bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zebrafish raptor mutation inhibits the activity of mTORC1, inducing craniofacial defects due to autophagy-induced neural crest cell death
Authors: Tucker Scott K. , Ghosal Ritika , Swartz Mary E. , Zhang Stephanie , Eberhart Johann K.
Published: March 2024

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates metabolism and cell growth with environmental inputs. mTOR forms two functional complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. Proper development requires both complexes but mTORC1 has unique roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, survival and autophagy. Here, we investigate the function of mTORC1 in craniofacial development. We created a zebrafish raptor mutant via CRISPR/Cas9, to specifically disrupt mTORC1. The entire craniofacial skeleton and eyes were reduced in size in mutants; however, overall body length and developmental timing were not affected. The craniofacial phenotype associates with decreased chondrocyte size and increased neural crest cell death. We found that autophagy is elevated in raptor mutants. Chemical inhibition of autophagy reduced cell death and improved craniofacial phenotypes in raptor mutants. Genetic inhibition of autophagy, via mutation of the autophagy gene atg7, improved facial phenotypes in atg7;raptor double mutants, relative to raptor single mutants. We conclude that finely regulated levels of autophagy, via mTORC1, are crucial for craniofacial development.
Cell proliferation and Notch signaling coordinate the formation of epithelial folds in the Drosophila leg
Authors: Rodríguez Alonso , Foronda David , Córdoba Sergio , Felipe-Cordero Daniel , Baonza Antonio , Miguez David G. , Estella Carlos
Published: March 2024

The formation of complex three-dimensional organs during development requires precise coordination between patterning networks and mechanical forces. In particular, tissue folding is a crucial process that relies on a combination of local and tissue-wide mechanical forces. Here, we investigate the contribution of cell proliferation to epithelial morphogenesis using the Drosophila leg tarsal folds as a model. We reveal that tissue-wide compression forces generated by cell proliferation, in coordination with the Notch signaling pathway, are essential for the formation of epithelial folds in precise locations along the proximo-distal axis of the leg. As cell numbers increase, compressive stresses arise, promoting the folding of the epithelium and reinforcing the apical constriction of invaginating cells. Additionally, the Notch target dysfusion plays a key function specifying the location of the folds, through the apical accumulation of F-actin and the apico-basal shortening of invaginating cells. These findings provide new insights into the intricate mechanisms involved in epithelial morphogenesis, highlighting the crucial role of tissue-wide forces in shaping a three-dimensional organ in a reproducible manner.
Early embryogenesis in CHDFIDD mouse model reveals facial clefts and altered cranial neurogenesis
Authors: Hampl Marek , Jandová Nela , Lusková Denisa , Nováková Monika , Szotkowská Tereza , Čada Štěpán , Procházka Jan , Kohoutek Jiri , Buchtová Marcela
Published: March 2024

CDK13-related disorder, also known as congenital heart defects, dysmorphic facial features and intellectual developmental disorder (CHDFIDD) is associated with mutations in the CDK13 gene encoding transcription-regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13). Here, we focused on the development of craniofacial structures and analyzed early embryonic stages in CHDFIDD mouse models, with one model comprising a hypomorphic mutation in Cdk13 and exhibiting cleft lip/palate, and another model comprising knockout of Cdk13, featuring a stronger phenotype including midfacial cleft. Cdk13 was found to be physiologically expressed at high levels in the mouse embryonic craniofacial structures, namely in the forebrain, nasal epithelium and maxillary mesenchyme. We also uncovered that Cdk13 deficiency leads to development of hypoplastic branches of the trigeminal nerve including the maxillary branch. Additionally, we detected significant changes in the expression levels of genes involved in neurogenesis (Ache, Dcx, Mef2c, Neurog1, Ntn1, Pou4f1) within the developing palatal shelves. These results, together with changes in the expression pattern of other key face-specific genes (Fgf8, Foxd1, Msx1, Meis2 and Shh) at early stages in Cdk13 mutant embryos, demonstrate a key role of CDK13 in the regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis.
Center of mass position does not drive energetic costs during climbing
Authors: Young Melody W. , Dickinson Edwin , Gustafson Jon A. , Granatosky Michael C.
Published: March 2024

Climbing animals theoretically should optimize the energetic costs of vertical climbing while also maintaining stability. Many modifications to climbing behaviors have been proposed as methods of satisfying these criteria, focusing on controlling the center of mass (COM) during ascent. However, the link between COM movements and metabolic energy costs has yet to be evaluated empirically. In this study, we manipulated climbing conditions across three experimental setups to elicit changes in COM position, and measured the impact of these changes upon metabolic costs across a sample of 14 humans. Metabolic energy was assessed via open flow respirometry, while COM movements were tracked both automatically and manually. Our findings demonstrate that, despite inducing variation in COM position, the energetic costs of climbing remained consistent across all three setups. Differences in energetic costs were similarly not affected by body mass; however, velocity had a significant impact upon both cost of transport and cost of locomotion, but such a relationship disappeared when accounting for metabolic costs per stride. These findings suggest that climbing has inescapable metabolic demands driven by gaining height, and that attempts to mitigate such a cost, with perhaps the exception of increasing speed, have only minimal impacts. We also demonstrate that metabolic and mechanical energy costs are largely uncorrelated. Collectively, we argue that these data refute the idea that efficient locomotion is the primary aim during climbing. Instead, adaptations towards effective climbing should focus on stability and reducing the risk of falling, as opposed to enhancing the metabolic efficiency of locomotion.
Μελέτη μεταβολών ποιότητας ζωής ασθενών που υποβάλλονται σε χειρουργική αντιμετώπιση κακοήθων νεοπλασμάτων του θυρεοειδούς αδένα
Authors: Αγγλοπούλου Όλγα
Published: March 2024

Εισαγωγή: Ο καρκίνος του θυρεοειδούς αποτελεί έναν από τους λιγότερο συνηθισμένους κακοήθεις όγκους με ποσοστό πληθυσμού ανά ηλικία στην Ευρώπη 6,3 ανά 100.000 ετησίως (3,1 στους άνδρες και 9,3 στις γυναίκες) και η συχνότητα εμφάνισης έχει αυξηθεί ραγδαία σε αρκετές χώρες. Σκοπός: Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι η διερεύνηση των αλλαγών στη ποιότητα ζωής μετά από χειρουργική αντιμετώπιση ασθενών με καλά διαφοροποιημένο καρκίνο του θυρεοειδούς. Μεθοδολογία: Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής πραγματοποιήθηκε ποσοτική έρευνα με τη χρήση του ερωτηματολογίου Quality of Life–Thyroid Version (30 ερωτήσεων). Οι συνεντεύξεις με τους ασθενείς πραγματοποιήθηκαν πριν την τη χειρουργική επέμβαση, 3 μήνες, 6 μήνες καθώς και 12 μήνες μετά το χειρουργείο. Η επεξεργασία των δεδομένων πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη χρήση του στατιστικού προγράμματος SPSS-23 και τις μεθόδους της περιγραφικής και επαγωγικής ανάλυσης. Αποτελέσματα: Σύμφωνα με τα ευρήματα οι ασθενείς κατέγραψαν θετική μεταβολή του επιπέδου για τους παράγοντες Φυσική Ευεξία, Ψυχολογικά Στοιχεία Ευεξίας και συνολική Ποιότητας Ζωής/Θυρεοειδή Αδένα ενώ διαπιστώθηκε μείωση του επιπέδου της Πνευματικής Ευεξίας στο διάστημα ενός έτους που πραγματοποιήθηκε η έρευνας. Η ηλικία και το φύλο φαίνεται να αποτελούν προγνωστικούς παράγοντες ποιότητας ζωής. Συμπεράσματα: Η ενίσχυση της σωματικής και πνευματικής ευεξίας και της κοινωνικότητας στους ασθενείς με καρκίνο θα πρέπει να αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο μέρος της φροντίδας, καθώς αυτές οι ιδιότητες αποτελούν πολύτιμους πόρους για την καταπολέμηση του καρκίνου και τη μείωση του άγχους των ασθενών, ειδικά κατά την περίοδο της πανδημίας COVID-19.
An Atlantic origin for the introduced species Halimeda incrassata (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: VERBRUGGEN HEROEN , BALLESTEROS ENRIC
Published: March 2024

Not applicable. This is a comment on a recently published study.
Bilateral congenital muscular torticollis in infants, report of two cases
Authors: Öhman Anna
Published: March 2024

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a well-known diagnosis among physiotherapists specializing in pediatric care, especially when working with infants. However, knowledge of bilateral torticollis is limited. The purpose of this article was to describe how bilateral torticollis can appear in infants. Case One infant with CMT with sternocleidomastoid tumor (SMT) on the right side, and some limitation in rotation towards the right side and in lateral flexion towards the left side, that is, the muscle on the right side was shortened. While sitting with support, he tilted the head to the left and was stronger in the lateral flexors on the left side which fit well with a postural left-sided torticollis (PT). The other infant had bilateral muscular torticollis (MT), the sternocleidomastoid muscle thickened bilaterally, and both active and passive rotations were affected. The head was held in flexion, and active rotation was severely limited to both sides. For both cases the therapeutic interventions were to gain a normal range of motion (ROM) and a good posture of the head. Conclusions CMT can appear in different ways and may be bilateral. Both infants gained good ROM and better head position, however case I still needs some training. To gain more knowledge about bilateral CMT, we should follow these cases over a longer period of time. It is important to communicate and discuss our experiences with each other to understand rare cases of CMT.
How effective is dentin autograft for socket preservation and implant site preparation: A systematic review protocol.
Authors: Sivaraman Karthik , Rajwar Eti , Chopra Aditi , Cherukara George , Mehrotra Shubhankar , Datta Namrata , Koshy Bindhu
Published: March 2024

Background Socket preservation is a surgical procedure aimed at preserving the dimensions of the alveolar bone following tooth extraction. It is performed by filling the extraction socket with bone graft material with or without a barrier membrane. Recently, dentine obtained from extracted teeth has been tried as an autograft for socket preservation. Studies have compared the use of dentin to other bone grafts, however, systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy of dentin for socket preservation are limited. Hence, this systematic review protocol is proposed to generate evidence on the efficacy of dentin as a viable alternative to other bone graft materials for socket preservation. Methods This systematic review protocol was prepared according to the Methodological Expectations of the Cochrane Intervention Reviews (MECIR) guidelines. It will be conducted using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Central, and EBSCO databases and clinical trial registries, will be searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies that have used autologous dentin graft (either in particulate/putty, or/matrix form) for socket preservation. The radiographic and clinical assessment of bone and soft tissue healing of the preserved sockets along with patient-related outcomes following surgery will be assessed. The risk of bias assessment of the RCTs and Non-RCTs will be assessed using the ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool (ROB II) and ROBINS-I respectively. The certainty of evidence will be assessed by the GRADE approach. Discussion This evidence is important for dental clinicians and the public to make an informed decision when choosing graft material for socket preservation. The extracted teeth are considered biological waste; however, this evidence provides scope for using a less invasive autograft for bone regenerative procedures. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42021201958 (Registered on 15/02/2021).
Clinical presentation and radiologic imaging findings of phyllodes tumors: benign and borderline/malignant phyllodes tumors
Authors: Lohitvisate Wanrudee , Rodjanakonkiat Kanitta , Kwankua Amolchaya
Published: March 2024

Background Phyllodes tumor is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm of the breast, which is classified histologically as benign, borderline, or malignant. Accurate preoperative diagnosis allows the correct surgical planning and reoperation avoidance. Objective To describe the clinical presentation and radiologic features of phyllodes tumors and differentiate between benign and non-benign (borderline and malignant) groups. Methods A retrospective study of 57 patients with a diagnosis of phyllodes tumor who had preoperative imaging (mammography, ultrasound, or CT chest) and histological confirmation. The data was collected from 1 June 2011 to 30 September 2021. The imaging features of the phyllodes tumors were described according to the 5th edition of the ACR BI-RADS lexicon. For comparing between two groups, the student t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were used for statistical analyses. The logistic regression analysis was calculated for non-benign phyllodes tumor prediction. Results From 57 patients, the pathologic results were benign for 43 cases and non-benign phyllodes tumors for 14 cases. There was no differentiation of mammographic and CT features between benign and non-benign groups. Non-benign phyllodes tumors had the statistical significance of menopausal status, entire breast involvement, tumor size larger than 10 cm, and heterogeneous echo on univariable analysis. After multivariable analysis, menopausal status (odd ratios=13.79, p=0.04) and presence of vessels in the rim (odd ratios=16.51, p=0.019) or absent vascularity (odd ratios=8.45, p=0.047) on doppler ultrasound were significantly increased possibility of non-benign phyllodes tumor. Conclusions Menopausal status and presence of vessels in the rim or absent vascularity on Doppler ultrasound were important predictors for the diagnosis of non-benign phyllodes tumor.
Assessment of Chlorophyll Content in Leaves of Crops and Orchards Based on SPAD, Multispectral, and Hyperspectral Techniques
Authors: Niaz Nadia , Gulzar Salman , Kazmi Jamil Hasan , Aleem Sughra Aleem , Pham Mai-Phuong Pham , Mierzwa-Hersztek Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek , Riaz Ahmed Samreen , Lahori Altaf Hussain , Mushtaq Zainab Noor
Published: March 2024

Strategic planning in developed and developing countries has significantly benefited from early assessment, identification and crop production monitoring. Remote sensing surveillance of crop health has brought significant benefits to farmers regarding early detection of latent issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or crop ailments, and taking remedial action. The study used geospatial techniques to monitor the orchards and crops of Halani in the Pakistani province of Sindh, using GeoEye and Landsat-8 satellite imagery. The absorbance of chlorophyll content in six fruit trees: mango (Mangifera indica L.), banana (Musa acuminata Colla), musambi (Citrus limetta Risso), kino (Citrus aurantium L.), lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck) and guava (Psidium guajava L.), as well as four crops: maise (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.), and sugarcane (Saccharum) were recorded spectrophotometrically using a Beckman Coulter DU-530 single cell module spectrophotometer at 648 nm and 665 nm (homogenised in 100% ethanol), and non-destructive chlorophyll using a SPAD-502 portable chlorophyll meter (Minolta Corporation, New Jersey, USA) showed a strong positive correlation. The results of chlorophyll absorbance showed the same trend in crops through satellite data and laboratory analysis. Chlorophyll content and NDVI showed a positive correlation. The R² value for rice and banana was 0.9925 and 0.9578, respectively, while the SPAD and chlorophyll R² for rice was 0.838 and 0.75 for banana. The overall results indicate high chlorophyll content in the leaves of orchards rather than crops. The study's outcomes show that satellite data are a potentially reliable and resourceful tool for early assessment of the reliability of agricultural monitoring. The health and growth of crops can be monitored with satellite data, which are ultimately used for yield prediction, consequently helping growers strategically harvest and market.
Mapping impervious surface change from remote sensing and GIS data: A case study in Hochiminh city, Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Le Hung , Pham Van Tung , Tran Xuan Bien , Nguyen Van Trung , Vu Xuan Cuong , Tong Thi Hanh , Le Van Phu
Published: March 2024

Impervious surface is artificial surfaces that prevent water from entering the soil. The increase in impervious surface area has led to negative impacts on the urban environment, including an increase in the risk of flooding, a decrease in vegetation cover, and the formation of urban heat islands. This paper presents the results of building a predictive model of impervious surfaces in Hochiminh city from remote sensing and GIS data. Landsat and Sentinel 2 satellite images for the period 2002–2022 are used to classify impervious surfaces and extract input layers about vegetation cover, land surface temperature, combined with GIS data (elevation, slope, aspect, distance to road, distance to hydrology, population density) for modeling and predicting impervious surface changes in future. 03 machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Classification and Regression Trees (CART) and maximum likelihood method are used to classify impervious surfaces from Landsat satellite images, then select the method with the highest accuracy. To predict the future distribution of impervious surface, this study uses Cellular Automata (CA) model and 02 artificial intelligence algorithms (Artificial Neural Network - ANN, Logistic Regression - LR). The results obtained in the study can be effectively used for urban planning, minimizing the impact of the process of increasing the impervious surface on the urban environment
Assessing forest cover changes in Dak Lak province (Central Highlands of Vietnam) from multi-temporal Landsat data and machine learning techniques
Authors: Tran Xuan Bien , Trinh Le Hung , Vambol Viola , Luu Thuy Duong , Pham The Trinh
Published: March 2024

Dak Lak is a province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, with a large area of forests and forestry land. However, the forest cover has changed dramatically in recent times due to the influence of human activities and climate change. This article presents the results of assessing forest cover changes in Dak Lak province from Landsat satellite image data for the period 2000 – 2020. Three Landsat satellite image scenes, including Landsat 5 TM images taken in March 2000 and February 2010 and Landsat 8 OLI image taken in February 2020 are used to classify forest cover. Three common machine learning techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and the traditional maximum likelihood classification algorithm are used to classify forest cover in the study area, thereby choosing the method with the highest accuracy. The results show that the RF algorithm has the highest accuracy in classifying forest cover from multi-temporal Landsat images by comparing the overall accuracy value and the Kappa coefficient. The obtained results are used to build forest cover change maps in the period 2000 - 2010, 2010 - 2020 and 2000 - 2020. The results received in the study provide information to help managers in monitoring and protecting forest resources.
Ensuring sustainability in Libya with renewable energy and pumped hydro storage
Authors: Elmnifi Monaem , Khaleel Mohamed , Vambol Sergij , Yeremenko Sergiy , Nassar Yasser F. , Dzhulai Oleksandr
Published: March 2024

A radical transformation is occurring in the global energy system, with solar PV and wind energy contributing to three-quarters of new electricity generation capacity due to their affordability. This shift towards renewable electrification of energy services, such as transportation, heating, and industry, will gradually replace fossil fuels in the coming decades. This paper highlights Libya's potential to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the twenty-first century. In addition to its fossil energy resources, Libya possesses favourable conditions for solar, wind, and moderate hydroelectric energy. The solar energy potential alone is approximately 100 times greater than what is needed to support a fully solar-powered system that provides energy consumption similar to developed countries for all Libyan citizens, without relying on fossil fuels. Moreover, Libya's Green Mountain range offers substantial opportunities for low-cost pumped off-river hydropower storage. Therefore, the integration of solar and wind energy, complemented by hydropower and battery storage, is likely to be the primary pathway for the rapid growth of Libya's renewable electricity sector.
El estancamiento de la Ronda de Doha y la proliferación de capítulos ambientales en los acuerdos de libre comercio: ¿una oportunidad para retomar la discusión entre comercio y ambiente?
Authors: Quintero Rojas José Alejandro
Published: March 2024

El estancamiento de las negociaciones de la Ronda de Doha sobre comercio y medio ambiente ha llevado a la proliferación de acuerdos comerciales bilaterales y regionales con capítulos ambientales en los cuales se busca la protección y el apoyo mutuo de los regímenes internacionales de comercio y medio ambiente. Estos desarrollos, en conjunto con la manera en que se generan consensos y se adoptan decisiones en el marco multilateral de la Organización Mundial de Comercio (OMC), ha llevado a sostener que la OMC ya no puede ser considerada como el principal escenario para abordar las problemáticas comerciales del siglo XXI, tal como sucede con la relación entre el comercio y el régimen de los acuerdos multilaterales de medio ambiente (AMUMA).
Assessing the benefits of advanced clinical practice for key stakeholders
Authors: Scott Vikki-Jo
Published: March 2024

Background:

Advanced clinical practice roles, usually filled by nurses, have had positive effects on clinical effectiveness, including in patient satisfaction, but their benefits for other stakeholders (such as employers, health professionals, education providers and commissioners and professional/regulatory bodies) are less clear.

Aim:

This study aimed to identify UK research on the potential benefits of advanced clinical practice and evaluate the evidence base for key stakeholders in this field.

Method:

A mixed-methods systematic literature review was carried out to inform a narrative interpretive synthesis.

Findings:

44 articles of mixed quality were identified. Consensus was found regarding the definition of and barriers and facilitators to advanced clinical practice. This role is split into substitution (eg, of doctors) and supplementation (eg, adding value) aspects, and the clinical practice element dominates. Training for the role varies, as do scope of practice and regulation.

Conclusion:

There are several barriers to the implementation of advanced clinical practice and therefore the realisation of its benefits for key stakeholders. Areas requiring attention include training, support from others for role expansion and organisational issues.
Development of a leakage impact assessment for patients with a stoma, who may be impacted by leakage
Authors: Gunning Amanda , Virgin-Elliston Tracey , Price Claire , Murray Catherine , Ndlovu Simekuhle , Summerson Adrian
Published: March 2024

For people living with a stoma leakage is unpredictable. Despite advances in stoma products, leakage can lead to soiling and this, along with worrying about leakage, can significantly affect patients' everyday lives and impact their quality of life. It is also associated with excessive product use and increased healthcare resources. Leakage therefore remains a major unmet need for many people living with a stoma. To address this, Coloplast Ltd in collaboration with the authors and a broader group of stoma care nurses have worked together to develop a first version of the Leakage Impact Assessment. This assessment is intended to identify patients who struggle with leakage and leakage worry, and who might benefit from the reassurance that a new digital leakage notification system, Heylo™, can provide. This article reviews the evidence for leakage and its impact on people living with a stoma and outlines the development process for the assessment.
Daoist Primers and Identity, 1340–1900
Authors: Goossaert Vincent
Published: March 2024

abstract: Since the Yuan period, Daoists have often presented their religion to adepts and outsiders in catechisms—concise introductions to the history of Daoism, its main gods, and its ideology. I focus on one type of catechism, a family of texts often entitled "Daojiao yuanliu" (Origins and development of Daoism). I trace the history, from the late Mongol period through the Qing, of various editions that were included in hagiographies and novels as well as in more highbrow encyclopedias and manuscript booklets. I show that these texts developed a specific theology and asserted a strong confessional identity, sometimes in tension with Buddhism, that reminded readers of the Mongol-era debates that resulted in the burning of the Daoist Canon in 1281. This discourse is markedly different from the more accommodating vision of Daoism found in most late imperial elite discourses. 摘要: 元代以來，道士們經常以稱為"道教源流"的文本向弟子與平民介紹道教的歴史、神靈以及教義。本文介紹了收錄在神傳、小說、類書及手抄本中的幾種不同版本的"道教源流"及其歴史。這些文本都主張一種特定的神學與道教身份，並提及元代的佛道辯論，以及 1281 年的《道藏》焚毀。
La Filière arachide en Haïti peut-elle résister au « don » américain? Analyse d’économie politique
Authors: Chalmers Camille , Calixte Guelsonne , Denart François Gérard Junior , Joseph Tonny , Cohen Marc J.
Published: March 2024

Rezime: Nan lane 2016, gouvènman ameriken an te anonse yon don 500 tòn pistach bay Ayiti ke sechrès te frape akòz fenomèn El Niño a. Òganizasyon sosyete sivil ayisyen an ak òganizasyon entènasyonal non-gouvènmantal (ONG) yo eksprime enkyetid yo ke donasyon an ta menase mwayen pou Ayisyen yo viv. Rechèch te fèt pou pi byen konprann sektè pistach ayisyen an ak ekonomi politik kado sila a. Nan peyi Ayiti, aktè ki nan sektè sa a travay nan yon kontèks povrete ak vilnerabilite, sepandan pifò di yo satisfè. Fanm yo deklare ke yo te atenn yon sèten otonomi ekonomik, malgre revni yo limite. Nan peyi meriken, pistach la sibvansyone anpil e kiltivatè li meriken yo trè byen òganize politikman. Kidonk, bay sipli a pa konsistan avèk èd agrikòl ameriken an ki vize pou ogmante pwodiktivite a ak konbat kontaminasyon aflatoksin nan peyi Ayiti. Nou rekòmande pou gouvènman ayisyen an ak gouvènman ameriken an ogmante sipò yo pou chèn valè pistach la, pandan y ap evite politik komèsyal ki pa konsistan. Résumé: En 2016, le gouvernement américain a annoncé un don de 500 tonnes d’arachides à Haïti, frappée par la sécheresse due au phénomène d’El Niño. Les organisations de la société civile haïtienne et des organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) internationales ont exprimé leur inquiétude que ce don menacerait les moyens de subsistance haïtiens. Des recherches ont été menées pour mieux comprendre la filière arachide haïtienne et l’économie politique du don. En Haïti, les acteurs de cette filière travaillent dans un contexte de pauvreté et de vulnérabilité, cependant la plupart se disent satisfaits. Les femmes déclarent qu’elles ont atteint une émancipation économique, malgré des revenus limités. Aux États-Unis l’arachide est hautement subventionnée et ses agriculteurs politiquement très bien organisés. Ainsi, faire don de l’excédent est incohérent avec l’aide agricole américaine qui vise à stimuler la productivité et à combattre la contamination par aflatoxine en Haïti. Nous recommandons que les gouvernements haïtiens et américains augmentent leur soutien à la chaîne de valeur de l’arachide, tout en évitant des politiques commerciales incohérentes.
Random depolarization film design based on modulation transfer function measurements of displays with different pixel pitches
Authors: Sasaki Shizuki , Masaoka Kenichiro , Koike Yasuhiro
Published: March 2024

Polarized light emitted from most displays causes blackout and color change problems when viewed through polarized sunglasses. These problems are addressed by random depolarization films (RDFs) doped with birefringent particles. These dopant particles, however, scatter light and degrade the sharpness of the displayed images. To maintain the image sharpness, we designed an RDF based on modulation transfer function measurements of displays with different pixel pitches. RDFs doped with larger particles achieved higher modulations; however, particles larger than a specific size caused undesirable sparkles on the displayed image. A display with a larger pixel pitch achieved higher modulations, suggesting that the RDF is particularly suitable for large-screen displays.
Centralized and distributed approaches to control optical point-to-multipoint systems near-real-time
Authors: Shakespear-Miles H. , Lin Q. , Barzegar S. , Ruiz M. , Chen X. , Velasco L.
Published: March 2024

Optical
point-to-multipoint
(P2MP) connectivity based on digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM)
has been shown as a solution for the metro-access segment that is able
to reduce capital and operational costs and support the capacity and
high dynamicity needs of future 6G services. To achieve maximum
performance, activation and deactivation of subcarriers must be done
near-real-time to provide just the capacity needed to support
the input traffic. In this paper, we investigate the
applicability of various approaches capable of supporting the
near-real-time operation requirement. Starting from the centralized
approach that can be carried out on the centralized software-defined
networking (SDN) controller, we also explore distributed approaches
that might relieve the SDN controller from near-real-time operation.
In particular, we explore the performance of deploying a multiagent
system (MAS), where intelligent agents run on top of the nodes in the
P2MP tree and communicate among them. Illustrative results show that
the distributed approaches can achieve a performance close to that of
the centralized one, while reducing communication needs. Results also
show the importance of traffic/capacity prediction to anticipate the
activation of subcarriers.
Effect of surface anchoring energy on a liquid crystal optical waveguide-based polarization rotator
Authors: Zha Zhengtao
Published: March 2024

This study reports the effect of the surface anchoring energy of a liquid crystal (LC) cell on the performance of the liquid crystal optical waveguide polarization rotator (LCOW-PR) for the purpose of providing a theoretical reference for practical preparation of the LCOW-PR. First, the expression for the deflection angle of the director at the boundary of the LC cell is derived so that the distributions of the director and dielectric tensor of the LC can be accurately solved under any anchoring energy. On this basis, the correlation between the crucial indicators such as the polarization conversion length (PCL) together with the polarization conversion efficiency (PCE) of the LCOW-PR and the anchoring effect strength is constructed by combining with the existing numerical algorithms. The numerical results show that the maximum variation of the PCL is lower than 0.1 µm as the anchoring effect strength increases from 1×10−6J/m2 to 1×10−3J/m2, while the PCE decreases from 99.72% to 78.33%. This implies that the PCL of the LCOW-PR does not depend on the surface anchoring energy, but the anchoring effect strength of the orientational layer must be controlled to the order of 10−6J/m2 or even lower to achieve high-performance conversion between the polarization modes. Simultaneously, the effectiveness of the calculations in this work is verified with the help of the coupled mode theory as well as a comparison to previous reports.
Continuously tunable silicon waveguide optical switched delay line based on grating-assisted contradirectional coupler
Authors: Xie Zhonghu , Wang Dongyu , Wang Qichao , Niu Hongsheng , Yun Binfeng , Hu Guohua , Cui Yiping
Published: March 2024

The integrated optical delay line plays a crucial role in microwave photonic chips. Continuous tunability is a growing trend in filtering and beamforming techniques of microwave photonics. Based on the silicon platform, we present and experimentally demonstrate an integrated continuously optical tunable delay line (OTDL) chip, which contains a 4-bit optical switched delay line (OSDL) and a thermally tunable delay line based on grating-assisted Contradirectional coupler (CDC). The OSDL can achieve stepwise optical delays, while the CDC is introduced to improve delay tuning resolution within one step delay of the OSDL. The combination of the two modules can realize tuning delays from 0 to 160 ps. Additionally, it is easy to increase the maximum delay by cascading more optical switches. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed OTDL shows outstanding performance and good expansibility.
Efficient and robust phase unwrapping method based on SFNet
Authors: Zhang Ziheng , Wang Xiaoxu , Liu Chengxiu , Han Ziyu , Xiao Qingxiong , Zhang Zhilin , Feng Wenlu , Liu Mingyong , Lu Qianbo
Published: March 2024

Phase unwrapping is a crucial step in obtaining the final physical information in the field of optical metrology. Although good at dealing with phase with discontinuity and noise, most deep learning-based spatial phase unwrapping methods suffer from the complex model and unsatisfactory performance, partially due to simple noise type for training datasets and limited interpretability. This paper proposes a highly efficient and robust spatial phase unwrapping method based on an improved SegFormer network, SFNet. The SFNet structure uses a hierarchical encoder without positional encoding and a decoder based on a lightweight fully connected multilayer perceptron. The proposed method utilizes the self-attention mechanism of the Transformer to better capture the global relationship of phase changes and reduce errors in the phase unwrapping process. It has a lower parameter count, speeding up the phase unwrapping. The network is trained on a simulated dataset containing various types of noise and phase discontinuity. This paper compares the proposed method with several state-of-the-art deep learning-based and traditional methods in terms of important evaluation indices, such as RMSE and PFS, highlighting its structural stability, robustness to noise, and generalization.
Riemannian color difference metric for spatial sinusoidal color variations
Authors: Candry Patrick , De Visschere Patrick , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: March 2024

Several studies report on the sensitivity of human vision to static spatial sinusoidal achromatic and chromatic contrast variations. However, a Riemannian color difference metric, which includes the spatial and colorimetric properties of sinusoidal gratings, is lacking. Such a metric is important for various applications. Here we report on the development of a new Riemannian metric, for the prediction of detection ellipsoids in color space, for spatial sinusoidal gratings as a function of the grating’s size, spatial frequency, luminance and chromaticity. The metric is based on measurements and models of achromatic and isoluminous chromatic contrast sensitivity functions available in literature, and the Riemannian metric for split fields which we reported earlier. We find adequate agreement with various data sets of experimental achromatic and isoluminous chromatic contrast sensitivity functions and with experimentally determined threshold ellipses of isoluminous chromatic Gabor gratings.
High-sensitivity optical tomography of instabilities in supersonic gas flow
Authors: Raclavský Marek , Rao Kavya H. , Chaulagain Uddhab , Lamač Marcel , Nejdl Jaroslav
Published: March 2024

Characterization of gas targets relies largely on conventional optical techniques, providing millisecond time resolution, which not only overlooks the fluctuations occurring at shorter time scales but also often challenges the sensitivity limits of optical probing as their refractive index is close to unity. Hence, the ability to resolve these fluctuations needs to be addressed as it is paramount for accurate gas jet characterization for their applications, including laser–matter interaction in laser wakefield electron acceleration or plasma x ray sources. In this Letter, we introduce an advanced gas jet characterization system capable of visualizing fast density fluctuations by Schlieren imaging, combined with density characterization by interferometric tomography, both with increased sensitivity due to the four-pass probing configuration. We demonstrate that combining the two modalities provides a substantial advancement in achieving a comprehensive, both quantitative and qualitative, characterization of gas jets.
Low phase noise self-injection-locked diode laser with a high-Q fiber resonator: model and experiment
Authors: Ousaid Safia Mohand , Bourcier Germain , Fernandez Arnaud , Llopis Olivier , Lumeau Julien , Moreau Antonin , Bunel Thomas , Conforti Matteo , Mussot Arnaud , Crozatier Vincent , Balac Stéphane
Published: March 2024

Low phase noise and narrow linewidth lasers are achieved by implementing self-injection locking of a DFB laser on two distinct fiber Fabry–Perot resonators. More than 45 dB improvement of the laser phase or frequency noise is observed when the laser is locked. In both cases, a frequency noise floor below 1 Hz2/Hz is measured. The integrated linewidth of the best of the two lasers is computed to be in the range of 400 Hz and appears to be dominated by vibration noise close to the carrier. The results are then compared with a model based on the retro-injected power and the Q factors ratio between the DFB laser and the resonator. This straightforward model facilitates the extraction of the theoretical performance of these sources close to the carrier, a characteristic still hidden by vibration noise.
Efficient single-cycle mid-infrared femtosecond laser pulse generation by spectrally temporally cascaded optical parametric amplification with pump energy recycling
Authors: Yuan Hao , Huang Pei , Feng Tongyu , Ma Yahui , Wang Xianglin , Cao Huabao , Wang Yishan , Zhao Wei , Fu Yuxi
Published: March 2024

We proposed spectrally temporally cascaded optical parametric amplification (STOPA) using pump energy recycling to simultaneously increase spectral bandwidth and conversion efficiency in optical parametric amplification (OPA). Using BiB3O6 and KTiOAsO4 nonlinear crystals, near-single-cycle mid-infrared (MIR) pulses with maximum energy conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% were obtained in simulations. We successfully demonstrated sub-two-cycle, CEP-stable pulse generation at 1.8 µm using a four-step STOPA system in the experiment. This method provides a solution to solve the limitations of the gain bandwidth of nonlinear crystals and the low conversion efficiency in broadband OPA systems, which is helpful for intense attosecond pulse generation and strong laser field physics studies.
Excitation of optically trapped single particles using femtosecond pulses
Authors: Latty Kyle S. , Borrero Justin , Arnaud Thiago , Hartig Kyle C.
Published: March 2024

Excitation from optically trapped particles is examined through laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy following interactions with mJ-level fs pulses. Optical emissions from sub-ng ablation of precisely positioned cupric oxide microparticles are used as a method to spatially resolve laser–particle interactions resulting in excitation. External focusing lenses are often used to change the dynamics of nonlinear self-focusing of fs pulses to form laser filaments or, alternatively, to form very intense air plasmas. Given the significant implications external focusing has on laser propagation and plasma conditions, single-particle emissions are studied with focusing lenses ranging from 50 to 300 mm. It is shown that, while single particles are less excited at longer focal lengths due to limited energy transfer through laser–particle interactions, the cooler plasma results in a lower thermal background to reveal resolved single-shot emission peaks. By developing an understanding in the fundamental interaction that occurs between single particles and fs pulses and filaments, practical improvements can be made for atmospheric remote sensing of low-concentration aerosols.
Silicon photonic neuromorphic accelerator using integrated coherent transmit-receive optical sub-assemblies
Authors: Zhu Ying , Luo Ming , Hua Xin , Xu Lu , Lei Ming , Liu Min , Liu Jia , Liu Ye , Wang Qiansheng , Yang Chao , Chen Daigao , Wang Lei , Xiao Xi
Published: March 2024

Neural networks, having achieved breakthroughs in many applications,
require extensive convolutions and matrix-vector multiplication
operations. To accelerate these operations, benefiting from power
efficiency, low latency, large bandwidth, massive parallelism, and
CMOS compatibility, silicon photonic neural networks have been
proposed as a promising solution. In this study, we propose a scalable
architecture based on a silicon photonic integrated circuit and
optical frequency combs to offer high computing speed and power
efficiency. A proof-of-concept silicon photonics neuromorphic
accelerator based on integrated coherent transmit–receive optical
sub-assemblies, operating over 1TOPS with only one computing cell, is
experimentally demonstrated. We apply it to process fully connected
and convolutional neural networks, achieving a competitive inference
accuracy of up to 96.67% in handwritten digit recognition compared to
its electronic counterpart. By leveraging optical frequency combs, the
approach’s computing speed is possibly scalable with the square of the
cell number to realize over 1 Peta-Op/s. This scalability opens
possibilities for applications such as autonomous vehicles, real-time
video processing, and other high-performance computing tasks.
Predictors to Intensive Care Unit admission among patient with coronavirus disease in Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Nepal: A case-control study
Authors: Aryal Dipsikha , Pokharel Paras Kumar , Ghimire Anup , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Gurung Gyanu Nepal , Chalise Bimal Sharma , Neupane Sudikshya , Basnet Shikha
Published: March 2024

The clinical features of COVID-19 are vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic states or mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe pneumonia. Previous studies have shown that 20.0% of COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, out of which 10.0–20.0% are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The present study aims to assess predictors associated with COVID-19 leading to Intensive Care Unit admission among reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients in Sukraraj Tropical and infectious disease hospital, Nepal. A case-control study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2022 among patients admitted to Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. A hospital-based age (± 2 years) and sex-matched case-control study design were adopted in which ICU admitted (case group, n = 33) and general ward admitted (control group, n = 66) were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic, clinical, and preventive predictors. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 11.5. The Chi-square test and conditional logistic regression to determine the predictors associated with ICU admission. High blood pressure, high C-reactive protein and poor application of preventive practices were found to be the predictors of ICU admission. Conditional logistics regression analyses revealed that independent risk factors associated with ICU admission were elevated blood pressure (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI 1.05–4.71, p = 0.015) and abnormal C-Reactive Protein (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI 1.24–6.84, p = 0.012) at the time of hospital admission were more likely to get admitted to ICU. Likewise, patients with poor preventive practice (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI 1.19–9.31, p = 0.02) more likely to get admitted to ICU than patient with good preventive practices.These research findings hold potential significance for facilitating early triage and risk assessment in COVID-19 patients.
The impact of ZIKV infection on gene expression in neural cells over time
Authors: Rodrigues Moreno Magalhães de Souza , Júnior Antonio Marques Pereira , Fukutani Eduardo Rocha , Bergamaschi Keityane Boone , Araújo-Pereira Mariana , Salgado Vanessa Riesz , de Queiroz Artur Trancoso Lopo
Published: March 2024

Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak caused one of the most significant medical emergencies in the Americas due to associated microcephaly in newborns. To evaluate the impact of ZIKV infection on neuronal cells over time, we retrieved gene expression data from several ZIKV-infected samples obtained at different time point post-infection (pi). Differential gene expression analysis was applied at each time point, with more differentially expressed genes (DEG) identified at 72h pi. There were 5 DEGs (PLA2G2F, TMEM71, PKD1L2, UBD, and TNFAIP3 genes) across all timepoints, which clearly distinguished between infected and healthy samples. The highest expression levels of all five genes were identified at 72h pi. Taken together, our results indicate that ZIKV infection greatly impacts human neural cells at early times of infection, with peak perturbation observed at 72h pi. Our analysis revealed that all five DEGs, in samples of ZIKV-infected human neural stem cells, remained highly upregulated across the timepoints evaluated. Moreover, despite the pronounced inflammatory host response observed throughout infection, the impact of ZIKV is variable over time. Finally, the five DEGs identified herein play prominent roles in infection, and could serve to guide future investigations into virus-host interaction, as well as constitute targets for therapeutic drug development.