bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid-infrared fiber laser research: Tasks completed and the tasks ahead
Authors: Jackson S. D.
Published: July 2024

After decades of research, there are almost half a dozen efficiently pumped rare earth laser transitions in a fiber laser format capable of Watt-level output. These systems use near-IR laser diodes for excitation and have developed into reliable sources of high beam quality light with some commercially available. This maturation of the mid-IR fiber laser is entirely based on a high quality fluoride glass fiber, which has emerged as the primary fiber gain material for emission up to 4 µm. The other major mid-IR transparent glass families, the heavy metal oxides, and chalcogenides have always been challenged by consistent hydrogen diffusion into the glass that creates strong absorption features in the high-frequency portions of the mid-IR. This problem along with challenges to sufficiently concentrate the rare earth doping level has historically stifled progress preventing fiber laser emission in the mid-IR. In recent years, great efforts in precursor purification and reducing contamination during fabrication have resulted in pioneering demonstrations of mid-IR lasing using these glasses with emission now extending beyond 5 µm. As a result, mid-IR fiber laser research has entered a new era with more breakthroughs and applications to benefit from the efficiency potential, reliability, and relatively simple architecture of the optical fiber.
Room-temperature field-free valley exciton splitting in monolayer semiconductors achieved by perpendicular magnetic proximity effect
Authors: Lv Penghao , Liang Xiaorong , Xu Chenyue , Xu Guizhou , Xu Feng , Chen Xi
Published: July 2024

The magnetic proximity effect at ferromagnet/semiconductor interface has been demonstrated as an effective method to generate and control valley splitting states in the semiconductor, which has potential for valley-based information processing devices. However, currently, this method typically requires cryogenic temperature or continuous application of external fields, due to limitation of the ferromagnet used. Here, we report room-temperature valley exciton splitting in semiconducting monolayer WS2 without the need of an external magnetic field. This is achieved by interfacing the monolayer WS2 with a room-temperature ferromagnet L10-phase FePt possessing strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, which provides a field-free perpendicular magnetic proximity effect and permanently lifts the valley degeneracy of WS2 via Zeeman interaction. Circularly polarized photoluminescence measurements reveal that the intensity and energy of exciton emissions show strong dependence on the excitation and detection helicity and the magnetization direction of FePt, and the valley exciton splitting can reach very large values of 4.9, 11.7, and 19.2 meV for neutral exciton, trion, and defect-bound exciton, respectively.
Modeling and experimental investigation of multilayer DE transducers considering the influence of the electrode layers
Authors: Mertens Jana , Elkarim Masoud Abd , Hubracht Andreas , Çabuk Ozan , Simon Krüger Tim , Maas Jürgen
Published: July 2024

A current research topic for dielectric elastomer (DE) materials is the reduction of the thickness of the DE layer in order to achieve a lower operating voltage with the same electric field strength. As the ratio of the layer thicknesses of the electrode to the elastomer is therefore more important, the mechanical properties of the electrode layers are of greater significance. Several research articles deal with investigations, exploring the influence of electrode materials on the behavior of the DE transducer and emphasizing its importance. In analytical models, however, the electrodes are not usually considered separately, but the parameters are identified for the entire DE composite, consisting of elastomer and electrode layers. In contrast, in this article the material characterization is carried out separately for the two materials in a first step. In a further step, a holistic model for multilayer DE transducers is derived on the basis of this material-specific characterization and subsequently validated with measurements. For the DE layers, ELASTOSIL ® 2030 (EL 2030), and for the electrode layers, ELASTOSIL ® LR 3162 (EL 3162) are investigated, frequently used materials for DE transducers that offer reproducible properties for the investigation. EL 3162 is a carbon black filled elastomer material that exhibits higher elastic and viscose stresses as well as a significant rate-independent hysteresis compared to EL 2030. Experimental investigations of DE transducers with different electrode thicknesses are examined to validate the model and to demonstrate the significance and influence of the electrode layers on the transducer’s performance. Furthermore, the influence of the electrode properties on the actuator, generator and sensor behavior of the DE transducer is analyzed based on the developed model. Depending on the thickness and number of layers, this underlines the relevance of the electrode properties and provides information on the optimized design of the DE transducer.
AstroSat/UVIT Study of the Diffuse Ultraviolet Radiation in the Dwarf Galaxy Holmberg II
Authors: Bordoloi Olag Pratim , Ananthamoorthy B. , Shalima P. , Safonova Margarita , Bhattacharya Debbijoy , Shchekinov Yuri A. , Gogoi Rupjyoti
Published: July 2024

We present measurements of diffuse ultraviolet (UV) emission in the dwarf irregular galaxy Holmberg II obtained with the Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) instrument onboard AstroSat, India’s first multiwavelength space mission. With a spatial resolution of 1.″2–1.″6, these are the highest resolution UV observations of the galaxy to date. We find that diffuse emission accounts for ∼70.6% of the total far-ultraviolet (FUV) and for ~58.1% of the total near-ultraviolet (NUV) emission. In the FUV, this is reasonably close to the fraction reported for the SMC bar. We perform a UV–IR correlation study of the diffuse emission in this galaxy using infrared (IR) observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory for selected locations, free of detectable bright point sources. The strongest positive correlation between FUV and IR is observed at 70 μm for high H i density (N(H i) > 1 × 1021 cm−2) locations, indicating that warm dust grains dominate the IR emission, in agreement with earlier studies, while NUV is better correlated with 160 μm emission associated with cold dust grains. Low H i density regions (N(H i) < 1 × 1021 cm−2), or cavities, do not show any significant UV–IR correlation except at 160 μm, implying either the presence of colder dust grains in cavities being irradiated by the general radiation field, or insufficient amount of dust. The dust scattering contribution in high H i density regions, estimated using a single scattering model with foreground dust clouds with LMC reddening, gives best-fit albedo and asymmetry factor values of α = 0.2 and g = 0.5, respectively, in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions for LMC dust. Our model-derived scattering optical depths in the FUV range from 0.02 to 0.12, implying the medium is optically thin. Therefore, in high H i density regions, dust scattering can be one of the sources of the observed diffuse UV emission, apart from possible contributions from H2 fluorescence. However, the diffuse UV component in H i cavities can only be explained via other mechanisms, such as two-photon emission.
Three-wave mixing experiments in indium–tin–oxide thin-films with no phase matching
Authors: Wynne Kyle , Bazian Marjan , Harrison Mark C
Published: July 2024

One challenge of using nonlinear optical phenomena for practical applications is the need to perform phase-matching. Recently, epsilon-near-zero materials have been shown to demonstrate strong optical nonlinearities, in addition to their other unique properties. As suggested by their name, the permittivity of the material is close to zero for a certain wavelength range. We demonstrate that this small permittivity allows for efficient three-wave mixing interactions to take place in indium–tin–oxide thin films without the need for phase matching the pump and signal beams. The efficiency of the second-order nonlinear interactions is characterized, and cascaded three-wave mixing is demonstrated.
Find a Great Teacher like Me
Authors: Goff Matthew
Published: July 2024

This chapter is on the book of Ben Sira (Sirach), which is in the Catholic Old Testament and the Protestant Apocrypha. Due to the discoveries of the Cairo Genizah and the Dead Sea Scrolls, about two-thirds of this large text (51 chapters) is now available in Hebrew. The work is presented as the instruction of a teacher named Jesus ben Sira who lived in Jerusalem in the early second century bce. The work offers teachings on a range of topics, some relating to ordinary life, such as finances and relationships with friends and parents, and others on more theological topics, such as the individual’s responsibility for their own sins. The book teaches that following the Torah is the way to acquire wisdom, and its content draws extensively from the Jewish scriptural tradition. The composition offers a window into pedagogy in an upper-class setting in ancient Judaism.
Forgotten Flowers
Authors: Goff Matthew
Published: July 2024

In the Greek, the book of Daniel includes three lengthy texts not in the Hebrew form of the book. (1) In Daniel 3, three Jews are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol. They offer a prayer (the Prayer of Azariah). This prayer is a set piece with the Song of the Three Jews in which they praise God for saving them. (2) The story of Susanna is about a woman accosted by two elders who falsely accuse her of infidelity who is saved by Daniel. (3) In Bel and the Dragon, Daniel proves that the god Bel (Marduk) does not eat. He also kills a god (a “dragon”) by giving it bad food. These three texts demonstrate that there was a wealth of ancient (pre-Christian) Jewish stories about Daniel, which resulted in varying versions of the book of Daniel.
Conclusion
Authors: Burton Antoinette
Published: July 2024

Thirty years after the founding of the journal Gender and History, gender history shows up everywhere, threaded through all manner of topics and structuring strong commitments to intersectional research and teaching. This conclusion recaps the history of the field, raising the specter of challenges to gender history in higher education contexts and as a result of rising global fascist trends that are inimical to gender as a category of identity and history. It argues for gender history as unfinished business, underscoring the ongoing appeal of a linear narrative that imagines gender history as part of a progressive march toward queer and trans studies.
Postintubation hypotension following rapid sequence intubation with full- vs reduced-dose induction agent
Authors: Mattson Alicia E , Brown Caitlin S , Sandefur Benjamin J , Cole Kristin , Haefke Brandon , Cabrera Daniel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a common emergency department (ED) procedure with an associated complication of postintubation hypotension (PIH). It has not been clearly established whether the selection and dose of induction agent affect risk of PIH. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of PIH in patients receiving full-dose compared to reduced-dose induction agent for RSI in the ED.

Methods

This was a health system–wide, retrospective cohort study comparing incidence of PIH based on the induction medication and dose given for RSI in the ED. Patients were included if they underwent RSI from July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2020, were 18 years of age or older, and received etomidate or ketamine. A reduced dose was defined as a ketamine dose of 1.25 mg/kg or less and an etomidate dose of 0.2 mg/kg or less.

Results

A total of 909 patients were included in the final analysis, with most receiving etomidate (n = 764; 84%) and a smaller number receiving ketamine (n = 145; 16%). Patients who received ketamine had a higher mean pre-intubation shock index (full dose, 1.08; reduced dose, 1.04) than those who received etomidate (full dose, 0.89; reduced dose, 0.92) (P ≤ 0.001). Reduced doses of induction agent were observed for 107 patients receiving etomidate (14.0%) and 60 patients receiving ketamine (41.4%). Patients who received full-dose ketamine for induction had the highest rate of PIH (n = 31; 36.5%), and the difference was statistically significant compared to patients receiving reduced-dose ketamine (16.7%; P = 0.021) and full-dose etomidate (22.8%; P = 0.010).

Conclusion

We observed that full-dose ketamine was associated with the highest rate of PIH; however, this group had the poorest baseline hemodynamics, confounding interpretation. Our results do not support broad use of a reduced-dose induction agent.
Bayesian hierarchical modeling and inference for mechanistic systems in industrial hygiene
Authors: Pan Soumyakanti , Das Darpan , Ramachandran Gurumurthy , Banerjee Sudipto
Published: July 2024

A series of experiments in stationary and moving passenger rail cars were conducted to measure removal rates of particles in the size ranges of SARS-CoV-2 viral aerosols and the air changes per hour provided by existing and modified air handling systems. Such methods for exposure assessments are customarily based on mechanistic models derived from physical laws of particle movement that are deterministic and do not account for measurement errors inherent in data collection. The resulting analysis compromises on reliably learning about mechanistic factors such as ventilation rates, aerosol generation rates, and filtration efficiencies from field measurements. This manuscript develops a Bayesian state-space modeling framework that synthesizes information from the mechanistic system as well as the field data. We derive a stochastic model from finite difference approximations of differential equations explaining particle concentrations. Our inferential framework trains the mechanistic system using the field measurements from the chamber experiments and delivers reliable estimates of the underlying physical process with fully model-based uncertainty quantification. Our application falls within the realm of the Bayesian “melding” of mechanistic and statistical models and is of significant relevance to environmental hygienists and public health researchers working on assessing the performance of aerosol removal rates for rail car fleets.
BREAST-Q Analysis of Reduction Mammaplasty: Do Postoperative Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery Negatively Affect Patient Satisfaction?
Authors: Park John B , Adebagbo Oluwaseun D , Rahmani Benjamin , Lee Daniela , Prospero Matthew , Puducheri Shreyas , Chen Amy , Tobin Micaela , Yamin Mohammed , Boustany Ashley N , Lee Bernard T , Lin Samuel J , Cauley Ryan P
Published: July 2024

Background

Reduction mammaplasty can provide symptomatic relief to patients suffering from macromastia; however, complications such as dehiscence are common. It is unknown if the presence of complications affects patient-reported outcomes.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for the development of complications, and to examine the correlation between postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes in reduction mammaplasty.

Methods

A single-center retrospective chart review was undertaken of patients who received reduction mammaplasties (CPT 19318), performed by 13 surgeons, between January 2017 and February 2023. Breast cancer cases and oncoplastic reconstructions were excluded. Patients with >1 complication were grouped into the complications cohort. Satisfaction was assessed by administering the BREAST-Q survey.

Results

A total of 661 patients were included for analysis, 131 of whom developed at least 1 complication. Patients in the group with complications had significantly higher average ages and BMIs, and a higher likelihood of hypertension and diabetes (P < .01). Among 180 BREAST-Q responders, 41 had at least 1 complication. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (complications vs no complications) across survey outcomes. Although obese patients were more likely to develop infection and require revisions (P < .01), no significant differences in subgroup analysis of patient-reported outcomes focusing on obese patients were observed.

Conclusions

Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with postoperative complications of reduction mammaplasty. Patients with complications had similar postoperative BREAST-Q satisfaction to patients without complications. Although risk optimization is critical, patients and surgeons should be reassured that satisfaction may be achieved even in the event of a complication.

Level of Evidence: 3
Hepatectomy versus systemic therapy for liver-limited BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal liver metastases: multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Margonis Georgios Antonios , Wang Jaeyun Jane , Boerner Thomas , Moretto Roberto , Buettner Stefan , Andreatos Nikolaos , Gagnière Johan , Wagner Doris , Løes Inger Marie , Bergamo Francesca , Pietrantonio Filippo , Scartozzi Mario , Spallanzani Andrea , Vincenzi Bruno , Antoniou Efstathios , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Stasinos Georgios , Sasaki Kazunari , Pawlik Timothy M , Orlandi Armando , Pella Nicoletta , Fitschek Fabian , Kaczirek Klaus , Dupré Aurélien , Pozios Ioannis , Beyer Katharina , Kornprat Peter , Aucejo Federico N , Burkhart Richard , Weiss Matthew J , Lønning Per Eystein , Poultsides George , Cremolini Chiara , Kreis Martin E , D’Angelica Michael
Published: July 2024

Background

To date, only two studies have compared the outcomes of patients with liver-limited BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) managed with resection versus systemic therapy alone, and these have reported contradictory findings.

Methods

In this observational, international, multicentre study, patients with liver-limited BRAF V600E-mutated CRLMs treated with resection or systemic therapy alone were identified from institutional databases. Patterns of recurrence/progression and overall survival were compared using multivariable analyses of the entire cohort and a propensity score-matched cohort.

Results

Of 170 patients included, 119 underwent hepatectomy and 51 received systemic treatment. Surgically treated patients had a more favourable pattern of recurrence with most recurrences limited to a single site, whereas diffuse progression was more common among patients who received systemic treatment (19 versus 44%; P = 0.002). Surgically treated patients had longer median overall survival (35 versus 20 months; P < 0.001). Hepatectomy was independently associated with better OS than systemic treatment alone (HR 0.37, 95% c.i. 0.21 to 0.65). In the propensity score-matched cohort, surgically treated patients had longer median overall survival (28 versus 20 months; P < 0.001); hepatectomy was independently associated with better overall survival (HR 0.47, 0.25 to 0.88).

Conclusion

BRAF V600E mutation should not be considered a contraindication to surgery for patients with resectable, liver-only CRLMs.
Machine learning to promote translational research: predicting patent and clinical trial inclusion in dementia research
Authors: Beinat Matilda , Beinat Julian , Shoaib Mohammed , Magenti Jorge Gomez
Published: July 2024

Projected to impact 1.6 million people in the UK by 2040 and costing £25 billion annually, dementia presents a growing challenge to society. This study, a pioneering effort to predict the translational potential of dementia research using machine learning, hopes to address the slow translation of fundamental discoveries into practical applications despite dementia’s significant societal and economic impact. We used the Dimensions database to extract data from 43 091 UK dementia research publications between the years 1990 and 2023, specifically metadata (authors, publication year, etc.), concepts mentioned in the paper and the paper abstract. To prepare the data for machine learning, we applied methods such as one-hot encoding and word embeddings. We trained a CatBoost Classifier to predict whether a publication will be cited in a future patent or clinical trial. We trained several model variations. The model combining metadata, concept and abstract embeddings yielded the highest performance: for patent predictions, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 and 77.17% accuracy; for clinical trial predictions, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 and 75.11% accuracy. The results demonstrate that integrating machine learning within current research methodologies can uncover overlooked publications, expediting the identification of promising research and potentially transforming dementia research by predicting real-world impact and guiding translational strategies.
Early intervention and cumulative life course impairment in psoriasis: a review
Authors: Arancio Luisa Maria Halina , D’Amico Domenico , Dastoli Stefano , Fiorella Carmen Silvia , Manfredini Marco , Moretta Gaia , Paolino Giovanni , Levi Anna , Di Fino Sara , Zucchi Barbara , Piaserico Stefano
Published: July 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease affecting the skin, joints and other organs. Psoriasis negatively affects patients’ quality of life, causing social anxiety and negative coping, thus determining a cumulative life course impairment (CLCI). The concept of CLCI in psoriasis is reinforced by the understanding that psoriasis-associated comorbidities and stigma accumulate over a patient’s life course, resulting from an interaction between the burden of stigmatization, physical and psychological comorbidities, coping strategies and external factors. The concept may help identify more vulnerable patients and facilitate more appropriate treatment decisions or earlier referrals. Although some potential risk factors for CLCI have been clarified, no all-encompassing screening tools are available. Patients at risk for CLCI should be identified by applying clinical, personal and psychosocial indicators and predictors individually.

Early intervention in psoriasis treatment could improve long-term patient outcomes and modify the disease course. However, more research is needed to clearly define what constitutes ‘early’ intervention and to identify the most effective strategies for implementation. From a preventive point of view, it is helpful to identify early interventions aimed at reducing the risk of CLCI and establishing a new life course trajectory in patients with psoriasis. This review summarizes the latest developments in CLCI and psoriasis, highlighting knowledge gaps and future directions to make control of CLCI a possible goal for therapies.
Genes associated with cortical thickness alterations in behavioral addiction
Authors: Xie Hongsheng , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Fei , Zhang Feifei , Wu Baolin , Zhao Ziru , Gan Ruoqiu , Gong Qiyong , Jia Zhiyun
Published: July 2024

Behavioral addiction (BA) is a conceptually new addictive phenotype characterized by compulsive reward-seeking behaviors despite adverse consequences. Currently, its underlying neurogenetic mechanism remains unclear. Here, this study aimed to investigate the association between cortical thickness (CTh) and genetic phenotypes in BA. We conducted a systematic search in five databases and extracted gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. Meta-analysis of 10 studies (343 addicted individuals and 355 controls) revealed that the BA group showed thinner CTh in the precuneus, postcentral gyrus, orbital-frontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (P < 0.005). Meta-regression showed that the CTh in the precuneus and postcentral gyrus were negatively associated with the addiction severity (P < 0.0005). More importantly, the CTh phenotype of BA was spatially correlated with the expression of 12 genes (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05), and the dopamine D2 receptor had the highest correlation (rho = 0.55). Gene enrichment analysis further revealed that the 12 genes were involved in the biological processes of behavior regulation and response to stimulus (FDR < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the thinner CTh in cognitive control-related brain areas in BA, which could be associated with the expression of genes involving dopamine metabolism and behavior regulation.
Novel mutation patterns in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Prasad Narayan , Meyyappan Jeyakumar , Dhanorkar Manoj , Kushwaha Ravi , Mandal Kausik , Veeranki Vamsidhar , Behera Manas , Patel Manas , Yadav Brijesh , Bhadauria Dharmendra , Kaul Anupama , Yaccha Monika , Bhatt Mansi , Agarwal Vinita , Jain Monoj
Published: July 2024

Background

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children poses treatment challenges, with a subset developing steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Genetic factors play a role, yet data on paediatric SRNS genetics in India are scarce. We conducted a prospective study using whole-exome sequencing to explore genetic variants and their clinical correlations.

Methods

A single-centre prospective study (October 2018–April 2023) enrolled children with SRNS, undergoing renal biopsy and genetic testing per institutional protocol. Clinical, histological, and genetic data were recorded. DNA isolation and next-generation sequencing were conducted for genetic analysis. Data collection included demographics, clinical parameters, and kidney biopsy findings. Syndromic features were evaluated, with second-line immunosuppressive therapy administered. Patient and renal outcomes are presented for patients with and without genetic variants.

Results

A total of 680 paediatric NS patients were analysed, with 121 (17.8%) having SRNS and 96 consent to genetic analysis. 69 (71.9%) had early SRNS, 27 (28.1%) late. Among participants, 62 (64.58%) had reportable genetic variants. The most common were in COL4A genes, with 20 (31.7%) positive. Renal biopsy showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 31/42 (74%) with variants, 16/28 (57.1%) without variants. Second-line immunosuppressions varied, with CNIs the most common. Outcomes varied, with partial or complete remission achieved in some while others progressed to ESRD.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of genetic analysis in paediatric SRNS, revealing variants in 65.7% of cases. COL4A variants were predominant. Variants correlated with varied renal outcomes, highlighting potential prognostic implications. These findings emphasize the value of personalized approaches and further research in managing paediatric SRNS.
Additional value of cardiac magnetic resonance parametric mapping in tissue characterization of common benign paediatric cardiac tumours
Authors: Ciliberti Paolo , Bordonaro Veronica , Curione Davide , Perazzolo Alessio , Ciancarella Paolo , Santangelo Teresa , Napolitano Carmela , Natale Luigi , Galletti Lorenzo , Secinaro Aurelio
Published: July 2024

Aims

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parametric mapping is underexplored in cardiac tumours. To evaluate the contribution of mapping sequences on the characterization of paediatric tumours.

Methods and results

All paediatric patients referred for cardiac tumours at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital from June 2017 to November 2023, who underwent CMR with mapping sequences, were included. The diagnosis of tumour type was performed according to signal characteristics on different sequences. Mass parametric mapping for each subtype and interobserver variability was assessed. Sixteen patients were enrolled. The mean age at CMR was 7 ± 5 years. ‘Traditional’ mass type assessment diagnosed haemangioma (Group A) in three patients (19%), fibroma (Group B) in four patients (25%), rhabdomyoma (Group C) in six patients (37%), and lipoma (Group D) in three patients (19%). The analysis of variance analysis revealed significant differences in mass native T1 and mass extracellular volume (ECV) values among the four subgroups (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). The mean native T1 and ECV values were respectively 1465 ± 158 ms and 54 ± 4% for Group A, 860 ± 118 ms and 93 ± 4% for Group B, 1007 ± 57 ms and 23 ± 5% for Group C, and 215 ± 13 ms and 0 ± 0% for Group D.

Conclusion

Mass mapping analysis is feasible and reproducible in children. ECV values provide the most accurate differentiation. Mass ECV consistently resembles normal myocardium in rhabdomyoma, is extremely high (approaching 100%) in fibroma, equals to zero in lipoma, and matches blood pool ECV (1-Hct) in haemangioma.
Prisons on the Edge: Perspectives on the Late Medieval and Early Modern History of Confinement in the Francosphere
Authors: Abdela Sophie
Published: July 2024

It is high time we took stock of the field of carceral history—something particularly true for the French-speaking world. In the last twenty years, the Francosphere has seen a frenzy of research activity centred on the prison, and more broadly around multiple forms of confinement. The field is being radically transformed under the watchful eye of a whole new generation of researchers who have produced numerous monographs, articles and colloquia on the subject. The research and thinking about the prison model that the current generation is developing diverges so completely from the classical revisionist historiography as to be unrecognisable, transfigured from previous iterations. The purpose of this article is to explore those recent transformations of the field following three parameters. The first is linguistic (reviewing only the work emerging from the Francosphere); the second is one of academic discipline (History); and the third is temporal (the emphasis is on research touching on the long pre-Revolution period). These three parameters provide a focused view, while remaining sufficiently widely relevant to identify the dominant trends in French-language research. This is set in the context of past research, of work that has been done elsewhere, and of what sets Francophone research apart from corresponding English-language scholarship.
Network formation and efficiency in linear-quadratic games: An experimental study
Authors: Horváth Gergely
Published: July 2024

We experimentally study effort provision and network formation in the linear-quadratic game characterised by positive externality and complementarity of effort choices among network neighbours. We compare experimental outcomes to the equilibrium and efficient allocations and study the impact of group size and linking costs. We find that individuals overprovide effort relative to the equilibrium level on the network they form. However, their payoffs are lower than the equilibrium payoffs because they create fewer links than is optimal, which limits the beneficial spillover effects of effort provision. Reducing the linking costs does not significantly increase the connectedness of the network and the welfare loss is higher in larger groups. Individuals connect to the highest-effort providers in the group and ignore links to relative low-effort providers, even if those links would be beneficial to form. This effect explains the lack of links in the network.
Unpacking Social Capital
Authors: Durante Ruben , Mastrorocco Nicola , Minale Luigi , Snyder James M
Published: July 2024

We use novel survey data from Italy to shed light on key questions regarding the measurement of social capital and the use of social capital indicators for empirical work. Our data cover a sample of over 600,000 respondents interviewed between 2000 and 2015. We identify four distinct components of social capital—(i) social participation, (ii) political participation, (iii) general trust and (iv) trust in institutions—and examine how they relate to each other. We then study how each dimension of social capital relates to various socio-economic factors, both at the individual and aggregate levels, and to various proxies of social capital commonly used in the literature. Finally, building on previous work, we investigate to what extent different dimensions of social capital predict differences in key economic, political and health outcomes. Our findings support the view that social capital is a multi-faceted object with multiple dimensions that, while related, are distinct from each other. Future work should take such multi-dimensionality into account and carefully consider what measure of social capital to use.
Do positive psychosocial factors contribute to the prediction of coronary artery disease? A UK Biobank–based machine learning approach
Authors: Hefti René , Guemghar Souad , Battegay Edouard , Mueller Christian , Koenig Harold G , Schaefert Rainer , Meinlschmidt Gunther
Published: July 2024

Aims

Most prediction models for coronary artery disease (CAD) compile biomedical and behavioural risk factors using linear multivariate models. This study explores the potential of integrating positive psychosocial factors (PPFs), including happiness, satisfaction with life, and social support, into conventional and machine learning–based CAD-prediction models.

Methods and results

We included UK Biobank (UKB) participants without CAD at baseline. First, we estimated associations of individual PPFs with subsequent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and chronic ischaemic heart disease (CIHD) using logistic regression. Then, we compared the performances of logistic regression and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) prediction models when adding PPFs as predictors to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Based on a sample size between 160 226 and 441 419 of UKB participants, happiness, satisfaction with health and life, and participation in social activities were linked to lower AMI and CIHD risk (all P-for-trend ≤ 0.04), while social support was not. In a validation sample, adding PPFs to the FRS using logistic regression and XGBoost prediction models improved neither AMI [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) change: 0.02 and 0.90%, respectively] nor CIHD (AUC change: −1.10 and −0.88%, respectively) prediction.

Conclusion

Positive psychosocial factors were individually linked to CAD risk, in line with previous studies, and as reflected by the new European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention. However, including available PPFs in CAD-prediction models did not improve prediction compared with the FRS alone. Future studies should explore whether PPFs may act as CAD-risk modifiers, especially if the individual’s risk is close to a decision threshold.
Investigating Thresholds for Drought Resistance in Floodplain Forest Tree Species
Authors: Tracy John E , Sharma Ajay , Deitch Matthew , Colee James , Johnson Daniel J
Published: July 2024

Anthropogenic and climatic variables combine to alter river flow regimes worldwide, which can influence shifts in species composition. Exacerbation of drought events in southeastern United States floodplains may have varying impacts on survival and regeneration of high bottomland, low bottomland, and swamp forest species, causing distribution shifts between these forest types. We tested 7-month-old seedlings of the swamp species water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche), and pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), and the low bottomland species overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) and water hickory (Carya aquatica) in a controlled experiment with increasing drought treatment. We compared timing to 95% mortality and determined lethal soil moisture thresholds for species. Swamp species were no more vulnerable to mortality under increasing drought than low bottomland hardwood species found in neighboring wet floodplain habitats, suggesting that duration of drought may not be a main driver of compositional shifts between these forests.

Study Implications: Natural flows of river systems around the world have been altered by humans and a changing climate. Increased intensity of drought events can affect tree species growing adjacent to rivers and influence their ability to reproduce, thus changing the composition of floodplain forests. We tested the drought tolerance of three swamp species accustomed to frequent flooding and two low bottomland hardwood species accustomed to less frequent flooding to see which species might be more affected by drought. We observed no differences between these two groups, suggesting that greater flood tolerance may not imply greater drought intolerance.
A case study on the endeavour to identify the “unidentifiable” fallen soldiers of WWI on the Italian front
Authors: Gaudio Daniel , Betto Andrea
Published: July 2024

If there is a category of war victims for whom the identification process has been and still remains an extremely challenging issue, it is the soldiers of World War One. There are various reasons for this, including unreliable identity tags, the unprecedented number of casualties, and the level of destruction caused by the massive use of “new” weapons. In Italy, this phenomenon was so severe and well-known that a monument was erected in Rome specifically in memory of those unknown soldiers (“Tomba del Milite Ignoto”). However, modern techniques in forensic archaeology and anthropology can facilitate identification even in this extreme context. In the casework described here, the presence of human remains was reported to the judicial authorities, which were subsequently located and excavated in a remote region of the Italian Alps using a range of techniques, including drone imagery, GPR, and micromorphological surveying. During the archaeological excavation of the human remains, a World War One zinc identification tag in very poor condition was found adjacent to the body. The biological profile was estimated (male, 20–30 years old, 166 cm±3.27 cm), and a trauma survey was performed. Thanks to the restoration of the ID tag, parts of the name and enrolment number were found and cross-referenced with the anthropological data of the subject, matching the information in the available military records. The victim had no siblings or offspring, making it impossible to identify descendants. However, the operation led to a contextual/presumptive identification of the soldier and the discovery of his story. He was a native of Tuscany, who died during the “Punitive Expedition” (1916) and was buried, probably by his comrades, in a small flat area hidden from enemy lines. In investigations like this, the involvement of local communities, whether groups or individuals, is crucial. In this case report, it will be shown how multidisciplinary approaches and collective actions can play a pivotal role in resolving highly intricate scenarios, such as those pertaining to armed conflicts.
Pseudomolecule-scale genome assemblies of Drepanocaryum sewerzowii and Marmoritis complanata
Authors: Smit Samuel J , Whitehead Caragh , James Sally R , Jeffares Daniel C , Godden Grant , Peng Deli , Sun Hang , Lichman Benjamin R
Published: July 2024

The Nepetoideae, a subfamily of Lamiaceae (mint family), is rich in aromatic plants, many of which are sought after for their use as flavors and fragrances or for their medicinal properties. Here, we present genome assemblies for two species in Nepetiodeae: Drepanocaruym sewerzowii and Marmoritis complanata. Both assemblies were generated using Oxford Nanopore Q20 + reads with contigs anchored to nine pseudomolecules that resulted in 335 Mb and 305 Mb assemblies, respectively, and BUSCO scores above 95% for both the assembly and annotation. We furthermore provide a species tree for the Lamiaceae using only genome-derived gene models, complementing existing transcriptome and marker-based phylogenies.
Towards a new standard for seismic moment tensor inversion containing 3-D earth structure uncertainty
Authors: Phạm T -S , Tkalčić H , Hu J , Kim S
Published: July 2024

Moment tensor (MT) inversion is a classical geophysical inverse problem that infers a force-equivalent model of a seismic source from seismological observations. Like other inverse problems, the accuracy of the inversion depends on the reliability of the forward problem simulating waveforms from the source location through an Earth structural model. Apart from errors in data, the error in forward waveform simulation, also known as theory error, is a significant source of error contributing to the misfit function between the predicted and observed waveforms. Here, we set up numerical experiments to comprehensively probe the sensitivity of the linearized MT inversion to 3-D regional earth model errors, a known predominant factor of the theory error. Using the Monte Carlo method, we estimate the empirical structural covariance matrices to characterize the waveform mismatch due to the imperfect knowledge of Earth's structure. First, although the inversion accuracy deteriorates with increasing model errors, incorporating the structural covariance matrices into the misfit function improves the accuracy of inversion results for all theorized error distributions. Secondly, we propose a slightly modified form of the structural covariance matrix, which further enhances the inversion outcome. Lastly, as the true structural errors are likely spatially correlated, we highlight the importance of adequately treating the correlation into the MT inversion because of its significant impact on inversion. Overall, as a preliminary effort in quantifying 3-D structural errors on MT inversion, this study proves the computational feasibility by means of numerical experiments and will hopefully provide a way forward for future work on this topic.
Spiritual Cyborg: Virtual Embodiment From Secular Ambiguities to Ontological Opportunities
Authors: Farman Abou , Eke Volkan , Scarlett William
Published: July 2024

AI and robotic technologies are reshaping embodied experience, specifically experiences of the relation of mind to body as well as experiences of “reality,” which necessitate the qualifiers augmented or virtual. Such technologies have allowed people to infuse the expanding assortment of technological experiences with spiritual meaning, thus expanding the ambit of spirituality and religiosity; at the same time, the technology has provided many researchers with occasion to argue that all spiritual and virtual experience—including of soul and deities—may only just ever be in the brain, putting the virtual back into the body but not without changing each. We are comparing three sites—VR, gaming, and transhuman mind uploading in Europe, the US, and Japan—not as sites of confusion but of “ontological opportunity,” that is, occasions for remaking experiences of embodiment and disembodiment, and changing the relation between reality and virtuality.
Drug resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates by genotype MTBDRplus line probe assay in Zambia: findings and implications
Authors: Kangongwe Mundia Hendrix , Mwanza Winnie , Mwamba Mutende , Mwenya Jonathan , Muzyamba John , Mzyece Judith , Hamukale Amos , Tembo Emmanuel , Nsama Davy , Chimzizi Rehab , Mubanga Angel , Tambatamba Bushimbwa , Mudenda Steward , Lishimpi Kennedy
Published: July 2024

Background

The emergence of drug resistance is a threat to global tuberculosis (TB) elimination goals. This study investigated the drug resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) using the Genotype MTBDRplus Line Probe Assay at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) in Zambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2020. GenoType MTBDRplus line probe assay records for patients at the NTRL were reviewed to investigate drug susceptibility profiles of M. tuberculosis isolates to rifampicin and isoniazid. Data analysis was done using Stata version 16.1.

Results

Of the 241 patient records reviewed, 77% were for females. Overall, 44% of patients were newly diagnosed with TB, 29% had TB relapse, 10% treatment after failure and 8.3% treatment after loss to follow-up. This study found that 65% of M. tuberculosis isolates were susceptible to rifampicin and isoniazid. Consequently, 35% of the isolates were resistant to rifampicin and/or isoniazid and 21.2% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Treatment after failure [relative risk ratios (RRR) = 6.1, 95% CI: 1.691–22.011] and treatment after loss to follow-up (RRR = 7.115, 95% CI: 1.995–25.378) were significantly associated with MDR-TB. Unknown HIV status was significantly associated with isoniazid mono-resistance (RRR = 5.449, 95% CI: 1.054–28.184).

Conclusions

This study found that 65% of M. tuberculosis isolates were susceptible to rifampicin and isoniazid while 35% were resistant. Consequently, a high prevalence of MDR-TB is of public health concern. There is a need to heighten laboratory surveillance and early detection of drug-resistant TB to prevent the associated morbidity and mortality.
Controlling Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on food contact surfaces: the efficacy of Oliveria decumbens essential oil and its implications on biofilm-related genes
Authors: Javid Moghadam Mahshad , Maktabi Siavash , Zarei Mehdi , Mahmoodi Pezhman
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Oliveria decumbens essential oil (Od-EO) on the phenotypic properties and gene expression of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on commonly used food contact surfaces.

Methods and results

The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of Od-EO on S. aureus ATCC25923 were determined to be 0.5 and 1 µl/ml, respectively. Crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), biofilm metabolic activity evaluation, and real-time PCR analysis were used to assess the anti-biofilm properties of Od-EO. The results demonstrated that Od-EO exhibited significant anti-biofilm properties against S. aureus and effectively reduced the metabolic activity of biofilm cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Od-EO on biofilm formation were more pronounced on stainless steel (SS) compared to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surfaces. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Od-EO downregulated the expression of biofilm-related genes (icaA, icaD, clfA, clfB, FnbA, FnbB, and hld) in S. aureus grown on SS, while the expression levels of all studied genes except hld in the biofilm formed on HDPE remained unchanged or increased.

Conclusions

One of the main anti-biofilm mechanisms of the Od-EO on the HDPE is related to the disturbance in the QS of the cells. These findings highlight the potential of Od-EO as an effective agent for controlling and inhibiting S. aureus biofilm in the food industry and its potential use in disinfectant compounds.
Overview of Hepatitis C in Pregnancy: Screening, Management, and Treatment
Authors: Rios Jeanette , Alpert Lauren , Mehra Sonia , Schmidt Natalia , Kushner Tatyana
Published: July 2024

Objective

The rising prevalence of hepatitis C infections among individuals of reproductive age further emphasizes the importance of evidence-based management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pregnancy to minimize perinatal transmission and to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. In this review, we discuss the most recent recommendations on the management of HCV in pregnancy, including recommendations for screening and treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as infant management to reduce perinatal transmission of HCV.

Recent findings

Current guidelines recommend universal HCV screening during each pregnancy. With varying guidance regarding the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) during pregnancy, recent studies have focused on the safety and efficacy of DAA initiation during pregnancy. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on improving treatment rates in the postpartum period through innovative linkage to care efforts, telemedicine, and additional efforts reducing barriers to care for patients.