bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NLRP3 inflammasome in cognitive impairment and pharmacological properties of its inhibitors
Authors: Xu Yi , Yang Yanling , Chen Xi , Jiang Danling , Zhang Fei , Guo Yao , Hu Bin , Xu Guohai , Peng Shengliang , Wu Lidong , Hu Jialing
Published: November 2023

Cognitive impairment is a multifactorial and multi-step pathological process that places a heavy burden on patients and the society. Neuroinflammation is one of the main factors leading to cognitive impairment. The inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that respond to various microorganisms and endogenous danger signals, helping to initiate innate protective responses in inflammatory diseases. NLRP3 inflammasomes produce proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin IL-1β and IL-18) by activating caspase-1. In this review, we comprehensively describe the structure and functions of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We also explore the intrinsic relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and cognitive impairment, which involves immune cell activation, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial autophagy, and neuroinflammation. Finally, we describe NLRP3 inflammasome antagonists as targeted therapies to improve cognitive impairment.
MYC overexpression and SMARCA4 loss cooperate to drive medulloblastoma formation in mice
Authors: Göbel Carolin , Godbole Shweta , Schoof Melanie , Holdhof Dörthe , Kresbach Catena , Loose Carolin , Neumann Julia , Schüller Ulrich
Published: November 2023

Group 3 medulloblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of childhood brain tumors. Roughly 30% of cases carry genetic alterations in MYC, SMARCA4, or both genes combined. While overexpression of MYC has previously been shown to drive medulloblastoma formation in mice, the functional significance of SMARCA4 mutations and their suitability as a therapeutic target remain largely unclear. To address this issue, we combined overexpression of MYC with a loss of SMARCA4 in granule cell precursors. Both alterations did not increase proliferation of granule cell precursors in vitro. However, combined MYC overexpression and SMARCA4 loss successfully induced tumor formation in vivo after orthotopic transplantation in recipient mice. Resulting tumors displayed anaplastic histology and exclusively consisted of SMARCA4-negative cells although a mixture of recombined and non-recombined cells was injected. These observations provide first evidence for a tumor-promoting role of a SMARCA4 deficiency in the development of medulloblastoma. In comparing the transcriptome of tumors to the cells of origin and an established Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma model, we gathered first hints on deregulated gene expression that could be specifically involved in SMARCA4/MYC driven tumorigenesis. Finally, an integration of RNA sequencing and DNA methylation data of murine tumors with human samples revealed a high resemblance to human Group 3 medulloblastoma on the molecular level. Altogether, the development of SMARCA4-deficient medulloblastomas in mice paves the way to deciphering the role of frequently occurring SMARCA4 alterations in Group 3 medulloblastoma with the perspective to explore targeted therapeutic options.
Accuracy of a novel modified single computed tomography scanning method for assisting dental implant placement: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Mino Takuya , Kurosaki Yoko , Arakawa Hikaru , Tokumoto Kana , Kimura-Ono Aya , Maekawa Kenji , Kuboki Takuo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare dental implant placement accuracy of three surgical guide fabrication methods: single (SCT) and double computed tomography (DCT), and a newly developed modified SCT (MSCT) scan method.

Methods

A total of 183 cases (183 surgical guides, and 485 implants) of static-guide-assisted implant placement surgery using the SCT, DCT, or MSCT methods in a dental clinic were included in the study. Three-dimensional (3D) deviations (mm) at the entry and tip of the implant body between preoperative simulation and actual placement were measured as surrogate endpoints of implant placement accuracy. The following survey details were collected from medical records and CT data: sex, age at implant placement surgery, surgical guide fabrication method, number of remaining teeth, implant length, implant location, alveolar bone quality, and bone surface inclination at implant placement site in preoperative simulation, etc. Risk factors for reducing implant placement accuracy were investigated using generalized estimating equations.

Results

The SCT and DCT methods (odds ratios [ORs] vs. MSCT method: 1.438, 1.178, respectively), posterior location (OR: 1.114), bone surface buccolingual inclination (OR: 0.997), and age at implant placement surgery (OR: 0.995) were significant risk factors for larger 3D deviation at the entry; the SCT (OR: 1.361) and DCT methods (OR: 1.418), posterior location (OR: 1.190), implant length (OR: 1.051), and age at implant placement surgery (OR: 0.995) were significant risk factors for larger 3D deviation at the tip of the implant body.

Conclusions

Implant placement accuracy was better using the MSCT method compared to the SCT and DCT methods.
Evaluation of crestal sinus floor elevation in cases exhibiting an oblique sinus floor with a residual bone height of 4.0–7.0 mm using Densah burs with simultaneous implant placement: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Shalash Mahmoud , Mounir Mohamed , Elbanna Tala
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of using Densah burs for lifting the maxillary sinus membrane in cases with an oblique sinus floor with a residual bone height of 4–7 mm.

Methods

The study was conducted on 16 patients, comprising 9 males and 7 females, aged 25–60 years, split into two groups of 8 each: group I with a residual bone height of 4–5.5 mm below the sinus floor and group II with a residual bone height of 5.5–7 mm. Exclusion criteria included smokers, presence of systemic or metabolic conditions that contraindicate implant placement and a local sinus pathology. The study involved the use of Densah burs, using the osseodensification concept to elevate the sinus floor, along with simultaneous dental implant placement. The integrity of the sinus membrane was verified via clinical examination and a confirmatory cone beam computed tomography scan.

Results

The study revealed that out of the 16 cases, one case had a sinus membrane perforation, confirmed clinically at the time of the operation. The study achieved a mean lift of 4.42 mm and a mean final seating torque of 35.5 N/cm. At the 1-year follow-up, all cases showed clinical success, with no signs of sinus pathology or complications.

Conclusions

In cases with oblique sinus floors and a residual bone height of 4–7 mm in moderately atrophic posterior maxilla, the osseodensification concept proved to be a safe and effective method for performing sinus lift procedures with simultaneous implantation.

Graphical Abstract
Faculty development for translational simulation: a qualitative study of current practice
Authors: Brazil Victoria , Purdy Eve , El Kheir Alexander , Szabo Rebecca A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Translational simulation is focused directly on healthcare quality, safety, and systems. Effective translational simulation design and delivery may require knowledge and skills in areas like quality improvement and safety science. How translational simulation programs support their faculty to learn these skills is unknown. We aimed to explore current faculty development practices within translational simulation programs, and the rationale for the approaches taken.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach to explore faculty development in translational simulation programs. We conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives who have leadership and/or faculty development responsibilities in these programs and performed a thematic analysis of the data.

Results

Sixteen interviews were conducted with translational simulation program leaders from nine countries. We identified three themes in our exploration of translational simulation faculty development practices: (1) diverse content, (2) ‘home-grown’, informal processes, and (3) the influence of organisational context. Collaboration beyond the historical boundaries of the healthcare simulation community was an enabler across themes.

Conclusion

Leaders in translational simulation programs suggest a diverse array of knowledge and skills are important for translational simulation faculty and report a range of informal and formal approaches to the development of these skills. Many programs are early in the development of their approach to faculty development, and all are powerfully influenced by their context; the program aims, structure, and strategy.
Medical students’ perception toward neurosurgery as a career: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaleem Misbah , Kaleem Musaddiq , Anwar Alishba , Anis Sarah , Zafar Yumna , Alam Muhammad Tanveer
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aims to access the perspective of medical students toward practicing neurosurgery after MBBS and also to identify factors responsible for low affinity among medical students in pursuing neurosurgery as a career. In this cross-sectional study, medical students were surveyed via pre-tested questionnaire, with a four-point Likert scale to determine their influence on student’s consideration of neurosurgery as a career. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

The survey was completed by 185 students out of which 56.2% students considered neurosurgery as a career. Although more than 90% students acknowledged that neurosurgery training is too prolonged and it can also impede family life but huge prestige and income is attached to neurosurgery, 35.7% students shared that neurosurgery exposure and teaching is not adequate enough for them in order to have a positive influence toward neurosurgery as a career.

Conclusion

Additional studies are required to further explore how participation in a formal neurosurgery experience can alter medical students’ perceptions and influences their consideration of neurosurgery as career choice.
Διερεύνηση των επιπτώσεων των φραγμάτων και των υδρομορφολογικών παραμέτρων του συστήματος του ποταμού Νέστου στην ιχθυοπανίδα και παρόχθια βλάστηση με τη χρήση Γ.Σ.Π. και κατάλληλων δεικτών
Authors: Παπαθανασίου Θεόδωρος
Published: November 2023

Μια από τις μεγαλύτερες προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν σήμερα οι επιστήμονες που ασχολούνται με το περιβάλλον είναι η οικολογική αντιμετώπιση της απομόνωσης των ιχθύων ανάντη και κατάντη των φραγμάτων, αλλά και πως επηρεάζεται η υδρολογική δίαιτα και η παρόχθια βλάστηση. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή διερευνάται ο τρόπος διασύνδεσης του δείκτη “QBR” και των υδρομορφολογικών χαρακτηριστικών με τους ιχθυοπληθυσμούς στο υδατικό σύστημα του Νέστου. Καταγράφονται και αναλύονται οι επιπτώσεις της διόδευσης των παροχών αιχμής στην κεντρική κοίτη του ποταμού Νέστου και επιχειρείται η ανάπτυξη ενός πρότυπου ιχθυο-υδραυλικού δείκτη, ώστε να υπολογιστεί η μορφολογική διαφοροποίηση της πλευρικής γραμμής των ατόμων του είδους Squalius orpheus που διαβιούν ανάντη και κατάντη των φραγμάτων. Επίσης, εκτιμάται η αλλομετρική πολυωνυμική εξίσωση που εκφράζει την τάση διαμόρφωσης της πλευρικής γραμμής των ιχθύων με βάση τη θέση των ενδιαιτημάτων τους. Τονίζεται ότι για την εκπλήρωση των κύριων σκοπών της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής ακολουθήθηκε μια συγκεκριμένη μεθοδολογία σχετικά με τη σύλληψη και καταγραφή των δειγμάτων, καθώς και την περεταίρω επεξεργασία και ανάλυσή τους. Τα προγράμματα εφαρμογών που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν περιλαμβάνουν τα εξής: “Esri ArcGIS-pro”, “HEC-HMS”, “SPSS 26.0” και “Excel”. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα, διακρίνεται να υπάρχει μια σύνδεση του δείκτη “QBR” και των υδρομορφολογικών χαρακτηριστικών με την αφθονία και την ποικιλότητα των ιχθυοπληθυσμών, όπου η κατανομή των ιχθύων στην υδάτινη στήλη επηρεάζεται από την κατάσταση της παρόχθιας βλάστησης και το μέγεθος της διακύμανσης της απορροής. Με βάση τις τιμές του ιχθυο-υδραυλικού δείκτη “IchthYguan Index – IYI”, παρατηρείται σημαντική διαφοροποίηση της μορφολογίας της πλευρικής γραμμής των ατόμων του Squalius orpheus που διαβιούν ανάντη και κατάντη των φραγμάτων. Τέλος, εμφανίζεται να υπάρχει μια φυσική προσαρμογή των ιχθύων στα νέα τους περιβάλλοντα.
The effect of wind speed in increasing COVID-19 cases in Jakarta: a spatial-temporal analysis from March to September 2020
Authors: Susanna Dewi , Saputra Yoerdy Agusmal , Poddar Sandeep
Published: November 2023

Background: COVID-19 remains a public health problem around the world. It is possible the climate could affect the transmission of COVID-19. Wind is one of the climate factors besides temperature, humidity, and rainfall. This study aimed to describe spatial patterns and find the correlation of wind speed (maximum and average) with the pattern of COVID-19 cases in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Methods: The design of this study was an ecological study based on time and place to integrate geographic information systems and tested using statistical techniques. The data used were wind speed and weekly COVID-19 cases from March to September 2020. These records were obtained from the special coronavirus website of Jakarta Provincial Health Office and the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. The data were analyzed by correlation, graphic/time trend, and spatial analysis.

Results: The wind speed (maximum and mean) from March to September 2020 tended to fluctuate between 1.43 and 6.07 m/s. The correlation test results between the average wind speed and COVID-19 cases in Jakarta showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.542; p value = 0.002).

Conclusions: The spatial overlay map of wind speed (maximum and mean) with COVID-19 cases showed that villages with high wind speeds, especially coastal areas, tended to show an earlier increase in cases. The higher wind speed allowed an increase in the distribution of the COVID-19 virus in the air in people who did not apply health protocols properly.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 against SARS-CoV-2 household transmission: a prospective cohort study in England
Authors: Clifford Samuel , Waight Pauline , Hackman Jada , Hué Stephane , Gower Charlotte M. , Kirsebom Freja CM , Skarnes Catriona , Letley Louise , Lopez Bernal Jamie , Andrews Nick , Flasche Stefan , Miller Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Background The ability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to protect against infection and onward transmission determines whether immunisation can control global circulation. We estimated the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) and Oxford AstraZeneca adenovirus vector vaccine (ChAdOx1) vaccines against acquisition and transmission of the Alpha and Delta variants in a prospective household study in England. Methods Households were recruited based on adult purported index cases testing positive after reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR testing of oral-nasal swabs. Purported index cases and their household contacts took oral-nasal swabs on days 1, 3 and 7 after enrolment and a subset of the PCR-positive swabs underwent genomic sequencing conducted on a subset. We used Bayesian logistic regression to infer vaccine effectiveness against acquisition and transmission, adjusted for age, vaccination history and variant. Results Between 2 February 2021 and 10 September 2021, 213 index cases and 312 contacts were followed up. After excluding households lacking genomic proximity (N=2) or with unlikely serial intervals (N=16), 195 households with 278 contacts remained, of whom 113 (41%) became PCR positive. Delta lineages had 1.53 times the risk (95% Credible Interval: 1.04 – 2.20) of transmission than Alpha; contacts older than 18 years old were 1.48 (1.20 – 1.91) and 1.02 (0.93 – 1.16) times more likely to acquire an Alpha or Delta infection than children. Effectiveness of two doses of BNT162b2 against transmission of Delta was 36% (-1%, 66%) and 49% (18%, 73%) for ChAdOx1, similar to their effectiveness for Alpha. Protection against infection with Alpha was higher than for Delta, 69% (9%, 95%) vs. 18% (-11%, 59%), respectively, for BNT162b2 and 24% (-41%, 72%) vs. 9% (-15%, 42%), respectively, for ChAdOx1. Conclusions BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 reduce transmission of the Delta variant from breakthrough infections in the household setting, although their protection against infection within this setting is low.
The treatment of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa with a thoracodorsal artery perforator V-Y advancement flap: a case report
Authors: Chung Yoon Kyu , Kim Min-Seok , Shin Jin Yong , Lee Nae-Ho , Roh Si-Gyun
Published: November 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa, a recurrent and chronic inflammatory skin disease, presents with extensive scars and multiple abscesses. Moreover, axillary hidradenitis suppurativa could be impacted by scar contracture, which can limit arm mobility. The most reliable treatment for advanced hidradenitis suppurativa is meticulous and radical excision. Several methods exist for the reconstruction of axillary wounds after reconstruction. Skin grafts are an option, but their drawbacks include secondary contracture and poor aesthetic results. Local flaps could be useful, but also have a limited arc of rotation for larger defects. Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps have been proven to be very effective as part of the armamentarium for axillary wounds. Herein, we describe the use of a TDAP flap in a V-Y advancement fashion with minimal pedicle dissection. We only dissected the perforator pedicle about 1 to 2 cm from its muscle entry point. With this maneuver, the flap could be easily moved to cover the defect without vascular compromise. We found that the TDAP flap performed in a V-Y fashion, with a propeller design, was very useful for an axillary defect over an island. This procedure was simple, easy, and time-saving.
"Singular Plurality": Settler Colonial Transcendence and Canada's 2021 Guest-of-Honour Campaign at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Authors: Mason Jody , Pelletier Sarah
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Building on recent scholarship on the role of the Frankfurt Book Fair in contemporary book culture, this paper looks at FBM2021, Canada's guest-of-honour campaign for the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair. FBM2021's brand, "Singular Plurality," depended on Indigenous authors and their writing to signify the post-reconciliation eclecticism that is at the heart of Canadian Heritage's current cultural export strategy. The sign of reconciliation—part of a settler strategy that Lowman and Barker identify as transcendence ––is particularly treacherous in this context because it folds Indigenous writers and their work into a creative-economy logic that depends on cultural diversity as a unifying sign, while actively suppressing questions regarding Indigenous sovereignty. We argue that the campaign's silencing of questions of production is the motor of transcendence . Drawing on a survey we conducted with Indigenous-owned publishers in Canada, we attend to the unique needs of Indigenous-owned publishers to make visible the fact that reconciliation is not simply a matter of culture; it is at the same time always a matter of political and economic sovereignty.
Oriental Debts and Occidental Avatars in Robert Southey's The Curse of Kehama
Authors: Kelleher Christopher
Published: November 2023

Abstract: To better grasp the significance of the curse in Robert Southey's The Curse of Kehama (1810), we should begin by asking why, nearly twenty years after the poem was first published, Southey found occasion to return to his "Hindoo romance" in his sweeping commentary on nineteenth-century British society, Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society (1829). Despite the long gap, the intertextuality of these works shows the inextricability of Southey's political, economic, and religious thought. In this article, I argue that Kehama 's investment in the conversion of colonial subjects, in fact, extends to the underlying global economy of debt driving the early British empire. As the poem reveals, maintaining the convertibility of paper currencies in circulation to a single gold standard was, for Southey, essential to the preservation of spiritual standards as Britain's economy went global and increasingly faced the curse of debt. Drawing on the new imperial history, this article makes explicit the economic relations behind Romantic literature and imperial culture by exposing the connections between economic debt and literature within the circuits of empire.
Enhancing THz fingerprint detection by the stretchable substrate with a dielectric metagrating
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Nie Lu , Wu Hang , Zhang Le , Yan Dexian
Published: November 2023

The terahertz (THz) wave contains abundant spectrum resources and is still in the early
stages of development. It has great application potential in
biomedical engineering and public security. However, in these areas
there are difficulties to overcome like measuring the wide band
absorption of a trace mount sample. In this paper, a THz absorption
enhancing method is suggested by a multiplexing strategy. By gradually
expanding the stretchable substrate of the dielectric metagrating with
an oblique THz wave incidence, the resonance peak frequencies can
cover the frequency range of 0.48–0.58 THz. Also, the
corresponding envelope built by the peaks of the metagrating
absorption spectrum with the 0.2 µm α-lactose film can demonstrate 71.55
times boosting compared to the original absorption amplitude of the
film. The investigation witnesses possibilities for the detection of
biomacromolecular materials.
Polarization insensitive flexible ultra-broadband terahertz metamaterial absorber
Authors: Song Zihang , Ma Xiaoya , Jiang Wenying , Zhang Longhui , Jiang Mingzhu , Hu Fangrong , Zeng Lizhen
Published: November 2023

We propose a polarization insensitive, flexible ultra-broadband terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorber. It consists of a chromium composite resonator on the top, a polyimide (PI) dielectric layer in the middle, and a chromium substrate. The simulation results show that the absorption achieves more than 90% ultra-wideband absorption in the range of 1.92–4.34 THz. The broadband absorption is produced by the combination of electric dipole resonance and magnetic resonance, as well as impedance matching with free space. Due to the rotational symmetry of the unit structure, the absorber is insensitive to polarization of the THz wave and has a larger range of incident angles. The total thickness of the absorber is only 13.4 µm, showing highly flexible and excellent high-temperature resistance characteristics. Therefore, it has potential applications in THz wave stealth and electromagnetic shielding.
Optical projection tomography reconstruction with few views using highly-generalizable deep learning at sinogram domain
Authors: Sun Jiahao , Zhao Fang , Zhu Lanxin , Liu BinBing , Fei Peng
Published: November 2023

Optical projection tomography (OPT) reconstruction using a minimal number of measured views offers the potential to significantly reduce excitation dosage and greatly enhance temporal resolution in biomedical imaging. However, traditional algorithms for tomographic reconstruction exhibit severe quality degradation, e.g., presence of streak artifacts, when the number of views is reduced. In this study, we introduce a novel domain evaluation method which can evaluate the domain complexity, and thereby validate that the sinogram domain exhibits lower complexity as compared to the conventional spatial domain. Then we achieve robust deep-learning-based reconstruction with a feedback-based data initialization method at sinogram domain, which shows strong generalization ability that notably improves the overall performance for OPT image reconstruction. This learning-based approach, termed SinNet, enables 4-view OPT reconstructions of diverse biological samples showing robust generalization ability. It surpasses the conventional OPT reconstruction approaches in terms of peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) metrics, showing its potential for the augment of widely-used OPT techniques.
Time Resolved Interferometric Spectroscopy at the Optical Period
Authors: Segonds P. , Canioni L. , Bousquet B. , Boiteux W.Li. S.Le , Sarger L.
Published: November 2023

Among coherent effects altering the material response in pump probe experiments, it has been recently demonstrated that in a time resolved interferometric experiment (where pump and probe laser pulses are fully degenerated, i.e same temporal and spatial frequencies (ω,k).(1)), their signature introduces an oscillating term at 2ωτ where τ is the pump probe delay. This arises from new terms in the nonlinear polarization such as
E
P
u
m
p
2E
p
r
o
b
e
2, superimposed to the classical Kerr term
E
p
r
o
b
e
E
P
u
m
p
E
P
u
m
p
*. This particular behaviour must be analysed to exploit nonlinear responses from non resonant processes such as electronic.
Polarization orientation and strain in surface-emitting semiconductor lasers
Authors: van Exter M.P. , van Doorn A.K. Jansen , Woerdman J.P.
Published: November 2023

Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) emit linearly polarized light. The orientation of this polarization shows a tendency to align with the
110/11¯0 crystalline axes. Clearly, some sort of anisotropy must be present in the VCSEL. In fact, introduction of intentional anisotropy, e.g. of the cavity geometry or the gain, can be used to enhance this polarization preference. So far, however, it is unclear what causes the
110/11¯0preference for devices with no intentional anisotropy.
Non-Steady-State Photo-EMF in DC Biased Photorefrative Crystal at Low Frequencies of Modulation
Authors: Mansurova S. , Stepanov S.
Published: November 2023

Non-steady-state photo-EMF observed in short-circuited photorefractive/photoconductive sample illuminated by the vibrating interference pattern (Fig. 1) proved to be promising for many practical interferometric applications and in particular in important kHz frequency range. Up to now this effect was studied quite well in high-frequency approximation when the frequency of vibration Ω is higher then the inverse dielectric relaxation time
(Ω≫Ω0=τ
M
−1). However, for some promising materials such as photoreferactive semiconductors which seem to be more suitable for practical applications this regime can hardly be reached in kHz region because of their high photoconductivity. Here we consider theoretically the non-steady-state photo-EMF formation in monopolar photoconductor for a case of low modulation frequencies (Ω ≪ Ω0).
Laser spectroscopy of alkaline earth-containing free radicals
Authors: Brazier C. R. , Bopegedera A.M.R.P. , O’brien L. C. , Douay M. , Bernath P. F.
Published: November 2023

The
A˜2Π−X˜2Σ+ transition of CaCCH and the corresponding
A˜2E−X˜2A1 transition of CaCH3 have been rotationally analyzed by high-resolution dye laser spectroscopy. The Ca–C bond lengths were found to be 2.25 Å for CaCCH and 2.35 Å for CaCH3. Rotational analyses of SrSH and CaBH4 are in progress.
Fisher Information as the basis for diffraction optics
Authors: Roy Frieden B.
Published: November 2023

An unknown probability law p(x) can be efficiently estimated using a smoothness enforcing principle
I=∫dxp'(x)2/p(x) = minimum, called minimum Fisher information (MFI). An unknown diffraction pattern is an unknown probability law (on photon position x). Consider a best estimate of the centroid position in the pattern from observation of a single-photon position. It is known that the mean-square error e2 in such an estimate must exceed the Cramer-Rao bound 1II,I above. Therefore, if we demand that e2 be a maximum, we have constructed a physical rationale for the use of MFI for estimating p(x). To bring in the known refractive-index profile n(x) of the diffracting medium, demand as a constraint that the mean-square spatial phase
(2π/λ)2∫dxp2(x)p(x)=ϕ2 be generally nonzero. Constructing an overall principle I — ϕ
2
= minimum, a variational problem in p(x) results. The Euler-Lagrange solution is the Helmholtz wave equation on a real amplitude function q(x), where p(x) = q(x)
2
. Thus a diffraction pattern is seen to be nature’s way of maximally smearing out spatially the probability law on position for each photon forming the pattern.
Role of thermal conductivity in the pulsed laser damage sensitivity of optical thin films
Authors: Guenther Arthur H. , McIver John K.
Published: November 2023

Pulsed laser-induced damage of optical thin films is in general initiated by the absorption of laser radiation by imperfections in the films or at interfaces between film layers and/or the substrate. A heat flow analysis of this process stresses the importance that the thermal conductivity of both the thin film host and that of the substrate play in establishing the laser-induced damage threshold. Unfortunately, recent work, which is reviewed in this presentation, indicates that the thermal conductivity of thin films can be several orders of magnitude lower than that of a corresponding material in bulk form, as a consequence of the film structure resulting principally from the deposition process. The importance of thermal conductivity is compared to parameters such as absorption mechanisms, film materials, composition, and other variables. Its implication for the ultimate optical strength of materials and the direction in which thin-film research and processing should proceed are highlighted.
Modification of structure and waveguiding properties of evaporated ZnS films
Authors: Himel M. D. , Ruffner J. A. , Gibson Ursula J.
Published: November 2023

We have observed that the dominant loss mechanism in thermally deposited ZnS films is internal scattering at grain boundaries within the film. To reduce crystalline effects, we deposited ZnS onto liquid nitrogen cooled substrates. X-ray diffraction indicates that these films are amorphous and they exhibit significantly lower losses (<1 dB/cm) than films deposited at ambient temperatures (≃ 10 dB/cm). The cooling process may also reduce film density, which results in a lower refractive index and tensile stress within the ZnS films. Preliminary results on nonlinear properties of the cooled films are presented.
Efficient and noise-resistant single-pixel imaging based on Pseudo-Zernike moments
Authors: Lei Guozhong , Lai Wenchang , Meng Qi , Liu Hao , Shi Dongfeng , Cui Wenda , Han Kai
Published: November 2023

An efficient and noise-resistant single-pixel imaging (SPI) technique based on Pseudo-Zernike moments (PZ-SPI) is proposed. In this technique, the illumination light fields are modulated to satisfy the Pseudo-Zernike polynomials. Then the modulated light fields are projected onto the object. And the single-pixel detector is used to measure the reflected light intensities to calculate the Pseudo-Zernike moments. Finally, the object image is reconstructed by iterative summation of the product of the Pseudo-Zernike polynomials and the Pseudo-Zernike moments. Through the numerical simulation and experimental demonstration, PZ-SPI can effectively reconstruct image at low sampling ratios. Besides, comparing with the Fourier-SPI and Zernike-SPI, PZ-SPI has good robustness to background noise in SPI system. These advantages expand the application of PZ-SPI in complex environments.
Temporal evolution of laser-induced ionization and recombination processes in argon-helium mixture
Authors: Hu Shu , Huang Ke , Zhu Feng , Gai Baodong , Li Juntao , Tan Yannan , Guo Jingwei
Published: November 2023

Preparation of metastable atoms (1s5) through laser-induced preionization holds the potential to mitigate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues associated with the large volume, atmospheric pressure discharge of traditional optically pumped rare-gas metastable laser (OPRGL). In this work, we conducted experimental investigations into the temporal evolution of the Ar 763.5 nm (2p6→1s5) spectral line in Ar-He mixture. These experiments unveiled the intricate interaction mechanism involving the laser, Ar atoms, He atoms, and free electrons within the laser-induced plasma. Our findings highlight the dual contributions of the multiphoton ionization and the inverse bremsstrahlung process to the initial plasma formation. Notably, the time-resolved atomic emission spectrum at 763.5 nm reveals two distinct regimes, namely Regime1 and Regime2. Regime1 primarily arises from the “excitation + radiation + collisional relaxation” process, wherein excited states Ar atoms, populated via multiphoton excitation and electron impact excitation, accumulate on the 2p6 level. Conversely, Regime2 is predominantly a result of the “ion-electron recombination” process. In this regime, highly excited states Ar atoms are generated through the recombination of ion and electron, subsequently populating the 2p6 level through a combination of radiation and collisional relaxation channels. The differences in the temporal evolution between 763.5 nm and 811.5 nm spectral lines can be attributed to the distinct radiation and collisional relaxation channels in the two aforementioned processes.
On-chip interference of scattering from two individual molecules
Authors: Rattenbacher Dominik , Shkarin Alexey , Renger Jan , Utikal Tobias , Götzinger Stephan , Sandoghdar Vahid
Published: November 2023

Integrated photonic circuits offer a promising route for studying coherent cooperative effects of a controlled collection of quantum emitters. However, spectral inhomogeneities, decoherence, and material incompatibilities in the solid state make this a nontrivial task. Here, we demonstrate efficient coupling of a pair of Fourier-limited organic molecules embedded in a polyethylene film to a TiO2 microdisc resonator on a glass chip. Moreover, we tune the resonance frequencies of the emitters with respect to that of the microresonator by employing nanofabricated electrodes. For two molecules separated by a distance of about 8 µm and an optical phase difference of about π/2, we report on a large collective extinction of the incident light in the forward direction and the destructive interference of its scattering in the backward direction. Our work sets the ground for coherent coupling of several quantum emitters via a common mode and realization of polymer-based hybrid quantum photonic circuits.
Levers for transformative nature-based adaptation initiatives in the Alps
Authors: Dubo Titouan , Palomo Ignacio , Zingraff-Hamed Aude , Bruley Enora , Collain Guillaume , Lavorel Sandra
Published: November 2023

Transformative adaptation is essential to face the unprecedented biodiversity and climate change crises and the resulting loss in Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP). Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can accelerate this transformation of social-ecological systems. Understanding the drivers of the decision-making context that support NbS implementation is crucial to address potential bottlenecks and barriers for such a transformative adaptation. Here, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers of twenty NbS implemented in the Alps. Their decision-making contexts were investigated using thevalues-rules-knowledgeframework and their transformative characteristics. A clustering analysis revealed three types of NbS characterized by specific groups of levers and barriers. Firstly,Local transformationNbS are self-sufficient initiatives motivated by relational values to nature. They are supported by informal governance and share experiential knowledge to support the adaptive capacity of nature. Secondly,Green dealNbS employ a gradual change in practices and are supported by funding opportunities or regulations to experiment with new approaches fostering instrumental values of nature. Thirdly,Multi-scale co-productionNbS benefit larger areas and communities. Their social acceptance rest on extensive participatory processes involving local practitioners and diverse values of nature. This last group is designed to persist even when challenged by the instability of funding opportunities. These findings suggest that in order to accelerate the implementation of transformative NbS, future policies need to: i) foster NbS implementation by local communities facing economic constraints when implementing new NbS-related practices; ii) support transdisciplinary programmes to create an inclusive network around NbS practices; and iii) adapt incentives to enable transformative adaptation through NbS. A macro-regional strategy may have the potential to address these challenges.
A systematic review of the effectiveness and implementation readiness of psychosocial interventions for psychosis in South Asia
Authors: Lyles Sophie , Khan Zahra , Qureshi Onaiza , Shaikh Madiha
Published: November 2023

Background

Little is known about the effectiveness and implementation of psychosocial interventions for psychosis in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In South Asia, specialist psychiatric resources are scarce. Support for psychosis often falls on the family or caregiver which can increase feelings of burden, impact caregivers’ wellbeing, and increase mental health stigma. Psychosocial interventions are increasingly used for psychosis in South Asia and could reduce relapse and symptoms, reduce caregiver burden, conserve cost and resources. The aim of this review was to appraise the effectiveness and implementation readiness of psychosocial interventions for people with psychosis in South Asia.

Method

A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, and Web of Science. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022329254). Studies were rated on two scales assessing quality and implementation readiness.

Results

Twenty-six papers were included, nine intervention-types including community-based interventions/assertive outreach; CaCBTp; FAP; psychoeducation; cognitive retraining/rehabilitation; social cognition/skills; family/ caregiver intervention; telehealth intervention; yoga-based intervention in six South Asian countries. Findings suggest a multicomponent community-based intervention (MCBI) was the most implementation ready due to its standardisation, good clinical outcomes for patients and caregivers, and training and cost evaluations.

Conclusion

Of the included studies, MCBI and community-based outreach interventions utilising lay health workers appear to be the most implementation ready and are suggested to best address the treatment gap in South Asia.
Design and implementation of adolescent health Latin dance teaching system under artificial intelligence technology
Authors: Liu Xutao , Soh Kim Geok , Dev Omar Dev Roxana , Li Wenling , Yi Qing
Published: November 2023

Since various dance teaching systems have attracted much attention with the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, this paper improves the recognition performance of Latin dance teaching systems by optimizing the action recognition model. Firstly, the object detection and action recognition technology under the current AI technology is analyzed, and the Two-stage object detection algorithm and One-stage object detection algorithm are evaluated. Secondly, the technologies and functions contained in the adolescent health Latin dance teaching system are described, including image acquisition, feature extraction, object detection, and action recognition. Finally, the action recognition algorithm is optimized based on object detection, and the rationality and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are verified by experiments. The experimental results show that the optimization algorithm can search the optimal feature subset after five iterations on Undefine Classes of 101 (UCF101) dataset, but it needs seven iterations on Human Motion Database 51 (HMDB51) dataset. Meanwhile, when using support vector machine classifier, the optimization algorithm can achieve the highest accuracy of motion recognition. Regressive Function, Multinomial Naive Bayes and Gaussian Naive Bayes Algorithms have lower prediction delay, as low as 0.01s. Therefore, this paper has certain reference significance for the design and implementation of adolescent health Latin dance teaching system.
Sugarcane mill mud-induced putative host (soybean (Glycine max))-rhizobia symbiosis in sandy loam soil
Authors: Uchimiya Minori , DeRito Christopher M. , Hay Anthony G.
Published: November 2023

Domestic production of controlled-release, compost-based, and microbe-enhanced fertilizers is being expanded in the U.S. as a part of rural development. Sugarcane mill mud is a sterilized (≈90°C) agricultural byproduct in surplus that has received interests as a soil amendment in several Southern states, because of its high phosphorus and organic carbon contents. Addition of mill mud to sandy loam significantly increased the nodule formation compared to fertilized and unfertilized controls. Mill mud addition also resulted in pod yields similar to the fertilized control. Though not found in mill mud itself, mill mud additions correlated with an increase in soil Rhizobia as determined by deep 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We hypothesize that Firmicutes in sterilized mill mud induced Rhizobia that in turn enhanced soybean (Glycine max) growth. Collectively, mill mud enhanced the plant growth promoting bacteria when applied to a silt loam, although the relative influence of mill mud-derived bacteria, organic carbon, and nutrients is yet to be determined.
Association between women’s experience of domestic violence and childhood vaccination in West Africa: Cross-sectional analysis of Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Daramola Toluwalogo , Szatkowski Lisa
Published: November 2023

Background

In 2021, 25 million children worldwide did not receive full basic childhood vaccinations, the highest figure in over a decade. There are large variations between countries in vaccination coverage. Globally, the lifetime prevalence of domestic violence among ever-partnered women is 30%. Exposure to domestic violence affects both maternal and child health. However, there is limited contemporary evidence on whether children born to women who are exposed to domestic violence are any more or less likely to be vaccinated.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 7 West African countries (Benin, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between women’s lifetime experience of any emotional, physical and/or sexual domestic violence and whether her most-recent born child aged 12–35 months old had received a full complement of basic childhood vaccinations (covering tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles).

Results

Data from 9,104 mother-child pairs was analysed (range 480 from Senegal to 3,230 from Nigeria). Overall, 47% of children were fully vaccinated (range 31% in Nigeria to 81% in The Gambia). 41% of women reported any experience of domestic violence (range 20% in Senegal to 54% in Sierra Leone). After adjustment for a range of child, maternal, household and partner-level variables, children born to women who reported experience of domestic violence were no more or less likely to be fully vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.90–1.17). There was some evidence that the association may vary by country; in Sierra Leone, children born to women who reported experience of domestic violence were significantly less likely to be fully vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio = 0.62, 95%CI 0.44–0.88).

Conclusions

There was no significant association between a woman’s exposure to domestic violence and whether her child was fully vaccinated. Further work is needed to understand the contextual factors which may explain potential variations between countries.
Notes from the Editors, November 2023
Authors: Editors -
Published: November 2023

buy this issueIn 2022, China released its “Global Civilization Initiative,” a document enumerating China’s commitment to fostering diversity, equality, and cultural exchange. The editors analyze how the U.S. foreign policy community and media jumped to attack the initiative in the interest of defending U.S. imperial strategy around the globe.
Anti-melanoma and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract from the leaves of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle and Globimetula braunii (Engl.) Van Tiegh
Authors: Evariste Leonce Azabadji Ashu , Devi Priyanka , Richard Tagne Simo , Panda Biswajit , Devabattula Geetanjali , Godugu Chandraiah , Phelix Bruno Telefo
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) Van Tiegh are African mistletoe traditionally used in cancers treatment. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the anti-melanoma potential of the methanol extract of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle (PCMe-OH) and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) (GBMe-OH) Van Tiegh.

Methods

Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and hydroxyl assays. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents was also determined. MTT assay was used to estimate the effects on cell viability using SK-MLE28 and B16-F10 cell lines. Colony formation and wound healing were also assessed. Fluorometry methods were used for qualitative analysis of apoptosis and estimate ROS production. Western blot analysis was used for protein expression.

Results

Phragmenthera capitata (PCMe-OH) showed the highest antioxidant activity and possess the highest phenolic contents (1,490.80 ± 55 mgGAE/g extract) in comparison with G. braunii (GBMe-OH) and (1,071.40 ± 45 mgGAE/g extract). Flavonoid content was similar in both extracts (11.63 ± 5.51 mg CATE/g of extract and 12.46 ± 2.58 mg CATE/g of extract respectively). PC-MeOH showed the highest cytotoxicity effect (IC50 of 55.35 ± 1.17 μg/mL) and exhibited anti-migrative potential on B16-F10 cells. Furthermore, PC-MeOH at 55.35 and 110.7 μg/mL; promoted apoptosis-induced cell death in B16-F10 cells by increasing intracellular ROS levels and reducing Bcl-2 expression level at 110.7 μg/mL. Significant upregulation of P-PTEN expression was recorded with PC-MeOH at 110.7 μg/mL; inhibiting therefore PI3K/AKT/m-Tor signaling pathway. Moreover, at 55.37 μg/mL significant reduction of c-myc and cyclin D1 was observed; dysregulating the MAPK kinase signaling pathway and cell cycle progression.

Conclusions

Phragmenthera capitata may be developed into selective chemotherapy to fight against melanoma.