bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density lithium niobate integrated photonics
Authors: Li Zihan , Wang Rui N. , Lihachev Grigory , Churaev Mikhail , Siddharth Anat , Riemensberger Johann , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate a strip waveguide-based LiNbO3 photonic integrated circuit fabricated with a novel hard mask, diamond-like-carbon (DLC). The steep sidewall configuration exhibits tight optical confinement and dispersion control while preserving ultra-low loss of < 4 dB/m. In the meantime, a low noise self-injection locked laser is achieved with our chips.
Surface acoustic microwave photonic filters on etchless lithium niobate integrated platform
Authors: Yu Yue , Sun Xiankai
Published: July 2023

We experimentally demonstrated high-performance surface acoustic microwave photonic filters on an etchless lithium niobate integrated platform, achieving acoustic time delays of 21–106 ns and passbands with bandwidth as narrow as 0.89 MHz.
40-Pulse Time-Multiplexed Nanophotonic Optical Parametric Oscillator
Authors: Gray Robert M. , Sekine Ryoto , Ledezma Luis , Roy Arkadev , Marandi Alireza
Published: July 2023

We implement a 40-pulse, time-multiplexed optical parametric oscillator in thin-film lithium niobate nanophotonics and demonstrate the independent phase behavior of the pulses in the degenerate and non-degenerate regimes, enabling scalable optical computers and complex simulators.
Synthetic frequency dimension state coupling in modulated LNOI ring cavity devices
Authors: Balčytis Armandas , Dinh Xuan Hiep , Ozawa Tomoki , Ota Yasutomo , Baba Toshihiko , Iwamoto Satoshi , Mitchell Arnan , Nguyen Thach G.
Published: July 2023

We created a modulator-equipped thin-film lithium niobate integrated ring resonator simulating a synthetic frequency dimension tight-binding model. It produces frequency states spaced over a 600 GHz bandwidth. Reconfigurable coupling enables simulation of disparate two-dimensional interactions.
Compact RF photonic notch filter based on heterogeneous integration of As2S3 with active silicon photonic circuits
Authors: Garrett Matthew , Liu Yang , Merklein Moritz , Bui Cong Tinh , Lai Choon Kong , Choi Duk-Yong , Madden Stephen J. , Eggleton Benjamin J. , Casas-Bedoya Alvaro
Published: July 2023

We heterogeneously integrate As2S3 Brillouin waveguides and Si modulators, enabling a compact chip-based RF photonic filter with 50 dB rejection. This level of photonic integration facilitates novel on-chip processing, increasing RF gain by 16 dB.
Broadband Sensing with Undetected Photons with Strong Parametric Amplification
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Chekhova Maria V.
Published: July 2023

We develop an SU(1,1) interferometer with an aperiodically-poled LiNbO3 crystal in the high-parametric-gain regime to demonstrate Fourier-transform spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography with undetected photons.
A Photonic Integrated High-power Soliton Microcomb Generator
Authors: Ji Xinru , Liu Yang , Qiu Zheru , Wang Rui Ning , Riemensberger Johann , Voloshin Andrey , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate a compact soliton microcomb light source. The soliton is generated from a Kerr microresonator and amplified by an erbium-implanted gain section integrated on the same photonic chip. We achieved an output power of 7.9 mW at a compact device footprint of 12.5 mm2.
Vector atomic magnetometer based on EIT in Rb vapor
Authors: Novikova Irina , Mikhailov Eugeniy E. , Toyryla Alex , Gonzales Mario , Matsko Andrey , McKelvy Jamie , Fan Isaac , Li Yang , Kitching John
Published: July 2023

By analyzing the relative frequencies and amplitude of multiple electromagnetically induced transparency resonances in external magnetic field, we achieve scalar magnetometer sensitivity
<5pT/Hz, and can determine the B-field direction with angular sensitivity < 1° using machine learning and optical lock techniques in a 100 mm3 atomic vapor cell.
Single Quantum Sensor Simultaneously Measuring Fields Across Six Octaves
Authors: Meyer David H. , Hill Joshua C. , Kunz Paul D. , Cox Kevin C.
Published: July 2023

Rydberg quantum sensors offer the potential for capabilities inaccessible to classical systems. Here we perform simultaneous phase and amplitude sensing of five rf fields spanning 1.7 GHz to 116 GHz and implement a digital communications receiver.
Self-calibrated NICE-OHMS based on an asymmetric signal: theoretical analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Zhou Yueting , Zhang Zihao , Li Yanke , Zhao Gang , Zhou Xiaobin , Zhang Bofeng , Jiao Kang , Yan Xiaojuan , Li Chuanliang , Axner Ove , Ma Weiguang
Published: July 2023

As an ultra-sensitive detection technique, the noise-immune cavity enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectroscopy (NICE-OHMS) technique has great potential for assessment of the concentration of trace gases. To determine gas concentrations at the ppt or lower level with high accuracy, it is desirable that the technique exhibits self-calibration (or calibration-free) capabilities. Although being sensitive, NICE-OHMS has so far not demonstrated any such ability. To remedy this, this paper provides a self-calibrated realization of NICE-OHMS that is based on a switching of the feedback target of the DeVoe-Brewer (DVB) locking procedure from the modulation frequency of the frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) to the cavity length, which creates an asymmetrical signal whose form and size can be used to unambiguously assess the gas concentration. A comprehensive theoretical model for self-calibrated NICE-OHMS is established by analyzing the shift of cavity modes caused by intracavity absorption, demonstrating that gas absorption information can be encoded in both the laser frequency and the NICE-OHMS signal. To experimentally verify the methodology, we measure a series of dispersion signals under different levels of absorbance using a built experimental setup. An instrument factor and the partial pressure are obtained by fitting the measured signal through theoretical expressions. Our results demonstrate that fitted values are more accurate for higher partial pressures than for lower. To improve on the accuracy at low partial pressures, it is shown that the instrument factor obtained by fitting the signal at large partial pressures (in this case, above 7.8 µTorr) can be set to a fixed value for all fits. By this, the partial pressures can be assessed with a relative error below 0.65%. This technique has the potential to enable calibration-free ultra-sensitive gas detection.
Wide distribution of Mediterranean and African spotted fever agents and the first identification of Israeli spotted fever agent in ticks in Uganda
Authors: Eneku Wilfred , Erima Bernard , Byaruhanga Anatoli Maranda , Atim Gladys , Tugume Titus , Ukuli Qouilazoni A. , Kibuuka Hannah , Mworozi Edison , Douglas Christina , Koehler Jeffrey W. , Cleary Nora G. , von Fricken Michael E. , Tweyongyere Robert , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Byarugaba Denis Karuhize
Published: July 2023

Rickettsia microorganisms are causative agents of several neglected emerging infectious diseases in humans transmitted by arthropods including ticks. In this study, ticks were collected from four geographical regions of Uganda and pooled in sizes of 1–179 ticks based on location, tick species, life stage, host, and time of collection. Then, they were tested by real-time PCR for Rickettsia species with primers targeting gltA, 17kDa and ompA genes, followed by Sanger sequencing of the 17kDa and ompA genes. Of the 471 tick pools tested, 116 (24.6%) were positive for Rickettsia spp. by the gltA primers. The prevalence of Rickettsia varied by district with Gulu recording the highest (30.1%) followed by Luwero (28.1%) and Kasese had the lowest (14%). Tick pools from livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs) had the highest positivity rate, 26.9%, followed by vegetation, 23.1%, and pets (dogs and cats), 19.7%. Of 116 gltA-positive tick pools, 86 pools were positive using 17kDa primers of which 48 purified PCR products were successfully sequenced. The predominant Rickettsia spp. identified was R. africae (n = 15) in four tick species, followed by R. conorii (n = 5) in three tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, and Rh. decoloratus). Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis was detected in one tick pool. These findings indicate that multiple Rickettsia spp. capable of causing human illness are circulating in the four diverse geographical regions of Uganda including new strains previously known to occur in the Mediterranean region. Physicians should be informed about Rickettsia spp. as potential causes of acute febrile illnesses in these regions. Continued and expanded surveillance is essential to further identify and locate potential hotspots with Rickettsia spp. of concern.
Sea star wasting syndrome reaches the high Antarctic: Two recent outbreaks in McMurdo Sound
Authors: Moran Amy L. , McLachlan Rowan H. , Thurber Andrew R.
Published: July 2023

Sea star wasting syndrome (SSWS) can cause widespread mortality in starfish populations as well as long-lasting changes to benthic community structure and dynamics. SSWS symptoms have been documented in numerous species and locations around the world, but to date there is only one record of SSWS from the Antarctic and this outbreak was associated with volcanically-driven high temperature anomalies. Here we report outbreaks of SSWS-like symptoms that affected ~30% of individuals of Odontaster validus at two different sites in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica in 2019 and 2022. Unlike many SSWS events in other parts of the world, these outbreaks were not associated with anomalously warm temperatures. Instead, we suggest they may have been triggered by high nutrient input events on a local scale. Although the exact cause of these outbreaks is not known, these findings are of great concern because of the keystone role of O. validus and the slow recovery rate of Antarctic benthic ecosystems to environmental stressors.
What would happen if twitter sent consequential messages to only a strategically important subset of users? A quantification of the Targeted Messaging Effect (TME)
Authors: Epstein Robert , Tyagi Christina , Wang Hongyu
Published: July 2023

The internet has made possible a number of powerful new forms of influence, some of which are invisible to users and leave no paper trails, which makes them especially problematic. Some of these effects are also controlled almost exclusively by a small number of multinational tech monopolies, which means that, for all practical purposes, these effects cannot be counteracted. In this paper, we introduce and quantify an effect we call the Targeted Messaging Effect (TME)–the differential impact of sending a consequential message, such as a link to a damning news story about a political candidate, to members of just one demographic group, such as a group of undecided voters. A targeted message of this sort might be difficult to detect, and, if it had a significant impact on recipients, it could undermine the integrity of the free-and-fair election. We quantify TME in a series of four randomized, controlled, counterbalanced, double-blind experiments with a total of 2,133 eligible US voters. Participants were first given basic information about two candidates who ran for prime minister of Australia in 2019 (this, to assure that our participants were “undecided”). Then they were instructed to search a set of informational tweets on a Twitter simulator to determine which candidate was stronger on a given issue; on balance, these tweets favored neither candidate. In some conditions, however, tweets were occasionally interrupted by targeted messages (TMs)–news alerts from Twitter itself–with some alerts saying that one of the candidates had just been charged with a crime or had been nominated for a prestigious award. In TM groups, opinions shifted significantly toward the candidate favored by the TMs, and voting preferences shifted by as much as 87%, with only 2.1% of participants in the TM groups aware that they had been viewing biased content.
RANTES and developmental defects of enamel in children: A Brazilian prenatal cohort (BRISA)
Authors: Costa Elisa Miranda , Pinho Judith Rafaelle Oliveira , Saraiva Maria da Conceição Pereira , Ribeiro Cecília Cláudia Costa , Batista Rosângela Fernandes Lucena , Coêlho Alves Cláudia Maria , Simões Vanda Maria Ferreira , Bettiol Heloisa , Barbieri Marco Antônio , de Carvalho Cavalli Ricardo , Thomaz Erika Bárbara Abreu Fonseca
Published: July 2023

Objective

Little is known about the effect of maternal immunological factors on the etiology of developmental defects of enamel (DDE). RANTES (Regulated on Activation Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted) is a chemokine produced by fibroblasts, lymphoid and epithelial mucosa cells in response to various external stimuli. Despite its importance for embryogenesis, RANTES expression has been demonstrated in multiple diseases characterized by inflammation, tumor and immune response, and wound healing. We hypothesized that altered levels of RANTES during pregnancy are associated with the immune and inflammatory response in women, which could lead to the occurrence of DDE in utero (DDE-iu), directly or mediated by preterm birth. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of serum levels of RANTES in pregnant women in the occurrence of DDE-iu in children.

Methods

This is a longitudinal case-control study. The mothers and their children (327) were evaluated in three moments: prenatal care, post childbirth, and when the child was between 12.3 and 36 months of age. The analysis was performed with structural equation modeling, estimating the standardized coefficient (SC), adopting α = 5%.

Results

There was a direct and negative effect of RANTES on the outcome (SC = -0.137; p = 0.022). This association was not mediated by preterm birth (SC = 0.007; P = 0.551). When considering the specific types of DDE-iu, RANTES had a direct effect on hypoplasia (SC = -0.190; p = 0.007), but not on opacity (SC = 0.343; p = 0.074).

Conclusion

Lower serum levels of RANTES may contribute to a higher number of teeth with DDE-iu, specifically hypoplasia. However, more evidence supported by clinical, laboratory and epidemiological studies is still needed.
Crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic: Changes in social contact and social participation of older Americans
Authors: Zhang Yun , Luo Amber , Hou Luke , Chen Shanquan , Zhang Wei , Schwartz Andrew , Clouston Sean A. P.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess changes in social contact with family, friends and healthcare providers, as well as social participation in working, volunteering, religious services and other organized activities, among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic while examining the role of pre-COVID sociodemographic characteristics or cognitive and physical limitations in changes in social contact and participation.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analyses in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) COVID-19 questionnaire, collected in 2020 during a period of workplace closures and social distancing guidelines. We linked data to pre-COVID sociodemographic and medical information collected in 2019 before COVID interrupted social life. The frequency of participants’ social contact and social participation prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, were compared using paired t-tests for summed scores. Multivariate linear regression was used to relate participants’ socio-demographic, prior physical and cognitive performance with levels of social contact and participation and with changes reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

In total, results from 2,486 eligible participants revealed that COVID-19 was associated with decreased social contact among family and friends (change: -0.62; SE: 0.06; p<0.0001), and social participation among older adults (change: -0.58; SE: 0.02; p<0.0001). Pre-COVID characteristics including older age, lower educational attainment, poorer physical performance, and more chronic conditions were associated with lower social contact and social participation and with how older adults adapted their social lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion

These results emphasize the importance of increasing digital inclusion for older adults in a major crisis.
Quantifying postprandial glucose responses using a hybrid modeling approach: Combining mechanistic and data-driven models in The Maastricht Study
Authors: Erdős Balázs , van Sloun Bart , Goossens Gijs H. , O’Donovan Shauna D. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Schram Miranda T. , Blaak Ellen E. , Adriaens Michiel E. , van Riel Natal A. W. , Arts Ilja C. W.
Published: July 2023

Computational models of human glucose homeostasis can provide insight into the physiological processes underlying the observed inter-individual variability in glucose regulation. Modelling approaches ranging from “bottom-up” mechanistic models to “top-down” data-driven techniques have been applied to untangle the complex interactions underlying progressive disturbances in glucose homeostasis. While both approaches offer distinct benefits, a combined approach taking the best of both worlds has yet to be explored. Here, we propose a sequential combination of a mechanistic and a data-driven modeling approach to quantify individuals’ glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose tolerance test, using cross sectional data from 2968 individuals from a large observational prospective population-based cohort, the Maastricht Study. The best predictive performance, measured by R2 and mean squared error of prediction, was achieved with personalized mechanistic models alone. The addition of a data-driven model did not improve predictive performance. The personalized mechanistic models consistently outperformed the data-driven and the combined model approaches, demonstrating the strength and suitability of bottom-up mechanistic models in describing the dynamic glucose and insulin response to oral glucose tolerance tests.
Optimal timing and cutoff range of lung ultrasound in predicting surfactant administration in neonates: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Luo Keren , Wang Haoran , Huang Fangjun , Tang Jun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Timely application of surfactant replacement therapy is critical for neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Presently, early clinical decision on surfactant use relies solely on ventilator parameters. However, ventilator parameters are unable to truly recapitulate the extent of surfactant deficiency. Lung ultrasound has been increasingly used in the early prediction of surfactant use in recent years, but its predictive value remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine its predictive value in surfactant use and determine the optimal timing and cutoff value.

Methods

Studies on neonates with respiratory distress or diagnosed with RDS were collected from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of lung ultrasound.

Results

Ten eligible studies with 1162 participants were included. The sensitivity and specificity of lung ultrasound in predicting surfactant use were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81–0.90) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.90), respectively. Lung ultrasound performed within 1–3 h after birth had a sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.79–0.95) and a Youden’s index of 0.67. Compared with a lung ultrasound score (LUS) cutoff of ≤6/7, ≤8, >5, >6/7, and >8, a LUS cutoff of ≤5 had higher Youden’s index (0.73) and sensitivity (0.94, 95% CI: 0.85–0.97) in predicting surfactant use.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound is effective for predicting surfactant use in neonates. Lung ultrasound within 1–3 h after birth and a LUS cutoff of 5 are recommended. However, the symptoms and oxygenation of the neonatal patients must also be considered.
Benefit finding and well-being over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Moore Jessie B. , Rubin Katharine C. R. , Heaney Catherine A.
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on understanding benefit finding, the process of deriving growth from adversity, and its relationship to well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n = 701) completed online surveys at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after a shelter-in-place mandate was announced in California, USA. Identifying as female or of Asian descent, having a supportive social network, and reporting more distress were associated with higher levels of general benefit finding at all data collection points, while other demographics were not. Benefit finding exhibited small but statistically significant associations with two measures of well-being. Understanding the extent to which various groups of people experience benefit finding during ongoing adversity and how such benefit finding is associated with well-being may help to promote mental health during a collective trauma like the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABVENTURE-P pilot trial of physical therapy versus standard of care following ventral hernia repair: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Di Stasi Stephanie , Chaudhari Ajit M. W. , Renshaw Savannah , Wei Lai , Ward Laura , Arhos Elanna K. , Poulose Benjamin K.
Published: July 2023

Hernia disease is one of the most common reasons patients seek surgical treatment, yet nearly 1 in 4 patients seeking ventral hernia repair in the United States suffer from chronic pain, disability, and diminished physical activity. The relationships between the anterior abdominal wall, lower back, diaphragm, and pelvic floor are critical in providing function and quality of life, yet management of hernia disease has been limited to surgical restoration of anatomy without taking into consideration the functional relationships of the abdominal core. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing physical therapy targeted to improving stability and function in this population. A secondary goal is to estimate whether pre-operative abdominal core function predicts responsiveness to physical therapy. This study is a registry-based randomized controlled trial (NCT05142618: Pilot Trial of Abdominal Core Rehabilitation To Improve Outcomes After Ventral Hernia Repair (ABVENTURE-P)). All participants will be randomized to one of two post-operative treatment arms: standard of care plus up to 16 sessions of physical therapy, or standard of care alone. Primary timepoints include pre-operative (baseline) and ten weeks after surgery, with intermediate or secondary timepoints 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year post-operative. At each timepoint, participants will undergo functional and patient-reported outcome testing. We will also collect data on retention rate and treatment adherence. An intention to treat approach is planned for all analyses, using all participants who were randomized and have available data at the 10-week timepoint. This is a pilot and feasibility trial, hence our goals are to establish safety and initial efficacy of the PT intervention, retention and adherence to both PT and control arms, whether pre-operative abdominal core function predicts responsiveness to PT, and to collect a large enough sample to power a future definitive multi-center randomized controlled trial.
A cyber-physical system to design 3D models using mixed reality technologies and deep learning for additive manufacturing
Authors: Malik Ammar , Lhachemi Hugo , Shorten Robert
Published: July 2023

I-nteract is a cyber-physical system that enables real-time interaction with both virtual and real artifacts to design 3D models for additive manufacturing by leveraging mixed-reality technologies. This paper presents novel advances in the development of the interaction platform to generate 3D models using both constructive solid geometry and artificial intelligence. In specific, by taking advantage of the generative capabilities of deep neural networks, the system has been automated to generate 3D models inferred from a single 2D image captured by the user. Furthermore, a novel generative neural architecture, SliceGen, has been proposed and integrated with the system to overcome the limitation of single-type genus 3D model generation imposed by differentiable-rendering-based deep neural architectures. The system also enables the user to adjust the dimensions of the 3D models with respect to their physical workspace. The effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by generating 3D models of furniture (e.g., chairs and tables) and fitting them into the physical space in a mixed reality environment. The presented developmental advances provide a novel and immersive form of interaction to facilitate the inclusion of a consumer into the design process for personal fabrication.
Fungicides and strawberry pollination–Effects on floral scent, pollen attributes and bumblebee behavior
Authors: Voß Ann-Cathrin , Hauertmann Madeleine , Laufer Michelle-Celine , Lach Alexander , Junker Robert R. , Eilers Elisabeth J.
Published: July 2023

Fungicides are used in agriculture to protect crops from various fungal diseases. However, they may modulate the plants metabolism. Moreover, fungicides can accumulate in the environment and may cause toxic effects on non-target organisms such as nectar microbes and pollinators. Nectar microbes contribute to the volatile profile of flowers and can influence pollinators behaviour. Thus, fungicide treatment could potentially affect the pollination. In this study, we investigated the influence of fungicide treatment on floral attributes as well as the behavioural impact on bumblebees. In separate experiments, we used one or both strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa var. Darselect and Malwina), which were either kept untreated (control) or treated with either Cuprozin® progress or SWITCH® fungicide. We analysed various flower traits including volatiles, pollen weight, pollen protein, and the attraction of bumblebees towards the flowers in the greenhouse. Additionally, we analysed the viability of pollen and pollen live-to-dead ratio, as well as the composition of nectar fungi in the field. A treatment with Cuprozin® progress led to a lower emission of floral volatiles and a slightly lower pollen protein content. This had no impact on the visit latency of bumblebees but on the overall visit frequency of these flowers. The treatment with the fungicide SWITCH® resulted in a higher emission of floral volatiles as well as a delayed first visit by bumblebees. Furthermore, flowers of control plants were visited more often than those treated with the two fungicides. Plant-pollinator interactions are highly complex, with many contributing factors. Fungicides can have an impact on the pollen quality and pollinator attraction, potentially leading to an altered pollen dispersal by pollinators and a change in fruit quality.
Rethinking access to care: A spatial-economic analysis of the potential impact of pharmacy closures in the United States
Authors: Adepoju Omolola E. , Kiaghadi Amin , Shokouhi Niaki Darya , Karunwi Adebosola , Chen Hua , Woodard LeChauncy
Published: July 2023

Data chronicling the geo-locations of all 61,589 pharmacies in the U.S. (from the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) Open Data interface, updated on April 2018) across 215,836 census block groups were combined with Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) information, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index (CDC-SVI). Geospatial techniques were applied to calculate the distance between the center of each census block and the nearest pharmacy. We then modeled the expected additional travel distance if the nearest pharmacy to the center of a census block closed and estimated additional travel costs, CO2 emissions, and lost labor productivity costs associated with the additional travel. Our findings revealed that MUA residents have almost two times greater travel distances to pharmacies than non-MUAs (4,269 m (2.65 mi) vs. 2,388 m (1.48 mi)), and this disparity is exaggerated with pharmacy closures (107% increase in travel distance in MUAs vs. 75% increase in travel distance in non-MUAs). Similarly, individuals living in MUAs experience significantly greater average annual economic costs than non-MUAs ($34,834 ± $668 vs. $22,720 ± $326). Our findings suggest the need for additional regulations to ensure populations are not disproportionately affected by these closures and that there is a significant throughput with community stakeholders before any pharmacy decides to close.
Chemical differences in cover crop residue quality are maintained through litter decay
Authors: Thapa Resham , Cabrera Miguel , Schomberg Harry H. , Reberg-Horton Chris , Poffenbarger Hanna , Mirsky Steven B.
Published: July 2023

As plant litter decomposes, its mass exponentially decreases until it reaches a non-zero asymptote. However, decomposition rates vary considerably among litter types as a function of their overall quality (i.e., carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and litter chemistry). We investigated the effects of hairy vetch (HV: Vicia villosa Roth):cereal rye (RYE: Secale cereale L.) biomass proportions with or without broadcasted poultry manure on overall litter quality before and during decomposition. As HV biomass proportions increased from 0 to 100%, the relative susceptibility of HV:RYE mixtures to microbial decomposition increased due to: (i) decrease in the initial C:N ratio (87:1 to 10:1 in 2012 and 67:1 to 9:1 in 2013), (ii) increase in the non-structural labile carbohydrates (33 to 61% across years), and (iii) decrease in the structural holo-cellulose (59 to 33% across years) and lignin (8 to 6% across years) fractions. Broadcasted poultry manure decreased the overall initial quality of HV-dominated litters and increased the overall initial quality of RYE-dominated litters. Across all HV:RYE biomass proportions with or without poultry manure, chemical changes during litter decay were related to proportional mass loss. Therefore, the relative decrease in carbohydrates and the concomitant increase in holo-cellulose and lignin fractions were more pronounced for fast decomposing litter types, i.e., litters dominated by HV rather than RYE. While our results suggest possible convergence of litter C:N ratios, initial differences in litter chemistry neither converged nor diverged. Therefore, we conclude that the initial chemistry of litter before decomposition exerts a strong control on its chemical composition throughout the decay continuum.
Pausânias. Descrição da Grécia. Livro V
Authors: Silva Maria de Fátima
Published: July 2023

Pausânias é o nosso único testemunho de literatura periegética e o autor de um relato precioso sobre a Grécia da época de ocupação romana (séc. II d.C.). A sua descrição é a de alguém que viajou e sintetiza o que ‘viu’, com um olhar que não é só o de um turista curioso, mas de um intelectual que dispõe de uma sólida formação cultural e de uma informação ampla, em resultado de uma recolha criteriosa de todo o tipo de fontes, orais e escritas. O livro V, dedicado a Olímpia, ocupa muito simbolicamente o centro da Descrição da Grécia, como território emblemático da identidade grega.
Animal Rights: A New Vista
Authors: Jedynak Anna
Published: July 2023

The debate on animal rights has been influenced by changes in science, philosophy, nature, and social life over the last 40 years. These include (1) increased moral sensibility that gradually embraces creatures which are more and more distant from those closest to us; (2) environmental threats and their connection with people’s attitude towards animals; (3) scientific discoveries in the field of ethology and animal emotionality, which indicate evolutionary roots of morality; (4) new philosophical concepts (embodied, embedded, enactive and extended mind, and posthumanism) and revision of the concept of subjectivity; (5) exposing the vagueness of the notion of rights and how it is related to the concepts of duty and need. These changes suggest that the point of departure in discussions of the relations between humans and non-human animals has shifted from the traditional human perspective to a more inclusive approach that relies on the developments in science and the inclusion of environmental concerns.
Toward a Moderate Hierarchical View About the Moral Status of Animals
Authors: Sencerz Stefan
Published: July 2023

In this essay, I develop a moderate hierarchical position about the moral status of animals that is based on two factors:  on the level of mental development of a being who is affected and on the significance of the interests that are affected. I argue that this view accommodates two different sets of moral intuitions. On one hand, it explains why, in general, humans have the special moral standing that is typically attributed to us. On the other hand, it also allows us to accommodate much of our intuition about how animals ought to be treated. In addition, this view is supported also by plausible general theoretical considerations. Subsequently, I explore some implications of this view for some real-life examples of our interactions with animals, especially, for the practice of raising them for food using industrial methods. I argue that this practice is morally wrong and that the correct approach is to adopt a (nearly) plant-based lifestyle.
MicroRNA-214-3p Ameliorates LPS-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting Cathepsin B
Authors: Yan W. , Feng Y. , Lei Z. , Kuang W. , Long Chaozhong
Published: July 2023

Myocardial injury is a common complication of sepsis. MicroRNA (miRNA) miR-214-3p is protective against myocardial injury caused by sepsis, but its mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced cardiomyocyte injury is still unclear. An AC16 cell injury model was induced by LPS treatment. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assay showed decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in LPS-treated AC16 cells. The levels of caspase- 3, Bax, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), myosin 6 (Myh6), myosin 7 (Myh7), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in LPS-treated AC16 cells, but the levels of Bcl-2 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased. MiR-214-3p was down-regulated and cathepsin B (CTSB) was upregulated in LPS-treated AC16 cells. At the same time, miR-214-3p could target CTSB and reduce its expression. We also found that a miR-214-3p mimic or CTSB silencing could significantly reduce LPSinduced apoptosis, decrease ROS, MDA, caspase-3, and Bax and increase SOD and Bcl-2. CTSB silencing could significantly reduce ANP, BNP, Myh6, and Myh7 in LPS-treated AC16 cells. The effects of CTSB silencing were reversed by a miR-214-3p inhibitor. In summary, miR-214-3p could inhibit LPSinduced myocardial injury by targeting CTSB, which provides a new idea for myocardial damage caused by sepsis.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide level in gastroesophageal reflux disease before and after surgical treatment
Authors: Haidarzhi Ye. I. , Holovko M. H. , Okhrimenko H. O.
Published: July 2023

From year to year, wide spread of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is attracting greater attention of specialists in the field of this pathology diagnosis and treatment. In-depth studies on etiological and pathogenetic factors in the GERD development are being conducted. Of particular interest is the role of humoral factors, one of which is vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). There are currently no data on the dynamics of this hormone during surgical treatment of GERD.
The aim of the study was to examine the dynamics of plasma VIP during surgical treatment of GERD and its influence on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function.
Materials and methods. Surgical treatment in the Nissen modification was performed for 35 patients with GERD. There were 26 women (74.3 %), men – 9 (25.7 %). mean age – 55.3 ± 11.3 years. Comparison group – 20 apparently healthy individuals: women – 14 (70.0 %); men – 6 (30.0 %), mean age – 56.7 ± 10.6 years. VIP was measured in venous blood plasma by an enzyme immunoassay (Vasoactive intestinal peptide ELISA, S-1201, BCM Diagnostics) using an immunoenzyme complex ImmunoChem-2100 (USA). The sampling of the studied samples in the main group was carried out before the operation and 2–3 months post-surgery.
Results. In the main group before the surgery, the level of VIP was 3.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml, after the surgery – 2.2 ± 1.0 ng/ml. In the comparison group, VIP was determined at the level of 2.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml. In GERD before the surgery, the VIP level was statistically different from the indicators in the comparison group and from postoperative values. After surgical treatment, VIP values were decreased to the level of apparently healthy individuals. There was a positive correlation between the VIP level and acid exposure time (AET), the total number of refluxes, the number of reflux events longer than 5 minutes, the maximum duration of refluxes and the degree of esophageal inflammation.
Conclusions. In the surgical treatment of GERD, the statistically significant decrease in the VIP level to that of apparently healthy individuals is determined. The moderate positive correlation between the levels of VIP, AET, the average number of refluxes, the number of reflux events longer than 5 minutes, and the maximum duration of refluxes confirms the inhibitory effect of VIP on LES tone. The relationship between the degree of esophageal inflammation and the VIP level confirms the indirect, through the action of VIP, inhibitory effect of the esophagitis severity on the LES tone.
Obesity paradox in chronic heart failure with moderately reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: impact on a prognosis for patients according to a five-year follow-up
Authors: Bidzilya P. P. , Kadzharian V. H. , Bychko M. V.
Published: July 2023

Aim. To investigate the obesity paradox by studying the impact of overweight and abdominal obesity on the prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with moderately reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by five-year follow-up results.
Materials and methods. A prospective, open, parallel-group study included 314 CHF patients with moderately reduced or preserved LVEF, average age was 65.3 ± 11.2 years. Group 1 – 66 patients with normal weight; Group 2 – 67 overweight patients; Group 3 – 90 patients with I degree abdominal obesity; Group 4 – 91 subjects with II–III degrees of obesity.
Adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs) were studied as a cumulative endpoint, cardiovascular death, and rehospitalization due to decompensated CHF.
Results. It has been found that excess body weight (overweight and I–III degrees of abdominal obesity) did not affect the prevalence and spectrum of adverse CVEs in CHF patients with moderately reduced and preserved LVEF. In overweight patients, compared to I degree obesity group, the incidence of cumulative end point (by 15.4 %; χ2 = 3.95, p < 0.05) and cases of re-hospitalization (by 19.0 %; χ2 = 5.6, p < 0.05) were more often observed.
Concomitant overweight was associated with an increased risk for faster onset of the cumulative end point (HR 1.46, 95 % CI 1.1–2.2, p < 0.05) and re-hospitalization (HR 1.53, 95 % CI 1.1–2.4, p < 0.05).
Conclusions. The presence of excess body weight (overweight and I–III degrees of abdominal obesity) did not affect the prevalence and spectrum of adverse CVEs in CHF patients with moderately reduced and preserved LVEF during the five-year follow-up. In the presence of overweight, in comparison with I degree abdominal obesity, the incidence of cumulative end point and re-hospitalization due to the disease decompensation were more often observed, which could be evidence for the existence of the obesity paradox.
The most adverse effect on the prognosis in CHF patients with moderately reduced and preserved LVEF caused by concomitant overweight, in the presence of which, there was a significant increase in the risk for more faster onset of cumulative end point and re-hospitalization due to decompensation of the disease.
Nieruchomości gruntowe w zarządzie Państwowego Gospodarstwa Leśnego Lasy Państwowe w województwie wielkopolskim
Authors: Polna Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

Celem artykułu jest analiza stanu zasobów, ich zmian oraz zróżnicowania przestrzennego gruntów będących w zarządzie Państwowego Gospodarstwa Leśnego Lasy Państwowe w  województwie wielkopolskim. Odniesienie dla prowadzonych rozważań stanowi sytuacja w zakresie struktury zasobów pozostałych województw Polski. Przyjęty w opracowaniu zakres czasowy obejmuje lata 2002 i 2020. Badanie prowadzono na poziomie województwa oraz w układzie gminnym. Jego podstawę stanowiły niepublikowane materiały udostępnione przez Główny Urząd Geodezji i Kartografii w Warszawie. W pracy zastosowano metodę wskaźnikową. Przedstawiono i opisano aktualne trendy i zmiany zachodzące w strukturze nieruchomości gruntowych Lasów Państwowych. Stwierdzono, że zasoby gruntów Lasów Państwowych plasują województwo wielkopolskie na trzecim miejscu w kraju i ustępują jedynie gospodarstwom rolnym osób fizycznych. Wyniki badań wskazują na pozytywny kierunek zachodzących zmian. W strukturze użytkowania gruntów dominują lasy, a w latach 2002–2020 nastąpił wzrost ich areału oraz udziału w ogólnej powierzchni Lasów Państwowych. Wykazano, że zmiany zasobów gruntowych Lasów Państwowych w województwie wielkopolskim charakteryzują się zróżnicowaniem wewnątrzregionalnym.
The Mythology of Reason in “Das älteste Systemprogramm”: A Hegelian Project?
Authors: Barnaba Martina
Published: July 2023

The paper aims to investigate the thesis of the so-called Neue Mythologie within the fragment entitled “Das älteste Systemprogramm des deutschen Idealismus” [“The Oldest Systematic Program of German Idealism”]. The latter presents a revolutionary project of social pedagogy linked to the use of the aesthetic character of myth and poetry in the formation of the conscience and the intellect of the people. The program, therefore, formulates a fertile dialogue between the emancipatory potential of the Enlightenment and Jena Romanticism, in that it proposes a re-evaluation of feelings and Sinnlichkeit [sensuousness] in connection to modern rationality and freedom. The links between the rational mythology of the program and Hegelian philosophy will be explored, starting from his early writings, which are strictly concerned with the importance of a popular and sensuous religion (Volksreligion). Secondly, the work will retrace the same sensuous externalization of philosophical ideas within the relationships between art, religion and philosophy in the mature system, addressing the problem of Hegel’s change of heart regarding art and mythology between the two phases of his thought. In the end the value of symbolical mediation of concepts and idea will be established.
Vergleichskonstruktionen im Mittelniederdeutschen
Authors: Wallmeier Nadine , Wich-Reif Claudia
Published: July 2023

Umfrageergebnisse des Dialektatlas Mittleres Westdeutschland (DMW) zu Vergleichskonstruktionen im niederdeutschen Raum zeigen, dass es für den Gebrauch von als und wie keine so eindeutigen Antworten gibt, wie es die Forschungsliteratur vermuten lässt. Um den gegenwartssprachlichen Befund angemessen beurteilen zu können, erscheint es fruchtbringend, zu prüfen, welche Formvarianz es in der mittelniederdeutschen Sprachperiode in unterschiedlichen Räumen gibt und wie diese zu bewerten sind. Die Analysen zeigen, dass es für eine angemessene diachrone Bewertung notwendig, wenn nicht unabdingbar ist, nicht nur Komparative, sondern auch Äquative in den Blick zu nehmen und beide Strukturen im Verlauf der Zeit in Bezug zueinander zu setzen.
Präpositionalphrasen mit duruh bei Otfrid und im Tatian
Authors: Braun Christian , Pfeifer Philipp , Scherr Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

Im Rahmen dieser Studie wird gezeigt, dass Präpositionalphrasen mit duruh im Ahd. Tatian sowie in Otfrids Evangelienbuch als Ergänzung sowie als Adverbiale auftreten können. Während sich Verwendungen als Ergänzung im Wesentlichen auf lokale Semantik beschränken, weist der Bereich der Adverbialen ein großes semantisches Spektrum auf. Die Präpositionalphrase duruh + NP kann zudem als Ausgangspunkt für einen Grammatikalisierungspfad gelten: Dieser bewegt sich über die Konstruktion duruh daz, bei der daz entweder als Pro-Form auf einen Referenten verweist oder im Sinne eines Konnektors einen Sachverhalt aufgreift, hin zu einer Funktion als Korrelat. In den analysierten Werken liegen alle Stufen dieses Grammatikalisierungsprozesses bereits vor.
Einflussfaktoren der Numeruskongruenz bei koordinierten Subjektsteilen in der Lutherbibel von 1545 und 2017
Authors: Glenzer Paulina
Published: July 2023

Im Deutschen und seinen Sprachstufen löst die morphosyntaktische Konstruktion koordinierter Nominalphrasen einen Kongruenzkonflikt aus. Bestimmte semantische und syntaktische Faktoren – wie die Belebtheit der Konjunkte, die lineare Wortfolge von Subjekt und Verb sowie die semantische Nähe der Konjunkte – haben dabei einen Einfluss auf die Kongruenzformen. Im Rahmen einer quantitativen Studie wird der Einfluss dieser Faktoren untersucht. Als Datengrundlage dienen die Lutherbibel von 1545 und die revidierte Fassung von 2017. Der Vergleich der Bibeln zeigt, dass eine Verschiebung der einflussnehmenden Faktoren stattgefunden hat. Während in der Lutherbibel von 1545 die Belebtheit der Konjunkte und die Wortstellung eine Rolle spielen, zeigt sich in der revidierten Fassung ein deutlicher Einfluss der Determiniertheit der Konjunkte.
Das genus-insensitive Possessivpronomen sein in der Geschichte des Deutschen
Authors: Fleischer Jürg
Published: July 2023

Das Possessivpronomen ahd. sīn bzw. nhd. sein ist in seiner anaphorischen Referenz im Prinzip auf maskuline und neutrale Possessoren beschränkt, doch finden sich seit dem Mittelhochdeutschen Belege, in denen sich dieses Pronomen auf einen femininen Possessor bezieht. Diese genus-insensitive Verwendung von sīn/sein könnte germanische Verhältnisse fortsetzen, allerdings ist sie im älteren Kontinentalwestgermanischen nicht mehr sicher belegt, ihr Auftreten in einer umstrittenen Otfrid-Stelle allerdings wohl nicht ausgeschlossen. Angesichts der Seltenheit der Konstruktion scheint die Annahme einer historischen Kontinuität jedoch wenig wahrscheinlich. Stattdessen bietet sich aufgrund der Markiertheitsverhältnisse eher die Interpretation an, dass es sich bei genus-insensitivem sīn/sein um das gelegentliche Auftreten der unmarkierten im Kontext der markierten Form handelt.
Zur Entwicklung der abstraktbildenden Wortbildungsmuster [X-heit], [X-scaf(t)] und [X-tuom] im Alt- und Mittelhochdeutschen
Authors: Stevanović Tanja
Published: July 2023

Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Entwicklung der Wortbildungsmuster [X-heit], [X-scaf(t)] und [X-tuom] im Zeitraum von 800 bis 1300 anhand einer Untersuchung in den Referenzkorpora Altdeutsch und Mittelhochdeutsch. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Frage, seit wann -heit, -scaf(t) und -tuom als Derivationssuffixe des Deutschen einzustufen sind. Außerdem werden die drei Muster, die zahlreiche Eigenschaften teilen, hinsichtlich ihrer Basiswörter und semantischen Funktion untersucht, um mögliche Konkurrenzen zwischen ihnen aufzudecken.