bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The neuronal transcription factor MEIS2 is a calpain-2 protease target
Authors: Müller Tanja , Reichlmeir Marina , Hau Ann-Christin , Wittig Ilka , Schulte Dorothea
Published: February 2024

Tight control over transcription factor activity is necessary for a sensible balance between cellular proliferation and differentiation in the embryo and during tissue homeostasis by adult stem cells, but mechanistic details have remained incomplete. The homeodomain transcription factor MEIS2 is an important regulator of neurogenesis in the ventricular–subventricular zone (V-SVZ) adult stem cell niche in mice. We here identify MEIS2 as direct target of the intracellular protease calpain-2 (composed of the catalytic subunit CAPN2 and the regulatory subunit CAPNS1). Phosphorylation at conserved serine and/or threonine residues, or dimerization with PBX1, reduced the sensitivity of MEIS2 towards cleavage by calpain-2. In the adult V-SVZ, calpain-2 activity is high in stem and progenitor cells, but rapidly declines during neuronal differentiation, which is accompanied by increased stability of MEIS2 full-length protein. In accordance with this, blocking calpain-2 activity in stem and progenitor cells, or overexpression of a cleavage-insensitive form of MEIS2, increased the production of neurons, whereas overexpression of a catalytically active CAPN2 reduced it. Collectively, our results support a key role for calpain-2 in controlling the output of adult V-SVZ neural stem and progenitor cells through cleavage of the neuronal fate determinant MEIS2.
The kinematics of amblypygid (Arachnida) pedipalps during predation: extreme elongation in raptorial appendages does not result in a proportionate increase in reach and closing speed
Authors: McLean Callum J. , Brassey Charlotte A. , Seiter Michael , Garwood Russell J. , Gardiner James D.
Published: February 2024

The link between form and function is key to understanding the evolution of unique and/or extreme morphologies. Amblypygids, or whip spiders, are arachnids that often have highly elongated spined pedipalps. These limbs are used to strike at, and secure, prey before processing by the chelicerae. Amblypygi pedipalps are multifunctional, however, being used in courtship and contest, and vary greatly in form between species. Increased pedipalp length may improve performance during prey capture, but length could also be influenced by factors including territorial contest and sexual selection. Here, for the first time, we used high-speed videography and manual tracking to investigate kinematic differences in prey capture between amblypygid species. Across six morphologically diverse species, spanning four genera and two families, we created a total dataset of 86 trials (9–20 per species). Prey capture kinematics varied considerably between species, with differences being expressed in pedipalp joint angle ranges. In particular, maximum reach ratio did not remain constant with total pedipalp length, as geometric scaling would predict, but decreased with longer pedipalps. This suggests that taxa with the most elongated pedipalps do not deploy their potential length advantage to proportionally increase reach. Therefore, a simple mechanical explanation of increased reach does not sufficiently explain pedipalp elongation. We propose other factors to help explain this phenomenon, such as social interactions or sexual selection, which would produce an evolutionary trade-off in pedipalp length between prey capture performance and other behavioural and/or anatomical pressures.
Basic taste sensitivity, eating behaviour, food propensity and BMI of preadolescent children: How are they related?
Authors: Ervina Ervina , Berget Ingunn , Skeie Siv Borghild , L. Almli Valérie
Published: February 2024

Background Taste sensitivity has been reported to influence children’s eating behaviour and contribute to their food preferences and intake. This study aimed to investigate the associations between taste sensitivity, eating behaviour, food frequency and BMI (Body Mass Index) in preadolescents. Methods Preadolescents’ taste sensitivity was measured by detection threshold of sweetness (sucrose), sourness (citric acid), saltiness (sodium chloride), bitterness (caffeine, quinine), and umami (monosodium glutamate). In addition, the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ) measuring food frequency, and the children’s body weight and height were completed by the parents. A total of 69 child-parent dyads participated (preadolescents mean age =10.9 years). Results Taste sensitivity to caffeine bitterness was significantly associated with eating behaviour in food responsiveness, emotional overeating, and desire to drink. The preadolescents who were less sensitive to caffeine bitterness had higher food responsiveness scores. Those who were less sensitive to caffeine bitterness and to sweetness had higher emotional overeating scores. In addition, preadolescents who were less sensitive to sourness and bitterness of both caffeine and quinine demonstrated to have higher scores in desire to drink. There was no association between taste sensitivity and FPQ, but significant differences were observed across preadolescents’ BMI for FPQ of dairy food items, indicating higher consumption of low-fat milk in the overweight/obese compared to the underweight/normal-weight subjects. There was no significant difference in taste sensitivity according to BMI. Preadolescents’ eating behaviour differed across BMI, demonstrating a positive association between BMI and food approach, and a negative association between BMI and food avoidance. Conclusions This study contributes to the preliminary understanding of the relationships between taste sensitivity and eating behaviour in preadolescents. The results may be used to develop effective strategies to promote healthy eating practices by considering taste sensitivity in preadolescents.
Analysing the Sri Lankan civil war through the lens of conflict resolution theory
Authors: Sonia Dey
Published: February 2024

This paper offers a detailed perspective of third-party intervention as a major toolkit in conflict resolution. It assesses the efficacy of third-party intervention under certain working conditions, also at the same time points out circumstances that hinders attempted conflict resolutions. Third party intervention was used as a toolkit in the attempted peace process in Sri Lanka, to help resolve the decades-old Sri Lankan ethnic conflict between the government and the Tamil separatist faction, LTTE. India was the first to attempt mediation through its peacekeeping forces, which counteracted under unforeseen circumstances and quickly lost the peacekeeping approach and turned into muscle-mediation. Norway too played a prominent role in the process, but it adopted an unbiased and non-coercive peace facilitation approach. Despite which, Norway came under a barrage of criticism for biased mediation policies. This research points out what two different types of mediation can achieve from a single conflict and what are the conditions required for third party mediation to achieve success, under a complex situation like the Sri Lankan case. The Sri Lankan peace process explores how mediation by force can backfire but at the same time exposes the powerlessness of non-coercive third-party mediation. This study holds potential to drive future researchers closer to exploring means to minimize the impacts of such limitations on future reconciliations.
Diagnostic problems of rare diseases - amyloidosis. A case report
Authors: Senat Hanna , Grabowska Patrycja , Senat Aleksandra , Bolla Patrycja , Madej Aleksandra , Matus Iwona , Janicka Natalia , Marczynska Zuzanna
Published: February 2024

The presented case study focuses on the complexities and challenges in diagnosingone of the forms of amyloidosis, where abnormal protein (amyloid) deposits in variousorgans and tissues lead to affection of many organs, especially the heart, kidneys, liver,spleen, and occasionally the central nervous system. Its aetiology remains largely unknown,making diagnosis and treatment particularly challenging.This report details the case of an 88-year-old patient, disabled for months (with amodified Rankin Scale score of 4), who presented to the Neurology Department with suddenright limb paresis and speech disorders. Initial assessments indicated suggested ischemicstroke, and patients received thrombolysis. Further laboratory tests and imaging, includingserum protein electrophoresis and computer tomograph (CT) scans, suggested transthyretinamyloidosis (ATTR), which was later confirmed through genetic testing.This case underscores the rapid, multi-organ progression of amyloidosis and itsdevastating impact, highlighting the necessity for early diagnosis and a multidisciplinarytreatment approach.Despite ongoing research, the pathogenesis of amyloidosis remains elusive, andcurrent treatment options are primarily symptomatic. This study aims to shed light on thediagnostic difficulties and the urgent need for timely intervention in amyloidosis cases.
Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis – literature review
Authors: Pokora Szymon , Pokora Karolina , Poloczek Alicja , Szczerba Jakub
Published: February 2024

Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis is a rare disease occurring with a frequency of approximately 13.7/100,000 people, mainly among middle-aged women. The disease is caused by autoantibodies, either synthesised due to the presence of a tumour or having an idiopathic nature. Depending on the type of autoantibodies detected, the disease is divided into subtypes, which differ in the frequency of specific clinical symptoms (most commonly psychosis, mood changes, memory problems, cognitive impairment and seizures) and can direct to detection of a specific type of cancer. Making a prompt diagnosis and initiating treatment is crucial as it ensures a reduction in clinical symptoms and improves survival rate. Broad immunotherapy is used - intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, azathioprine, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, anti-epileptic drugs and plasmapheresis. The efficacy is high - 80% of patients recover, and relapses occur in only 10% of cases. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, effective oncological treatment is necessary to achieve complete remission.
Czy światem rządzi liczba?
Authors: Juruś Dariusz
Published: February 2024

In this paper I present in a synthetic and selective way the philosophical concepts of man – from the Pythagoreans to the transhumanists – pointing to their condition as being ‘between’. At the same time, I point out the recurring theme of the number in the transhumanists’ vision of man as the basis for understanding the world and man, formulating the title question.
Camino de Santiago jako wspólnota wartości
Authors: Plichta Paweł
Published: February 2024

The thesis of the article is that its title: the Camino de Santiago is a community of values. The analysis used testimonies, reports, diaries, memories and other forms of stories available in Polish. They testify to the belief shared by their authors that relationships are formed between pilgrims, which are maintained even after their return, and are now also taking on virtual forms. Significantly, many of them point to and name specific values that are realized, experienced through the Camino, such as truth, goodness, beauty and humanity. Values unite diverse pilgrims regardless of origin, language or religion.
Entrenamiento físico en enfermedad respiratoria crónica
Authors: Vargas Olga Cecilia
Published: February 2024

La enfermedad pulmonar crónica lleva a un estilo de vida sedentario generado por la disnea, de lo cual resulta un desacondicionamiento que, a su vez, genera más disnea. El papel del fisioterapeuta en los programas de rehabilitación pulmonar está dirigido a mejorar la función cardiopulmonar y la condición física del paciente, y el entrenamiento con ejercicio es uno de los componentes más efectivos de estos programas. Dentro de los beneficios reportados se encuentra una reducción en la disnea, mayor tolerancia al ejercicio, capacidad aeróbica, función músculoesquelética y capacidad funcional, entre otros. El entrenamiento de resistencia aeróbica puede incluir actividades para MMII, con el uso de banda sin fin o bicicleta estática y ejercicios para miembros superiores (MMSS), especialmente en pacientes que se quejen de dificultad para realizar actividades que requieran el uso de los brazos. La adición de ejercicios de fortalecimiento muscular ha demostrado un aumento de la capacidad funcional y disminución de la disnea, por lo que su inclusión en el programa de reacondicionamiento puede conducir a mayores beneficios para el paciente. Otras estrategias terapéuticas para mejorar el proceso del entrenamiento físico incluyen asistencia ventilatoria no invasiva con presión soporte o ventilación proporcional asistida durante el entrenamiento, uso de hormonas anabólicas, soporte nutricional y estimulación eléctrica funcional para complementar los beneficios del entrenamiento.
A Shrinkage Approach to Improve Direct Bootstrap Resampling Under Input Uncertainty
Authors: Song Eunhye , Lam Henry , Barton Russell R.
Published: February 2024

Discrete-event simulation models generate random variates from input distributions and compute outputs according to the simulation logic. The input distributions are typically fitted to finite real-world data and thus are subject to estimation errors that can propagate to the simulation outputs: an issue commonly known as input uncertainty (IU). This paper investigates quantifying IU using the output confidence intervals (CIs) computed from bootstrap quantile estimators. The standard direct bootstrap method has overcoverage due to convolution of the simulation error and IU; however, the brute-force way of washing away the former is computationally demanding. We present two new bootstrap methods to enhance direct resampling in both statistical and computational efficiencies using shrinkage strategies to down-scale the variabilities encapsulated in the CIs. Our asymptotic analysis shows how both approaches produce tight CIs accounting for IU under limited input data and simulation effort along with the simulation sample-size requirements relative to the input data size. We demonstrate performances of the shrinkage strategies with several numerical experiments and investigate the conditions under which each method performs well. We also show advantages of nonparametric approaches over parametric bootstrap when the distribution family is misspecified and over metamodel approaches when the dimension of the distribution parameters is high.

History: Accepted by Bruno Tuffin, Area Editor for Simulation.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [CAREER CMMI-1834710, CAREER CMMI-2045400, DMS-1854659, and IIS-1849280].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0044 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0044 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Respiratory Function, Physical Capacity, and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Combustible Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products Users: a Five-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Almaz Sharman  , Arnautov Vladimir , Yermakova Irina , Tyulebekova Gulnara , Bekzhanova Aisulu , Erenchina Elmira , Yeraliyev Sattar
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is the fourth leading cause of death in Kazakhstan. Cigarette smoking is a prevalent risk factor for COPD. While quitting smoking is the preferred way to reduce COPD risk, literature suggests that heated tobacco products (HTP) might be a better option for people who cannot quit smoking. The aim of this paper was to analyze the long-term effects of shifting to HTP use in long- term smokers compared to continued combustible cigarettes (CC) use. Patients and methods: A cohort of 1200 participants (393 HTP and 807 CC) aged 40-59 years with a minimum of 10 pack-year smoking history were recruited and followed for five years. The functional outcomes compared between HTP, CC users and No-Smokers (NS, people who stopping smoking) included: (1) COPD Assessment Test (CAT); (2) post-bronchodilator lung function; (3) 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test; and (4) metabolic syndrome components. Multivariable linear mixed models (MIXED) were used to compare functional outcomes between visits and to test associations between health outcomes and smoking type (HTP vs. CC vs. NS) over time. Results: Out of 1200 participants 830 (466 CC users, 248 HTP users and 116 No-Smokers) remained in the study by the fifth year of follow up. Linear mixed models showed HTP use was associated with better CAT scores and HDL cholesterol level compared to CC users. Lung function (FVC) decrease was significantly less in HTP users. FEV, 6MWD, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure significantly changes over time, but without between-group difference in dynamic. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HTP users experienced it to a significantly lesser decrease in lung function by FVC compared to CC users over time (in time dependent model), while demonstrating better stable levels in other functional outcomes. The results of this study suggest that HTP might be a less deleterious alternative compared to CC in people with long history of CC use and who cannot quit smoking.
Reoperation-free survival after hip screws or hip arthroplasty for undisplaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly
Authors: Wolf Olof , Ghukasyan Lakic Tatevik , Ljungdahl Johan , Sundkvist Jonas , Möller Michael , Rogmark Cecilia , Mukka Sebastian , Hailer Nils P.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Our primary aim was to assess reoperation-free survival at one year after the index injury in patients aged ≥ 75 years treated with internal fixation (IF) or arthroplasty for undisplaced femoral neck fractures (uFNFs). Secondary outcomes were reoperations and mortality analyzed separately.

Methods

We retrieved data on all patients aged ≥ 75 years with an uFNF registered in the Swedish Fracture Register from 2011 to 2018. The database was linked to the Swedish Arthroplasty Register and the National Patient Register to obtain information on comorbidity, mortality, and reoperations. Our primary outcome, reoperation, or death at one year was analyzed using restricted mean survival time, which gives the mean time to either event for each group separately.

Results

Overall, 3,909 patients presenting with uFNFs were included. Of these patients, 3,604 were treated with IF and 305 with primary arthroplasty. There were no relevant differences in age, sex, or comorbidities between groups. In the IF group 58% received cannulated screws and 39% hook pins. In the arthroplasty group 81% were treated with hemiarthroplasty and 19% with total hip arthroplasty. At one year, 32% were dead or had been reoperated in both groups. The reoperation-free survival time over one year of follow-up was 288 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 284 to 292) in the IF group and 279 days (95% CI 264 to 295) in the arthroplasty group, with p = 0.305 for the difference. Mortality was 26% in the IF group and 31% in the arthroplasty group at one year. Reoperation rates were 7.1% in the IF group and 2.3% in the arthroplasty group.

Conclusion

In older patients with a uFNF, reoperation-free survival at one year seems similar, regardless of whether IF or arthroplasty is the primary surgery. However, this comparison depends on the choice of follow-up time in that reoperations were more common after IF. In contrast, we found more early deaths after arthroplasty. Our study calls for a randomized trial comparing these two methods.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):86–92.
A Novel 3-D DGTD-FDTD Hybrid Method withOne Overlapping Virtual Layer
Authors: Wu Qingkai , Wang Kunyi , Lin Zhongchao , Zhang Yu , Zhao Xunwang
Published: February 2024

Compared with the traditional finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method, the discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) method may face the issue of intense computation. In this paper, a novel 3-D DGTD-FDTD hybrid method is proposed to dramatically reduce the unknowns of the DGTD method. Instead of the common mass-lumped elements, this virtual layer of the Yee grid is implemented on the intersecting boundary, which simplifies the mesh generation and reduces the number of unknowns. To validate the proposed method, two examples of sphere scattering and horn antenna are considered. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Novel Characteristic Mode Basis Functions Accelerating Iteration Convergence of CMM for Analyzing Electromagnetic Scattering Problems
Authors: Guo Fei , Wang Zhonggen , Sun Yufa , Nie Wenyan , Wang Pan , Wu Juan
Published: February 2024

In this study, a novel characteristic mode basis function construction method is proposed to solve the problems of low efficiency and slow convergence of the iterative solution of the characteristic mode method. First, the characteristic modes (CMs) of each extended block are calculated separately by dividing objects, the CMs construction efficiency is improved for the decreased matrix dimensionality. Next, the effective CMs are selected as basis functions according to the modal significances. Finally, to improve the poor conditional number of the reduced matrix for the block extension, the singular value decomposition is used to enhance the orthogonality among these basis functions. Several numerical calculations show that the proposed method has significant efficiency and accuracy.
Wideband Monostatic RCS Prediction of Complex Objects using Support Vector Regression and Grey-wolf Optimizer
Authors: Zhang Zhourui , Wang Pengyuan , He Mang
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a method based on the support vector regression (SVR) model and grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm to efficiently predict the monostatic radar cross-section (mono-RCS) of complex objects over a wide angular range and frequency band. Using only a small-size of the mono-RCS data as the training set to construct the SVR model, the proposed method can predict accurate mono-RCS of complex objects under arbitrary incident angle over the entire three-dimensional space. In addition, the wideband prediction capability of the method is significantly enhanced by incorporating the meta-heuristic algorithm GWO. Numerical experiments verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed SVR-GWO model over a wide frequency band.
First observations of coral spawning at the Banda Islands, Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: NOVRIANSYAH ANDIKA , HUHN MAREIKE , WICAKSONO HERDIAN , SENEN BUDIONO , SUBHAN BEGINER , FENNER DOUGLAS , MADDUPPA HAWIS , DIAS P. JOANA
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Novriansyah A, Huhn M, Wicaksono H, Senen B, Subhan B, Fenner D, Madduooa H, Dias PJ. 2023. First observations of coral spawning at the Banda Islands, Maluku, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6082-6091. Due to their high diversity and productivity, their socio-economic value to coastal communities and their crucial role in coastal protection, coral reefs belong to the most important marine ecosystems in the world. Understanding and protecting coral reefs has never been so important, given the unprecedented anthropogenic pressures they face. Indonesia holds 18% of the world’s coral reefs and is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. However, with over 17,000 islands scattered across 86,700 km2, marine monitoring and conservation remains challenging. The Banda Sea (Maluku, Indonesia) ecoregion ranks as a high priority for marine conservation. The present study reports on the first observations of coral spawning at the Banda Islands from 2016 to 2019. Ad-hoc opportunistic monitoring was carried out to identify patterns of coral spawning. Our results suggest the sharpest temperature increases and full moon timing have the biggest influence on the month and day of coral spawning, whereas the tidal cycle influences the hour when gametes are released. Coral spawning peaks were observed to occur in two seasons, April and October-November, 5-7 days after full moon and 2-3 hours after sunset during falling tides. The presence of two spawning seasons may provide coral reefs at the Banda Islands with an advantage to recover from potential impacts, such as storms, bleaching or destructive fishing.
Quality and fatty acid profiles of fish oil from tuna by-products extracted using a dry-rendering method
Authors: DJAMALUDIN HEDER , SULISTIYATI TITIK DWI , CHAMIDAH ANIES , NURASHIKIN PUTRI , ROIFAH MIFTAHUR , NOTONEGORO HARTOYO , FERDIAN PAMUNGKAS RIZKI
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Djamaludin H, Sulistiyati TD, Chamidah A, Nurashikin P, Roifah M, Notonegoro H, Ferdian PR. 2023. Quality and fatty acid profiles of fish oil from tuna by-products extracted using a dry-rendering method. Biodiversitas 24: 5757-5763. Tuna is an export commodity with a high-fat content, making it a valuable source of fish oil. However, a substantial portion of tuna, including viscera, eyes, and liver, some parts are underutilized, leading to waste. The study aims to determine the impact of extraction temperature (50°C, 60°C, and 70°C) on the yield, peroxide value, free fatty acids (%), p-anisidine value, and total oxidation value of the extracted oil from tuna (Euthynnus sp.) by-products. This research used the dry-rendering method to extract crude oil from tuna by-products and analyze quality characteristics and fatty acids. The results from the proximate value indicated that the crude lipid content in tuna by-products ranged from 13.03% to 19.01%. Extraction temperature significantly affected the yield, with the highest yield at 70°C correlating with the highest lipid content in innards. The lowest peroxide value is obtained from an extraction temperature of 50°C from all parts of tuna by-products, ranging from 2.01 to 2.09 meq/kg. Free fatty acid (%) levels in this study met the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), and different temperature treatments had a significant effect (P<0.05). The lowest value of p-anisidine, 6.11 meq/kg, was obtained from an extraction temperature of 50°C for innards samples, and the p-anisidine value increased with temperature, reflecting secondary oxidation products. The total oxidation lowest value was obtained from extraction at 50°C (14.84 meq/kg) from viscera by IFOS (?20 meq/kg), and it was within acceptable limits. The fatty acid profile of the crude extract of tuna by-product oil resulting from extraction at a temperature of 50°C, where extraction results at 50°C obtained a fatty acid profile of saturated fatty acids>mono-unsaturated fatty acids>polyunsaturated fatty acids, with significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
Description of the termite genus Prohamitermes (Termitinae) with new characters from the Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: MUARRIF SAMSUL , SAMADI SAMADI , JAUHARLINA JAUHARLINA , SYAUKANI SYAUKANI
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Muarrif S, Samadi S, Jauharlina J, Syaukani S. 2023. Description of the termite genus Prohamitermes (Termitinae) with new characters from the Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6119-6125. Prohamitermes is a termite genus that belongs to the subfamily Termitinae, alongside 61 other genera, within the family Termitidae. Termitidae, comprising 70% of all termite species, is the most prominent family in Isoptera. However, limited information about this Prohamitermes genus is available. Consequently, researchers and experts in the field have encountered challenges in acquiring comprehensive knowledge about the genus due to the need for more relevant literature. This paucity of information needs to improve our understanding of its characteristics, behavior, and ecological significance. Therefore, describing Prohamitermes is necessary to taxonomically identify termites from the subfamily Termitinae. This comprehensive study was meticulously conducted within the pristine Leuser Ecosystem (LE), employing a rigorously standardized transect protocol specifically developed to ensure accurate termite analysis. The genus is characterized by certain features present in its head capsule. Firstly, the shape of the front in a lateral view is a distinguishing characteristic, followed by the shape of the lateral sides (left and right) of the head capsule as observed from a dorsal view. While previous journals have described this termite genus based on the shape of its labrum and mandibles, this article focuses on the shape of its head capsule, specifically the front and lateral head capsule. Additionally, the article discusses the ecology of Prohamitermes. The morphological description presented in this study is expected to contribute to termite research, particularly in termite taxonomy and control.
The preference of insect predators on several types of flowering plants as insectary plant in cayenne pepper fields
Authors: FADHILAH KIRANA , RAHARDJO BAMBANG TRI , SYAMSUL HADI MOCHAMMAD
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Fadhilah K, Rahardjo BT, Hadi MS. 2023. The preference of insect predators on several types of flowering plants as insectary plant in cayenne pepper fields. Biodiversitas 24: 6177-6183. Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a popular commodity yet often suffers from reduced yields due to pest attacks. Therefore, growing this plant requires environmentally friendly management. One of the measures is using the baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii) plant. Baby blue eyes are promising insectary plants since they attract predatory insects. This study, which was conducted in Kasin Village, Karangploso, Malang, from March to June 2023, aimed to explore the predatory insects' diversities and preferences in cayenne pepper fields by comparing baby blue eyes as insectary plants with common zinnias and marigolds. The research comprised four treatments: P1. Control; P2. Cayenne peppers + baby blue eyes; P3. Cayenne peppers + common zinnias (Zinnia elegans); and P4. Cayenne peppers + marigolds (Tagetes erecta). The study revealed lady beetle Coccinella transversalis, Menochilus sexmaculatus, and big-eyed bug Geocoris sp. as the most abundant predatory insects with increasing populations across the treatments. The highest predator insect diversity was found in the Cayenne pepper + baby blue eyes (P2) treatment. In conclusion, baby blue eyes attract more predatory insects in cayenne pepper fields than other insectary plants, making them valuable alternatives besides common zinnias and marigolds. These findings provide a reference for future studies to promote baby blue eyes as insectary plants for farmers.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism R25C and R25H on Leptin gene and their association with body weight and measurements of Pasundan cattle
Authors: HILMIA NENA , RAMDANI DIKY , HIDAYAT RAHMAT , WIDYASTUTI RINI , HERNAMAN IMAN , DUDI DUDI , EDIANINGSIH PRIMIANI , ARIFIN JOHAR
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Hilmia N, Ramdani D, Hidayat R, Widyastuti R, Hernaman I, Dudi, Edianingsih P, Arifin J. 2023. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism R25C and R25H on Leptin gene and their association with body weight and measurements of Pasundan cattle. Biodiversitas 24: 6310-6315. The Leptin gene is a potential candidate for genetic selection in livestock. Nonsynonimous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) Arg25Cys/R25C in Leptin gene associated with fat deposition mainly. This study aimed to identify polymorphism of Leptin Gene based on SNPs of Pasundan cattle and their association with body weight and measurements. This research used 64 DNA samples along with the corresponding body weight and measurement data from Pasundan cattle. About 9 and 7 DNA samples from Bali and Ongole cross (PO) cattle respectively, were also collected as comparisons. The DNA along 620 bp was multiplied by PCR. The SNPs in the Leptin gene on exon two were identified, followed by direct sequencing of the PCR product. The sequencing results were analyzed by BioEdit and Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA) 4.0. The General Linear Model analyzed the association between SNPs and body weight and measurements. The results showed there were two nonsynonymous SNP in the Leptin gene on exon two, i.e. g.1047C>T/Arg25Cys/R25C (T allele) that changed amino acid Arginine to Cysteine and g.1048G>A/Arg25His/R25H (A allele) which changed Arginine to Histidine. The frequency of the C allele in the Leptin gene on Pasundan cattle (0.54) was higher than mutation alleles, i.e. T ( 0.29) and A allele (0.17). There were six genotypes: CC (0.266), CT (0.390), CA (0.156), TT, TA, and AA 0.063 respectively. The Leptin gene mutation at the 25th position of amino acids, which changed Arginin to Cystein or Histidin (R25C and R25H), did not affect body weight and measurement in Pasundan Cattle. Therefore, nonsynonymous SNP R25C and R25H could not be used as marker genetic selection in Pasundan cattle.
Emotions and a Genre of Jewish Politics: American Jewish Advocacy for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, 1967–1977
Authors: Levin Geoffrey P.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT: It has long been held that American Jewish support for Israel is underwritten by a prevailing sense of emotional attachment to the Jewish state. Focusing on Jewish activist groups formed in the aftermath of the 1967 war, this article shows that emotions also played a central role in American Jewish mobilization for what is now termed the "two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An entire "genre" of American Jewish political activism has emerged since 1967 to urge Israel to relinquish captured territories while embracing the Jewish state using emotional terminology. Conforming to a broader emotional regime as a way of staying within the bounds of the constructed American Jewish emotional community, generations of American Jewish activist organizations have emphasized love for Israel while simultaneously pushing for Palestinian self-determination. American Jewish advocates for a two-state solution typically argue that their commitment to a peaceful and stable future for the Jewish state drives them to support the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Using oral histories and archival documents, this article offers a new perspective on such activism during its first decade (1967-1977).
Inter-combination line frequencies in 171Yb validated with the clock transition: erratum
Authors: Jones Daniel M. , van Kann Frank , McFerran John J.
Published: February 2024

This erratum corrects an error in Appl. Opt. 62, 3932 (2023)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.488653. The correction does not affect the results and conclusions of the original paper.
All-fiber label-free optical fiber biosensors: from modern technologies to current applications [Invited]
Authors: Bekmurzayeva Aliya , Nurlankyzy Marzhan , Abdossova Albina , Myrkhiyeva Zhuldyz , Tosi Daniele
Published: February 2024

Biosensors are established as promising analytical tools for detecting various analytes important in biomedicine and environmental monitoring. Using fiber optic technology as a sensing element in biosensors offers low cost, high sensitivity, chemical inertness, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Optical fiber sensors can be used in in vivo applications and multiplexed to detect several targets simultaneously. Certain configurations of optical fiber technology allow the detection of analytes in a label-free manner. This review aims to discuss recent advances in label-free optical fiber biosensors from a technological and application standpoint. First, modern technologies used to build label-free optical fiber-based sensors will be discussed. Then, current applications where these technologies are applied are elucidated. Namely, examples of detecting soluble cancer biomarkers, hormones, viruses, bacteria, and cells are presented.
Enhancing the ground-state cooling of the magnomechanical mode in a hybrid dual-cavity magnonic system
Authors: Li Hui , Ding Ming Song , Li Chong
Published: February 2024

Ground-state cooling is a crucial issue in cavity magnomechanical systems, which have emerged as a prominent platform for quantum detection technology due to their operational flexibility. In this paper, we propose a scheme to cool the magnomechanical resonator to its ground state in a double-cavity magnomechanical system, where mutually coupled cavities are simultaneously coupled to the resonator. In this scheme, we find the magnomechanical resonator can be cooled to its ground state via the magnomechanical interaction, and the cooling effect in a dual cavity is higher than that in a single cavity. In particular, ground-state cooling can be achieved even with a somewhat weak coupling strength by adjusting the coupling between two cavities and the coupling between the magnon and phonon to attain better cooling conditions. These results offer a valuable path to achieve the cooling of the magnomechanical mode.
Digital inverse patterning solutions for fabrication of high-fidelity microstructures in spatial light modulator (SLM)-based projection lithography
Authors: Chen Jing-Tao , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Zhu Jian-Xin , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: February 2024

Digital mask projection lithography (DMPL) technology is gaining significant attention due to its characteristics of free-mask, flexibility, and low cost. However, when dealing with target layouts featuring sizes smaller than the wavelength scale, accurately producing resist patterns that closely match the target layout using conventional methods to design the modulation coefficients of digital masks produced by spatial light modulators (SLM) becomes challenging. Here, we present digital inversion lithography technology (DILT), which offers what we believe to be a novel approach to reverse engineer the modulation coefficients of digital masks. In the case of binary amplitude modulation, DILT achieves a remarkable reduction in pattern errors (PE), reaching the original 0.26. At the same time, in the case of the gray amplitude modulation, the PE can be reduced to the original 0.05, which greatly improves the high-fidelity transfer of the target layout. This significant improvement enhances the accuracy of target design transfer. By leveraging the capabilities of DILT, DMPL can now attain higher precision and reliability, paving the way for more advanced applications in the field of micro-nano device manufacturing.
Evaluation of atmospheric coherent length of free-space optical links by using phase fluctuation
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Pengxin , Wang Tianyi
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric coherence length is one of the most crucial parameters for free-space optical (FSO) links, which can reflect the level of phase and amplitude fluctuations caused by the atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, we study the evaluation of the atmospheric coherence length of the FSO links. The analytical expression of atmospheric coherence length is rendered based on the phase fluctuation resulting from atmospheric turbulence by using the most realistic Bump model. The proposed method is validated theoretically with the Monte Carlo phase screen. Also, the experimental setup with respect to FSO links is established with the spatial light modulator to validate the method experimentally, wherein the fluctuated phase is collected by Shack-Hartmann sensor. The results show that the evaluation of atmospheric coherence length by the analytical expression is consistent with the theoretical prediction as well as the experimental measurement. Thus, the proposed method enables the accurate evaluation of atmospheric coherence length under various turbulence conditions, which can assist the performance analysis as well as design of free-space optical communication systems.
Dual-exposure temporal laser speckle imaging for simultaneously accessing microvascular blood perfusion and angiography
Authors: Li Ruolan , Ma Minghui , Wang Chen , Hong Jiachi , Zhang Zhihong , Lu Jinling , Li Pengcheng
Published: February 2024

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) has gained significant attention in the biomedical field for its ability to map the spatio-temporal dynamics of blood perfusion in vivo. However, LSCI faces difficulties in accurately resolving blood perfusion in microvessels. Although the transmissive detecting geometry can improve the spatial resolution of tissue imaging, ballistic photons directly transmitting forward through tissue without scattering will cause misestimating in the flow speed by LSCI because of the lack of a quantitative theoretical model of transmissvie LSCI. Here, we develop a model of temporal LSCI which accounts for the effect of nonscattered light on estimating decorrelation time. Based on this model, we further propose a dual-exposure temporal laser speckle imaging method (dEtLSCI) to correct the overestimation of background speed when performing traditional transmissive LSCI, and reconstruct microvascular angiography using the scattered component extracted from total transmitted light. Experimental results demonstrated that our new method opens an opportunity for LSCI to simultaneously resolve the blood vessels morphology and blood flow speed at microvascular level in various contexts, ranging from the drug-induced vascular response to angiogenesis and the blood perfusion monitoring during tumor growth.
Application of a reconfigurable all-optical activation unit based on optical injection into a bistable Fabry–Perot laser in multilayer perceptron neural networks
Authors: Crnjanski Jasna V. , Teofilović Isidora , Krstić Marko M. , Gvozdić Dejan M.
Published: February 2024

In this Letter, we theoretically investigate the application of a bistable Fabry–Perot semiconductor laser under optical injection as an all-optical activation unit for multilayer perceptron optical neural networks. The proposed device is programmed to provide reconfigurable sigmoid-like activation functions with adjustable thresholds and saturation points and benchmarked on machine learning image recognition problems. Due to the reconfigurability of the activation unit, the accuracy can be increased by up to 2% simply by adjusting the control parameter of the activation unit to suit the specific problem. For a simple two-layer perceptron neural network, we achieve inference accuracies of up to 95% and 85%, for the MNIST and Fashion-MNIST datasets, respectively.
Fast measurement of coherence–orbital angular momentum matrices of random light beams using off-axis holography and coordinate transformation
Authors: Li WeiHao , Liu Yonglei , Chen Yahong , Cai Yangjian , Korotkova Olga , Wang Fei
Published: February 2024

We propose an effective protocol to measure the coherence–orbital angular momentum (COAM) matrix of an arbitrary partially coherent beam. The method is based on an off-axis holography scheme and the Cartesian–polar coordinate transformation, which enables to simultaneously deal with all the COAM matrix elements of interest. The working principle is presented and discussed in detail. A proof-of-principle experiment is carried out to reconstruct the COAM matrices of partially coherent beams with spatially uniform and non-uniform coherence states. We find an excellent agreement between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions. In addition, we show that the OAM spectrum of a partially coherent beam can also be directly acquired from the measured COAM matrix.
Generalized quantum geometric tensor in a non-Hermitian exciton-polariton system [Invited]
Authors: Hu Y.-M. Robin , Ostrovskaya Elena A. , Estrecho Eliezer
Published: February 2024

In this work, we review different generalizations of the quantum geometric tensor (QGT) in two-band non-Hermitian systems and propose a protocol for measuring them in experiments. We present the generalized QGT components, i.e., the quantum metric and Berry curvature, for a non-Hermitian hybrid photonic (exciton-polariton) system and show that the generalized non-Hermitian QGT can be constructed from experimental observables. In particular, we extend the existing method of measuring the QGT that uses the pseudospins in photonic and exciton-polariton systems by suggesting a method to construct the left eigenstates from experiments. We also show that the QGT components have clear signatures in wave-packet dynamics, where the anomalous Hall drift arises from both the non-Hermitian Berry curvature and Berry connection, suggesting that both left and right eigenstates are necessary for defining non-Hermitian band geometries and topologies.
The geometric evolution of aortic dissections: Predicting surgical success using fluctuations in integrated Gaussian curvature
Authors: Khabaz Kameel , Yuan Karen , Pugar Joseph , Jiang David , Sankary Seth , Dhara Sanjeev , Kim Junsung , Kang Janet , Nguyen Nhung , Cao Kathleen , Washburn Newell , Bohr Nicole , Lee Cheong Jun , Kindlmann Gordon , Milner Ross , Pocivavsek Luka
Published: February 2024

Clinical imaging modalities are a mainstay of modern disease management, but the full utilization of imaging-based data remains elusive. Aortic disease is defined by anatomic scalars quantifying aortic size, even though aortic disease progression initiates complex shape changes. We present an imaging-based geometric descriptor, inspired by fundamental ideas from topology and soft-matter physics that captures dynamic shape evolution. The aorta is reduced to a two-dimensional mathematical surface in space whose geometry is fully characterized by the local principal curvatures. Disease causes deviation from the smooth bent cylindrical shape of normal aortas, leading to a family of highly heterogeneous surfaces of varying shapes and sizes. To deconvolute changes in shape from size, the shape is characterized using integrated Gaussian curvature or total curvature. The fluctuation in total curvature (δK) across aortic surfaces captures heterogeneous morphologic evolution by characterizing local shape changes. We discover that aortic morphology evolves with a power-law defined behavior with rapidly increasingδKforming the hallmark of aortic disease. DivergentδKis seen for highly diseased aortas indicative of impending topologic catastrophe or aortic rupture. We also show that aortic size (surface area or enclosed aortic volume) scales as a generalized cylinder for all shapes. Classification accuracy for predicting aortic disease state (normal, diseased with successful surgery, and diseased with failed surgical outcomes) is 92.8±1.7%. The analysis ofδKcan be applied on any three-dimensional geometric structure and thus may be extended to other clinical problems of characterizing disease through captured anatomic changes.