bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic responses to high-intensity interval exercise in equine skeletal muscle: effects of rest interval duration
Authors: Takahashi Kenya , Mukai Kazutaka , Takahashi Yuji , Ebisuda Yusaku , Hatta Hideo , Kitaoka Yu
Published: January 2024

High-intensity interval training has attracted considerable attention as a time-efficient strategy for inducing physiological adaptations, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. By using metabolomics techniques, we investigated changes in the metabolic network responses in Thoroughbred horses to high-intensity interval exercise performed with two distinct (15 min or 2 min) rest intervals. The peak plasma lactate level was higher during high-intensity exercise with a 2 min rest duration than that with a 15 min rest duration (24.5±6.8 versus 13.3±2.7 mmol l−1). The arterial oxygen saturation was lower at the end of all exercise sessions with a 2 min rest duration than that with a 15 min rest duration. Metabolomic analysis of skeletal muscle revealed marked changes in metabolite concentrations in the first and third bouts of the 15 min rest interval conditions. In contrast, there were no metabolite concentrations or pathways that significantly changed during the third bout of exercise performed with a 2 min rest interval. Our findings suggest that the activity of each energy production system is not necessarily reflected by apparent changes in metabolite concentrations, potentially due in part to a better match between metabolite flux into and out of the pathway and cycle, as well as between metabolite production and disposal. This study provides evidence that changes in metabolite concentrations vary greatly depending on the number of repetitions and the length of rest periods between exercises, even if the exercises themselves are identical.
古希腊墓葬壁画研究
Authors: Μηλαράκη Ευσταθία
Published: January 2024

Στόχος της παρούσας έρευνας είναι η συλλογή πρόσφατων επιστημονικών πηγών μέχρι σήμερα και η εξέταση αισθητικών πτυχών όπως γραμμή, χρώμα, χρωστικές και υλικά που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν αντίστοιχα για τη δημιουργία των τοιχογραφιών τεσσάρων μακεδονικών τάφων στην Ελλάδα γύρω από την ύστερη κλασική και πρώιμη ελληνιστική περίοδο.Κατά τα χρόνια των ανακαλύψεων 1970-2000 Έλληνες αρχαιολόγοι μας έδωσαν πολύ ενδιαφέρουσες πληροφορίες για την ταφική τοιχογραφία αλλάζοντας τα δεδομένα της ιστορίας που θεωρούσαν την ελληνική μνημειακή ζωγραφική χαμένη για πάντα. Τα χρόνια που ακολούθησαν έδωσαν νέες πληροφορίες για την αναγνώριση των χρωστικών και των συστατικών που υποδηλώνουν τις τεχνικές που εκτελέστηκαν. Μέχρι το 2006 η Χ. Μπρεκουλάκη μας παρείχε πλούσιο ερευνητικό υλικό για τις τοιχογραφίες όλων των ταφικών μνημείων της Μακεδονίας προτείνοντας τα βήματα της δημιουργικής διαδικασίας που εν μέρει θα αμφισβητηθούν. Η έρευνα αυτή δίνει την εικόνα της ζωγραφικής τοιχογραφικής διακόσμησης τεσσάρων ταφικών μνημείων διαφορετικών τεχνοτροπιών, στοχεύει στην περαιτέρω αποσαφήνιση της ζωγραφικής δημιουργίας της εποχής, ενώ το εμπόριο των χρωστικών δείχνει κινητικότητα όχι μόνο ιδεών στο εξωτερικό αλλά και μαρτυρεί την πολυτέλεια και πολιτική υπόσταση του εκλιπόντος που διαμόρφωσε την εικονογραφία και την αισθητική προσέγγιση της εποχής. Επιπλέον, η έρευνα σε βάθος σε αισθητικά και τεχνικά ζητήματα έχει σκοπό να δώσει επαρκή υπόβαθρο για το πρακτικό μέρος αυτής της διπλωματικής εργασίας, την αναπαράσταση της τοιχογραφίας του Αγίου Αθανασίου στη Θεσσαλονίκη που θα εκτελεστεί με την καθοδήγηση καθηγητών τοιχογραφίας της Κεντρικής Ακαδημίας Καλών Τεχνών στο Πεκίνο. Τα υλικά του πειραματισμού θα είναι κινεζικές ορυκτές χρωστικές ουσίες κοντά στις αντίστοιχες αποχρώσεις και τονικότητες της αρχαίας Ελλάδας με σκοπό να διευρύνει το εύρος του πειραματισμού διαφορετικών υλικών που έχουν εντοπιστεί αιώνες πριν σε έναν άλλο αρχαίο πολιτισμού. Χωρίς αμφιβολία, όλες οι προτεινόμενες μέθοδοι θα δοκιμαστούν σε μια διαδικασία αντιγραφής παραδόσεων, τέλος η έρευνα επιθυμεί να γεφυρώσει μακρινούς πολιτισμούς και να ανοίξει έναν διάλογο με την τεχνολογία και τις τεχνικές της αρχαίας ζωγραφικής δύο εκ των αρχαιότερων πολιτισμών.
Hospital Hallucinosis - where to look for the cause of the delirious syndrome in a geriatric patient and what management to implement
Authors: Tomczyk Karolina , Jurasz Karolina , Chojnacka Natalia , Klarycki Jakub , Podgórska Dominika , Cymer Radosław , Rzeska Ewa , Sanecki Miłosz
Published: January 2024

Delirium syndrome is a serious, and often underestimated, problem arising in elderly patients. The number of accurate diagnoses of this acute condition is significantly lower than actuall present. This is often due to the attribution of its symptoms to the underlying disease. Delirium syndrome, by leading to perceptual disturbances in the patient, impairs his functioning and threatens health and even life of a patient. The pathophysiology of the onset of delirium is not well understood, with many factors influencing its development. Those directly related to the patient (predisposing), as well as triggering factors. In geriatric patients, the risk of developing delirium is much higher than in younger patients due to the depletion of the body's functional reserves. Homeostasis of the body's systems is disturbed even with small negative stimuli. It is important to closely observe the patient, taking a well-gathered history of the patient's baseline health status and the changes that have occurred in the patient's condition. A well-conducted physical examination and diagnostic imaging is essential. There is no universal scheme for managing a patient who is delirious. It is important to take an personalized approach and quickly find the cause and try to treat it. We can use commonly available scales and guidelines for diagnosing the delirious syndrome, such as ICD-10, DSM-5 or CAM, to make the accurate diagnosis easier. It has been shown that with the help of non-pharmacological preventive management, we can significantly reduce the number of consciousness disorders that appear in elderly patients under the course of delirium. In severe cases, pharmacotherapy comes to our aid.
Voluntary Guardianship Notarization: China’s Legal Remedy to Support Self-determination and Decision-making for Incapacitated Older Adults
Authors: Yan Zi
Published: January 2024

In lieu of a comprehensive adult guardianship law, voluntary guardianship notarization has become the main route to support the self-determination, autonomy, and decision-making of incapacitated older adults in China. This article is a first attempt to provide an overview of recent developments and current forms of voluntary guardianship notarization initiatives in mainland China. Besides highlighting the difficulties and challenges faced by the country, this article also outlines the types of guardians under the current legal framework, identifies the social functions of the notary office in adult guardianship socialization, and sets out the emerging initiatives to support decision making for incapacitated older adults.
Research Roundup
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: January 2024

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
Is medical management useful in Moyamoya disease?
Authors: Muengtaweepongsa Sombat , Panpattanakul Vatcharasorn
Published: January 2024

Moyamoya disease (MMD), characterized by progressive internal carotid artery stenosis and collateral vessel formation, prompts cerebral perfusion complications and is stratified into idiopathic and Moyamoya syndrome subtypes. A multifaceted approach toward MMD management addresses cerebral infarctions through revascularization surgery and adjunctive medical therapy, while also navigating risks such as intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction resulting from arterial stenosis and fragile collateral vessels. Addressing antithrombotic management reveals a potential role for treatments like antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, despite the ambiguous contribution of thrombosis to MMD-related infarctions and the critical balance between preventing ischemic events and averting hemorrhagic complications. Transcranial doppler has proven useful in thromboembolic detection, despite persisting challenges concerning the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic treatments. Furthermore, antihypertensive interventions aim to manage blood pressure meticulously, especially during intracerebral hemorrhage, with recommendations and protocols varying based on the patient’s hypertension status. Additionally, lipid-lowering therapeutic strategies, particularly employing statins, are appraised for their possible beneficial role in MMD management, even as comprehensive data from disease-specific clinical trials remains elusive. Comprehensive guidelines and protocols to navigate the multifaceted therapeutic avenues for MMD, while maintaining a delicate balance between efficacy and safety, warrant further meticulous research and development. This protocol manuscript seeks to elucidate the various aspects and challenges imbued in managing and navigating through the complex landscape of MMD treatment.
Ultrasound diagnosis of congenital Morgagni hernias: Ten years of experience at two Chinese centers
Authors: Shi Hui-Qing , Chen Wen-Juan , Yin Qiang , Zhang Xue-Hua
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Morgagni hernias are rare anomalies that are easily misdiagnosed or missed.

AIM

To summarize the ultrasound (US) imaging characteristics of Morgagni hernias through a comparison of imaging and surgical results.

METHODS

The records of children with Morgagni hernias who were hospitalized at two hospitals between January 2013 and November 2023 were retrospectively reviewed in terms of clinical findings, US features, and operative details.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2023, we observed nine (five male and four female) children with Morgagni hernias. Upper abdominal scanning revealed a widening of the prehepatic space, with an abnormal channel extending from the xiphoid process to the right or left side of the thoracic cavity. The channel had intestinal duct and intestinal gas echoes. Hernia contents were found in the transverse colon (n = 6), the colon and small intestine (n = 2), and the colon and stomach (n = 1). Among the patients, seven had a right-sided lesion, two had a left-sided lesion, and all of them had hernial sacs.

CONCLUSION

US imaging can accurately determine the location, extent, and content of Morgagni hernias. For suspected Morgagni hernias, we recommend performing sonographic screening first.
Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the bladder and concomitant urothelial carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Ozden Sami Berk , Simsekoglu Muhammed Fatih , Sertbudak Ipek , Demirdag Cetin , Gurses Iclal
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (EMPNST) of the bladder is a rare entity with devastating features. These tumors are thought to originate from malignant transformation of pre-existing schwannomas of pelvic autonomic nerve plexuses, and unlike the conventional malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), are not associated with neurofibromatosis. The tumor has distinctive morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular features. Additionally, it tends to be more aggressive and have a higher mortality. This is the first case that presents with a synchronous urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and the epithelioid variant of MPNST in the literature. It’s also the second reported case of EMPNST originating from the bladder wall.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case report, we present the detailed clinical course of a 71-year-old patient with EMPNST of the bladder alongside a literature review.

CONCLUSION

During the management of EMPNST cases, offering aggressive treatment modalities to the patient, such as radical cystectomy, is appropriate for the best chance to contain the disease, regardless of the tumor stage and the extent of local disease at initial diagnosis.
Special electromyographic features in a child with paramyotonia congenita: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Yi Hui , Liu Chen-Xiang , Ye Shu-Xin , Liu Yu-Lin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) stands as a rare sodium channelopaty of skeletal muscle, initially identified by Eulenburg. The identification of PMC often relies on electromyography (EMG), a diagnostic technique. The child’s needle EMG unveiled trains of myotonic discharges with notably giant amplitudes, alongside irregular wave trains of myotonic discharges. This distinctive observation had not surfaced in earlier studies.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a 3-year-old female child with PMC, who exhibited laryngeal stridor, muffled speech, myotonia from birth. Cold, exposure to cool water, crying, and physical activity exacerbated the myotonia, which was relieved in warmth, yet never normalized. Percussion myotonia was observable in bilateral biceps. Myotonia symptoms remained unchanged after potassium-rich food consumption like bananas. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis was excluded. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging yielded normal results. Blood potassium remained within normal range, while creatine kinase showed slight elevation. Exome-wide genetic testing pinpointed a heterozygous mutation on chromosome SCN4A: c.3917G>A (p.G1306E). After a six-month mexiletine regimen, symptoms alleviated.

CONCLUSION

In this case revealed the two types of myotonic discharges, and had not been documented in other studies. We underscore two distinctive features: Giant-amplitude potentials and irregular waves.
Cerebral syphilitic gumma misdiagnosed as brain abscess: A case report
Authors: Mu Li-Kun , Cheng Li-Feng , Ye Jing , Zhao Meng-Yan , Wang Jin-Long
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Cerebral syphilitic gumma is a relatively rare clinical disease. Its clinical manifestations are non-specific, and the imaging manifestations are similar to other intracranial occupying lesions, often misdiagnosed as tumors or abscesses. There are few reports on this disease in the relevant literature. To our knowledge, we have reported the first case of cerebral syphilitic gumma misdiagnosed as a brain abscess.We report this case and provide useful information for clinical doctors on neurosyphilis diseases.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case to explore the diagnostic essentials of cerebral syphilitic gumma and attempt to mitigate the rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis by equipping physicians with knowledge of neurosyphilis characteristics. The clinical diagnosis and treatment of a patient with cerebral syphilitic gumma were reported. Clinical manifestations, classifications, and diagnostic points were retrospectively analyzed. The patient was admitted to the hospital with fever and limb weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple space-occupying lesions and a positive serum Treponema pallidum gelatin agglutination test. The patient was misdiagnosed as having a brain abscess and underwent a craniotomy. A postoperative pathological diagnosis of syphilis gumma was made. The patient improved and was discharged after penicillin anti-syphilis treatment. Follow-up recovery was satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Cerebral syphilitic gumma is rare in clinical practice, and it is often misdiagnosed and missed. Clinical diagnosis should be considered in combination with multiple examinations.
Porocarcinoma in a palm reconstructed with a full thickness skin graft: A case report
Authors: Lim Seok Beom , Kwon Kun Young , Kim Hoon , Lim Soo Yeon , Koh In Chang
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that originates from sweat gland tumors. It is an aggressive malignant skin cancer that is difficult to diagnose clinically owing to its rarity and similarity to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

CASE SUMMARY

This case involved a 92-year-old woman, a farmer by profession, presented with an exophytic and verrucous mass on her left palm that had formed 2 years prior and caused chronic pain and frequent bleeding. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with SCC using a punch biopsy; however, a repeat biopsy with additional immunohistochemical tests was performed for porocarcinoma. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with porocarcinoma and reconstruction was planned using a full-thickness skin graft. After treatment, the range of motion of the palm was preserved, and the aesthetic outcome was favorable. At 6 mo of follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Porocarcinoma is commonly misdiagnosed as SCC; therefore, clinicians should consider porocarcinomas when evaluating mass-like lesions on the hands.
Charcoal's Role in Nevada Mining and Forest History: Charcoal Pits
Authors: Page Douglas H. , Weisberg Peter , Page Sarah E. , Straka Thomas J.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Charcoal production was a critical adjunct to Nevada's mining industry. It fueled smelters that processed complex gold and silver mineral ores of central and eastern Nevada and was produced in stone and brick charcoal kilns and earthen-covered charcoal pits. Both methods burned wood in a low oxygen environment to obtain a pure carbon residue, i.e., charcoal. The most common production method was in charcoal pits—earth-covered mounds of wood that produced charcoal in quantities far exceeding that produced in kilns. There is still evidence of many thousands of charcoal pits scattered throughout much of Nevada. Beyond the direct evidence of the remains of charcoal kilns and pits, the broader ecological impact of charcoal making in the late 19th century Nevada left its marks on today's landscape. The depletion of Nevada's limited forest resources, especially the destruction of the pinyon-juniper woodlands, driven in no small degree by charcoal production, altered vegetation patterns in terms of forest regrowth, the advance of sagebrush lands, habitat for wildlife, and vulnerability to catastrophic fire.
Dual-mode scramjet control using optical emission sensors
Authors: Elkowitz Laurie , Wanchek Andrew , Rockwell Robert , Goyne Christopher P. , Dedic Chloe E.
Published: January 2024

Closed-loop fueling control of a dual-mode scramjet was successfully
demonstrated using optical emission spectroscopy as the sole sensor
for controller feedback. The optical emission from species of interest (OH∗, CH∗, C2∗) was first characterized throughout
the combustor. The relative emission intensity between species pairs
was studied over a range of fueling conditions and imaging locations
throughout a dual-mode scramjet combustor flow path. The pair of
emissive species (C2∗/OH∗) and imaging location that were the
most sensitive to changes in fueling condition were selected for use
in the control system. Changes in optical transmission of the
observation windows and the impact on fuel control were explored. To
our knowledge, this paper is the first demonstration of fueling
control of a dual-mode scramjet using only optical emission
spectroscopy as feedback.
Optical systems with translational invariance
Authors: Zhuridov Dmitry
Published: January 2024

The leading order monochromatic aberrations are investigated for optical systems, which obey single-plane symmetry and translational invariance. These aberrations are classified from the symmetry principles for the wave aberration function. Fermat’s principle is applied for a system made of generic cylindrical surfaces, and a complete set of the aberration coefficients required for calculation of the aberrations for any paraxial ray is obtained. To demonstrate the applied value of the analytical results obtained, the criteria of compensation of the leading aberrations for the cylindrical analog of the Cassegrain telescope were found.
Crosstalk in monocentric multiscale systems based on an internal stray light stop suppression method
Authors: Liu Zhiying , Liu Songkun , Huang Yunhan , Jin Shaokang
Published: January 2024

Monocentric multi-scale (MMS) systems offer the advantages of a high resolution and wide field of view (FOV). These systems can improve the image resolution with a broad FOV by utilizing the stitching of the detectors. In addition to traditional stray light in optical systems, such as ghost reflection, scattering, and diffraction, the crosstalk between relay lenses cannot be ignored as a type of special stray light. Because of the intersection rays between the multiscale relay lenses in MMS systems, the rays enter the adjacent relay lens, which generates rays that do not belong to the corresponding relay lens in the corresponding image plane. Consequently, this crosstalk stray light affects the imaging contrast of the systems. This study aimed to investigate the crosstalk stray light in MMS systems. A simulation model of the MMS system was established. In the object-imaging process, the characteristic rays of a multiscale relay lens are traced using geometrical optics. Factors affecting the crosstalk stray light were studied in detail. The relationships between different parameters and crosstalk stray light were analyzed. A stray light suppression method is proposed based on incorporating a stray light stop in a monocentric (MC) objective to cut the crosstalk stray rays. The simulation results show that the crosstalk stray light can be effectively eliminated with this method, and the image contrast of the MMS systems is greatly improved.
High-energy single-longitudinal-mode Q-switched double-cladding fiber laser based on the injection seeding technique
Authors: Zhang Dong , Lu Qiao , Mao Qinghe
Published: January 2024

This paper demonstrates a high-energy, single-longitudinal-mode (SLM), actively Q-switched fiber laser based on the injection seeding technique. The large-mode-area double-cladding fiber is used as the gain medium to improve energy storage. Simultaneously, by using the linear electro-optic effect of the negative uniaxial crystal (β-BaB2O4, BBO), a matching frequency-shift-free Q-switch with high damage threshold and high extinction-ratio is designed. Before reaching the stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold, the SLM Q-switched pulses can be achieved with energy higher than 15 µJ over a wide range of repetition rates from 10 to 80 kHz, and the maximum output power reaches 1.2 W at the repetition rate of 80 kHz, which may be the highest output pulse energy for such a SLM Q-switched fiber laser so far, to our best knowledge.
Photonic Gateway accommodating all types of wavelength paths for digital-coherent and IM-DD user terminals in all-photonic metro-access converged networks
Authors: Kaneko Shin , Yoshino Manabu , Shibata Naotaka , Igarashi Ryo , Kani Jun-ichi , Yoshida Tomoaki
Published: January 2024

In access and metro networks, there is increasing demand for guaranteed wide-bandwidth and stringent/deterministic end-to-end latency characteristics. Converging these networks by expanding dense wavelength-division-multiplexed metro networks to access areas is a promising approach to satisfy this demand. An All-Photonics Metro-Access Converged Network (APN) dynamically and flexibly provides a wavelength connection between any two points including user premises. This evolution in network architecture presents some technical challenges. First, from the access-node architecture viewpoint, conventional reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) do not have functions for remote and in-channel user-terminal (UT) control or turn-back connection within the access area. Therefore, the APN cannot be achieved by simply adopting ROADMs as access nodes, which are defined as Photonic Gateways. Remote and in-channel UT controls are required to control the endpoints of a wavelength path beyond the carrier control-plane network. These types of control should be independent of the protocol and modulation/detection method for the main signal. In addition, the Photonic Gateway must flexibly and efficiently support a new type of wavelength path, specifically a turn-back connection within the access area, due to metro/access convergence. Second, from the viewpoint of the process for dynamic wavelength-path provisioning, the APN controller should autonomously discover physical connectivity between a UT and the Photonic Gateway connected via field access fibers. This paper proposes a novel Photonic Gateway architecture that flexibly and scalably provides various UTs with direct optical connections including turn-back configurations. This paper also proposes a method that autonomously recognizes physical connections between newly connected UTs and the Photonic Gateway. The proposed architecture and method are experimentally verified based on all types of wavelength-path provisioning that take at most 72 s using Photonic Gateway prototypes, 100-Gb/s digital-coherent UTs, and 10-Gb/s intensity-modulation direct-detection UTs. All types of wavelength paths that are provided over the APN architecture are considered including a turn-back connection between two UTs within the same access area and connections between two UTs that traverse the metro area with or without optical/electrical conversion.
Multiuser medical image encryption algorithm using phase-only CGH in the gyrator domain
Authors: Yadav Raman , Sachin  , Singh Phool
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a multiuser medical image encryption algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm utilizes polar decomposition, which enables multiuser features in the proposed algorithm. A computer-generated hologram (CGH) improves the security of the proposed algorithm in the gyrator domain. The phase-only CGH-based multiuser algorithm offers advantages such as storing a large amount of information in a compact space, resistance to counterfeiting, and enhanced security. The proposed method is validated with various statistical metrics, such as information entropy, mean squared error, correlation coefficient, histogram, and mesh plots. Results confirm that the proposed algorithm is secure and robust against potential attacks, such as plaintext attacks, iterative attacks, and contamination attacks. The proposed method has a large keyspace, which makes it very difficult to be breached in real-time with existing computational power.
Extended Kalman filtering for enhancing a cyclic pattern-updating scheme of single-pixel dynamic fluorescence spatial frequency domain imaging: publisher’s note
Authors: Dan Mai , Zhang Yaru , Gao Feng
Published: January 2024

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Lett. 48, 5443 (2023)10.1364/OL.495099.
Improving optoelectronic properties of InP/InAs nanowire p-i-n devices with telecom-band electroluminescence
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Tateno Kouta , Sasaki Satoshi , Tawara Takehiko , Hibino Hiroki , Gotoh Hideki , Sanada Haruki
Published: January 2024

Nanowire-based structure has attracted much interest for its high potential applications in fundamental research and technology. Due to the inadequate understanding of nanowire growth and structural control, optoelectronic property still needs to be improved for nanowire-based optical devices working in telecom band range. Here we report enhancement of the optoelectronic property of InP/InAs heterostructure nanowire light emitting diodes with telecom-band electroluminescence. Due to a high leakage current, nanowire-based devices have shown a low open-circuit voltage of 0.084 V. We clarify that the high leakage current is caused by a conductive thin shell layer on nanowire sidewalls. By a surface wet etching, these nanowire-based devices show a low leakage current and exhibits an open-circuit voltage of 0.412 V. These results indicate an improved optoelectronic performance of InP/InAs nanowire light emitting diodes by enhanced understanding of nanowire growth and structural control. This work paves the way for high-performance nanowire-based optoelectronic devices working in telecom band range.
Superimposed Bragg gratings and entangled biphoton dispersion management
Authors: Armaghani S. , Rostami A.
Published: January 2024

Quantum optical integrated circuits have heralded a paradigm shift in the realm of quantum information processing. Integrated photonics technology now empowers the creation of intricate optical circuits on single chips. While optical integrated circuits used to pose formidable challenges for numerous quantum applications, they have, in recent times, evolved to satisfy stringent requirements across a spectrum of research and industrial domains. Today, it is imperative to delve into research aimed at both crafting and preserving quantum properties within photonic substrates. Superimposed Bragg grating structures have emerged as valuable components within optical applications, poised to play pivotal roles in the development of integrated circuits. Nevertheless, these structures exhibit an inherent drawback in the form of dispersion, which can potentially compromise the preservation of quantum states. In this study, we meticulously scrutinize the physical attributes of these structures to elucidate the factors contributing to undesirable dispersion effects. We also investigate the correlation between two photons at the termination point of the structure. The superimposed Bragg grating structure under scrutiny boasts periods of both 1 and 3 micrometers, an overall length of 100 micrometers, and radiates at a wavelength of 1.55 micrometers. By subjecting photons to this medium individually or in tandem and analyzing their correlation function, we aim to pinpoint elements that effectively safeguard the quantum properties inherent in the system. This research endeavor is poised to yield valuable insights that will substantially influence the design of quantum integrated circuits, enhancing their efficacy in computational tasks and quantum information processing.
Ultra-low threshold deep-ultraviolet generation in hollow-core fiber
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Harrington Kerrianne , Murphy Leah , Brahms Christian , Yerolatsitis Stephanos , Stone James , Birks Tim , Travers John
Published: January 2024

We have lowered the pump energy threshold for the generation of tuneable deep-ultraviolet pulses to the tens of nano-joules level by pumping a record small-core anti-resonant fiber with a hollow core diameter of just 6 μm.
Unveiling recent and ongoing adaptive selection in human populations
Authors: Gao Ziyue
Published: January 2024

Genome-wide scans for signals of selection have become a routine part of the analysis of population genomic variation datasets and have resulted in compelling evidence of selection during recent human evolution. This Essay spotlights methodological innovations that have enabled the detection of selection over very recent timescales, even in contemporary human populations. By harnessing large-scale genomic and phenotypic datasets, these new methods use different strategies to uncover connections between genotype, phenotype, and fitness. This Essay outlines the rationale and key findings of each strategy, discusses challenges in interpretation, and describes opportunities to improve detection and understanding of ongoing selection in human populations.
Prevalence and determinants of anemia due to micronutrient deficiencies among children aged 12–59 months in India–Evidence from Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, 2016–18
Authors: Yadav Kapil , Ramaswamy Gomathi , Puri Surabhi , Vohra Kashish , Achary Thejas , Jaiswal Abhishek , Kaur Ravneet , Bairwa Mohan , Singh Archana , Sethi Vani
Published: January 2024

The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anemia, and anemia with micronutrient deficiencies (iron/ vitamin B12/ folic acid) and their determinants among children aged 12–59 months in India. Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey (2016–2018) is Asia’s largest nutrition survey conducted among 0–19 years aged children in India. We used generalised linear model (modified Poisson) with adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) to assess the socio-economic and biochemical factors associated with anemia and anemia with micronutrient deficiencies amongst children aged 12 to 59 months. Out of the total of 11,237 children included in the study, 40.5% (95%CI:38·6–42·6) were anemic, 30.0% (95%CI:27·8–32·4) had anemia with micronutrient deficiencies and 60.9% (95%CI:58·2–63·5) had micronutrient deficiencies with or without anemia. Younger age (aPR(95%CI) for one year old: 1.9(1.5–2.4), two year old: 1.8(1.5–2.2), three year old: 1.4(1.2–1.7) compared to four year old children) and lower educational status of the mother (mothers without formal schooling aPR(95%CI):1.4(1.1–1.8); 1–9 standards: 1.4(1.2–1.7)) vs mother educated with high school and above, consumption of less than 100 iron-folic acid tablets during pregnancy (aPR(95%CI):1.3(1.0–1.7) vs consumption of ≥ 180 tablets, any self-reported illness among children within two weeks preceding the interview (aPR(95%CI):1.2(1.1–1.4) vs no-illnesses, iron deficiency (aPR(95%CI):2.2(2.0–2.6)) and zinc deficiency (aPR(95%CI):1.3(1.1–1.4)) were associated with anemia in children. Among anemic, the children from scheduled tribe (aPR(95%CI):1.4(1.1–1.8)) vs other caste categories, and those following unsafe child faeces disposal practices (aPR(95%CI):1.2(1.0–1.4)) vs those who follow safe faeces disposal practices had higher chance of having micronutrient deficiency. One third of children aged 12–59 months had anemia with micronutrient deficiency (iron/ folic acid/ vitamin B12). More than half of children had micronutrient deficiencies irrespective of anemia. Micronutrient deficiencies, antenatal IFA intake, safe hygiene practices need to be strengthened to leave no stone unturned in control of anemia among under-five children in India.
Factors associated with HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nuwabaine Lilian , Kawuki Joseph , Namulema Angella , Asiimwe John Baptist , Sserwanja Quraish , Gatasi Ghislaine , Donkor Elorm
Published: January 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, through aiding prompt treatment, care, and support. However, few studies have explored HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda. We used secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), comprising 870 pregnant women. Multistage stratified sampling was used by the RDHS team to select participants. We conducted bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to explore factors associated with HIV testing using SPSS (version 25). Of the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (24–34 years), not working, large household size, multiple sex partners, as well as secondary, primary, and no education were associated with higher odds of HIV testing compared to their respective counterparts. However, being unmarried, belonging to the western region, having not visited a health facility, and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge were associated with lower odds of HIV testing. A high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. The study revealed that individual-level factors had the greatest influence on HIV testing in pregnancy, with a few household-level factors showing significance. There is a need for maternal health stakeholders to design and develop HIV testing programs that are region-sensitive. These programs should target older, more educated, working, and unmarried women with limited HIV knowledge.
Barriers to and enablers of quality improvement in primary health care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Odhus Camlus Otieno , Kapanga Ruth Razanajafy , Oele Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

The quality of health care remains generally poor across primary health care settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries where tertiary care tends to take up much of the limited resources despite primary health care being the first (and often the only) point of contact with the health system for nearly 80 per cent of people in these countries. Evidence is needed on barriers and enablers of quality improvement initiatives. This systematic review sought to answer the question: What are the enablers of and barriers to quality improvement in primary health care in low- and middle-income countries? It adopted an integrative review approach with narrative evidence synthesis, which combined qualitative and mixed methods research studies systematically. Using a customized geographic search filter for LMICs developed by the Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus, Academic Search Ultimate, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, ProQuest Dissertations and Overton.io (a new database for LMIC literature) were searched in January and February 2023, as were selected websites and journals. 7,077 reports were retrieved. After removing duplicates, reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts, performed quality appraisal and data extraction, followed by analysis and synthesis. 50 reports from 47 studies were included, covering 52 LMIC settings. Six themes related to barriers and enablers of quality improvement were identified and organized using the model for understanding success in quality (MUSIQ) and the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). These were: microsystem of quality improvement, intervention attributes, implementing organization and team, health systems support and capacity, external environment and structural factors, and execution. Decision makers, practitioners, funders, implementers, and other stakeholders can use the evidence from this systematic review to minimize barriers and amplify enablers to better the chances that quality improvement initiatives will be successful in resource-limited settings. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023395166.
Seasonal prediction of the distribution of three major malaria vectors in China: Based on an ecological niche model
Authors: An Qi , Li Yuepeng , Sun Zhuo , Gao Xiang , Wang Hongbin
Published: January 2024

Against the backdrop of a global malaria epidemic that remains severe, China has eradicated indigenous malaria but still has to be alert to the risk of external importation. Understanding the distribution of vectors can provide an adequate and reliable basis for the development and implementation of vector control strategies. However, with the decline of malaria prevalence in recent years, the capacity of vector monitoring and identification has been greatly weakened. Here we have used new sampling records, climatic data, and topographic data to establish ecological niche models of the three main malaria vectors in China. The model results accurately identified the current habitat suitability areas for the three species of Anopheles and revealed that in addition to precipitation and temperature as important variables affecting the distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes, topographic variables also influenced the distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles sinensis is the most widespread malaria vector in China, with a wide region from the northeast (Heilongjiang Province) to the southwest (Yunnan Province) suitable for its survival. Suitable habitat areas for Anopheles lesteri are concentrated in the central, eastern, and southern regions of China. The suitable habitat areas of Anopheles minimus are the smallest and are only distributed in the border provinces of southern China. On this basis, we further assessed the seasonal variation in habitat suitability areas for these three major malaria vectors in China. The results of this study provide new and more detailed evidence for vector monitoring. In this new era of imported malaria prevention in China, regular reassessment of the risk of vector transmission is recommended.
Multimodal brain tumor image segmentation based on DenseNet
Authors: Wu Xiaoqin , Yang Xiaoli , Li Zhenwei , Liu Lipei , Xia Yuxin
Published: January 2024

A brain tumor magnetic resonance image processing algorithm can help doctors to diagnose and treat the patient’s condition, which has important application significance in clinical medicine. This paper proposes a network model based on the combination of U-net and DenseNet to solve the problems of class imbalance in multi-modal brain tumor image segmentation and the loss of effective information features caused by the integration of features in the traditional U-net network. The standard convolution blocks of the coding path and decoding path on the original network are improved to dense blocks, which enhances the transmission of features. The mixed loss function composed of the Binary Cross Entropy Loss function and the Tversky coefficient is used to replace the original single cross-entropy loss, which restrains the influence of irrelevant features on segmentation accuracy. Compared with U-Net, U-Net++, and PA-Net the algorithm in this paper has significantly improved the segmentation accuracy, reaching 0.846, 0.861, and 0.782 respectively in the Dice coefficient index of WT, TC, and ET. The PPV coefficient index has reached 0.849, 0.883, and 0.786 respectively. Compared with the traditional U-net network, the Dice coefficient index of the proposed algorithm exceeds 0.8%, 4.0%, and 1.4%, respectively, and the PPV coefficient index in the tumor core area and tumor enhancement area increases by 3% and 1.2% respectively. The proposed algorithm has the best performance in tumor core area segmentation, and its Sensitivity index has reached 0.924, which has good research significance and application value.
Acute effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on postural control of trained athletes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Giancatarina Mary , Grandperrin Yohan , Nicolier Magali , Gimenez Philippe , Vidal Chrystelle , Tio Gregory , Haffen Emmanuel , Bennabi Djamila , Grosprêtre Sidney
Published: January 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used to modulate brain function, and can modulate motor and postural control. While the acute effect of tDCS is well documented on patients, little is still known whether tDCS can alter the motor control of healthy trained participants. This study aimed to assess the acute effect of tDCS on postural control of parkour practitioners, known for their good balance abilities and their neuromuscular specificities that make them good candidates for tDCS intervention. Eighteen parkour practitioners were tested on three occasions in the laboratory for each stimulation condition (2 mA; 20 minutes)–primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and sham (placebo). Postural control was evaluated PRE and POST each stimulation by measuring Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements on a force platform during static conditions (bipedal and unipedal stance). Following M1 stimulation, significant decreases were observed in CoP area in unipedal (from 607.1 ± 297.9 mm2 to 451.1 ± 173.9 mm2, P = 0.003) and bipedal (from 157.5 ± 74.1 mm2 to 117.6 ± 59.8 mm2 P<0.001) stances. As well, the CoP total length was significantly reduced in bipedal (from 3416.8 ± 295.4 mm to 3280.6 ± 306.2 mm, P = 0.005) as well as in unipedal stance (from 4259.6 ± 398.4 mm to 3846.5 ± 468.9 mm, P<0.001), only after M1 stimulation. Relative pre-post changes observed after M1 stimulation were negatively correlated to experience in parkour only after unipedal stance (r = 0.715, P<0.001), meaning that the more participants were trained the less tDCS was effective. No significant changes were noticed after sham and dlPFC stimulation. These results suggested that the modulation of gait performance in athletes following an acute intervention of tDCS is specific to the targeted brain region, and that postures with reduced base of support (such as unipedal stance) were more sensitive to tDCS.
Economic policy uncertainty, intra-industry trade, and China’s mechanical and electrical product exports
Authors: Liu Dajun , Zhu Xiugang , Yu Huiru
Published: January 2024

Economic policy uncertainty has had an important impact on trade and sustainable economic development. Especially in some specific industries, uncertainty has increased dramatically. The extant related literature mainly analyzes the nexus between uncertainty and trade across different industries and focuses less on a specific industry. Using Chinese customs data on HS 8-digit products over the period of 2000–2013, this paper first investigates the impact of both foreign economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and domestic intra-industry trade on China’s mechanical and electrical product exports to 23 trading partners and applies pooled OLS regressions to conduct an empirical study. This paper finds that EPU has a significant inhibition effect on mechanical and electrical product exports; conversely, intra-industry trade can both significantly promote exports and alleviate the inhibition effect of EPU. In addition, the export impact of EPU varied with different trade patterns. It can significantly inhibit processing exports, while it has no effect on ordinary exports. The results of this paper indicate that in the context of increasing uncertainty, our findings could have far-reaching policy implications for China to build a new development pattern of domestic and international dual circulation.
Hybrid feature selection and classification technique for early prediction and severity of diabetes type 2
Authors: Talari Praveen , N Bharathiraja , Kaur Gaganpreet , Alshahrani Hani , Al Reshan Mana Saleh , Sulaiman Adel , Shaikh Asadullah
Published: January 2024

Diabetes prediction is an ongoing study topic in which medical specialists are attempting to forecast the condition with greater precision. Diabetes typically stays lethargic, and on the off chance that patients are determined to have another illness, like harm to the kidney vessels, issues with the retina of the eye, or a heart issue, it can cause metabolic problems and various complexities in the body. Various worldwide learning procedures, including casting a ballot, supporting, and sacking, have been applied in this review. The Engineered Minority Oversampling Procedure (Destroyed), along with the K-overlay cross-approval approach, was utilized to achieve class evening out and approve the discoveries. Pima Indian Diabetes (PID) dataset is accumulated from the UCI Machine Learning (UCI ML) store for this review, and this dataset was picked. A highlighted engineering technique was used to calculate the influence of lifestyle factors. A two-phase classification model has been developed to predict insulin resistance using the Sequential Minimal Optimisation (SMO) and SMOTE approaches together. The SMOTE technique is used to preprocess data in the model’s first phase, while SMO classes are used in the second phase. All other categorization techniques were outperformed by bagging decision trees in terms of Misclassification Error rate, Accuracy, Specificity, Precision, Recall, F1 measures, and ROC curve. The model was created using a combined SMOTE and SMO strategy, which achieved 99.07% correction with 0.1 ms of runtime. The suggested system’s result is to enhance the classifier’s performance in spotting illness early.