bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed-mode-state control of photonic-crystal lasers under CW operation
Authors: Izumi Koki , De Zoysa Menaka , Nakagawa Yuichiro , Gyoja Naoki , Inoue Takuya , Katsuno Shumpei , Sakata Ryoichi , Ishizaki Kenji , Yoshida Masahiro , Gelleta John , Hatsuda Ranko , Noda Susumu
Published: December 2023

Mixed-mode-state control of lasers under continuous-wave (CW) operation, where multi-physics interactions among carriers, photons, and heat are involved, is important for realizing desired lasing characteristics, as well as for dynamic control of lasers. In this paper, we demonstrate mixed-mode-state control of a photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) under CW operation by manipulating its current injection distribution. To control the current injection distribution, we introduce a multiple-electrode matrix into the p-side of the PCSEL, and we bond the PCSEL to a heatsink in the p-side-down-configuration to dissipate heat while also enabling current injection via each p-side electrode. Furthermore, we employ a convolutional neural network (CNN) to correlate the current distributions and the far-field patterns (FFPs) corresponding to the mode states, and to predict the current distributions necessary to obtain targeted FFPs. FFPs resembling the targeted ones with high fidelity (90%) are obtained by using the constructed CNN. These results lead to the realization of next-generation smart CW lasers capable of mixed-mode-state control even in a dynamic environment, which are essential for applications such as advanced material processing and even aerospace.
Highly-reflective facet-coated multi-wavelength DFB laser array with exact wavelength spacings
Authors: Wang Ling , Lv Gen , Fan Yaqiang , Tang Kaifei , Sun Zhenxing , Gong Yangyang , Chen Xiangfei , Chiu Yi-Jen , Xiao Rulei , Zhou Yating
Published: December 2023

A distributed feedback (DFB) laser array of twenty wavelengths with highly reflective and anti-reflective (HR-AR) coated facets is both theoretically analyzed and experimentally validated. While the HR facet coating enhances high wall-plug efficiency, it inadvertently introduces a random facet grating phase, thereby compromising the lasing wavelength's predictability and the stability of the single-longitudinal-mode (SLM). In this study, two key advancements are introduced: first, the precisely spaced wavelength is achieved with an error of within ±0.2 nm using the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique; second, the random grating phase on the HR-coated facet is compensated by a controllable distributed phase shift through a two-section laser structure. The SLM stability can be improved while the wavelength can be continuously tuned to the standard wavelength grid. The overall chip size is compact with an area of 4000 × 500 µm2. The proposed laser array has a light power intensity above 13 dBm per wavelength, a high side mode suppression ratio above 50 dB, and low relative intensity noise under -160 dB/Hz. These attributes make it apt for deployment in DWDM-based optical communication systems and as a light source for optical I/O.
Real-time synchronized monitoring for the overlap accuracy of the combining beam spot in a wavelength beam combination based on confocal planes
Authors: Li Dongdong , Xia Jingjing , Niu Xinshang , Jiao Hongfei , Zhang Jinlong , Dun Xiong , Xue Dongbai , Zhang Zhanyi , Cheng Xinbin , Wang Zhanshan
Published: December 2023

Beam overlap accuracy in a wavelength beam combination system determines the beam quality and efficiency, so systematic monitoring of overlap accuracy is essential. In this work, a method of performing real-time synchronized monitoring and recording overlap accuracy for a combining beam spot is proposed. Firstly, theoretical calculations for monitoring different wavelength sub-beam positions and angular errors are established. Then, an optical design and grayscale centroid algorithm are developed to analyze and simulate the combination spots. A monitoring device was designed and constructed to meet the requirements of combining system applications, which achieved an accuracy of 8.86 µrad. Finally, the method successfully monitored the system spot fluctuation range within ±22 µrad. This study resolves the issue of distinguishing the different wavelength sub-beams and their response delays in traditional combining beams. It offers precise error data for real-time synchronized calibration of the overlap accuracy in laser beam combining technology.
Tunable Bessel beam generator based on a 3D-printed helical axicon on a fiber tip
Authors: Chen Zikai , Wu Luping , Li Bozhe , Liu Rui , Ran Jianjun , Wang Yuji , Luo Zilun , Yu Jian , Bai Zhiyong , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate a tunable and fully enclosed fiber-based Bessel beam generator that has the potential for applications in a tough environment. This generator consists of a few-mode fiber (FMF), a short section of graded index fiber (GIF), and a 3D-printed helical axicon. The FMF provides tunable modes that carry an orbital angular momentum (OAM). The GIF was fused to the FMF to expand and collimate the generated modes. The helical axicon was 3D-printed on the GIF tip without any holes or gaps, which reshapes the OAM modes into Bessel modes and adds an additional helical phase structure to them, resulting in the generation of zeroth-order, first-order, and second-order Bessel beams. The fully enclosed structure provides high mechanical strength and optical stability, which enable the generator to be suitable for imaging or particle manipulation in a complex liquid or air environment.
All-optical complex-valued convolution based on four-wave mixing
Authors: Gu Wentao , Gao Xiaoyan , Dong Wenchan , Wang Yilun , Zhou Hailong , Xu Jing , Zhang Xinliang
Published: December 2023

Optical complex-valued convolution can extract the feature of complex-valued data by processing both amplitude and phase information, enabling a wide range of future applications in artificial intelligence and high-speed optical computation. However, because optical signals at different wavelengths cannot interfere, optical systems based on wavelength multiplexing usually can only realize real-valued computation. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an all-optical computing scheme using Kerr-based optical four-wave mixing (FWM) that can perform complex-valued convolution of multi-wavelength signals. Specifically, this all-optical complex-valued convolution operation can be implemented based on the coherent superposition of converted light generated by multiple FWM processes. The computational throughput of this scheme can be expanded by increasing the number of optical wavelengths and the signal baud rate. To exemplify the application, we successfully applied this all-optical complex-valued convolution to four different orientations of image edge extraction. Our scheme can provide a basis for wavelength-parallel optical computing systems with the demanded complex-valued computation capability.
Photonic engineering of InP towards homoepitaxial short-wavelength infrared VCSELs
Authors: Li Bingjun , Mi Chenziyi , Kang Jin-Ho , Li Hao , Elafandy Rami T. , Lai Wei-Chih , Sheu Jinn-Kong , Han Jung
Published: December 2023

Many emerging opportunities, such as three-dimensional (3D) sensing,
biophotonics, and optical data links, call for vertical cavity
surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) that operate in the short-wavelength
infrared (SWIR) range. In this paper, we report the use of InP
distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors to overcome an impasse in
wafer-level mass production of SWIR VCSELs. The DBRs were based on
homoepitaxial InP structures and selectively converted through
electrochemistry into quarter-wavelength stack structures of
alternating nanoporous (NP) and nonporous InP layers with a record
index contrast (Δn∼1.0) and near-unity reflectivity. We
demonstrated VCSEL operation at both 1380 and 1550 nm from two
separate structures prepared on InP substrates using NP–InP DBRs as
the bottom mirror and dielectric DBRs as the top mirror. Room
temperature continuous-wave (CW) operation of SWIR VCSELs was
successfully achieved at both wavelengths with a threshold current
density below 2kA/cm2, greater than milliwatt optical
output, and a peak power conversion efficiency of 17%. Our work
provides strong evidence that the decades-old challenge, in preparing
an InP-compatible, high-performance DBR to support the SWIR-emitting
vertical cavity, has been addressed and is poised to enable new
applications.
The Four Wave Mixing (FWM) in a five-level atomic system driven by magnetic field
Authors: Wang Chunfang , Qu Xiaohan , Zhang Qixin
Published: December 2023

We present a scheme to demonstrate the manipulation of spatially dependent four-wave mixing (FWM) in a five-level atomic system which driven by external magnetic field. One can obtain the FWM field that transferred from the vortex pump field carrying orbital angular momentum(OAM), and the enhancement of FWM conversion efficiency can be achieved by increasing the intensity of the vortex pump or adjusting the control field, while the FWM phase twists in different trend under the two situations. As the response to the external magnetic field, the peak conversion efficiency of FMW is attainted at the symmetrical points, where
FWM phase twist direction changes symmetrically with the magnetic field. This finding holds potential applications in magnetic detection and contributes to a deep understanding of nonlinear phenomenon in the atomic system.
Linear group delay spectral interferometry for full-range precision absolute length metrology
Authors: Wang Jindong , Huang Jingsheng , Liu Qihua , Du Wei , Zhang Fumin , Zhu Tao
Published: December 2023

The optical frequency comb serves as a powerful tool for distance measurement by integrating numerous stable optical modes into interferometric measurements, enabling unprecedented absolute measurement precision. Nonetheless, due to the periodicity of its pulse train, the comb suffers from measurement dead zones and ambiguities, thereby impeding its practical applications. Here, we present a linear group delay spectral interferometer for achieving precise full-range distance measurements. By employing a carefully designed linear group delay (LGD) device for phase modulation of the comb modes, interference can occur and be easily measured at any position. Our approach effectively eliminates the dead zones and ambiguities in comb-based ranging, without the need for cumbersome auxiliary scanning reference devices or reliance on complex high-repetition-rate combs or high-resolution spectrometers. We conducted length metrology experiments using a mode-locked comb referenced to a rubidium clock, achieving a large nonambiguity range up to 0.3 m, covering the entire measurement period. The maximum deviation compared to a laser interferometer was less than 1.5 μm, and the minimum Allan deviation during long-term measurements reached 5.47 nm at a 500 s averaging time. The approach ensures high accuracy while maintaining a simple structure, without relying on complex external devices, thereby propelling the practical implementation of comb-based length metrology.
Statistical prediction of microbial metabolic traits from genomes
Authors: Li Zeqian , Selim Ahmed , Kuehn Seppe
Published: December 2023

The metabolic activity of microbial communities is central to their role in biogeochemical cycles, human health, and biotechnology. Despite the abundance of sequencing data characterizing these consortia, it remains a serious challenge to predict microbial metabolic traits from sequencing data alone. Here we culture 96 bacterial isolates individually and assay their ability to grow on 10 distinct compounds as a sole carbon source. Using these data as well as two existing datasets, we show that statistical approaches can accurately predict bacterial carbon utilization traits from genomes. First, we show that classifiers trained on gene content can accurately predict bacterial carbon utilization phenotypes by encoding phylogenetic information. These models substantially outperform predictions made by constraint-based metabolic models automatically constructed from genomes. This result solidifies our current knowledge about the strong connection between phylogeny and metabolic traits. However, phylogeny-based predictions fail to predict traits for taxa that are phylogenetically distant from any strains in the training set. To overcome this we train improved models on gene presence/absence to predict carbon utilization traits from gene content. We show that models that predict carbon utilization traits from gene presence/absence can generalize to taxa that are phylogenetically distant from the training set either by exploiting biochemical information for feature selection or by having sufficiently large datasets. In the latter case, we provide evidence that a statistical approach can identify putatively mechanistic genes involved in metabolic traits. Our study demonstrates the potential power for predicting microbial phenotypes from genotypes using statistical approaches.
Uncovering associations between pre-existing conditions and COVID-19 Severity: A polygenic risk score approach across three large biobanks
Authors: Fritsche Lars G. , Nam Kisung , Du Jiacong , Kundu Ritoban , Salvatore Maxwell , Shi Xu , Lee Seunggeun , Burgess Stephen , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: December 2023

Objective

To overcome the limitations associated with the collection and curation of COVID-19 outcome data in biobanks, this study proposes the use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) as reliable proxies of COVID-19 severity across three large biobanks: the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI), UK Biobank (UKB), and NIH All of Us. The goal is to identify associations between pre-existing conditions and COVID-19 severity.

Methods

Drawing on a sample of more than 500,000 individuals from the three biobanks, we conducted a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to identify associations between a PRS for COVID-19 severity, derived from a genome-wide association study on COVID-19 hospitalization, and clinical pre-existing, pre-pandemic phenotypes. We performed cohort-specific PRS PheWAS and a subsequent fixed-effects meta-analysis.

Results

The current study uncovered 23 pre-existing conditions significantly associated with the COVID-19 severity PRS in cohort-specific analyses, of which 21 were observed in the UKB cohort and two in the MGI cohort. The meta-analysis yielded 27 significant phenotypes predominantly related to obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. After adjusting for body mass index, several clinical phenotypes, such as hypercholesterolemia and gastrointestinal disorders, remained associated with an increased risk of hospitalization following COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion

By employing PRS as a proxy for COVID-19 severity, we corroborated known risk factors and identified novel associations between pre-existing clinical phenotypes and COVID-19 severity. Our study highlights the potential value of using PRS when actual outcome data may be limited or inadequate for robust analyses.
Menopausal hormone therapy and central nervous system tumors: Danish nested case-control study
Authors: Pourhadi Nelsan , Meaidi Amani , Friis Søren , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Mørch Lina S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Use of estrogen-containing menopausal hormone therapy has been shown to influence the risk of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However, it is unknown how the progestin-component affects the risk and whether continuous versus cyclic treatment regimens influence the risk differently.

Methods and findings

Nested case-control studies within a nationwide cohort of Danish women followed for 19 years from 2000 to 2018. The cohort comprised 789,901 women aged 50 to 60 years during follow-up, without prior CNS tumor diagnosis, cancer, or contraindication for treatment with menopausal hormone therapy. Information on cumulative exposure to female hormonal drugs was based on filled prescriptions. Statistical analysis included educational level, use of antihistamines, and use of anti-asthma drugs as covariates. During follow-up, 1,595 women were diagnosed with meningioma and 1,167 with glioma. The median (first–third quartile) follow-up time of individuals in the full cohort was 10.8 years (5.0 years to 17.5 years). Compared to never-use, exposure to estrogen-progestin or progestin-only were both associated with increased risk of meningioma, hazard ratio (HR) 1.21; (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.06, 1.37] p = 0.005) and HR 1.28; (95% CI [1.05, 1.54] p = 0.012), respectively. Corresponding HRs for glioma were HR 1.00; (95% CI [0.86, 1.16] p = 0.982) and HR 1.20; (95% CI [0.95, 1.51] p = 0.117). Continuous estrogen-progestin exhibited higher HR of meningioma 1.34; (95% CI [1.08, 1.66] p = 0.008) than cyclic treatment 1.13; (95% CI [0.94, 1.34] p = 0.185). Previous use of estrogen-progestin 5 to 10 years prior to diagnosis yielded the strongest association with meningioma, HR 1.26; (95% CI [1.01, 1.57] p = 0.044), whereas current/recent use of progestin-only yielded the highest HRs for both meningioma 1.64; (95% CI [0.90, 2.98] p = 0.104) and glioma 1.83; (95% CI [0.98, 3.41] p = 0.057). Being an observational study, residual confounding could occur.

Conclusions

Use of continuous, but not cyclic estrogen-progestin was associated with increased meningioma risk. There was no evidence of increased glioma risk with estrogen-progestin use. Use of progestin-only was associated with increased risk of meningioma and potentially glioma. Further studies are warranted to evaluate our findings and investigate the influence of long-term progestin-only regimens on CNS tumor risk.
Positional relationship between ball and fingers for accurate baseball pitching
Authors: Kusafuka Ayane , Nishikawa Kohei , Tsukamoto Naoki , Kudo Kazutoshi
Published: December 2023

Accurately throwing an object to a target position repeatedly is one of the specific human motor skills. The final arrival position of a thrown ball can be determined by its physical state at release. In baseball pitching, reducing the variability of the velocity angle of the ball at release (release angle) is important for reducing the variability of the pitch location. Although previous studies have suggested that hand and finger movements are important for accurate throwing, their relationship with the release angle has not yet been investigated in detail. This study focused on the positional relationship between the ball and fingers, which is considered to be closely related to ball movement as an action point of the force, and examined its relationship with the variability of release angle. To obtain accurate finger positions relative to the ball without impeding movement or sensation, an automatic image recognition technology based on deep learning was employed. This approach revealed a noteworthy correlation between the lower middle finger positions prior to acceleration peaks and the reduced variability in release angle, emphasizing the importance of consistent finger positioning during the pre-release phase. This finger positioning of the pitchers with low variability in the release angle is suggested to be robust against the spatial variability of ball movement.
Differences in the gut microbiota between Gurkhas and soldiers of British origin
Authors: Troth Thomas D. , McInnes Ross S. , Dunn Steven J. , Mirza Jeremy , Whittaker Annalise H. , Goodchild Sarah A. , Loman Nicholas J. , Harding Sarah V. , van Schaik Willem
Published: December 2023

Previous work indicated that the incidence of travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) is higher in soldiers of British origin, when compared to soldiers of Nepalese descent (Gurkhas). We hypothesise that the composition of the gut microbiota may be a contributing factor in the risk of developing TD in soldiers of British origin. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbial composition of Gurkha and non-Gurkha soldiers of the British Army. Recruitment of 38 soldiers (n = 22 Gurkhas, n = 16 non-Gurkhas) and subsequent stool collection, enabled shotgun metagenomic sequencing-based analysis of the gut microbiota. The microbiota of Gurkhas had significantly (P < 0.05) lower diversity, for both Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, using species level markers than the gut microbiota of non-Gurkha soldiers. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) of the Bray-Curtis distance matrix revealed a significant difference in the composition of the gut microbiota between Gurkhas and non-Gurkha soldiers, at both the species level (P = 0.0178) and the genus level (P = 0.0483). We found three genera and eight species that were significantly enriched in the non-Gurkha group and one genus (Haemophilus) and one species (Haemophilus parainfluenzae) which were enriched in the Gurkha group. The difference in the microbiota composition between Gurkha soldiers and soldiers of British origin may contribute to higher colonization resistance against diarrhoeal pathogens in the former group. Our findings may enable further studies into interventions that modulate the gut microbiota of soldiers to prevent TD during deployment.
Lambs supplemented with Amazonian oilseed co-products: Meat quality and fatty acid profile
Authors: de Castro Vinícius Costa Gomes , Budel Juliana Cristina de Castro , Rodrigues Thomaz Cyro Guimarães de Carvalho , Silva Bruna Almeida , Joset Waléria Cristina Lopes , de Lima Alyne Cristina Sodré , Souza Shirley Motta , Bessa Rui José Branquinho , Alves Suzana Paula Almeida , da Silva Jamile Andrea Rodrigues , Joele Maria Regina Sarkis Peixoto , Maciel e Silva André Guimarães , Lourenço-Júnior José de Brito
Published: December 2023

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P < 0.01) composition of meat (longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P < 0.01); influences the colors (L, a, b), chroma, and Hue Angle (P < 0.01); promotes changes in total FA composition and FA profile (P < 0.05); reduces hypocholesterolemic FA (h) (P = 0.01), but does not influence hypercholesterolemic (H) and indices h:H, AI and TI (P > 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia.
Putative purine nucleoside interacting residues in the malaria parasite purine uptake transporter PfENT1 are critical for transporter function
Authors: Dillague Criselda , Akabas Myles H.
Published: December 2023

Malaria remains a major public health threat for billions of people worldwide. Infection with obligate intracellular, unicellular parasites from the genus Plasmodium causes malaria. Plasmodium falciparum causes the deadliest form of human malaria. Plasmodium parasites are purine auxotrophic. They rely on purine import from the host red blood cell cytoplasm via equilibrative nucleoside transporters to supply substrates to the purine salvage pathway. We previously developed a high throughput screening assay to identify inhibitors of the P. falciparum Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter Type 1 (PfENT1). Screening a small molecule library identified PfENT1 inhibitors that blocked proliferation of P. falciparum parasites in in vitro culture. The goal of the current work was to validate a high-resolution model of PfENT1 predicted by the AlphaFold protein structure prediction program. We superimposed the predicted PfENT1 structure on the human homologue structure, hENT1, and developed a structure-based sequence alignment. We mutated the residues in PfENT1 aligned with and flanking the residues in hENT1 that interact with the purine analog, nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR). Mutation of the PfENT1 residues Q135, D287, and R291 that are predicted to form hydrogen bonds to purine nucleosides eliminated purine and pyrimidine transport function in various yeast-based growth and radiolabeled substrate uptake assays. Mutation of two flanking residues, W53 and S290, also resulted in inactive protein. Mutation of L50 that forms hydrophobic interactions with the purine nucleobase reduced transport function. Based on our results the AlphaFold predicted structure for PfENT1 may be useful in guiding medicinal chemistry efforts to improve the potency of our PfENT1 inhibitors.
Coming of age in recovery: The prevalence and correlates of substance use recovery status among adolescents and emerging adults
Authors: Smith Douglas C. , Reinhart Crystal A. , Begum Shahana , Kosgolla Janaka , Kelly John F. , Bergman Brandon B. , Basic Marni
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

To date, no epidemiological survey has estimated the prevalence of adolescents identifying as being in recovery. This is necessary for planning and identifying the needs of youth with current and remitted substance use disorders. This study estimated the prevalence of recovery status in a large statewide epidemiological survey administered between January and March 2020.

Participants

Participants were high school students in 9th through 12th grades throughout Illinois.

Measurements

Youth were asked if they were in recovery and if they had resolved problems with substances. Youth who reported recovery and problem resolving dual status (DS), recovery only (RO), and problem resolution only (PRO) were compared to propensity score matched control groups who reported neither status (neither/nor; NN). Outcomes included alcohol use, binge alcohol use, cannabis use, and prescription drug use in the past 30 days.

Findings

Prevalence estimates were 884 (1.4%) for DS, 1546 (2.5%) for PRO, and 1,811 (2.9%) for RO. Relative to propensity matched control samples, all three groups had significantly lower odds of prescription drug use. The PRO group had lower odds of past month cannabis use. There were no significant differences for either alcohol outcome.

Conclusions

Prevalence estimates of youth in recovery are slightly lower than those of adults in recovery, and estimates should be replicated. Youth in recovery and those resolving problems have numerous behavioral health needs, and relative to matched controls, have even odds for past 30-day alcohol use. These findings compel us to further define recovery for adolescents and emerging adults to allow for improving treatments and epidemiological research.
Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity of Psidium guajava L. leaf extract: In vitro and in silico approach
Authors: Khan Mo Ahamad , Celik Ismail , Khan Haris M. , Shahid Mohammad , Shahzad Anwar , Kumar Sachin , Ahmed Bilal
Published: December 2023

The quorum sensing mechanism relies on the detection and response to chemical signals, termed autoinducers, which regulate the synthesis of virulence factors including toxins, enzymes, and biofilms. Emerging therapeutic strategies for infection control encompass approaches that attenuate quorum-sensing systems. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-biofilm activities of Psidium guajava L. methanolic leaf extracts (PGME). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of PGME were determined as 500 μg/ml for C. violaceum and 1000 μg/ml for P. aeruginosa PAO1. Significantly, even at sub-MIC concentrations, PGME exhibited noteworthy anti-quorum sensing properties, as evidenced by concentration-dependent inhibition of pigment production in C. violaceum 12742. Furthermore, PGME effectively suppressed quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1, including biofilm formation, pyoverdin, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid production, with concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. Phytochemical analysis utilizing GC-MS revealed the presence of compounds such as alpha-copaene, caryophyllene, and nerolidol. In-silico docking studies indicated a plausible mechanism for the observed anti-quorum sensing activity, involving favorable binding and interactions with QS-receptors, including RhlR, CviR’, LasI, and LasR proteins. These interactions were found to potentially disrupt QS pathways through suppression of AHL production and receptor protein blockade. Collectively, our findings propose PGME as a promising candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections. Its attributes that mitigate biofilm development and impede quorum-sensing mechanisms highlight its potential therapeutic value.
Support, networks, and relationships: Findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of a mentorship programme for early career women researchers in sexual and reproductive health and rights
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Gatheru Peter Muriuki , Chebet Joy J. , Shah Mehr G. , Thorson Anna , Brizuela Vanessa
Published: December 2023

Low research output among women researchers in health research has been linked to inadequate mentorship opportunities for early career women researchers and particularly in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) field. Mentorship has been recognized as a contributor to strengthening research capacity and as beneficial for both mentors and mentees. Women researchers oftentimes experience negative impacts of organizational and structural gender inequities related to formal and informal mentoring. In 2020, the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction at WHO launched a mentorship programme for early career SRHR women researchers from low- and middle-income countries. The programme sought to provide professional skill-building, promote and share networking opportunities, and offer support in navigating personal and professional life. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods evaluation of the 2020 pilot programme, which included 26 participants, through an online survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data collection occurred between March and May 2022. Nineteen responded to the online survey (12 mentees, 7 mentors) and 11 IDIs (7 mentees, 4 mentors) were completed. Based on a preliminary framework, we used deductive and inductive methods to identify six themes: views on mentorship; reasons for applying and expectations of participation in the programme; preferred aspects of programme implementation; challenges with the programme implementation; perceived lasting benefits of the programme; and recommendations for improvement. All participants found the initial training useful, most discussed work-life prioritization throughout the mentorship relationship, and most planned to continue with the relationship. There appear to be ample benefits to mentorship, especially when planned and implemented in a structured manner. These attributes can be particularly beneficial when they are conceived as a two-way relationship of mutual learning and support, and especially for women at the start of their research careers as they navigate structural gender inequities.
Binding selectivity analysis of AURKs inhibitors through molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Alharthy Rima D. , Fatima Ghulam , Yousaf Numan , Iqbal Muhammad Shaheen , Sattar Sadia , Alanzi Abdullah R. , Ali Ijaz , Muddassar Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Aurora kinases (AURKs) have been identified as promising biological targets for the treatment of cancer. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the binding selectivity of three inhibitors (HPM, MPY, and VX6) towards AURKA and AURKB by predicting their binding free energies. The results show that the inhibitors HPM, MPY, and VX6 have more favorable interactions with AURKB as compared to AURKA. The binding energy decomposition analysis revealed that four common residue pairs (L139, L83), (V147, V91), (L210, L154), and (L263, L207) showed significant binding energies with HPM, MPY, and VX6, hence responsible for the binding selectivity of AURKA and AURKB to the inhibitors. The MD trajectory analysis also revealed that the inhibitors affect the dynamic flexibility of protein structure, which is also responsible for the partial selectivity of HPM, MPY, and VX6 towards AURKA and AURKB. As expected, this study provides useful insights for the design of potential inhibitors with high selectivity for AURKA and AURKB.
Social media as a tool for oral health promotion: A systematic review
Authors: Farrokhi Farzaneh , Ghorbani Zahra , Farrokhi Farid , Namdari Mahshid , Salavatian Siavash
Published: December 2023

Social media platforms are common means of sharing information, personal experiences, and lifestyle. They can also be utilized as cost-effective methods for individuals to acquire health information and promote oral health. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review the current literature on the interventions taken through social media for promoting lay people’s oral health. This systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023395005) followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library) for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2023. Data such as study design, sample size, follow-up duration, utilized social media platforms and main findings were extracted from the eligible studies. The quality of the studies included in the systematic review was evaluated by the quality assessment tools for intervention studies recommended by the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. Out of the 1934 records identified in the initial search, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. These studies comprised seven randomized control trials, one field trial and two quasi-experimental. Various social media platforms, including Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and Snapchat, were used for communication with patients. Some studies solely utilized social media interventions, while others combined online and traditional interventions. The quality assessment categorized 30% of the studies as “strong”, 50% as “moderate”, and the remaining as “weak”. The implementation of social media interventions positively influenced multiple aspects of oral health among the laypeople. Online platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram can be effectively utilized to promote oral health among patients.
Time for Cooperation in East-Central Europe – Interview With Konrad Poplawski, Project Coordinator, Centre for Eastern Studies, Poland
Authors: Csontos Tamás Tibor
Published: December 2023

Tamás Tibor Csontos (Review of Economic Theory and Policy) requested an interview with Konrad Poplawski, Project Coordinator of the Connectivity and Regional Integration Programme at the Centre for Eastern Studies, Poland. He asked him about industrial policy in Poland, the changing role of Germany and the state of regional cooperation in East-Central Europe. Konrad has been the head of the Central European Department from 2020 to 2022, and previously a long-term analyst of the German economy. He is the author of many analyses and several longer studies on the economy of Central Europe and Germany. He has been a coordinator and author in international research projects in the framework of the Visegrad consortium of think tanks, preparing expert opinions for the diplomatic ministries of the V4 countries. Konrad regularly gives guest lectures at Polish universities (including the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw School of Economics). He is a commentator and author of articles for the largest nationwide media. He defended his doctorate with honors at the Warsaw School of Economics with a dissertation entitled “Changes in Germany’s Foreign Trade After Joining the Eurozone”.
Hampton University Chemistry Education and Mentorship (HU-ChEM): Transformative Impacts on an HBCU
Authors: Erebholo Francis , Whittington Dawayne , Ann Holder Cori , Asojo Oluwatoyin
Published: December 2023

The Hampton University Chemistry Education and Mentorship (HU-ChEM) intervention program was deployed in Fall 2020 to increase the persistence of underrepresented minority students in biomedical careers at Hampton University, a Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). Using a matched-baseline control study design, the efficacy of innovative, evidence-based interventions to improve student competency in gatekeeper chemistry courses at Hampton University, transform the departmental culture, and improve the persistence of Hampton University students in biomedical careers were tested. The project justification was that freshman chemistry is a gatekeeper course that leads to attrition and leaks in the biomedical training pipeline. HU-ChEM included three interventions:1) HU-ChEM SCALE-UP in which the entry-level first-year chemistry course for STEM majors is taught using the Student-Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies (SCALE-UP);2) HU-ChEM CUREs in which Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) were deployed; and 3) HU-ChEM faculty development, offered enhanced training of chemistry faculty. The interventions were conducted over three years, impacting over 300 students and ~25 faculty. Modified DPC survey tools were used to measure and monitor the DPC hallmarks of student, faculty, and institutional success. The biggest challenges were the delay in implementing activities due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the switch to virtual learning, and the lowered enrollment. Despite these challenges, outcomes include updated curricular and teaching infrastructure in the department. Improved participation of faculty and students in authentic research experiences was documented. The transformative impact of the interventions on the department and institution will be discussed. Furthermore, the feasibility of scalability to other institutions and long-term sustainability will be addressed by analyzing the robust data collected.
¿Revirtiendo la violencia institucional de las mujeres migrantes en el servicio doméstico? El caso de la subvención para la creación de nueva ocupación en el ámbito del trabajo domiciliario de cuidados en Cataluña
Authors: Parella Sònia , Piqueras Clara , Speroni Thales
Published: December 2023

El artículo analiza una subvención enfocada en promover la formalización del sector de cuidados domiciliarios, iniciativa pionera en España impulsada por la Secretaría de Igualdad, Migraciones y Ciudadanía de la Generalitat de Catalunya en 2020. El texto reflexiona sobre las características del modelo de gestión de los cuidados en España, que se retroalimenta de la violencia institucional asociada a la condición de extranjeras de las mujeres migrantes, para garantizar mano de obra femenina en condiciones de precariedad. A partir de un diseño metodológico que incluye una fase cuantitativa y otra cualitativa, se analiza la implementación e incidencia de la subvención en las trayectorias de las mujeres migrantes y en las personas empleadoras, así como las principales resistencias y obstáculos. Los resultados muestran que, si bien es una estrategia es eficaz para sensibilizar e impulsar la regularización del sector, no es capaz de revertir las formas de violencia institucional.
Trayectorias, perspectivas y prospectivas de los movimientos no-violentos
Authors: Del Río Reina Luis Ernesto
Published: December 2023

Reseña de: 
Garrido, M. B. (2022). Rupturas presidenciales: las acciones de la Fuerza Pública ante movimientos Noviolentos del Ecuador en 1997, 2000 y 2005. Universo de letras.
LUMINESCENT SILICA AEROGEL DOPED BY COORDINATION SUBSTANCE OF BORON WITH 8-HYDROXYQUIONOLINE
Authors: Suslova E. N. , Kazmina K. V. , Runina K. I. , Kunaev D. A. , Lebedev A. E. , Petrova O. B. , Menshutina N. V. , Avetissov I. Ch.
Published: December 2023

A new luminescent hybrid material based on silica aerogel and a boron-containing coordination compound with 8-hydroxyquinoline has been created, and its physico-chemical and spectral-luminescent characteristics have been studied. A scheme for the synthesis of a hybrid luminescent material has been developed. The scheme eliminates the need for preliminary expensive synthesis of a high-purity organoelemental boron-containing phosphor. It has been established that aerogel hydrophobization significantly increases the stability of the luminescent characteristics of the hybrid material.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZrO2–Al2O3–K2O BASED CERAMIC WHITENING AGENTS
Authors: Çırpın A. , Yakar E.
Published: December 2023

Zircon-containing whitening agents are indispensable components increasing the cost of ceramic tiles. In the ceramic industry, the developing of unique and low-cost whitening agents with comparable final product quality is an essential motivation. In this study, a unique ZrO2–Al2O3–K2O-based whitening agent was developed by mixing zircon silicate, Al2O3, K-feldspar, and marble with various weight concentrations to reduce costs and give a valid alternative to the commercially available R6-coded ZrO2–Al2O3–Na2O whitening agent. To test the innovative ZrO2–Al2O3–K2O-based whitening agent’s efficiency, a systematic characterization procedure was utilized to reveal factors affecting the tile opacity, including size, shape, and distribution of opacifier particles and the incident light wavelength. First, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analyses examined the initial grain sizes and structural properties of the whitening agent constituents. Second, a wet milling process in industrial mills was utilized to produce a homogenized ZrO2–Al2O3–K2O-based composite whitening agent. Structural, mineralogical, and morphological properties of the final product were determined after the drying process. The efficiency of the wet milling process was proved according to scanning microscopy analysis revealing homogenous particle size distribution of constituents with mainly composed of ZrO2, Al2O3, and SiO2 phases. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis reveals that Si–Al–O–Zr and Ca were major elements whereas Na was obtained as minor element.
The full article will be published in the translated version of the journal Glass and Ceramics, 2022, V. 79, No. 5–6.
SYSTEMS THINKING IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Vavilin Ya. A. , Soldatov V. G. , Mankevich I. G.
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem of sustainable development of the organization from the point of view of ensuring the quality of products and performance of work. The authors emphasize the need to implement systematic thinking in the field of quality management as one of the main aspects of continuous improvement. A hierarchical model of the implementation of systemic thinking as the basis of a systematic approach to the management of the organization in general and quality, as well as an algorithm for determining the level of systematic thinking in the organization, is proposed. The sequence of works on the development of the organization and its transition to a new level of “systematic thinking” is proposed.
The effect of intake channel length on water temperature at the intake point of the power plant at Muara Karang power plant
Authors: Wibowo Mardi , Khoirunnisa Hanah , Istiyanto Dinar Catur , Widagdo Aloysius Bagyo , Wardani Khusnul Setia
Published: December 2023

Muara Karang Power Plant (MKPP) is one of the main power plants on Java Island in Indonesia. Presently, the Jakarta provincial government has issued a reclamation project on Island G in the marine waters around MKPP. This reclamation effort is predicted to lead to a rise in the seawater temperature around the intake, which MKPP will address with the addition of intake channel of 250 - 957 m. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of intake channel extension on the water temperature at the intake point using numerical modeling comprising hydrodynamics and dispersion advection modules. A total of 10 scenarios were modeled by varying intake channel length and season. The result showed that adding intake channel was less effective because the average water temperature was less than 0.24oC with an effectiveness below 0.78%. Based on the validation of the modeling results on the measurement data, the NRMSD values in west and east seasons were 9.13% and 12.63%, respectively. Under existing conditions, the average and maximum seawater temperatures were 31.40oC and 32.08oC. Meanwhile, by extending intake channel, the average and maximum water temperatures were 31.16oC and 31.60oC. These results showed that by extending intake channel, the temperature at the intake point was generally lower than the existing conditions. Intake channel length was more effective in reducing the temperature at the intake point during west monsoon than east monsoon. Vertically, the temperature at the bottom was relatively colder than near the surface. In west monsoon, the average temperature difference between the bottom and the surface ranged from 0.16-0.21oC, while in east, it was between 0.23 and 0.50oC. In conclusion, the addition of subsequent structures to increase effectiveness was necessary, specifically to hold hot water in east monsoon.
Melatonin supplementation does not alter vascular function or oxidative stress in healthy normotensive adults on a high sodium diet
Authors: Ramos Gonzalez Macarena , Axler Michael R. , Kaseman Kathryn E. , Lobene Andrea J. , Farquhar William B. , Witman Melissa A. , Kirkman Danielle L. , Lennon Shannon L.
Published: December 2023

High sodium diets (HSD) can cause vascular dysfunction, in part due to increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin reduces ROS in healthy and clinical populations and may improve vascular function. The purpose was to determine the effect of melatonin supplementation on vascular function and ROS during 10 days of a HSD. We hypothesized that melatonin supplementation during a HSD would improve vascular function and decrease ROS levels compared to HSD alone. Twenty‐seven participants (13 M/14 W, 26.7 ± 2.9 years, BMI: 23.6 ± 2.0 kg/m2, BP: 110 ± 9/67 ± 7 mmHg) were randomized to a 10‐day HSD (6900 mg sodium/d) supplemented with either 10 mg of melatonin (HSD + MEL) or a placebo (HSD + PL) daily. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, a measure of macrovascular function, (HSD + PL: 7.1 ± 3.8%; HSD + MEL: 6.7 ± 3.4%; p = 0.59) and tissue oxygenation index (TSI) reperfusion rate, a measure of microvascular reactivity, (HSD + PL: 0.21 ± 0.06%/s; HSD + MEL: 0.21 ± 0.08%/s; p = 0.97) and TSI area under the curve (HSD + PL: 199899 ± 10,863 a.u.; HSD + MEL: 20315 ± 11,348 a.u.; p = 0.17) were similar at the end of each condition. Neither nitroxide molarity (HSD + PL: 7.8 × 10−5 ± 4.1 × 10−5 mol/L; HSD + MEL: 8.7 × 10−5 ± 5.1 × 10−5 mol/L; p = 0.55) nor free radical number (HSD + PL: 8.0 × 1015 ± 4.4 × 1015; HSD + MEL: 9.0 × 1015 ± 4.9 × 1015; p = 0.51) were different between conditions. Melatonin supplementation did not alter vascular function or ROS levels while on a HSD in this sample of young healthy normotensive adults.