bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Physiology of Exercise: Beyond Molecular and Omics Perspectives
Authors: Balagué Natàlia , Hristovski Robert , Almarcha Maricarmen , Garcia-Retortillo Sergi , Ivanov Plamen Ch.
Published: September 2022

Molecular Exercise Physiology and Omics approaches represent an important step toward synthesis and integration, the original essence of Physiology. Despite the significant progress they have introduced in Exercise Physiology (EP), some of their theoretical and methodological assumptions are still limiting the understanding of the complexity of sport-related phenomena. Based on general principles of biological evolution and supported by complex network science, this paper aims to contrast theoretical and methodological aspects of molecular and network-based approaches to EP. After explaining the main EP challenges and why sport-related phenomena cannot be understood if reduced to the molecular level, the paper proposes some methodological research advances related to the type of studied variables and measures, the data acquisition techniques, the type of data analysis and the assumed relations among physiological levels. Inspired by Network Physiology, Network Physiology of Exercise provides a new paradigm and formalism to quantify cross-communication among diverse systems across levels and time scales to improve our understanding of exercise-related phenomena and opens new horizons for exercise testing in health and disease.
Dipyridamole and adenosinergic pathway in Covid-19: a juice or holy grail
Authors: Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Gareeb Ali I. , Elekhnawy Engy , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: September 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an infectious worldwide pandemic triggered by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic disease can lead to pro-inflammatory activation with associated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Main body of the abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked with inhibition of adenosine and activation of phosphodiesterase. Dipyridamole (DIP) is a nucleoside transport and phosphodiesterase inhibitor so that it may potentially affect SARS-CoV-2 infection and its accompanying inflammations. Therefore, the primary objective of this mini-review study was to elucidate the potential beneficial impacts of DIP on the adenosinergic pathway in Covid-19. A systemic search was done using online databases with relevant keywords. The findings of the present study illustrated that DIP directly or indirectly, through augmentation of adenosine and inhibition of phosphodiesterase, mitigates Covid-19 outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that DIP has a potential therapeutic effect in the management and treatment of Covid-19. This could be attained either directly, through anti-SARS-CoV-2, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelets properties, or indirectly, through augmentation of extracellular adenosine, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects. However, extensive randomized clinical trials, and clinical and prospective research in this area are required to demonstrate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of DIP and adenosine modulators in the treatment of Covid-19.
Novel first-order k-space formulations for wave propagation by asymmetrical factorization of space-wavenumber domain wave propagators
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Liu Yang , Wang Jing , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

Wave-equation simulation based on the k-space method produces nearly dispersion-free wavefields and enhances simulation stability. However, for simulation in heterogeneous media, the conventional first-order k-space method requires many mixed-domain operators, which are the most expensive part of the wave-extrapolation process. We have analyzed and summarized the problem of the conventional k-space method as symmetrical factorization of the wave propagators. Based on this analysis, we develop a novel asymmetrical factorization-based k-space method that can significantly reduce the number of mixed-domain operators without compromising modeling accuracy. By using this method, the number of mixed-domain operators is reduced by half, and thus, the computational cost decreases significantly. Furthermore, we have compared our method to the conventional pseudospectral method. The comparison finds that, at comparable accuracy, our method is more efficient due to its ability to use a larger time step. Acoustic and elastic examples demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of our method.
Discontinuous curvilinear collocated grid combined with nonuniform time step Runge-Kutta scheme for poroelastic finite-difference modeling
Authors: Zhang Heng , Sun Yao-Chong , Ren Hengxin , Zhang Wei , Huang Qinghua , Chen Xiaofei
Published: September 2022

For poroelastic media, the existence of a slow P-wave mode, next to the standard fast P and S waves, hinders efficient numerical implementations to propagate poroelastic waves through arbitrary seismic models. The slow P-wave speed can be an order of magnitude smaller than the fast P-wave speed. Hence, a stable and accurate simulation that can capture the slow P wave requires a fine grid and a small time step, which increases the overall computation cost greatly. To decrease the computation cost, we propose a poroelastic finite-difference simulation method that combines a discontinuous curvilinear collocated-grid method with a nonuniform time step Runge-Kutta (NUTS-RK) scheme. The fine grid and small time step are only used for areas near interfaces, where the contribution of the slow P wave is nonnegligible. The NUTS-RK scheme is derived from a Taylor expansion and it can circumvent the need for interpolations or extrapolations otherwise required by communications between different time levels. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are verified by numerical tests. Compared with the curvilinear collocated-grid finite-difference method that uses a globally uniform space grid as well as a uniform time step, the proposed method requires fewer computing resources and can reduce the computing time greatly.
High dimensional multistep deblending using supervised training and transfer learning
Authors: Wang Benfeng , Chen Xinyi , Li Jiakuo , Xiong Deng , Song Jiawen
Published: September 2022

Blended acquisition significantly improves acquisition efficiency, and deblending algorithms, particularly intelligent deblending methods, continue to be developed to provide separated results for subsequent seismic inversion and imaging. Iterative deblending algorithms improve deblending performance and determining how to evaluate the blending noise level becomes critical. Instead of using a multilevel blending noise strategy to evaluate the blending noise level qualitatively, a supervised multistep deblending algorithm is developed that can evaluate the blending noise level quantitatively in multiple steps. The developed multistep method combines the iterative estimation-subtraction strategy based on sparse inversion and the deep learning strategy. Each deblending step handles a different level of blending noise, ranging from a strong level to a weak level as the deblending steps increase. The first step is to train a U-net to attenuate strong blending noise, and then we can obtain a rough signal estimation for predicting the blending noise to be subtracted. The obtained data, via the blending noise estimation and subtraction following the previous deblending step, are used as the input for the current deblending step, which attenuates weak blending noise and extracts signal leakage in a step-by-step manner. The optimized parameters of the previous deblending step can initialize the current step for efficient fine-tuning based on transfer learning. After sequential blending noise estimation and subtraction, the supervised multistep deblending algorithm with varying input can improve deblending accuracy. A thorough examination of 2D and 3D synthetic blended data demonstrates the validity of our multistep deblending method, particularly when compared with the recently proposed multilevel blending noise strategy. The 3D field blended data processing validates our method in terms of removing blending noise while preserving the signal.
In situ stress field prediction based on seismic data in the Sijiazhuang mining area
Authors: Shi Suzhen , Feng Jian , Bai Jiebin , Zhang Xin , Gao Weixu , Nan Haoying , Shi Guifei
Published: September 2022

Accurately predicting the 3D in situ stress field is critical in coal mining. We have proposed a workflow that is based on 3D seismic attributes to predict the in situ stress field of a coal mine located in Sijiazhuang, Shanxi, China. First, we interpreted the faults and folds within our study area. Then, we determine the directions and types of in situ stress by analyzing the interpreted faults and folds. Under the assumption that the process of strata deformation can be simulated by a thin-plate theory, we deduce the equations to compute in situ stress as a function of seismic curvature attribute and elastic parameters inverted from seismic data. We also proposed a stability factor that is based on the computed stress field. The results find that the in situ stress field within our study area is dominated by the compression stress along the northwest–southeast direction. Based on the proposed stability coefficient, we further predicted the zones that have abnormal rock mass stability.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors in the Management of Ovarian Cancer: ASCO Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update
Authors: Tew William P. , Lacchetti Christina , Kohn Elise C. ,   for the PARP Inhibitors in the Management of Ovarian Cancer Guideline Expert Panel
Published: September 2022

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options.
Novel Variants and Phenotypes in NEUROG3-Associated Syndrome
Authors: Wejaphikul Karn , Srilanchakon Khomsak , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Jantasuwan Supavadee , Santawong Kanokwan , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Theerapanon Thanakorn , Damrongmanee Alisara , Hongsawong Nattaphorn , Ukarapol Nuthapong , Dejkhamron Prapai , Supornsilchai Vichit , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: September 2022

Context

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the NEUROG3 gene cause malabsorptive diarrhea, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and rarely hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. With only 17 reported cases, the clinical and mutational spectra of this disease are far from complete.

Objective

To identify the underlying genetic etiology in 3 unrelated Thai patients who presented with early-onset malabsorptive diarrhea, endocrine abnormalities, and renal defects and to determine the pathogenicity of the newly identified pathogenic variants using luciferase reporter assays and western blot.

Methods

Three unrelated patients with congenital diarrhea were recruited. Detailed clinical and endocrinological features were obtained. Exome sequencing was performed to identify mutations and in vitro functional experiments including luciferase reporter assay were studied to validate their pathogenicity.

Results

In addition to malabsorptive diarrhea due to enteric anendocrinosis, IDDM, short stature, and delayed puberty, our patients also exhibited pituitary gland hypoplasia with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (Patient 1, 2, 3) and proximal renal tubulopathy (Patient 2, 3) that have not previously reported. Exome sequencing revealed that Patient 1 was homozygous for c.371C > G (p.Thr124Arg) while the other 2 patients were homozygous for c.284G > C (p.Arg95Pro) in NEUROG3. Both variants have never been previously reported. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that these 2 variants impaired transcriptional activity of NEUROG3.

Conclusions

This study reported pituitary gland hypoplasia with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies and proximal renal tubulopathy and 2 newly identified NEUROG3 loss-of-function variants in the patients with NEUROG3-associated syndrome.
mNG-tagged fusion proteins and nanobodies to visualize tropomyosins in yeast and mammalian cells
Authors: Hatano Tomoyuki , Lim Tzer Chyn , Billault-Chaumartin Ingrid , Dhar Anubhav , Gu Ying , Massam-Wu Teresa , Scott William , Adishesha Sushmitha , Chapa-y-Lazo Bernardo , Springall Luke , Sivashanmugam Lavanya , Mishima Masanori , Martin Sophie G. , Oliferenko Snezhana , Palani Saravanan , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: September 2022

Tropomyosins are structurally conserved α-helical coiled-coil proteins that bind along the length of filamentous actin (F-actin) in fungi and animals. Tropomyosins play essential roles in the stability of actin filaments and in regulating myosin II contractility. Despite the crucial role of tropomyosin in actin cytoskeletal regulation, in vivo investigations of tropomyosin are limited, mainly due to the suboptimal live-cell imaging tools currently available. Here, we report on an mNeonGreen (mNG)-tagged tropomyosin, with native promoter and linker length configuration, that clearly reports tropomyosin dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Cdc8), Schizosaccharomyces japonicus (Cdc8) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Tpm1 and Tpm2). We also describe a fluorescent probe to visualize mammalian tropomyosin (TPM2 isoform). Finally, we generated a camelid nanobody against S. pombe Cdc8, which mimics the localization of mNG–Cdc8 in vivo. Using these tools, we report the presence of tropomyosin in previously unappreciated patch-like structures in fission and budding yeasts, show flow of tropomyosin (F-actin) cables to the cytokinetic actomyosin ring and identify rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton during mating. These powerful tools and strategies will aid better analyses of tropomyosin and F-actin cables in vivo.
Positive feedback promotes terrestrial emergence behaviour in an amphibious fish
Authors: Tigert Liam R. , Wright Patricia A. , Turko Andy J.
Published: September 2022

Major ecological transitions such as the invasion of land by aquatic vertebrates may be facilitated by positive feedback between habitat choice and phenotypic plasticity. We used the amphibious fish Kryptolebias marmoratus to test the hypothesis that aquatic hypoxia, emergence behaviour and respiratory plasticity create this type of positive feedback loop that causes fish to spend increasing amounts of time on land. Terrestrially acclimated fish were more sensitive to aquatic hypoxia (emergence at higher PO2) and were less hypoxia tolerant (shorter time to loss of equilibrium) relative to water-acclimated fish, which are necessary conditions for positive feedback. Next, we tested the prediction that exposure to aquatic hypoxia causes fish to emerge frequently, reduce gill surface area, and become less hypoxia tolerant. Indeed, fish exposed to severe aquatic hypoxia spent almost 50% of the time out of water and coverage of the gill lamellae by an inter-lamellar cell mass almost doubled. Fish exposed to aquatic hypoxia that could emerge from water were also more sensitive to subsequent acute aquatic hypoxia and were less hypoxia tolerant than normoxia-exposed controls. These results are opposite those of fish that cannot escape from aquatic hypoxia and presumably arise owing to plastic changes that occur during air exposure. Together, these results indicate that emergence behaviour begets further emergence behaviour, driven by gill remodelling which reduces aquatic respiratory function. This type of positive feedback may explain how amphibious behaviour has repeatedly evolved in fishes that occupy hypoxic aquatic habitats despite the associated challenges of life on land.
Individual- and Environmental-Level Predictors of Recess Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Findings from the I-CAN! Study
Authors: Bartholomew John B. , Clutton Jon , Burford Katie , Aadland Eivind , Resaland Geir Kare , Jowers Esbelle M. , Errisuiz Vanessa
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose: Recess represents a prime opportunity for physical activity during the school day. However, evidence is mixed with regard to factors associated with activity during recess. Methods: Data were collected as a part of the Texas Initiative for Children’s Activity and Nutrition (I-CAN!) program from 14 elementary schools and 1049 fourth-grade students. Percent of time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior during recess was measured using GT3X+ accelerometers. Students’ demographics, aerobic fitness, and body mass index were collected from school records and FITNESSGRAM® data. Aspects of the playground environment supporting activity (e.g., soccer goals) or sedentary behavior (e.g., benches) were calculated following the procedures of the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth, with recess spatial area calculated via the polygon measurement tool in Google™ Earth Pro software. Recess time was collected from school data. Weather during recess was determined using time-stamped archived weather data from Weather Underground. Two-level, linear mixed model regression examined associations between individual- and school-level characteristics and percent time in MVPA. Results: At the student level, boys were more active than girls (effect size (ES) = 0.50), and percent time in MVPA was directly associated with aerobic fitness (ES = 0.35). At the school level, recess infrastructure was associated with percent time in MVPA (ES = 1.45), except for factors related to sedentary behavior, which were indirectly associated with percent time in MVPA (ES = −1.98). Patterns for sedentary behavior mirrored these effects. Conclusions: This is one of the few studies to test the associations of fitness and sedentary upgrades to play areas with MVPA and sedentary behavior. The results suggest that recess is most likely to support MVPA in boys and those who are already most fit (i.e., those who would not be the target of intervention). This is not surprising because the focus of recess is on free choice of play, and thus recess might be supported more for social and emotional benefits than the effect on physical activity.
The potential utility of an augmented data collection approach in understanding the journey to care of pregnant women for maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response
Authors: Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi
Published: September 2022

Background: The Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) proposed by the World Health Organization recognises the importance for health systems to understand the reasons underpinning the death of a pregnant woman or her newborn as an essential first step in preventing future similar deaths. Data for the surveillance component of the MPDSR process are typically collected from health facility sources and post-mortem interviews with affected families, though it may be traumatising to them. This brief report aimed to assess the potential utility of an augmented data collection method for mapping journeys of maternal and perinatal deaths, which does not require sourcing additional information from grieving family members.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of maternal and perinatal deaths that occurred across 24 public hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria, between 1st November 2018 and 30th October 2019 was conducted. Data on their demographic, obstetric history and complication at presentation, travel to the hospital, and mode of birth were extracted from their hospital records. The extracted travel data was exported to Google Maps, where driving distance and travel time to the hospital for the period of the day of travel were also extracted.

Results: Of the 182 maternal deaths, most presented during the week (80.8%), travelled 5-10 km (30.6%) and 10-29 minutes (46.9%), and travelled to the nearest hospital to their places of residence (70.9%). Of the 442 pregnant women who had perinatal deaths, most presented during the week (78.5%), travelled <5 km (26.9%) and 10-29 minutes (38.0%). For both, the least reported travel data was the mode of travel used to care (>90.0%) and the period of the day they travelled (approximately 30.0%).

Conclusion: An augmented data collection approach that includes accurate and complete travel data and closer-to-reality estimates of travel time and distance can be beneficial for MPDSR purposes.
Plotly.NET: A fully featured charting library for .NET programming languages
Authors: Schneider Kevin , Venn Benedikt , Mühlhaus Timo
Published: September 2022

Data visualization is integral for exploratory data analysis and data presentation. Consequently, every programming environment suitable for data analysis needs a feature-rich visualization library. In this paper, we present Plotly.NET - a fully featured charting library for the .NET ecosystem. Plotly.NET requires little ceremony to use, provides multiple API (application programming interface) layers for both low-code and maximum customizability, and can be used in many different visualization workflows - from interactive scripting and notebooks to user interface applications. Plotly.NET brings the charting capabilities of plotly.js to the .NET ecosystem, successfully combining the flexibility of the plotly grammar with the type-safety and expressiveness of .NET.
Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Asefa Yohanis Alemeshet , Persson Lars Åke , Seale Anna C. , Assefa Nega
Published: September 2022

Background: Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa.

Methods: We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region, such as the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network and Health and Demographic Surveillance sites (HDSS sites). To assess the quality of included studies we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins’ I2 and funnel plot, respectively.

Conclusions: This systematic review protocol will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths.
The genome sequence of the European badger, Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Newman Chris , Tsai Ming-shan , Buesching Christina D. , Holland Peter W. H. , Macdonald David W. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
Published: September 2022

We present a haplotype resolved, diploid genome assembly from a male Meles meles (European badger; Chordata; Mammalia; Carnivora; Mustelidae) using the trio binning approach. The genome sequence is 2,739 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly (95.16%) is scaffolded into 23 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X and Y sex chromosomes assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 16.4 kilobases in length.
Experience of operating a medical humanities course at one medical school during the COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Yu Ra , Shin Hye-won , Lee Young Hwan , Kim Seong-Yong
Published: September 2022

Background: This study summarizes the experience of operating a ‘Medical Humanities’ course, which was taught remotely to maintain activities and discussions at medical schools in Daegu, Korea during the sudden and unexpected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The subjects of this study were 73 first- and 79 second-grade medical students who took the medical humanities (1) and (2) courses among first- and second-grade students of Yeungnam University College of Medicine in 2020. Of the 152 students who agreed to the online survey, 123 completed the survey. Self-, environmental, and program evaluations were conducted on the study subjects, and differences according to grade and gender were analyzed.Results: As a result of the study, a significant difference between self-evaluation and environmental evaluation was confirmed. Self-evaluation was determined to be higher in the first grade than in the second grade. The environmental evaluation showed that male students were more satisfied than female students and students generally had difficulties in the classroom environment. Of the applications used in class, the highest satisfaction was observed with KakaoTalk (Kakao Corp.) and Zoom (Zoom Video Communications Inc.). At the end of COVID-19, the students preferred online classes.Conclusion: If the learning environment for online classes is well prepared and systematic provisions are made, such as class operations that are suitable for the subject, effective education and learning can be achieved by taking advantage of both face-to-face and online classes.
Health behaviors of patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing early cardiac rehabilitation in the age range of 45-60 years
Authors: Bąk Ewelina , Procner Grażyna
Published: September 2022

Introduction and purpose of the work: Along with the development of civilization, civilization diseases appear, which take the form of the highest death rates, mainly in the field of cardiovascular diseases. It is largely related to the accumulation of negative consequences of improper health habits, as well as reduced physical activity. The aim of the study was to present the impact of health behaviors on the example of patients with ischemic heart disease treated with the CABG method, undergoing early cardiac rehabilitation at the "Równica" Health Resort in Ustroń, at the 2nd Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 81 patients, after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), rehabilitated at the 2nd Department of Early Cardiac Rehabilitation at the "Równica" Health Resort in Ustroń. The research was conducted from 10.2021 to 02.2022. The Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ) according to Juszczyński and an own questionnaire were used for the research.

Research results: According to the data analysis, Proper Eating Habits scored the highest, followed by Preventive Behavior and Positive Mental Attitude, and the lowest - Health Practices.

Conclusions: Based on the analysis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that people with ischemic heart disease do not care for their health properly. Women and the elderly, as well as physically active people, fare better in this respect.
Tetanoz Aşısı Sonrası Nekrotizan Fasiit
Authors: ERTEN Elif , ÖRNEK DEMİR Tuğba , ÖCAL Medine Ezgi , BOSTANCI Süleyman Arif , ÖZTORUN Can İhsan , ŞENEL Emrah
Published: September 2022

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare infection that is characterized by rapidly progressing necrosis into the superficial and deep tissues. NF can result in serious morbidity and mortality as a life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in reducing mortality. Therefore, we aimed to describe a case of severe necrotizing fasciitis in the left arm after tetanus vaccination administration and to discuss the benefits of early surgical management in the light of the literature.
How to improve aseptic technique to reduce bloodstream infection during vascular access procedures
Authors: Barton Andrew , Bitmead James , Clare Simon , Daniels Ron , Gregory Beverley , Lee Paul , Leitch Anne , McDonald Carl
Published: September 2022

Bloodstream infections associated with vascular access procedures pose a serious risk to patients that can be reduced by better standards of aseptic technique. The objectives of this roundtable of experts were to achieve a consensus on how to improve skin antisepsis in hospital, improve training, competency, compliance and consistency in skin antisepsis, review the role of devices in improving skin antisepsis, identify methods to improve skin antisepsis integrated with the Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) approach, and identify challenges to the implementation of the panel's recommendations. Recommendations include using MHRA-licensed 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol solution with bidirectional strokes for up to 30 seconds, then leaving the skin to air dry for 30 seconds; using the ANTT Clinical Practice Framework and terminology as the standard for skin antisepsis training and practice; standardised ANTT and skin antisepsis education with 3-yearly competency assessments for all UK health professionals; and more research to address the evidence gap on transmission of infection after skin antisepsis.
The cardiovascular system and associated disorders
Authors: Wuche Christiana
Published: September 2022

The cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart as the ‘pump’ and the vascular network of blood vessels, is responsible for the distribution of blood around the body. Oxygen molecules attach to haemoglobin in red blood cells and are transported around the body where the oxygen aids cellular metabolism. Any blockage in the blood vessels as a result of build-up of plaques in the endothelium layer would result in an interruption in blood supply and therefore oxygen deprivation (ischaemia). This would lead to necrosis of the distal area of the affected vessel and is known as an infarct. This article aims to describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and to explain some of the common associated disorders, with a brief guide to the management of a common heart disorder, myocardial infarction. A case study is included to enhance the knowledge of management of myocardial infarction. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular system and its associated disorders will enable the nurse to safely assess a patient, recognise a deteriorating patient and seek early intervention.
The need to protect cancer nurses from exposure to hazardous drugs
Authors: Clark Christine
Published: September 2022

Freelance medical writer Christine Clark ( chris@salt.u-net.com ) reports on an online meeting held in May 2022 as part of a series on the risks of exposure to hazardous drugs for nurses working in oncology
High energy ball milling – An advanced processing route for effective development of Titanium Aluminide intermetallic alloy through mechanical alloying
Authors: Hussain Ilyas , Immanuel R. J.
Published: September 2022

Mechanical alloying is traditionally being used for developing novel alloys, which are difficult to prepare by conventional manufacturing routes, through solid state diffusion. It offers unique feature of extended solid solubility resulting in the formation of non-equilibrium immiscible phases that have huge potential in aerospace and defense applications. However, the development of intermetallic class of materials has always been a challenge.

Titanium Aluminide, possessing various advantageous properties, has got limited practical usage owing to the difficulty in development. The current research focuses on developing Titanium Aluminide intermetallic material (TiAl) from elemental Aluminumand Titanium powders using high energy planetary ball milling process. The centrifugal force combined with high gravitational counterforce resulted in the formation of intermetallic phase with near stoichiometric ratio. The developed TiAl was subjected to various microstructural and morphological analysis to understand the mechanism of phase formation during the milling process. Results reveal new dimensions for developing intermetallic alloys for various advanced engineering applications.
Designing the right impellers for your fan applications
Authors: Kirkham Phil
Published: September 2022

Impeller design and specification is critical to fan performance in all applications, and especially when operating in harsh operating environments.
Polarization-independent long-wave infrared transmission bandpass filters based on guided mode resonance
Authors: Chai Yuwei , Kang Guoguo
Published: September 2022

Subwavelength dielectric gratings based on guided mode resonances (GMRs) provide a compact, low-cost, and readily fabricable platform for narrowband spectral filters applied in numerous fields, such as sensors, spectrometers, and hyperspectral imaging. We numerically designed two long-wave infrared transmission bandpass filters based on Ge–ZnS–Ge thin film stacks and 2D zero-contrast gratings. The first filter is attributed to double GMR mode coupling, exhibiting a broadband high reflectance between 8 and 12 µm and a narrow transmission peak with a spectral linewidth of 53 nm and transmittance efficiency of 98% at the resonance. The other filter adopts a low-refractive-index material

B
a
F

2

as the substrate, which displays a lower-transmittance sideband from 8.6 to 9.4 µm, and a higher transmission efficiency up to 100% at the resonance. The physical mechanisms of two spectral responses are all relevant to guided mode coupling and Fabry–Perot resonance.
Compact integrated aberration-compensating module for a 9 kW Nd:YAG slab laser based on an off-axis stable-unstable resonator
Authors: Li Wen-Jun , Guo Ya-Ding , Zhang Lin , Shao Chong-Feng , Li Yang , Chen Zhong-Zheng , Wang Xiao-Jun , Bo Yong , Cui Da-Fu , Peng Qin-Jun
Published: September 2022

An integrated aberration-compensating module (IACM), consisting mainly of an adjustable slab-aberration compensator, a one-dimensional Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor, and a data processor, which meet the urgent requirements of correcting the specific wavefront aberrations of a slab laser based on an off-axis stable-unstable resonator, is designed and experimentally demonstrated. Benefits include compactness, robustness, simplicity, automation, and cost-effectiveness. The particular wavefront aberrations of the 9 kW level quasi-continuous-wave Nd:YAG slab laser, which have characteristics of asymmetry, large amplitude and gradient, high spatial frequency, and low temporal frequency, were measured and theoretically analyzed. In the experiment, the wavefront aberrations of the slab laser were corrected by the IACM. At the average output power of 9 kW, the diffraction-limited factor

β

was improved from 20.3 times diffraction limit (DL) to 3.6 times DL. The peak-to-valley and root-mean-square values of aberrations were reduced from 9.6 to 0.85 µm and from 2.86 to 0.18 µm within five iterations of the IACM, respectively. Moreover, The IACM is capable of maintaining the compensating surface figure after power-off.
Ultrahigh-speed multimodal adaptive optics system for microscopic structural and functional imaging of the human retina
Authors: Liu Zhuolin , Zhang Furu , Zucca Kelvy , Agrawal Anant , Hammer Daniel X.
Published: September 2022

We describe the design and performance of a multimodal and multifunctional adaptive optics (AO) system that combines scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for simultaneous retinal imaging at 13.4 Hz. The high-speed AO-OCT channel uses a 3.4 MHz Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) swept source. The system achieves exquisite resolution and sensitivity for pan-macular and transretinal visualization of retinal cells and structures while providing a functional assessment of the cone photoreceptors. The ultra-high speed also enables wide-field scans for clinical usability and angiography for vascular visualization. The FDA FDML-AO system is a powerful platform for studying various retinal and neurological diseases for vision science research, retina physiology investigation, and biomarker development.
Optical anisotropy composition of benign and malignant prostate tissues revealed by Mueller-matrix imaging
Authors: Sieryi Oleksii , Ushenko Yuriy , Ushenko Volodimir , Dubolazov Olexander , Syvokorovskaya Anastasia V. , Vanchulyak Oleh , Ushenko Alexander G. , Gorsky Mykhailo , Tomka Yuriy , Bykov Alexander , Yan Wenjun , Meglinski Igor
Published: September 2022

A Mueller matrix imaging approach is employed to disclose the three-dimensional composition framework of optical anisotropy within cancerous biotissues. Visualized by the Mueller matrix technique spatial architecture of optical anisotropy of tissues is characterised by high-order statistical moments. Thus, quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of optical anisotropy, such as linear and circular birefringence and dichroism, is revealed by using high-order statistical moments, enabling definitively discriminate prostate adenoma and carcinoma. The developed approach provides greater (>90%) accuracy of diagnostic achieved by using either the 3-rd or 4-th order statistical moments of the linear anisotropy parameters. Noticeable difference is observed between prostate adenoma and carcinoma tissue samples in terms of the extinction coefficient and the degree of depolarisation. Juxtaposition to other optical diagnostic modalities demonstrates the greater accuracy of the approach described herein, paving the way for its wider application in cancer diagnosis and tissue characterization.
Robust 3D imaging based on regularization by denoising
Authors: Liao Zi-Dong , Lu Zheng , Li Jian , Wang Qin
Published: September 2022

Reconstructing a 3D image from the photon echo is a challenging task due to spurious detections associated with large amounts of background counts. Here, we propose a robust method for estimating the depth and reflectivity by using regularization by the denoising method, where the block matching and the 3D filtering are adopted as denoisers, and in the meantime, the steepest-descent method is implemented to solve the optimization problem. Experimental data with different signal-to-background ratios and different numbers of photons verify that our method is able to accurately recover 3D images. Compared with other existing methods, such as the maximum likelihood estimation algorithm, the photon efficient algorithm by Shin et al. [IEEE Trans. Comput. Imaging 1, 112 (2015)2333-940310.1109/TCI.2015.2453093], and the ManiPoP algorithm, our method can effectively remove noise while preserving the edge information of depth images, with better depth image estimation and smaller root mean square error, especially at low signal-to-noise ratios. The superiority of this method over other methods is verified on simulated data sets under different conditions.
Hyperchromatic lens doublets with an extremely small equivalent Abbe number employing diffractive elements and refractive materials with exceptional dispersion properties
Authors: Förster Erik , Stumpf Daniela , Werner Lukas , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: September 2022

Hyperchromatic systems are characterized by strong longitudinal
chromatic aberrations that are quantitatively described by very small
equivalent Abbe numbers. In this contribution, doublet systems are
systematically studied with the aim of obtaining extreme values for
the equivalent Abbe numbers. Both purely refractive combinations and
hybrid systems of diffractive and refractive components are
considered. Chromatic axial splitting is determined as a function of
the optical powers of the individual components as well as the
dispersion properties of the materials involved. In order to determine
actual implementable configurations for extremely small equivalent
Abbe numbers, a systematic ray-trace analysis is performed in addition
to paraxial studies, taking into account geometric constraints on lens
curvatures and considering also complete, continuous dispersion
curves. As extreme values for systems with appropriate imaging
quality, an equivalent Abbe number of

υ
~

=
−
2.5

is obtained for the purely
refractive approach, and

υ
~

=
0.4

for the hybrid case, which is more
than 8 times smaller than the absolute value of a single diffractive
lens.
Noncollinear frequency mixing and fourth-harmonic generation of oppositely chirped laser pulses
Authors: Martyanov Mikhail , Kuzmin Igor , Poteomkin Anatoly , Mironov Sergey
Published: September 2022

Highly efficient fourth-harmonic generation of 60 µJ, 25 ps chirped (compressible down to 340 fs FWHM) Yb:KGW laser pulses was demonstrated experimentally utilizing noncollinear opposite chirp frequency mixing in Type I beta-barium borate (BBO) and lithium triborate (LBO) crystals as second-harmonic generators followed by collinear frequency doubling in another BBO crystal as a fourth-harmonic generator. Second-harmonic spectral narrowing by a factor over 100 and output UV pulse energy of 10 µJ were achieved.
Optimum display luminance under a wide range of ambient light for cockpit displays
Authors: Lin Caixin , Yi Xiangwei , Ji Zhengxin , Hou Dandan , Lin Yandan
Published: September 2022

The self-luminous cockpit displays need to be adaptive to a wide range of ambient light levels, which changes from very low illuminance to very high levels. Yet, current studies on evaluation and luminance setting of displays in bright surroundings are still limited. In this study, a three-dimensional visual ergonomic experiment was carried out to investigate how bright a cockpit display should be to meet aircrew operational requirements under different illuminance. A lab study with a within-subjects (N = 12) design was conducted in a simulated cockpit. According to the Weber–Fechner’s Law, human observers evaluated five display luminance conditions (101, 101.5, 102, 102.5, 103 cd/m2) under five ambient illuminance conditions (10°, 101, 102, 103, 104 lx). Visual performance, visual fatigue and visual comfort were used as evaluation bases, which were measured by d2 task, subjective fatigue questionnaire and visual perception semantic scales. Nonlinear function fitting was used to calculate the optimal luminance under a certain illuminance. Finally, curvilinear regression was used to analyze the illuminance and its corresponding optimal luminance. Based on Silverstein luminance power function, a luminance adjustment model with the form of power function was obtained. The proposed three-dimensional model fits the experimental data well and is consistent with the existing studies. It can be regarded as a supplement and optimization of the previous model under high ambient illuminance. This study can contribute not only to the pleasing luminance setting of panel displays in aircraft cockpits but also to other self-luminous devices, such as tablet devices, outdoor monitoring equipment and advertising screens.
Intracavity absorption spectroscopy of HCl isotopes, H2O, CH4, C2H4, and C2H6 in the 3.1–3.4 µm spectral range using a Cr:CdSe laser
Authors: Fjodorow Peter , Frolov Mikhail P. , Korostelin Yuri V. , Kozlovsky Vladimir I. , Schulz Christof , Leonov Stanislav O. , Skasyrsky Yan K. , Yuryshev Nikolai N.
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate the first application of a Cr:CdSe laser for highly-sensitive multicomponent intracavity absorption spectroscopy around λ = 3.1–3.4 µm. A detection scheme based on an integrated recording of multiple (∼70) individual Cr:CdSe laser pulses after a single pump-pulse excitation is reported. The sensitivity of our system corresponds to an effective absorption path length of Leff ≈ 850 m. Exemplary measurements of atmospheric H2O and CH4, and additionally introduced gas-phase HCl, C2H4, or C2H6 are presented. The achieved noise-equivalent detection limits are in the ppb range. Possibilities for further sensitivity enhancement by up to a factor of 104 are discussed.
Shape dependence of all-dielectric terahertz metasurface
Authors: Seo Dong-Jae , Kyoung Jisoo
Published: September 2022

All-dielectric metasurfaces have been attracting attention in the terahertz spectral range for low-loss planar optical elements such as lenses, beam splitters, waveplates, vortex plates, and magnetic mirrors. Various shapes of meta-atoms have been used in many studies; however, no systematic comparative study of each shape has been reported. The optical properties of various shapes of metasurfaces are reported in this work using finite difference time domain simulation. The phase of a pillar-type all-dielectric metasurface is mainly determined by the cross-sectional area, rather than its detailed shape. Consequently, in the square lattice geometry, the square shape meta-atom performs best in terms of full phase control at the lowest pillar height with negligible polarization dependence. Furthermore, we compare the transmission, phase, and polarization dependence of the hexagonal and square lattices. Square-shape metasurface successfully realizes subwavelength focusing metalens and vortex plate.
Metagrating absorber: design and implementation
Authors: Boust Fabrice , Lepetit Thomas , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: September 2022

The extent to which the introduction of subwavelength spatial modulation of electromagnetic properties improves absorption performances is studied. The proposed absorber represents an evolution from the Salisbury screen, whereby the uniform resistive layer is replaced by a metagrating. A periodic supercell that supports only the specular reflection is first designed, and load impedances are then engineered to suppress this diffraction mode. To experimentally demonstrate the concept, four prototypes are fabricated and tested in the microwave domain around 10 GHz. Furthermore, the performances assessed by a merit factor derived from Rozanov’s bound show that the use of metagratings opens up good perspectives for improving the state of the art. Our findings can pave the way toward the development of high performance absorbers for applications across a broad frequency spectrum.
Beyond a 107 range-resolution−1 product in an OFDR based on a periodic phase noise estimation method
Authors: Zou Chen , Lin Cuofu , Mou Tieliang , Yu Zhangjun , Zhu Yunlong , Zhu Yao , Dang Fanyang , Yuan Yonggui , Yang Jun , Wang Yuncai , Qin Yuwen
Published: September 2022

We present and demonstrate a method based on a periodic phase noise estimation in an optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) capable of a beyond 107 range-resolution−1 product (RRP) for the first time, which corresponds to 2.5 × improvement compared with the state-of-the-art. The moving average filter is employed to suppress the amplification of noise in the derivation process. Further, with the help of a third-order Taylor expansion, this method provides a highly precise estimation of periodic phase noise, which is the main factor impacting the performance of OFDR systems with medium-to-long measurement range combined with a submillimeter spatial resolution. A spatial resolution within 535

μ

m

over the measurement range of 8 km is obtained. The proposed method offers a promising technique for fiber network monitoring and sensing applications.
Pathogen evolution during vaccination campaigns
Authors: Day Troy , Kennedy David A. , Read Andrew F. , Gandon Sylvain
Published: September 2022

Following the initiation of the unprecedented global vaccination campaign against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), attention has now turned to the potential impact of this large-scale intervention on the evolution of the virus. In this Essay, we summarize what is currently known about pathogen evolution in the context of immune priming (including vaccination) from research on other pathogen species, with an eye towards the future evolution of SARS-CoV-2.