bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hypoglycemia on QT Interval in Individuals With and Without Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Haas Andrea V , Koefoed Andrew W , Celli Johanna , Bonyhay Istvan , White Jeffrey , Meyer Kayla M , Easly-Merski Rebecca M , Heydarpour Mahyar , Adler Gail K , Freeman Roy
Published: January 2025

Background

Our goal was to determine in healthy individuals and individuals with type 2 diabetes the impact of repeated episodes of hypoglycemia on the corrected QT (QTc) interval and the time course for QTc recovery. Further, since hypoglycemia increases aldosterone and patients with primary aldosteronism have prolonged QTc, we also determined whether mineralocorticoid receptor blockade prevents hypoglycemia-induced QTc alterations.

Methods

Twenty-seven healthy participants completed a double-blinded crossover trial contrasting 3 experimental conditions: (1) euglycemia, (2) hypoglycemia, and (3) hypoglycemia with mineralocorticoid receptor blockade pretreatment. Sixteen participants with type 2 diabetes completed 1 condition, hypoglycemia. Hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed to induce the hypoglycemic and euglycemic conditions. Electrocardiograms were performed before, during, and after the clamps.

Results

Healthy participants had a significant (P < .0001) prolongation of QTc during both the morning and afternoon hypoglycemic clamps as compared with euglycemic clamps (morning hypoglycemia vs euglycemia: 439.06 ± 41.18 ms vs 406.96 ± 26.16 ms; afternoon hypoglycemia vs euglycemia: 441.50 ± 34.36 ms vs 407.78 ± 19.18 ms). Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade did not alter the response to hypoglycemia. Participants with diabetes achieved a significant prolongation of QTc during the afternoon hypoglycemia only (afternoon hypoglycemia vs morning baseline: 461.96 ± 49.14 vs 428.90 ± 28.54, P < .05). In both participant populations, QTc intervals were similar to baseline 90 minutes after return to euglycemia and the following day.

Conclusion

Hypoglycemia prolonged QTc in healthy participants, and this was not altered by MR blockade. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, 2 hypoglycemic episodes were required to achieve prolongation. Reassuringly, in both study populations, hypoglycemia-induced QTc prolongation resolved quickly with no apparent residual effects the next day.
Loss-of-Function GHSR Variants Are Associated With Short Stature and Low IGF-I
Authors: Punt Lauren D , Kooijman Sander , Mutsters Noa J M , Yue Kaiming , van der Kaay Daniëlle C M , van Tellingen Vera , Bakker-van Waarde Willie M , Boot Annemiek M , van den Akker Erica L T , van Boekholt Anneke A , de Groote Kirsten , Kruijsen Anne R , van Nieuwaal-van Maren Nancy H G , Woltering M Claire , Heijligers Malou , van der Heyden Josine C , Bannink Ellen M N , Rinne Tuula , Hannema Sabine E , de Waal Wouter J , Delemarre Lucia C , Rensen Patrick C N , de Bruin Christiaan , van Duyvenvoorde Hermine A , Visser Jenny A , Delhanty Patric J D , Losekoot Monique , Wit Jan M , Joustra Sjoerd D
Published: January 2025

Context

The growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, encoded by GHSR, is expressed on somatotrophs of the pituitary gland. Stimulation with its ligand ghrelin, as well as its constitutive activity, enhances GH secretion. Studies in knockout mice suggest that heterozygous loss-of-function of GHSR is associated with decreased GH response to fasting, but patient observations in small case reports have been equivocal.

Objective

This work aims to establish the phenotype of GHSR haploinsufficiency and its growth response to GH treatment.

Methods

This case series includes 26 patients with short stature and heterozygous GHSR variants. Pathogenicity was studied in vitro using total protein levels, cell surface expression, and receptor activity in basal, stimulated, and inhibited states.

Results

Ten different variants were identified, of which 6 were novel. Variants showed either partial or complete loss of function, primarily through loss of constitutive activity. Patients (aged 4.0-15.1 years) had proportionate short stature (height −2.8 ± 0.5 SDS), failure to thrive with low appetite (n = 4), a mean serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) of −1.6 ± 0.7 SDS, and a normal stimulated GH response. Nine patients received GH treatment, showing a height gain of 0.9 ± 0.4 SDS after 1 year and 1.5 ± 0.4 SDS after 2 years (n = 5).

Conclusion

This study combines phenotypical and functional data in a uniquely large group of children with short stature carrying GHSR variants, and shows their good response to GH treatment. The results strengthen the hypothesis of GHSR's role in GH secretion.
The Five-years Overall Survival and Recurrence Free Survival of Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy in Breast Cancer Sudanese Patients: A Retrospective Comparative study
Authors: Osman Tamador Elhadi , Mustafa Ayda Hussein Omer , Abdalla Rayan Ali , Amir Osman , Abd Alrahman Hamid Ali
Published: January 2025

Background Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in improving clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients has gained significant attention; however, its impact on long-term survival and recurrence rates remains under investigation. Thus, we evaluated the effectiveness of NAC on metastasis, recurrence rates, and overall survival in BC patients. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, were employed to assess differences between groups. Methods In this retrospective study, 46 Sudanese patients with locally advanced BC were consecutively collected attending Alsharif Specialized Hospital during the period from 2015 to 2016, comprising 28 patients who received NAC (case group) and 18 patients who underwent upfront surgery (control group). Data regarding demographics, histological types, treatment regimens, prognostic markers, survival, recurrence and metastasis were collected Results Most of patients in both groups were > 40 years old. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the predominant histological type observed. Notably, the metastasis rate was lower in the case group than in the control group (n=6; 21.4% vs. n=9; 50%, P = 0.043). However, the recurrence rates and overall survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.353 and P = 0.454, respectively). The estimated mean survival time was 74.1 months for the case group compared to 82.0 months for the control group, but without significant difference (log-rank P = 0.973). Conclusion While NAC appears to reduce metastasis rates in breast cancer patients, it does not significantly impact recurrence rates or overall survival. These results underscore the need for further research to explore additional factors that influence long-term outcomes of breast cancer management.
Applications of MR Finger printing derived T1 and T2 values in Adult brain: A Systematic review
Authors: Mohamed Sajer Riyan , Pendem Saikiran , Kadavigere Rajagopal , - Priyanka , Nayak S Shailesh , Nayak Kaushik , Pires Tancia , Chandran M Obhuli , S Abhijith , Raghu Varsha
Published: January 2025

Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for brain imaging, but conventional methods rely on qualitative contrast, are time-intensive, and prone to variability. Magnetic resonance finger printing (MRF) addresses these limitations by enabling fast, simultaneous mapping of multiple tissue properties like T1, T2. Using dynamic acquisition parameters and a precomputed signal dictionary, MRF provides robust, qualitative maps, improving diagnostic precision and expanding clinical and research applications in brain imaging. Methods Database searches were performed through PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of science to identify relevant articles focusing on the application of MR finger printing in the adult brain. We utilized the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines to extract data from the selected studies. Results Nine articles were included in the final review, with a total sample size of 332 participants. In healthy brains, notable regional, sex, age, and hemispheric variations were identified, particularly in the corpus callosum and thalamus. MRF effectively differentiated meningioma subtypes, glioma grades, and IDH mutation status, with T2 values providing particularly predictive for glioma classification. In brain metastases, significant relaxometry differences were noted between normal and lesional tissues. For multiple sclerosis, MRF values correlated with clinical and disability measures, distinguishing relapsing-remitting secondary progressive forms. In traumatic brain injury, longitudinal T1 changes strongly correlated with clinical recovery, surpassing T2 values. Conclusions The systematic review highlighted MRD as a groundbreaking technique that enhances neurological diagnosis by simultaneously quantifying T1 and T2 relaxation times. With reduced acquisition times, MRF outperforms conventional MRI in detecting subtle pathologies, distinguishing properties, and providing reliable biomarkers.
Kepemimpinan Transformasional Dalam ICT di Faith-Based School Perspektif Ethno-Religion
Authors: Rahmatika Nuniek , Suyatno Suyatno , Hartanto Dody
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini mengkaji pentingnya kepemimpinan transformasional dalam menerapkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi (ICT) di sekolah berbasis agama. Dalam era digital, pemimpin sekolah perlu mampu menginspirasi dan mendorong perubahan agar penggunaan ICT dapat berjalan efektif tanpa mengesampingkan nilai-nilai agama dan budaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan tinjauan pustaka untuk menganalisis peran kepemimpinan transformasional. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa pemimpin transformasional dapat mendorong inovasi, membangun visi bersama, dan memasICTan teknologi yang digunakan sesuai dengan nilai-nilai sekolah. Kepemimpinan ini juga mampu mengatasi tantangan seperti resistensi terhadap perubahan dengan membangun hubungan yang kuat dan pemahaman lintas budaya. Oleh karena itu implikasinya adalah kepemimpinan transformasional yang sensitif terhadap konteks etno-agama sangat penting dalam penerapan ICT di sekolah berbasis agama. Kepemimpinan ini tidak hanya meningkatkan penerimaan teknologi, tetapi juga menjaga keseimbangan antara inovasi dan nilai-nilai lokal, sehingga menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang inklusif dan adaptif terhadap perubahan.
Studi Perbandingan Tingkat Capaian pada Lembaga Pendidikan Boarding School dan Sekolah Reguler
Authors: Darwanto Agus , Prahmana Rully Charitas Indra , Susanti Ani
Published: January 2025

Sekolah umum seperti SD/MI, SMP/MTs dan SMA/MA/SMK memiliki keunggulan tersendiri sebagaimana pendidikan di pondok pesantren juga memiliki keunggulan tersendiri. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui perbandingan tingkat capaian pendidikan antara peserta didik boarding school dengan non boarding (regular). Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Sekolah umum rata-rata mengedepankan penguatan kecerdasan intelektual (IQ) dan kurang menekankan kepada kecerdasan emosional (EQ) dan kecerdasan spiritual (SQ). Sebaliknya pondok lebih cenderung menekankan kepada kecerdasan emosional (EQ) dan kecerdasan spiritual (SQ) sehingga dinilai kurang dalam penguatan kecerdasan intelektual (IQ). Boarding school sebagai penjelmaan pesantren modern berupaya menyeimbangkan antara ketiga kecerdasan tersebut. Pada penelitian yang dilakukan di MTs Muhammadiyah Cilacap dan SMP Islam Al Azhar 15 Cilacap diperoleh bukti bahwa peserta didik yang mengikuti program boarding school lebih tinggi tingkat kecerdasan IQ, EQ dan SQ-nya dibandingkan peserta didik non boarding. Dengan demikian konsep boarding school lebih mampu menyeimbangkan pencapaian antara kecerdasan IQ, EQ dan SQ.
Bahasa Indonesia dalam Pusaran Sejarah
Authors: Bagea Ishak , Bagea Arfin
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini untuk menjelaskan akar sejarah bahasa Indonesia bersumber dari bahasa Melayu; salah satu bahasa terpenting di kepulauan Nusantara, kepulauan Melayu (wilayah Asia Tenggara). Metode penelitian menggunakan penelitian kualitatif yang berupa penelitian kepustakaan, serta kesimpulan penelitian yaitu cikal bakal bahasa Indonesia berasal dari bahasa Melayu. Bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa persatuan dan kesatuan telah diikrarkan pada saat sumpah pemuda pada tanggal 28 Oktober 1928. Perkembangan bahasa Indonesia berasal dari bahasa Melayu sebagai sumber atau akar bahasa Indonesia tumbuh dan berkembang serta melintasi Sejarah, zaman dari bahasa Melayu. Bahasa Melayu dari zaman dahulu sudah dipergunakan sebagai alat komunikasi dan sebagai bahasa perantara (Lingua Franca) di Nusantara bahasa Melayu yang ditulis dalam Prasasti kedudukan bukit, prasasti Talang Tuo, Prasasti Kota kapur, prasasti karang Brahi, prasasti Gandasuli dan prasasti Bogor. Asal usul bahasa Melayu, selain ditemukan bukti-bukti atau fakta secara arkeologis, sejarah dan fakta literasi, serta fakta perkembangan bahasa Melayu menjadi bahasa Indonesia dapat juga dibuktikan dengan perjanjian London (Traktat London) pada tahun 1824 antara pemerintah Inggris dan Belanda merupakan tonggak sejarah yang sangat penting. Perjanjian London tersebut menjelaskan kesepakatan pembagian dua wilayah yaitu semenanjung Melayu dan Singapura beserta pulau-pulau kecilnya menjadi kekuasaan kolonial Inggris, serta kepulauan Nusantara dan sebagian Irian menjadi kekuasaan kolonial Belanda. Selain fakta yang sudah dijelaskan bahwa pada zaman kerajaan Sriwijaya, bahasa Melayu berfungsi sebagai bahasa kebudayaan, bahasa perhubungan (Lingua Franca) antara suku di Nusantara.
Upaya Peningkatan Kemampuan Menentukan Pokok Pikiran Paragraf Melalui Model Pembelajaran CIRC pada Siswa Kelas V SD N Kembangputihan
Authors: Nugraheni Dian Siwi , Kusumaningtyas Dian Artha , Rumgayatri Rumgayatri , Jailani Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peningkatan kemampuan menentukan pokok pikiran dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran CIRC. Hipotesis tindakan adalah model pembelajaran CIRC dapat meningkatkan kemampuan dalam menentukan pokok pikiran paragraf. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan tes dan observasi. Instrumen penelitian ini adalah lembar tes dan lembar observasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan model pembelajaran CIRC dapat meningkatkan kemampuan menentukan pokok pikiran paragraf. Peningkatan tersebut terlihat dari rata-rata siklus I sebesar 60,52 dan meningkat pada siklus II sebesar 88,23. Hasil diatas diperkuat dengan hasil observasi kegiatan pembelajaran. Persentase siklus I sebesar 64,9% dalam kategori cukup, dan meningkat pada siklus II sebesar 88,23 dalam kategori sangat baik.
Peningkatan Literasi Numerasi Siswa SD Menggunakan Teaching at the Right Level
Authors: Miftakhuljanah Miftakhuljanah , Maryani Ika , Purwanto Purwanto
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi dari asesmen awal yang menunjukkan bahwa peserta didik kelas VI A SD N Giwangan memiliki tingkat kemampuan literasi numerasi yang berbeda-beda pada mata pelajaran Matematika, dengan mayoritas memiliki kemampuan sedang. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan pendekatan pembelajaran yang dapat memfasilitasi perbedaan tingkat kemampuan sehingga dapat meningkatkan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk meningkatkan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Matematika dengan menggunakan pendekatan pembelajaran TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level). Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas dalam dua siklus, dimana setiap siklusnya terdiri atas perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Subjek dari penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas IV A SD N Giwangan yang berjumlah 30 peserta didik. Indikator kemampuan literasi numerasi menurut Sukmawati (2021) yakni: 1) menganalisis masalah, 2) memecahkan masalah, dan 3) menyimpulkan masalah yang berkaitan dengan angka dan simbol. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian terjadi peningkatan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik setelah diterapkannya pendekatan pembelajaran TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level) dengan hasil peningkatan sebesar 6,7% dari tingkat kemampuan sedang menjadi tinggi setelah siklus 1. Dan mengalami peningkatan sebesar 10% dari tingkat kemampuan rendah-sedang menjadi tinggi setelah siklus 2.
Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Literasi Numerasi Materi Penjumlahan Pengurangan Melalui Model Pembelajaran Problem-based Learning Berbantu Media Pembelajaran Taku
Authors: Ramadhani Dinar Nurhayati , Maryani Ika
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh rendahnya kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik dalam pembelajaran matematika. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik peserta didik pada pembelajaran matematika materi penjumlahan dan pengurangan dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran PBL (PBL) berbantu media pembelajaran TAKU (Tambah kurang) di kelas 2A SD Negeri Giwangan. Kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik masih rendah, hal ini berdasarkan hasil observasi yang telah peneliti laksanakan. Oleh karena itu, peneliti menggunakan model pembelajaran PBL (PBL) berbantu media pembelajaran TAKU (Tambah kurang) guna meningkatkan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian tindakan kelas. Subjek penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas 2A SD Negeri Giwangan yang berjumlah 28 peserta didik. Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini dengan observasi, tes serta dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data persentase ketuntasan pra siklus sebesar 75%, siklus 1 79% dan siklus 2 89%. Hasil PTK ini menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran dengan model PBL (PBL) berbantu media pembelajaran TAKU (Tambah Kurang) dapat meningkatkan kemampuan literasi numerasi peserta didik kelas 2A SD Negeri Giwangan.
Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: Ji Dandan , Sheng Mingyan , Zhang Liuyan , Han Yonggui , Jiang Qi , Ruan Qiongxiao
Published: January 2025

Aims/Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, yet the correlation between ICP and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of NLR in ICP.

Methods In this retrospective case-control study, 113 patients with ICP treated in Beilun District People’s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited and categorized as the ICP group, and 209 healthy pregnant women treated during the same period were selected as the control group. The levels of NLR and mean platelet volume (MPV) were compared between the two groups. The NLR of patients with different ICP severity were compared. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between relevant indicators and ICP. The capability of NLR in predicting ICP was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results There were significant differences in age, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, MPV, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), NLR, and serum total bile acid (sTBA) among all groups (p < 0.05). The NLR in the severe ICP group was significantly higher than that in the mild ICP group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that MPV (odds ratio [OR] = 1.247) and NLR (OR = 1.885) were independent factors influencing the occurrence of ICP (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for both mild ICP and severe ICP was 0.679 and 0.869, respectively, substantiating the diagnostic value of NLR.

Conclusion NLR can be used as an auxiliary indicator in the diagnosis of ICP and has important clinical value in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in ICP patients.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Peri-Operative Period
Authors: Narasimhan Purnima
Published: January 2025

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are emerging as an important class of drugs in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. There are rising concerns of pulmonary aspiration with these medications due to drug-induced gastroparesis. While definitive association is uncertain, it is essential to be prudent and manage these patients as per the current evidence and recommendations.
Laser Sharp
Authors: Bradshaw Mellisa
Published: January 2025

Experts in lasers and robotics are joining forces at the National Robotarium to unlock new opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing and beyond.
Risk factors for one-year mortality in 440 femoral peri-implant fractures: insights from the PIPPAS prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Aguado Héctor J.
Published: January 2025

Aims

The Peri-Implant and PeriProsthetic Survival AnalysiS (PIPPAS) study aimed to investigate the risk factors for one-year mortality of femoral peri-implant fractures (FPIFs).

Methods

This prospective, multicentre, observational study involved 440 FPIF patients with a minimum one-year follow-up. Data on demographics, clinical features, fracture characteristics, management, and mortality rates were collected and analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. FPIF patients were elderly (median age 87 years (IQR 81 to 92)), mostly female (82.5%, n = 363), and frail: median clinical frailty scale 6 (IQR 4 to 7), median Pfeiffer 4 (1 to 7), median age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 6 (IQR 5 to 7), and 58.9% (n = 250) were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III.

Results

Overall, 90.5% (n = 398) of the patients were treated surgically, 57.0% (n = 227) retained the implant, and 88.7% (n = 353) managed with fixation. Mortality rates were 8.2% (n = 3.6) in-hospital, 11.4% (n = 50) at 30 days, 21.1% (n = 93) at six months, and 21.6% (n = 95) at 12 months. Medical complications, mainly delirium, were common in the acute setting (52.7%, n = 215). The nonunion rate was 4.1% (n = 18). Mortality risk factors in the univariate analysis were age, living at a nursing home, no walking outdoors, frailty variables, fractures in the distal epiphysis, fractures around a proximal nail, discharge to a healthcare facility, and no osteoporotic treatment at discharge. Protective factors against mortality in the univariate analysis were surgical treatment by an experienced surgeon, management without an arthroplasty, allowing full weightbearing, mobilization in the first 48 hours postoperatively, and geriatric involvement. Risk factors for mortality in the multivariate analysis were cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer’s questionnaire) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.14 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.23), p = 0.002), age-adjusted CCI (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.30), p = 0.001), and antiaggregant or anticoagulant medication at admission (HR 2.00 (95% CI 1.19 to 3.38), p = 0.009). Haemoglobin level at admission was protective against mortality (HR 0.85 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.97), p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Mortality in FPIFs occurs mainly within the first six months of follow-up. Early co-management and clinical optimization, particularly targeting frail older patients, is crucial in reducing mortality following these fractures.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;6(1):43–52.
Migration as a social mobility project: the case of return migrant families in India
Authors: Atterberry Adrienne Lee
Published: January 2025

This article asks the following questions: how do parents see relocating to India as beneficial to their children’s upward social mobility? What role do their children have in facilitating their family’s social mobility strategies? How does growing up in India affect return migrants’ children’s relationship to and understanding of their ethnic identity? This article addresses these questions by analysing interviews with return migrant parents and their children from 35 families. These families relocated from the US to Bangalore, a city in southwest India. The analysis reveals how middle- and upper-class return migrant parents prepare their children for future success in a way that promotes their children’s agency and affirms their ethnic identity.
Cuid ronna a n-anbhuain Éireann : Dán do Mhaol Muire mac Suibhne ó lár an seachtú haois déag
Authors: Mhurchú Ciara Ní
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This paper presents an edition of a mid-seventeenth century poem composed by Pádraig Óg Mac an Bhaird in praise of Maol Muire Mac Suibhne (son of Donnchadh, son of Maol Muire), of the Mac Suibhne na dTuath family of North Donegal. Maol Muire was an active participant in the war that started in 1641 in Ireland. The poet describes the hardship caused by the conflict and praises Maol Muire's military efforts. An apologue compares him to Cú Chulainn fighting alone to protect Ulster. This is the only extant poem composed for Maol Muire. The poem is edited here from Stonyhurst College MS A II 20, with readings from Trinity College Dublin MS H 6. 7 (1411) and British Library MS Egerton 112. A diplomatic edition of the text from the Trinity College Dublin manuscript has previously been published in ABM (133).
Parallel six-mode-selective converter based on photonic crystal fiber without holes in the cladding
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Sun Shixiao , Pu Shiqi , Su Jingbo , Tsuji Yasuhide , Li Yanlong , Xu Jing
Published: January 2025

Mode-selective converters (MSCs) play an indispensable role in mode division multiplexing (MDM) systems, and the commonly used cascaded waveguide-based MSCs not only have a relatively large size but also increase the insertion loss and mode crosstalk during the conversion process. In this paper, a parallel six-mode-selective converter (6-MSC) is proposed to enhance the integration of the device, which consists of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and six step-index fibers (SIFs). Here, a PCF without any holes in the cladding is proposed. Based on this structure, the distance between the PCF core and the SIF core can be arbitrarily adjusted, which greatly improves the design freedom of multi-core optical fiber devices. Simulation results show that at a wavelength of 1.55 µm, the proposed 6-MSC can achieve parallel conversion from the fundamental mode in each SIF to the corresponding modes (LP01
x
, LP01
y
, LP11a
x
, LP11a
y
, LP11b
x
and LP11b
y
) in the PCF at a device length of 800 µm. The maximum coupling efficiency is 96.22% and the crosstalk is below 3.45%. Moreover, the coupling efficiencies of all six mode pairs exceed 80% within the wavelength range of 1.538∼1.560 µm, and the 3-dB coupling efficiency bandwidth covers the entire C-band. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of parallel conversion between six orthogonal fiber modes and fundamental modes based on PCF. The proposed 6-MSC holds promising prospects for future integrated high-capacity MDM systems.
Surface modifications induced by the laser ablation of surface-bound microparticles at low to moderate fluence level in the ultraviolet
Authors: Beaudier Alexandre , Marthy Baptiste , Bouyer Charles , Parreault Romain , Baffou Guillaume , Neauport Jerome
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the surface modifications on fused silica caused by the ablation of glass and aluminum micro-particle contamination exposed to laser shots at a wavelength of 351 nm. The laser fluences used in this study range from 3.5 to 9.4 J/cm2 with a pulse duration of 3 ns. The study establishes a proportionality relationship between the size of the particle and the size of the crater formed by the particle ablation on the substrate. The relationship is influenced by the nature of the particle and the level of fluence. Quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry (QLSI) microscopy is used to acquire high-resolution phase shift and amplitude maps of the surface modifications. The measurements demonstrate that the combination of particle type and fluence level can result in different amplitude and phase surface modifications. Diffraction modeling using QLSI data is used to quantify the light intensification induced by these bound-particle laser damage sites. Aluminum particles can produce light intensification as high as 4.5x in the first centimeter after the surface, while glass particles exhibit shallow intensification. The study also reveals that in the fluence range of 5 to 8 J/cm2, there is a widely dispersed behavior for aluminum particles, leading to different phase/amplitude distributions at the damage sites. This mixed behavior can result in high intensification despite the moderate laser fluence level initiating the damage site.
Characterization of internal quantum efficiency of InGaN-based green LEDs grown on Si with various buffer strain
Authors: Luo Yujiao , Liu Jianxun , Dai Yayu , Sun Xiujian , Ge Xiaotian , Sun Qian , Wang Liangji , Ji Yun , Yang Hui
Published: January 2025

This work presents a characterization study on the internal quantum efficiency of InGaN-based green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on Si with a markedly different buffer strain. One with a huge residual compressive strain but a low density of threading dislocations (TDD, ∼9.0 × 108 cm-2) by using the conventional Al-composition step-graded AlN/AlGaN buffer, and the other nearly strain-free but with a relatively high TDD (∼2.5 × 109 cm-2) by using an AlN single-layer buffer. An intriguing difference in internal quantum efficiency of 56% and 78% for the two samples is revealed. By combining temperature-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence studies to modify the classical Arrhenius formula, it is evident that the strain relaxation of multiple quantum wells can generate a substantial amount of defects. Moreover, the radiative and non-radiative recombination efficiency as a function of excitation power is extracted according to the ABC model by performing the power-dependent photoluminescence characterization. Finally, a possible model for the carrier recombination dynamics of the InGaN-based green LEDs grown on Si under a low (below 100 µW, < 1017 cm-3) to high excitation (above 10 mW,>1018 cm-3) is proposed.
Block-based compressive imaging with a swin transformer
Authors: Zhao Sheng-Jie , Yin Zhi-Yu , Yu Si-Bo , Wang Wei , Yu Hong-Zhu , Li Wen-Hao , Tao Chen
Published: January 2025

Block-based compressive imaging (BCI) is based on the compressive sensing principle, which uses a spatial light modulator and a low-resolution detector to perform parallel high-speed sampling, followed by super-resolution algorithm to reconstruct target image. When compared with traditional compressive imaging, BCI reduces the computational effort but introduces block artifacts. This paper proposes a data-driven deep neural network based on the swin transformer called SwinBCI, which introduces the local attention and shifted window mechanisms to improve the target image reconstruction quality. By using the dataset to train the model to obtain priori knowledge and performing graphics processing unit-accelerated computation, the computation time is greatly reduced to realize real-time BCI. We achieve better reconstruction performances with cake cutting-Hadamard matrix sampling than with Bernoulli matrix sampling. Comparison with three other classical compressed sensing reconstruction methods on four common image datasets and images acquired experimentally using the actual BCI system show that SwinBCI achieves faster high-quality reconstruction at each sampling rate.
Single-drive 2-DOF wideband micromirror via mode interaction
Authors: Tan Haoyu , Zhang Lijia , Xiao Gang , Xia Cao , Yin Hongbo , Wu Tong , Huang Xiaoming , Xia Yuanlin , Wang Dong F. , Wang Zhuqing
Published: January 2025

Micromirror technology is one of the current research hotspots. In this work, what we believe to be a novel electrostatic 2-DOF micromirror structure with double-biased torsional axes is proposed. By introducing internal resonance, synchronous motions of the two axes with a locked frequency ratio under a single driving force were achieved within a wide frequency range. The mechanical structure can thus be greatly simplified, as well as the operating frequency band is broadened. Also, two driving methods were proposed to realize the density spot acquisition with a 1:2 frequency ratio. The macroscopic experiment is further carried out to verify the validity of the theoretical model, which successfully realized a 1:2 internal resonance. The structural optimization design of internal resonance micromirrors is discussed, and a band expansion of at least 135.58% can be achieved in the simulation results. Compared with the traditional resonant micromirrors, the proposed one
greatly increases the operating band at a very small sacrifice of vibration amplitude, and the resonant state can be guaranteed in complex environments. This novel micromirror provides a new chip solution for portable devices in complex environments and greatly simplifies the structure of dual-axis resonant micromirrors, reduces processing costs, and improves processing reliability.
Near infra-red black silicon pushbroom hyperspectral imager
Authors: Sigernes Fred , Birkeland Roger , Garrett Joseph Landon , Øvrebø Henrik , Brovold Håvard , Bakken Sivert , Mougin-Trichon Gaspar , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a 3D-printed near infra-red hyperspectral imager (NIR HSI). A prototype payload design for the next-generation CubeSat satellite missions is presented. The detector is a recent Black Silicon CMOS sensor. The assembled instrument is calibrated and tested to show it is capable of high framerate pushbroom acquisition at 90 frames per second. The spectral bandpass is 3.33 nm and the field of view across the track is 11.4°. The high speed and sensitivity of the sensor, especially in the NIR region from 700-1000 nm, has made it possible to construct an unprecedented spectral imager for future drone and satellite missions.
Prediction of cccDNA dynamics in hepatitis B patients by a combination of serum surrogate markers
Authors: Kim Kwang Su , Iwamoto Masashi , Kitagawa Kosaku , Park Hyeongki , Hayashi Sanae , Tsukuda Senko , Matsui Takeshi , Atsukawa Masanori , Matsuura Kentaro , Chuaypen Natthaya , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Allweiss Lena , Nishiyama Takara , Nakamura Naotoshi , Fujita Yasuhisa , Kawakami Eiryo , Nakaoka Shinji , Muramatsu Masamichi , Aihara Kazuyuki , Wakita Takaji , Perelson Alan S. , Dandri Maura , Watashi Koichi , Iwami Shingo , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: January 2025

Quantification of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a key for evaluating an elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infected patients. However, quantifying cccDNA requires invasive methods such as a liver biopsy, which makes it impractical to access the dynamics of cccDNA in patients. Although HBV RNA and HBV core-related antigens (HBcrAg) have been proposed as surrogate markers for evaluating cccDNA activity, they do not necessarily estimate the amount of cccDNA. Here, we employed a recently developed multiscale mathematical model describing intra- and intercellular viral propagation and applied it in HBV-infected patients under treatment. We developed a model that can predict intracellular HBV dynamics by use of extracellular viral markers, including HBsAg, HBV DNA, and HBcrAg in peripheral blood. Importantly, the model prediction of the amount of cccDNA in patients over time was confirmed to be well correlated with the data for quantified cccDNA by paired liver biopsy. Thus, our method combining classic and emerging surrogate markers enables us to predict the decay dynamics of cccDNA in patients undergoing treatment.
Compartmentalization by industry and government inhibits addressing climate denial
Authors: Hendlin Yogi Hale , Palazzo Fernando Procópio
Published: January 2025

The move from outright denialism by the fossil fuel and related industries to ‘soft denial’ urges reassessing the mechanisms and networks of actors involved in anti-environmentalism. One high-level tactic which harnesses evolutionary psychology and organizational self-protective tendencies to willfully overlook negative outcomes involves compartmentalization. Segmented judgment applies to multiple domains, including highlighting commitments, declarations, and philanthropy as a mask for continuing unsustainability. Selective accounting gives the impression that states and companies are doing enough on climate, that things are not as bad as they seem, and that much-touted sustainable actions compensate for continuing environmental harms–in effect reducing the impetus for responsible action and diverting attention from climate change’s primary drivers. This bait-and-switch strategy fragments climate accounting by avoiding including both sustainable and unsustainable initiatives in the same ledger. This study categorizes strategies of compartmentalization according to sectoral, narrative, political, behavioral, and structural perspectives, with examples among agrochemical, fossil, and mining industries. Each of these facets is evaluated through examples of actions undertaken by corporations and public agents, often exploiting Global North-South dynamics. In spite of these aspects having different spheres of influence, acts of compartmentalization are interconnected and represent a core background frame enabling the climate denial machine.
Using ESPEN data for evidence-based control of neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A comprehensive model-based geostatistical analysis of soil-transmitted helminths
Authors: Khaki Jessie Jane , Minnery Mark , Giorgi Emanuele
Published: January 2025

Background

The Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) was launched in 2019 by the World Health Organization and African nations to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including Soil-transmitted helminths (STH), which still affect over 1.5 billion people globally. In this study, we present a comprehensive geostatistical analysis of publicly available STH survey data from ESPEN to delineate inter-country disparities in STH prevalence and its environmental drivers while highlighting the strengths and limitations that arise from the use of the ESPEN data. To achieve this, we also propose the use of calibration validation methods to assess the suitability of geostatistical models for disease mapping at the national scale.

Methods

We analysed the most recent survey data with at least 50 geo-referenced observations, and modelled each STH species data (hookworm, roundworm, whipworm) separately. Binomial geostatistical models were developed for each country, exploring associations between STH and environmental covariates, and were validated using the non-randomized probability integral transform. We produced pixel-, subnational-, and country-level prevalence maps for successfully calibrated countries. All the results were made publicly available through an R Shiny application.

Results

Among 35 countries with STH data that met our inclusion criteria, the reported data years ranged from 2004 to 2018. Models from 25 countries were found to be well-calibrated. Spatial patterns exhibited significant variation in STH species distribution and heterogeneity in spatial correlation scale (1.14 km to 3,027.44 km) and residual spatial variation variance across countries.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of ESPEN data in assessing spatial variations in STH prevalence across countries using model-based geostatistics. Despite the challenges posed by data sparsity which limit the application of geostatistical models, the insights gained remain crucial for directing focused interventions and shaping future STH assessment strategies within national control programs.
“If my husband was in the labor ward with me, my baby wouldn’t have died”; experiences on birth companionship from a tertiary health facility, Tanzania
Authors: Mwakyusa Michael Obed , Said Ali , Selemani Shekha , Kakiziba Musa , Christopher Judica , Sirili Nathanael Shauri , Al-beity Fadhlun M. Alwy
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite existing policies promoting companionship, it remains uncommon in Tanzania. Pregnant women select a trusted individual to accompany them during childbirth, providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support. The World Health Organization recommends birth companionship as integral to intrapartum care for positive maternal and fetal outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the experiences of pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding childbirth companionship at a tertiary health facility in Tanzania.

Methods

Participants were purposefully selected for qualitative exploratory interviews. Focused group discussions were conducted with pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, and in-depth interviews were held with healthcare providers at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania. Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

Three major themes emerged: "Bonding and Learning with Spouse/Partner," "Assurance of Maternal Safety," and "Fear of Blame and Breach of Confidentiality." These themes highlight a strong desire among both pregnant women and healthcare providers for companionship during labor, particularly from male partners. Emotional support and safety were cited as key reasons. Fear, however, was identified as a major obstacle, with providers concerned about potential exposure of mistakes and pregnant women fearing a violation of their privacy rights regarding health matters.

Conclusion

Pregnant women expressed a strong desire for companionship throughout labor. However, companionship faced challenges due to staff shortages and inadequate privacy in labor wards. There is a pressing need to enhance childbirth companionship practices and policies in low-resource settings.
Patient stratification by genetic risk in Alzheimer’s disease is only effective in the presence of phenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Euesden Jack , Ali Muhammad , Robins Chloe , Surendran Praveen , Gormley Padhraig ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Pulford David , Cruchaga Carlos
Published: January 2025

Case-only designs in longitudinal cohorts are a valuable resource for identifying disease-relevant genes, pathways, and novel targets influencing disease progression. This is particularly relevant in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where longitudinal cohorts measure disease “progression,” defined by rate of cognitive decline. Few of the identified drug targets for AD have been clinically tractable, and phenotypic heterogeneity is an obstacle to both clinical research and basic science. In four cohorts (n = 7241), we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization (MR) to discover novel targets associated with progression and assess causal relationships. We tested opportunities for patient stratification by deriving polygenic risk scores (PRS) for AD risk and severity and tested the value of these scores in predicting progression. Genome-wide association studies identified no loci associated with progression at genome-wide significance (α = 5×10−8); MR analyses provided no significant evidence of an association between cognitive decline in AD patients and protein levels in brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma. Polygenic risk scores for AD risk did not reliably stratify fast from slow progressors; however, a deeper investigation found that APOE ε4 status predicts amyloid-β and tau positive versus negative patients (odds ratio for an additional APOE ε4 allele = 5.78 [95% confidence interval: 3.76–8.89], P<0.001) when restricting to a subset of patients with available CSF biomarker data. These results provided no evidence for large-effect, common-variant loci involved in the rate of memory decline, suggesting that patient stratification based on common genetic risk factors for progression may have limited utility. Where clinically relevant biomarkers suggest diagnostic heterogeneity, there is evidence that a priori identified genetic risk factors may have value in patient stratification. Mendelian randomization was less tractable due to the lack of large-effect loci, and future analyses with increased samples sizes are needed to replicate and validate our results.
The influence of perceived landscape value on tourists’ behavioral intentions in historical and cultural blocks
Authors: Du Jiaojiao , Wang Yilei
Published: January 2025

Historic cultural blocks are areas where a city’s material cultural heritage and humanistic characteristics converge, showcasing the city’s unique features and preserving rich and complete urban memories. Research on historic blocks primarily involves strategies related to protection, renewal, planning, and enhancement. However, there is a paucity of studies that explore the relationship between landscape value perception and tourist behavioral intentions from the perspective of recreation participants during the development and renewal of historic cultural blocks. This study uses the Zhongshan Road and Sifang Road historic cultural blocks in Qingdao as a case example. By collecting multi-source data such as online texts, tourist questionnaires, and interviews, and employing qualitative analysis and structural equation modeling as quantitative analysis methods, the study reveals the structural relationship between landscape value perception, place identity, and tourist behavioral intentions: (1) Landscape value perception has a significant positive effect on tourist behavioral intentions; (2) Landscape value perception has a significant positive effect on place identity; (3) Place identity, as a mediating variable, does not mediate the relationship between ecological landscape value perception and skill education value perception, but partially mediates the relationship between historical cultural value perception and recreational value perception. Based on the research results, feedback on the development effectiveness of historic cultural blocks from the perspective of recreation participants can be visually obtained. This helps identify the pain points in the renewal and development process, pinpoint the perceptual dimensions of landscape value that need improvement, and effectively enhance the multiple dimensions of landscape value perception in the blocks. This, in turn, activates the tourism vitality of historic cultural blocks and forms a virtuous cycle model for their development.
VARX Granger analysis: Models for neuroscience, physiology, sociology and econometrics
Authors: Parra Lucas C. , Silvan Aimar , Nentwich Maximilian , Madsen Jens , Parra Vera E. , Babadi Behtash
Published: January 2025

Complex systems, such as in brains, markets, and societies, exhibit internal dynamics influenced by external factors. Disentangling delayed external effects from internal dynamics within these systems is often difficult. We propose using a Vector Autoregressive model with eXogenous input (VARX) to capture delayed interactions between internal and external variables. Whereas this model aligns with Granger’s statistical formalism for testing “causal relations”, the connection between the two is not widely understood. Here, we bridge this gap by providing fundamental equations, user-friendly code, and demonstrations using simulated and real-world data from neuroscience, physiology, sociology, and economics. Our examples illustrate how the model avoids spurious correlation by factoring out external influences from internal dynamics, leading to more parsimonious explanations of these systems. For instance, in neural recordings we find that prolonged response of the brain can be explained as a short exogenous effect, followed by prolonged internal recurrent activity. In recordings of human physiology, we find that the model recovers established effects such as eye movements affecting pupil size and a bidirectional interaction of respiration and heart rate. We also provide methods for enhancing model efficiency, such as L2 regularization for limited data and basis functions to cope with extended delays. Additionally, we analyze model performance under various scenarios where model assumptions are violated. MATLAB, Python, and R code are provided for easy adoption: https://github.com/lcparra/varx.