bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product Sales Incentive Spillovers to the Lending Market: Evidence from Subprime Auto Loan Defaults
Authors: Jansen Mark , Pierce Lamar , Snyder Jason , Nguyen Hieu
Published: October 2023

This paper shows how convex incentives in vertical contracts between manufacturers and retailers can induce sales behavior with costs to consumers. We examine this problem in the automotive sector, where manufacturers commonly motivate new vehicle sales through dealer incentive programs with large discrete bonuses determined by monthly sales targets. Using subprime car loans from over 3,500 dealerships, we document high default rates on new car loans originated at the end of the month—the period when dealerships attempt to secure target-based bonuses by intensifying efforts to sell new cars. We provide evidence consistent with the observed higher default rates resulting from customers purchasing new vehicles at month end. New car purchases stretch borrower budgets and expose borrowers to rapid depreciation, which consigns the borrower with negative equity through much of the loan term. Our results imply that the quartile of customers with the highest payment-to-income ratio see default rates increase from 13.6% to 19.7% on the last day of the month. Although consumers bear high costs from increased defaults, we find no evidence that lenders that purchase the loans are hurt by the default increase. Our results demonstrate how the behaviors induced by convex incentive schemes for sales are borne by customers.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4935 .
Exclusión social y VIH: descubriendo la unidad de valoración y atención a la asistencia domiciliaria (UVAAD) en el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
Authors: González Carbajo González CarbajoPatricia
Published: October 2023

Este trabajo es un análisis de una de las unidades existentes en el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón que trabaja con pacientes infectados/as por VIH, con el fin de dar a conocer las intervenciones realizadas por los/as trabajadores/as sociales de esta unidad, desde el inicio y puesta en funcionamiento en el año 1997 con los primeros casos, hasta la actualidad (2021), así como la realidad social que viven los/as pacientes que conviven con la enfermedad con respecto a la exclusión social que sufren. Para la realización de este artículo se observó el funcionamiento de la Unidad durante cuatro días junto con información obtenida de los relatos de las dos trabajadoras sociales cuya trayectoria profesional se basa en la actuación con estos/as pacientes.
El informe social como herramienta identitaria del Trabajo Social
Authors: Dorado Barbé Ana , Munuera Gómez Pilar , Pérez Viejo Jesús M.ª
Published: October 2023

El informe social en un dictamen técnico elaborado exclusivamente por profesionales del Trabajo Social donde se recoge la información relevante de una determinada situación social, así como la valoración profesional y la propuesta de actuación. Su objetivo principal consiste en informar sobre una situación personal, familiar, grupal o comunitaria en base a un juicio profesional, con la finalidad de ofrecer respuestas adecuadas para mejorar dicha situación. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo compartir con el ámbito académico y profesional reflexiones en torno a la importancia del informe social como elemento identitario del Trabajo Social, así como su relevancia en la visibilización de la profesión en el ámbito social desde las buenas prácticas profesionales. Asimismo, pretende proporcionar claves para su análisis y sistematización como práctica habitual en Trabajo Social.
Euhemerus and Euhemerism in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
Authors: Schlichter Felix
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This paper looks at the way in which scholars of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries conceptualized the relationship between sacred history and pagan mythology through the lens of their approach to the ancient Greek writer Euhemerus. It argues that the popular contemporary tendency to equate Euhemerism with the historical interpretation of pagan mythology is the product of early eighteenth century French mythography, during which time scholars divested the study of pagan myth from the study of biblical history and thereby sought for new, non-Christian, hermeneutical traditions through which to analyze the origins of pagan mythology more generally.
The Trials of the American Snow George in the British Atlantic, 1805–6
Authors: Reid Phillip
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The story of the George in 1805–6 drives home what "British Atlantic" really means. The owner and crew of this ordinary US merchant vessel tried the North Atlantic and Caribbean to make a profit buying, shipping, and selling products—and people—in a commercial environment so dominated by the world's greatest maritime empire that those excluded from the privileges of membership in that empire faced far more adversity than the already considerable hazards posed by the sea and the vagaries of the market. The concerns, ambitions, and challenges of the men of the George , and of those with whom they interacted, come through clearly in a narrative revealed almost completely by surviving primary documents, allowing us aboard the George as the snow's crew experienced the British Atlantic from North America to Ireland to the Caribbean.
"Arnold the Traitor": George Lippard, the Mexican-American War, and the Search for an Antebellum George Washington, 1846–1852
Authors: Swenson Benjamin J.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: During the Mexican-American War (1848–1846), Pennsylvania native and literary giant George Lippard promoted the nation-changing conflict by invoking the heroes and villains of the revolutionary era—most notably Benedict Arnold. An active member of the urban Democratic movement Locofocoism, Lippard used Arnold's infamy to paint political opponents and Mexican War skeptics as traitors while actively seeking to recruit the conflict's hero, General Zachary Taylor, for the presidential election of 1848 as a non-party candidate and antebellum era George Washington. Disillusioned by Taylor's affiliation with the Whig Party, Lippard went on before his death to form a secret society to further his expansionist goals. Although previous historians have examined Lippard's political activities, scholars have overlooked his role in propagating Arnold's traitorous legacy during a contentious period in American history.
Advanced metamaterial devices for broadband mode conversion and multiplexing
Authors: Velasco Aitor V. , González-Andrade David , de Cabo Raquel Fernández , Vilas Jaime , Olivares Irene , Dias Antonio , Luque-González José Manuel , Wangüemert-Pérez J. Gonzalo , Ortega-Moñux Alejandro , Molina-Fernández Íñigo , Halir Robert , Cheben Pavel
Published: October 2023

In this invited contribution, we present our recent advances in metamaterial devices for mode conversion and multiplexing in silicon photonics. We report on performance enhancements through subwavelength structures and explore novel topologies for higher-order mode operation.
Self-training of nanophotonic electromagnetic simulator leveraging generative models
Authors: Kim Junhyeong , Neseli Berkay , Kim Jae-Yong , Yoon Jinhyeong , Jeon Sumin , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

We propose a self-training process of an electromagnetic simulator implemented with generative models. Nanophotonic structures are generated without time-consuming electromagnetic simulations and are added to the original dataset to increase the accuracy of networks.
O-Band Quantum Dot Colliding Pulse Mode-Locked laser for Tbps transmission
Authors: Huang Jingzhi , Wang Zihao , Wang Ting , Zhang Jianjun
Published: October 2023

We have demonstrated an QD-CPML to generate 20 OFCs with 100 GHz spacing. Each channel has optical linewidth of 440 kHz and NRZ modulation rates of 70 Gb/s and PAM4 modulation rates of 40 Gbaud/s.
Octave-spanning, deterministic single soliton generation in 4H-silicon carbide-on-insulator microring resonators
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhou Liping , Wang Chengli , Zhao Yanjing , Yi Ailun , Yvind Kresten , Ou Xin , Pu Minhao
Published: October 2023

We present a versatile method combining dispersion management and the laser cooling technique to achieve deterministic single-soliton generation. We demonstrate an octave-spanning single-soliton comb in a high-Q SiC-on-insulator microresonator with low operation power.
Silicon-Based Polarization Independent CWDM Optical Demultiplexer with TM-mode Rejection Filters
Authors: Jeong Seok-Hwan , Park Heuk , Lee Joon Ki
Published: October 2023

Si-wire-based polarization independent CWDM demultiplexing was experimentally verified. TM-mode rejection filters integrated with mode conversion-type polarization splitter-rotator and 4-channel optical DeMUXs made polarization crosstalk much lower than −25 dB, maintaining the performance of optical DeMUX.
Laser-Induced Liquid Deformation Driven by the Marangoni Effect
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lin Feng , Hu Jonathan , Wang Zhiming , Bao Jiming
Published: October 2023

We studied laser-induced liquid indentations generated by the Marangoni effect. We showed experimental results along with the simulation model based on the lubrication theory.
Highly Oriented PZT Films on MgO (002) Platform for Polarization Independent Electro-Optic Modulation
Authors: Suraj  , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate a polarization-independent Si grating and waveguide on a highly oriented PZT-on-MgO platform with coupling of -3 dB/coupler for TE and TM mode. Electro-optic modulation of 71 pm/V is obtained using MZI on PZT.
Investigation of Forward and Backward Light Propagation in Silicon Waveguide Junctions (as Photon Valves)
Authors: Irfan Sabaina , kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

Non-reciprocal devices are long sought after in photonics. We investigated possibility of controlling forward and backward flow of light in inverse designed silicon junction and in effect showed about 14db transmission contrast in two directions.
Inverse Design of Ultra-Compact Silicon Add-Drop Filter Using Topology Optimization
Authors: Kim Jae-Yong , Fasih Muhammad , Neseli Berkay , Yoon Jinhyeong , Kim Junhyeong , Hong Seokjin , Ifran Sabaina , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

We propose an inverse-designed silicon add-drop filter with topology optimization. Our results show an insertion loss of 0.9 dB and an extinction ratio of 11.2 dB with an ultra-compact size of 6.5 × 3 μm2.
Optical Anisotropy of NbOCl2
Authors: Wu Shuin Jian , Ho Yi Wei , Ahmadalidokht Isa , Eda Goki , Ling Alexander
Published: October 2023

Guo et al, 2023, report that NbOCl2 is a novel thin-material SPDC source. This work presents optical measurements on thick flakes of the material to understand the conditions for performing SPDC.
Application of Deep Learning in Laser Measurement
Authors: Zhao Haichuan , Wu Yong , Zhao Bin , Wu Junjie , Feng Gang , Luan Kunpeng , Wang Fei , Wang Zhenbao , Wang Dahui , Yang Pengling
Published: October 2023

The existence of speckle leads to errors in diffuse reflection imaging of laser spot, and deep learning can eliminate the errors and directly provide accurate spot distribution.
Resonant Plasmonic Metasurface in the Mid-IR based on Alternate Plasmonic Material
Authors: Majumder Debaleena , Asokan Sundarrajan , Ghosh Ambarish
Published: October 2023

This work demonstrates the efficacy of engineered Aluminium doped Zinc Oxide to support an enhanced mid-IR plasmonic resonance which can be directly visualized from a significant 23% drop in mid-IR transmission measurements.
Predicting Module Performance from Cell and Module Parameters Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ernst Marco , Wagner-Mohnsen Hannes , Wasmer Sven , Klöter Bernhard , Altermatt Pietro P.
Published: October 2023

We use machine learning and device physics to analyze mass-produced solar modules, identifying factors that affect performance. Our approach is demonstrated by simulating 10,000 PERC solar cells and 2,000 half-cell modules using numerical device simulations. Our flexible approach can be applied to real data from production lines and scenarios.
Packetponder with open-source management system for future packet-optical networks
Authors: Raulin Julie , Davey Gawen , Verbishchuk Yuliya , Jeffries Alexander , Sreenan Cormac J. , Garcia Gunning Fatima C.
Published: October 2023

This paper further expands on the concept of packetponder by showing in vivo, in-situ wavelength tunability of common form factor pluggable transceivers using open disaggregated hardware, open source software and open APIs.
Asymmetric Fabry-Perot resonators based on metal islands films
Authors: Sancho-Parramon Jordi , Janicki Vesna , Samec Željko , Bregović Vesna Blažek
Published: October 2023

It is shown that a three-layer Fabry-Perot resonator consisting of a bottom metal layer, a dielectric spacer and a metal island film can show diverse optical functionality depending on the morphology of the island film.
Second Harmonic Generation in Colloidal MoS2 Nanorods
Authors: Lambora Simran , K. M. Jyothsna , Bag Urmila , Raghunathan Varun , Bhardwaj Asha
Published: October 2023

We report synthesis of blue emitting MoS2 nanorods using colloidal heat-up method with blue-shifted absorption and photoluminescence spectra compared to 2D and bulk counterpart. Second harmonic generation is observed in nanorods with 2-fold polarization symmetry.
Modal Localization in Disordered Hyperbolic Lattices
Authors: Park Hyungchul , Park Seungkyun , Kim Gyunghun , Park Namkyoo , Yu Sunkyu
Published: October 2023

We investigate modal localization of light in disordered hyperbolic lattices. We examine modal area at the bulk of a disordered hyperbolic lattice, which demonstrates that high degree in the lattice leads to the delocalization.
Diffractive Nano Optics – Applications from X-ray to Infrared
Authors: Döring F. , Eschimese D. , Mamyrbayev T. , Sander F. , Döring C. , Al Jassin E. , Erjawetz J. , Kubec A.
Published: October 2023

Diffractive nano optics enable precise control and manipulation of optical wave fronts, offering unique functionalities impossible with refractive optics. Their small size and robustness make them useful across the electromagnetic spectrum, from infrared to X-rays. We develop nanolithography techniques to fabricate high-performance diffractive optics, including transmission achromatic optics, blazed reflection gratings, and ultra-high resolution flat optics. Here, we use a variety of materials to construct these optics, including diamond, polymeric, and metallic materials. The authors discuss recent developments in fabricating diffractive nano optics and outline future trends in the field.
Control of Long-Range Gold Nanoparticles Networks in Liquid Crystals and their Topological Characterization
Authors: D'Alessandro Giampaolo , Podoliak Nina , Madeleine Tristan , Solis Ingrid Membrillo , Kaczmarek Malgosia , Orlova Tetiana , Brodzki Jacek
Published: October 2023

The formation of long-range networks of nanoparticles in liquid crystals is controlled and reconfigured by applied voltage and temperature. We use topological data analysis to provide quantitative dimensional and structural description of such complex assemblies.
Topological Learning and disorder for the classification and design of structured metasurfaces
Authors: Brodzki Jacek , Madeleine Tristan , Solis Ingrid Membrillo , Podoliak Nina , Buchnev Oleksandr , D’Alessandro Giampaolo , Kaczmarek Malgosia
Published: October 2023

We propose a Topological Learning approach to quantify disorder and correlate it with the physical properties of plasmonic nanostructures. It aids the design of materials with the desired optical properties at the reduced fabrication costs.
Enhanced near-infrared photodetection via whispering gallery modes in the wave-shaped sidewall silicon nanopillar arrays
Authors: Choi Minkeun , Kwak Hyeon-Tak , Kim Hyangwoo , Yoo Hyeongseok , Park Ju Hong , Baek Chang-Ki
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate a near-infrared (NIR) photodiode (PD) by using a wave-shaped sidewall silicon nanopillars (WS-SiNPs) structure. The designed WS sidewall nanostructure increases the horizontal component of incident light and induces multiple whispering-gallery modes with low-quality factor, which increases the light absorption path. Thus, the WS-SiNP PD shows improved spectral responsivity and external quantum efficiency over straight sidewall silicon nanopillars and planar PDs in the NIR region. Especially, the peak responsivity of 0.648 A/W is achieved at a wavelength of 905 nm, which is used for light detection and ranging. Comparison with commercial photodiodes demonstrates the good optoelectrical characteristics of the fabricated device. The improved characteristics are validated by 3D finite differential time domain simulations. Based on these results, our device shows the potential for cost-effective Si-based optoelectronic devices to be utilized in future advanced applications.
Pseudo-Phase Noise Distributed Symbol Ciphered QAM Using Time-Spreading Joint-multiple Cipher Keys
Authors: Shimada Keiji , Misumi Masahiro , Kodama Takahiro
Published: October 2023

A secure symbol-encrypted QAM with pseudo-phase noise distribution by time-spreading joint-multiple cipher keys have been proposed. We analytically show that an eavesdropper who does not know the time-spreading value can obtain only low mutual information.
DP-16QAM O-band Intradyne Coherent Links with Lite Component
Authors: Yao Chaonan , Zhu Yanjun , Zhang Hua , Zhao Qisheng
Published: October 2023

We report results of 800G and 400G DP-16QAM transmission link from 2 km to 20 km at O-band. For coherent lite in short-reach communications, tolerance to 1 MHz laser linewidth and significant performance are achieved.
Triple-band WDM Transmission Techniques for >100-Tb/s Capacities with Bandwidth of >10 THz
Authors: Hamaoka F. , Nakamura M. , Takahashi M. , Kobayashi T. , Miyamoto Y. , Kisaka Y.
Published: October 2023

This paper provides an overview of the trends in >100-Tb/s single-mode fiber transmission using >10-THz ultra-wideband WDM technologies. We also present our recent research results on triple-band WDM transmission applying >1-Tb/s/λ high-symbol-rate technology.
Combining the dynamic model and deep neural networks to identify the intensity of interventions during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: He Mengqi , Tang Sanyi , Xiao Yanni
Published: October 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, control measures, especially massive contact tracing following prompt quarantine and isolation, play an important role in mitigating the disease spread, and quantifying the dynamic contact rate and quarantine rate and estimate their impacts remain challenging. To precisely quantify the intensity of interventions, we develop the mechanism of physics-informed neural network (PINN) to propose the extended transmission-dynamics-informed neural network (TDINN) algorithm by combining scattered observational data with deep learning and epidemic models. The TDINN algorithm can not only avoid assuming the specific rate functions in advance but also make neural networks follow the rules of epidemic systems in the process of learning. We show that the proposed algorithm can fit the multi-source epidemic data in Xi’an, Guangzhou and Yangzhou cities well, and moreover reconstruct the epidemic development trend in Hainan and Xinjiang with incomplete reported data. We inferred the temporal evolution patterns of contact/quarantine rates, selected the best combination from the family of functions to accurately simulate the contact/quarantine time series learned by TDINN algorithm, and consequently reconstructed the epidemic process. The selected rate functions based on the time series inferred by deep learning have epidemiologically reasonable meanings. In addition, the proposed TDINN algorithm has also been verified by COVID-19 epidemic data with multiple waves in Liaoning province and shows good performance. We find the significant fluctuations in estimated contact/quarantine rates, and a feedback loop between the strengthening/relaxation of intervention strategies and the recurrence of the outbreaks. Moreover, the findings show that there is diversity in the shape of the temporal evolution curves of the inferred contact/quarantine rates in the considered regions, which indicates variation in the intensity of control strategies adopted in various regions.
The impact of residency training in family medicine on hospital admissions due to Ambulatory-care Sensitive Conditions in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Jantsch Adelson Guaraci , Burström Bo , Nilsson Gunnar H. , Ponce de Leon Antônio
Published: October 2023

Lack of skilled human resources in primary care remains a major concern for policymakers in low- and middle-income countries. There is little evidence supporting the impact of residency training in family medicine in the quality of care, and it perpetuates misconceptions among policymakers that the provision of primary care can be easily done by any physician without special training. This article compares the risk of patients being hospitalized due to Ambulatory care sensitive conditions and the odds of having follow-up visits in primary care after hospital discharge, according to the type of their medical provider: (1) Generalists (reference), (2) Family physicians; and, (3) patients with no consultations prior to the event. Multilevel multivariate binomial regression models estimated the relative risks of a patient being hospitalized in a given month and the relative risks for the occurrence of a follow-up visit in primary care in a retrospective cohort of 636.640 patients between January 2013 and July 2018 in Rio de Janeiro. For all 14 conditions, there was a higher risk of hospitalization when patients had no consultation in primary care prior to the event. Except for Ear, Nose and Throat infections, patients seen by family physicians had a lower risk of being hospitalized, compared to patients seen by Generalists. Follow-up visits were more likely to happen among patients treated by family physicians for almost every condition analyzed. With two years of training in family medicine, Family physicians can reduce the risk of their patients being hospitalized and increase the likelihood of those patients having a follow-up consultation in primary care. Investments in residency training in family medicine should be made to fix the shortage of skilled physicians in primary care, reduce hospitalizations and improve quality and continuity of care.
A spatially uniform illumination source for widefield multi-spectral optical microscopy
Authors: Çelebi İris , Aslan Mete , Ünlü M. Selim
Published: October 2023

Illumination uniformity is a critical parameter for excitation and data extraction quality in widefield biological imaging applications. However, typical imaging systems suffer from spatial and spectral non-uniformity due to non-ideal optical elements, thus require complex solutions for illumination corrections. We present Effective Uniform Color-Light Integration Device (EUCLID), a simple and cost-effective illumination source for uniformity corrections. EUCLID employs a diffuse-reflective, adjustable hollow cavity that allows for uniform mixing of light from discrete light sources and modifies the source field distribution to compensate for spatial non-uniformity introduced by optical components in the imaging system. In this study, we characterize the light coupling efficiency of the proposed design and compare the uniformity performance with the conventional method. EUCLID demonstrates a remarkable illumination improvement for multi-spectral imaging in both Nelsonian and Koehler alignment with a maximum spatial deviation of ≈ 1% across a wide field-of-view.
Effects of HSP70 chaperones Ssa1 and Ssa2 on Ste5 scaffold and the mating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Farley Francis W. , McCully Ryan R. , Maslo Paul B. , Yu Lu , Sheff Mark A. , Sadeghi Homayoun , Elion Elaine A.
Published: October 2023

Ste5 is a prototype of scaffold proteins that regulate activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades in all eukaryotes. Ste5 associates with many proteins including Gβγ (Ste4), Ste11 MAPKKK, Ste7 MAPKK, Fus3 and Kss1 MAPKs, Bem1, Cdc24. Here we show that Ste5 also associates with heat shock protein 70 chaperone (Hsp70) Ssa1 and that Ssa1 and its ortholog Ssa2 are together important for Ste5 function and efficient mating responses. The majority of purified overexpressed Ste5 associates with Ssa1. Loss of Ssa1 and Ssa2 has deleterious effects on Ste5 abundance, integrity, and localization particularly when Ste5 is expressed at native levels. The status of Ssa1 and Ssa2 influences Ste5 electrophoresis mobility and formation of high molecular weight species thought to be phosphorylated, ubiquitinylated and aggregated and lower molecular weight fragments. A Ste5 VWA domain mutant with greater propensity to form punctate foci has reduced predicted propensity to bind Ssa1 near the mutation sites and forms more punctate foci when Ssa1 Is overexpressed, supporting a dynamic protein quality control relationship between Ste5 and Ssa1. Loss of Ssa1 and Ssa2 reduces activation of Fus3 and Kss1 MAPKs and FUS1 gene expression and impairs mating shmoo morphogenesis. Surprisingly, ssa1, ssa2, ssa3 and ssa4 single, double and triple mutants can still mate, suggesting compensatory mechanisms exist for folding. Additional analysis suggests Ssa1 is the major Hsp70 chaperone for the mating and invasive growth pathways and reveals several Hsp70-Hsp90 chaperone-network proteins required for mating morphogenesis.
Sex differences in risk factors for incident peripheral artery disease hospitalisation or death: Cohort study of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Xu Ying , Harris Katie , Pouncey Anna Louise , Carcel Cheryl , Low Gary , Peters Sanne A. E. , Woodward Mark
Published: October 2023

Background

Women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often have atypical symptoms, late hospital presentations, and worse prognosis. Risk factor identification and management are important. We assessed sex differences in associations of risk factors with PAD.

Methods

500,207 UK Biobank participants (54.5% women, mean age 56.5 years) without prior hospitalisation of PAD at baseline were included. Examined risk factors included blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lipids, adiposity, history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), socioeconomic status, kidney function, C-reactive protein, and alcohol consumption. Poisson and Cox regressions were used to estimate sex-specific incidence of PAD hospitalisation or death, hazard ratios (HRs), and women-to-men ratios of HRs (RHR) with confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Over a median of 12.6 years, 2658 women and 5002 men had a documented PAD. Age-adjusted incidence rates were higher in men. Most risk factors were associated with a higher risk of PAD in both sexes. Compared with men, women who were smokers or had a history of stroke or MI had a greater excess risk of PAD (relative to those who never smoked or had no history of stroke or MI): RHR 1.18 (95%CI 1.04, 1.34), 1.26 (1.02, 1.55), and 1.50 (1.25, 1.81), respectively. Higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was more strongly associated with a lower risk of PAD in women than men, RHR 0.81 (0.68, 0.96). Compared to HDL-C at 40 to 60 mg/dL, the lowest level of HDL-C (≤40 mg/dL) was related to greater excess risk in women, RHR 1.20 (1.02, 1.41), whereas the highest level of HDL-C (>80 mg/dL) was associated with lower risk of PAD in women, but higher risk in men, RHR 0.50 (0.38, 0.65).

Conclusions

While the incidence of PAD was higher in men, smoking and a history of stroke or MI were more strongly associated with a higher risk of PAD in women than men. HDL-C was more strongly associated with a lower risk of PAD in women than men.
Antibody escape, the risk of serotype formation, and rapid immune waning: Modeling the implications of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion
Authors: Albright Catherine , Van Egeren Debra , Thakur Aditya , Chakravarty Arijit , White Laura F. , Stoddard Madison
Published: October 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, widespread community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has ushered in a volatile era of viral immune evasion rather than the much-heralded stability of “endemicity” or “herd immunity.” At this point, an array of viral strains has rendered essentially all monoclonal antibody therapeutics obsolete and strongly undermined the impact of vaccinal immunity on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In this work, we demonstrate that antibody escape resulting in evasion of pre-existing immunity is highly evolutionarily favored and likely to cause waves of short-term transmission. In the long-term, invading strains that induce weak cross-immunity against pre-existing strains may co-circulate with those pre-existing strains. This would result in the formation of serotypes that increase disease burden, complicate SARS-CoV-2 control, and raise the potential for increases in viral virulence. Less durable immunity does not drive positive selection as a trait, but such strains may transmit at high levels if they establish. Overall, our results draw attention to the importance of inter-strain cross-immunity as a driver of transmission trends and the importance of early immune evasion data to predict the trajectory of the pandemic.
Efficacy of the Feliway® Classic Diffuser in reducing undesirable scratching in cats: A randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Pereira Joana Soares , Salgirli Demirbas Yasemin , Meppiel Laurianne , Endersby Sarah , da Graça Pereira Gonçalo , De Jaeger Xavier
Published: October 2023

Scratching the environment is a natural behaviour that cats use for communication and physical maintenance purposes, however when it is carried out on household furniture it is considered unacceptable for some owners and even grounds for relinquishment of cats. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of FELIWAY®Classic Diffuser in reducing undesirable scratching (scratching vertical surfaces indoors other than the scratching post) in cats. A 28 day, randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study with a total of 1060 caregiver-cat dyads was conducted. The study contained two groups: the Pheromone Group consisted of caregivers who were given a pheromone diffuser (n = 546) and the Placebo Group consisted of caregivers who were given a placebo diffuser (n = 514). A questionnaire with three subsections was distributed online. The first section, completed by the respondents at day 0, inquired about the cats’ daily routines, social and physical environments, behaviour, temperament, and emotional states. The second section filled on day 0, 7, 14, and 28, assessed the Frequency and the Intensity of the undesirable scratching problem and the effectiveness of the product. The last section, filled on the 28th day of the product application, related to the caregivers’ opinions about the product and overall outcome. After 28 days the scratching Frequency reduced for 83.5% of the cats in the Pheromone Group and 68.5% for the Placebo Group (p<0.0001). The Intensity was significantly different between treatment groups at D7 (p = 0.0170), at D14 (p = 0.0189) and at D28 (p<0.001). The reduction of the Global Index Score, which was calculated by multiplying the Intensity with the Frequency, was significantly higher for the Pheromone Group (p<0.001). This study provides direct evidence that the use of FELIWAY®Classic diffuser significantly reduces the Frequency, Intensity and the Global Index Score of undesirable scratching.
Speech errors in consecutive interpreting: Effects of language proficiency, working memory, and anxiety
Authors: Zhao Nan , Cai Zhenguang G. , Dong Yanping
Published: October 2023

Interpreting can be seen as a form of language production, where interpreters extract conceptual information from the source language and express it in the target language. Hence, like language production, interpreting contains speech errors at various (e.g., conceptual, syntactic, lexical and phonological) levels. The current study delved into the impact of language proficiency, working memory, and anxiety on the occurrence of speech errors across these linguistic strata during consecutive interpreting from English (a second language) into Chinese (a first language) by student interpreters. We showed that speech errors in general decreased as a function of the interpreter’s proficiency in the source (second) language and increased as a function of the interpreter’s anxiety. Conceptual errors, which result from mistaken comprehension of the source language, decreased as a function of language proficiency and working memory. Lexical errors increased as a function of the interpreter’s tendency of anxiety. Syntactic errors also decreased as a function of language proficiency and increased as a function of anxiety. Phonological errors were not sensitive to any of the three cognitive traits. We discussed implications for the cognitive processes underlying interpreting and for interpreting training.
Burden of dengue, leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis in India and its states from 1990–2019: Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019)
Authors: Dutta Omprokash , Prasanth Ajay , Kumari Ashu , Akanksha Kumari , Deeba Farah , Salam Nasir
Published: October 2023

Vector-borne diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, constitute significant sources of illness, disability, and mortality among the poor and vulnerable in many countries around the world, including India. Based on the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors study 2019, we analyse the burden of dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, in India from 1990 to 2019. Over this period, there was a reduction in the burden of lymphatic filariasis and leishmaniasis. Notably, dengue emerged as the most common vector-borne disease, exhibiting high fatality rate above 15 years of age and the highest DALY within 15–49 age group. Additionally, dengue cases surged substantially between 1990 and 2019. Leishmaniasis related mortality and DALY declined in the year 2019 compared to the year 1990, with high mortality and DALY in the 0-49-year-old age group. For lymphatic filariasis, DALY was more pronounce among those in the 15–49-year age group, which underwent reduction in 2019. Males had a higher burden in other vector-borne diseases than females, although females had a slightly elevated dengue burden. These findings highlight the evolving epidemiological trends related to vector-borne diseases in India, over the last three decades and underline the critical significance of sustained efforts for the elimination and control of vector-borne diseases.
Focused analysis of RNFL decay in glaucomatous eyes using circular statistics on high-resolution OCT data
Authors: Ali Md. Hasnat , Ray Meghana , Jammalamadaka S. Rao , Senthil Sirisha , Srinivas M. B. , Pyne Saumyadipta
Published: October 2023

We generated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data of much higher resolution than usual on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of a given eye. These consist of measurements made at hundreds of angular-points defined on a circular coordinate system. Traditional analysis of OCT RNFL data does not utilize insightful characteristics such as its circularity and granularity for common downstream applications. To address this, we present a new circular statistical framework that defines an Angular Decay function and thereby provides a directionally precise representation of an eye with attention to patterns of focused RNFL loss. By applying to a clinical cohort of Asian Indian eyes, the generated circular data were modeled with a finite mixture of von Mises distributions, which led to an unsupervised identification in different age-groups of recurrent clusters of glaucomatous eyes with distinct directional signatures of RNFL decay. New indices of global and local RNFL loss were computed for comparing the structural differences between these glaucoma clusters across the age-groups and improving classification. Further, we built a catalog of directionally precise statistical distributions of RNFL thickness for the said population of normal eyes as stratified by their age and optic disc size.
Analyses of the ratio of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness to vessel density according to age in healthy eyes
Authors: Lee Woo-Hyuk , Na Yong-Jin , Lim Hyung-Bin , Sung Jae-Yun , Kim Jung-Yeul , Lee Min-Woo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To identify how the inner retinal layer and microvasculature change with age by analyzing the relationships of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, vessel density (VD), and the ratio of these measurements with age in healthy eyes.

Methods

Participants were divided into five groups according to age. The GC-IPL thickness, VD, and GC-IPL/VD ratio were compared among the groups. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify relationships of GC-IPL/VD ratio with age.

Results

The average GC-IPL thicknesses were 84.84 ± 5.28, 84.22 ± 5.30, 85.20 ± 6.29, 83.29 ± 7.06, and 82.26 ± 5.62 μm in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s age groups, respectively. The VDs were 20.94 ± 1.50, 21.06 ± 1.50, 20.99 ± 1.03, 20.71 ± 0.93, and 19.74 ± 1.73 mm-1 in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s age groups, respectively. The GC-IPL/VD ratio was 4.05, 4.00, 4.06, 4.02, and 4.17 in each group, respectively, and the ratio of the 60s age group was significantly higher than that of other groups. In linear regression analyses, the GC-IPL/VD ratio was significantly associated with age in the participants aged ≥ 50 years (B = 0.014, P = 0.013), whereas it was not in the participants aged < 50 years (B = 0.003, P = 0.434).

Conclusions

GC-IPL thickness and macular VD showed a tendency to decrease beginning in the 50s age group and the GC-IPL/VD ratio was significantly increased in the 60s age group. Additionally, the GC-IPL/VD ratio was positively associated with age in subjects aged ≥ 50 years, which implies a more pronounced decline over time in VD rather than GC-IPL thickness.
Prenatal and postnatal challenges affect the hypothalamic molecular pathways that regulate hormonal levels
Authors: Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L. , Southey Nicole L. , Rund Laurie , Antonson Adrienne M. , Nowak Romana A. , Johnson Rodney W.
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to improve our understanding of how the hypothalamus mediates the effects of prenatal and postnatal challenges on behavior and sensitivity to stimuli. A pig model of virally initiated maternal immune activation (MIA) was used to investigate potential interactions of the prenatal challenge both with sex and with postnatal nursing withdrawal. The hypothalami of 72 females and males were profiled for the effects of MIA and nursing withdrawal using RNA-sequencing. Significant differential expression (FDR-adjusted p value < 0.05) was detected in the profile of 222 genes. Genes involved in the Gene Ontology biological process of regulation of hormone levels tended to be over-expressed in individuals exposed to both challenges relative to individuals exposed to either one challenge, and most of these genes were over-expressed in MIA females relative to males across nursing levels. Differentially expressed genes included Fshb, Ttr, Agrp, Gata3, Foxa2, Tfap2b, Gh1, En2, Cga, Msx1, and Npy. The study also found that prenatal and postnatal challenges, as well as sex, impacted the regulation of neurotransmitter activity and immune effector processes in the hypothalamus. In particular, the olfactory transduction pathway genes were over-expressed in weaned MIA males, and several transcription factors were potentially found to target the differentially expressed genes. Overall, these results highlight how multiple environmental challenges can interact and affect the molecular mechanisms of the hypothalamus, including hormonal, immune response, and neurotransmitter processes.
Verification of documentation plausibility in equine passports–drug documentation for geldings in comparison to self-reported veterinarian drug usage for equine castrations in Germany
Authors: Schneider Shary Tamara , Isbrandt Rudi , Gehlen Heidrun , Langkabel Nina , Meemken Diana
Published: October 2023

The ‘positive list for equines’ (Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006) was implemented in the European Union in 2006. The drugs listed are approved for use in slaughter equines under certain conditions, although those drugs are not approved for use in livestock and are not listed in Table 1 of the annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010. The usage of such drugs has to be documented in the equine passport and a withdrawal period of six months must be adhered to before the equine can be slaughtered for human consumption. Since the withdrawal period is long, correct documentation is particularly important. This study compared the results of two sub-studies. In sub-study 1, 116 veterinarians and nine equine clinics in Germany were surveyed about the methods and drugs used for castration of equine stallions. In sub-study 2, the documentational findings of 195 equine passports, belonging to 194 horses and one donkey, were analyzed. Regarding sub-study 1, the most commonly used method for castration was reported as ‘laid down’. Drug combinations entailing at least one drug from the ‘positive list’ were used by 86.7% (91/105) of veterinarians castrating horse stallions ‘laid down’ and by 64.3% (36/56) of veterinarians utilizing this method on donkey stallions. Regarding sub-study 2, drug documentation was verified in the passports of 4.6% (9/195) of all equines and in just 12.0% (3/25) of those belonging to slaughter equine geldings. Anesthetics from the ‘positive list’ were documented in 4.0% (1/25) of equine passports belonging to slaughter geldings. Because of the high discrepancy of the drug combinations used by veterinarians and the documentation actually found in equine passports, we conclude that drug administration is very seldom documented in equine passports in Germany. This could result in drug residues in equine meat and poses a potential risk for consumers.
Level of minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Ugandan districts
Authors: Kimuli Derrick , Nakaggwa Florence , Kasule Kenneth , Kiconco Immaculate , Nyakwezi Sheila , Sevume Solome , Mubiru Nobert , Mwehire Daniel , Katwesige Justine Fay , Nsubuga Rebecca N. , Amuron Barbara , Bukenya Daraus , Wandera Bonnie , Namuwenge Norah
Published: October 2023

Uganda has made notable progress in improving child nutrition indicators, albeit not fast enough to meet global targets. Navigating the landscape of child nutrition in Uganda demands attention, particularly in light of the necessity for a minimum acceptable diet (MAD) for children aged 12–23 months. While the focus on local nutritional planning is crucial, the absence of routine-specific nutritional status data creates a significant information gap. To bridge this void, this study used datasets from the 2021 Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) survey. Data were analysed using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression (clustering districts based on regional boundaries) at a 5% statistical significance level using STATA version 17. Of the 7,111 children surveyed, 3,256 (49.20%) received the minimum meal frequency, 695 (9.80%) received the minimum dietary diversity, and only 380 (5.34%) received the MAD. There was a notable variation in the proportion of children that received the MAD across regions and districts. Children living in urban areas, children whose mothers had a higher education, and children whose mothers had a diverse diet were more likely to receive the MAD. Children were less likely to receive the MAD if they lived in a household that did not receive a health worker visit within the year. These findings suggest a need to prioritize initiatives aimed at increasing dietary diversity among children in Uganda. This could be done through a variety of approaches, such as leveraging the use of home gardens to boost nutrition through diverse crop cultivation, demonstration gardens, and offering nutrition counselling through village health teams.
Overview of oral health status and associated risk factors in maritime settings: An updated systematic review
Authors: Nguyen Tuan P. A. , Gautam Sanju , Mahato Sweta , Jensen Olaf Chresten , Haghighian-Roudsari Arezoo , Baygi Fereshteh
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to provide an updated overview of the oral health status and associated risk factors in maritime settings.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and SCOPUS from January 2010 to April 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The quality of included studies was assessed using relevant assessment tools.

Results

A total of 260 records were found in the initial search; 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most studies had descriptive design, and only two randomized controlled trials were found. The main oral health issues noted are oral cancer, dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral mucosal lesions, and dental emergency. Male seafarers have higher risk of oral cancers in the tongue, lips, and oral cavity while oral mucosal lesions are more prevalent among fishermen.

Conclusions

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are prevalent in both seafarers and fishermen. The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, fermentable carbohydrate, and poor oral hygiene are risk factors that affect the oral health status at sea. The occurrence of oral diseases in maritime setting requires more attention of researchers and authorities to develop strategies to tackle these issues.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration number in PROSPERO:CRD42020168692.
Analyzing sales of the Korean restaurant franchise during the COVID-19 pandemic with the mixed-effects model approach
Authors: Lee Changro , Koo Youngmo
Published: October 2023

Using point-of-sales (POS) data, the sales trends of 48 member stores of a Korean restaurant franchise during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. As daily sales are nested in each member store of a franchise, the hierarchical structure of POS data was fully and effectively utilized by employing a mixed-effects model. The results showed that although sales volumes in all member stores were negatively affected by the pandemic, the level of impact varied according to store location: sales at some stores were drastically reduced, while a few others even achieved a slight increase in sales during the pandemic. These findings suggest that the government support policy for small business owners should be designed in a locally optimized way, to take account of neighborhood characteristics and the degree of sales loss for individual business owners.
A Case of Early Barrett's Adenocarcinoma With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Sumi Naoki , Haruma Ken , Hisamoto Nobumi , Inoue Kazuhiko , Mabe Katsuhiro , Manabe Noriaki , Kawahara Yoshiro , Okada Hiroyuki , Takao Toshihiro
Published: October 2023

A 61-year-old man presented with epigastric pain and underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A strongly erythematous area was found in the short segment of the Barrett's esophagus, and a biopsy revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Linear furrows were observed in the lower esophagus, and a biopsy of the lesion revealed eosinophil infiltration of 30 eosinophils per high-power field. Therefore, a diagnosis of Barrett's adenocarcinoma with eosinophilic esophagitis was made. Although rare, the incidence of Barrett's adenocarcinoma and eosinophilic esophagitis has been increasing in Japan in recent years, and the number of cases may increase in the future.
Foreword
Authors: Chan Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Dr Jonathan Chan writes about publishing as an early career researcher and the nurture of a vibrant academic community.