bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies regarding influences of ethanol on hypoxemic stress in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Stoica Simona Isabelle , Onose Gelu , Bleotu Coralia , Neagu Ana Iulia , Pitica Ioana Mădălina , Dragu Denisa
Published: January 2024

: Introduction In the modern world a pathology with increasing frequency is that of spinal cord injury (SCI), with the risk of dysfunction on multiple levels. Following our clinical experience, we have conducted studies on the effect of hypoxic stress (also present in spinal cord injury) on neuronal cell cultures treated for a long time with ethanol (trying to reproduce chronic alcoholism). In this article we present the behavior of neural cells subacutely exposed to ethanol after hypoxic stress, in order to perform a comparative analysis with chronic exposure to alcohol. Materials and methods We performed subacute treatments with ethanol in neural cell cultures. We evaluated gene expression and protein synthesis in the case of experimentally induced hypoxic stress. Disscusions The complexity of the human body is superior to experimental models. This experiment creates a model of extremely complex changes after spinal cord injury. The results cannot undoubtedly overlap the conditions of the physiopathological reality. Results and conclusions The model of neural hypoxic suffering in cell cultures is similar in the case of cell cultures treated subacutely with ethanol, except: the risk of neurodegeneration, the phenomenon of axonal die-back, proapoptotic tendencies, proinflammatory tendencies. The effect of chronic (more than acute/subacute) ethanolic consumption seems to determine geno-molecular neural changes with a potentially favorable effect regarding the response (immediate and long-term) to spinal cord injury
"II Possedimento": αναζητώντας το ρόλο της τοπικής εξουσίας στα στρατηγικά σχέδια των Ιταλών για τα Δωδεκάνησα (1922-1943)
Authors: Κοντάκης Ιωάννης
Published: January 2024

Η διδακτορική διατριβή με τίτλο: «Il Possedimento: Αναζητώντας το ρόλο της τοπικής εξουσίας στα στρατηγικά σχέδια των Ιταλών για τα Δωδεκάνησα (1922-1943)» έχει ως αντικείμενο μελέτης την ιταλική διοίκηση των Δωδεκανήσων κατά το αναφερόμενο διάστημα. Ειδικότερα, στόχος είναι η σκιαγράφηση της εξέλιξης και της μορφής της τοπικής διοίκησης στην πάροδο του χρόνου, η αποσαφήνιση των στρατηγικών σχεδίων της Ιταλίας για τα Δωδεκάνησα και ο συσχετισμός τους με την ευρύτερη ιταλική πολιτική. Μέσα από αυτή τη διαδικασία επιδιώκεται η ανάδειξη και η ανάλυση του ρόλου και της σημασίας της τοπικής διοίκησης, και ειδικότερα του Κυβερνήτη των Δωδεκανήσων, στη διαμόρφωση της ιταλικής κατοχής και του αντίκτυπού της στους νησιώτες. Ειδικότερα, μελετάται ο ρόλος του Διοικητή της Δωδεκανήσου, οι εξουσίες που κατείχε, ο τρόπος με τον οποίο άσκησε τη διακυβέρνηση προκειμένου να εξυπηρετήσει την ιταλική στρατηγική και συνολικά η συμβολή του στη διαμόρφωση της ιταλικής κατοχής . Πιο συγκεκριμένα, μελετάται η διοίκηση τεσσάρων διοικητών: του διπλωμάτη Mario Lago (1922-1936), του φασίστα quadrumviro Cesare Maria De Vecchi (1936-1940), του στρατηγού Ettore Bastico (1940-1941) και του ναυάρχου Inigo Campioni (1941-1943). Η διατριβή διαρθρώνεται σε πέντε κεφάλαια στα οποία αναλύονται τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του όρου "Possedimento", αποσαφηνίζεται ο ρόλος της Δωδεκανήσου στην ιταλική εξωτερική πολιτική και αναλύονται οι ενέργειες των τεσσάρων κυβερνήσεων σε σχέση με τα παραπάνω ζητήματα. Η έρευνα βασίστηκε σε πρωτογενές αρχειακό υλικό στην Ελλάδα και την Ιταλία και σε δευτερογενές υλικό διαφόρων τύπων και γλωσσών.
Understanding how they really feel: Lesson learned from four approaches to soliciting user preferences for new contraceptive products in development
Authors: Brunie Aurélie , Callahan Rebecca
Published: January 2024

Background An expanded range of contraceptive methods could reduce unintended pregnancies. User preferences research is important for successful development of products people want to use. This paper describes four approaches to preferences research soliciting user input in different ways: 1) perspectives on contraceptive method characteristics, 2) reactions to products in development, 3) trade-offs between contraceptive method characteristics, and 4) “blue-sky” ideas on novel contraceptive technologies. Methods We conducted two mixed-method studies: one implemented in Burkina Faso and Uganda combining three of these approaches, and the other implemented in India and Nigeria using two approaches. We share observations on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and draw on our experience to highlight lessons learned for future user preferences studies. Results Each approach contributes to product development in different ways, and the usefulness of each methodology depends on the product development stage and corresponding informational needs. Conclusions Recommendations for future research include combining different methods, angles, and perspectives; using sequential designs whenever possible; tailoring product descriptions to user understanding for optimal feedback; and acknowledging the value and limitations of both quantitative results for modeling demand and idiosyncratic ideas to inspire development of new products.
Pyrethroid resistance and gene expression profile of a new resistant An. gambiae colony from Uganda reveals multiple resistance mechanisms and overexpression of Glutathione-S-Transferases linked to survival of PBO-pyrethroid combination
Authors: Oruni Ambrose , Lynd Amy , Njoroge Harun , Onyige Ismail , van’t Hof Arjen E. , Matovu Enock , Donnelly Martin J.
Published: January 2024

Background: The effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are being threatened by growing resistance to pyrethroids. To restore their efficacy, a synergist, piperonyl butoxide (PBO) which inhibits cytochrome P450s has been incorporated into pyrethroid treated nets. A trial of PBO-LLINs was conducted in Uganda from 2017 and we attempted to characterize mechanisms of resistance that could impact intervention efficacy.

Methods: We established an Anopheles gambiae s.s colony in 2018 using female mosquitoes collected from Busia district in eastern Uganda. We first assessed the phenotypic resistance profile of this colony using WHO tube and net assays using a deltamethrin dose-response approach. The Busia colony was screened for known resistance markers and RT-qPCR targeting 15 genes previously associated with insecticide resistance was performed.

Results: The Busia colony had very high resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT. In addition, the colony had moderate resistance to alpha-cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin but were fully susceptible to bendiocarb and fenitrothion. Exposure to PBO in combination with permethrin and deltamethrin resulted in higher mortality rates in both net and tube assays, with a higher mortality observed in net assays than tube assays. The kdr marker, Vgsc-995S was at very high frequency (91.7-98.9%) whilst the metabolic markers Coeae1d and Cyp4j5-L43F were at very low (1.3% - 11.5%) and moderate (39.5% - 44.7%) frequencies respectively. Our analysis showed that gene expression pattern in mosquitoes exposed to deltamethrin, permethrin or DDT only were similar in comparison to the susceptible strain and there was significant overexpression of cytochrome P450s, glutathione-s-transferases (GSTs) and carboxyl esterases (COEs).  However, mosquitoes exposed to both PBO and pyrethroid strikingly and significantly only overexpressed closely related GSTs compared to unexposed mosquitoes while major cytochrome P450s were underexpressed.

Conclusions: The high levels of pyrethroid resistance observed in Busia appears associated with a wide range of metabolic gene families.
The genome sequence of an ichneumonid wasp, Exephanes ischioxanthus (Gravenhorst, 1829)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Exephanes ischioxanthus (an ichneumonid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence is 284.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.43 kilobases in length.
Rewolucja niezbrojna, czyli białoruska kulturowa partyzantka opozycyjna
Authors: Gołębiowska-Suchorska Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Recenzja: Joanna Getka, Jolanta Darczewska, Na drodze do wolności. Białoruska partyzantka kulturowa w przestrzeni publicznej i Internecie, Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Warszawa 2021.
Horror (w) rzeczywistości
Authors: Golec Zuzanna
Published: January 2024

Recenzja: Dariusz Brzostek, Wola nie-wiedzy. Horror postmodernistyczny czy groza późnej nowoczesności?, Wydawnictwo Naukowe UMK, Toruń 2020.
Overview of Skeletal Dysplasias
Authors: DAŞAR Tuğba , KILIÇ Esra
Published: January 2024

Skeletal dysplasias are quite a heterogeneous group of disorders, characterized by bone and cartilage abnormalities. Although each of them is individually rare, collectively the birth incidence is approximately 1 in 5000 live births. Due to the clinical heterogeneity, patients with skeletal dysplasias can apply to different departments with many different complaints or even lethal in the perinatal period. The establishment of a precise diagnosis provide proper clinical management of the patient, and a confirmed molecular diagnosis can prevent the recurrence of the disorder in the next generations. However, determining a spesific diagnosis is not always easy, yet a multisystemic, comprehensive, and stepwise approach to the patients with skeletal dysplasias, at least allows clinicians to classify into a specific group. In this review, general approach to patients with skeletal dysplasias, and some of the clinical and radiographic clues helpful in the diagnostic process are briefly summarized.
Policy and organisational learning in judicial reform: evidence from Italy
Authors: Kamkhaji Jonathan C. , Vecchi Giancarlo
Published: January 2024

The Italian judicial system is well-known for its substandard performance by comparison with its European peers. In this article, we analyse the implementation of an important reform of the Italian judicial system designed and implemented in the context of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan funded by Next Generation EU. The reform, launched in February 2022, involves the introduction of a new organisational structure (The Office for the Trial) staffed with 16,500 newly appointed judicial assistants, representing an increase of about one third of the total judicial workforce employed in Italy. By leveraging the concepts of policy and organisational learning (OL), we show that variation of the modes of policy learning observed in implementation design is linked with variation in the organisational models adopted by different judicial offices to implement the reform. Then, by connecting organisational models to OL and focusing on the performance of five selected sections within the Court of Appeal of Milan, we show that organisational models informed by reflexivity are associated with better performance than models informed by hierarchy. The study contributes to scholarship on policy and OL, as well as providing a first, albeit limited and exploratory, empirical evaluation of a strategic public sector reform.
Mapping the changing role of expertise in COVID-19 politics in Europe
Authors: Lynggaard Kennet , Exadaktylos Theofanis , Dagnis Jensen Mads , Kluth Michael
Published: January 2024

During major national crises countries experience a ‘rally round the flag’ effect, where citizens, societal groups and politicians put aside mundane conflicts to stand united against a common threat. This shift to depoliticised policymaking was indeed observed in many European countries during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 onwards. Subsequently it noted how politics involving COVID-19 were then (re)politicised, typically when lockdowns were lifted. This article sets out to explore the role of expertise in shaping policy responses during politicised/depoliticised processes. It offers a new typology, classifying four different ideal types of roles for experts as leading, antagonistic, managerial, and auxiliary. Using survey data from political science experts across 31 European countries it analyses knowledge exchanges at different stages throughout the pandemic, and finds a shift from normal policymaking conditions to conditions of politicisation/depoliticisation triggered by the pandemic. The findings demonstrate that the role of experts oscillates depending on the issue at hand and the way that either political actors utilise expertise to legitimise decisions or experts themselves turn into political actors within politicised decision environments. During the pandemic, a dramatic shift of the expert’s role occurred where even in countries whose experts previously had an auxiliary role, leading policy decisions became the norm.
Thermal stress coupling mechanism during nanosecond impulse delay for the synergistic study of continuous-nanosecond combined laser removal of the rubber layer on a concrete surface
Authors: Liu Yubo , Cai Jixing , Mao Hongtao , Wang Yunpeng , Zhang Baijie , Jin Le
Published: January 2024

Based on the principle of laser ablation and elastic vibration effect, a model of continuous nanosecond combined laser removal of rubber marks on a concrete surface was established. The model can explain the evolution of temperature, stress, and removal depth on time and laser energy density during laser cleaning. The results show that the theoretical adsorption force between the rubber layer and the concrete base is approximately 3.88×10−9N. The continuous laser cleaning threshold is 561.31J/cm2. In the combined laser, the continuous laser is 534.41J/cm2, and the nanosecond laser is 0.35J/cm2. As the delay time between the 2 ns laser beams increases, the maximum peak in the temperature curve gradually decreases. The optimal cleaning delay was obtained as Δt=0.65S. The peak temperature at the characteristic position (0 µm, 0 µm) is 592.13 K, which is lower than the vaporization temperature of the rubber layer. The thermal stress values generated at this characteristic position exceed the adsorption stress values, indicating that the elastic removal mechanism is the main removal mechanism at the junction between the rubber layer and the concrete substrate.
Monolithic integrated light-emitting-diode/photodetector sensor for photoactive analyte monitoring: design and simulation
Authors: Amiri Peyman , Casals Olga , Daniel Prades Joan , Hartmann Jana , Waag Andreas , Pannek Carolin , Engel Laura , Auf der Maur Matthias
Published: January 2024

We present the simulation and design optimization of an integrated
light-emitting-diode/photodetector (LED-PD) sensor system for
monitoring of light absorbance changes developing in analyte-sensitive
compounds. The sensor integrates monolithically both components in a
single chip, offering advantages such as downsizing, reduced assembly
complexity, and lower power consumption. The changes in the optical
parameters of the analyte-sensitive ink are detected by monitoring the
power transmission from the LED to the PD. Ray tracing and coupled
modeling approach (CMA) simulations are employed to investigate the
interaction of the emitted light with the ink. In highly absorbing
media, CMA predicts more accurate results by considering evanescent
waves. Simulations also suggest that an approximately 39% change in
optical transmission can be achieved by adjusting the ink-deposited
layer thickness and varying the extinction coefficient from 10−4 to 3×10−4.
Small random library method combined with local searching in optical critical dimension measurements
Authors: Zhao Wenxiu , Wang Xiaocheng , Zhong Qianglong
Published: January 2024

The critical dimensions (CDs) of gratings significantly influence their optical performances and require high-resolution measurements. To avoid damaging the gratings, a model-based optical critical dimension (OCD) measurement method utilizing ellipsometry or scatterometry was applied by matching the simulated and experimental values. However, online CD measurements during grating fabrication require a bulky presimulated library containing the condition points with various CDs, making it time consuming and resource intensive to build with large dimension ranges to account for grating fabrication errors. In this study, we proposed a smaller random library with an unevenly distributed resolution, offering finer resolution when the grating to be measured is close to the reference grating. This approach, validated using a home-constructed spectroscopic ellipsometer, resulted in better results. Finally, a local search algorithm based on a random library was applied to further improve the measurement accuracy. This approach extraordinarily reduced the preparation time for OCD measurements and achieved better performance, significantly improving the efficiency of grating development and fabrication inspection.
Optimization of under-sampling phase detection accuracy in phase laser ranging
Authors: Pan Yingling , Ji Rongyi , Xie Ziqi , Gao Meng , Dong Dengfeng , Zhou Weihu , Li Guicun
Published: January 2024

Under-sampling is an advantageous way for lowering sampling circuit complexity in phase laser ranging while maintaining high modulated frequency operation. Improving the accuracy of the ranging system is the aim of the proposed selection criteria with involved under-sampling parameters. These parameters include signal frequency, sampling frequency, and calculation points. Setting the number of one periodic sampling points to be an integer power of 2 (power=2−6) optimizes the accuracy in integral periodic sampling. Levering up calculated periods with limited calculated points and averaging the calculated phase by employing the corresponding average parameter can both enhance accuracy in non-integral periodic sampling. These criteria are verified through derivation and simulation and are applied to the ranging system. The experimental results demonstrate that, by applying these selection criteria, the phase detection accuracy in the under-sampling ranging system can be potently improved without any pre-processing or algorithmic refinement.
Dynamic pressure surface deformation measurement based on a chromatic confocal sensor: erratum
Authors: Zhao Bin , Li Junyi , Mao Xiaoxiao , Sun Fei , Gao Xiumin
Published: January 2024

This erratum corrects errors in Fig. 4 of the original paper, Appl. Opt. 62, 1467 (2023)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.482808.
Adjoint-based optimization of dielectric coatings for refractory metals to achieve broadband spectral reflection
Authors: Balazadeh Koucheh Amin , Kecebas Muhammed Ali , Sendur Kursat
Published: January 2024

Refractory metals, which include niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten, are critical components in applications in extreme environments due to their attractive thermomechanical properties. However, their low reflectivity below 1500 nm has prompted researchers to focus on increasing their reflection at shorter wavelengths. In this study, we applied an adjoint-based optimization technique to improve the spectral reflectivity of refractory metals in the broadband spectrum (300–3000 nm). An optimized periodic multilayer consisting of SiO2/TiO2 is selected as a starting point for the process. Then, the adjoint-based method is implemented to enhance the reflection of the surfaces. This approach involves an iterative procedure that guarantees improvement in every iteration. In every iteration, both the direct and adjoint solutions of Maxwell’s equations are computed to predict the scattering characteristics of a particular microstructure on a surface and measure its effectiveness. The results of our study indicate that the final designs not only increase reflectivity to over 90% but also have thermomechanical benefits that make them suitable for use in harsh environments. We also explored the effect of initial geometry on the results. Overall, our study shows that the adjoint-based optimization technique is an effective method for creating high-performing broadband reflectors with refractory metal substrates coated with dielectric multilayers.
Holographic gratings for 90% power-efficient excitation of optical surface waves
Authors: Ignatov Anton I. , Merzlikin Alexander M.
Published: January 2024

A holographic method for the design of low-loss grating couplers for optical surface waves excitation has been proposed. For a particular example of excitation of a plasmon-polariton wave in a dielectric layer on metal, the coupling efficiency of the proposed volume holograms in the dielectric layer has been analyzed in comparison with optimized periodic gratings of vertical slits in the dielectric layer. It has been shown that the coupling efficiency of the holographic gratings can exceed 90% (−0.46dB) for the vertically incident exciting Gaussian beam. The coupling efficiency of optimized periodic gratings of vertical slits in the dielectric layer was considerably lower for the same system and exciting beam parameters. The proposed method is universal: it can be applied to develop holograms for excitation of various types of waveguide modes and surface waves within dielectric and metal-dielectric structures.
High-order mode working terahertz radiation source based on narrow-band Smith-Purcell radiation in a closed structure
Authors: Zhang Ping , Bi Liangjie , Yang Youfeng , Zhao Deqiang , Zhen Yuan , Wang Shaomeng , Aimierding Aimidula , Gong Yubin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we use the method of high order TMn1 mode selection from the concept of narrow-band Smith-Purcell radiation (SPR) for powerful, over-mode, multi-gap extended interaction circuit designs toward millimeter wave and Terahertz (THz) region. As a core part, the multiple gaps interaction structure, equivalent to a subwavelength hole array (SHA), excites the narrow band SPR when an electron beam is injected. The SPR energy is collected by a pair of closed cavities, which satisfies (n-1) standing wave units. The SPR energy in the optimized cavity allows a high index n TMn1 mode operation to achieve the strongest Ez field and high characteristic impedance in a closed multi-gap resonant circuit. This provides an effective design to establish a stable high-order TMn1 mode that supports extended interaction circuits with large cross sections. A 0.46 THz extended interaction circuit, employing the novel high order TM51-2π mode operation output structure, has been designed to demonstrate the efficient beam-wave interaction in the proposed system. The method of TMn1 mode selection provides new insight into the understanding of the high-frequency extended interaction circuits by introducing the SPR concept, benefiting the development of millimeter wave and THz vacuum electron devices (VEDs).
Absolute tests of three flats for interferometer with 800 mm aperture
Authors: Ma Zhiyao , Chen Lei , Ma Jun , Zheng Donghui , Zhang Zhe , Liu YuQing
Published: January 2024

In this study, absolute tests of three flats were performed by using an 800 mm Fizeau interferometer. The flats were installed by employing double-wedge rubber, and the deformation of the flats, primarily involving power and spherical aberrations, was analyzed by conducting finite element analysis. The measurement results revealed an astigmatism component that did not follow the rotation. The astigmatism was separated from the measurement result, and the remaining aberration was consistent with the simulation results, confirming that the astigmatism deformation did not originate from the rubber installation. Subsequently, an absolute test of an 800 mm flat was completed, and the results were compared with those of the traditional three-flat absolute test and Zygo interferometer. The directions of the vertical diameter lines were consistent. The peak-to-valley difference in the full-surface shape was less than 4 nm, and the root mean square was less than 1 nm. The surface errors of flats A and C were consistent with the result of replacing the reference flat, B, with the fourth flat, D, to perform an absolute test. The difference between flats A and C was similar to Zygo’s results, thus eliminating the influence of the transmission flat. These results verified the accuracy of the results.
Photothermal metasurface with polarization and wavelength multiplexing
Authors: Zhao Ke , Li Zilu , Zhong Yongchun , Dai Qiaofeng
Published: January 2024

Controlling temperature distribution at the micro/nano-scale brings new applications in many fields such as physics, chemistry and biology. This paper proposes a photothermal metasurface that employs polarization and wavelength multiplexing to regulate various temperature distributions at the micro/nano-scale. Such a photothermal metasurface is numerically validated by the finite element method. Firstly, the inversion algorithm is used to calculate the thermal power density distribution, which is decided by a given temperature distribution. Then, based on the bottom-up design method, (a) the library of absorption cross sections of gold nanoparticles is established by resizing nanoparticles; (b) the single pixel is constructed for wavelength and polarization multiplexing; (c) the overall structure of a photothermal metasurface is optimized and established. Finally, four given temperature distributions, combining the multiplexing of two orthogonal polarizations and two wavelengths, are achieved in the same area. The simulation results well confirm the feasibility of photothermal multiplexing. Such photothermal metasurface provides solutions for flexible control of temperature distribution at the micro/nano-scale.
Laser beam homogenization based on a multifocal liquid crystal microlens array
Authors: Hsu Che Ju , Antony Mareena , Huang Chi Yen
Published: January 2024

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, tunable multifocal liquid crystal microlens array (TMLCMA) was fabricated with a triple-electrode structure consisting of a large-hole, a small-hole array, and planar electrodes. The electro-optical performances of the TMLCMA are characterized, demonstrating the monofocal convex, multifocal convex, and multifocal concave functions when the TMLCMA is manipulated with various driving schemes. Furthermore, the homogenization of a laser beam is realized using the fabricated TMLCMA. The multifocal convex and multifocal concave functions of the TMLCMA successfully suppress the lattice phenomenon caused by the monofocal microlens array, homogenize the Gaussian beam to a flattop intensity distribution, and broaden the beam size.
Ultrahigh-order QAM secure transmission based on delta-sigma modulation using discrete memristive-enhanced chaos
Authors: Zhao Jianye , Ren Jianxin , Liu Bo , Mao Yaya , Wu Xiangyu , Chen Shuaidong , Wu Yongfeng , Song Xiuming , Zhao Lilong
Published: January 2024

This Letter proposes a high-security and high-order signal transmission method that is based on delta-sigma modulation (DSM) and discrete memristive-enhanced chaos (DMEC). We employ the DMEC for the encryption of DSM signals to achieve a key space of 1098 in size. Moreover, we demonstrated a high-security transmission of 16384QAM signals using the DSM over a 25 km single-mode fiber in the intensity-modulated direct detection (IMDD) system. The experimental results show that the proposed ultrahigh-order transmission scheme based on DMEC and DSM guarantees high signal transmission performances with improved security and a key sensitivity level of 10−17.
Streaking camera in the high intensity regime
Authors: Romanov A. A. , Sarantseva T. S. , Sviridov A. V. , Silaev A. A. , Vvedenskii N. V. , Frolov M. V.
Published: January 2024

The laser-induced decay of an atomic system in an intense infrared and perturbative extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulse is considered within Keldysh and streaking ionization channels. The streak camera method is discussed for two cases corresponding to different ranges of photoelectron momentum: i) the streaking channel significantly dominates the Keldysh channel and ii) the Keldysh channel of ionization is dominant, while two channels may interfere. The retrieval of XUV pulse parameters for these two cases is discussed and supported by numerical calculations.
Non-volatile 2 × 2 optical switch using multimode interference in an Sb2Se3-loaded waveguide
Authors: Shang Kun , Niu Lei , Jin Huimin , Wang Haoxian , Zhang Wei , Gan Fuwan , Xu Peipeng
Published: January 2024

We propose a non-volatile 2 × 2 photonic switch based on multimode interference in an Sb2Se3-loaded waveguide. The different modal symmetries of the TE0 and TE1 modes supported in the multimode region change their propagation constants distinctly upon the Sb2Se3 phase transition. Through careful optical design and FDTD optimization of the multimode waveguide dimensions, efficient switching is achieved despite the modest index contrast of Sb2Se3 relative to Ge2Sb2Te5. The fabricated optical switch demonstrates favorable characteristics, including low insertion loss of ∼1 dB, a compact length of ∼27 µm, and small cross talk below −15 dB across a 35 nm bandwidth. Such non-volatile and broadband components will be critical for future high-density programmable photonic-integrated circuits for optical communications and signal processing.
Broadband frequency generation by four-wave mixing in an all-bands-flat Floquet–Lieb topological insulator
Authors: Kim Tae Bin , Song Hanfa , Huculak Parker , Van Vien
Published: January 2024

All-bands-flat topological photonic insulators are photonic lattices with all dispersionless bulk bands separated by nontrivial bandgaps. A distinct feature of these systems is that the edge modes can be excited across the flatband frequencies without scattering into the localized bulk modes, thus allowing the edge mode spectrum to extend beyond the gap size. Here we exploit the wide edge mode spectrum of a Floquet–Lieb topological insulator with all flatbands to achieve broadband frequency generation by four-wave mixing on a topological silicon photonic platform. Our all-bands-flat Floquet insulator is based on a Lieb lattice of microring resonators with perfect couplings, which provides a wide frequency generation bandwidth spanning more than six microring’s free spectral ranges. The all-bands-flat microring lattice can also serve as a robust topological platform for other broadband nonlinear processes such as stimulated Raman scattering, frequency comb generation, supercontinuum generation, and soliton propagation based on topologically protected edge modes.
A low-cost approach to diode-pumped Ti:Sapphire resonators with Watt-level output
Authors: Simpson Niall , Lee Martin , Kemp Alan
Published: January 2024

We report a continuous-wave Ti:sapphire laser with an output power of 1.03 W, achieved with two low-cost single-emitter diode pumps, both of blue wavelength (448 and 468 nm). We reach Watt-level output power using a novel strategy of combining blue-wavelength pumping with a long, low-doping Ti:sapphire crystal, maximising the available pump power while minimising deleterious effects associated with blue pump wavelengths
Identification of Terminal βGlcNAc on Brachyspira Species in Human Intestinal Spirochetosis
Authors: Matoba Hisanori , Iwaya Mai , Fujii Chifumi , Nakayama Jun
Published: January 2024

Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) is a colorectal bacterial infection caused by the Brachyspira species. Griffonia simplicifolia-II (GS-II) is a lectin specific to terminal α/βGlcNAc residues. Here, we investigated terminal βGlcNAc residues in the context of HIS infection using GS-II-horseradish peroxidase staining and HIK1083 immunostaining specific to terminal αGlcNAc residues. Fourteen of 15 HIS cases were GS-II-positive on the bacterial body. No cases showed HIK1083 positivity. The percentage of bacterial bodies staining positively for GS-II based on comparison with anti- Treponema immunostaining was ≤30% in seven cases, 30–70% in two, and >70% in six. Of 15 HIS cases analyzed, none were comorbid with tubular adenomas, and three were comorbid with sessile serrated lesions (SSLs). To determine the species of spirochete infected, the B. aalborgi-specific or B. pilosicoli-specific NADPH oxidase genes were amplified by PCR. After direct sequencing of the PCR products, all nine cases in which PCR products were observed were found to be infected with B. aalborgi alone. These results indicate that the HIS bacterial body, especially of B. aalborgi, is characterized by terminal βGlcNAc and also indicate that terminal βGlcNAc on the HIS bacterial body is associated with HIS preference for SSLs:
Mapping the dynamics of visual feature coding: Insights into perception and integration
Authors: Grootswagers Tijl , Robinson Amanda K. , Shatek Sophia M. , Carlson Thomas A.
Published: January 2024

The basic computations performed in the human early visual cortex are the foundation for visual perception. While we know a lot about these computations, a key missing piece is how the coding of visual features relates to our perception of the environment. To investigate visual feature coding, interactions, and their relationship to human perception, we investigated neural responses and perceptual similarity judgements to a large set of visual stimuli that varied parametrically along four feature dimensions. We measured neural responses using electroencephalography (N = 16) to 256 grating stimuli that varied in orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and colour. We then mapped the response profiles of the neural coding of each visual feature and their interactions, and related these to independently obtained behavioural judgements of stimulus similarity. The results confirmed fundamental principles of feature coding in the visual system, such that all four features were processed simultaneously but differed in their dynamics, and there was distinctive conjunction coding for different combinations of features in the neural responses. Importantly, modelling of the behaviour revealed that every stimulus feature contributed to perceptual judgements, despite the untargeted nature of the behavioural task. Further, the relationship between neural coding and behaviour was evident from initial processing stages, signifying that the fundamental features, not just their interactions, contribute to perception. This study highlights the importance of understanding how feature coding progresses through the visual hierarchy and the relationship between different stages of processing and perception.
Leveraging shared ancestral variation to detect local introgression
Authors: Lopez Fang Lesly , Peede David , Ortega-Del Vecchyo Diego , McTavish Emily Jane , Huerta-Sánchez Emilia
Published: January 2024

Introgression is a common evolutionary phenomenon that results in shared genetic material across non-sister taxa. Existing statistical methods such as Patterson’s D statistic can detect introgression by measuring an excess of shared derived alleles between populations. The D statistic is effective to detect genome-wide patterns of introgression but can give spurious inferences of introgression when applied to local regions. We propose a new statistic, D+, that leverages both shared ancestral and derived alleles to infer local introgressed regions. Incorporating both shared derived and ancestral alleles increases the number of informative sites per region, improving our ability to identify local introgression. We use a coalescent framework to derive the expected value of this statistic as a function of different demographic parameters under an instantaneous admixture model and use coalescent simulations to compute the power and precision of D+. While the power of D and D+ is comparable, D+ has better precision than D. We apply D+ to empirical data from the 1000 Genome Project and Heliconius butterflies to infer local targets of introgression in humans and in butterflies.
Growth-inhibiting effects of the unconventional plant APYRASE 7 of Arabidopsis thaliana influences the LRX/RALF/FER growth regulatory module
Authors: Gupta Shibu , Guérin Amandine , Herger Aline , Hou Xiaoyu , Schaufelberger Myriam , Roulard Romain , Diet Anouck , Roffler Stefan , Lefebvre Valérie , Wicker Thomas , Pelloux Jérôme , Ringli Christoph
Published: January 2024

Plant cell growth involves coordination of numerous processes and signaling cascades among the different cellular compartments to concomitantly enlarge the protoplast and the surrounding cell wall. The cell wall integrity-sensing process involves the extracellular LRX (LRR-Extensin) proteins that bind RALF (Rapid ALkalinization Factor) peptide hormones and, in vegetative tissues, interact with the transmembrane receptor kinase FERONIA (FER). This LRX/RALF/FER signaling module influences cell wall composition and regulates cell growth. The numerous proteins involved in or influenced by this module are beginning to be characterized. In a genetic screen, mutations in Apyrase 7 (APY7) were identified to suppress growth defects observed in lrx1 and fer mutants. APY7 encodes a Golgi-localized NTP-diphosphohydrolase, but opposed to other apyrases of Arabidopsis, APY7 revealed to be a negative regulator of cell growth. APY7 modulates the growth-inhibiting effect of RALF1, influences the cell wall architecture and -composition, and alters the pH of the extracellular matrix, all of which affect cell growth. Together, this study reveals a function of APY7 in cell wall formation and cell growth that is connected to growth processes influenced by the LRX/RALF/FER signaling module.
Genetic regions affecting the replication and pathogenicity of dengue virus type 2
Authors: Samune Yoshihiro , Saito Akatsuki , Sasaki Tadahiro , Koketsu Ritsuko , Srimark Narinee , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Yokoyama Masaru , Kotani Osamu , Sato Hironori , Yamanaka Atsushi , Haga Saori , Okamoto Toru , Kurosu Takeshi , Nakayama Emi E. , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: January 2024

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that has spread to over 100 countries. Its symptoms vary from the relatively mild acute febrile illness called dengue fever to the much more severe dengue shock syndrome. Dengue is caused by dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the family Flaviviridae. There are four serotypes of DENV, i.e., DENV1 to DENV4, and each serotype is divided into distinct genotypes. Thailand is an endemic area where all four serotypes of DENV co-circulate. Genome sequencing of the DENV2 that was isolated in Thailand in 2016 and 2017 revealed the emergence of the Cosmopolitan genotype and its co-circulation with the Asian-I genotype. However, it was unclear whether different genotypes have different levels of viral replication and pathogenicity. Focus-forming assay (FFA) results showed that clinical isolates of these genotypes differed in focus size and proliferative capacity. Using circular polymerase extension reaction, we generated parental and chimeric viruses with swapped genes between these two DENV2 genotypes, and compared their focus sizes and infectivity titers using FFA. The results showed that the focus size was larger when the structural proteins and/or non-structural NS1-NS2B proteins were derived from the Cosmopolitan virus. The infectious titers were consistent with the focus sizes. Single-round infectious particle assay results confirmed that chimeric viruses with Cosmopolitan type structural proteins, particularly prM/E, had significantly increased luciferase activity. Replicon assay results showed that Cosmopolitan NS1-NS2B proteins had increased reporter gene expression levels. Furthermore, in interferon-receptor knock-out mice, viruses with Cosmopolitan structural and NS1-NS2B proteins had higher titers in the blood, and caused critical disease courses. These results suggested that differences in the sequences within the structural and NS1-NS2B proteins may be responsible for the differences in replication, pathogenicity, and infectivity between the Asian-I and Cosmopolitan viruses.
Regional variation and temporal trends in transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement in Switzerland: A population-based small area analysis
Authors: Schenker Carla , Wertli Maria M. , Räber Lorenz , Haynes Alan G. , Chiolero Arnaud , Rodondi Nicolas , Panczak Radoslaw , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: January 2024

Background

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease and if severe, is treated with either transcatheter (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We assessed temporal trends and regional variation of these interventions in Switzerland and examined potential determinants of geographic variation.

Methods

We conducted a population-based analysis using patient discharge data from all Swiss public and private acute care hospitals from 2013 to 2018. We generated hospital service areas (HSAs) based on patient flows for TAVR. We calculated age-standardized mean procedure rates and variation indices (extremal quotient [EQ] and systematic component of variation [SCV]). Using multilevel regression, we calculated the influence of calendar year and regional demographics, socioeconomic factors (language, insurance status), burden of disease, and number of cardiologists/cardiovascular surgeons on geographic variation.

Results

Overall, 8074 TAVR and 11,825 SAVR procedures were performed in 8 HSAs from 2013 to 2018. Whereas the age-/sex-standardized rate of TAVR increased from 12 to 22 procedures/100,000 persons, the SAVR rate decreased from 33 to 24 procedures during this period. After full adjustment, the predicted TAVR and SAVR rates varied from 12 to 22 and 20 to 35 per 100,000 persons across HSAs, respectively. The regional procedure variation was low to moderate over time, with a low overall variation in TAVR (EQ 1.9, SCV 3.9) and SAVR (EQ 1.6, SCV 2.2). In multilevel regression, TAVR rates increased annually by 10% and SAVR rates decreased by 5%. Determinants of higher TAVR rates were older age, male sex, living in a German speaking area, and higher burden of disease. A higher proportion of (semi)private insurance was also associated with higher TAVR and lower SAVR rates. After full adjustment, 10.6% of the variance in TAVR and 18.4% of the variance in SAVR remained unexplained. Most variance in TAVR and SAVR rates was explained by language region and insurance status.

Conclusion

The geographic variation in TAVR and SAVR rates was low to moderate across Swiss regions and largely explained by differences in regional demographics and socioeconomic factors. The use of TAVR increased at the expense of SAVR over time.
Cost and utilization analysis of concurrent versus staged testicular prosthesis implantation for radical orchiectomy
Authors: Nguyen Vi , Walia Arman , Horns Joshua J. , Paudel Niraj , Bagrodia Aditya , Patel Darshan P. , Hsieh Tung-Chin , Hotaling James M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

American Urological Association guidelines recommend testicular prosthesis discussion prior to orchiectomy. Utilization may be low. We compared outcomes and care utilization between concurrent implant (CI) and staged implant (SI) insertion after radical orchiectomy.

Materials & methods

The MarketScan Commercial claims database (2008–2017) was queried for men ages >18 years who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular mass, stratified as orchiectomy with no implant, CI, or SI. 90-day outcomes included rate of reoperation, readmission, emergency department (ED) presentation, and outpatient visits. Regression models provided rate ratio comparison.

Results

8803 patients (8564 no implant, 190 CI, 49 SI; 2.7% implant rate) were identified with no difference in age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, insurance plan, additional cancer treatment, or metastasis. Median perioperative cost at orchiectomy (+/- implant) for no implant, CI, and SI were $5682 (3648–8554), $7823 (5403–10973), and $5380 (4130–10521), respectively (p<0.001). Median perioperative cost for SI at implantation was $8180 (4920–14591) for a total cost (orchiectomy + implant) of $13650 (5380 + 8180). CI patients were more likely to have follow-up (p = 0.006) with more visits (p = 0.030) compared to the SI group post-implantation but had similar follow-up (p = 0.065) and less visits (p = 0.025) compared to the SI patients’ post-orchiectomy period. Overall explant rates were 4.7% for CI and 14.3% for SI (p = 0.04) with a median time to explant of 166 (IQR: 135–210) and 40 days (IQR: 9.5–141.5; p = 0.06). Median cost of removal was $2060 (IQR: 967–2880).

Conclusions

CI placement has less total perioperative cost, lower explant rate, and similar postoperative utilization to SI.
Mutations accumulated in the Spike of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron allow for more efficient counteraction of the restriction factor BST2/Tetherin
Authors: Shi Yuhang , Simpson Sydney , Chen Yuexuan , Aull Haley , Benjamin Jared , Serra-Moreno Ruth
Published: January 2024

BST2/Tetherin is a restriction factor with broad antiviral activity against enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses. Specifically, BST2 traps nascent particles to membrane compartments, preventing their release and spread. In turn, viruses have evolved multiple mechanisms to counteract BST2. Here, we examined the interactions between BST2 and SARS-CoV-2. Our study shows that BST2 reduces SARS-CoV-2 virion release. However, the virus uses the Spike (S) protein to downregulate BST2. This requires a physical interaction between S and BST2, which routes BST2 for lysosomal degradation in a Clathtin- and ubiquitination-dependent manner. By surveying different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha-Omicron), we found that Omicron is more efficient at counteracting BST2, and that mutations in S account for its enhanced anti-BST2 activity. Mapping analyses revealed that several surfaces in the extracellular region of BST2 are required for an interaction with the Spike, and that the Omicron variant has changed its patterns of association with BST2 to improve its counteraction. Therefore, our study suggests that, besides enhancing receptor binding and evasion of neutralizing antibodies, mutations accumulated in the Spike afford more efficient counteraction of BST2, which highlights that BST2 antagonism is important for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and spread.