bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the preservation media on ex vivo bone samples for full field mechanical testing
Authors: Guzman V. Brenda M. , De La Torre I. Manuel H. , Frausto-Reyes Claudio
Published: April 2024

The preservation method to store bone tissue for posterior analysis is a widespread practice. However, the method’s potential influence on the material’s mechanical properties is often overlooked during single-point experimentation. Saline and formaldehyde solutions are the most common among the employed preservation media. A full field analysis of the mice femoral bone deformation using non-destructive optical techniques is conducted to assess the influence of the storage media on the viscoelastic properties of the tissue. Three different groups are subjected to a standard three-point bending test. The first group is the control, with fresh post-mortem samples. The second and third groups used saline and formaldehyde solutions, respectively. During the mechanical test, the bone’s surface and internal deformation are monitored simultaneously using digital holographic interferometry and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography. A mechanical comparison among the three groups is presented. The results show that after 48 h of immersion in saline solution, the mice bones keep their viscoelastic behavior similar to fresh bones. Meanwhile, 48 h in formaldehyde modifies the response and affects the marrow structure. The high sensitivity of the optical phase also makes it possible to observe changes in the anisotropy of the samples. As a comparison, Raman spectroscopy analyzes the three bone groups to prove that the preservation media does not affect a single-point inspection.
Optofluidic chip with directly printed polymer optical waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer sensors for label-free biodetection
Authors: Wang Han , Chen Zhituo , Li Taige , Xie Huimin , Yin Bohan , Wong Siu Hong Dexter , Shi Yaocheng , Zhang A. Ping
Published: April 2024

Optofluidic devices hold great promise in biomedical diagnostics and testing because of their advantages of miniaturization, high sensitivity, high throughput, and high scalability. However, conventional silicon-based photonic chips suffer from complicated fabrication processes and less flexibility in functionalization, thus hindering their development of cost-effective biomedical diagnostic devices for daily tests and massive applications in responding to public health crises. In this paper, we present an optofluidic chip based on directly printed polymer optical waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) sensors for label-free biomarker detection. With digital ultraviolet lithography technology, high-sensitivity asymmetric MZI microsensors based on a width-tailored optical waveguide are directly printed and vertically integrated with a microfluidic layer to make an optofluidic chip. Experimental results show that the sensitivity of the directly printed polymer optical waveguide MZI sensor is about 1695.95 nm/RIU. After being modified with capture molecules, i.e., goat anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG), the polymer optical waveguide MZI sensors can on-chip detect human IgG at the concentration level of 1.78 pM. Such a polymer optical waveguide-based optofluidic chip has the advantages of miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, high sensitivity, and ease in functionalization and thus has great potential in the development of daily available point-of-care diagnostic and testing devices.
Successive quasienergy collapse and breakdown of photon blockade in the few-emitter limit
Authors: Karmstrand Therese , Johansson Göran , Gutiérrez-Jáuregui Ricardo
Published: April 2024

The emergent behavior that arises in many-body systems of increasing size follows universal laws that become apparent in order-to-disorder transitions. While this behavior has been traditionally studied for large numbers of emitters, recent progress allows for the exploration of the few-emitter limit, where correlations can be measured and connected to microscopic models to gain further insight into order-to-disorder transitions. We explore this few-body limit in the driven and damped Tavis–Cummings model, which describes a collection of atoms interacting with a driven and damped cavity mode. Our exploration revolves around the dressed states of the atomic ensemble and field, whose energies are shown to collapse as the driving field is increased to mark the onset of a dissipative quantum phase transition. The collapse occurs in stages and is an effect of light-matter correlations that are overlooked for single atoms and neglected in mean-field models. The implications of these correlations over the macroscopic observables of the system are presented. We encounter a shift in the expected transition point and an increased number of parity-broken states to choose from once the ordered phase is reached.
Reconfigurable multi-channel microwave photonic receiver for a multi-band signal based on cascaded microring resonator banks
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Li Jiachen , Yin Feifei , Chen Hongwei , Yang Sigang , Chen Minghua
Published: April 2024

What we believe to be a novel reconfigurable multi-channel microwave photonic (MWP) receiver for multi-band RF signal is demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. A reconfigurable MWP signal processing chip based on two cascaded microring filter banks is employed in the proposed receiver, which slices the multi-band RF input into several narrow band signals and selects optical frequency comb lines for frequency converting of each channel. Due to the significant reconfigurability of the signal processing chip, the proposed receiver can flexibly choose the output frequency band of each channel, and thus different frequency components of the multi-band RF input can be down converted to the intermediate frequency (IF) band for receiving or converted to other frequency band for forwarding. A multi-band RF signal composed of a linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal with 2 GHz bandwidth and a quad-phase shift keyed (QPSK) signal with 100 Mbit/s rate is experimentally received and reconstructed by the proposed receiver, where the reconstructed LFM component exhibits a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 10.2 dB, and the reconstructed QPSK component reaches a high SNR of 26.1 dB and a great error vector magnitude (EVM) of 11.73%. On the other hand, the QPSK component of the multi-band RF signal centered at 13.5 GHz is successfully converted to 3.1 GHz.
Testing of spherical mirrors with extremely large R numbers using a quasi-autocollimation method
Authors: Yang Yu , Hu Haixiang , Qi Erhui , Deng Weijie , Qiao Guanbo , Zhang Zhiyu , Tang Wa , Zhang Xuejun
Published: April 2024

Spherical mirrors with large R numbers have extreme advantages in optical systems with large apertures and long focus lengths for improving imaging resolution and field of view. Their manufacturing and testing accuracy directly affects the final wavefront aberration of the systems. However, due to the influence of airflow disturbance in the long optical path, testing large R number spherical mirrors with high precision is difficult for the direct testing method. In this paper, a quasi-autocollimation test (QACT) method is proposed based on the consistency and reverse compensation between sphere and paraboloid with large R numbers. In QACT, the length of the testing path is reduced to half, and the test sensitivity of the surface figure error is doubled. According to the Kolmogorov turbulence theory, the suppressed degree of QACT to airflow disturbance is quantitatively evaluated, and QACT can suppress the random error in test to 35%. A comparative experiment between direct test and QACT method is carried out on a ∅100 spherical mirror with 8-meter radius of curvature. Airflow disturbance in the testing environment is calculated by mathematical fitting and the repeated accuracy is improved from 4 nm to 1.4 nm in a single test using the QACT method, which is consistent with theoretical analysis. The research results will provide a new strategy for ultra-precision and efficiency tests of large R number spherical mirrors.
Laser-induced plasma micromachining on surfaces parallel to the incident laser in different solutions
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Gao Lou , Yang Zhi , Mao Yang , Zhao Nan , Lu Jian , Wang Xingsheng
Published: April 2024

Laser-induced plasma micromachining (LIPMM) is an advanced technology that utilizes the plasma generated from laser breakdown to remove material, thereby facilitating the fabrication of microstructures. This paper explores the use of LIPMM on 304 stainless steel surfaces parallel to the laser beam in different solutions, focusing on the impact of the liquid environment on the machining process. It presents a theoretical analysis of the material removal mechanisms unique to this orientation and experimentally investigates how water, a salt solution, and ethanol affect plasma shockwave characteristics. Notably, the plasma shockwave in the salt solution demonstrates the most significant peak pressure and energy, enhancing the micromachining efficiency. These findings suggest that varying the liquid environment can significantly influence LIPMM's effectiveness, offering potential improvements in precision and control. This study broadens the understanding of LIPMM applications, especially in orientations not commonly explored, and opens new possibilities for advanced micromachining techniques in various industrial applications.
Compact tunable 80 MHz repetition rate vacuum ultraviolet light source up to 10 eV: intracavity high harmonic generation by nonlinear reflection on a AlN nanofilm in a mode locked Ti:sapphire oscillator
Authors: Seres E. , Seres J. , Martinez-de-Olcoz L. , Schumm T.
Published: April 2024

We report the realization of an intra-oscillator high harmonic source based on a Kerr lens mode locked Ti:sapphire laser running at 80 MHz repetition rate. A nonlinear medium consisting of an AlN nanofilm on a thin sapphire substrate is placed inside the oscillator cavity. The harmonics are generated, in reflection geometry, on the AlN nanofilm, directing the harmonic beam out of the cavity. Exploiting the benefits of this approach, a compact size, tunable, high repetition rate and coherent vacuum ultraviolet light source with a spectrum up to the 7th harmonic has been achieved. In particular, the powerful 5th harmonic covering the 145-163 nm range aims to be an attractive tunable light source for spectroscopical applications.
High efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells prepared by alkali metal interfacial modification
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Song Yuchao , Zhang Heng , La Anpeng , Lu Yanguo
Published: April 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention at home and abroad due to their excellent photoelectric properties. Defects in the electron transport layer (ETL) and ETL/perovskite interface greatly affect the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of PSCs. In the paper, the surface of tin dioxide (SnO2) ETL was modified by an alkali metal salt (NaBr, KBr, and RbBr) solution to optimize electron transport and passivate SnO2/perovskite. The results show that the photovoltaic performance of the PSCs is significantly improved after interfacial modification, especially the KBr-modified PSC has the highest PCE, which is 7.8% higher than that of the unmodified device, and the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density and fill factor are all greatly improved. This improvement is attributed to the fact that interfacial modification reduces the trap density of the SnO2 films, increases the mobility of the SnO2 films film, effectively passivates defects, and significantly inhibits the recombination at the SnO2/perovskite interface. This method aims to use simple and low-cost inorganic materials for effective interface modification.
High-fidelity single logical qubit encoding scheme assisted by single-sided quantum dot-cavity systems
Authors: Xiu Xiao-Ming , Wang Xin-Ying , Liu Si-Tong , Lv Liu , Zhao Zi-Lin , Yuan Zi-Qing , Yang Zi-Long , Ji Yan-Qiang , Dong Li
Published: April 2024

We present an encoding scheme of a single logical qubit with single-sided quantum dot (QD)-cavity systems, which is immune to the collective decoherence. By adjusting the Purcell factor to satisfy the balanced reflection condition, the detrimental effects of unbalanced reflection between the coupled and uncoupled QD-cavity systems can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the fidelity of each step can be increased to unity regardless of the strong coupling regime and the weak coupling regime of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) with the assistance of waveform correctors. The scheme requires QD-cavity systems and simple linear optical elements, which can be implemented with the currently experimental techniques.
Optical-pulse-based reconfigurable phase control for independent beamforming and band fusion in a dual-band phased array receiver
Authors: Zhou Defu , Qian Na , Ma Bowen , Lv Zhenbin , Lu Wenbin , Zou Weiwen
Published: April 2024

This Letter proposes an optical-pulse-based reconfigurable phase control method, enabling a dual-band phased array receiver to operate in two modes: dual-band-independent operation and dual-band fusion. The method utilizes optical pulses and optical delay to compensate for phase differences across frequency bands. An electrical phase shifter is employed to compensate for phase residual in both bands. All phase operations to both bands are processed concurrently in one link, thereby maintaining inter-band phase coherence. Experimental results verify the ability of dual-band-independent beamforming and inter-band phase coherence maintaining. A four-channel dual-band (X- and Ku-band) phased array antenna (PAA) receiver is constructed to measure PAA patterns and demonstrate band fusion. The pulse compression results in all directions reveal a doubled improvement in range resolution, which shows the potential for enhancement of radar performance.
Integrated bound-state-in-the-continuum photon-pair source
Authors: Ye Fan , Qin Yue , Cui Chenfei , Sun Xiankai , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: April 2024

Integrated photon-pair sources based on spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) in novel high-χ(2) materials are used in quantum photonic systems for quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and quantum simulations. However, the need for extensive fabrication process development and optimization of dry-etching processes significantly impedes the rapid exploration of different material platforms for low-loss quantum photonic circuits. Recently, bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a promising approach for realizing ultralow-loss integrated photonic circuits without requiring an etching process. Previous realizations of BIC photonic circuits have, however, been limited primarily to the classical regime. Here, we explore the BIC phenomena in the quantum regime and show that the etchless BIC platform is suitable for use in integrated entangled photon-pair sources based on the SPDC process in high-χ(2) materials. Using lithium niobate as an example, we demonstrate photon-pair generation at telecommunication wavelengths, attaining a maximum internal generation rate of 3.46 MHz, a coincidence-to-accidental ratio of 5773, and an experimental two‐photon interference visibility of 94%. Our results demonstrate that the BIC platform can be used for quantum photonic circuits, and this will enable the rapid exploration of different emerging χ(2) materials for possible use in integrated quantum photonics in the future.
Lineage frequency time series reveal elevated levels of genetic drift in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in England
Authors: Yu QinQin , Ascensao Joao A. , Okada Takashi ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Boyd Olivia , Volz Erik , Hallatschek Oskar
Published: April 2024

Genetic drift in infectious disease transmission results from randomness of transmission and host recovery or death. The strength of genetic drift for SARS-CoV-2 transmission is expected to be high due to high levels of superspreading, and this is expected to substantially impact disease epidemiology and evolution. However, we don’t yet have an understanding of how genetic drift changes over time or across locations. Furthermore, noise that results from data collection can potentially confound estimates of genetic drift. To address this challenge, we develop and validate a method to jointly infer genetic drift and measurement noise from time-series lineage frequency data. Our method is highly scalable to increasingly large genomic datasets, which overcomes a limitation in commonly used phylogenetic methods. We apply this method to over 490,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences from England collected between March 2020 and December 2021 by the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium and separately infer the strength of genetic drift for pre-B.1.177, B.1.177, Alpha, and Delta. We find that even after correcting for measurement noise, the strength of genetic drift is consistently, throughout time, higher than that expected from the observed number of COVID-19 positive individuals in England by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude, which cannot be explained by literature values of superspreading. Our estimates of genetic drift suggest low and time-varying establishment probabilities for new mutations, inform the parametrization of SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary models, and motivate future studies of the potential mechanisms for increased stochasticity in this system.
Latent Epstein-Barr virus infection collaborates with Myc over-expression in normal human B cells to induce Burkitt-like Lymphomas in mice
Authors: Bristol Jillian A. , Nelson Scott E. , Ohashi Makoto , Casco Alejandro , Hayes Mitchell , Ranheim Erik A. , Pawelski Abigail S. , Singh Deo R. , Hodson Daniel J. , Johannsen Eric C. , Kenney Shannon C.
Published: April 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an important cause of human lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma (BL). EBV+ BLs are driven by Myc translocation and have stringent forms of viral latency that do not express either of the two major EBV oncoproteins, EBNA2 (which mimics Notch signaling) and LMP1 (which activates NF-κB signaling). Suppression of Myc-induced apoptosis, often through mutation of the TP53 (p53) gene or inhibition of pro-apoptotic BCL2L11 (BIM) gene expression, is required for development of Myc-driven BLs. EBV+ BLs contain fewer cellular mutations in apoptotic pathways compared to EBV-negative BLs, suggesting that latent EBV infection inhibits Myc-induced apoptosis. Here we use an EBNA2-deleted EBV virus (ΔEBNA2 EBV) to create the first in vivo model for EBV+ BL-like lymphomas derived from primary human B cells. We show that cord blood B cells infected with both ΔEBNA2 EBV and a Myc-expressing vector proliferate indefinitely on a CD40L/IL21 expressing feeder layer in vitro and cause rapid onset EBV+ BL-like tumors in NSG mice. These LMP1/EBNA2-negative Myc-driven lymphomas have wild type p53 and very low BIM, and express numerous germinal center B cell proteins (including TCF3, BACH2, Myb, CD10, CCDN3, and GCSAM) in the absence of BCL6 expression. Myc-induced activation of Myb mediates expression of many of these BL-associated proteins. We demonstrate that Myc blocks LMP1 expression both by inhibiting expression of cellular factors (STAT3 and Src) that activate LMP1 transcription and by increasing expression of proteins (DNMT3B and UHRF1) known to enhance DNA methylation of the LMP1 promoters in human BLs. These results show that latent EBV infection collaborates with Myc over-expression to induce BL-like human B-cell lymphomas in mice. As NF-κB signaling retards the growth of EBV-negative BLs, Myc-mediated repression of LMP1 may be essential for latent EBV infection and Myc translocation to collaboratively induce human BLs.
Small RNA SmsR1 modulates acidogenicity and cariogenic virulence by affecting protein acetylation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Jing , Ma Qizhao , Huang Jun , Liu Yaqi , Zhou Jing , Yu Shuxing , Zhang Qiong , Lin Yongwang , Wang Lingyun , Zou Jing , Li Yuqing
Published: April 2024

Post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs and post-translational modifications (PTM) such as lysine acetylation play fundamental roles in physiological circuits, offering rapid responses to environmental signals with low energy consumption. Yet, the interplay between these regulatory systems remains underexplored. Here, we unveil the cross-talk between sRNAs and lysine acetylation in Streptococcus mutans, a primary cariogenic pathogen known for its potent acidogenic virulence. Through systematic overexpression of sRNAs in S. mutans, we identified sRNA SmsR1 as a critical player in modulating acidogenicity, a key cariogenic virulence feature in S. mutans. Furthermore, combined with the analysis of predicted target mRNA and transcriptome results, potential target genes were identified and experimentally verified. A direct interaction between SmsR1 and 5’-UTR region of pdhC gene was determined by in vitro binding assays. Importantly, we found that overexpression of SmsR1 reduced the expression of pdhC mRNA and increased the intracellular concentration of acetyl-CoA, resulting in global changes in protein acetylation levels. This was verified by acetyl-proteomics in S. mutans, along with an increase in acetylation level and decreased activity of LDH. Our study unravels a novel regulatory paradigm where sRNA bridges post-transcriptional regulation with post-translational modification, underscoring bacterial adeptness in fine-tuning responses to environmental stress.
La crisis del principio de resocialización. Un análisis comparado de la actualidad argentina y española
Authors: Zelasco Andrés María
Published: April 2024

En el presente artículo se aborda la crisis que padece el principio de resocialización, tanto en la actualidad argentina como en la española.
Las constituciones de ambos países han consagrado ese principio a la hora de justificar el ejercicio del poder punitivo. Sin embargo, la criminología mediática y los intereses políticos que la rodean han logrado generar en la sociedad un espíritu punitivista hace tiempo desconocido, que viene a poner en crisis los que parecían consensos inamovibles. Tal es así que, al día de hoy, se reclaman castigos ejemplarizantes y penas eternas.
Ante este panorama, se analizan las tensiones entre la finalidad de reinserción social de la pena y la pretensión punitiva imperante, y se ensayan algunas propuestas dirigidas a evitar que, como pareciera suceder últimamente, el principio constitucional aludido se vea anulado en la práctica judicial.
Wealth Creation and Urbanization Strategies: An Advocacy Framework Towards Sustainable Rural Inclusion
Authors: Essien Essien
Published: April 2024

The high rate of the drift from rural settlements and communities to urban and commercial cities points clearly to the fact that this unending and trending issue arises as a result of several gaps/omissions in the rural regions (these which are duly identified and presented on the poster) which can only be bridged through the instrumentality of viable and functional strategies. My comparative research on the rate of poverty between the rural and the urban regions as conducted within Shamage (Nasarawa State, Nigeria) and Maitama (FCT -Abuja, Nigeria) indicates that the official poverty rate in the rural area (Shamage) was almost 20% compared to just 6% in the urban area (Maitama). From this finding, it can be deduced that the significant impediment to the pace of development and actualization of the 17-points SDG agenda in the rural regions is attributed to the high rate of poverty and this calls for the introduction/development of a network towards the extermination of poverty. Meanwhile, "the community is the people, and the people in turn are the community" establishes the fact that a move aimed at enhancing and improving the community is a move that will definitely improve/develop the lives of the people. To this end, for such developmental strides to be implemented, a proven and reliable framework must be adopted. To achieve a state of total poverty extinction, sustainable cities and community development specifically in the rural regions, this research poster thus presents a variety of workable approaches and strategies necessary to be adopted for effective wealth creation programmes, facilities, policies and rapid urbanisation in the rural regions towards curbing the effects of imbalanced population index eithin a particular country and as well improving the standard of living towards the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
Impact of Primary Care Providers and Health Insurance Type on Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States
Authors: Annor Eugene , Atarere Joseph , Ubah Nneoma , Akhiwu Ted , Orhurhu Vwaire , Abegunde Ayokunle T.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer deaths. We evaluated the effect of health insurance type and primary care provider (PCP) access on CRC screening.

METHODS:

HINTS data were used to analyze CRC screening.

RESULTS:

Individuals aged 50 to 65 years had comparable screening rates across all insurance types. Beyond 65 years, individuals with Medicare or Medicare with private insurance were more likely to undergo screening than private insurance users. PCP access increased CRC screening rates. Among PCP users, Medicare, income, and smoking status influenced screening.

DISCUSSION:

Medicare and PCP access influence CRC screening. All individuals should be linked with PCPs.
The Public's Intended Uptake of Hypothetical Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Screening Scenarios: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Sijben Jasmijn , Rainey Linda , Maas Fleur , Broeders Mireille J.M. , Siersema Peter D. , Peters Yonne
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Screening for early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) may potentially reduce EAC-related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to examine the Dutch population's intended uptake of 3 hypothetical EAC screening test scenarios and preferences for potential future organization.

METHODS:

A total of 8,350 Dutch individuals aged 45–75 years were invited, of whom 2,258 completed a web-based survey. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 hypothetical screening test scenarios (i.e., transnasal endoscopy, ingestible cell collection device, or breath analysis). The primary outcome was intended uptake. Secondary outcomes included acceptance of screening eligibility criteria and preferences regarding invitation, counseling, and diagnostic follow-up. We performed exploratory univariable and multivariable regression analyses to assess which determinants were associated with EAC screening intent.

RESULTS:

Intended uptake of screening was highest in the breath analysis scenario (95%), followed by conventional upper endoscopy (78%), an ingestible cell collection device (75%), and transnasal endoscopy (68%) (P < 0.001). Anticipating discomfort was most strongly associated with decreased intention to undergo transnasal endoscopy (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.29) or swallow a cell collection device (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.32). Cancer worry and high acceptance of test sensitivity/specificity were consistently associated with a positive intention to participate in screening. Inviting persons for screening based on gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, age, or the output of a risk prediction model was acceptable to 74%, 69%, and 66%, respectively. Inviting only men was acceptable for only 41% of women. The majority (58%) preferred to be invited by a public health organization, and 32% of the participants preferred to discuss their decision to participate with a healthcare professional.

DISCUSSION:

Participants in this study self-selected through a web-based survey, potentially introducing selection bias. Participants generally intended to participate in EAC screening, although the level of intent depended on the discomfort and performance associated with the offered screening test. Determining eligibility based on gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, age, or a risk calculator, but not sex, would be acceptable to most individuals.
Judicious Use of Ozanimod for Ulcerative Colitis and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jhon Gabriela F. , Forster Erin M.
Published: April 2024

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of ozanimod, an oral sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. Infrequently does an opportunity present itself to use one drug for two simultaneous disease states, proving especially beneficial in the case of this patient intolerant of numerous established therapies for ulcerative colitis. This case report describes the successful use of ozanimod for both ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis, achieving clinical remission in both diseases.
Timing of onset of menses after GnRH agonist treatment for central precocious puberty
Authors: Klein Karen O. , Vargas Trujillo Marcela , Dragnic Sanja , Van Komen Stephen , Li Moming , Lee Peter A.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To understand possible predictors of the onset of menses after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment cessation in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP).

Methods

This exploratory post hoc analysis of a phase 3 and 4 trial of girls with CPP treated with once-monthly intramuscular leuprolide acetate examined onset of menses after treatment completion using a time-to-event analysis. Pretreatment and end-of-treatment chronologic age (CA), bone age (BA)/CA ratio, and Tanner breast stage; pretreatment menses status; and end-of-treatment BA and body mass index (BMI) were studied as potential factors influencing the onset of menses.

Results

Median time to first menses after stopping treatment was 18.3 months among 35 girls (mean age at onset of treatment, 6.8 years) examined. Of 26 girls experiencing menses, 11 (42 %) menstruated at 16–21 months after stopping treatment. Most girls with pretreatment BA/CA≥1.4 started menstruating very close to 18 months after stopping treatment; those with less advanced BA/CA experienced menses at 9–18 months. End-of-treatment BA/CA≥1.2 was associated with a quicker onset of menses (14.5 vs. 18.5 months for BA/CA<1.2, p=0.006). End-of-treatment BA≥12 years predicted longer time to menses. No relationship with time to menses was observed for pretreatment menarche status, pretreatment or end-of-treatment Tanner breast stage (<3/≥3) or CA (<6/≥6 or ≤11/>11), or end-of-treatment BMI percentiles (<85.6/≥85.6 and <92.6/≥92.6).

Conclusions

Pretreatment menarche status or CA do not appear to predict onset of menses, but pre- and end-of-treatment BA/CA may be helpful in anticipating time to first menses after stopping treatment.
A 14-year-old girl with premature ovarian insufficiency but with a positive pregnancy test
Authors: Touwslager Robbert N.H. , Zwaan C. Michel , Bakker Boudewijn , Lentjes Eef G.W.M. , Looijenga Leendert H.J. , van Santen Hanneke M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for premature ovarian insufficiency, especially after treatment with alkylating agents. The objective of this report is to highlight a case in which this phenomenon caused a false-positive pregnancy test.

Case presentation

A workup was performed in a 14-year-old girl with a positive pregnancy test. She was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma of the left adrenal gland at the age of 4 years. She received extensive treatment, including alkylating agents, and had been diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency. An LH/hCG suppression test was performed using high dose 17 bèta-estradiol: hCG levels normalized.

Conclusions

The pregnancy test was false-positive due to production of low amounts of hCG by the pituitary gland as a result of high LH concentrations following premature ovarian insufficiency. It may be helpful to perform the LH/hCG suppression test to prove pituitary origin of the hCG overproduction.
Effect of anterior femoral cortical notch grade on postoperative function and complications during TKA surgery: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Jin Zhaokai , Wang Zhengming , Xu Kuangying , Chu Jiahao , Xiang Sicheng , Tang Yi , Wang Rui , Hua Haotian , Zhang Zhongyi , Tong Peijian , Lv Shuaijie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To explore the effect of AFN on knee function and complications in patients after TKA.

Methods

We evaluated 150 patients undergoing unilateral TKA, specifically including 102 patients with varying degrees of AFN after selection. They were divided into four groups based on AFN grade. About 48 patients did not produce AFN, 63 patients were grade I, 29 patients were grade II, and 10 patients were grade III. All patients were followed up for 24 months, and knee function, pain, complications, and other indicators were compared between the four groups. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to study the relationship between AFN and other indicators.

Results

Two cases of periprosthetic fractures (PPF) occurred in our study, with an incidence of 1.35%, which did not show a significant association with AFN. The changes in knee social score (ΔKSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (ΔWOMAC), and postoperative anterior knee pain visual analog scale (VAS) score were higher in patients with AFN than in those without. Particularly, grades II and III AFN demonstrated superior efficacy. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that AFN grade is positively correlated with both ΔKSS and ΔWOMAC (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), and AFN grade had a negative correlation with the anterior knee pain VAS (r = −0.250, P < 0.05). In linear regression analysis, AFN grade was positively correlated with both ΔKSS (β = 5.974, 95% CI: 3.968–7.981, P < 0.001) and ΔWOMAC (β = 6.356, 95% CI: 4.223–8.490, P < 0.001). Besides that, there was a negative correlation between AFN grade and anterior knee pain (β = 5.974, 95% CI: 3.968–7.981, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with grade II and III AFN who underwent TKA exhibited better knee function and lower levels of anterior knee pain post-surgery.
Optimize the corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties of AISI 316 stainless steel under heat treatment and previous cold working
Authors: Lieth Haider Mahdi , Munahi Basil Sh. , Mohammad Haider M.
Published: April 2024

Improving corrosion resistance in alloys made of stainless steel is an important innovation on the petroleum trade. The effect of heat treatments (HT) and cold working on the corrosion behaviour, surface hardness, and microstructure of 316 stainless steel was investigated experimentally. The corrosion environment is seawater and crude oil. The corrosion rates (CRs) were obtained using the mean loss of weight approach, which was then optimised using the Taguchi method. The specimens used in this study are made of 316 stainless steel rod, which is first annealed to obtain the qualities of the raw material before being put through a tensile test to assess the mechanical characteristics of the metal. After cold working, the hardness test, the corrosion test utilising the lost weight method, and the microstructure test are all carried out. By performing these tests, the metal show excellent mechanical properties such as yield stress, tensile stress, and hardness; in the corrosion test, the raw metal show higher resistance in both seawater and crude oil, while in cold working and HT with cold working, samples show higher corrosion The HT samples had the lowest corrosion resistance as the cold working percentage increased. In this work, the input parameters such as ultimate corrosion media, HT and cold work (CW) are optimised utilising a multiple objective optimisation approach that uses weighted grey relational analysis. Two objectives, that are CR and Hardness (H), are simultaneously optimised. We suggested a quantitative approach to establish the weight factors of various responses for grey relational analysis called weighted grey relational analysis. The optimum input parameters were determined using weighted grey relational analysis, and the outcomes showed that HT is the most relevant parameter. Cold working has been observed in association with stress-related twinning and austenite phase deformation, resulting in fast grain splitting and the production of a microstructure that resembles a ribbon composed of austenite and ferrite.
Effect of ground tyre rubber content on self-healing properties of natural rubber composites
Authors: Masraff Mimi Syahira , Othman Nadras , Musa Muhamad Sharan , Tran Dai Lam , Shuib Raa Khimi
Published: April 2024

In this investigation, we study the influence of the loading of ground tyre rubber (GTR), referred to as rubber dust 40 mesh (RD40), on the intrinsic self-healing natural rubber (NR) based on metal-thiolate ionic networks. The loading of RD40 particles was varied at 10, 20, and 30 phr to assess the optimum amount for interfacial bonding, mechanical and dynamic properties, and healing efficiency. The quantitative measurement of metal-thiolate ion networks and covalent crosslinks was assessed through swelling tests. The effects of RD40 loading on the dynamic mechanical properties and morphological characteristics were also investigated. Tensile properties of the rubbers before and after healing were measured using universal testing tester to obtain healing efficiency of the materials. The results showed that the developed materials have the ability to autonomously repair themselves at room temperature without the need for manual intervention. The results also revealed the tensile strength and elongation at break of self-healing NRs filled with 10 phr of RD40 were recovered 92 % and 93 %, respectively. The findings demonstrated the benefits of utilizing GTR as an effective sustainable filler and advanced the understanding of self-healing strategies and the interaction between ground tyre rubber and rubber matrices.
Uranium concentrations and its isotopes in baby food of Iraq
Authors: Taher Farqad Abbas , Abojassim Ali Abid
Published: April 2024

This study determines uranium concentrations and isotopes (238U, 235U, and 234U) in baby food samples collected from Iraqi markets using solid-state nuclear track detector technical (CR-39). Also, some radiological hazard parameters such as annual committed effective dose (E
U) and risk of an excess cancer fatality per million persons (RECFPMP) for the same study samples were calculated using theoretical equations. The samples in the present study were classified into three varieties: cereals and cereal products, vegetables and fruits, and biscuits. The results show that the average uranium concentration (mg/kg or ppm) values in cereals and cereal products, vegetables and fruits, and biscuits were 0.71 ± 0.01, 0.81 ± 0.04, and 0.72 ± 0.031, respectively. At the same time, the average values of 238U, 235U, and 234U in all samples of the present study were 9.08 ±0.17 Bq/kg, 0.42 ± 0.0081 Bq/kg, and 9.33 ± 0.18 Bq/kg, respectively. The total average of E
U (mSv/y) due to all uranium isotopes (238U, 235U, and 234U) in cereals and cereal products, vegetables and fruits, and biscuits were 0.042 ± 0.0006, 0.039 ± 0.001, and 0.034 ± 0.001, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the average values of RECFPMP were 0.159 ± 0.002 in cereals and cereal products samples, 0.154 ± 0.007 in vegetables and fruits samples, and 0.130 ± 0.005 in biscuits samples. Uranium concentrations and the total annual committed effective dose in all baby food samples comply with the worldwide limits approved by UNSCEAR, which state safe limitations (1.7 mg/kg) and (0.32 mSv/y), respectively. So, one may conclude that there is no danger of uranium concentrations in the case of baby consumption.
Micellar extracts obtained from Bistortae rhizoma, Fraxinus excelsior, and Romex crispus as components of hair shampoos
Authors: Zięba Małgorzata , Czerwonka Dominik , Ruszkowska Millena
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential applications of micellar extracts derived from Bistortae rhizoma, Fraxinus excelsior, and Romex crispus as components of hair shampoos and to examine the impact of these micellar extracts on the specific properties of the formulated cosmetics. The antioxidant activity, polyphenol content, and vitamin C content of the plant materials selected for the study were assessed. In addition, particle size analysis was performed for the obtained micellar extracts. The shampoos prepared on the basis of original formulations were evaluated for irritation potential, viscosity, foam stability index, and color. The plants evaluated in the study exhibited a high level of antioxidant activity, and the derived extracts were found to contain micellar aggregates. The application of the extracts was shown to reduce the skin irritation potential of the shampoos and reduce their viscosity. In addition, the formulated shampoos were characterized by a high foam stability index. Substantial variations in the color of the cosmetics were observed upon the introduction of the micellar extracts into the formulations.
“But his sense of justice turned him into a brigand and a murderer.” On Gunther Teubner’s “Self-subversive Justice: Contingency or Transcendence Formula of Law?”
Authors: Nobles Richard , Schiff David
Published: April 2024

Teubner’s article on self-subversive justice is an inspiring example of the way in which he tries to move forward Luhmann’s sociological endeavour of understanding law in terms of how it understands itself. Moving Luhmann’s autopoietic systems theory forward is something that Teubner significantly does in many of his writings. Here he contrasts various social and legal philosophical accounts with a potential sociological account of justice that utilises the contrasting versions of both Luhmann’s autopoietic systems theory and Derrida’s deconstruction theory. To appreciate how justice operates self-subversively is to appreciate how law cannot avoid striving to overcome itself, and how justice both in its many universal and alterity forms enables this. Teubner gets close to marrying not only Luhmann and Derrida, but also sociological theory and literary or poetic theory; also marrying judicial creativity with that of other creative arts. Law constantly looks to justice within its own practices, but at the same time beyond those practices and thereby challengingly confronting itself and its search for justice in doing so.
The Impact of an 8-Week Resisted Sprint Training Program on Ice Skating Performance in Male Youth Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Dietze-Hermosa Martin S. , Montalvo Samuel , Gonzalez Matthew P. , Dorgo Sandor
Published: April 2024

Dietze-Hermosa, MS, Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, and Dorgo, S. The impact of an 8-week, resisted, sprint training program on ice skating performance in male youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 957–965, 2024—The purposes of this randomized control study were to (a) compare the effects of an on-ice versus an overground resisted sprint training intervention and a control condition and (b) identify changes in ice skating kinematics and kinetics after training intervention participation. Twenty-four youth ice hockey players were randomly allocated into 3 groups: (a) on-ice resisted sprint training (on-ice RST); (b) overground resisted sprint training (overground RST); and (c) body weight resistance training (control). During the 8-week intervention, the 2 RST groups engaged in sled towing methods, whereas the control group engaged in a body weight resistance training program twice a week. A series of individual, repeated-measures analysis of variances with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted for variables of interest. An interaction effect was noted for ice skating s-cornering agility drill completion time (p = 0.01; η

p

2 = 0.36), ice skating 30-m top speed completion time (p = 0.04; η

p

2 = 0.27), step length (p = 0.04; η

p

2 = 0.26), and knee angle at touchdown (p = 0.03; η

p

2 = 0.30). The on-ice RST group displayed superior improvements across ice skating tests compared with the control group. Data show that on-ice RST has the greatest transfer effect to ice skating metrics; however, improvements in certain ice skating metrics can be observed with overground training also.
Electrophysiological Properties of the Medial Mammillary Bodies across the Sleep–Wake Cycle
Authors: Dillingham Christopher M. , Wilson Jonathan J. , Vann Seralynne D.
Published: April 2024

The medial mammillary bodies (MBs) play an important role in the formation of spatial memories; their dense inputs from hippocampal and brainstem regions makes them well placed to integrate movement-related and spatial information, which is then extended to the anterior thalamic nuclei and beyond to the cortex. While the anatomical connectivity of the medial MBs has been well studied, much less is known about their physiological properties, particularly in freely moving animals. We therefore carried out a comprehensive characterization of medial MB electrophysiology across arousal states by concurrently recording from the medial MB and the CA1 field of the hippocampus in male rats. In agreement with previous studies, we found medial MB neurons to have firing rates modulated by running speed and angular head velocity, as well as theta-entrained firing. We extended the characterization of MB neuron electrophysiology in three key ways: (1) we identified a subset of neurons (25%) that exhibit dominant bursting activity; (2) we showed that ∼30% of theta-entrained neurons exhibit robust theta cycle skipping, a firing characteristic that implicates them in a network for prospective coding of position; and (3) a considerable proportion of medial MB units showed sharp-wave ripple (SWR) responsive firing (∼37%). The functional heterogeneity of MB electrophysiology reinforces their role as an integrative node for mnemonic processing and identifies potential roles for the MBs in memory consolidation through propagation of SWR-responsive activity to the anterior thalamus and prospective coding in the form of theta cycle skipping.
Neural Reward Representations Enable Utilitarian Welfare Maximization
Authors: Soutschek Alexander , Burke Christopher J. , Kang Pyungwon , Wieland Nuri , Netzer Nick , Tobler Philippe N.
Published: April 2024

From deciding which meal to prepare for our guests to trading off the proenvironmental effects of climate protection measures against their economic costs, we often must consider the consequences of our actions for the well-being of others (welfare). Vexingly, the tastes and views of others can vary widely. To maximize welfare according to the utilitarian philosophical tradition, decision-makers facing conflicting preferences of others should choose the option that maximizes the sum of the subjective value (utility) of the entire group. This notion requires comparing the intensities of preferences across individuals. However, it remains unclear whether such comparisons are possible at all and (if they are possible) how they might be implemented in the brain. Here, we show that female and male participants can both learn the preferences of others by observing their choices and represent these preferences on a common scale to make utilitarian welfare decisions. On the neural level, multivariate support vector regressions revealed that a distributed activity pattern in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), a brain region previously associated with reward processing, represented the preference strength of others. Strikingly, also the utilitarian welfare of others was represented in the VMPFC and relied on the same neural code as the estimated preferences of others. Together, our findings reveal that humans can behave as if they maximized utilitarian welfare using a specific utility representation and that the brain enables such choices by repurposing neural machinery processing the reward others receive.