride extract (40 mg/kg) effectively inhibited the cervical cancer cell growth in DES-treated groups. Through HPLC analysis the major compound ursolic acid and 2,5-piperazinedione were mainly identified.

Conclusion

The secondary metabolites of endophytes have been used substantially for the sustainable production of therapeutically important compounds. The limited availability of bioactive principles in plant sources could be surpassed by exploiting the chemical entities in the endophytes. In the present investigation, it has been accomplished that ethyl acetate extract of T. viride was safe at higher and lower dosage could be considered for pharmacological studies from plant may provide an excellent avenue for the discovery of drug candidates against deadly cancer diseases.
A Student-Centered, Entrepreneurship Development (ASCEND) Undergraduate Summer Research Program: Foundational Training for Health Research
Authors: Jackson Avis , Henry Sherita , Jackman Kevon M. , Jones Laundette , Kamangar Farin , Koissi Niangoran , Mehravaran Shiva , Oni Akinyele , Perrino Carroll , Sheikhattari Payam , Whitney Erika , Hohmann Christine F.
Published: February 2023

Student participation of underrepresented minorities (URM) in the scientific workforce is imperative. Undergraduate research training programs are essential in retaining URMs in the sciences and STEM. Presented here is an innovative, effective approach harnessing students’ entrepreneurial desires into a multiyear, NIH BUILD-funded research training program.
Distributed acoustic sensing of ocean-bottom seismo-acoustics and distant storms: A case study from Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Taweesintananon Kittinat , Landrø Martin , Potter John Robert , Johansen Ståle Emil , Rørstadbotnen Robin André , Bouffaut Léa , Kriesell Hannah Joy , Brenne Jan Kristoffer , Haukanes Aksel , Schjelderup Olaf , Storvik Frode
Published: February 2023

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) leverages an ocean-bottom telecommunication fiber-optic cable into a densely sampled array of strain sensors. We demonstrate DAS applications to passive acoustic monitoring through an experiment on a submarine fiber-optic cable in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway. We find that DAS can measure many types of signals in the frequency range from 0.01 to 20 Hz generated by dynamics in the atmosphere, ocean, and solid earth. These include ocean-bottom loading pressure fluctuation of ocean surface waves generated by storms, winds, and airflow turbulence, shear-wave resonances in low-velocity near-surface sediments, acoustic resonances in the water column, and propagating seismic waves. We find that DAS can record high-quality low-frequency seismo-acoustic waves down to 0.01 Hz, which could be used for subsurface exploration. Using the shear-wave resonances recorded by DAS, we can determine the subsurface structure of near-surface sediments with low velocity. In addition, we can trace ocean swells back to their origins of distant storms as far as 13,000 km away from the cable. Because DAS is capable of seismo-acoustic monitoring with a high spatial resolution of approximately 1 m over a cable of approximately 100 km long and with a broadband sensitivity down to 0.01 Hz on the low end, it can deliver great scientific value to the ocean observation and geophysics community.
Characteristic reflector-based wave equation reflection traveltime inversion
Authors: Wang Yilin , Dong Liangguo , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Jianming
Published: February 2023

Reconstructing the deep background velocity model is crucial for imaging subsurface structures. The reflection traveltime inversion (RTI) is capable of recovering the kinematic information in the velocity model under a limited seismic observation aperture. The estimation of the reflection traveltime residuals between the synthetic and observed seismic waves is the key to the RTI. However, it is difficult to accurately obtain the rapidly changing reflection traveltime shifts in the prestack data domain. Estimating the traveltime difference is especially difficult where the discrepancy between the noisy observed data and demigrated synthetic data includes a waveform distortion, inconsistent reflected events, and so on. To overcome this problem, we have developed a new reflection traveltime residual estimation method. In this method, after identifying a characteristic reflector in the prestack depth migration section with an initial velocity, the demigrated and observed seismic reflections in the data domain corresponding to the characteristic reflector share the same traveltime at the zero offset. Thus, their traveltime residual can be automatically tracked by their crosscorrelation with a modified dynamic programming algorithm based on a zero-offset control point, which can avoid traveltime picking or windowing of relevant reflection arrivals in the prestack seismic data domain. Then, the estimated reflection traveltime residual is applied to the RTI. To improve the inversion accuracy, we have further developed a layer-stripping velocity model-building workflow. Synthetic and field data tests demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain a robust reflection traveltime residual and further achieve a correct low-to-intermediate wavenumber velocity model update.
An Innovative Approach for Formulation of Rutin Tablets Targeted for Colon Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ismail Aliaa , El-Biyally Ebtesam , Sakran Wedad
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was the improvement of rutin solubility along with targeting its release to colon for effective treatment of colon cancer. Five formulations of compression-coated tablets were prepared with the same core composition including rutin-polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 solid dispersion (rutin-PVP K30 SD) but differ in being coated with either frankincense alone or different combinations of frankincense with gelatin. The superior formula was selected based on the in vitro drug release then further evaluated in terms of physical properties and in vivo performance in dogs using X-ray. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity of rutin, rutin-PVP K30 SD, frankincense, and a mixture of rutin-PVP K30 SD with frankincense in a ratio representing their concentrations in the selected formula was assessed against human colon cancer (HCT-116) cell lines using sulforhodamine B assay. The formula (F4) with the coat consisted of 65%w/w frankincense and 35%w/w gelatin achieved acceptable in vitro controlled drug release. In vivo X-ray in dogs confirmed that F4 tablet could remain intact in the stomach and small intestine until reaching the colon. In vitro cytotoxicity revealed that mixture of rutin-PVP K30 SD with frankincense was more effective in arresting cancer cell growth than rutin or frankincense alone. Moreover, stability studies revealed that F4 tablets were physically and chemically stable. Thus, improving rutin solubility using solid dispersion technique and formulating it into frankincense-based compression-coated (F4) tablets would be a successful approach for colonic delivery of rutin with potential of improving therapeutic efficacy.

Graphical Abstract
Continuum modeling of soft glassy materials under shear
Authors: Benzi Roberto , Divoux Thibaut , Barentin Catherine , Manneville Sébastien , Sbragaglia Mauro , Toschi Federico
Published: February 2023

Soft Glassy Materials (SGM) consist in dense amorphous assemblies of colloidal particles of multiple shapes, elasticity, and interactions, which confer upon them solid-like properties at rest. They are ubiquitously encountered in modern engineering, including additive manufacturing, semi-solid flow cells, dip coating, adhesive locomotion, where they are subjected to complex mechanical histories. Such processes often include a solid-to-liquid transition induced by large enough shear, which results in complex transient phenomena such as non-monotonic stress responses, i.e., stress overshoot, and spatially heterogeneous flows, e.g., shear banding or brittle failure. In the present article, we propose a pedagogical introduction to a continuum model based on a spatially resolved fluidity approach that we recently introduced to rationalize shear-induced yielding in SGMs. Our model, which relies upon non-local effects, quantitatively captures salient features associated with such complex flows, including the rate dependence of the stress overshoot, as well as transient shear-banded flows together with non-trivial scaling laws for fluidization times. This approach offers a versatile framework to account for subtle effects, such as avalanche-like phenomena, or the impact of boundary conditions, which we illustrate by including in our model the elasto-hydrodynamic slippage of soft particles compressed against solid surfaces.
First report on molecular identification of Fusarium species causing fruit rot of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Faruk , Islam Mohammed Asadul , Sikdar Biswanath
Published: February 2023

Background: Fusarium rot is a newly introduced, devastating disease of citrus fruits. The current investigation was undertaken to characterize the microbes responsible for fruit rot in Citrus reticulata.

Methods: Pathogens were isolated from infected citrus fruits using morphological and molecular approaches. For confirmation of the isolated fungi, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing techniques were used.

Results: The isolated fungus was grown on potato dextrose agar for three days and it produced clamydospores, hyphae and macroconidia. PCR amplification of isolated fungal DNA gave a 650 bp product. The sequence obtained from isolated fungi had 99.42% similarity with the reference Fusarium concentricum sequence in NCBI GenBank. The obtained sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. MT856371). Two isolates showed virulence capability on fresh guava, sweet orange and tomato fruits, which confirmed species identification and Koch’s postulates. Artificially inoculated fungal species grown on tested fruits showed typical Fusarium species symptoms.

Conclusions: Outcomes of the present study are beneficial for the detection of this detrimental disease in postharvest Citrus reticulata fruits. Further research is needed for the control of this economically important disease. This is the first study of fruit rot in Citrus reticulata caused by Fusarium in Bangladesh.
The economic costs of malaria in pregnancy: evidence from four sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Cirera Laia , Sacoor Charfudin , Meremikwu Martin , Ranaivo Louise , F. Manun’Ebo Manu , Arikpo Dachi , Matavele Osvaldo , Rafaralahy Victor , Ndombe Didier , Pons Duran Clara , Ramirez Maximo , Ramponi Francesco , González Raquel , Maly Christina , Roman Elaine , Sicuri Elisa , Pagnoni Franco , Menéndez Clara
Published: February 2023

Background

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which imposes a significant economic burden. We provide evidence on the costs of malaria care in pregnancy to households and the health system in four high-burden countries in SSA. 

Methods

Household and health system economic costs associated with malaria control in pregnancy were estimated in selected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar (MDG), Mozambique (MOZ) and Nigeria (NGA). An exit survey was administered to 2,031 pregnant women when leaving the antenatal care (ANC) clinic from October 2020 to June 2021. Women reported the direct and indirect costs associated to malaria prevention and treatment in pregnancy. To estimate health system costs, we interviewed health workers from 133 randomly selected health facilities. Costs were estimated using an ingredients-based approach.

Results

Average household costs of malaria prevention per pregnancy were USD6.33 in DRC, USD10.06 in MDG, USD15.03 in MOZ and USD13.33 in NGA. Household costs of treating an episode of uncomplicated/complicated malaria were USD22.78/USD46 in DRC, USD16.65/USD35.65 in MDG, USD30.54/USD61.25 in MOZ and USD18.92/USD44.71 in NGA, respectively. Average health system costs of malaria prevention per pregnancy were USD10.74 in DRC, USD16.95 in MDG, USD11.17 in MOZ and USD15.64 in NGA. Health system costs associated with treating an episode of uncomplicated/complicated malaria were USD4.69/USD101.41 in DRC, USD3.61/USD63.33 in MDG, USD4.68/USD83.70 in MOZ and USD4.09/USD92.64 in NGA. These estimates resulted in societal costs of malaria prevention and treatment per pregnancy of USD31.72 in DRC, USD29.77 in MDG, USD31.98 in MOZ and USD46.16 in NGA.

Conclusions

Malaria in pregnancy imposes a high economic burden on households and the health system. Findings emphasize the importance of investing in effective strategies that improve access to malaria control and reduce the burden of the infection in pregnancy.
The genome sequence of the Field Cuckoo-bee, Bombus campestris (Panzer, 1801)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Bombus campestris (the Field Cuckoo-bee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Apidae). The genome sequence is 275 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 25 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 24.7 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,993 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Burnished Brass, Diachrysia chrysitis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Holland Peter W.H. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Diachrysia chrysitis (the Burnished Brass; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 386 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,320 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the common green Tenthredo, Tenthredo mesomela (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Falk Steven ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Green Andrew , Broad Gavin R ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tenthredo mesomela (the common green Tenthredo; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence is 393 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 11,086 protein coding genes.
An introduction to a modern procedure for anterior composite restorations and black triangle closure using a novel matrix system: part 1
Authors: Burgess Claire , Hassall Dominic
Published: February 2023

The Bioclear Method is a modern approach to direct composite restorations that gives both patients and dentists the longevity, both cosmetically and functionally, that they desire. This article explains the principles of the Bioclear Method and presents clinical cases where the Bioclear Method has been used. The article also includes examples of black triangle closure, a patient concern that practitioners have been reluctant to treat in the past using traditional composite methods.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article highlights a clinically relevant and modern method that can be used for placing all direct composite restorations.
Scarlet fever and the dental team
Authors: Manson Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Scarlet fever is a mild, but highly contagious disease caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Scarlet fever begins with flu-like symptoms and, within the first 12-48 hours, it is common for a rash to develop that feels like sandpaper to the touch. In rare cases, GAS bacteria can cause an invasive infection that can be fatal. Invasive GAS (iGAS) infection occurs when the bacteria are in a place of the body where they are not normally found, such as the blood stream. Scarlet fever is usually treated with antibiotics, which can reduce the chances of the patient developing iGAS and reduce the risk of them spreading the infection to others. The World Health Organization and UK Health Security Agency have announced that the number of scarlet fever and iGAS cases observed in children has been several times higher than pre-pandemic levels for the equivalent period of time. As healthcare professionals, it is important that the dental team understand key aspects of scarlet fever. Here, scarlet fever symptoms, transmission, clinical manifestations, antibiotic treatment, and risks to the dental team are reviewed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: To describe epidemiology of scarlet fever and discuss the implications for the dental team.
Acrylic dentures: fill the gap. part 2. indirect retention, major connectors, review of the design and case study
Authors: Leyssen Wouter , Heran Jasmeet , Walmsley AD
Published: February 2023

Many dental students find the principles of partial denture design difficult to learn. It is also recognized that dentists in general practice within the UK do not always provide sufficient design specification on their laboratory prescription. It therefore seems that confusion about how to come up with a suitable denture design persists after graduation. The aim of the second part of this series relates to design principles of indirect retention, designing the major connector and how to put together all these elements when reviewing the overall design, and how to apply the denture concepts to a case study. This article also discusses recent advances in mucosal-borne partial dentures.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article revises the principles of partial denture design specifically in relation to mucosal-borne partial dentures.
Development of a Digital-Preneurship Measurement Instrument: Alignment Approach Through Project-Based Learning
Authors: Abdurrahman Isnaini Sholihan , Mahmudah Fitri Nur
Published: February 2023

The purposes of this research are (a) to make an instrument to measure the achievement of project-based digitalpreneurship learning in students; (b) to describe the quality of the project-based digitalpreneurship learning achievement assessment instrument for vocational high school students; (c) to measure the competence and skills. This study employed to research and development as its methodology, using a combination procedure between Oriondo and Antonio and, Mardapi. The development procedure includes three stages: instrument design, instrument testing, and measurement. A total of 795 students who participated in the study at 5 vocational high schools in Yogyakarta's special region served as responders. Data analysis in this development uses the content validity of the formula Aiken V Index, confirmatory factor analysis establishes the construct's validity, and construct reliability. Measurement instrument development. Research findings that (a) the instrument is ready to be used in the measurement; (b) the quality of the project-based digitalpreneruship learning achievement assessment instrument for vocational high school students is well tested. This is evidenced by the validity test which has a high score >.8; The proof of construct validity in this study using CFA > .5; GOF chi-square value with a critical value of df = 289, X2 = 323, p-value with a critical value of .079, RMSEA with a critical value of RMSEA .019 (≤ .08), SMRM with a critical value of SRMR 0.030 (≤ .05), CFI with a critical value of CFI .990 (> .97), and an NFI with a critical value of NFI .989 ( > .90); (c) the measurement results are identified in the process that needs to be improved again regarding the digitalpreneurship skills of vocational high school students.
Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Benlik Saygısı ile Kendini Sabotaj Arasındaki İlişkide Öz Şefkatin Aracı Rolü
Authors: TEKİN Işıl , KUL Deniz
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, benlik saygısı ile kendini sabotaj arasındaki ilişkide öz şefkatin aracı rolünü incelemektir. Ayrıca çalışma değişkenlerinin cinsiyete göre farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığı incelenmiştir. Araştırma, farklı üniversitelerde öğrenim gören 344 (270 kadın, 73 erkek, 1 diğer) öğrenci ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın verileri Rosenberg Benlik Saygısı Ölçeği, Kendini Sabotaj Ölçeği, Öz-Duyarlık Ölçeği ve kişisel bilgi formu aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda üniversite öğrencilerinin kendini sabotaj düzeyleri ile öz şefkat ve benlik saygısı düzeyleri arasında negatif yönlü, öz şefkat düzeyleri ile benlik saygısı düzeyleri arasında pozitif yönlü ve istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı düzeyde ilişki olduğu saptanmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen aracılık analizi sonuçlarına göre benlik saygısı ile kendini sabotaj arasındaki ilişkide öz şefkatin kısmi aracı rolü olduğu bulunmuştur. Bu araştırmanın sonuçlarından hareketle, başarısızlık durumlarında benlik kavramlarına gelebilecek olumsuz yorumlardan kaçınmak için olası başarısızlıklarını açıklayabilmek amacıyla kendilerine zarar verecek stratejilere ihtiyaç duymamaları, diğer bir ifadeyle kendilerini sabote etmemeleri için bireylerin benlik saygıları ve öz şefkat düzeylerini artırmanın önem taşıdığı söylenebilir.
Method of calculating speckle-reduced hologram data using a convergence light wave for a computer-generated hologram
Authors: Sakamoto Yuji , Oshinomi Tatsuya , Matsuno Koki
Published: February 2023

In a computer-generated hologram, random phases are required for representing object surfaces; however, speckle noise occurs in the random phases. We propose a speckle reduction method for three-dimensional virtual images in electro-holography. The method does not have random phases but instead converges the object light on the observer’s viewpoint. Optical experiments demonstrated that the proposed method greatly reduced speckle noise while maintaining a calculation time comparable to that of the conventional method.
Equivalent circuit model for a graphene-based high efficiency tunable broadband terahertz polarizer
Authors: Mazraeh-Fard Isa , Alighanbari Abbas
Published: February 2023

An equivalent circuit model for a graphene-based high-efficiency tunable broadband THz polarizer is presented. The conditions for linear-to-circular polarization conversion in the transmission mode are utilized to derive a set of closed-form design formulas. Given a set of target specifications, the key structural parameters of the polarizer are directly calculated using this model. The proposed model is rigorously validated by comparing the circuit model and full-wave electromagnetic simulation results, from which it is found that the model is accurate and effective, accelerating the analysis and design processes. This offers a further step in developing a high-performance and controllable polarization converter with potential applications in imaging, sensing, and communications.
Camera pose estimation algorithm involving weighted measurement uncertainty of feature points based on rotation parameters
Authors: Wei Liang , Huo Ju
Published: February 2023

To solve the perspective-n-point problem in visual measurement, we
present a camera pose estimation algorithm involving weighted
measurement uncertainty based on rotation parameters. The method does
not involve the depth factor, and the objective function is converted
into a least-squares cost function that contains three rotation
parameters. Furthermore, the noise uncertainty model enables a more
accurate estimated pose, which can be directly calculated without
initial values. Experimental results prove the high accuracy and good
robustness of the proposed method. In the space of
1.5m×1.5m×1.5m
, the maximum estimation errors of
rotation and translation are better than 0.04° and 0.2%.
Chatter-suppressing ruling method based on double-layer elastic support
Authors: Yu Shuo , Jirigalantu  , Yu Hongzhu , Yao Xuefeng , Li Wenhao
Published: February 2023

A cross-hinge spring is the preferred support for a ruling tool because of its excellent flexibility. However, there are high precision requirements for the tool installation, which make the installation and adjustments difficult. There also is poor robustness against interference, which readily results in tool chatter. These issues affect the quality of the grating. This paper proposes an elastic ruling tool carrier with a double-layer parallel-spring mechanism, establishes a torque model of the spring, and analyzes its force state. In a simulation, the spring deformation and frequency modes of the two ruling tool carriers are compared and the overhang length of the parallel-spring mechanism is optimized. In addition, the performance of the optimized ruling tool carrier is analyzed in a grating ruling experiment to verify the carrier’s effectiveness. The results show that compared to the cross-hinge elastic support, the deformation of the parallel-spring mechanism by a ruling force in the X direction is on the same order of magnitude. However, the deformation in the Y direction is reduced by a factor of 270, and the deformation in the Z direction is reduced by a factor of 32. The torque of the proposed tool carrier is slightly higher (12.8%) in the Z direction but lower by a factor of 2.5 in the X direction and by a factor of 60 in the Y direction. The overall stiffness of the proposed tool carrier is improved and the first-order frequency of the proposed structure is higher by a factor of 2.8. The proposed tool carrier thus better suppresses chatter, effectively reducing the effect of the ruling tool installation error on the grating quality. The flutter suppression ruling method can provide a technical basis for further research on high-precision grating ruling manufacturing technology.
Retrieval of Meso-Scale Wind Field: Simulation and Performance for Wind
Authors: Périn J. , Dabas A , Flamant P. H. , Pelon J. , Loth C. , Talagrand O. , Carissimo B.
Published: February 2023

Meso-scale meteorology received an increased interest in the past decade and prompts new studies supported by both experimental and modeling works. In the frame of this effort the scientific communities in France and Germany proposed to developed the WIND project (1) to fly an airborne Doppler lidar. Then, considering the deployment of a wind Doppler lidar in space around 2005, the objectives for WIND are twofold : to make a significant contribution to mesoscale meteorology, and act as a precursor for space borne projects as currently foreseen in Europe. The WIND project is developed in cooperation by CNRS and CNES in France and DLR-Munich in Germany. At the present. WIND is in phase B/C and technical flight are expected by the end of 96. During phase A an end-to-end instrumental model (2) has been developed to evaluate the performance and work out the trade-off among the various sub-systems.
Optical curvature sensor based on polarization characteristics of optical fiber
Authors: Su Yang , Wang Jingyuan , Li Jianhua , Xu Zhiyong , Wang Yimin
Published: February 2023

Curvature measurement plays an important role in various applications. An optical curvature sensor based on polarization characteristics of optical fiber is proposed and verified by experiments. The direct bending of the fiber causes a change in birefringence, which results in a change of Stokes parameters of the transmitted light. The large curvature measurement range of tens to more than 100 m-1 has been realized in the experiment. For micro bending, a cantilever beam structure is used to achieve a sensitivity of up to 12.26/ m-1 and a linearity of 99.49% in the measurement range of 0 to 0.15 m-1, with a resolution of up to 10−6 m-1 order of magnitude, which reaches the level of the latest report. The method with the advantages of simple fabrication, low cost and good real-time performance gives a new development direction to the curvature sensor.
Frequency-domain terahertz spectroscopy using long-carrier-lifetime photoconductive antennas
Authors: Lu Ping-Keng , Jarrahi Mona
Published: February 2023

We present a telecommunication-compatible frequency-domain terahertz spectroscopy system realized by novel photoconductive antennas without using short-carrier-lifetime photoconductors. Built on a high-mobility InGaAs photoactive layer, these photoconductive antennas are designed with plasmonics-enhanced contact electrodes to achieve highly confined optical generation near the metal/semiconductor surface, which offers ultrafast photocarrier transport and, hence, efficient continuous-wave terahertz operation including both generation and detection. Consequently, using two plasmonic photoconductive antennas as a terahertz source and a terahertz detector, we successfully demonstrate frequency-domain spectroscopy with a dynamic range more than 95 dB and an operation bandwidth of 2.5 THz. Moreover, this novel approach to terahertz antenna design opens up a wide range of new possibilities for many different semiconductors and optical excitation wavelengths to be utilized, therefore bypassing short-carrier-lifetime photoconductors with limited availability.
Surface plasmon-enhanced dark-field microsphere-assisted microscopy
Authors: Cao Yurong , Yang Songlin , Wang Dong , Wang Jianguo , Ye Yong-Hong
Published: February 2023

We present for the first time a surface plasmon-enhanced dark-field microsphere-assisted microscopy in imaging both low-contrast dielectric objects and metallic ones. We demonstrate, using an Al patch array as the substrate, the resolution and contrast in imaging low-contrast dielectric objects are improved compared to that of the metal plate substrate and a glass slide in dark-field microscopy (DFM). 365-nm-diameter hexagonally arranged SiO nanodots assembled on the three substrates can be resolved, with the contrast varied from 0.23 to 0.96, and the 300-nm-diameter hexagonally close-packed polystyrene nanoparticles can only be discerned on the Al patch array substrate. The resolution can be further improved by using the dark-field microsphere-assisted microscopy, and an Al nanodot array with a nanodot diameter of ∼65 nm and a center-to-center spacing of 125 nm can be just resolved, which cannot be distinguished in a conventional DFM. The focusing effect of the microsphere, as well as the excitation of the surface plasmons, provides evanescent illumination with enhanced local electric field (E-field) on an object. The enhanced local E-field acts as a near-field excitation source to enhance the scattering of the object, resulting in the improvement of imaging resolution.
Phase retrieval with a dual recursive scheme
Authors: Song Li , Lam Edmund Y.
Published: February 2023

Since optical sensors cannot detect the phase information of the light wave, recovering the missing phase from the intensity measurements, called phase retrieval (PR), is a natural and important problem in many imaging applications. In this paper, we propose a learning-based recursive dual alternating direction method of multipliers, called RD-ADMM, for phase retrieval with a dual and recursive scheme. This method tackles the PR problem by solving the primal and dual problems separately. We design a dual structure to take advantage of the information embedded in the dual problem that can help with solving the PR problem, and we show that it is feasible to use the same operator for both the primal and dual problems for regularization. To demonstrate the efficiency of this scheme, we propose a learning-based coded holographic coherent diffractive imaging system to generate the reference pattern automatically according to the intensity information of the latent complex-valued wavefront. Experiments on different kinds of images with a high noise level indicate that our method is effective and robust, and can provide higher-quality results than other commonly-used PR methods for this setup.
Simple optical encryption and decryption strategy based on bilayer soft actuator and laser-induced structural color
Authors: Zhang Chenchu , Zhao Qiangqiang , Bian Yucheng , Zhao Linhan , Wang Jin , Zhang Heng , Hu Ying
Published: February 2023

Advanced encryption and decryption strategies are of great significance for information protection and data security. Visual optical information encryption and decryption technology plays an important role in the field of information security. However, the current optical information encryption technologies have shortcomings such as the need for external decryption equipment, the inability to read out repeatedly, and information leakage, which hinder their practical application. By combining the excellent thermal response characteristics of the MXene-isocyanate propyl triethoxy silane (IPTS)/polyethylene (PE) bilayer and the structural color generated from the laser fabricated biomimetic structural color surface, an approach of encrypt, decrypt, and transmit information has been proposed. The microgroove-induced structural color is attached to the MXene-IPTS/PE bilayer to form a colored soft actuator (CSA) to realize information encryption and decryption, and information transmission. Benefiting from the unique photon-thermal response of the bilayer actuator and the precise spectrum response of the microgroove-induced structural color, the information encryption and decryption system has the advantages of being simple and reliable, which has the potential application in the field of optical information security.
Experimental observation of the spectral self-imaging effect with a four-wave mixing time lens
Authors: Huang He , Li Yaoshuai , Qin Chengzhi , Li Wenwan , Zhao Lange , Liu Chen , Wang Bing , Zhang Chi , Lu Peixiang
Published: February 2023

Here we use a four-wave mixing time lens to demonstrate the spectral self-imaging effect for a frequency comb. The time lens is built by imposing a temporal quadratic phase modulation onto the input signal pulses, which corresponds to a frequency comb in the Fourier spectrum. The modulation is implemented by a Gaussian pump pulse propagating in an external single-mode fiber. Both the signal and pump pulses are injected into a highly nonlinear fiber and four-wave mixing Bragg scattering occurs. We observe periodic revivals of the input frequency comb as the pump pulse propagates periodic distances. The comb-spacing is squeezed at fractional ratios to its original value. Meanwhile, the central-frequency undergoes redshifts and blueshifts subject to the scattered frequencies. We also find that the envelope width of input pulses has an effect on the output spectrum width. The study may find great applications in spectral reshaping and frequency metrology used for optical communication and signal processing.