bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longevity of Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor: A Comparison of Omnidirectional and Directional Leads
Authors: Harland Tessa , Sabourin Shelby , Mayer Ryan , Durphy Jennifer , Adam Octavian , Pilitsis Julie G.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Patients undergoing thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus stimulation to treat essential tremor (ET) develop tolerance over time, requiring higher stimulation amplitudes that lead to more frequent battery changes and suboptimal tremor control. The study objective is to determine whether amplitude tolerance differs between patients with omnidirectional vs directional leads.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of ET patients with omnidirectional and directional leads implanted between 2005 and 2022. We compared patient demographics, tremor scores, and energy utilization for directional and omnidirectional leads. Contact impedance was used to normalize amplitude values between groups. Analyses were duplicated after reclassifying omnidirectional and directional based on the utilization of directional programming for 2 or more years.

RESULTS:

A total of 24 directional leads in 22 patients and 39 omnidirectional leads in 30 patients were followed for a mean of 3.71 and 7.54 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in age or baseline tremor scores between the groups. Both lead types demonstrated increasing amplitudes over time, but directional leads had significantly less change over time, particularly in the first year (P = .0012). Patients with omnidirectional leads were more likely to experience a pulse width increase of greater than 20 µs over 1 year (41.0% vs 12.5%; P = .035). Although time to first implantable pulse generator replacement was shorter for directional leads, this was not significant (P = .062).

CONCLUSION:

Both omnidirectional and directional deep brain stimulation reduces tremor severity in ET patients. However, directional leads offer more stable voltage requirements and less year-to-year voltage change, particularly in the first year. The increased likelihood of significant pulse width changes in omnidirectional leads suggests that directional leads may provide more sustainable therapeutic effects through other programming parameters. Ongoing research is needed to optimize deep brain stimulation technology and programming strategies to maximize patient benefit and device longevity.
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Double Reimplantation Bypass for Treatment of a Dolichoectatic Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: A Technical Report
Authors: Hackett Ashia M. , Adereti Christopher O. , Nico Elsa , Scherschinski Lea , Pace Matthew L. , Eberle Adam T. , Malnik Samuel L. , Hartke Joelle N. , Fox Brandon M. , Winkler Ethan A. , Catapano Joshua S. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

The surgical management of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms often poses a challenge because of tight surgical corridors, proximity to the lower cranial nerves, and the presence of perforators supplying the medulla. This report describes an excision and double reimplantation bypass for treatment of a dolichoectatic PICA aneurysm found on familial screening in a young man with a family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

The patient underwent a right far-lateral craniotomy with excision of the dolichoectatic right PICA aneurysm with an additional outflow branch. An end-to-end reanastomosis was performed from the proximal PICA to the larger distal outflow PICA vessel, followed by an end-to-side anastomosis of the second outflow branch to the distal PICA; a salvage bypass with side-to-side V4-p2 reimplantation was later conducted because of thrombus formation at the initial end-to-end reanastomosis.

CONCLUSION:

PICA aneurysms are uncommon and difficult to treat because of their location and complex anatomy, often requiring unique bypass techniques. This case was further complicated by a thrombus formation, which was likely caused by pathological aneurysmal tissue being incorporated in the bypass. This case required an unconventional bypass construct that proved to be effective.
Język procesu we współczesnej grafice polskiej
Authors: Dudzik Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Książka Język procesu we współczesnej grafice polskiej jest monograficznym ujęciem rodzimej twórczości widzianej przez pryzmat warsztatu graficznego. W spojrzeniu tym nie chodzi jednak o samą prezentację technicznych oraz technologicznych arkanów czy specyfiki procesu twórczego. Ma ono raczej na celu stworzenie nieco odmiennej, poszerzonej narracji o polskiej grafice ostatnich dekad. Tytułowy język procesu jest tu odniesieniem do fascynujących relacji, jakie zachodzą między poszczególnymi etapami tworzenia oraz przynależnymi im atrybutami (narzędziami, materiałami) a przekazem zawartym w dziełach graficznych. Uwolnienie potencjału narracyjnego i symbolicznego tych pierwszych wzbogaca ów język i znacząco wpływa na zwiększenie sugestywności przekazu. Widziany z tej perspektywy obraz współczesnej grafiki polskiej nie może być oczywiście kompletny, daje jednak możliwość głębokiego wejścia w specyfikę medium, rozpoznania jego potencjału i najbardziej prawdopodobnych linii rozwojowych w najbliższych latach. Jak pokazują przywołane w książce realizacje, świadome sprzężenie procesu z przekazem nie jest procederem marginalnym i w dużej mierze stanowi o sile i potencjale rozwojowym matrycowej sztuki.

Publikacja jest podsumowaniem prowadzonych przez autora od blisko dwóch dekad badań nad medium graficznym i jego przemianami w kontekście zmian technologicznych oraz kulturowych współczesnego świata. Jest zarazem pokłosiem wieloletnich kontaktów z artystami najważniejszych ośrodków graficznych w naszym kraju, pracy kuratorskiej, a także działalności w różnych gremiach organizacyjnych oraz jurorskich konkursów i przeglądów graficznych.
Architektura informacji. Badania i praktyka
Authors: Kortas Weronika , Głowacka Ewa
Published: December 2024

Ważnym elementem, od którego zależy pozytywne doświadczenie użytkowników danego produktu lub systemu, jest architektura informacji. Organizacja treści, etykietowanie oraz systemy nawigacji i wyszukiwania to cztery filary wpływające na funkcjonalność i użyteczność, a w konsekwencji również na satysfakcję odbiorców. Dobra architektura informacji pomaga ludziom zrozumieć ich otoczenie i znaleźć to, czego szukają – zarówno offline, jak i online.

Na niniejszą monografię składa się zbiór tekstów będących wynikiem studiów autorów zajmujących się problematyką architektury informacji w jej aspektach praktycznych i badawczych. Wśród poruszonych zagadnień można wyróżnić m.in. analizy wykorzystania w procesie projektowym technologii sztucznej inteligencji; badania doświadczeń użytkowników oraz relacji zachodzących między systemem a jego użytkownikiem; bezpieczeństwo danych czy opisy procesów oraz badań architektury informacji różnych zasobów cyfrowych.
Linkage between Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Agyemang Martha
Published: December 2024

Every year, the growing obesity epidemic adds millions to the ranks of those at risk for diabetes, highlighting a critical public health challenge that demands immediate action, relative to a global health crisis. In the United States, an individual's average Body Mass Index (adult) is simply overweight. This paper explores the link between diabetes and obesity within the U.S.A. According to W.H.O., this condition has drastically increased over the past decade. Likewise, a worldwide crisis, particularly affecting individuals with a BMI OF 30 or higher, also known as obesity, is deemed a worldwide epidemic with a noticeably increasing rate over the past decade. An essential contributor to the increasing rate of “diabesity” is obesity, with various physiological, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors playing a role in this linkage. The current study thus emphasizes the need for effective public-health policies and comprehensive lifestyle interventions that address obesity to mitigate diabetes. Via our understanding of the connections between these two conditions, we can develop targeted strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce the mortality rate and costs of both conditions. Addressing obesity via an inclusive lifestyle intervention, we can establish public-health policy essential for effective mitigation.
La disputa de Markus Gabriel en contra del transhumanismo clásico y el euro-transhumanismo: naturalismo y autocomprensión.
Authors: Rojas-Cortés Nicolás Antonio
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo ofrecer una crítica a los
fundamentos filosóficos del transhumanismo. Un análisis filosóficamente
coherente en torno a este movimiento puede ser esbozado desde la crítica a la
ideología naturalista presentada por el Nuevo Realismo de Markus Gabriel. El
pluralismo ontológico, expresado por medio de la noción de campos de sentido,
proporciona motivos para cuestionar la validez del naturalismo como base para la
autocomprensión. Una crítica a la metafísica detrás de este movimiento será capaz
de mostrar los problemas ideológicos y éticos que implica este proyecto
naturalista. Además, examina el Eurotranshumanismo de Stefan L. Sorgner, una
interpretación nietzscheana del transhumanismo, para demostrar cómo las críticas
del Nuevo Realismo afectan incluso a las adaptaciones del movimiento que
comparten sus presupuestos filosóficos.
Industria cultural y esquematismo kantiano. Notas a Técnica y tiempo III de Bernard Stiegler.
Authors: Garnica Naím
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo explora de qué modo el flujo de la conciencia parece
coincidir con el flujo de la industria cultural que aparece descripta en el tomo III
de Técnica y tiempo de Bernard Stiegler. Partiendo de la posibilidad de cuestionar
la separación taxativa entre técnica y cultura, este pensador francés permite pensar
a las industrias culturales, como el cine, en el contexto de los nuevos medios y las
sociedades actuales. A tales fines, tratamos de analizar las continuidades y
discontinuidades que el concepto de industria cultural tiene en Stiegler y otros
pensadores que la han analizado. Creemos, además, necesario recuperar el
concepto de esquematismo kantiano en la obra de este autor. Es posible que dicho
elemento kantiano permita acercarse a la enigmática y compleja tesis de que la
técnica es el tiempo y poder aproximarse a entender por qué es necesario pensar
en una “nueva crítica”
Learning in Repeated Multiunit Pay-as-Bid Auctions
Authors: Galgana Rigel , Golrezaei Negin
Published: December 2024

Problem definition: Motivated by carbon emissions trading schemes (ETSs), Treasury auctions, procurement auctions, and wholesale electricity markets, which all involve the auctioning of homogeneous multiple units, we consider the problem of learning how to bid in repeated multiunit pay-as-bid (PAB) auctions. In each of these auctions, a large number of (identical) items are to be allocated to the largest submitted bids, where the price of each of the winning bids is equal to the bid itself. In this work, we study the problem of optimizing bidding strategies from the perspective of a single bidder. Methodology/results: Effective bidding in PAB auctions is complex due to the combinatorial nature of the action space. We show that a utility decoupling trick enables a polynomial time algorithm to solve the offline problem where competing bids are known in advance. Leveraging this structure, we design efficient algorithms for the online problem under both full information and bandit feedback settings that achieve an upper bound on regret of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, where M is the number of units demanded by the bidder, and T is the total number of auctions. We accompany these results with a regret lower bound of [Formula: see text] for the full information setting and [Formula: see text] for the bandit setting. We also present additional findings on the characterization of PAB equilibria. Managerial implications: Although the Nash equilibria of PAB auctions possess nice properties such as winning bid uniformity and high welfare and revenue, they are not guaranteed under no-regret learning dynamics. Nevertheless, our simulations suggest that these properties hold anyways, regardless of Nash equilibrium existence. Compared with its uniform price counterpart, the PAB dynamics converge faster and achieve higher revenue, making PAB appealing whenever revenue holds significant social value—for example, ETSs and Treasury auctions.

Funding: R. Galgana and N. Golrezaei were supported in part by the Young Investigator Program Award from the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-21-1-2776] and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Support Award.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0403 .
Learning from Inconsistent Performance Feedback
Authors: Chambers Cassandra R. , Alves Marlon , Aceves Pedro
Published: December 2024

Organizations and the decision makers within them are increasingly subject to inconsistent performance feedback—feedback that contains elements that are incompatible with each other—which can lead to multiple interpretations of performance feedback. When this occurs, decision makers often recode inconsistent performance feedback as successful and continue with their current strategies, which allows them to avoid any self-threat from negative elements of performance feedback but implies that they do not learn from inconsistent performance feedback because they do not change. In contrast, we explore whether decision makers can learn from inconsistent performance feedback. Leveraging over 10 years of complete behavioral records in an online community and a laboratory experiment, we study how decision makers respond to inconsistent performance feedback stemming from multiple evaluators who do not agree on performance quality. Consistent with prior work, we find that decision makers change their strategies less after inconsistent performance feedback. Departing from prior work, we show a corresponding increase in clarification efforts aimed at better understanding which performance strategies work well. Importantly, clarification efforts mediate improved future performance. Our results suggest that inconsistent performance feedback can trigger deeper learning and enhanced performance, contributing to performance feedback theory and research on the microfoundations of organizational learning.

Funding: The authors thank the University of São Paulo, Johns Hopkins University, and SKEMA Business School for institutional and financial support.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16833 .
Prognostic impact of aetiology in adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: insights from an intensive care unit experience
Authors: Noversa de Sousa Rita , Sá Lima Andreia , Viana Susana , Guimarães Filipa , Pereira Marta , Afonso Luís Miguel
Published: December 2024

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome marked by excessive immune activation. It can be triggered by various factors, including infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases, making the diagnosis challenging due to its overlap with other severe conditions. Case reports: We discuss two intensive care unit (ICU) cases illustrating the diverse manifestations of HLH and the critical importance of early recognition and treatment. The first case involves natural killer-cell leukaemia, and the second, a suspected viral trigger. Both highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and management, emphasizing the complexity of HLH in ICU settings. Conclusions: High mortality rates, particularly in malignancy-associated HLH, underscore the importance of tailored treatment strategies based on the underlying aetiology.
An overview of diabetes-related foot ulcers
Authors: Gohil Krishna
Published: December 2024

Diabetes is know to be damaging to the health of patient's feet. This article explains how nurses can assess and manage caused of diabetes-related foot ulcers.

The escalating prevalence of diabetes mellitus presents concern due to its widespread organ damage, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, leading to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs). Management in the community setting should be focused on prevention, assessment and patient-centred care. By understanding the complex aetiology, risk factors, and classification of DFUs, along with utilising evidence-based interventions like the Wound, Infection and Ischemia (WIfI) system, we can streamline care.
Long-term hypoxic atmosphere enhances the stemness, immunoregulatory functions, and therapeutic application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Huang Qi-Ming , Zhuo You-Qiong , Duan Zhong-Xin , Long Yin-lin , Wang Jia-Nan , Zhang Zhou-hang , Fan Shao-Yong , Huang Yong-Ming , Deng Ke-Yu , Xin Hong-Bo
Published: December 2024

Aims

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are usually cultured in a normoxic atmosphere (21%) in vitro, while the oxygen concentrations in human tissues and organs are 1% to 10% when the cells are transplanted in vivo. However, the impact of hypoxia on MSCs has not been deeply studied, especially its translational application.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the characterizations of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in hypoxic (1%) and normoxic (21%) atmospheres with a long-term culture from primary to 30 generations, respectively. The comparison between both atmospheres systematically analyzed the biological functions of MSCs, mainly including stemness maintenance, immune regulation, and resistance to chondrocyte apoptosis, and studied their joint function and anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis (OA) rats constructed by collagenase II.

Results

We observed that long-term hypoxic culture surpassed normoxic atmosphere during hUC-MSCs culture in respect of promoting proliferation, anti-tumorigenicity, maintaining normal karyotype and stemness, inhibiting senescence, and improving immunoregulatory function and the role of anti-apoptosis in chondrocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the transplantation of long-term hypoxic hUC-MSCs (Hy-MSCs) had a better therapeutic effect on OA rats compared with the hUC-MSCs cultured in the normoxic atmosphere (No-MSCs) in terms of the improved function and swelling recovery in the joints, and substantially inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, which effectively alleviated cartilage damage by reducing the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that Hy-MSCs possess immense potential for clinical applications via promoting stemness maintenance and enhancing immunoregulatory function.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):763–777.
The missicius and the veteranus : A reconsideration
Authors: Luo Fuxing
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: The term missicius , documented primarily in first-century historical sources, has undergone scrutiny by successive generations of scholars. Recent investigations suggest that it likely functioned as a synonym for the term veteranus , but the specific reason for its concentrated use in the first century ad remains unclear. Relying on Tacitus' Annals , Franco Porrà suggests that missicius was employed to prevent confusion between veterans and reservists during the early principate. This article challenges Porrà's interpretation, asserting that the particular context of terms presented in Tacitus' narrative renders his view unsupportable. Instead, this article provides a fresh interpretation, arguing that missicius declined in subsequent centuries because it was inadequate as an honorary title and means of self-identification for the veteran group. In contrast, veteranus , influenced by social and political factors and the epigraphic habit, steadily gained popularity from the second century onwards.
Disaster, Race, and Rabbinic Authority: An Alternative Path of Jewish Integration in Early Twentieth-Century Jamaica
Authors: Mirvis Stanley
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This article investigates the writings of Jamaica's rabbi Abraham E. Dobrin amid heightened racial tensions following a devastating 1907 earthquake. It focuses on two specific incidents. First is Dobrin's reaction to a 1912 petition from a Black man to join Jamaica's Jewish community. Second is a 1914 public debate in which Dobrin radically advocated for a belief in Jewish racial homogeneity and superiority. Anchored to these two episodes, this article explores the larger contexts for both early twentieth-century Black Jewish identity and Jewish "race" theory. It argues that in the highly racialized climate of post-1907 Jamaica, the Jewish sense of racial singularity, even superiority, paralleled some of the emerging trends of Pan-Africanism in defiance of a liberal white minority as represented by Governor Sydney Olivier. This argument qualifies a widely held unidirectional model of Jewish assimilation in Jamaica to an elite white minority.
For the Law Shall Go Forth from Sefrou: The literary Republic of David Ovadiah
Authors: Ohana Michal Aziza
Published: December 2024

Abstract: David Ovadiah was a Moroccan rabbi who played an active role in printing Jewish Moroccan manuscripts in the twentieth century. Scholars have identified "library and print awareness" as already developing among Moroccan rabbis toward the end of the nineteenth century. I argue that Ovadiah's efforts to print manuscripts exemplify the rise of such an awareness, a trend which grew particularly prominent in the first half of the twentieth century. The paratexts in Ovadiah's editions reveal the vital roles he played in the process of publication. Ovadiah the "publisher" was a cultural intermediary who participated in those "communication circuits" that connect writers to their readers. I further argue that Ovadiah's publication of rabbinic manuscripts from Sefrou and Fez and their consumption by a reading public express a traditional local identity as well as supracommunal and supraregional identities that began to develop in the late nineteenth century, reaching their peak in the colonial period and afterward.
Lmw: Linear Model Weights for Causal Inference
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ambarish , Greifer Noah , Zubizarreta José R.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The linear regression model is widely used to adjust for covariates and estimate the average effects of treatments. Behind every causal inference endeavor there is a hypothetical randomized experiment. However, in routine regression analyses in observational studies, it is unclear how well the adjustments made by regression approximate key features of randomized experiments, such as covariate balance, study representativeness, sample boundedness, and unweighted sampling. In this paper, we provide software to empirically address this question. We introduce the lmw package for R to compute the implied linear model weights and perform related diagnostics. The weights are obtained as part of the design stage of the study; that is, without using outcome information. The implementation is general and applicable, for instance, in settings with instrumental variables and multi-valued treatments; in essence, in any situation where the linear model is the vehicle for adjustment and estimation of average treatment effects with discrete-valued interventions.
Computational spectral imaging reconstruction via a spatial–spectral cross-attention-driven network
Authors: Zhou Han , Lian Yusheng , Li Jin , Cao Xuheng , Ma Chao
Published: December 2024

Compared with traditional hyperspectral imaging, computational spectral imaging (CSI) has the advantage of snapshot imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution, which has attracted considerable attention. The core challenge of CSI is to achieve computational imaging reconstruction from a single 2D measurement image to the corresponding 3D spatial–hyperspectral image (HSI). Existing reconstruction methods still face problems in exploring spatial–spectral cross correlation, leading to significant spatial–spectral distortion. Furthermore, due to neglect of multi-scale feature reconstruction, their reconstruction quality still needs to be improved. In this paper, to solve the above problems, we propose a spatial–spectral cross-attention-driven network (SSCA-DN). In SSCA, a proposed multi-scale feature aggregation (MFA) module and a spectral-wise transformer (SpeT) are used for multi-scale spatial feature reconstruction and long-range spectral feature reconstruction, respectively. Using spatial attention and spectral attention to interactively guide the reconstruction of the target HSI in spectral and spatial dimensions, the proposed SSCA models spatial–spectral cross correlation with considering multi-scale features. Using the SSCA as a basic module, a novel SSCA-DN network is constructed, in which a proposed supervised preliminary reconstruction subnetwork (SPRNet) learns the generalized prior, and a proposed unsupervised multi-scale feature fusion and refinement subnetwork (UMFFRNet) learns the specific prior. The SSCA module ensures that the learned generalized and specific priors can capture the spatial–spectral cross correlation while considering multi-scale features. In addition, in UMFFRNet, driven by MFA and SSCA, a novel multi-scale fusion and refinement mechanism for multi-level adjacent features is proposed to effectively model the correlation between adjacent level features and the multi-scale spatial–spectral cross correlation, which further improves the reconstruction accuracy. Extensive experiments show that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance on both simulated and real datasets.
Two-dimensional gallium phosphide optomechanical crystal in the resolved-sideband regime
Authors: Tamaki Sho , Kristensen Mads Bjerregaard , Martel Théo , Braive Rémy , Schliesser Albert
Published: December 2024

Faithful quantum state transfer between telecom photons and microwave frequency mechanical oscillations necessitate a fast conversion rate and low thermal noise. Two-dimensional (2D) optomechanical crystals (OMCs) are favorable candidates that satisfy those requirements. 2D OMCs enable sufficiently high mechanical frequency (1∼10 GHz) to make the resolved-sideband regime achievable, a prerequisite for many quantum protocols. It also supports higher thermal conductance than 1D structures, mitigating the parasitic laser absorption heating. Furthermore, gallium phosphide (GaP) is a promising material choice thanks to its large electronic bandgap of 2.26 eV, which suppresses two-photon absorption, and high refractive index n = 3.05 at the telecom C-band, leading to a high vacuum optomechanical coupling rate. Here, we fabricate and characterize a 2D OMC made of GaP. We realize a high optical Q-factor of 7.9 × 104, corresponding to a linewidth κ/2π = 2.5 GHz at the telecom frequency 195.6 THz. This optical mode couples to several mechanical modes, whose frequencies all exceed the cavity linewidth. The most strongly coupled mode oscillates at 7.7 GHz, more than 3 times the optical linewidth, while achieving a substantial vacuum optomechanical coupling rate g0/2π = 450 kHz. This makes the platform a promising candidate for a long-lived, deterministic quantum memory for telecom photons at low temperatures.
Multi-watt picosecond 1.7 µm Tm-doped fiber laser amplification system
Authors: Zhan Ze-Yu , Lian Can-Ying , Chen Ji-Xiang , Liu Meng , Li Can , Luo Ai-Ping , Xu Wen-Cheng , Zhou Pu , Luo Zhi-Chao
Published: December 2024

We report on a multi-watt, high-repetition-rate picosecond 1.7 µm Tm-doped fiber (TDF) laser amplification system. The seed oscillator is a figure-9 passively mode-locked TDF laser, which delivers a pulse train with a center wavelength of 1738nm and a fundamental repetition rate of ∼85 MHz. After a pre-amplifier and two stages of TDF amplifiers, the output power can be amplified to 5.2 W at a pump power of 10 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 52.1%. The output pulse duration is 33.87 ps and the pulse energy is 61 nJ. These results demonstrated that it is an effective method for achieving high-power ultrafast fiber laser source at 1.7 µm waveband, which would be a promising candidate for diverse applications such as polymer welding, bioimaging, mid-infrared laser generation and medical applications.
Ultrasensitive sulphide detecting by using Au (core)-Ag (shell) triangular nanoprisms
Authors: Feng Shihao , Liu Zhixiang , Liu Mei , Chen Peijia , Fan Xinyi , Luo Ting , Ai JinDong , Jiang Li , Liu Renming
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third endogenous gaseous molecule, plays a crucial role in biological signaling and metabolic processes. It has garnered significant attention from researchers in the field of biochemistry. The highly sensitive detection of H2S is essential for elucidating its functions and has long been a key objective in biochemical sensing. In this study, we present an ultrasensitive method for sulfide detection utilizing gold (core)-silver (shell) triangular nanoprisms (Au@Ag TNPs). This strategy is predicated on the preferential formation of Ag2S at the sharp corners of Au@Ag TNPs, which is manifested as a sensitive spectral shift observed in the nanoprobes. In comparison to the detection limit for sulfide using Au@Ag nanorods, as reported in Nat. Commun. 4, 1708 (2013)10.1038/ncomms2722, this detection limit can be enhanced by three orders of magnitude when employing Au@Ag TNPs. Leveraging the single-particle scattering spectrum of individual Au@Ag TNPs, we have successfully reduced the detection limit for sulfide to 1 fM. This represents the lowest reported value for sulfide detection to date. This study presents a highly effective plasmonic nanoprobe for ultrasensitive sulfide detection, which is poised to play a significant role in biochemistry and environmental sciences.
Simple and cost-effective method to measure the length of optical fibers
Authors: van Zutphen Robin , Bloemen Paul R. , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Attendu Xavier
Published: December 2024

Precise and accurate length measurements of optical fibers are increasingly needed across various applications. However, many commercially available devices are either too inaccurate or, conversely, too advanced and costly for basic fiber length determinations. In this Letter, we present a simple and relatively inexpensive method to measure the length of optical fibers with a precision of 1.06 ps (∼212 μm). This method exploits the relationship between the phase difference of a fiber under test (FUT) and a calibrated reference path as a function of frequency, measured by a phase-locked loop during a frequency sweep. We highlight key processing steps to achieve reproducible results and important considerations regarding environmental conditions.
Effect of partial polarization on Goos–Hänchen and Imbert–Fedorov shifts
Authors: Tang Miaomiao , Laatikainen Jyrki , Ornigotti Marco , Setälä Tero , Norrman Andreas
Published: December 2024

We derive the Goos–Hänchen (GH) and Imbert–Fedorov (IF) shifts of
random electromagnetic beams with arbitrary state and degree of
polarization and spatial coherence. Further, we demonstrate the
general formalism by calculating analytic expressions for the GH and
IF shifts of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model (EGSM) beam and
show that the GH shifts may exist irrespective of the degree and state
of polarization of the beam, while the IF shifts vanish when the beam
is either s or p polarized or completely unpolarized. In addition, the
spatial coherence width of the EGSM beam is found to influence only
the angular GH and IF shifts.
Empowerment and utilization of HIV testing among partnered women in Zambia: Evidence from the Zambia demographic and health survey 2018
Authors: Mbele Whiteson , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis , Ndapewa Frans Andreas , Ndayishimiye Jean Claude , Ching Jordanne
Published: December 2024

In Zambia, women are disproportionally more affected by HIV compared to men. This has mainly been attributed to harmful gender norms that enhance male dominance and disempower women, preventing them from exercising their right to negotiate for safe sex and utilizing HIV prevention services such as HIV testing. This study examined associations between empowerment and HIV testing among married and partnered women. We analyzed secondary data from the couple’s recode of the 2018 Zambia demographic and health survey. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. We included a total of 5,328 married and partnered women in the analysis, of which 5057 (94.9%) had undergone an HIV test before. After adjusting for confounders, decision-making was the only independent predictor of HIV testing among measures of empowerment. Women who were highly empowered in decision-making were more likely to have undergone an HIV test compared to those who were less empowered (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9). Women aged 20–29 years (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6, 3.6), 30–39 years (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 3.4, 8.2), or 40–49 years (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.7), those with primary education (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.4) or secondary and higher (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.3, 7.2), rich women (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7) or women with middle wealth (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.2) and those who gave birth in the last 5 years (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 2.5, 4.5) were more likely to have been tested for HIV. This study highlights the critical influence of women’s empowerment in decision-making on HIV testing. Additionally, level of education, wealth, age, and having given birth before are essential factors to consider in promoting HIV testing among women in Zambia.
Human papillomavirus genotype and cycle threshold value from self-samples and risk of high-grade cervical lesions: A post hoc analysis of a modified stepped-wedge implementation feasibility trial
Authors: Lei Jiayao , Cuschieri Kate , Patel Hasit , Lawrence Alexandra , Deats Katie ,   YouScreen trial team, Sasieni Peter , Lim Anita W. W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing of self-collected vaginal samples has potential to improve coverage of cervical screening programmes, but current guidelines mostly require those HPV positive on a self-sample to attend for routine screening.

Methods and findings

A pragmatic modified stepped-wedge implementation feasibility trial was conducted at primary care practices in England. Individuals aged 25 to 64 years who were at least 6 months overdue for cervical screening could provide a self-collected sample. The primary outcomes included the monthly proportion of non-attenders screened, changes in coverage, and uptake within 90 days. Self-samples from 7,739 individuals were analysed using Roche Cobas 4800. Individuals with a positive self-sample were encouraged to attend clinical screening.

In this post hoc study of the trial, we related the HPV type (HPV16, HPV18, or other high-risk type) and cycle threshold (Ct) value on the self-sample to the results of clinician-collected sample and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). We wished to triage HPV–positive individuals to immediate colposcopy, clinician sampling, or 12-month recall depending on risk. A total of 1,001 women tested positive through self-samples, and 855 women who had both an HPV–positive self-sample and a subsequent clinician-sample were included in this study. Of these, 71 (8.3%) had CIN2+. Self-sample Ct values were highly predictive of HPV in the clinician sample. Combining HPV type and Ct value allowed stratification into 3 risk groups; 44/855 (5%) were high-risk of whom 43% (19/44, 95% confidence interval [29.7%, 57.8%]) had CIN2+. The majority (52.9%, 452/855) were low-risk, of whom 4% (18/452, 95% CI [2.5%, 6.2%]) had CIN2+. The main limitation of our study was the colposcopy assessment was restricted to individuals who had abnormal cytology after positive results of both self-sample and clinician-collected sample.

Conclusions

HPV type and Ct value on HPV–positive self-samples may be used for triage. The difference in the risk of CIN2+ in these groups appears sufficient to justify differential clinical management. A prospective study employing such triage to evaluate laboratory workflow, acceptability, and follow-up procedure and to optimise clinical performance seems warranted.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN12759467.
In silico exploration of potent flavonoids for dengue therapeutics
Authors: Phunyal Anuraj , Adhikari Achyut , Adhikari Subin Jhashanath
Published: December 2024

Dengue poses a persistent and widespread threat with no effective antiviral drug available till now. Several inhibitors have been developed by targeting the viral non-structural proteins including methyl transferase (NS5) of the dengue virus with possible therapeutic values. In this work, virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations (200 ns), and assessments of free energy changes have been carried out to identify potential candidates from a database of flavonoids (ca. 2000) that may have good curative potential from the disease. The binding affinity of flavonoids, namely Genistein-7-glucoside (FLD1), 6’–O-Acetylgenistin (FLD2), 5,6-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one (FLD3), Glucoliquiritigenin (FLD4), and Chrysin-7-O-glucoronide (FLD5) showed the binding affinities of −10.2, −10.2, −10.1, −10.1, −9.9 kcal/mol, respectively, and possessed better values than that of the native ligand (−7.6 kcal/mol) and diclofenac sodium (−7.3 kcal/mol). Drug-likeness of the top five flavonoids were acceptable and no end-point toxicity was hinted by ADMET predictions. The stability of the protein-ligand complexes was accessed from 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations in terms of various geometrical parameters; RMSD, RMSF of residues, Rg, SASA, H-bond, and RPDF. The binding free energy changes of these adducts were calculated by the MM/PBSA solvation model with negative values (from −38.01±7.53 to −17.75±11.03 kcal/mol) indicating the sustained spontaneity of the forward reaction and favorability of the product formation. The geometrical and thermodynamic parameters inferred that the flavonoids could bind at the orthosteric site of the target protein of DENV-2 and could inhibit its functioning, possibly, resulting in the prevention of the disease. Overall, this study highlights the anti-DENV activity of five flavonoids, positioning them as promising candidates for further development as antiviral agents against dengue infection.
Reversing a reported case of transoceanic dispersal: Nudibranch identifications among tsunami debris
Authors: Montana Katherine O. , Gosliner Terrence M. , Crews Sarah C. , Bonomo Lynn J. , Carlton James T. , Johnson Rebecca F.
Published: December 2024

In the aftermath of the 2011 east Japanese earthquake and tsunami, anthropogenic debris from the east coast of Japan floated across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America. One such vessel from Iwate Prefecture arrived on the coast of Oregon, and the fouling community included specimens identified as the nudibranch Hermissenda crassicornis, which was previously thought to range from Japan to Baja California but has since been split into three species: H. crassicornis (northeastern Pacific), H. opalescens (southeastern Pacific), and H. emurai (western Pacific). Also aboard were nudibranchs of the genera Dendronotus and Eubranchus. Previous work suggested that all of the motile invertebrates found in the tsunami debris fouling community were either pelagic or Japanese in origin. Our study sought to determine whether the Hermissenda nudibranch specimens collected from the Iwate vessel were, according to the most updated classification system, only H. emurai as would be the case if the nudibranchs were Japanese in origin. In addition, we also sought to identify the Dendronotus and Eubranchus aboard. Results from DNA sequencing and limited morphological analysis indicate that specimens of H. crassicornis, as it is currently recognized, and H. opalescens were found on the vessel. Morphological or genetic data resolved the other nudibranchs as the Eastern Pacific Dendronotus venustus and Eubranchus rustyus. These findings indicate that these species settled after arrival to the west coast of North America. Data shared on GBIF and the iNaturalist platform were also used to map where eastern Pacific Hermissenda are currently understood to occur.
Availability, price and nutritional assessment of plant-based meat alternatives in hypermarkets and supermarkets in Petaling, the most populated district in Malaysia
Authors: Lou Katty Jia Qi , Rajaram Nadia Nantheni , Say Yee-How
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the availability, price, nutritional composition, and quality of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Petaling, the most populated district in Malaysia. The survey covered 85 stores through on-site visits, identifying 251 unique PBMA products from 42 brands. The PBMAs were categorized into nine groups: Burgers/Patties, Coated Meat, Luncheon Meat, Minced Meat, Pastries, Pieces/Chunks/Fillets/Strips, Prepacked Cooked Meals, Sausages, and Seafood Balls/Cakes/Meatballs. The survey indicated widespread availability of PBMAs in Petaling, with premium supermarkets offering the most extensive selection. The median prices of PBMAs across categories were below MYR 7 (~USD 1.6) per 100 grams, with Pieces/Chunks/Fillets/Strips being the most affordable. Nutritionally, PBMAs exhibited lower energy, total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and protein levels than meat equivalents, while showing higher carbohydrate content. Nutri-Score profiling revealed generally favourable scores (Grade A to C), indicating moderate to good nutritional quality. These findings suggest that PBMAs offer a viable alternative for consumers in Malaysia seeking healthier and more sustainable food options, particularly for those aiming to reduce their intake of fat and sodium. However, PBMAs may not be recommended for individuals seeking a higher protein and lower carbohydrate diet. Further research is recommended to explore micronutrient profiles to enhance dietary decision-making.
Pulpal response to partial pulpotomy versus full pulpotomy procedures in puppies: An experimental study
Authors: AlDhelai Thiyezen Abdullah , Alsughier Zeyad , Alotaiby Faraj , Alattas Mustafa Hussein , Javed Muhammad Qasim , Sadan Madeh , Salem Rania M. , Elkateb Mona A.
Published: December 2024

Background

A Partial pulpotomy technique is an alternative choice of treatment for immature permanent teeth with exposed vital pulps. This study aimed to compare the histopathological pulpal response of the primary teeth of puppies after partial pulpotomy and full pulpotomy using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Materials and methods

72 primary premolars from experimental puppies aged 6–8 weeks were equally divided into test and control groups, as MTA partial pulpotomy (MTA-PP) and MTA full pulpotomy (MTA-FP). After 60 days, the teeth were extracted and examined histologically. The specimens were assessing the extent and intensity of inflammatory response (acute or chronic), necrosis, fibrosis, calcific bridge (presence or absence), pulp calcification, and pathological root resorption.

Results

The Inflammation intensity was lower (2.8%) in MTA-PP than in MTA-FP (16.7%) (P = 0.004). MTA-FP also had a significantly higher percentage of localized (27.8%) and diffuse (11.1%) necrosis (P = 0.014), whereas both groups (P = 0.290) had an equal fibrosis degree. A calcific bridge was observed in 72.2% of cases. Meanwhile, pathological internal root resorption was more evident in MTA-FP (63.9%) than in MTA-PP (19.4%) (P <0.0001).

Conclusion

Partial MTA pulpotomy procedure demonstrated promising histological findings that can be applied to vital-pulp therapy in primary teeth.
Fission yeast essential nuclear pore protein Nup211 regulates the expression of genes involved in cytokinesis
Authors: Kamel Domenick , Sookdeo Ayisha , Ikenouchi Ayana , Zhong Hualin
Published: December 2024

Nuclear pore proteins control nucleocytoplasmic transport; however, certain nucleoporins play regulatory roles in activities such as transcription and chromatin organization. The fission yeast basket nucleoporin Nup211 is implicated in mRNA export and is essential for cell viability. Nup211 preferentially associates with heterochromatin, however, it is unclear whether it plays a role in regulating transcription. To better understand its functions, we constructed a nup211 “shut-off” strain and observed that Nup211 depletion led to severe defects in cell cycle progression, including septation and cytokinesis. Using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR, we revealed that loss of Nup211 significantly altered the mRNA levels of a set of genes crucial for cell division. Using domain analysis and CRISPR/cas9 technology, we determined that the first 655 residues of Nup211 are sufficient for viability. This truncated protein was detected at the nuclear periphery. Furthermore, exogenous expression of this domain in nup211 shut-off cells effectively restored both cell morphology and transcript abundance for some selected genes. Our findings unveil a novel role for Nup211 in regulating gene expression.
Prevalence and genotypic distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) among ever-married women in coastal regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Chakraborty Snigdha , Nessa Ashrafun , Ferdous Noor-E , Rahman Mohammad Mosiur , Rashid Mohammad Harun Ur , Sonia Asma Akter , Islam Md Foyjul
Published: December 2024

Background

Understanding the distribution of type specific human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in screen-detected lesions is crucial to differentiate women who are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This study aimed to find out high-risk HPV genotype distribution among women of the coastal districts of Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted from January 2023 to December 2023 aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution patterns of high-risk HPV genotypes among ever-married women aged 30–60 years residing in three coastal districts of Bangladesh. Sampling was purposive, with 300 participants per district. Exclusion criteria included prior cervical precancer or cancer treatment, hysterectomy, cervical amputation, and pregnancy. HPV DNA specimens were collected and tested using Cobas 4800. Positive cases underwent further genotype analysis with GenoFlowTM HPV Array Test Kit. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 25.0, employing Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests.

Results

Among 900 participants HR-HPV prevalence was 2.56%. HPV 16 was the most prevalent genotype (38.46%), followed by HPV 66 and HPV 68 (11.54% each). Single infections of HPV 16 predominated (39.13%), while for co-infections HPV 66 and HPV 68 were most common (13.04%). HR-HPV positivity increased with age, peaking at 5.5% in the 55–60 years’ age group. Participants education level, occupation, income, and reproductive history showed no significant association with HPV positivity. District-wise prevalence varied insignificantly, with Jhalokathi exhibiting the highest (3.0%), followed by Cox’s Bazar (2.7%), and Bagerhat (2.0%). HPV 16 was the predominant genotype across districts, with Cox’s Bazar and Jhalokathi demonstrating greater genotype diversity than Bagerhat.

Conclusion

The study concludes that among ever-married women in the coastal districts of Bangladesh, there is a low prevalence of high-risk HPV. The predominant high-risk HPV genotypes identified were HPV 16, followed by HPV 66 and 68. These findings hold significant implications for policy makers, providing guidance for targeted screening strategies and vaccination programs.