bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normative Data for Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Healthy Children and Adolescents From India
Authors: Ravi Teja Kasagani Venkata , Malhotra Bhanu , Vogel Mandy , Marwaha Raman Kumar , Aggarwal Arun , Pal Rimesh , Das Liza , Sachdeva Naresh , Devi Nagita , Bansal Dipika , Rastogi Ashu , Sharma Sadhna , Gajinder Dewan , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Ghosh Jayaditya , Monaghan Phillip J , Korbonits Márta , Dutta Pinaki
Published: May 2024

Background

Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an important biochemical tool to diagnose and monitor growth hormone (GH)-related disorders. However, ethnicity-specific Indian data, following consensus criteria for the establishment of normative data, are not available. Our objective was to generate chronological age (CA)-, bone age (BA)- and Tanner stage–specific normative data for IGF-1 in healthy Indian children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in schools and the community, which enrolled apparently healthy children and adolescents with robust exclusion criteria. The outcome measure was serum IGF-1 assessed using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, 90th, 95th, and 97.5th centiles for IGF-1 were estimated using generalized additive models.

Results

We recruited 2226 apparently healthy participants and following exclusion, 1948 (1006 boys, 942 girls) were included in the final analysis. Girls had median IGF-1 peak at CA of 13 years (321.7 ng/mL), BA of 14 years (350.2 ng/mL) and Tanner stage IV (345 ng/mL), while boys had median IGF-1 peak at CA of 15 years (318.9 ng/mL) BA of 15 years (340.6 ng/mL) and Tanner stage III (304.8 ng/mL). Girls had earlier rise, earlier peak, and higher IGF-1 values. The reference interval (2.5th to 97.5th percentile) was broader during peripubertal ages, indicating a higher physiological variability.

Conclusion

This study provides ethnicity-specific normative data on serum IGF-1 and will improve the diagnostic utility of IGF-1 in the evaluation and management of growth disorders in Indian children and adolescents.
Geneza i charakterystyka wypływów kompleksu Źródeł Królewskich w Żerominie
Authors: Bartnik Adam , Tomalski Przemysław
Published: May 2024

Opracowanie stanowi charakterystykę warunków funkcjonowania zespołu wypływów wód podziemnych zasilanych naporowymi wodami czwartorzędowymi z piaszczystych utworów śródglinowych w okolicy miejscowości Żeromin, w pobliżu Tuszyna. Jego głównym celem poza identyfikacją zmienności wydajności wypływów oraz temperatury, konduktywności i odczynu ich wód było ustalenie genezy i stopnia przekształcenia badanych wypływów w kompleksie Źródeł Królewskich. Jeden z wypływów to de facto wylot z systemu odwodnienia okolicznych pól, na co wskazuje odmienność cech fizycznych i chemicznych wypływającej z niego wody w stosunku do pozostałych. Powstanie wypływów zostało najprawdopodobniej indukowane przypadkowo przez działalność ludzką podczas prac melioracyjnych i/lub w czasie budowy wodociągu Sulejów–Łódź. Antropogeniczna geneza źródeł skłania do refleksji nad możliwymi konsekwencjami spożywania wody z niektórych wypływów (w szczególności pochodzącej z systemów melioracyjnych), zawierającej okresowo resztki nawozów i środków ochrony roślin.
Doctors of Tomorrow: Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of a virtual medical pipeline program during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Irani Sanaya , Tolia Sangini , Finks Jonathan , Sandhu Gurjit
Published: May 2024

Background Doctors of Tomorrow (DoT) is a medical student-run pipeline program between the University of Michigan Medical School and high schools in Detroit, MI. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this program was offered virtually for the first time during the 2020–2021 academic year. There are limited studies on the outcomes of virtual pipeline programs. This study aims to identify the successes and limitations of the virtual DoT program by examining the participants’ self-reported perspectives and knowledge acquisition from their session participation. Methods Multiple methods were executed in this study. Matched pre- and post- surveys completed by the 2020–2021 participant cohort were analyzed using paired t-tests. In addition, participants’ responses to free-response questions were analyzed by coding with NVivo and subsequent content analysis. Results Program participants experienced a significant increase in their self-rated knowledge of delivered content after each session. Additionally, a significant increase in familiarity was detected with the path to becoming a physician and with a variety of medical fields. In the qualitative analysis, five overarching categories emerged: 1) path to medical school, 2) mentorship and role models, 3) scientific inquiry, 4) sense of belonging, and 5) fields of medicine. Conclusions The DoT virtual pipeline program provides convincing evidence that distance learning can still be an effective way to help URiM students explore careers in medicine, gain awareness about the path to medical school, and connect with mentors. This may serve as a low-cost option for universities to engage with and extend their service to communities, especially in an increasingly digital world.
Trends in gestational age at live birth in Scotland from 2005 to 2019: a population-based study
Authors: Moore Emily , Scott Sonya , John Jeeva , Calvert Clara , Wood Rachael , Stock Sarah J.
Published: May 2024

Background Gestation at birth is associated with short and long-term outcomes. This study used high quality, national, administrative data to examine trends in gestation at birth in Scotland. Methods This observational study used maternity hospital discharge records for 2005 to 2019 to determine trends in the percentage of live births that were preterm (<37 weeks gestation), term (37–41 weeks), and post-term (≥42 weeks), overall and by maternal age and deprivation category. Preterm births were further examined by category of preterm birth (moderate to late [32–36 weeks]; very [28–31 weeks]; extremely [<28 weeks] preterm), and onset of labour (spontaneous; provider-initiated). Singleton and multiple births were examined separately. Aggregate logistic regression was used to estimate the annual change in the odds of a birth being in a specified gestational category. Results The percentage of singleton births in Scotland that were preterm decreased from 2005 (6.5%, 3,361/51,665) to 2010 (5.8%, 3268/56344), then increased to 2019 (7.2%, 3,408/47,507). The percentage of singleton births that were spontaneous moderate to late, very, and extremely preterm all increased between 2010 and 2019. The percentage of singleton births that were provider-initiated moderate to late preterm also increased between 2010 and 2019, however provider-initiated very or extremely preterm birth decreased. The percentage of singleton births that were preterm increased over time across all maternal age and deprivation categories, with increases greatest in groups at highest baseline risk. The percentage of singleton births that were post-term increased from 2005 to 2009, then decreased to 2019. Conclusions There has been an increase in spontaneous preterm birth from 2010 to 2019, which is not fully explained by changes in maternal age or deprivation. Further research to examine the contribution of other, preventable, risk factors is warranted. Trends in provider-initiated preterm birth, and post-term birth, are likely to reflect changing clinical practice.
The genome sequence of a tachinid fly, Phasia obesa (Fabricius, 1798)
Authors: Falk Steven , Mitchell Ryan , Smith Matthew N. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   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: May 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Phasia obesa (tachinid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tachinidae). The genome sequence is 876.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.46 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 30,251 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the northern blowfly, Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830)
Authors: Fotheringham David ,   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: May 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Protophormia terraenovae (the Northern Blowfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Calliphoridae). The genome sequence is 783.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.75 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,692 protein coding genes.
Anticoagulants - The Past, The Present, The Future - A Systematic Review
Authors: Warzycka Klaudia , Maliszewska Karolina , Woźniak Kinga , Gardian-Baj Monika , Jung Magdalena , Hedesz Patryk , Jung Maximilian , Doryń Aleksandra , Jędral Krystian , Włodarczyk Aleksandra , Szczerbiak Alicja
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Anticoagulants have been discovered and developed over past 100 years. At the beginning unfractionated heparin found its applications, just later to fade into the background of newer and more effective drugs. Patients have been treated with  more progressive medications – Low-Molecule-Weight Heparin (LMWH), Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) and Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOAC). As for today, deemed a turning point in anticoagulant therapy are inhibitors of factor XI. It is a ground-breaking innovation as it ensures high prevention of thrombotic episodes and guarantees intact physiological hemostasis.Current State of Knowledge: The coagulation cascade and molecules part taking in that have been discovered and described extensively and in detail. Unfractionated heparin is the oldest out of all and despite its simple action mechanism and adverse effects, is still a requested drug. Its lighter form, low-molecule-weight-heparin (LMWH) is an enhancement to the previous treatment due to its higher bioavailability and fewer side effects. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are widely spread in medical environment thanks to their expanded mechanism of action, oral administration and reversibility of their overdose, as well as their well-developed anti-side effect therapy. Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) have been introduced to the market about 10 years ago. In spite of NOACs short period of clinical use, they were a huge change to the previous treating methods. Currently, the newest innovation in anticoagulant therapy are inhibitors of factor XI and its clinical trials outcome is promising for the future.Summary:  The present article discusses history of anticoagulant drugs, their mechanism of action and usage but also focuses on the recent perspectives and developments as new anticoagulant drugs are being put to the test in therapeutic trials. The review underlines the importance of improvements in old therapeutic methods and exploring the new, more suitable ones.
Online Integrated Production and Distribution Scheduling: Review and Extensions
Authors: Chen Zhi-Long
Published: May 2024

As a growing number of manufacturers adopt the make-to-order business mode and a growing number of retailers sell online, we are seeing numerous decision problems that can be modeled as what are known in the literature as integrated production and distribution scheduling (IPDS) problems. In such problems, order processing and delivery must be scheduled jointly in order to achieve an optimal balance between total operational costs and overall customer service. Offline IPDS problems, in which the information about every order is known in advance with certainty, are extensively studied. However, research on online IPDS problems, in which orders arrive randomly with their information unknown until they arrive, is relatively recent but is growing rapidly. In this paper, we first describe several real-world applications to illustrate the importance of studying online IPDS problems from a practical point of view. We then review the existing literature on online IPDS problems with a focus on existing online algorithms for these problems and their theoretical performance. We also derive some new results to fill several gaps left in the literature and discuss possible topics for future research.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0305 .
False-negative PET/CT scan with metastatic sebaceous carcinoma: an important diagnostic consideration
Authors: Ren Tong , Foster Jennifer , Wu Alex , Hamidullah Alisher , Sladek Eric
Published: May 2024

Positron emission tomography (PET) has gained widespread acceptance as a valuable diagnostic tool for cancer. It is rare for a PET/CT scan to overlook the presence of metastatic disease. Sebaceous carcinoma is an uncommon malignant tumour that typically originates in the skin of the eyelid. In this case report, we present a unique case involving a metastatic sebaceous carcinoma that was not initially detected by a PET/CT scan in an 88-year-old female. Therefore, clinicians must maintain a heightened awareness of sebaceous carcinoma and exercise caution when making decisions solely based on PET scan results. It is crucial to recognise this potential limitation of PET scans in sebaceous carcinoma and consider further diagnostic approaches to ensure timely and accurate detection of sebaceous carcinoma.
Genetic predisposition to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: is there a family link?
Authors: Pombal Rita , Silva Luciana , Ferreira David
Published: May 2024

Background: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare life-threatening thrombotic reaction to COVID-19 vaccines. Case description: Two young male first cousins, with a family history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, developed VITT after the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Both had a favourable clinical and analytical outcome. We investigated the genetic factors that could be associated with a genetic predisposition to VITT. Conclusions: There are no published cases where the VITT patients were relatives. The genetic study did not reveal any likely pathogenic variants, although the prevalent polymorphism c.497A>G (p.(His166Arg)) in the FCGR2A gene was found in a homozygous state. More studies are required to better understand VITT’s pathophysiology and any underlying genetic predispositions.
Coming of age, part 2: the assistant practitioner role
Authors: Higginson Helen , Major Mark , Morris Andy
Published: May 2024

This is the second in a series of two articles looking over the past 21 years of developing assistant practitioners (APs) at the University of Bolton. Part one looked at the history and background of the AP and the university's long-lasting involvement in developing this innovative and versatile role. This article will focus on the case studies of two individuals who have engaged with the programme at the University of Bolton and how it has helped shape—or is shaping—their careers.
Nurse-led oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP)
Authors: Rickards Emma
Published: May 2024

Emma Rickards looks at new forms of airway clearance techniques, and how patients take to them
Prehospital management of sepsis with IV antibiotics: a UK literature review
Authors: Jadzinski Patryk , Fouch Sarah , Markham Chris , Stores Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Background:

Sepsis mortality rates increase if prompt treatment is not administered. The Sepsis Six care bundle advocates the early administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics to reduce mortality and morbidity but this is not routinely practised nationally in UK prehospital settings, although UK ambulance services regularly attend septic patients.

Aims:

A literature review was conducted to investigate knowledge around paramedics' ability to recognise and treat prehospital sepsis with intravenous antibiotics in the UK and the impact of this on patient outcomes.

Methods:

A search was conducted and the three eligible studies included underwent a structured critical appraisal and thematic analysis.

Findings:

Three themes emerged: diagnostic accuracy; administration of prehospital antibiotics; and impact on patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

There is a significant gap in evidence in this field in the UK, and it was difficult to make generalised recommendations from the studies. Paramedics have the potential to be highly accurate in the recognition of sepsis and administer intravenous antibiotics when following a protocol. No major studies measure patient outcomes following prehospital intravenous antibiotics administration by paramedics in the UK and large empirical studies should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of this.
Navicular bone oedema and sclerosis: current concepts on best management
Authors: Lynch Nicola P
Published: May 2024

Pathology associated with the navicular bone remains a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. Since the introduction of advanced imaging modalities (particularly magnetic resonance imaging) it is now recognised that pathology of the navicular bone rarely occurs in isolation; concurrent abnormalities of the structures of the podotrochlear apparatus are often present. Different pathological processes of the navicular bone can have the same radiological appearance. Identifying the underlying disease process, as well as concurrent injuries, is essential for implementing the most appropriate management strategies in horses with navicular bone pathology. Horses with acute onset lameness or soft tissue injuries will often require a period of rest initially, whereas horses with chronic insidious lameness and no soft tissue pathology may be able to continue in work following treatment. Management should be focused on reduction of pain and inflammation which is often achieved with systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and intra-articular or intra-bursal medication in combination with reducing concussive forces acting on the navicular bone through alterations in shoeing and modification of exercise.
OPTIMIZATION OF TESTS FOR VERIFICATION OF A DIAGNOSIS MADE BY A GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP)
Authors:   Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Magott Jan , Wikiera-Magott Irena ,   Wroclaw Medical University
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In a GP’s work, the fundamental problem is the accuracy of the diagnosis under time constraints, cost limitations on health care and medical standards. A GP selects the medical tests for verification of a hypothetical (preliminary) diagnosis made after an interview and physical examination. Optimization of such verification tests as urine, blood, ultrasound examination and simple X-ray examination in order to improve the diagnosis accuracy has been attempted in the paper. Diagnostic potential, cost and precision of tests have been accepted as optimization criteria. Methods: For a health problem, a set of preliminary diagnoses is given. The diagnostic potential of tests in verification of the diagnosis from this set is determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Then for each of these diagnoses, a set of tests with sufficiently great total diagnostic potential and minimal cost is found using a binary linear programming problem. The precision of tests in verification of the diagnoses is estimated using medical expert intuition. Then the pairs (hypothetical diagnosis, test) with the greatest coefficient of test precision impact in verification of the hypothetical diagnosis are selected. Finally, the recommendations for improving precision of the selected tests are defined. Results: In the case study, a lumbar pain health problem is considered. Six preliminary diagnoses and four tests have been theoretically considered, i.e., no sample of patients. Two recommendations for the tests have been formulated. Discussion and Conclusions: A quantitative method for indicating week points of medical tests in order to improve diagnosis accuracy has been proposed. A limitation of the case study is the estimation of diagnostic potential of tests and their precision by one medical expert only.
The Tanbīh al-anām ̔alā mā yaḥduthu fī ayyām al- ̔ām (Warning to humanity about what happens during the days of the year) by ̔Abdu ̓ l-Raḥmān al-Jādirī (777/1375–818/1416)
Authors: Calvo Emilia , Díaz-Fajardo Montse
Published: May 2024

The article studies, translates, and edits a calendar entitled Tanbīh al-anām ̔ala mā yaḥduthu fī ayyām al- ̔ām (Warning to humanity about what happens during the days of the year), written by al-Jādirī (777/1375-ca. 818/1416). The author is a well-known muwaqqit who worked in Fes. The book was written at the request of an unknown scholar who asked al-Jādirī to adapt to the latitude of Fes a calendar written by the mathematician and astronomer Ibn al-Bannā ̓ (654/1256–721/1321) for the latitude of Marrakesh. Al-Jādirī calls this calendar Taqyīd fī l-shuhūr al- ̔ajamīya wa-mā yaḥduthu fī-hā. Even though there is no known reference to this Taqyīd in the bibliography about Ibn al- Bannā ̓, al-Jādirī’s Tanbīh most closely resembles his Risāla fī l-anwā ̓. This latter work was strongly in uenced by the well-known Kitāb al-anwā ̓ written by ̔Arīb b. Sa ̔īd (d. 370/980–981). Al-Jādirī knew ̔Arīb’s work and probably employed it in order to complete the calendar written by Ibn al-Bannā ̓, to which he added materials borrowed from other sources. This represents thus a revival of the Andalusi tradition of calendars and treatises about Arabic folk astronomy in the early 9th/15th century.
What I say, or how I say it? Ethnic accents and hiring evaluations in the Greater Toronto Area
Authors: Jackson Samantha , Denis Derek
Published: May 2024

This study investigated accent bias against job applicants with extralocal (non-Canadian)
English accents in the Greater Toronto Area. Verbal guises recorded by British, Chinese, German,
Indian, Jamaican, and Nigerian women and by Canadian women with at least one parent from
these countries were evaluated by forty-eight human resources students, who rated the content of
job interview responses and the candidates’ ‘expression’ and ‘employability’, determined what job
they should be interviewed for, and provided commentary. Canadian voices were especially privileged
in comments on speech. Quantitative analysis of responses reflected bias against extralocal
voices. Consequently, we provide recommendations for relevant stakeholders.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the complex dynamics of spectral RMS width of an erbium-doped figure eight fiber laser
Authors: González-Galicia M. A.
Published: May 2024

There are a large number of different ultrashort light pulses; a particular case is called noise-like pulses (NLPs), which are ultrashort light pulses that have the characteristic that their electric field has a very complex internal structure. Due to this characteristic, the envelope can take various shapes (Gaussian, triangular, square, complex shape, etc.). Also its amplitude and temporal width vary with respect to the polarization within the cavity. In this work we carry out a theoretical and experimental study of the RMS widths of NLPs measured within the mode-locked regions generated with our laser cavity: an erbium-doped figure eight fiber laser (EDFEFL). The experimental measurements of the RMS widths of the NLPs were compared with the theoretical model of light intensity transmission based on Jones matrices and with the theoretical model of the NOLM. We find that the theoretical model partially fits with the experimental results. We analyze NLPs with a wavelength carrier of 960 nm, repetition rate of 60 MHz, and temporal profile with duration on the order of nanoseconds.
Wave type fiber SPR sensor for rapid and highly sensitive detection of hyperoside
Authors: Wei Yong , Tang Yixiong , Zhang Yonghui , Liu Chunlan , Ren Puxi , Liu Chunbiao , Shi Chen , Zhang Ziqiang , Liu Zhihai
Published: May 2024

The fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor used for the detection of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine has the problems of low sensitivity and difficult specific recognition. This paper proposed a wave type fiber SPR sensor, which reduced the mode of transmitted light through a periodic wave structure and caused concentrated and total reflection of the transmitted beam at the interface between the bent peak cladding and the air. A 50 nm gold film was coated on the surface of the cladding in the wave structure area to form the SPR sensing area. By controlling the width and height of the wave structure to control the total reflection angle of the transmitted light, i.e., the SPR incidence angle, the sensitivity of the fiber SPR sensor was effectively improved to 4972 nm/RIU. Furthermore, HSP90AA protein was modified on the gold film of the sensor to achieve specific detection of hyperoside. The longest single detection time was only 3 minutes, and the detection sensitivity was 0.53 nm/(µg/ml), with a detection limit as low as 0.68µg/ml, which is comparable to liquid chromatography. The proposed wave type fiber SPR sensor is fast in production and has high structural mechanical strength, providing a new approach for the rapid, highly sensitive, and specific detection of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.
S+E+O-band luminescence and enhancement in Nd3+/Tm3+/Ce3+ doped tellurite glass
Authors: Zhou Dexing , Wang Shuhong , Zhao Dongyi , Zhu Liqiao , Zhou Yaxun
Published: May 2024

A new, to our knowledge, doped combination of Nd3+, Tm3+, and Ce3+ ions was developed in tellurite glass with a fundamental composition of TeO2-ZnO-WO3-Bi2O3, and the structural, thermal, and especially near-infrared (NIR) luminescent properties in O-, E-, and S-bands were explored. The XRD pattern confirmed the amorphous nature of synthesized tellurite glass, the Raman spectrum disclosed different structural units that make up the glass network, the DSC curve confirmed good host thermal stability, while XPS measurement revealed that cerium mainly exists in the trivalent form in a glass network. Upon being pumped with an 808 nm laser, a 1.34 µm band fluorescence from Nd3+:4F3/2level→4I13/2 level transition and a 1.46 µm band fluorescence from Tm3+:3H4level→3F4 level transition were observed, which in turn formed a wide luminescence band from 1260 to 1560 nm in the tellurite glass containing both Nd3+ and Tm3+ ions owing to their spectral overlapping. The measured full width at half maximum (FWHM) for the aforementioned wideband luminescence was about 203 nm with Nd2O3 and Tm2O3 concentrations of 0.015 mol. % and 0.5 mol. %, respectively, and exhibited a further ∼60% increase in peak intensity after the incorporation of 0.4 mol. % amount of CeO2, which arises from the phenomena of cross relaxation and energy transfer among the three trivalent rare earth ions. The experimental evidence presented in this work shows that tellurite glass containing Nd3+, Tm3+, and Ce3+ has potential as an active material for S-, E-, and O-band wideband luminescence.
Nontrivial evolution and geometric phase for an orbital angular momentum qutrit
Authors: Tang Fangqing , Zhang Dongkai , Chen Lixiang
Published: May 2024

Photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM) offers a promising platform for high-dimensional quantum information processing. While geometric phase (GP) is the crucial tool in enabling intrinsically fault-tolerant quantum computation, the measurement of GP using linear optics remains relatively unexplored in the OAM state space. Here, we propose an experimental scheme to detect GP shifts resulting from the cyclic evolution of OAM qutrit states. Distinguished with the conventional evolution along cyclic path on the Poincaré sphere (PS), the nontrivial evolution in our theoretical scheme is along a cyclic path residing within the SU(3)/U(2) parameter space. By employing a combination of X-gates, dove prisms, and double cylindrical lenses, we achieve the cyclic evolution and analyse the resultant GP through our designed Sagnac interferometer. Our theoretical study may find potential in high-dimensional quantum computation using twisted photons and in exploring the geometric structure of such optical systems.
Mass measurement under medium vacuum in optically levitated nanoparticles based on Maxwell speed distribution law
Authors: Chen Peng , Li Nan , Chen Xingfan , Liang Tao , He Peitong , Wang Dawei , Hu Huizhu
Published: May 2024

As one of the directions of optical levitation technology, the mass measurement of micro-nano particles has always been a research hotspot in extremely weak mechanical measurements. When nanoscale particles are trapped in an optical trap, parameters such as density, diameter, and shape are unknown. Here we propose what we believe to be a new method to measure mass by fitting particle motion information to the Maxwell speed distribution law, with an accuracy better than 7% at 10 mbar. This method has the characteristics of requiring no external driving force, no precise natural frequency, no prior information such as density, and non-destructive testing within the medium vacuum range. With the increasing iterations, the uncertainty of mass measurement is reduced, and the accuracy of mass measurement of levitated particles is verified under multiple air pressures. It provides what we believe is a new method for the future non-destructive testing of nanoscale particles, and provides an apparently new way for the sensing measurement and metrology application fields of levitation dynamics systems.
Femtosecond pulse amplification at 1770 nm using thulium- and terbium-doped fluoride fibers
Authors: Okada Kaito , Banguilan Dina Grace , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Kajikawa Eiji , Fuji Takao
Published: May 2024

We present a chirped pulse amplification system for ultrashort 1770　nm pulses, utilizing a multistage fiber amplifier based on thulium-doped core and terbium-doped cladding fluoride fibers.
The seed pulse is generated through stimulated Raman scattering in a silica fiber, pumped by an erbium-doped fiber laser.
After temporal stretching with a silica dispersion compensation fiber, the pulse undergoes amplification in a two-stage Tm:Tb:ZBLAN amplifier.
The pulse can be further amplified with a power amplifier based on a thulium-doped fluoride fiber. The system achieves an average power of ~1 W at megahertz repetition rates.
Using a grism compressor, the pulse is efficiently compressed down to 254 fs.
Identification of Low-Complexity Domains by Compositional Signatures Reveals Class-Specific Frequencies and Functions Across the Domains of Life
Authors: Cascarina Sean M. , Ross Eric D.
Published: May 2024

Low-complexity domains (LCDs) in proteins are typically enriched in one or two predominant amino acids. As a result, LCDs often exhibit unusual structural/biophysical tendencies and can occupy functional niches. However, for each organism, protein sequences must be compatible with intracellular biomolecules and physicochemical environment, both of which vary from organism to organism. This raises the possibility that LCDs may occupy sequence spaces in select organisms that are otherwise prohibited in most organisms. Here, we report a comprehensive survey and functional analysis of LCDs in all known reference proteomes (>21k organisms), with added focus on rare and unusual types of LCDs. LCDs were classified according to both the primary amino acid and secondary amino acid in each LCD sequence, facilitating detailed comparisons of LCD class frequencies across organisms. Examination of LCD classes at different depths (i.e., domain of life, organism, protein, and per-residue levels) reveals unique facets of LCD frequencies and functions. To our surprise, all 400 LCD classes occur in nature, although some are exceptionally rare. A number of rare classes can be defined for each domain of life, with many LCD classes appearing to be eukaryote-specific. Certain LCD classes were consistently associated with identical functions across many organisms, particularly in eukaryotes. Our analysis methods enable simultaneous, direct comparison of all LCD classes between individual organisms, resulting in a proteome-scale view of differences in LCD frequencies and functions. Together, these results highlight the remarkable diversity and functional specificity of LCDs across all known life forms.
Evaluation of the horizontal approach to the medial malleolar facet in sagittal talar fractures through dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions
Authors: Li Xian , Wang Xiao-ke , Han Li-ren , Li Hao , Tian Hui-chao , Yan Jun , Liu Hai-juan
Published: May 2024

Background

Talar fractures often require osteotomy during surgery to achieve reduction and screw fixation of the fractured fragments due to limited visualization and operating space of the talar articular surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the horizontal approach to the medial malleolus facet by maximizing exposure through dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions.

Methods

In dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and functional foot positions, we respectively obtained the anterior and posterior edge lines of the projection of the medial malleolus on the medial malleolar facet. The talar model from Mimics was imported into Geomagic software for image refinement. Then Solidworks software was used to segment the medial surface of the talus and extend the edge lines from the three positions to project them onto the "semicircular" base for 2D projection. The exposed area in different positions, the percentage of total area it represents, and the anatomic location of the insertion point at the groove between the anteroposternal protrusions of the medial malleolus were calculated.

Results

The mean total area of the "semicircular" region on the medial malleolus surface of the talus was 542.10 ± 80.05 mm2. In the functional position, the exposed mean area of the medial malleolar facet around the medial malleolus both anteriorly and posteriorly was 141.22 ± 24.34 mm2, 167.58 ± 22.36mm2, respectively. In dorsiflexion, the mean area of the posterior aspect of the medial malleolar facet was 366.28 ± 48.12 mm2. In plantarflexion, the mean of the anterior aspect of the medial malleolar facet was 222.70 ± 35.32 mm2. The mean overlap area of unexposed area in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was 23.32 ± 5.94 mm2. The mean percentage of the increased exposure area in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were 36.71 ± 3.25% and 15.13 ± 2.83%. The mean distance from the insertion point to the top of the talar dome was 10.69 ± 1.24 mm, to the medial malleolus facet border of the talar trochlea was 5.61 ± 0.96 mm, and to the tuberosity of the posterior tibiotalar portion of the deltoid ligament complex was 4.53 ± 0.64 mm.

Conclusions

Within the 3D model, we measured the exposed area of the medial malleolus facet in different positions and the anatomic location of the insertion point at the medial malleolus groove. When the foot is in plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, a sufficiently large area and operating space can be exposed during surgery. The data regarding the exposed visualization area and virtual screws need to be combined with clinical experience for safer reduction and fixation of fracture fragments. Further validation of its intraoperative feasibility will require additional clinical research.
Exploring the feasibility of pupillometry training and perceptions of potential use for intracranial pressure monitoring in Uganda: A mixed methods study
Authors: Petitt Zoey , Trillo Ordonez Yesel , Agwu Chibueze , Ott Maura , Shakir Muhammad , Ayala Mullikin Alexandria , Davis Jenna , Khalafallah Adham M. , Tang Alan , Shalita Chidyaonga , Ssembatya Joseph Mary , Deng Di D. , Headley Jennifer , Obiga Oscar , Haglund Michael M. , Fuller Anthony T.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for the majority of Uganda’s neurosurgical disease burden; however, invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is infrequently used. Noninvasive monitoring could change the care of patients in such a setting through quick detection of elevated ICP.

Purpose

Given the novelty of pupillometry in Uganda, this mixed methods study assessed the feasibility of pupillometry for noninvasive ICP monitoring for patients with TBI.

Methods

Twenty-two healthcare workers in Kampala, Uganda received education on pupillometry, practiced using the device on healthy volunteers, and completed interviews discussing pupillometry and its implementation. Interviews were assessed with qualitative analysis, while quantitative analysis evaluated learning time, measurement time, and accuracy of measurements by participants compared to a trainer’s measurements.

Results

Most participants (79%) reported a positive perception of pupillometry. Participants described the value of pupillometry in the care of patients during examination, monitoring, and intervention delivery. Commonly discussed concerns included pupillometry’s cost, understanding, and maintenance needs. Perceived implementation challenges included device availability and contraindications for use. Participants suggested offering continued education and engaging hospital leadership as implementation strategies. During training, the average learning time was 13.5 minutes (IQR 3.5), and the measurement time was 50.6 seconds (IQR 11.8). Paired t-tests to evaluate accuracy showed no statistically significant difference in comparison measurements.

Conclusion

Pupillometry was considered acceptable for noninvasive ICP monitoring of patients with TBI, and pupillometer use was shown to be feasible during training. However, key concerns would need to be addressed during implementation to aid device utilization.
Unveiling productivity: The interplay of cognitive arousal and expressive typing in remote work
Authors: Alam Samiul , Khazaei Saman , Faghih Rose T.
Published: May 2024

Cognitive Arousal, frequently elicited by environmental stressors that exceed personal coping resources, manifests in measurable physiological markers, notably in galvanic skin responses. This effect is prominent in cognitive tasks such as composition, where fluctuations in these biomarkers correlate with individual expressiveness. It is crucial to understand the nexus between cognitive arousal and expressiveness. However, there has not been a concrete study that investigates this inter-relation concurrently. Addressing this, we introduce an innovative methodology for simultaneous monitoring of these elements. Our strategy employs Bayesian analysis in a multi-state filtering format to dissect psychomotor performance (captured through typing speed), galvanic skin response or skin conductance (SC), and heart rate variability (HRV). This integrative analysis facilitates the quantification of expressive behavior and arousal states. At the core, we deploy a state-space model connecting one latent psychological arousal condition to neural activities impacting sweating (inferred through SC responses) and another latent state to expressive behavior during typing. These states are concurrently evaluated with model parameters using an expectation-maximization algorithms approach. Assessments using both computer-simulated data and experimental data substantiate the validity of our approach. Outcomes display distinguishable latent state patterns in expressive typing and arousal across different computer software used in office management, offering profound implications for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and productivity analysis. This research marks a significant advancement in decoding human productivity dynamics, with extensive repercussions for optimizing performance in telecommuting scenarios.
Blind cavefish evolved higher foraging responses to chemo- and mechanostimuli
Authors: Kuball Kyleigh , Fernandes Vânia Filipa Lima , Takagi Daisuke , Yoshizawa Masato
Published: May 2024

In nature, animals must navigate to forage according to their sensory inputs. Different species use different sensory modalities to locate food efficiently. For teleosts, food emits visual, mechanical, chemical, and/or possibly weak-electrical signals, which can be detected by optic, auditory/lateral line, and olfactory/taste buds sensory systems. However, how fish respond to and use different sensory inputs when locating food, as well as the evolution of these sensory modalities, remain unclear. We examined the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, which is composed of two different morphs: a sighted riverine (surface fish) and a blind cave morph (cavefish). Compared with surface fish, cavefish have enhanced non-visual sensory systems, including the mechanosensory lateral line system, chemical sensors comprising the olfactory system and taste buds, and the auditory system to help navigate toward food sources. We tested how visual, chemical, and mechanical stimuli evoke food-seeking behavior. In contrast to our expectations, both surface fish and cavefish did not follow a gradient of chemical stimulus (food extract) but used it as a cue for the ambient existence of food. Surface fish followed visual cues (red plastic beads and food pellets), but, in the dark, were likely to rely on mechanosensors—the lateral line and/or tactile sensor—as cavefish did. Our results indicate cavefish used a similar sensory modality to surface fish in the dark, while affinity levels to stimuli were higher in cavefish. In addition, cavefish evolved an extended circling strategy to forage, which may yield a higher chance to capture food by swimming-by the food multiple times instead of once through zigzag motion. In summary, we propose that ancestors of cavefish, similar to the modern surface fish, evolved extended food-seeking behaviors, including circling motion, to adapt to the dark.
The effect of different extreme weather events on attitudes toward climate change
Authors: Visconti Giancarlo , Young Kayla
Published: May 2024

Can exposure to extreme weather change political opinion and preferences about climate change? There is a growing literature on both the effects of extreme weather events and the factors explaining attitudes toward global warming, though there remains no clear consensus about whether being exposed to extreme weather influences public opinion about climate change. We contribute to this literature by studying the impact of a variety of extreme weather events associated with climate variability, including severe storms, floods, fires, and hurricanes, on attitudes toward climate change. Specifically, we use a three-wave panel survey and a dynamic difference-in-differences design to analyze public opinion data at the individual level in the US. We find that exposure to only one extreme weather type—fires—has a small but significant effect on acknowledging the existence of climate change and supporting the need for action. However, that impact quickly vanishes, and other types of extreme weather do not appear to have any effect on opinion.
Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) show episodic-like memory through the incidental encoding of information
Authors: Davies James R. , Garcia-Pelegrin Elias , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: May 2024

Episodic memory describes the conscious reimagining of our memories and is often considered to be a uniquely human ability. As these phenomenological components are embedded within its definition, major issues arise when investigating the presence of episodic memory in non-human animals. Importantly, however, when we as humans recall a specific experience, we may remember details from that experience that were inconsequential to our needs, thoughts, or desires at that time. This ‘incidental’ information is nevertheless encoded automatically as part of the memory and is subsequently recalled within a holistic representation of the event. The incidental encoding and unexpected question paradigm represents this characteristic feature of human episodic memory and can be employed to investigate memory recall in non-human animals. However, without evidence for the associated phenomenology during recall, this type of memory is termed ‘episodic-like memory’. Using this approach, we tested seven Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) on their ability to use incidental visual information (associated with observed experimenter made ‘caches’) to solve an unexpected memory test. The birds performed above chance levels, suggesting that Eurasian jays can encode, retain, recall, and access incidental visual information within a remembered event, which is an ability indicative of episodic memory in humans.
The delivery of creative socially prescribed activities for people with serious mental health needs during lockdown: Learning about remote, digital and hybrid delivery
Authors: Bishop-Edwards Lindsey , Taylor Buck Elizabeth , Weich Scott
Published: May 2024

Background

Social prescribing interventions connect mental health service users to community resources, to support physical and mental wellbeing and promote recovery. COVID-19 restrictions impacted the delivery of socially prescribed activities, preventing face to face contact for long periods.

Aims

The aim of this study was to understand how Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations working with a local NHS mental health Trust responded to the challenges of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This understanding will be used to make recommendations for future practice, post-lockdown.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed methods design, we surveyed VCSE providers of socially prescribed activities intended to be accessible and appropriate for people with severe mental health needs. Follow-up interviews explored further how they adapted during the first year of the pandemic, the challenges they faced, and how they sought to overcome them. The survey and interview data were analysed separately and then compared to identify convergent and divergent findings.

Results

Twenty VCSE representatives completed the survey which provided a snapshot of changes in levels of connection and numbers reached during lockdown. Of 20 survey respondents, 11 participated in follow-up interviews. Interviews revealed that lockdown necessitated rapid change and responsive adaptation; activities were limited by resource, funding, safeguarding and government restrictions; no single format suited all group members; connection was key; and impact was difficult to gauge.

Conclusions

VCSE organisations commissioned to deliver creative socially prescribed activities during the pandemic rapidly adapted their offer to comply with government restrictions. Responsive changes were made, and new knowledge and skills were gained. Drawing on experiences during lockdown, VCSE organisations should develop bespoke knowledge, skills and practices to engage service users in future hybrid delivery of arts, sports, cultural and creative community activities, and to ensure that digital activities offer an equivalent degree of connection to face-to-face ones. Additionally, more effective methods of gaining feedback about patient experience of hybrid delivery is needed.