bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods of investigation of crimes committed by minors
Authors: Shishkina Elena , Baleevskih Fedor , Kazakov Aleksandr
Published: February 2023

The textbook is devoted to the investigation of crimes committed by minors. The main elements of the structure of the private methodology are considered: criminalistic characteristics, features of establishing the circumstances to be proved, features of initiating criminal cases, organization of investigation and production of individual investigative actions involving minors, problems of prevention of juvenile crimes. The features of the investigation of the most common types of crimes committed by minors (crimes against the person, against property) are considered.
Each topic is accompanied by methodological materials to ensure independent work of students and to conduct practical classes in the discipline, including control questions, practical tasks, scenarios of business games, lists of additional literature. Sample topics of students' abstracts and other research papers are presented. Investigative and judicial practice in juvenile cases was used in the preparation of the textbook.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For law students studying in the specialties "Legal support of national security", "Judicial and prosecutorial activities", as well as for undergraduates studying in the areas of training in the field of jurisprudence.
Improvement of Kostroma breed cattle with the use of domestic and imported breeding bulls
Authors: Korolev Anton , Baranova Nadezhda , Koroleva Elena , Tamarova Raisa , Nekrasov Dmitriy
Published: February 2023

The Kostroma breed of cattle of dairy and meat productivity is a valuable gene pool of domestic animal husbandry. Animals of this breed have high milk yields, good meat and reproductive qualities, easily adapt to intensive technologies and are characterized by resistance to tuberculosis, leukemia and brucellosis. The use of the gene pool of brown Swiss cattle of imported origin (USA, Canada, Austria) has a great influence on improving the competitiveness of the Kostroma breed. At the same time, when breeding Kostroma cattle, it is important not only to enrich heredity by using the gene pool of brown Swiss cattle of foreign breeding, but also to preserve its valuable qualities.
The monograph presents the history of the creation, characteristics of the modern breeding base of Kostroma cattle in the Kostroma region, the influence of bulls of different breeding on the economically useful qualities of cattle is noted. The analysis of custom-made mating in obtaining successor bulls and optimization of the genealogical structure of the herd, the economic efficiency of using breeding bulls of various origins (Russia, USA, Canada, Austria) are given.
It is intended for researchers, specialists of the breeding service, animal breeders of breeding farms, teachers and students of biological and agricultural areas of training and specialties of universities.
Ensuring the economic security of territories and tools for the sustainable development of "green" entrepreneurship
Authors: Belyaevskaya-Plotnik Lyubov' , Kozhevina Ol'ga , Ryahovskaya Antonina , Zelencova Lidiya , Sannikova Inna
Published: February 2023

The monograph comprehensively examines the issues of ensuring economic security through the expansion of environmentally oriented entrepreneurship in the subjects of the Russian Federation. The world experience of integrating the concept of sustainable development and sustainable development goals into entrepreneurial activity is considered. The most significant factors for the integration of sustainable development goals into the business model of "green" entrepreneurship are identified. New analytical tools are proposed that are advisable to use in assessing the threats and risks of "green" entrepreneurship, which have been tested on the example of a number of Russian regions.
It is recommended to specialists in the field of state and regional management of sustainable development and "green" entrepreneurship, strategic management and economic security, as well as researchers, graduate students, undergraduates.
Methodological aspects of the evaluation of the internal control system of the organization
Authors: Kas'yanova Svetlana , Saliy Viktoriya , Sharudina Zinaida , Madatova Oksana , Kucegreeva Lyudmila
Published: February 2023

The monograph systematizes methodological approaches to assessing the level of organization of the internal control system, its main components, examines the accounting system as the main instrument of internal control, provides various methods of risk assessment, preparation of working documentation of internal control procedures, tests. The integration of analytical procedures as a method of control when conducting internal control procedures in an organization to achieve appropriate results is shown.
A multilevel model for evaluating the system of internal control over the activities of commercial organizations and a methodology for conducting internal control procedures in the accounting system has been developed.
It is intended for specialists in the field of control, audit, researchers, doctoral students and postgraduates.
To Study Fracture Resistance of Interligtm Glass Fiber Orientation and Placement on Large Class II Cavities in Maxillary Premolars: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Khan Samar , Sitlani Muskan , Pandey Suchi , Singh Santosh Kumar , Mishra Pankaj , Narang Anu
Published: February 2023

To examine & assess how varied InterligTM glass fibre placement & orientation affect fracture resistance of large class II cavities in maxillary premolars -An In Vitro study. Class II (MOD) cavities were organized with uniform dimensions on 50 extracted human maxillary premolars, and samples were erratically distributed into 5 groups (n = 10 each) as follows: Group I contains composite materials; Group II contains composite + horizontal Interlig placement on the gingival & pulpal floors; Group III contains composite + horizontal Interlig placement only on the pulpal floors; Group IV contains composite + vertical Interlig placement on the gingival & pulpal floors; and Group V contains composite + Interlig chips. Fracture resistance of all samples was tested using universal testing machine following restorations and the thermocycling process. Under a stereomicroscope, the fracture modes were examined. One-way ANOVA & Tukey test were used to analyse data, with significance values of P 0.05. The fracture strength of control group was 736.8640 N while it was 1233.4480 N for group 2, 1223.2260 N for group 3, 1185.0440 N for group 4 and 797.5600 N for group 5. Fracture strength of group 5 was more than other groups except for group 1, there was no statistically substantial modifications. Fortification of composite with fiber does upsurge fracture resistance of wide Class II mesio-occluso-distal premolars cavities significantly.
Computer Modeling of Adaptive Optics & Sites for Telescope Design
Authors: Lukin Vladimir P.
Published: February 2023

The scientists of the Institute of Atmospheric Optics have the experience in creation of computer codes describing different components of an adaptive system. The models of these elements have been checked solving the atmospheric problems.
Laser Applications to Chemical, Security, and Environmental Analysis: introduction to the feature issue
Authors: Arndt Christoph , Sahlberg Anna-Lena , Patnaik Anil , Beyrau Frank , Bood Joakim , Hsu Paul , Seeger Thomas
Published: February 2023

The eighteenth topical meeting on Laser Applications to Chemical, Security, and Environmental Analysis (LACSEA) was held in Vancouver, Canada from 11–15 July 2022, as part of the Optica Optical Sensors and Sensing Congress in a hybrid format allowing on-site and online attendance. The meeting featured a broad range of distinguished papers focusing on recent advances in laser and optical spectroscopy. A total of 52 contributed and invited papers were presented during the meeting, including topics such as photo-acoustic spectroscopy, imaging, non-linear technologies, frequency combs, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, aerosols, combustion diagnostics, hypersonic flow diagnostics, nuclear diagnostics, fs/ps applications, and machine learning and computational sensing.
Two-dimensional phase unwrapping based on Fourier transforms and the Yukawa potential spectrum
Authors: Téllez-Quiñones Alejandro , Chi-Couoh Diana B. , Gamboa-Salazar Lucia B. , Legarda-Sáenz Ricardo , Valdiviezo-Navarro Juan C. , León-Rodríguez Miguel
Published: February 2023

The two-dimensional phase unwrapping problem (PHUP) has been solved with discrete Fourier transforms (FTs) and many other techniques traditionally. Nevertheless, a formal way of solving the continuous Poisson equation for the PHUP, with the use of continuous FT and based on distribution theory, has not been reported yet, to our knowledge. The well-known specific solution of this equation is given in general by a convolution of a continuous Laplacian estimate with a particular Green function, whose FT does not exist mathematically. However, an alternative Green function called the Yukawa potential, with a guaranteed Fourier spectrum, can be considered for solving an approximated Poisson equation, inducing a standard procedure of a FT-based unwrapping algorithm. Thus, the general steps for this approach are described in this work by considering some reconstructions with synthetic and real data.
Lithium niobate thin film grating couplers optimized by particle swarm optimization and a neural network
Authors: Kang Shuting , Gao Feng , Yu Xuanyi , Bo Fang , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun
Published: February 2023

Grating couplers (GCs) are a kind of critical device for integrated photonics, which connect on- and off-chip devices. In this paper, chirped GCs on Z-cut lithium niobate on insulator were designed and optimized using a backward propagation neural network (BPNN) combined with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The BPNN was proposed to predict the coupling efficiency (CE) of chirped GCs at hundreds of wavelengths simultaneously, which is 7400 times faster than finite difference time domain simulation. Furthermore, PSO was employed to search for the GC structures with high CE. The maximum CE that can be optimized through our trained network reaches 63% in 1550 nm. This work provides a fast and accurate method for designing efficient GCs at any central wavelength.
Zero-photon catalysis based eight-state discrete modulated measurement-device-independent continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Bilal Khan Muhammad , Waseem Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Mehmood Asad , Qamar Shahid
Published: February 2023

Zero-photon catalysis (ZPC) introduces noiseless attenuation and can be implemented by existing technologies in quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. In this paper, we present a ZPC-based eight-state measurement-device-independent continuous-variable QKD (MDI-CV-QKD) combined with discrete modulation and reverse reconciliation. This ZPC-involved eight-state protocol shows better efficiency in terms of optimal modulation variances, secret key rates, transmission distances, tolerable excess noises, and reconciliation efficiency compared to the eight-state protocol without ZPC, the four-state protocol without ZPC, and the four-state protocol with ZPC, at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Dynamic modulation of a surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal by a varying magnetic field
Authors: Wang Tianxing , Ye Li , Xiao Panpan , Zhu Pengcheng , Gui Xuchun , Zhuang Lin
Published: February 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals are fundamental for spectroscopy applications. However, existing substrates cannot perform a dynamically enhanced modulation of SERS signals. Herein, we developed a magnetically photonic chain-loading system (MPCLS) substrate by loading magnetically photonic nanochains of Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with Au nanoparticles (NPs). We achieved a dynamically enhanced modulation by applying an external stepwise magnetic field to the randomly dispersed magnetic photonic nanochains that gradually align in the analyte solution. The closely aligned nanochains create a higher number of hot spots by new neighboring Au NPs. Each chain represents a single SERS enhancement unit with both a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and photonic property. The magnetic responsivity of MPCLS enables a rapid signal enhancement and tuning of the SERS enhancement factor.
Persistent dynamics in coupled non-degenerate parametric oscillators: pump saturation prevents mode competition
Authors: Ben-Ami Shai , Aharonovich Igal , Pe’er Avi
Published: February 2023

The coherent dynamics in networks of coupled oscillators is of great interest in wave-physics since the coupling produces various dynamical effects, such as coherent energy exchange (beats) between the oscillators. However, it is common wisdom that these coherent dynamics are transients that quickly decay in active oscillators (e.g. lasers) since pump saturation causes mode competition that results, for homogeneous gain, in the prevalence of the single winning mode. We observe that pump saturation in coupled parametric oscillators counter-intuitively encourages the multi-mode dynamics of beating and indefinitely preserves it, despite the existence of mode competition. We explore in detail the coherent dynamics of a pair of coupled parametric oscillators with a shared pump and arbitrary coupling in a radio frequency (RF) experiment, as well as in simulation. Specifically, we realize two parametric oscillators as different frequency-modes of a single RF cavity and couple them arbitrarily using a digital high-bandwidth FPGA. We observe persistent coherent beats that are maintained at any pump level, even high above the threshold. The simulation highlights how the interplay of pump depletion between the two oscillators prevents them from synchronizing, even when the oscillation is deeply saturated.
Frequency-resolved characterization of broadband two-color air-plasma terahertz beam profiles
Authors: Rasmussen Mattias , Nagy Oliver , Skupin Stefan , Stathopulos Alexandre , Bergé Luc , Jepsen Peter Uhd , Zhou Binbin
Published: February 2023

The frequency-resolved terahertz (THz) beam profile characteristics of a two-color air-plasma THz source were investigated in the broadband frequency range (1-15 THz). The frequency resolution is achieved by combining THz waveform measurements and the knife-edge technique. Our results show that the THz focal spot size is strongly frequency dependent. This has important implications on nonlinear THz spectroscopy applications where accurate knowledge of the applied THz electrical field strength onto the sample is important. In addition, the transition between the solid and hollow beam profile of the air-plasma THz beam was carefully identified. Far from the focus, the features across the 1-15 THz range have also been carefully examined, revealing the characteristic conical emission patterns at all frequencies.
Fast gas sensing scheme with multi-component gas measurement capacity based on non-dispersive frequency comb spectroscopy (ND-FCS)
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Zhu Lin , Yan Guofeng
Published: February 2023

A fast gas sensing scheme based on a non-dispersive frequency comb spectroscopy (ND-FCS) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Its capacity for multi-component gas measurement is experimentally investigated as well, by using the time-division-multiplexing (TDM) method to realize specific wavelength selection of the fiber laser optical frequency comb (OFC). A dual-channel optical fiber sensing scheme is established with a sensing path consisting of a multi-pass gas cell (MPGC), and a reference path with a calibrated signal to track the repetition frequency drift of the OFC for a real-time lock-in compensation and system stabilization. The long-term stability evaluation and the simultaneous dynamic monitoring are carried out, with the target gases of ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The fast CO2 detection in human breath is also conducted. The experimental results show that at an integration time of 10 ms, the detection limits of the three species are evaluated to be 0.0048%, 0.1869% and 0.0467%, respectively. A low minimum detectable absorbance (MDA) down to 2.8 × 10−4 can be achieved and a dynamic response with millisecond time can be realized. Our proposed ND-FCS exhibits excellent gas sensing performance with merits of high sensitivity, fast response and long-term stability. It also shows great potential for multi-component gas monitoring in atmospheric monitoring applications.
Focus Issue Introduction: 3D Image Acquisition and Display: Technology, Perception and Applications
Authors: Javidi Bahram , Hua Hong , Stern Adrian , Martinez-Corral Manuel , Matoba Osamu , Doblas Ana , Thibault Simon
Published: February 2023

This Feature Issue of Optics Express is organized in conjunction with the 2022 Optica conference on 3D Image Acquisition and Display: Technology, Perception and Applications which was held in hybrid format from 11 to 15, July 2022 as part of the Imaging and Applied Optics Congress and Optical Sensors and Sensing Congress 2022 in Vancouver, Canada. This Feature Issue presents 31 articles which cover the topics and scope of the 2022 3D Image Acquisition and Display conference. This Introduction provides a summary of these published articles that appear in this Feature Issue.
Investigating learning-empowered hologram generation for holographic displays with ill-tuned hardware
Authors: Xia Xinxing , Yang Furong , Wang Weisen , Shui Xinghua , Guan Frank , Zheng Huadong , Yu Yingjie , Peng Yifan
Published: February 2023

Existing computational holographic displays often suffer from limited reconstruction image quality mainly due to ill-conditioned optics hardware and hologram generation software. In this Letter, we develop an end-to-end hardware-in-the-loop approach toward high-quality hologram generation for holographic displays. Unlike other hologram generation methods using ideal wave propagation, ours can reduce artifacts introduced by both the light propagation model and the hardware setup, in particular non-uniform illumination. Experimental results reveal that, compared with classical computer-generated hologram algorithm counterparts, better quality of holographic images can be delivered without a strict requirement on both the fine assembly of optical components and the good uniformity of laser sources.
Stable 671-nm external cavity diode laser with output power exceeding 150 mW suitable for laser cooling of lithium atoms
Authors: Dutta Sourav , Rahaman Bubai
Published: February 2023

We report the design and performance of a Littrow-type 671-nm external cavity diode laser (ECDL) that delivers output power greater than 150 mW and features enhanced passive stability. The main body of the ECDL is constructed using titanium to minimize temperature related frequency drifts. The laser diode is mounted in a cylindrical mount that allows vertical adjustments while maintaining thermal contact with the temperature stabilized baseplate. The wavelength tuning is achieved by horizontal displacement of the diffraction grating about an optimal pivot point. The compact design increases the robustness and passive stability of the ECDL and the stiff but lightweight diffraction grating-arm reduces the susceptibility to low-frequency mechanical vibrations. The linewidth of the ECDL is ∼360 kHz. We use the 671-nm ECDL, without any additional power amplification, for laser cooling and trapping of lithium atoms in a magneto-optical trap. This simple, low-cost ECDL design using off-the-shelf laser diodes without anti-reflection coating can also be adapted to other wavelengths.
Experimental demonstration of an 8-Gbit/s free-space secure optical communication link using all-optical chaos modulation
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Xu Mingfeng , Pu Mingbo , Chen Qiang , Zhou Mengjie , Chen Shuangcheng , Qiu Kun , Jiang Ning , Luo Xiangang
Published: February 2023

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we experimentally demonstrate a high-speed free-space secure optical communication system based on all-optical chaos modulation. The effect of atmospheric turbulence on optical chaos synchronization is experimentally investigated via a hot air convection atmospheric turbulence simulator. It is shown that, even under moderately strong turbulent conditions, high-quality chaos synchronization could be obtained by increasing the transmission power. Moreover, a secure encryption transmission experiment using a high bias current induced chaotic carrier for 8-Gbit/s on-off-keying data over a ∼10-m free-space optical link is successfully demonstrated, with a bit-error rate below the FEC threshold of 3.8 × 10−3. This work favorably shows the feasibility of optical chaotic encryption for the free-space optical transmission system.
Selectable two-wavelength Nd:YVO4 Raman laser at 671 and 714 nm
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Li , Huang Hsin-Jia , Chen Chun-Ling , Liang Hsing-Chih , Chen Yung-Fu
Published: February 2023

A compact efficient continuous wave (CW) laser with selectable two wavelengths at 671 and 714 nm is developed. The laser cavity comprises an Nd-doped and an undoped YVO4 crystal to generate the fundamental wave at 1342 nm and the first-Stokes Raman wave at 1525 nm, respectively. A single LBO crystal with the cut angle in the XZ plane is designed to achieve the selectable phase-matching via the thermal tuning for the second harmonic generation (SHG) of 1342 nm and the sum frequency generation (SFG) of 1342 and 1525 nm. At a pump power of 40 W, the optimal output powers at 671 and 714 nm can reach 4.5 and 1.8 W, respectively. The present compact CW laser source at 671 and 714 nm has practical usefulness for laser spectroscopy and numerous applications.
Optical tweezers throw and catch single atoms
Authors: Hwang Hansub , Byun Andrew , Park Juyoung , de Léséleuc Sylvain , Ahn Jaewook
Published: February 2023

Single atoms movable from one place to another would enable a flying quantum memory that can be useful for dynamic quantum computing architectures. Guided atoms, e.g., by optical tweezers, provide a partial solution, but the benefit of flying qubits could be lost if they still interact with the guiding means. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate freely flying atoms that are not guided but instead thrown and caught by optical tweezers. We provide a set of proof-of-principle flying atom demonstrations, which include atom transport through optical tweezers, atom arrangements by flying atoms, and atom scattering off optical tweezers. In experiments, cold rubidium atoms at 40 µK temperature are thrown by accelerating optical tweezers, freely fly with up to a speed of 0.65 m/s and free-flying distance of 4.2 µm, and are recaptured and stopped by decelerating optical tweezers at a transportation efficiency of 94(3)%. Flying atoms suggest possible applications such as defect correction in a tweezer trap atom array, fast atom-array formation, Rydberg-atom collision studies, and dynamic quantum computing architectures.
Optical metasurfaces: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Pertsch Thomas , Xiao Shumin , Majumdar Arka , Li Guixin
Published: February 2023

Optical metasurfaces are currently an important research area all around the world because of their wide application opportunities in imaging, wavefront engineering, nonlinear optics, quantum information processing, just to name a few. The feature issue “Optical Metasurfaces: Fundamentals and Applications” inPhotonics Researchallows for archival publication of the most recent works in optical metasurface and provides for broad dissemination in the photonics community.
Four principles to establish a universal virus taxonomy
Authors: Simmonds Peter , Adriaenssens Evelien M. , Zerbini F. Murilo , Abrescia Nicola G. A. , Aiewsakun Pakorn , Alfenas-Zerbini Poliane , Bao Yiming , Barylski Jakub , Drosten Christian , Duffy Siobain , Duprex W. Paul , Dutilh Bas E. , Elena Santiago F. , García Maria Laura , Junglen Sandra , Katzourakis Aris , Koonin Eugene V. , Krupovic Mart , Kuhn Jens H. , Lambert Amy J. , Lefkowitz Elliot J. , Łobocka Małgorzata , Lood Cédric , Mahony Jennifer , Meier-Kolthoff Jan P. , Mushegian Arcady R. , Oksanen Hanna M. , Poranen Minna M. , Reyes-Muñoz Alejandro , Robertson David L. , Roux Simon , Rubino Luisa , Sabanadzovic Sead , Siddell Stuart , Skern Tim , Smith Donald B. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Turner Dann , Van Doorslaer Koenraad , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Varsani Arvind , Vasilakis Nikos
Published: February 2023

A universal taxonomy of viruses is essential for a comprehensive view of the virus world and for communicating the complicated evolutionary relationships among viruses. However, there are major differences in the conceptualisation and approaches to virus classification and nomenclature among virologists, clinicians, agronomists, and other interested parties. Here, we provide recommendations to guide the construction of a coherent and comprehensive virus taxonomy, based on expert scientific consensus. Firstly, assignments of viruses should be congruent with the best attainable reconstruction of their evolutionary histories, i.e., taxa should be monophyletic. This fundamental principle for classification of viruses is currently included in the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) code only for the rank of species. Secondly, phenotypic and ecological properties of viruses may inform, but not override, evolutionary relatedness in the placement of ranks. Thirdly, alternative classifications that consider phenotypic attributes, such as being vector-borne (e.g., “arboviruses”), infecting a certain type of host (e.g., “mycoviruses,” “bacteriophages”) or displaying specific pathogenicity (e.g., “human immunodeficiency viruses”), may serve important clinical and regulatory purposes but often create polyphyletic categories that do not reflect evolutionary relationships. Nevertheless, such classifications ought to be maintained if they serve the needs of specific communities or play a practical clinical or regulatory role. However, they should not be considered or called taxonomies. Finally, while an evolution-based framework enables viruses discovered by metagenomics to be incorporated into the ICTV taxonomy, there are essential requirements for quality control of the sequence data used for these assignments. Combined, these four principles will enable future development and expansion of virus taxonomy as the true evolutionary diversity of viruses becomes apparent.
Timing of integration into the chromosome is critical for the fitness of an integrative and conjugative element and its bacterial host
Authors: McKeithen-Mead Saria A. , Grossman Alan D.
Published: February 2023

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are major contributors to genome plasticity in bacteria. ICEs reside integrated in the chromosome of a host bacterium and are passively propagated during chromosome replication and cell division. When activated, ICEs excise from the chromosome and may be transferred through the ICE-encoded conjugation machinery into a recipient cell. Integration into the chromosome of the new host generates a stable transconjugant. Although integration into the chromosome of a new host is critical for the stable acquisition of ICEs, few studies have directly investigated the molecular events that occur in recipient cells during generation of a stable transconjugant. We found that integration of ICEBs1, an ICE ofBacillus subtilis, occurred several generations after initial transfer to a new host. Premature integration in new hosts led to cell death and hence decreased fitness of the ICE and transconjugants. Host lethality due to premature integration was caused by rolling circle replication that initiated in the integrated ICEBs1and extended into the host chromosome, resulting in catastrophic genome instability. Our results demonstrate that the timing of integration of an ICE is linked to cessation of autonomous replication of the ICE, and that perturbing this linkage leads to a decrease in ICE and host fitness due to a loss of viability of transconjugants. Linking integration to cessation of autonomous replication appears to be a conserved regulatory scheme for mobile genetic elements that both replicate and integrate into the chromosome of their host.
Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis felineus liver flukes affect mammalian host microbiome in a species-specific manner
Authors: Pakharukova Maria Y. , Lishai Ekaterina A. , Zaparina Oxana , Baginskaya Nina V. , Hong Sung-Jong , Sripa Banchob , Mordvinov Viatcheslav A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Opisthorchis felineus,Opisthorchis viverriniandClonorchis sinensisare epidemiologically significant food-borne trematodes endemic to diverse climatic areas.O.viverriniandC.sinensisare both recognized to be 1A group of biological carcinogens to human, whereasO.felineusis not. The mechanisms of carcinogenesis by the liver flukes are studied fragmentarily, the role of host and parasite microbiome is an unexplored aspect.

Methodology/Principal findings

Specific pathogen freeMesocricetus auratushamsters were infected withC.sinensis,O.viverriniandO.felineus. The microbiota of the adult worms, colon feces and bile from the hamsters was investigated using Illumina-based sequencing targeting the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene. The analysis of 43 libraries revealed 18,830,015 sequences, the bacterial super-kingdom, 16 different phyla, 39 classes, 63 orders, 107 families, 187 genera-level phylotypes.O.viverrini, a fluke with the most pronounced carcinogenic potential, has the strongest impact on the host bile microbiome, changing the abundance of 92 features, including Bifidobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, [Paraprevotellaceae], Acetobacteraceae, Coriobacteraceae and Corynebacteriaceae bacterial species. All three infections significantly increased Enterobacteriaceae abundance in host bile, reduced the level of commensal bacteria in the gut microbiome (Parabacteroides,Roseburia, andAF12).

Conclusions/Significance

O.felineus,O.viverrini, andC.sinensisinfections cause both general and species-specific qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of microbiota of bile and colon feces of experimental animals infected with these trematodes. The alterations primarily concern the abundance of individual features and the phylogenetic diversity of microbiomes of infected hamsters.
Ventricular anatomical complexity and sex differences impact predictions from electrophysiological computational models
Authors: Gonzalez-Martin Pablo , Sacco Federica , Butakoff Constantine , Doste Ruben , Bederian Carlos , Gutierrez Espinosa de los Monteros Lilian K. , Houzeaux Guillaume , Iaizzo Paul A. , Iles Tinen L. , Vazquez Mariano , Aguado-Sierra Jazmin
Published: February 2023

The aim of this work was to analyze the influence of sex hormones and anatomical details (trabeculations and false tendons) on the electrophysiology of healthy human hearts. Additionally, sex- and anatomy-dependent effects of ventricular tachycardia (VT) inducibility are presented. To this end, four anatomically normal, human, biventricular geometries (two male, two female), with identifiable trabeculations, were obtained from high-resolution, ex-vivo MRI and represented by detailed and smoothed geometrical models (with and without the trabeculations). Additionally one model was augmented by a scar. The electrophysiology finite element model (FEM) simulations were carried out, using O’Hara-Rudy human myocyte model with sex phenotypes of Yang and Clancy. A systematic comparison between detailed vs smooth anatomies, male vs female normal hearts was carried out. The heart with a myocardial infarction was subjected to a programmed stimulus protocol to identify the effects of sex and anatomical detail on ventricular tachycardia inducibility. All female hearts presented QT-interval prolongation however the prolongation interval in comparison to the male phenotypes was anatomy-dependent and was not correlated to the size of the heart. Detailed geometries showed QRS fractionation and increased T-wave magnitude in comparison to the corresponding smoothed geometries. A variety of sustained VTs were obtained in the detailed and smoothed male geometries at different pacing locations, which provide evidence of the geometry-dependent differences regarding the prediction of the locations of reentry channels. In the female phenotype, sustained VTs were induced in both detailed and smooth geometries with RV apex pacing, however no consistent reentry channels were identified. Anatomical and physiological cardiac features play an important role defining risk in cardiac disease. These are often excluded from cardiac electrophysiology simulations. The assumption that the cardiac endocardium is smooth may produce inaccurate predictions towards the location of reentry channels in in-silico tachycardia inducibility studies.
Whether the digital divide widens the income gap between China’s regions?
Authors: Qiu Ying , He Nianci , Yan Chenjing , Rao Qiao
Published: February 2023

Based on the panel data of 280 prefecture-level cities in China from 2014 to 2018, we construct the digital divide index from three aspects including "access divide", "use divide" and "efficiency divide", using Thiel index to measure income inequality and study the impact of the digital divide on income inequality between different regions. We apply the two-stage spatial DID combined IV model. In the first stage, we introduce the "Internet + government affairs" policy to construct the spatial DID model, so as to obtain the estimated value of the digital divide index. When the estimated value is substituted into the two-stage regression as an instrumental variable, it is found that every 1unit increase in the digital divide will widen the income divide by 0.134 units. This conclusion is still robust under the replacement of Theil index and change of weights. The results of heterogeneity analysis show that digital divide has a more significant impact on the income divide in eastern China in terms of regions. It is found after distinguishing different types of digital divide that the other two types of digital divides have the most significant impact than income divide, 0.034 units higher than that of the traditional. Finally, we introduce the mechanism variables from three levels of "access divide", "use divide" and "efficiency divide", thus verifying the effect of information asymmetry, effect of human capital differentiation and effect of delaying industrial upgrade. Then we put forward the following policy recommendations: in order to reduce the deterioration effect of digital divide on income distribution, it is necessary to improve infrastructure, enhance the degree of digitalization of human capital and optimize the industrial structure.
Magnesium ions improve vasomotor function in exhausted rats
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Zong-Xiang , Jiang Dong-Mou , Liu Yan-Zhong , Wang Xin , Liu Yi-Ping
Published: February 2023

To observe the effect of magnesium ion on vascular function in rats after long-term exhaustive exercise. Forty male SD rats were divided into two groups, the control group (CON group, n = 20) and the exhaustive exercise group (EEE group, n = 20). Exhausted rats performed 1W adaptive swimming exercise (6 times/W, 15min/time), and then followed by 3W formal exhaustive exercise intervention. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the morphological changes of rat thoracic aorta. The contents of interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) in serum of rats were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in serum of rats were determined by biochemical kit. Vascular ring test detects vascular function. Compared with the CON group, the smooth muscle layer of the EEE group became thicker, the cell arrangement was disordered, and the integrity of endothelial cells was destroyed; the serum Mg2+ in EEE group was decreased; the serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA and ROS in EEE group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (P are all less than 0.05); the serum NO content in EEE group was significantly decreased, and the ratio of NO/ET-1 was significantly decreased. In the exhaustion group, the vasoconstriction response to KCl was increased, and the relaxation response to Ach was weakened, while 4.8mM Mg2+ could significantly improve this phenomenon (P are all less than 0.01). The damage of vascular morphology and function in rats after exhaustion exercise may be related to the significant increase of serum IL-1β, TNF-α, ROS, MDA and ET-1/NO ratio in rats after exhaustion exercise, while Mg2+ can significantly improve the vasomotor function of rats after exhaustion exercise.
Prevalence of HIV seropositive status and associated factors among family members of index cases of antiretroviral clinical attendants in Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kefale Alemayehu , Daka Kassa , Abebe Amene , Haile Dereje , Paulos Kebreab , Sherfa Abdulbasit , Addis Animut , Gunta Muluken , Ayza Asaminew , Wolde Jegnaw
Published: February 2023

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner and babies born to mothers infected with the virus. Partners of people living with HIV and children whose parents have HIV are at higher risk of contracting HIV unless they take preventive measures. This study aimed at identifying prevalence and determinants of HIV infection among family members of index cases on antiretroviral treatment (ART).

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 623 randomly selected family members of HIV index cases in Sodo Town from February to June 2021. A pre-tested structural questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables independently associated with the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength of association, and a P-value 0.05 was used as a cut-off point to determine the level of statistical significance of point estimate.

Results

This study revealed that 31.5% (95%CI: 27.6–35.2%) of family members of index cases were HIV seropositive. In subgroup analysis, this study also revealed that 11.1% (95%CI 8.4–14.5%) of biological children and 69.6% (95%CI 63.1–75.6%) of spousal partners of index cases were HIV seropositive. Immediate ART initiation of index cases (AOR = 0.148, 95%CI: 0.067–0.325), being bedridden or ambulatory functional status at enrollment (AOR = 7.71, 95%CI: 3.5–17), and baseline CD4 level of 350 cells/ml (AOR = 8.06, 95%CI: 1.8–36) were statistically significant with the outcome variable among biological children. Among spousal partners, STI history or symptoms (AOR = 5.7, 95%CI: 1.86–17.5), early disclosure (AOR = 0.062, 95%CI: 0.024–0.159), immediate ART initiation (AOR = 0.172, 95%CI: 0.044–0.675), and duration of infection (AOR = 5.09, 95%CI: 1.8–14.4) were statistically associated with the outcome variable.

Conclusion

As evidenced by our data, the risk of HIV among family members of index cases is high. Interventions like immediate ART initiation, early disclosure, screening, and early treatment of STIs for minimizing HIV transmission might be given.
Dose-response relationship between diarrhea quantity and mortality in critical care patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamazaki Hajime , Yamamoto Shungo , Ueta Yuna , Ueno Ryo , Yamamoto Yosuke
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that diarrhea, defined as a dichotomized cutoff, is associated with increased mortality of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between the quantity of diarrhea and mortality in ICU patients with newly developed diarrhea.

Methods

We conducted this single-center retrospective cohort study. We consecutively included all adult patients with newly developed diarrhea in the ICU between January 2017 and December 2018. Newly developed diarrhea was defined according to the World Health Organization definition. The consistency of diarrhea was evaluated by the Bristol stool chart scale, and the quantity of diarrhea was assessed on the day when patients newly developed diarrhea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between diarrhea quantity and mortality were estimated using multivariable modified Poisson regression models.

Results

Among the 231 participants, 68.4% were men; the median age was 72 years. The median diarrhea quantity was 401g (interquartile range [IQR] 230‒645g), and in-hospital mortality was 22.9%. More diarrhea at baseline was associated with higher in-hospital mortality; the adjusted RR (95% CI) per 200-g increase was 1.10 (1.01‒1.20), p = 0.029. In sensitivity analyses with near quartile categories of diarrhea quantity (<250g, 250–399g, 400–649g, ≥650g), the adjusted RRs for each respective category were 1.00 (reference), 1.02 (0.51–2.04), 1.29 (0.69–2.43), and 1.77 (0.99–3.21), p for trend = 0.033.

Conclusions

A greater quantity of diarrhea was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality. The diarrhea quantity may be an indicator of disease severity in ICU patients.
Planktonic prey size selection reveals an emergent keystone predator effect and niche partitioning
Authors: Taniguchi Darcy A. A. , Follows Michael J. , Menden-Deuer Susanne
Published: February 2023

Marine herbivorous protists are often the dominant grazers of primary production. We developed a size-based model with flexible size-based grazing to encapsulate taxonomic and behavioral diversity. We examined individual and combined grazing impacts by three consumer sizes that span the size range of protistan grazers– 5, 50, and 200 μm—on a size-structured phytoplankton community. Prey size choice and dietary niche width varied with consumer size and with co-existence of other consumers. When all consumer sizes were present, distinct dietary niches emerged, with a range of consumer-prey size ratios spanning from 25:1 to 0.4:1, encompassing the canonical 10:1 often assumed. Grazing on all phytoplankton size classes maximized the phytoplankton size diversity through the keystone predator effect, resulting in a phytoplankton spectral slope of approximately -4, agreeing with field data. This mechanistic model suggests the observed size structure of phytoplankton communities is at least in part the result of selective consumer feeding.
Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching in relieving pain and balancing knee loading during stepping over obstacles among older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gao Bo , Li Li , Shen Peixin , Zhou Zhipeng , Xu Peiming , Sun Wei , Zhang Cui , Song Qipeng
Published: February 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching in relieving pain and balancing knee loading during stepping over obstacles among older people with knee osteoarthritis, and further explore the improvements in gait patterns.

Design

Thirty-two older adults (66~72 years) with KOA were recruited and randomly assigned into PNF or control groups. They received PNF stretching or health lecture series for 8 weeks. Final data analyses were conducted among 13 participants in the PNF and 14 in the control groups. At weeks 0 and 9, they were asked to step over an obstacle of 20% of their leg length. The pain scores and knee abduction moment (KAM) (primary outcomes) were analyzed by multivariate ANOVA, and the gait variables (secondary outcomes) were analyzed by two-way (group by pre-/post) ANOVAs with repeated measures.

Results

Significant interactions were detected in the pain score, first and second peaks of KAM, and crossing velocity during stepping over obstacles, and significant between-group differences of these outcomes were detected at week 9.

Conclusion

An 8-week PNF stretching could relieve pain and balance loading between knee compartments, as well as increase crossing velocity during stepping over obstacles.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100042278.
Clinical and radiological effects of Corticosteroid injection combined with deep transverse friction massage and Mill’s manipulation in lateral epicondylalgia–A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, sham controlled trial
Authors: Nambi Gopal , Alghadier Mshari , Verma Anju , Aldhafian Osama R. , Alshahrani Naif N. , Saleh Ayman K. , Omar Mohamed A. , Hassan Tohamy G. T. , Ibrahim Mohamed Nagah Ahmed , El Behairy Hassan Fathy
Published: February 2023

Background

The knowledge about the effective implementation of corticosteroid injection (CS) with deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) and Mill’s manipulation (MM) on clinical and radiological changes (Magnetic resonance imaging—MRI and Ultra sound) in lateral epicondylalgia (LE) is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study is proposed to find and compare the effects of corticosteroid injection (CS) DTFM and Mill’s manipulation on clinical and radiological changes in lateral epicondylalgia.

Design, setting, participants

Randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was conducted on 60 LE participants at university hospital. The active MM group (n = 30) received corticosteroid injection with DTFM and active Mill’s manipulation (MM) three sessions a week for 4 weeks and the sham MM group received corticosteroid injection with sham manipulation. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the visual analog scale. The other outcome measures were percentage of injury measured by MRI and ultrasound, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status and quality of life which were measured at 4 weeks, 8weeks and at 6 months follow up.

Results

The between-group difference in pain intensity at 4 weeks was 1.6 (CI 95% 0.97 to 2.22), which shows improvement in the active group than sham group. The similar effects have been noted after 8 weeks and at 6 months 2.0 (CI 95% 1.66 to 2.33) follow up in pain intensity. Similar improvements were also found on percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status and quality of life (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Corticosteroid injection with DTFM and Mill’s manipulation was superior to sham group for improving pain, percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status and quality of life in people with lateral epicondylalgia.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration: CTRI/2020/05/025135 trial registered prospectively on 12/05/2020. https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=CTRI/2020/05/025135.