bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handheld wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging system based on a distally mounted SPAD array
Authors: Matheson Andrew B. , Erdogan Ahmet T. , Hopkinson Charlotte , Borrowman Sam , Loake Gary J. , Tanner Michael G. , Henderson Robert K.
Published: April 2023

In this work a handheld Fluorescent Lifetime IMaging (FLIM) system based on a distally mounted < 2 mm2 128 × 120 single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array operating over a > 1 m long wired interface is demonstrated. The head of the system is ∼4.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm making it suitable for hand-held ex vivo applications. This is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first example of a SPAD array mounted on the distal end of a handheld FLIM system in this manner. All existing systems to date use a fibre to collect and relay fluorescent light to detectors at the proximal end of the system. This has clear potential biological and biomedical applications. To demonstrate this, the system is used to provide contrast between regions of differing tissue composition in ovine kidney samples, and between healthy and stressed or damaged plant leaves. Additionally, FLIM videos are provided showing that frame rates of > 1 Hz are achievable. It is thus an important step in realising an in vivo miniaturized chip-on-tip FLIM endoscopy system.
Fiber-coupled silicon carbide divacancy magnetometer and thermometer
Authors: Quan Wei-Ke , Liu Lin , Luo Qin-Yue , Liu Xiao-Di , Wang Jun-Feng
Published: April 2023

Divacancy in silicon carbide has become an important solid-state system for quantum metrologies. To make it more beneficial for practical applications, we realize a fiber-coupled divacancy-based magnetometer and thermometer simultaneously. First, we realize an efficient coupling between the divacancy in a silicon carbide slice with a multimode fiber. Then the optimization of the power broadening in optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of divacancy is performed to obtain a higher sensing sensitivity of 3.9 μT/Hz1/2. We then use it to detect the strength of an external magnetic field. Finally, we use the Ramsey methods to realize a temperature sensing with a sensitivity of 163.2 mK/Hz1/2. The experiments demonstrate that the compact fiber-coupled divacancy quantum sensor can be used for multiple practical quantum sensing.
Integrated analysis of industrial limitations and image quality: an end-to-end design approach
Authors: Portilla Javier , Barbero Sergio
Published: April 2023

There is a trend in optical system design toward explicitly considering real-world industrial demands in the metrics to be optimized, from which emerges a cost-performance trade-off. Another relevant recent tendency is the so-called end-to-end design, where the design metric is an expected quality index of the final image, after digital restoration. We propose an integrated approach for analyzing the cost-performance trade-off in end-to-end designs. We exemplify it with a simple optical model where the cost is determined by the inclusion of an aspherical surface. We show that the resulting optimal trade-off configurations when applying an end-to-end design are substantially different from a conventional design. Such differences, as well as the increase in performance, are especially significant for lower-cost configurations.
Design, production, and characterization of a pair of positive and negative high dispersive mirrors for chirped pulse amplification systems
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Yanzhi , Lu Yesheng , Zhang Yuhui , Wang Zhihao , Chen Chang , Shao Jianda
Published: April 2023

We report a novel modified Gires–Tournois interferometer (MGTI) starting design for high-dispersive mirrors (HDMs). The MGTI structure combines multi-G-T and conjugate cavities and introduces a large amount of dispersion while covering a wide bandwidth. With this MGTI starting design, a pair of positive (PHDM) and negative highly dispersive mirrors (NHDM) providing group delay dispersions of +1000 fs2 and -1000 fs2 in the spectral range of 750 nm to 850 nm is developed. The pulse stretching and compression capabilities of both HDMs are studied theoretically by simulating the pulse envelopes reflected from the HDMs. A near Fourier Transform Limited pulse is obtained after 50 bounces on each positive and negative HDM, which verifies the excellent matching between the PHDM and NHDM. Moreover, the laser-induced damage properties of the HDMs are studied using laser pulses of 800 nm and 40 fs. The damage thresholds of the PHDM and NHDM are approximately 0.22 J/cm2 and 0.11 J/cm2, respectively. The laser-induced blister structure of the HDMs is observed, the formation and evolution processes of the blister are evaluated.
Relationship between Hanbury Brown-Twiss effect and spectral degree of polarization in light scattering from a collection of particles of $\mathcal {L}$ types
Authors: Ding Yi , Zhao Daomu
Published: April 2023

We consider the vectorial extension of the recently developed matrix theory for the correlation between intensity fluctuations (CIF) of the scattered field generated by a collection of particles of types [Y. Ding and D. M. Zhao, Opt. Express 30 46460, 2022]. In the spherical polar coordinate system, we establish a closed-form relation that connects the normalized CIF of the electromagnetic scattered field with the pair-potential matrix (PPM), the pair-structure matrix (PSM), and the spectral degree of polarization of the incident field. Based on this, we pay much attention to the dependence of the normalized CIF of the scattered field on . It is found that the normalized CIF can be monotonically increasing or be nonmonotonic with in the region [0, 1], determined by the polar angle θ and the azimuthal angle ϕ. Also, the distributions of the normalized CIF with at polar angles and azimuthal angles are greatly different. These findings are explained mathematically as well as physically, and may be of interest to some related fields, especially where the CIF of the electromagnetic scattered field plays important roles.
Magnetron sputter deposition of Ta2O5-SiO2 quantized nanolaminates
Authors: Schwyn Thöny S. , Bärtschi M. , Batzer M. , Baselgia M. , Waldner S. , Steinecke M. , Badorreck H. , Wienke A. , Jupé M.
Published: April 2023

Quantized nanolaminates are a type of optical metamaterials, which were discovered only recently. Their feasibility was demonstrated by atomic layer deposition and ion beam sputtering so far. In this paper, we will report on the successful magnetron sputter deposition of quantized nanolaminates based on Ta2O5-SiO2. We will describe the deposition process, show results and material characterization of films deposited in a very wide parameter range. Furthermore, we will show how quantized nanolaminates deposited by magnetron sputtering were used in optical interference coatings such as antireflection and mirror coatings.
Experimental research of 13-core 5-LP mode fiber with high doped graded-index core and stairway-index trench
Authors: Li Zenghui , Li Shuguang , Wang Yan , Wang Chun , Shao Pengshuai , Liang Yongze , Liang Enwang , Tan Zhongwei , Cheng Tonglei , Qin Yu , Xu Weiwei , Zhou Hui
Published: April 2023

A graded-index 13-core 5-LP mode fiber with high doped core and stairway-index trench structure have been successfully prepared by Hole-drilling method and Plasma vapor deposition. This fiber has 104 spatial channels, realizing large capacity information transmission. By building an experimental platform, the 13-core 5-LP mode fiber have been tested and characterized. The core can stably transmit 5 LP modes. The transmission loss is lower than 0.5 dB/km. Inter-core crosstalk (ICXT) of each layer of core is analyzed in detail. The ICXT can be less than −30 dB/100 km. The test results show that this fiber can stably transmit 5 LP modes, and has the characteristics of low loss and low crosstalk, realizing large capacity transmission. This fiber provides a solution to the issue of limited fiber capacity.
Efficient 2075-nm laser emission from Ho3+-doped fluorotellurite glass in a compact all-fiber structure
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Zhao Xiaotong , Lv Nian , Xu Niannian , Li Zhenrui , Farrell Gerald , Wang Shunbin , Wang Pengfei
Published: April 2023

In this Letter, we report an Ho3+-doped fluorotellurite glass all-fiber laser at 2075 nm. The gain fiber is pumped in-band with a 1976-nm fiber laser and connected by fusion splicing. A high-quality fusion splicing point with a loss of < 0.1 dB was obtained by finely adjusting the splicing power and offset. In addition, by optimizing the writing parameters, a third-order fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with a reflectivity of 98% was achieved at 2075 nm using the femtosecond laser direct-writing method. Using the FBG as the laser cavity mirror and a relatively short 28-cm-long home-made Ho3+-doped fluorotellurite fiber as the laser medium, a laser with a maximum unsaturated output power of 7.33 W was obtained, and the corresponding slope efficiency was as high as 93.4%. The first, to the best of our knowledge, demonstration of the fluorotellurite glass all-fiber ∼2.1-µm laser presented in this work may pave the way for a high-power 2.1-µm fiber laser with a compact structure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of adolescent nutrition in Ethiopia: Transforming adolescent lives through nutrition (TALENT) initiative
Authors: Abera Mubarek , Workicho Abdulhalik , Berhane Melkamu , Hiko Desta , Ali Rahma , Zinab Beakal , Haileamlak Abraham , Fall Caroline
Published: April 2023

Background

Ethiopia has undergone rapid economic growth over the last two decades that could influence the diets and nutrition of young people. This work systematically reviewed primary studies on adolescent nutrition from Ethiopia, to inform future interventions to guide policies and programs for this age group.

Method

A systematic search of electronic databases for published studies on the prevalence of and interventions for adolescent malnutrition in Ethiopia in the English language since the year 2000 was performed using a three-step search strategy. The results were checked for quality using the Joanna Bridge Institute (JBI) checklist, and synthesized and presented as a narrative description.

Results

Seventy six articles and two national surveys were reviewed. These documented nutritional status in terms of anthropometry, micronutrient status, dietary diversity, food-insecurity, and eating habits. In the meta-analysis the pooled prevalence of stunting, thinness and overweight/obesity was 22.4% (95% CI: 18.9, 25.9), 17.7% (95% CI: 14.6, 20.8) and 10.6% (7.9, 13.3), respectively. The prevalence of undernutrition ranged from 4% to 54% for stunting and from 5% to 29% for thinness. Overweight/obesity ranged from 1% to 17%. Prevalence of stunting and thinness were higher in boys and rural adolescents, whereas overweight/obesity was higher in girls and urban adolescents. The prevalence of anemia ranged from 9% to 33%. Approximately 40%-52% of adolescents have iodine deficiency and associated risk of goiter. Frequent micronutrient deficiencies are vitamin D (42%), zinc (38%), folate (15%), and vitamin A (6.3%).

Conclusions

The adolescent population in Ethiopia is facing multiple micronutrient deficiencies and a double-burden of malnutrition, although undernutrition is predominant. The magnitude of nutritional problems varies by gender and setting. Context-relevant interventions are required to effectively improve the nutrition and health of adolescents in Ethiopia.
Reflecting on motivations: How reasons to publish affect research behaviour in astronomy
Authors: Heuritsch Julia
Published: April 2023

Recent research in the field of reflexive metrics, which analyses the effects of the use of performance indicators on scientific conduct, has studied the emergence and consequences of evaluation gaps in science. The concept of evaluation gaps captures potential discrepancies between what researchers value about their research, in particular research quality, and what metrics measure. In the language of rational choice theory, an evaluation gap persists if motivational factors arising out of the internal component of an actor’s situation are incongruent with those arising out of the external components. The aim of this research is therefore to study and compare autonomous and controlled motivations to become an astronomer, to do research in astronomy and to publish scientific papers. This study is based on a comprehensive quantitative survey of academic and non-academic astronomers worldwide with 3509 responses. By employing verified instruments to measure perceived publication pressure, distributive & procedural justice, overcommitment to work and observation of scientific misconduct, this paper also investigates how these different motivational factors affect research output and behaviour. I find evidence for an evaluation gap and that controlled motivational factors arising from evaluation procedures based on publication record drives up publication pressure, which, in turn, was found to increase the likelihood of perceived frequency of misbehaviour.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pediatricians in relation to breastfeeding support: A national survey in Lebanon
Authors: Al Rifai Hiba , Shatila Hiba , Nasreddine Lara , Yazbeck Nadine , Kabakian-Khasholian Tamar , Itani Leila , Naja Farah
Published: April 2023

Background

Rates of breastfeeding (BF) remain suboptimal despite overwhelming evidence for its benefits to the mother and child. Pediatricians play an important role in supporting breastfeeding (BF). In Lebanon, the rates of both exclusive and continued BF are critically low. The objective of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Lebanese pediatricians in relation to supporting BF.

Methods

A national survey of Lebanese pediatricians was conducted through Lime Survey (n = 100, response rate 9.5%). The list of pediatricians’ emails was obtained from the Lebanese Order of Physicians (LOP). Participants completed a questionnaire covering, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, the KAP, related to supporting BF. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used in data analysis.

Results

The most prevalent gaps in knowledge were related to the positioning of the baby during BF (71.9%) and the association between the mother’s fluid intake and her milk production (67.4%). With regards to attitudes, 34% of participants reported unfavorable attitudes towards BF in public and BF while working (25%). As for practices, more than 40% of pediatricians kept formula samples and 21% had formula-related advertising in their clinics. Half of the pediatricians reported rarely/never referring mothers to lactation consultants. After adjustment, both being a female pediatrician and having done the residency in Lebanon were significant predictors of better knowledge (OR = 4.51 (95%CI: 1.72–11.85) and OR = 3.93 (95%CI: 1.38,11.19) respectively.

Conclusion

This study revealed important gaps in the KAP related to BF support among Lebanese pediatricians. Coordinated efforts ought to be exerted to educate and equip pediatricians with needed knowledge and skills to support BF.
Diagnostic role of heart rate variability in breast cancer and its relationship with peripheral serum carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Ding Lishan , Yang Yuepeng , Chi Mingsi , Chen Zijun , Huang Yaping , Ouyang Wenshan , Li Weijian , He Lei , Wei Ting
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic role of heart rate variability in breast cancer and its relationship with Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in peripheral serum.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who attended Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University between October 2016 and May 2019. The patients were grouped based on breast cancer history and were divided into two groups: breast cancer group(n = 19) and control group(n = 18). All women were invited for risk factor screening, including 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and blood biochemistry after admission. The difference and correlation between the breast cancer group and control group were performed by comparing the heart rate variability and serum CEA levels. Additionally, diagnostic efficacy analysis of breast cancer was calculated by combining heart rate variability and serum CEA.

Results

In total, 37 patients were eligible for analysis, with 19 and 18 patients in the breast cancer group and control groups, respectively. Women with breast cancer had a significantly lower level of total LF, awake TP, and awake LF, and a significantly higher level of serum CEA compared with women with no breast cancer. Total LF, awake TP, and awake LF were negatively correlated with the CEA index (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated the highest area under the curve (AUC) scores and specificity of the combination of awake TP, awake LF, and serum CEA (P < 0.05), while sensitivity was highest for total LF, awake TP, and awake LF (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women with history of breast cancer had abnormalities in autonomic function. The combined analysis of heart rate variability and serum CEA analysis may have a predictive effect on the development of breast cancer and provide more basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
The effect of tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) treatment on placental endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in a rat model of advanced maternal age
Authors: Pasha Mazhar , Kirschenman Raven , Wooldridge Amy , Spaans Floor , Cooke Christy-Lynn M. , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: April 2023

Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. We previously demonstrated poor pregnancy outcomes (reduced fetal body weight), altered vascular function, and increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (phospho-eIF2α and CHOP) in mesenteric arteries from a rat model of advanced maternal age. Further, treatment of aged dams during pregnancy with an ER stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) increased fetal body weight (both male and female), tended to improve uterine artery function, and reduced expression of phospho-eIF2α and CHOP in systemic arteries. Placental ER stress has been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes in complicated pregnancies but whether placental ER stress is evident in advanced maternal age is not known. In addition, sex-specific changes in the placental labyrinth and junctional zones from male and female offspring in advanced maternal age have not been investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of TUDCA intervention on placental ER stress. We hypothesize that placental ER stress is increased in a rat model of advanced maternal age that is alleviated by TUDCA intervention for both sexes. Placental ER stress markers (GRP78, phospho-eIF2α, ATF-4, CHOP, ATF-6α, and sXBP-1) were quantified by Western blot in placentas from male and female offspring; the labyrinth and junction zones were analyzed separately. In the placental labyrinth zone from male offspring, only GRP78 (p = 0.007) was increased in aged dams compared to young dams; TUDCA treatment reduced the placental expression of GRP78 in aged dams (p = 0.003). In addition, TUDCA reduced the levels of phospho-eIF2α (p = 0.021), ATF-4 (p = 0.016), and CHOP (p = 0.012) in aged dams but no effect was observed in young TUDCA-treated dams. In the placental labyrinth zone from female offspring, an increased level of phospho-eIF2α (p = 0.005) was observed in aged dams compared to young dams, and TUDCA treatment had no effect in both young and aged groups. In the placental junctional zone from male and female offspring, no changes in the expression of GRP78, phospho-eIF2α, ATF-4, CHOP, and ATF-6α was observed with or without TUDCA treatment in both young and aged groups, however, a reduced expression of sXBP-1 protein was observed in from both male (p = 0.001) and female (p = 0.031) placentas from aged-TUDCA treated dams compared to aged control. In conclusion, our data highlight the complexity and sex-specificity of ER stress responses in advanced maternal age with TUDCA treatment maintaining ER stress proteins to basal levels and improving fetal growth in both male and female offspring.
Molecular dynamics of the ERRγ ligand-binding domain bound with agonist and inverse agonist
Authors: Sasidharan Santanu , Radhakrishnan Kamalakannan , Lee Jun-Yeong , Saudagar Prakash , Gosu Vijayakumar , Shin Donghyun
Published: April 2023

Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ), the latest member of the ERR family, does not have any known reported natural ligands. Although the crystal structures of the apo, agonist-bound, and inverse agonist-bound ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERRγ have been solved previously, their dynamic behavior has not been studied. Hence, to explore the intrinsic dynamics of the apo and ligand-bound forms of ERRγ, we applied long-range molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to the crystal structures of the apo and ligand-bound forms of the LBD of ERRγ. Using the MD trajectories, we performed hydrogen bond and binding free energy analysis, which suggested that the agonist displayed more hydrogen bonds with ERRγ than the inverse agonist 4-OHT. However, the binding energy of 4-OHT was higher than that of the agonist GSK4716, indicating that hydrophobic interactions are crucial for the binding of the inverse agonist. From principal component analysis, we observed that the AF-2 helix conformation at the C-terminal domain was similar to the initial structures during simulations, indicating that the AF-2 helix conformation is crucial with respect to the agonist or inverse agonist for further functional activity of ERRγ. In addition, we performed residue network analysis to understand intramolecular signal transduction within the protein. The betweenness centrality suggested that few of the amino acids are important for residue signal transduction in apo and ligand-bound forms. The results from this study may assist in designing better therapeutic compounds against ERRγ associated diseases.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of childhood undernutrition in North Africa
Authors: Elmighrabi Nagwa Farag , Fleming Catharine A. K. , Dhami Mansi Vijaybhai , Elmabsout Ali Ateia , Agho Kingsley E.
Published: April 2023

Undernutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight) among children remains a public health concern in North Africa, especially following recent conflicts in the region. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews and meta-analyses the prevalence of undernutrition among children under five in North Africa to determine whether efforts to reduce undernutrition are on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Eligible studies published between 1st January 2006 and 10th April 2022 were searched for, using five electronic bibliographic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), ProQuest and CINAHL). The JBI critical appraisal tool was used, and a meta-analysis was conducted using the ‘metaprop’ command in STATA, to estimate the prevalence of each undernutrition indicator in the seven North African countries (Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Western Sahara). Due to the significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 >50%), a random effect model and sensitivity analysis were conducted to examine the effect of outliers. Out of 1592 initially identified, 27 met the selection criteria. The prevalence of stunting, wasting and being underweight were 23.5%, 7.9% and 12.9%, respectively. Significant variations between the countries with the highest rates of stunting and wasting were reported in Sudan (36%, 14.1%), Egypt (23.7%, 7.5%), Libya (23.1%, 5.9%), and Morocco (19.9%, 5.1%). Sudan also had the highest prevalence of underweight (24.6%), followed by Egypt (7%), Morocco (6.1%), and Libya (4.3%) with more than one in ten children in Algeria and Tunisia having stunted growth. In conclusion, undernutrition is widespread in the North African region, particularly in Sudan, Egypt, Libya, and Morocco, making it challenging to meet the SDGs by 2030. Nutrition monitoring and evaluation in these countries is highly recommended.
Mapping and identification of molecular markers for the Pc96 gene conferring resistance to crown rust in oat
Authors: Abdullah Sidrat , Gordon Tyler , Yimer Belayneh Admassu , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta , Harrison Stephen A. , Menzies James G. , Klos Kathy Esvelt
Published: April 2023

Oat crown rust caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae P. Syd. & Syd (Pca) is a major constraint to oat (Avena sativa L.) production in many parts of the globe. The objectives of this study were to locate Pc96 on the oat consensus map and to develop SNP markers linked to Pc96 for use in marker-assisted selection. SNP loci linked to the crown rust resistance gene Pc96 were identified by linkage analysis and PACE assays were developed for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Pc96 is a race-specific crown rust resistance gene originating from cultivated oat that has been deployed in North American oat breeding programs. Pc96 was mapped in a recombinant inbred line population (n = 122) developed from a cross between the oat crown rust differential known to carry Pc96 and the differential line carrying Pc54. A single resistance locus was identified on chromosome 7D between 48.3 and 91.2 cM. The resistance locus and linked SNPs were validated in two additional biparental populations, Ajay × Pc96 (F2:3, n = 139) and Pc96 × Kasztan (F2:3, n = 168). Based on all populations, the most probable location of the oat crown rust resistance gene Pc96 on the oat consensus map was on chromosome 7D approximately at 87.3 cM. In the Ajay × Pc96 population, a second unlinked resistance gene was contributed by the Pc96 differential line, which mapped to chromosome 6C at 75.5 cM. A haplotype of nine linked SNPs predicted the absence of Pc96 in a diverse group of 144 oat germplasm. SNPs that are closely linked to the Pc96 gene may be beneficial as PCR-based molecular markers in marker-assisted selection.
Elephant ‘selfies’: Evaluating the effectiveness of Instagram’s warning of the potential negative impacts of photo opportunities with wild animals
Authors: Harrington Lauren A. , Elwin Angie , D’Cruze Neil
Published: April 2023

Wildlife tourist attractions offering opportunities to observe, touch, and interact with wild animals, are visited by millions of people every year. Wildlife tourism has considerable economic value in many countries and can have positive impacts on wild animal populations (e.g. through habitat protection); it can also have negative impacts on population conservation and individual welfare (due to, e.g. habitat encroachment, disturbance, or disease). The recent phenomenon of ‘wildlife selfies’ shared on social media may seem harmless but can involve animals illegally or unsustainably captured from the wild, kept in poor conditions, or subject to cruel treatment. To address this issue, Instagram introduced a pop-up alert system that is triggered when users search for wild animal selfie hashtags (e.g. #elephantselfie), warning of the potential negative impacts of wildlife selfies on wild animals. Using elephant selfies as a case study, we found that Instagram’s alert was triggered by only 2% of 244 elephant selfie-related hashtags tested. By comparing three pairs of similar hashtags (one of each pair that triggered the warning and one that did not), we were unable to detect a consistent difference in the type of post using each of the hashtags, the popularity of posts, or the sentiment of viewer comments. The warning is not shown when posting an image, or if a post is viewed directly by a follower, only if the post is encountered via a hashtag search. Currently, what is portrayed on social media appears to be inconsistent with apparent recent shifts in social acceptibilty regarding tourism, particularly as concerns direct contact between tourists and elephants. Instagram’s wildlife selfie initiative was commendable but given its apparent lack of effect, we urge Instagram and other social platforms to do more to prevent harmful content from being posted on their platforms and to promote fair, ethical and sustainable interactions between wild animals and people.
Trajectory tracking for agricultural tractor based on improved fuzzy sliding mode control
Authors: Yin Chengqiang , Wang Shourui , Gao Jie , Li Xiaowei
Published: April 2023

Trajectory tracking is one of the key technologies for tractor automatic navigation. Its main purpose is to adjust the steering mechanism of the tractor to follow the planned trajectory. Thus, in this paper a trajectory tracking control system is designed for an agricultural tractor with the electric power steering mechanism. A DC brush motor is added on the steering column of the tractor and the hardware circuits for the steering controller are designed to control the front wheel angel. The three degrees of freedom model of the tractor is established, and a trajectory tracking control system is proposed including a fuzzy sliding mode controller and a steering angle tracking controller designed according to the internal mode control and minimized sensitivity theory. The effectiveness of the designed trajectory tracking control system is demonstrated by simulation analyses in reference to the planed trajectory.
Clinical characteristics, complications, and predictive model of histological chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Galletta Marco Aurélio Knippel , Schultz Regina , Sartorelli Mariana Fabbri Guazzelli de Oliveira Pereira , Guerra Eliane Cerqueira Leite , Agra Isabela Karine Rodrigues , Peres Stela Verzinhasse , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira
Published: April 2023

We aimed to analyze the impact of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in the presence of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and its possible predictability. A retrospective cohort analysis of PPROM cases (20–37 weeks) was conducted comparing the patients with and without HCA, seeking a predictive model of HCA using logistic regression. A total of 295 cases of PPROM were selected, of which 72 (24.4%) had HCA. The group with HCA had a shorter latency period and a greater number of clinical and laboratory criteria in the evolution. The group with HCA had a worse comparative result and presented: lower gestational age at delivery, lower average birth weight, lower Apgar scores, longer neonatal hospitalization, worse maternal clinical conditions and, higher rates of stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and cesarean delivery due to fetal distress or chorioamnionitis. A predictive model for HCA was developed, with the following independent variables: abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR] = 11.61), uterine activity (noticeable contractions on physical exam) (OR = 5.97), fever (OR = 5.77), latency > 3 days (OR = 2.13), and C-reactive protein (OR = 1.01). With this model, an adequate receiver operating characteristic curve was found, with an area under the curve of 0.726, and some HCA probability curves were constructed for different clinical situations. In this novel study, we present a non-invasive predictive model, with clinical and laboratory variables, which may help in decision-making in a patient with PPROM.
Development and validation of a prognostic model for mitophagy-related genes in colon adenocarcinoma: A study based on TCGA and GEO databases
Authors: Tang Yong , Guo Haiyang , Chen Lin , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Qi , Gou Lei , Liu Xiuyu , Wang Xianfei
Published: April 2023

Background

Mitophagy is used by eukaryotic cells to eliminate damaged mitochondria. The deregulation of this process can lead to an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and is implicated in carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis. Despite increasing evidence that mitophagy is involved in the development of colon cancer, the role of mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) prognosis and treatment remains largely unknown.

Methods

Differential analysis was used to identify differentially expressed mitophagy-related genes associated with COAD and conduct key module screening. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage selection operator, and other analyses were used to characterize prognosis-related genes and verify the feasibility of the model. The model was tested using GEO data and a nomogram was constructed for future clinical application. The level of immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy were compared between the two groups, and sensitivity to treatment with many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents was assessed in individuals with different risk factors. Finally, qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to assess the expression of prognosis-related MRGs.

Results

A total of 461 differentially expressed genes were mined in COAD. Four prognostic genes, PPARGC1A, SLC6A1, EPHB2, and PPP1R17, were identified to construct a mitophagy-related gene signature. The feasibility of prognostic models was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics, risk scores, Cox regression analysis, and principal component analysis. At 1, 3, and 5 years, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.628, 0.678, and 0.755, respectively, for TCGA cohort, and 0.609, 0.634, and 0.640, respectively, for the GEO cohort. Drug sensitivity analysis found that camptothecin, paclitaxel, bleomycin, and doxorubicin were significantly different between low- and high-risk patients. The qPCR and western blotting results of clinical samples further confirmed the public database results.

Conclusions

This study successfully constructed a mitophagy-related gene signature with significant predictive value for COAD, informing new possibilities for the treatment of this disease.
Craniodental divergence associated with bite force between hybridizing pine squirrels (Tamiasciurus)
Authors: Poorboy Dylan M. , Calède Jonathan J.-M. , Chavez Andreas S.
Published: April 2023

Bite force can be a limiting factor in foraging and can significantly affect the competitive ability and lifetime fitness of mammals.Tamiasciurussquirrels feed primarily on conifer seeds and have a strong bite force to mechanically extract seeds from conifer cones with their mouths. In the North Cascades region, Douglas squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii) and red squirrels (T.hudsonicus) occupy ecologically different forests with different hardnesses in conifer cones. The ranges of these species overlap in a narrow hybrid zone where these forests meet near the crest of the North Cascades. We examined interspecific divergence in dietary ecomorphology in allopatry, in sympatry within the hybrid zone, and between hybrids and each parental species. We focused on three craniodental traits, including the incisor-strength index as a proxy measure for maximal bite force, cranial-suture complexity, and mandible shape. We find that these sister squirrel species differ in bite force and suture complexity in allopatry and sympatry and that mandible shape changes with the expected hardness of accessed food items, but is not significantly different between species. Furthermore, we find that hybrids display morphologies that overlap with hybrid zone red squirrels but not with hybrid zone Douglas squirrels. This work shows how important ecological processes at shallow evolutionary timescales can impact the divergence of morphological traits in taxa with extreme conservation of craniomandibular shape.
Investigation of secretoneurin as a potential biomarker of brain injury in very preterm infants: A pilot study
Authors: Posod Anna , Wechselberger Karina , Pellkofer Yasmin , Hammerl Marlene , Urbanek Martina , Huber Eva , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Griesmaier Elke
Published: April 2023

Neurodevelopmental impairment is a significant complication among survivors of preterm birth. To improve outcomes, reliable biomarkers for early detection of brain injury and prognostic assessment are required. Secretoneurin is a promising early biomarker of brain injury in adults and full-term neonates suffering from perinatal asphyxia. Data on preterm infants is currently lacking. The aim of this pilot study was to determine secretoneurin concentrations in preterm infants in the neonatal period, and to assess secretoneurin’s potential as a biomarker of preterm brain injury. We included 38 very preterm infants (VPI) born at <32 weeks’ gestation in the study. Secretoneurin concentrations were measured in serum samples obtained from the umbilical cord, at 48 hours and 3 weeks of life. Outcome measures included repeated cerebral ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging at term-equivalent age, general movements assessment, and neurodevelopmental assessment at a corrected age of 2 years by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III). In comparison to a term-born reference population, VPI had lower secretoneurin serum concentrations in umbilical cord blood and blood collected at 48 hours of life. When measured at 3 weeks of life, concentrations correlated with gestational age at birth. Secretoneurin concentrations did not differ between VPI with an imaging-based diagnosis of brain injury and those without, but when measured in umbilical cord blood and at 3 weeks of life correlated with and were predictive of Bayley-III motor and cognitive scale scores. Secretoneurin levels in VPI differ from term-born neonates. Secretoneurin seems unsuitable as a diagnostic biomarker of preterm brain injury, but bears some prognostic potential and is worthy of further investigation as a blood-based biomarker of preterm brain injury.
I wanna hold your hand: Handholding is preferred over gentle stroking for emotion regulation
Authors: Sened Haran , Levin Chen , Shehab Manar , Eisenberger Naomi , Shamay-Tsoory Simone
Published: April 2023

Social touch is an important form of interpersonal emotion regulation. In recent years, the emotion regulation effects of two types of touch have been studied extensively: handholding and stroking (specifically of skin with C-tactile afferents on the forearm, i.e. C-touch). While some studies compare their effectiveness, with mixed results, no study to date has examined which type of touch is subjectively preferred. Given the potential bidirectional communication provided by handholding, we hypothesized that to regulate intense emotions, participants would prefer handholding. In four pre-registered online studies (total N = 287), participants rated handholding and stroking, presented in short videos, as emotion regulation methods. Study 1 examined touch reception preference in hypothetical situations. Study 2 replicated Study 1 while also examining touchprovisionpreferences. Study 3 examined touch reception preferences of participants with blood/injection phobia in hypothetical injection situations. Study 4 examined types of touch participants who have recently given birth recalled receiving during childbirth and their hypothetical preferences. In all studies, participants preferred handholding over stroking; participants who have recently given birth reported receiving handholding more than stroking. This was especially evident in Studies 1–3 in emotionally intense situations. These results demonstrate that handholding is preferred over stroking as a form of emotion regulation, especially in intense situations, and support the importance of two-way sensory communication for emotion regulation via touch. We discuss the results and possible additional mechanisms, including top-down processing and cultural priming.
Does a mother’s childbirth experience influence her perceptions of her baby’s behaviour? A qualitative interview study
Authors: Power Carmen , Williams Claire , Brown Amy
Published: April 2023

Background

Childbirth has become increasingly medicalised, which may impact on the mother’s birth experience and her newborn infant’s physiology and behaviour. Although associations have been found between a mother’s subjective birth experience and her baby’s temperament, there is limited qualitative evidence around how and why this may occur.

Objectives

This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers’ childbirth and postnatal experiences, perceptions of their baby’s early behavioural style, and whether they saw these as related.

Methods

A qualitative semi-structured interview schedule collected rich in-depth data. Twenty-two healthy mothers over 18 years of age and with healthy infants aged 0–12 months born at term, were recruited from Southwest regions of England and Wales. Thematic analysis was performed on the data.

Results

Mothers experienced childbirth as a momentous physical and psychological process. However, they did not necessarily perceive the birth as affecting their baby’s early behaviour or temperament. While some mothers drew a direct relationship, such as linking a straightforward birth to a calm infant, others did not make an explicit connection, especially those who experienced a challenging birth and postnatal period. Nevertheless, mothers who had a difficult or medicalised birth sometimes reported unsettled infant behaviour. It is possible that mothers who feel anxious or depressed after a challenging birth, or those without a good support network, may simply perceive their infant as more unsettled. Equally, mothers who have been well-supported and experienced an easier birth could be more likely to perceive their baby as easier to care for.

Conclusions

Childbirth is a physical and psychological event that may affect mother-infant wellbeing and influence maternal perceptions of early infant temperament. The present findings add to prior evidence, reinforcing the importance of providing good physical and emotional support during and after childbirth to encourage positive mother-infant outcomes.
Porphyromonas gingivalis induction of TLR2 association with Vinculin enables PI3K activation and immune evasion
Authors: Pandi Karthikeyan , Angabo Sarah , Gnanasekaran Jeba , Makkawi Hasnaa , Eli-Berchoer Luba , Glaser Fabian , Nussbaum Gabriel
Published: April 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that thrives in the inflamed environment of the gingival crevice, and is strongly associated with periodontal disease. The host response to P. gingivalis requires TLR2, however P. gingivalis benefits from TLR2-driven signaling via activation of PI3K. We studied TLR2 protein-protein interactions induced in response to P. gingivalis, and identified an interaction between TLR2 and the cytoskeletal protein vinculin (VCL), confirmed using a split-ubiquitin system. Computational modeling predicted critical TLR2 residues governing the physical association with VCL, and mutagenesis of interface residues W684 and F719, abrogated the TLR2-VCL interaction. In macrophages, VCL knock-down led to increased cytokine production, and enhanced PI3K signaling in response to P. gingivalis infection, effects that correlated with increased intracellular bacterial survival. Mechanistically, VCL suppressed TLR2 activation of PI3K by associating with its substrate PIP2. P. gingivalis induction of TLR2-VCL led to PIP2 release from VCL, enabling PI3K activation via TLR2. These results highlight the complexity of TLR signaling, and the importance of discovering protein-protein interactions that contribute to the outcome of infection.
Immune evasion strategy involving propionylation by the KSHV interferon regulatory factor 1 (vIRF1)
Authors: Shi Jiale , Jia Xuemei , He Yujia , Ma Xinyue , Qi Xiaoyu , Li Wan , Gao Shou-Jiang , Yan Qin , Lu Chun
Published: April 2023

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for host antiviral immune response and viral immune evasion. Among a set of novel acylations, lysine propionylation (Kpr) has been detected in both histone and non-histone proteins. However, whether protein propionylation occurs in any viral proteins and whether such modifications regulate viral immune evasion remain elusive. Here, we show that Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-encoded viral interferon regulatory factor 1 (vIRF1) can be propionylated in lysine residues, which is required for effective inhibition of IFN-β production and antiviral signaling. Mechanistically, vIRF1 promotes its own propionylation by blocking SIRT6’s interaction with ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) leading to its degradation via a ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Furthermore, vIRF1 propionylation is required for its function to block IRF3-CBP/p300 recruitment and repress the STING DNA sensing pathway. A SIRT6-specific activator, UBCS039, rescues propionylated vIRF1-mediated repression of IFN-β signaling. These results reveal a novel mechanism of viral evasion of innate immunity through propionylation of a viral protein. The findings suggest that enzymes involved in viral propionylation could be potential targets for preventing viral infections.
Identifying trends in SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater to infer changing COVID-19 incidence: Effect of sampling frequency
Authors: Chan Elana M. G. , Kennedy Lauren C. , Wolfe Marlene K. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: April 2023

SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater solids and liquids are correlated with reported incident COVID-19 cases. Reporting of incident COVID-19 cases has changed dramatically with the availability of at-home antigen tests. Wastewater monitoring therefore represents an objective tool for continued monitoring of COVID-19 occurrence. One important use case for wastewater data is identifying when there are sustained changes or trends in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations. Such information can be used to inform public health messaging, testing, and vaccine resources. However, there is limited research on best approaches for identifying trends in wastewater monitoring data. To fill this knowledge gap, we applied three trend analysis methods (relative strength index (RSI), percent change (PC), Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test) to daily measurements of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater solids from a wastewater treatment plant to characterize trends. Because daily measurements are not common for wastewater monitoring programs, we also conducted a downsampling analysis to determine the minimum sampling frequency necessary to capture the trends identified using the “gold standard” daily data. The PC and MK trend test appear to perform similarly and better than the RSI in terms of first detecting increasing and decreasing trends using a 14-day look-back period, so we only considered the PC and MK trend test methods in the downsampling analysis. Using an acceptable sensitivity and specificity cutoff of 0.5, we found that a minimum of 4 samples/week and 5 samples/week is necessary to detect trends identified by daily sampling using the PC and MK trend test method, respectively. If a higher sensitivity and specificity is needed, then more samples per week would be needed. Public health officials can adopt these trend analysis approaches and sampling frequency recommendations to wastewater monitoring programs aimed at providing information on how incident COVID-19 cases are changing in the contributing communities.