bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of phytoconstituents from Phaseolus vulgaris L against C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4): a bioinformatic and molecular dynamic simulations approach
Authors: Wahono Cesarius Singgih , Syaban Mokhamad Fahmi Rizki , Pratama Mirza Zaka , Rahman Perdana Aditya , Erwan Nabila Erina
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The CXCR4 chemokine receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays a role in many physiological processes and diseases, such as cancer metastasis, HIV infection, and immune response. Because of this, it may be possible to target it therapeutically. In addition, the active ingredient ofPhaseolus vulgarisL (PVL) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Novel CXCR4 antagonists from natural resources can be a promising drug development product using a computational approach. This study aims to explore the active compound in PVL that has the responsibility to inhibit CXCR4 using molecular docking and dynamics simulation.

Materials and methods

Pharmacokinetic analysis were performed using the pkCSM, OSIRIS for toxicity risk analysis, and the PerMM for membrane permeability assessment. Molecular docking was performed using PyRx software to determine the interaction between the CXCR4 target protein from the PDB database and the active component of PVL from the PubChem database. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to determine the stability of the interaction using the WEBGRO Macromolecular Simulations online server. The analysis were performed by comparing the results with plerixafor as a control ligand.

Results and discussion

The pharmacokinetic analysis of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and daidzin in PVL showed that they met the drug-like criteria. These chemicals were expected to have medium-risk effects on mutagenesis and tumorigenesis, with the exception of catechin, which has no risk of toxicity, and daidzin, which has high-risk effects on mutagenesis and reproduction. Molecular docking identified that quercetin (− 6.6 kcal/mol), myricetin (− 6.6 kcal/mol), catechin (− 6.5 kcal/mol), and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (− 5.4 kcal/mol) bind to CXCR4 with the highest affinity compared to plerixafor (− 5.0 kcal/mol) and can bind to the same binding pocket with key residues Asp187, Asp97, and Glu288. The MD simulation analysis showed that quercetin has a similar stability interaction compared to the control.

Conclusions

Considering the pharmacokinetic analysis, molecular docking, and MD simulations, quercetin, myricetin, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid have the potential to become CXCR4 agonists with their good oral bioavailability and safety properties for the novel drug candidates. Future studies are needed to consider the molecular docking result.
Origin of horsetail faults in an extensional regime using physical experiments for the Linnan Sag
Authors: Xu Hongyuan , Lao Haigang , Li Guang , Dong Guiyu , Xia Shiqiang
Published: April 2024

Horsetail faults and rotational faults, which maintain slight differences, are all important identity markers for strike-slip movement. However, it is difficult to explain why horsetail faults also appear in the extensional regime. Using the Linnan Sag as a reference, physical experiments are conducted to reproduce the formation processes of horsetail faults in the extensional regime. Characteristics of these horsetail faults include: (1) horsetail faults are the product of strain superposition during two phases of noncoaxial extension; (2) preexisting faults generated in the initial stage may reactivate by the combined elongation of dip-slip motion, followed by oblique-slip faulting at the middle-late stage, thus becoming the principal fault of the horsetail faults; this initial distance is obviously less (approximately 46%) than its distance during the middle-late stage; (3) a large number of new dip-slip faults appear at the tip of the principal fault in the middle-late stage, spatially connecting with the principal fault to form the horsetail faults; and (4) other preexisting faults that intersect the principal fault are not necessary for forming the horsetail faults but their presence may make the principal fault prone to segmentation. Therefore, although horsetail faults in the extensional and strike-slip regimes are similar in shape, their formation conditions and fault properties are very different. Understanding the characteristics of the horsetail faults in the extension regime contributes to further study related to oil and gas migration and accumulation in the Petroliferous basin.
A Staged Approach for Surgical Management of Basilar Invagination
Authors: Joitescu Irina , Amelot Aymeric , Lot Guillaume , Aghakhani Nozar , Parker Fabrice , Knafo Steven
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Patients with basilar invagination (BI) can be treated with several surgical options, ranging from simple posterior decompression to circumferential decompression and fusion. Here, we aimed at examining the indications and outcomes associated with these surgical strategies to devise a staged algorithm for managing BI.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2 neurosurgical centers and included patients with a BI, as defined by a position of the dens tip at least 5 mm above the Chamberlain line. Other craniovertebral junction anomalies, such as atlas assimilation, platybasia, and Chiari malformations, were documented. C1-C2 stability was assessed with a dynamic computed tomography scan.

RESULTS:

We included 30 patients with BI with a mean follow-up of 56 months (min = 12, max = 166). Posterior decompression and fusion (n = 8) was only performed in cases of obvious atlanto-axial instability (eg, increased atlanto-dental interval or hypermobility on flexion/extension), while anterior decompression (transoral or transnasal) was reserved to patients with lower cranial nerves deficits (eg, swallowing dysfunction) and irreducible anterior compression (n = 9). Patients with posterior signs (eg, Valsalva headaches) or myelopathy but without C1-C2 instability nor anterior signs were managed with an isolated foramen magnum decompression, with or without duraplasty (n = 13). Complications were more frequent for combined procedures, including neurological deterioriation (n = 4) and tracheostomy (n = 2), but reinterventions were more likely in patients undergoing posterior decompression alone (n = 3).

CONCLUSION:

Patient selection is key to determine the appropriate surgical strategy for BI: In our experience, combined approaches are only needed for patients with irreducible and symptomatic anterior compression, while fusion should be restricted to patient with obvious signs of atlanto-axial instability. Other BI patients can be managed by foramen magnum decompression alone to minimize surgical morbidity.
Differential Modulation of Motor Unit Behavior When a Fatiguing Contraction Is Matched for Torque versus EMG
Authors: MAGNUSON JUSTINE R. , DALTON BRIAN H. , MCNEIL CHRIS J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

When an isometric contraction is sustained at a submaximal torque, activation of the motoneuron pool increases, making it difficult to interpret neural excitability alterations. Thus, more recently, isometric contractions with maintained electromyographic (EMG) activity (matched-EMG) are being used to induce fatigue; however, little is known about the neurophysiological adjustments that occur to satisfy the requirements of the task.

Methods

For our study, 16 participants performed a 10-min sustained isometric elbow flexion contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque or the level of integrated biceps brachii EMG recorded at 20% MVC torque. Surface EMG was used to assess global median frequency, and four fine-wire electrode pairs were used to obtain motor unit (MU) discharge rate from biceps brachii. Torque or EMG steadiness was also assessed throughout the fatiguing contractions.

Results

MU discharge rate increased and torque steadiness decreased during the matched-torque contraction; however, MU discharge rate decreased during the matched-EMG contraction, and no changes occurred for EMG steadiness. Data pooled for the two contractions revealed a decrease in global median frequency. Lastly, a greater loss of MVC torque was observed immediately after the matched-torque compared with matched-EMG contraction.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that, during a matched-torque fatiguing contraction, the nervous system increases MU discharge rates at the cost of poorer steadiness to maintain the requisite torque. In contrast, during a matched-EMG fatiguing contraction, a reduction of MU discharge rates allows for maintenance of EMG steadiness.
Multi-objective optimization of sustainable cement-zeolite improved sand based on life cycle assessment and artificial intelligence
Authors: Nasrollahpour Sepideh , Tanhadoust Amin , Kaur Brar Satinder , MolaAbasi Hossein , Nehdi Moncef L. , Ataee Omolbanin
Published: April 2024

Background Cement-zeolite improved sand can be used in diverse civil engineering applications. However, earlier research has not duly optimized its production process to attain best mechanical strength, lowest cost, and least environmental impact. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization approach using back-propagation neural network (BPNN) to predict the mechanical strength, along with an adaptive geometry estimation-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (AGE-MOEA) to identify the best parameters for cement-zeolite-improved sand, filling a long-lasting research gap. Methods A collection of unconfined compression tests was used to evaluate cemented sand specimens treated with stabilizers including portland cement (at dosages of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) and six dosages of natural zeolite as partial replacement for cement (0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90%) at different curing times of 7, 28, and 90 days. The study further conducts a detailed analysis of life cycle assessment (LCA) to show how partial zeolite replacement for cement impacts the environment. Through a tuning process, the BPNN model found the optimal architecture and accurately predicted the unconfined compressive strength of cement-zeolite improved sand systems. This allowed the AGE-MOEA to optimize zeolite and cement dosages, density, curing time, and environmental impact. Results The results of this study reveal that the optimal range of zeolite was between 30-45%, which not only increased cemented sand strength, but also reduced the cost and environmental impact. It is also shown that increasing the zeolite replacement to 25-30% can increase the ultimate strength of cemented sand, yet exceeding this limit can cause the strength to decrease. Conclusions Zeolite has the potential to serve as an alternative for cement in applications that involve cemented sand, while still achieving mechanical strength performance, which is comparable or even superior. From an LCA standpoint, using zeolite as partial cement replacement in soil improvement projects is a promising alternative.
Circunstancias situacionales y programación de herramientas en el acceso a la justicia de las mujeres víctimas de violencia doméstica
Authors: Rosas Villarrubia Ingrid Yanina , Ayala Rojas Dora E.
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo profundiza el estudio de los factores que influyen en el acceso a la justicia de las mujeres víctimas de violencia doméstica y las herramientas de programación de políticas públicas para garantizar el acceso a la justicia desarrolladas por la ONU-Mujeres. El objetivo es analizar las circunstancias situacionales y su relación con el derecho de acceso a la justicia en las mujeres víctimas de violencia doméstica. La metodología que se empleará será cualitativa, de lógica inductiva analítica. Las circunstancias situacionales presentes limitan la oportunidad de ejercer el derecho de acceso a la justicia en las mujeres en condiciones de igualdad en contraposición al principio de universalidad, para colocar en crisis la vigencia de este derecho fundamental.
Advances in clinical applications of bioceramics in the new regenerative medicine era
Authors: Elshazly Noha , Nasr Fayza Eid , Hamdy Ayat , Saied Safa , Elshazly Mohamed
Published: April 2024

In this editorial, we comment on the hard and soft tissue applications of different ceramic-based scaffolds prepared by different mechanisms such as 3D printing, sol-gel, and electrospinning. The new concept of regenerative medicine relies on biomaterials that can trigger in situ tissue regeneration and stem cell recruitment at the defect site. A large percentage of these biomaterials is ceramic-based as they provide the essential requirements of biomaterial principles such as tailored multisize porosity, antibacterial properties, and angiogenic properties. All these previously mentioned properties put bioceramics on top of the hierarchy of biomaterials utilized to stimulate tissue regeneration in soft and hard tissue wounds. Multiple clinical applications registered the use of these materials in triggering soft tissue regeneration in healthy and diabetic patients such as bioactive glass nanofibers. The results were promising and opened new frontiers for utilizing these materials on a larger scale. The same results were mentioned when using different forms and formulas of bioceramics in hard defect regeneration. Some bioceramics were used in combination with other polymers and biological scaffolds to improve their regenerative and mechanical properties. All this progress will enable a larger scale of patients to receive such services with ease and decrease the financial burden on the government.
Splenic hamartomas in children
Authors: Milickovic Maja , Rasic Petar , Cvejic Sofija , Bozic Dejana , Savic Djordje , Mijovic Tanja , Cvetinovic Sava , Djuricic Slavisa M
Published: April 2024

Splenic hamartomas (SHs) are uncommon, benign vascular lesions of unclear etiology and are mostly found incidentally on abdominal images, at surgery, or at autopsy. Since the first case description, in 1861, less than 50 pediatric SH cases have been reported in the literature. In this article, we have performed an analysis of all SH cases in children published in the literature to date and presented our case of an 8-year-old male with SH. These lesions in children were shown to cause symptoms more often than in the adult population. The observed SH sizes in children ranged from a few millimeters to 18 cm, and the symptomatic lesions were mostly larger or multiple. The most common clinical finding was splenomegaly. Signs of hypersplenism were present in children with a single SH larger than 4.5 cm (diameter range: 4.5-18.0 cm) and in those with multiple hamartomas, ranging from a few millimeters to 5 cm. Eighty percent of patients with available laboratory findings had hematological abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia. Other symptoms and signs included abdominal pain, recurrent infections, fever, night sweats, lethargy, growth retardation, and weight loss. The use of multiple imaging modalities may suggest the preoperative diagnosis of a splenic mass in children and determine the therapeutic approach. However, the final diagnosis of SH relies on histopathological evaluation. Surgery, including total or partial splenectomy (PS), is the mainstay of SH management. Although total splenectomy carries a greater risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection than PS it has remained the most performed surgical procedure in children with SH. In the majority of pediatric patients with symptomatic SH, resolution of symptoms and resolution or improvement of cytopenias occurred after surgical treatment.
COVID-19 pandemic amplified mortality rates among adolescents with bipolar disorder through family-related factors
Authors: Ye Zhuo-Fan , Hong Yi-Han , Yang Jian-Lin , Tan Meng-Qing , Xie Ju-Min , Xu Zu-Cai
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Recently, a growing number of adolescents have been afflicted with mental disorders, with annual morbidity rates on the rise. This trend has been exacerbated by the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, leading to a surge in suicide and self-harm rates among this demographic.

AIM

To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent bipolar disorder (BD), along with the underlying factors contributing to heightened rates of suicide and self-harm among adolescents.

METHODS

A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted utilizing clinical interviews and self-reports obtained from patients or their guardians. Diagnostic criteria for BDs were based on the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, international classification of diseases-11, and the National institute of mental health research domain criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 software, with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A cohort of 171 adolescents diagnosed with BD between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, was included in the analysis. The gender distribution was 2.8:1 (female to male), with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years old. Major factors contributing to adolescent BDs included familial influences, academic stress, genetic predisposition and exposure to school-related violence. Notably, a significant increase in suicide attempts and self-harm incidents was observed among adolescents with BD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis indicated that the pandemic exacerbated familial discord and heightened academic stress, thereby amplifying the prevalence of suicidal behavior and self-harm among adolescents.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated familial tensions and intensified the incidence of suicide and self-harm among adolescents diagnosed with BD. This study underscores the urgent need for societal, familial and educational support systems to prioritize the well-being of adolescents and offers valuable insights and guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adolescent BDs.
El capitalismo de plataforma en la ciudad
Authors: Sequera Jorge , Yrigoy Ismael , Martínez Pablo , Barrero María
Published: April 2024

El presente monográfico es el resultado de las investigaciones colectivas realizadas en el marco de dos proyectos, LIKEALOCAL: efectos socioespaciales de Airbnb. Turismo y transformación en 4 ciudades de España - RTI2018-093479-A-I00 (2019-2021) y ONDEMANDCITY: Capitalismo de plataforma, trabajadores digitales y tecnificación de la vida cotidiana en la ciudad contemporánea - PID2021-122482OB-I00 (2022-2025). Los artículos de este número especial analizan cuestiones clave en el giro digital de los estudios urbanos, centrando la mirada en la dimensión urbana tanto de las plataformas y su actual preeminencia en la reconfiguración económica y social como de la intensificación de la turistificación de nuestras ciudades. Esta gran plataformización de las ciudades" ha generado cambios en los estilos de vida urbanos, los patrones de consumo y las formas de acumulación de capital, afectando al comercio, la movilidad y el trabajo en la ciudad. Así, conceptos teóricos como "economía de plataforma", “capitalismo de plataforma” o “urbanismo de plataforma” se extienden - dejando atrás otros inocuos como economía colaborativa o  Smart city - para explicar los cambios en las dinámicas de acumulación capitalista urbana. Dichos giros conceptuales reflejan eel auge de los análisis sobre el trabajo precarizado mediado por las plataformas, los mecanismos de extracción de plusvalías de las mismas, y las consiguientes transformaciones espaciales y sociales en la ciudad. Específicamente, los artículos que aquí presentamos dialogan alrededor de tres temas fundamentales: el papel de las plataformas digitales en las vidas itinerantes de una cantidad creciente de habitantes urbanos, el rentismo turístico exacerbado por las plataformas y la precariedad laboral en el capitalismo digital. En conjunto, estas perspectivas multidisciplinarias destacan la importancia de comprender cómo las plataformas digitales están moldeando la vida urbana contemporánea a través de sus interacciones con el espacio, el tiempo, el paisaje y las sociedades urbanas.
Monstrous Masculinities: Characters' Reactions to Abjection Point to Conflicted Truths in Historical Memory and Gender in Insensibles (2012)
Authors: McClelland Methvin Caitlin
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Critics read the children with congenital insensitivity in Juan Carlos Medina's Insensibles (2012) as an allegory for Spaniards born into democracy. Just as the film's children cannot feel physical pain, later generations cannot comprehend the trauma of living through the civil war and/or ensuing dictatorship. This article expands this interpretation to note how the postmemory thriller's use of traditional gender markers and abjection offers further insight into the film's disputed ending. Feminine-presenting characters react to abjection (confrontations of the non-self) in ways that exemplify Matt Hills's pleasures of horror and reflect how Spain perpetually grapples with its fascist legacy. These characters react to abject's pain and violence with simultaneous attraction and repulsion, much like Spain's morbid fascination with reexamining its past. In contrast, masculine-presenting characters' disengagement speaks to politically conservative efforts to stymie historical memory campaigns. Protagonist David's "feminization" appears to support these efforts to recover memory. However, the final scene erases all affiliations between gender, abjection, and memory in a timeless, spaceless void, containing David's symbolic confrontation of the past to the hypothetical.
4.1 W continuous-wave and broadly wavelength tunable Tm-doped laser in 2.1-2.4 µm spectral region based on vibronic and electronic transitions
Authors: Zhou Xue , Mao Jiajia , Hu Ping , Li Jiatong , Zhang Jingkun , Nie Hongkun , Li Tao , Feng Tianli , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang , Yang Kejian
Published: April 2024

Efficient diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and wavelength tunable Tm:YAP lasers based on the vibronic and electronic transitions are investigated. A total maximum output power of 4.1 W is achieved with multi-wavelength output around 2162 nm and 2274 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 29.8% for a 3 at. % Tm:YAP crystal. A maximum output power of 2.48 W with a slope efficiency of 25.4% is obtained at 2146 nm for a 4 at. % Tm:YAP crystal. Using a birefringent filter (BF), the emission wavelengths of the Tm:YAP laser are tuned over spectral ranges of 59 nm from 2115 nm to 2174 nm and 127 nm from 2267 nm to 2394 nm, respectively, which is the first demonstration of wavelength tunable Tm:YAP laser based on the electronic transition 3H4→3H5 and vibronic transition 3F4→3H6, to the best of our knowledge. The results show great potentials of the Tm:YAP crystal for realizing efficient lasers in the spectral range of 2.1-2.4 µm.
Investigation of optical polarization characteristics of ultraviolet-C AlGaN multiple quantum wells by angle-resolved cathodoluminescence
Authors: Gong Honglin , Zhu Lihong , Cai Yaqi , Yang Renlong , Guo Weijie , Chen Huanting , Chen Zhong , Lu Yijun
Published: April 2024

AlGaN-based ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges related to their extremely low external quantum efficiency, which is predominantly attributed to the remarkably inadequate transverse magnetic (TM) light extraction efficiency (LEE). In this study, we employ angle-resolved cathodoluminescence (ARCL) spectroscopy to assess the optical polarization of (0001)-oriented AlGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures in UV-C LEDs, in conjunction with a focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) system to etch samples with various inclination angles (θ) of sidewall. This technique effectively distinguishes the spatial distribution of TM- and transverse electric (TE)-polarized photons contributing to the luminescence of the MQW structure. CL spectroscopy confirms that UV-C LEDs with a θ of 35° exhibit the highest CL signal compared to samples with other θ. Furthermore, we establish a model using finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation to validate the mechanism of the outcomes. The complementary contribution of TM and TE photons at different specific angles are distinguished by ARCL and confirmed by simulation. At angles near the sidewall, the CL is dominated by the TM photons, which mainly contribute to the increased LEE and the decreased degree of polarization (DOP) to make the spatial distribution of CL more uniform. Additionally, this method allows us to analyze the polarization of light without the need for polarizers, enabling the differentiation of TE and TM modes. This distinction provides flexibility for selecting different emission mode based on various application requirements. The presented approach not only opens up new opportunities for enhanced UV-C light extraction but also provides valuable insights for future endeavors in device fabrication and epitaxial film growth.
Polarization-insensitive multimode interference coupler based on a subwavelength grating structure
Authors: Liu Ruoran , Zhao Weike , Yu Zejie , Dai Daoxin
Published: April 2024

A multimode interference (MMI) coupler is one of the basic components for photonic integrated circuits. However, MMI couplers realized by conventional waveguides are polarization sensitive, which is undesired for many applications, such as optical switches and communications. In this Letter, we propose a polarization-insensitive MMI coupler on a 220-nm silicon-on-insulator platform by constructing different effective interference lengths for TE and TM modes assisted with subwavelength grating structures. The designed MMI coupler shows an excess loss of <0.24(0.43) dB and a power imbalance of <0.6(0.5) dB for the TE(TM) mode over the wavelength range of 1.5–1.6 µm in theory. Experimentally, the fabricated MMI exhibits low excess loss <0.64(0.53) dB and power imbalance <1(0.85) dB for the TE(TM) mode over a wavelength range of 1.55–1.61 µm.
Using quasi-bound states in the continuum in an all-dielectric metasurface array to enhance terahertz fingerprint sensing
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Wenshuo , Cui Zijian , Sun Guangcheng , Zhang Kuang
Published: April 2024

The terahertz absorption fingerprint spectrum is crucial for qualitative spectral analysis, revealing the rotational or vibrational energy levels of numerous biological macromolecules and chemicals within the THz frequency range. However, conventional sensing in this band is hindered by weak interactions with trace analytes, leading to subtle signals. In this Letter, an all-dielectric metasurface array is proposed to enhance the absorption fingerprint spectrum using quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) resonance. The observable quasi-BIC resonance is achieved by breaking the symmetry of the C2v structure. The periodic dimensions of the structure are adjusted to excite quasi-BIC resonances at different frequencies, thereby enhancing the fingerprint spectra of four different substances. By exploiting the correlation between the Q-factor and absorption across different frequencies, calibration of the molecular absorption fingerprint spectrum obtained through metasurface sensing yields precise enhanced absorption fingerprint spectra for various substances within the 0.55–1.6 THz range. Our Letter introduces a novel, to the best of our knowledge, strategy for trace sensing in the THz frequency range, demonstrating the promising potential for enhanced absorption fingerprint spectrum sensing.
Particle-hole instabilities in photonic time-varying systems
Authors: Serra João C. , Galiffi Emanuele , Huidobro Paloma A. , Pendry J. B. , Silveirinha Mário G.
Published: April 2024

Photonic systems with time-varying modulations have attracted considerable attention as they allow for the design of non-reciprocal devices without the need for an external magnetic bias. Unlike time-invariant systems, such modulations couple modes with different frequencies. Here, we discuss how this coupling and particle-hole symmetry may lead to the resonant interaction of positive and negative frequency oscillators. To illustrate this idea, we analyze a dispersive spacetime crystal described by a Drude-Lorentz model with a traveling-wave modulation. Our findings demonstrate that the interaction between positive and negative frequency bands can induce parametric instabilities under certain conditions, stemming from the interplay between dispersion and spacetime modulations. In particular, we find that material dispersion creates the conditions for the formation of instabilities for arbitrarily small modulations speeds in the absence of dissipation mechanisms.
Ultra-low threshold deep-ultraviolet generation in hollow-core fiber
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Harrington Kerrianne , Murphy Leah , Brahms Christian , Yerolatsitis Stephanos , Stone James , Birks Tim , Travers John
Published: April 2024

We have lowered the pump energy threshold for the generation of tuneable deep-ultraviolet pulses to the tens of nano-joules level by pumping a record small-core anti-resonant fiber with a hollow core diameter of just 6 μm.
Characteristics of Y3Fe5O12 ceramic at mid-infrared wavelengths and its Faraday isolator application
Authors: Jiang Renjie , Chen Jie , Shen Shiji , Yang Xuan , Zhou Sheng Ming , Liu Jing , He Zhenxing , Yu Ting , Wang Zhengjuan , He Xiyun , Wang Jun
Published: April 2024

In this study, the Faraday effects of Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) magneto-optic (MO) ceramics synthesized by hot-press sintering were tested and compared with commercial YIG single crystals and Bi-doped iron garnet (BIG) films at mid-infrared wavelengths. Among them, YIG ceramics have shown Faraday rotation angles as large as 114 deg/cm and 60 deg/cm at 2.1 µm and 3.8 µm, respectively. The corresponding YIG ceramic-based Faraday isolators (FIs) exhibited an extinction ratio of 25.26 dB and an insertion loss of 1.01 dB at 2.1 µm, and an extinction ratio of 28.30 dB and an insertion loss of 1.17 dB at 3.8 µm. Under high repetition rate pulsed laser radiation, surface damage was observed for both YIG ceramic and YIG crystal at similar laser power density. Combining its advantage of size scalability, the further improvement of YIG ceramic optical quality is expected to provide a superior approach for realizing high power mid- infrared FIs.
Mathematical model for the role of multiple pericentromeric repeats on heterochromatin assembly
Authors: Ghimire Puranjan , Motamedi Mo , Joh Richard
Published: April 2024

Although the length and constituting sequences for pericentromeric repeats are highly variable across eukaryotes, the presence of multiple pericentromeric repeats is one of the conserved features of the eukaryotic chromosomes. Pericentromeric heterochromatin is often misregulated in human diseases, with the expansion of pericentromeric repeats in human solid cancers. In this article, we have developed a mathematical model of the RNAi-dependent methylation of H3K9 in the pericentromeric region of fission yeast. Our model, which takes copy number as an explicit parameter, predicts that the pericentromere is silenced only if there are many copies of repeats. It becomes bistable or desilenced if the copy number of repeats is reduced. This suggests that the copy number of pericentromeric repeats alone can determine the fate of heterochromatin silencing in fission yeast. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified parameters that favor bistability and desilencing. Stochastic simulation shows that faster cell division and noise favor the desilenced state. These results show the unexpected role of pericentromeric repeat copy number in gene silencing and provide a quantitative basis for how the copy number allows or protects repetitive and unique parts of the genome from heterochromatin silencing, respectively.
Interference with mitochondrial metabolism could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Chuang , Zhu Huihuang , Zhang Yang , Ding Li , Wang Junqi
Published: April 2024

Metabolic reprogramming has been defined as a hallmark of malignancies. Prior studies have focused on the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of POLG2 gene, which is reportedly responsible for encoding mitochondrial DNA genes and is implicated in the material and energy metabolism of tumor cells, whereas its function in prostate cancer has been elusive. Gene expression profile matrix and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data portal, and GSE3325 and GSE8511 were retrieved from GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. We conducted analysis of the relative expression of POLG2, clinical characterization, survival analysis, GO / KEGG and GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) enrichment analysis in R and employed STRING portal to acquaint ourselves with the protein-protein interaction (PPI). IHC (Immunohistochemical) profiles of POLG2 protein between normal and cancerous tissues were consulted via HPA (Human protein atlas) database and the immunohistochemical POLG2 were verified between para-cancerous and cancerous tissues in tissue array. At the cellular level, Mitochondrial dysfunction assay, DNA synthesis test, wound healing assay, and invasion assay were implemented to further validate the phenotype of POLG2 knockdown in PCa cell lines. RT-qPCR and western blotting were routinely adopted to verify variations of molecular expression within epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results showed that POLG2 was over-expressed in most cancer types, and the over-expression of POLG2 was correlated with PCa progression and suggested poor OS (Overall Survival) and PFI (Progress Free Interval). Multivariate analysis showed that POLG2 might be an independent prognostic factor of prostate cancer. We also performed GO/KEGG, GSEA analysis, co-expression genes, and PPI, and observed the metabolism-related gene alterations in PCa. Furthermore, we verified that POLG2 knockdown had an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial function, proliferation, cell motility, and invasion, we affirmed POLG2 could affect the prognosis of advanced prostate cancer via EMT. In summary, our findings indicate that over-expressed POLG2 renders poor prognosis in advanced prostate cancer. This disadvantageous factor can serve as a potential indicator, making it possible to target mitochondrial metabolism to treat advanced prostate cancer.
Quantum simulation of Pauli channels and dynamical maps: Algorithm and implementation
Authors: Basile Tomás , Pineda Carlos
Published: April 2024

Pauli channels are fundamental in the context of quantum computing as they model the simplest kind of noise in quantum devices. We propose a quantum algorithm for simulating Pauli channels and extend it to encompass Pauli dynamical maps (parametrized Pauli channels). A parametrized quantum circuit is employed to accommodate for dynamical maps. We also establish the mathematical conditions for an N-qubit transformation to be achievable using a parametrized circuit where only one single-qubit operation depends on the parameter. The implementation of the proposed circuit is demonstrated using IBM’s quantum computers for the case of one qubit, and the fidelity of this implementation is reported.
Mapping the global geography of cybercrime with the World Cybercrime Index
Authors: Bruce Miranda , Lusthaus Jonathan , Kashyap Ridhi , Phair Nigel , Varese Federico
Published: April 2024

Cybercrime is a major challenge facing the world, with estimated costs ranging from the hundreds of millions to the trillions. Despite the threat it poses, cybercrime is somewhat an invisible phenomenon. In carrying out their virtual attacks, offenders often mask their physical locations by hiding behind online nicknames and technical protections. This means technical data are not well suited to establishing the true location of offenders and scholarly knowledge of cybercrime geography is limited. This paper proposes a solution: an expert survey. From March to October 2021 we invited leading experts in cybercrime intelligence/investigations from across the world to participate in an anonymized online survey on the geographical location of cybercrime offenders. The survey asked participants to consider five major categories of cybercrime, nominate the countries that they consider to be the most significant sources of each of these types of cybercrimes, and then rank each nominated country according to the impact, professionalism, and technical skill of its offenders. The outcome of the survey is the World Cybercrime Index, a global metric of cybercriminality organised around five types of cybercrime. The results indicate that a relatively small number of countries house the greatest cybercriminal threats. These findings partially remove the veil of anonymity around cybercriminal offenders, may aid law enforcement and policymakers in fighting this threat, and contribute to the study of cybercrime as a local phenomenon.
Nutrients recovery from dairy wastewater by Chlorella vulgaris and comparison of the lipid’s composition with various chlorella strains for biodiesel production
Authors: Zibarev Nikita , Toumi Amira , Politaeva Natalia , Iljin Igor
Published: April 2024

Microalgae biomass is regarded as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. The biomass lipid content and fatty acids composition are among the main selective criteria when screening microalgae strains for biodiesel production. In this study, three strains of Chlorella microalgae (C. kessleri, C. sorokiniana, C. vulgaris) were cultivated nutrient media with different nitrogen contents, and on a medium with the addition of dairy wastewater. Moreover, microalgae grown on dairy wastewater allowed the removal of azote and phosphorous. The removal efficiency of 90%, 53% and 95% of ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen and phosphate ions, respectively, were reached. The efficiency of wastewater treatment from inorganic carbon was 55%, while the maximum growth of biomass was achieved. All four samples of microalgae had a similar fatty acid profile. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the most abundant saturated fatty acid (SFA), and is suitable for the production of biodiesel. The main unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) present in the samples were oleic acid (C18:1 n9); linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3), which belong to omega-9, omega-6, omega-3, respectively.
Language outcomes of preschool children who are HIV-exposed uninfected: An analysis of a South African cohort
Authors: Green Freddy , du Plooy Christopher , Rehman Andrea M. , Nhapi Raymond T. , Lake Marilyn T. , Barnett Whitney , Hoffman Nadia , Zar Heather J. , Donald Kirsten A. , Stein Dan J. , Wedderburn Catherine J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There are approximately 16 million children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) worldwide. Studies suggest that CHEU are at risk for developmental impairment in infancy, particularly in language domains. However, there is limited research examining neurocognitive function in CHEU older than 2 years, including important pre-school years. This study aimed to investigate associations between HIV exposure without infection and neurocognitive outcomes and to determine risk factors for neurodevelopment in CHEU at age 3–4 years.

Methods

The Drakenstein Child Health Study is a South African population-based birth cohort which enrolled women in pregnancy with ongoing follow up. Neurocognitive outcomes were assessed in children at 3.5 years by trained assessors blinded to HIV status including general cognitive function, language, and memory, measured using the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC-II). Data were compared between CHEU and children who were HIV-unexposed uninfected (CHUU) using multivariable logistic and linear regression, including testing for effect modification; sex-stratified risk factor analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 497 children were included (97 [20%] CHEU; 400 [80%] CHUU; 50% male), with a mean age of 3.5 years (range 3.4–3.6). Groups had similar birth and household characteristics, although mothers of CHEU were older, on average. Overall, CHEU had lower expressive language scores compared to CHUU on unadjusted and adjusted analyses (effect size: -0.23 [95% CI -0.45, -0.01]). There were no group differences in general cognitive or memory function (p>0.05). On sex-stratified analyses, male CHEU were found to have higher odds of suboptimal cognitive development compared to male CHUU (aOR 2.28 [95% CI 1.06, 4.87], p = 0.034). Several other factors including birthweight, maternal education, maternal ART duration and HIV viral load during pregnancy were associated with cognition, memory, or expressive language outcomes in CHEU, dependent on child sex.

Interpretation

The findings suggest that perinatal HIV exposure continues to be associated with impaired language development across the preschool years, highlighting the importance of targeting early interventions to optimise language outcomes. Further, the results suggest the importance of demographic, biological and HIV-related variables influencing developmental outcomes in CHEU. The greater risk of suboptimal cognitive development in male CHEU requires investigation around sex-specific mechanisms.
Occupational injury prevalence and predictors among small-scale sawmill workers in the Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Opoku Felix Agyemang , Opoku Douglas Aninng , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Osarfo Joseph , Sulemana Alhassan , Agyemang Sheneil , Amponsah Obed Kwabena Offe , Asiedu Michael Tetteh , Gyebi Robert , Agyei-Baffour Peter
Published: April 2024

Background

Sawmill workers are at increased risk of occupational injuries due to their exposure to workplace hazards. However, little is known about the burden of occupational injuries among them in Ghana. Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is necessary to design appropriate interventions to improve workers’ health and safety. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among small-scale sawmill workers at Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 small-scale sawmill workers from December 2020 to January 2021. Data was collected on demographic and work-related characteristics including age, sex, personal protective equipment (PPE), workspace design, and lighting. The primary outcome was the prevalence of occupational injuries in the 12 months preceding the survey. Logistic regression method was used to assess for independent predictors of occupational injuries, and associations were deemed statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results

Approximately 66.7% of the workers experienced occupational injuries within the 12 months preceding the study. Cuts (69.6%) were the most commonly reported injuries. Injuries were mainly caused by machine parts/sharp objects (47.8%) and being hit by logs/objects (46.8%). Only 40.7% of the workers reported always using PPE while legs (38.0%) and hands (37.0%) were the most common body parts injured. The worker’s monthly income, poor workspace design and poor lighting had increased odds of occupational injuries while an increase in age was associated with a 5% decreased odds of occupational injuries.

Conclusion

The prevalence of occupational injuries among the sawmill workers at the Sokoban Wood Village was high, and this calls for prioritization of health and safety at the workplace. Essential measures required include improvements in the safety of machine tools, workspace design and lighting.
Intelligence level evaluation and influencing factors analysis of equipment manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhou Ping , Xiang Jin , Tang Decai , Li Jiannan , Obuobi Bright
Published: April 2024

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) bears the vital task of driving the growth of China’s equipment manufacturing industry (EMI) intelligence as an advanced region. Fostering the transformation and upgrading of the EMI in the YRD and constructing a modern production mode is vital to developing and reforming China’s manufacturing industry. This paper uses industrial robot data to assess the level of intelligence (LoI) in the EMI from 2016 to 2019. The OLS (ordinary least squares) model is used for the measurements, and the MQ (the modified contribution index) is used to estimate the degree of contribution from a host of variables. It is identified that the LoI is on the rise. However, excluding railways, aerospace, shipbuilding, and other transportation equipment manufacturing, the LoI is significantly higher than in other subsectors. It is also identified that technological innovation ability, human capital density, and enterprise cost pressure govern the industry’s LoI. Moreover, while there is a difference in the main influencing factors in LoI within different industries, R&D investment, technological innovation ability, and enterprise cost pressure have the most significant impact across most equipment manufacturing sub-industries.
Gender trends in match rate to surgical specialties in Canada: A retrospective study from 2003–2022
Authors: Bondok Mostafa , Bondok Mohamed S. , Nguyen Anne Xuan-Lan , Law Christine , Nathoo Nawaaz , Bakshi Nupura , Ahuja Nina , Damji Karim F.
Published: April 2024

Background

In Canada, there is a recognized underrepresentation of women in the field of surgery. However, the extent to which this trend applies across various surgical specialties is not well delineated. The aim of this study is to identify existing disparities and trends over time to inform the need for future interventions to make the match process more equitable for applicants.

Methods

Data regarding surgical specialty applicants was extracted from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)’s 2003 to 2022 reports.

Results

A total of 9,488 applicants ranked surgical specialties as their first choice from 2003–2022. Increases in the proportion of women applicants comparing periods 2003–2007 to 2018–2022 were significant for cardiac surgery (22% to 43%, p = 0.03), general surgery (46% to 60%, p<0.001), orthopedic surgery (23% to 35%, p<0.001), urology (23% to 38%, p<0.001), and all aggregated surgical specialties (‘all surgery’) (45% to 55%, p<0.001). An increase in the proportion of women applicants who matched over the same periods was observed for general surgery (+47% to 60%, p<0.001), orthopedic surgery (24% to 35%, p<0.01), urology (21% to 34%, p<0.001), and all surgery (46% to 54%, p<0.001). From 2003–2022, a lower match rate for women compared to men was observed for otolaryngology (0.60 v 0.69, p = 0.008), urology (0.61 v 0.72, p = 0.003), and all surgery (0.71 v 0.73, p = 0.038), while higher match rates were observed for ophthalmology (0.65 v 0.58, p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences in match rate were observed from 2018–2022.

Conclusions

While the proportion of women applicants to surgical specialties in Canada has been increasing, women remain underrepresented in several surgical specialties. This underrepresentation cannot be solely attributed to fewer women applying to these specialties, as women experience lower success rates when matching to specific surgical specialties. Further research is essential to identify and address the underlying causes of these disparities.