bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HISTÓRIAS DO CÁRCERE: ANÁLISE LINGUÍSTICO-DISCURSIVA DAS NARRATIVAS DE DETENTAS DE UMA PENITENCIÁRIA FEMININA STORIES FROM PRISON: LINGUISTIC-DISCURSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NARRATIVES OF INTAKERS OF A WOMEN'S PENITENTIARY
Authors: Facco Piovesan Marta Helena , Sousa Bezerra Marizethe
Published: May 2024

A problemática sobre mulheres no Sistema Prisional Brasileiro ainda é um assunto pouco abordado pela sociedade, inclusive pelos próprios órgãos e instituições responsáveis por esse âmbito. Isso acontece devido à mulher estar vinculada à imagem de vulnerabilidade e o contexto histórico confirma que é mais comum a inserção de homens como penitenciários. Porém, no panorama mundial, o Brasil ocupa a quarta posição dentre os países que mais encarceram mulheres no mundo. Sendo assim esta pesquisa propõe-se saber: Quem são essas mulheres? O que elas têm a contar? Quem foram antes e como se veem após o processo de reclusão? Que contribuições as suas narrativas trazem a outras mulheres na sociedade? Como se constroem discursivamente? Para isso analisa as histórias das mulheres que vivem em reclusão na Penitenciária de Balsas - MA para evidenciar os aspectos discursivos de suas narrativas. A metodologia adota abordagens de pesquisa qualitativa interpretativista, tendo como arcabouços teóricos os estudos de Análise de Narrativas e Análise da Conversação, ainda em se tratando dos procedimentos, é simultaneamente bibliográfica e de campo, realizada por meio de entrevistas narrativas. O discurso ganha destaque no que se refere à oralidade da língua e aos processos textuais da construção do texto falado que possibilitam conhecer os aspectos que compõem as identidades dos participantes de forma a evidenciar o grupo social representado pelas presidiárias. Os resultados revelam a importância do discurso para conhecer um indivíduo, sua trajetória e perspectivas durante a interação.
APRESENTAÇÃO / PRESENTATION
Authors: Oliveira Marcia Lisbôa Costa de , Pasche Marcos Estevão Gomes , Alves Isabella Faustino
Published: May 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê 30 da Pensares em Revista, que  aborda processos educativos e artísticos desenvolvidos com adolescentes, jovens e adultos(as) em conflito com a lei/ em cumprimento de pena/ egressos(as) do sistema prisional. A proposta orientou-se pela busca de espaços de reflexão sobre a garantia de direitos ao conhecimento e à experiência estética durante e após o cumprimento de penas privativas de liberdade e de medidas socioeducativas que tenham culminado em restrição da liberdade. Nesse sentido, reúnem-se aqui resultados de pesquisas, registros de extensão universitária e estudos teóricos levados a efeitos no Brasil em perspectivas transdisciplinares. O conjunto de textos ultrapassa a tensão entre crime/ato infracional e castigo para pensar a importância da educação, da arte e da leitura, considerando-se as suas dimensões políticas, ontológicas e epistêmicas.
A METÁFORA GRAMATICAL IDEACIONAL E SEUS EFEITOS NA ESCRITA ACADÊMICA
Authors: Rottava Lucia , Santorum Karen Andresa Teixeira
Published: May 2024

Este artigo aborda o recurso linguístico metáfora gramatical e reporta como a conscientização acerca desse domínio linguístico impacta na qualidade da escrita em língua inglesa, levando ao domínio da escrita acadêmica. A base teórica segue a Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional (LSF). O conceito central abordado neste artigo é o da metáfora gramatical, que consiste de uma “variação na forma de expressar um dado sentido” (HALLIDAY, 1994, p. 342), considerada como o principal recurso para a escrita científica e acadêmica. O contexto da pesquisa é formado por discentes de uma licenciatura em Letras Português/Inglês de uma universidade filantrópica. O corpus da pesquisa é composto de textos pertencentes a um dos gêneros textuais que circula na academia: o Relatório do Estágio de Observação. Os resultados mostram que após a implementação do Programa Ler para Aprender houve um aumento no número de ocorrências de metáforas gramaticais na escrita em Inglês/LE dos participantes. Esse aumento impactou na qualidade dos textos de um modo geral ao imprimir maior densidade lexical em suas produções.
Para além da classificação gramatical: o ensino da conexão de orações sob perspectiva da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional
Authors: Santos de Castro Thamara , Santos Ane Caroline
Published: May 2024

Para o desenvolvimento de uma competência discursiva pelos estudantes daescola básica, principalmente no que se refere às habilidades de leitura e de escrita, énecessário que se estimule a reflexão sobre os usos dos recursos linguísticos. Assim, éindispensável que exista uma abordagem funcional do trabalho com língua portuguesaem sala de aula. Por isso, com base na perspectiva da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional(HALLIDAY e MATTHIESSEN, 2014), na qual uma língua é interpretada como umsistema de significados, acompanhados de formas por meio das quais os significadospodem ser realizados, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma forma mais pragmáticae menos metalinguística de se tratar o complexo oracional, tradicionalmente conhecidocomo período composto. Por meio de um artigo de opinião, foram selecionadasestruturas oracionais a fim de perceber como estas se relacionam com o propósitocomunicativo do gênero. Dessa maneira, acredita-se em um ensino de gramática a partirda análise das escolhas léxico-gramaticais, considerando o texto em sua construçãoprocessual, o que possibilitará aos alunos maior autonomia em diferentes contextos depráticas sociais.
PROBLEMAS DA LINGUÍSTICA NORMATIVA BRASILEIRA
Authors: Bispo Marcos
Published: May 2024

Este artigo é um exercício de crítica epistemológica a essa abordagem aplicada das ciências da linguagem que chamo de Linguística normativa (LN). Aparentemente, postular a existência de um campo de estudos normativos no interior da Linguística soa como um paradoxo. Estamos acostumados a pensar na Linguística como uma ciência descritiva e que apenas a Gramática Tradicional é normativa. Meu objetivo é questionar a validade dessas classificações e apresentar alguns problemas que a Linguística cria ao tentar se impor como a autoridade legítima em matéria de políticas linguísticas. Tais problemas decorrem de contradições que inundam o campo da LN ao tentar aplicar a racionalidade positivista a problemas que são do âmbito das ciências sociais enquanto objetos de estudo, mas do campo da política quando vistos como práticas sociais. A diferença entre esses domínios é o fio condutor da análise dos problemas da LN, realizada em torno de quatro aspectos: as contradições epistemológicas da LN, as diferenças entre competência linguística e competência comunicativa, as relações entre padronização linguística e poder e os problemas da pedagogia da variação linguística. A problematização desenvolvida ao longo do texto permitiu avançar algumas conclusões relativas aos limites da ciência, que os linguistas normativos têm dificuldade em reconhecer.
Guidance for the provision of absorbent products for adult incontinence
Authors: Kamath Shruti
Published: May 2024

The Association for Continence Professionals first published their guidance for the provision of absorbent products for adult incontinence in 2017. This consensus document is targeted towards commissioning leads, NHS Trust Boards, Bladder and Bowel leads, among others, and has been updated over the years to ensure that all adults who suffer with continence issues undergo a comprehensive assessment and have access to an equitable service. This article provides an overview of the latest guidelines which were published in February 2023.
LIFE AND LIMB: THE SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FOOT COMPLICATIONS IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
Authors: Stowers Marinus , Slykerman Leah , McClean Luke , Senthi Surendra
Published: May 2024

Introduction

A common acute orthopaedic presentation is an ulcerated or infected foot secondary to diabetic neuropathy. Surgical debridement or amputation are often required to manage this complication of diabetes. International literature indicates that amputation may lead to further complications and an increased mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the mortality rate associated with different surgical interventions. This will inform surgical management of patients presenting with acute foot complications from diabetes.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients with diabetic foot infections aged >16 years attending Middlemore Hospital over a 10-year period (2012–2021). Clinical records were examined to determine whether patients were managed with no surgery, surgery but not amputation, or amputation. We recorded relevant baseline characteristics and comorbidities. Regression models were used to determine factors associated with mortality.

Results

Over the study period, 1260 patients were included in analysis. Patients were divided into three groups, a control group who received no surgical intervention (n=554), those receiving surgery but not amputation (n=269), and those who underwent amputation (n=437). After adjustment for potential confounders, mortality rates were significantly higher in those who underwent amputation compared with those who received surgical intervention without amputation. Survival probability at 1 year and 5 years was highest in the surgical intervention but not amputation group.

Conclusion

It is clinically important that there is a lower mortality rate in patients who undergo surgical intervention without amputation. Treatment that aims to salvage the limb rather than amputate should be considered in management of patients with diabetic foot complications to optimise their care.
THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION (ACC)-FUNDED PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE AND TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN AOTEAROA
Authors: Sim Katarina , Zhu Mark , Young Simon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Individuals with significant hip and knee trauma receive total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) as definitive end-stage procedures. In Aotearoa, injury-related costs, including workers compensation, may be funded by ACC. With a steady increase of arthroplasty procedures in Aotearoa, we aim to understand the magnitude and characteristics of such procedures to inform future healthcare strategies.

Method

This is a longitudinal collaborative study from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2020, using ACC and New Zealand Joint Registry databases. Total cost was subcategorised into social and medical cost for analysis.

Results

ACC funded 10179 TKA and 5611 THA, amounting to 918 million New Zealand Dollars. Most clients were between 55 and 65 years of age at time of surgery, with greater representation by Male sex and European prioritised ethnicity. Māori and Pacific peoples represent less than 10% of the study population.

ACC identified requiring more than 182 days of workers’ compensation as a significant marker for needing additional supports. Risk of this was 21% for TKA and 11% for THA, with risk factors being younger age (RR 0.96), Male sex (TKA RR 1.12, THA RR 1.23), and heavy work-types (TKA RR 1.50, THA RR 1.57).

Discussion

Supporting individuals with post-traumatic lower limb arthroplasty is costly. Workers’ compensation contributes to a significant proportion of social expenditure. Risk factors for increased cost utilisation can be used to highlight vulnerable clients and target interventions.

Conclusions

This is one of few nationwide studies investigating the healthcare cost of post-traumatic lower limb arthroplasty. We need to focus on injury prevention, targeted treatment, and rehabilitation protocols to improve recovery and reduce time off work. These findings would be of interest to multiple stakeholders.
DISCOID MENISCUS
Authors: Warindra Taufin
Published: May 2024

Discoid meniscus (DM) is a congenital variant of the knee joint that involves morphological and structural deformation, with potential meniscal instability. The prevalence of the Discoid Lateral Meniscus (DLM) is higher among the Asians than among other races, and both knees are often involved. Meniscal pathology is widely prevalent in the adult population, secondary to acute trauma and chronic degeneration. The true prevalence in children remains unknown, as pathologies such as discoid menisci often go undiagnosed, or are only found incidentally. A torn or unstable discoid meniscus can present with symptoms of knee pain, a snapping or clicking sensation and/or a decrease in functional activity, although it is not known if a specific presentation is indicative of a torn DM. While simple radiographs may provide indirect signs of DLM, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Asymptomatic patients require close follow-up without surgical treatment, while patients with symptoms often require surgery. Partial meniscectomy is currently considered the treatment of choice for DLM. For children are more likely to achieve better results after partial meniscectomy.
SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INTRAOSSEOUS ROPIVACAINE IN LOWER EXTREMITY (SORE) STUDY
Authors: Stowers Marinus , Rahardja Richard , Nicholson Lance , Svirskis Darren , Hannam Jacqueline , Young Simon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Day stay surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is an increasingly common practice and has driven clinicians to come up with postoperative pain regimes that allow same day mobilisation and a safe and timely discharge. There is a paucity of literature surrounding the use of intraosseous (IO) ropivacaine used as a Bier's block to provide both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgery.

Methods

This patient blinded, pilot study randomised 15 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction to receive either IO ropivacaine 1.5 or 2.0 mg/kg; or 300 mg of ropivacaine as local infiltration (standard of care). Toxic plasma levels of ropivacaine have been defined in the literature and therefore the primary outcome for this study was arterial plasma concentration of ropivacaine as a means to determine its safety profile. Samples were taken via an arterial line at prespecified times after tourniquet deflation. Secondary outcomes that we were interested in included immediate postoperative pain scores using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and perioperative opioid equivalent consumption.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 27.8 (SD 9.2) years and 87% (13/15) were male. All patients in the intervention group receiving IO ropivacaine had plasma concentrations well below the threshold for central nervous system (CNS) toxicity (0.60 µg/ml). The highest plasma concentration was achieved in the intervention group receiving 1.5 mg/kg dose of ropivacaine reaching 3.59 mg/ml. This would equate to 0.22 µg/ml of free plasma ropivacaine. There were no differences across the three groups regarding pain scores or perioperative opioid consumption.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that IO administration of 0.2% ropivacaine is both safe and effective in reducing perioperative pain in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. There may be scope to increase the IO dose further or utilise other analgesics via the IO regional route to improve perioperative pain relief.
New good quasi-cyclic codes and codes with improved minimum distance
Authors: Chen Eric , Jönsson Fredrik
Published: May 2024

One of the most important and challenging problems in coding theory is to construct codes with optimal parameters. As a generalization of cyclic codes, quasi-cyclic (QC) codes as well as quasi-twisted (QT) codes have been shown to contain record-breaking codes. In this paper, various computer algorithms have been used to search for good QC codes. A lot of good new QC codes have been found and they have been used to construct new linear codes. A total 11 new codes that improve the bound on the minimum distance are presented.
Lee weight distributions of trace codes over F_q+uF_q from irreducible cyclic codes
Authors: Vega Gerardo
Published: May 2024

The construction of two or few-weight codes from trace codes over the ring Fq + uFq, where u2 = 0, was recently presented in [4]. For such construction, the defining sets for the trace codes are given in terms of cyclotomic classes, and for some of these classes, it is shown that it is possible to obtain the Lee weight distributions of the corresponding trace codes. Motivated by this construction, and by the p-ary semiprimitive irreducible cyclic codes over a prime field Fp, the Lee weight distributions of an infinite family of p-ary three-weight codes from trace codes over the ring Fq + uFq, was recentely found in [11]. In this work, we prove that the Lee weight distribution problem for the trace codes constructed in accordance with either [4] or [11], is equivalent to the weight distribution problem for the irreducible cyclic codes. With this equivalence in mind, and by using the already known weight distributions of an infinite family irreducible cyclic codes (semiprimitive and not semiprimitive), we follow the open problem suggested in the Conclusion of [11] to determine the Lee weight distribution of an infinite family of trace codes over the ring Fq + uFq , that includes the infinite family found in [11].
Zero forcing, graphs on k parallel paths, and linear preservers
Authors: Beasley Leroy B.
Published: May 2024

The zero forcing number of a simple loopless undirected graph, being an upper bound on the path cover number and the maximum nullity of the graph, is an important parameter in the study of the minimum rank problem. In this article, we show that the minimum k for which a graph G is a graph on k parallel paths is an upper bound on the zero forcing number of G, and hence an upper bound on the path number and maximum nullity of G. We also determine an upper bound on the possible size (number of edges) of a graph on k parallel paths. Finally we show that the only linear operators that preserve the zero forcing number of a graph are the vertex permutations.
Sequences of linear codes where the rate times distance grows rapidly
Authors: Alizadeh Faezeh , Glasby Stephen , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: May 2024

For a linear code C of length n with dimension k and minimum distance d, it is desirable that the quantity kd/n is large. Given an arbitrary field F, we introduce a novel, but elementary, construction that produces a recursively defined sequence of F-linear codes C1 , C2 , C3, . . . with parameters [n_i, k_i, d_i ] such that k_id_i/n_i grows quickly in the sense that k_i d_i /n_i > \sqrt{k_i} − 1 > 2i − 1. Another example of quick growth comes from a certain subsequence of Reed-Muller codes. Here the field is F = F_2 and k_i d_i /n_i is asymptotic to 3n_i^c / \sqrt{π log_2 (n_i )} where c = log_2 (3/2) ≈ 0.585.
A class of permutation polynomials over the group ring F_pC_p^n
Authors: Gahlyan Pooja , Reto Schnyder  , Rajendra Sharma
Published: May 2024

Let p be a prime number and F_pC_p^n denote the group ring of a cyclic group of order pn over Fp. We study the permutation property of the polynomial a_0 + a_1x + a_px^p + · · · + a_p^n x^(p^n) with coefficients a_i ∈ F_pC_p^n where i = 0, 1, p, . . . , p^n. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the coefficients have been obtained so that it becomes a permutation polynomial.
A database of quantum codes
Authors: Aydin Noah , Liu Peihan , Yoshino Bryan
Published: May 2024

Quantum error correcting codes (QECC) is becoming an increasingly important branch of coding theory. For classical block codes, a comprehensive database of best known codes (codetables.de) exists which is available online at \cite{codetables}. The same database contains data on best known quantum codes as well, but only for the binary field. There has been an increased interest in quantum codes over larger fields with many papers reporting such codes in the literature. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no database of best known quantum codes for most fields. We established a new database of QECC that includes codes over $\mathbb{F}_{q^2}$ for $q\leq 29$. We also present several methods of constructing quantum codes from classical codes based on the CSS construction. We have found dozens of new quantum codes that improve the previously known parameters and also hundreds new quantum codes that did not exist in the literature.
Front Matters
Authors: Eusterschulte Anne , Johnston Andrew James
Published: May 2024

Inhaltsverzeichnis, Dank, Vorrede
Hamlet and the Saying of What Is Said
Authors: Saval P. Kishore
Published: May 2024

Abstract: On the one hand, Hamlet resists a propositional and objectified approach to meaning and draws us toward shared and rooted historical contexts of saying and appearing. On the other hand, the inherent reproducibility of early modern drama frustrates Hamlet's capacity to belong to history in a meaningful way. Historical time in Hamlet is therefore out of joint, and this time is at the root of the play's tragic promise and frustration.
Alexander between Rome and Carthage in the Alexander Romance (A)
Authors: Amitay Ory
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The Alexander Romance takes Alexander to Italy and to Carthage, synchronizing him with the First Punic War. It represents the Alexandrian perspective, commenting on Ptolemaic interests through Alexander's character. This interpretation adds to the recognized Ptolemaic elements in the AR and sheds new light on an event of the First Punic War. Réesumé: Le Roman d'Alexandre emmène Alexandre en Italie et à Carthage, ce qui le place dans le cadre de la première guerre punique. Les événements sont présentés du point de vue alexandrinà travers le personnage d'Alexandre, qui représente les intérêts ptolémaïques. Cette interprétation ajoute un élément ptolémaïque de plus à ceux déjà identifiés dans le Roman et éclaire sous un nouveau jour l'un des épisodes de la première guerre punique.
Memoria and Endings in Sallust's Bellum Catilinae
Authors: Leventi Maria
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Memoria intersects with deferred endings across Sallust's Bellum Catilinae . The conspiracy's memorialization depends on a debatable assumption of closure. The BC 's composition temporally blends into its material, which exposes Sallust to charges of partiality. The inclusion of its reception in the work's timeline admits the reader into an open-ended process. Réesumé: La memoria est entrelacée avec l'idée d'une fin différée tout au long du Bellum Catilinae de Salluste. L'inclusion du complot dans la memoria repose sur la supposition discutable que celui-ci est terminé. La composition du BC est contemporaine des faits rapportés, ce qui expose Salluste à des accusations de partialité. L'oeuvre inclut les suites du complot dans sa chronologie des faits, ce qui introduit le lecteur dans un débat ouvert.
Public action for housing: Reflections on trends in global housing unaffordability in large cities
Authors: Potts Deborah
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT: Housing costs in relation to incomes have been increasing in many of the world's largest cities for decades. For urban residents at the lower end of urban income distributions, reasonably 'decent' housing providing basic health and space standards has become increasingly unaffordable. This leads to downward trends in their overall welfare as they are forced to make ever more difficult trade-offs between housing needs and other essential consumption costs such as food, water, heating and transport to work. The proportion of affected city residents has also increased with housing becoming unaffordable for those in income bands previously little affected. These are worldwide trends in large cities in both the so-called Global North and Global South. This paper reflects on the causes and outcomes of the housing unaffordability crisis. It begins by arguing that if even very basic housing standards are met, there is still a structural global urban housing dilemma, best understood not as a problem of supply but of lack of (monetary) demand as typical incomes from a vast array of urban employment are insufficient to cover basic housing costs. The remainder of the paper discusses the links between the negative trends evident in housing affordability and global shifts in the nature of capitalism and government policies from the end of the nineteenth century.
Stretching state support: Everyday practices and state assisted housing in apartheid and after
Authors: Charlton Sarah
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT: In parts of the Global South there are both state housing initiatives and state welfare, but these are often not viewed in combination when analysing housing. Yet the wider picture is crucial to understanding how people survive in government-provided housing when state policies do not offer subsidised rental, and forms of work are scarce, low paying and often precarious. Apparent in the practices and narratives of households is a constant hustle across different resources, which may include receiving or appropriating assistance from the government as well from kin. Drawing on a multi-site research project in Durban, South Africa, this article discusses the practices and interactions of poor households with state housing of different typologies and origins, in which the nature and extent of state support varies. Findings show how households work to minimise their living costs, maximise income, and manage obligations and gains. The article argues that these practices, although maximising state assistance as far as possible, should not simply be viewed as deepening dependency on the state. Rather, this research augments the views that welfare assistance widens forms of inter-dependence, adding an important state housing dimension to the discussions. These relationships of interdependence extend spatially to places and people beyond the housing itself, and arguably increase agency.
Deep polarization of the ensemble nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds induced by an Airy beam with a long focal depth
Authors: Ding Sitong , Li Ziyan , Guo Ji , Zhang Ning , Gao Xiumin , Lu Hongliang
Published: May 2024

Solid-state spin systems with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds constitute an increasingly popular platform for quantum sensing. However, most existing platforms designed with ensemble NV centers exhibit a sensitivity that is significantly less than the theoretical maximum. This low sensitivity limits the expansion of the experimental results and application areas. In this study, the sensitivity is improved by increasing the pumping depth of the excitation beam to increase the number of particles involved in spin polarization at a given laser intensity. Compared with the proposed Airy beam with a long focal depth (25.46 λ) and the widely utilized Gauss beam pumping ensemble NV centers, the spin resonance factor fSR can be improved by 10.02%. This sensitivity-optimized approach enhances the functionality of sensors with NV centers.
Linewidth reduced cascaded Raman fiber lasers and their harmonic conversion for visible laser sources
Authors: Dash Sarthak , Deheri Rashmita , Supradeepa V. R.
Published: May 2024

Cascaded Raman Fiber Lasers (CRFLs) are wavelength versatile sources that can provide power at any wavelength in the Near-Infrared (NIR) region. Conventional CRFLs with broadband feedback are widely wavelength tunable but have broad line widths. A feedback mechanism must be used to reduce the broadening of the linewidth without compromising the wavelength tunability. Here, we propose to use a dual feedback mechanism that combines broadband feedback at all wavelengths, using a flat cleave, with filtered feedback at a desired wavelength due to a grating filter. This allows substantial linewidth reduction of CRFLs up to the 6th Raman shifts, from 1100 nm to 1500 nm, and can be extended further. Significantly reduced linewidth with multi-watt in-band output power is achieved with fine wavelength tuning within each Raman Stokes band using a fixed wavelength pump. As an application of linewidth narrowed output, we performed frequency doubling of CRFL output to generate over 100 mW of wavelength tunable yellow-green and yellow output with enhanced efficiency.
Nonlinear optical absorption of TiTe2 nanosheets and its application for pulse laser generation
Authors: Xu Chongyang , Zhang Kun , Chen Yifan , Lv Xinjie , Ning Jian , Zhao Gang , Zhu Shining
Published: May 2024

Two-dimensional TiTe2 materials have excellent optical and electrical properties due to their unique semi-metallic properties and are widely used in detectors, photocatalysis, and field effect tubes. However, their potential in field of nonlinear optics (NLO) and ultrafast photonics has not been explored. In this paper, TiTe2 nanosheets are prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation, and their excellent nonlinear optical properties are being demonstrated. Z-scan measurements show that their nonlinear absorption coefficients are -6.83 ± 0.52 and -15.10 ± 0.82 cm GW-1 at 1560 and 2000nm, respectively, exhibiting saturable absorption properties. Two saturable absorbers (SA) based on TiTe2 nanosheets are prepared, one by encapsulating TiTe2 nanosheets in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film and the other by depositing them on D-shape fiber (DSF). Finally, a Q-switched operation is achieved using TiTe2-PVA SA, with the maximum output power of 14.2 mW, corresponding to a pulse energy of up to 212.9 nJ. Stable mode-locked operation is achieved using TiTe2-DSF SA with a signal-to-noise ratio and pulse duration of 70 dB and 788 fs, respectively. Notably, this is the first time that TiTe2 nanosheets have been used as SA. The results suggest that TiTe2 nanosheets are a high-performance nonlinear material that provides a new impetus for the development of NLO and ultrafast photonics.
Depth-of-field extended Fourier ptychographic microscopy without defocus distance priori
Authors: Chen Yanqi , Xu Jinghao , Pan An
Published: May 2024

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) provides a solution of high-throughput phase imaging. Thanks to its coherent imaging model, FPM has the capacity of depth-of-field (DOF) extension by simultaneously recovering the sample’s transmittance function and pupil aberration, which contains a defocus term. However, existing phase retrieval algorithms (PRs) often struggle in the presence of a significant defocus. In this Letter, different PRs with embedded pupil recovery are compared, and the one based on the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM-FPM) demonstrates promising potential for reconstructing highly defocused FPM images. Besides, we present a plug-and-play framework that integrates ADMM-FPM and total variation or Hessian denoiser for pupil function enhancement. Both simulations and experiments demonstrate that this framework enables robust reconstruction of defocused FPM images without any prior knowledge of defocus distance or sample characteristics. In experiments involving USAF 1951 targets and pathologic slides, ADMM-FPM combined with the Hessian denoiser successfully corrected the defocus up to approximately 200 µm, i.e., extending the DOF to 400 µm.
High-precision infrared emissivity measurement and temperature inversion method
Authors: Wang Gangquan , Bai Yinxue , Liu Yue , Li Longfei , Zhang Kaihua , Zhao Baolin , Liu fang , Yu Kun
Published: May 2024

The application potential of thermal radiation measurements in energy harvesting, infrared stealth, and radiative cooling has stimulated renewed research interest in this domain. However, the precise measurement of thermal radiation in laboratory settings encounters challenges stemming from the emission of thermal radiation by optical components and the surrounding environment. In this study, a measurement method was devised to segregate the backgrounds of optical components and sample signal, thereby facilitating accurate measurement of the infrared spectral emissivity of samples at room temperature and higher. Calibration of sample measurement temperatures was accomplished through the fitting of measured spectra of sample with Planck theoretical spectra. To validate the measurement method, a Pt/Cr/Si emitter was conceived and fabricated. The spectral emissivity of the sample, as measured, exhibited commendable concordance with simulation results, underscoring the efficacy of the measurement approach.
Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Assessment on the Biological Function and Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Initial Process of Cortical Porosity in Mice With PTH Administration
Authors: Abe Miki , Hasegawa Tomoka , Hongo Hiromi , Yamamoto Tomomaya , Shi Yan , Cui Jiaxin , Liu Xuanyu , Yao Qi , Ishizu Hotaka , Maruoka Haruhi , Yoshino Hirona , Haraguchi-Kitakamae Mai , Shimizu Tomohiro , Amizuka Norio
Published: May 2024

To clarify the cellular mechanism of cortical porosity induced by intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration, we examined the femoral cortical bone of mice that received 40 µg/kg/day (four times a day) human PTH (hPTH) (1–34). The PTH-driven cortical porosity initiated from the metaphyseal region and chronologically expanded toward the diaphysis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive osteoblasts in the control mice covered the cortical surface, and endomucin-positive blood vessels were distant from these osteoblasts. In PTH-administered mice, endomucin-reactive blood vessels with TRAP-positive penetrated the ALP-positive osteoblast layer, invading the cortical bone. Statistically, the distance between endomucin-positive blood vessels and the cortical bone surface abated after PTH administration. Transmission electron microscopic observation demonstrated that vascular endothelial cells often pass through the flattened osteoblast layer and accompanied osteoclasts in the deep region of the cortical bone. The cell layers covering mature osteoblasts thickened with PTH administration and exhibited ALP, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). Within these cell layers, osteoclasts were found near endomucin-reactive blood vessels. In PTH-administered femora, osteocytes secreted Dkk1, a Wnt inhibitor that affects angiogenesis, and blood vessels exhibited plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein, an angiogenic molecule. In summary, endomucin-positive blood vessels, when accompanied by osteoclasts in the ALP/αSMA/VCAM1/RANKL-reactive osteoblastic cell layers, invade the cortical bone, potentially due to the action of osteocyte-derived molecules such as DKK1.
Machine learning and multi-omics data reveal driver gene-based molecular subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma for precision treatment
Authors: Wang Meng , Yan Xinyue , Dong Yanan , Li Xiaoqin , Gao Bin
Published: May 2024

The heterogeneity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) poses a barrier to effective treatment. Stratifying highly heterogeneous HCC into molecular subtypes with similar features is crucial for personalized anti-tumor therapies. Although driver genes play pivotal roles in cancer progression, their potential in HCC subtyping has been largely overlooked. This study aims to utilize driver genes to construct HCC subtype models and unravel their molecular mechanisms. Utilizing a novel computational framework, we expanded the initially identified 96 driver genes to 1192 based on mutational aspects and an additional 233 considering driver dysregulation. These genes were subsequently employed as stratification markers for further analyses. A novel multi-omics subtype classification algorithm was developed, leveraging mutation and expression data of the identified stratification genes. This algorithm successfully categorized HCC into two distinct subtypes, CLASS A and CLASS B, demonstrating significant differences in survival outcomes. Integrating multi-omics and single-cell data unveiled substantial distinctions between these subtypes regarding transcriptomics, mutations, copy number variations, and epigenomics. Moreover, our prognostic model exhibited excellent predictive performance in training and external validation cohorts. Finally, a 10-gene classification model for these subtypes identified TTK as a promising therapeutic target with robust classification capabilities. This comprehensive study provides a novel perspective on HCC stratification, offering crucial insights for a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and the development of promising treatment strategies.
Epidemiology of tularemia in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sholeh Mohammad , Moradkasani Safoura , Esmaeili Saber
Published: May 2024

Background

Francisella tularensis, the bacterium that causes tularemia, has been a persistent and widespread pathogen in various regions of the world for centuries. Francisella tularensis can affect humans and various domestic and wild animals. The current study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of tularemia in countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

All included studies were identified through a systematic search of online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, through July 26, 2022, using keywords and suitable combinations. We focused on cross-sectional studies investigating the prevalence of F. tularensis. The weighted pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 206 studies were identified, of which 20 were finally included in the analysis. The human seroprevalence of tularemia in WHO-EMRO countries was 6.2% (95% CI, 4.2 9.2). In the subgroup analysis, anti-F. tularensis antibodies were found in 6.92% and 5.5% of the high-risk individuals and Iran, respectively. The pooled prevalence of F. tularensis in environmental samples (water and soil) from the WHO-EMRO countries was 5.8% (9.4% by PCR and 0.5% by culture). In addition, 2.5% (95% CI, 0.2 0.22.7) of ticks in WHO-EMRO countries were positive for F. tularensis. The pooled prevalence of F. tularensis in rodents is 2.0% (1.1% by PCR and 3.7% by serology). In addition, 0.6% of domestic ruminants (0.4% by PCR and 2.4% by serology) were positive for F. tularensis in WHO-EMRO countries.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, tularemia is an endemic but neglected disease in the WHO-EMRO region. However, most studies on tularemia are limited to a few countries in this region. Studies on tularemia in human populations, reservoirs, and vectors have been conducted in all countries in the WHO-EMRO region to obtain more detailed information about the epidemiology of tularemia in these regions.
The milk study protocol: A longitudinal, prospective cohort study of the relationship between human milk metabolic hormone concentration, maternal body composition, and early growth and satiety development in Samoan infants aged 1–4 months
Authors: Harries Victoria , Abraham Jyothi , Vesi Lupesina , Reupena Aniva , Faaselele-Savusa Kima , Duckham Rachel L. , Bribiescas Richard , Hawley Nicola
Published: May 2024

Background

Current research suggests that energy transfer through human milk influences infant nutritional development and initiates metabolic programming, influencing eating patterns into adulthood. To date, this research has predominantly been conducted among women in high income settings and/or among undernourished women. We will investigate the relationship between maternal body composition, metabolic hormones in human milk, and infant satiety to explore mechanisms of developmental satiety programming and implications for early infant growth and body composition in Samoans; a population at high risk and prevalence for overweight and obesity. Our aims are (1) to examine how maternal body composition influences metabolic hormone transfer from mother to infant through human milk, and (2) to examine the influences of maternal metabolic hormone transfer and infant feeding patterns on early infant growth and satiety.

Methods

We will examine temporal changes in hormone transfers to infants through human milk in a prospective longitudinal cohort of n = 80 Samoan mother-infant dyads. Data will be collected at three time points (1, 3, & 4 months postpartum). At each study visit we will collect human milk and fingerpick blood samples from breastfeeding mother-infant dyads to measure the hormones leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin. Additionally, we will obtain body composition measurements from the dyad, observe breastfeeding behavior, conduct semi-structured interviews, and use questionnaires to document infant hunger and feeding cues and satiety responsiveness. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses will be conducted to address each aim.

Discussion

This research is designed to advance our understanding of variation in the developmental programming of satiety and implications for early infant growth and body composition. The use of a prospective longitudinal cohort alongside data collection that utilizes a mixed methods approach will allow us to capture a more accurate representation on both biological and cultural variables at play in a population at high risk of overweight and obesity.
“Endless opportunities”: A qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to scale-up of two-way texting follow-up after voluntary medical male circumcision in Zimbabwe
Authors: Elkins Chelsea , Kokera Sandra , Vumbugwa Phiona , Gavhera Jacqueline , West Kathleen M. , Wilson Katherine , Makunike-Chikwinya Batsirai , Masimba Lewis , Holec Marrianne , Barnhart Scott , Matinu Sulemana , Wassuna Beatrice , Feldacker Caryl
Published: May 2024

In Zimbabwe, the ZAZIC consortium employs two-way, text-based (2wT) follow-up to strengthen post-operative care for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). 2wT scaled nationally with evidence of client support and strengthened follow-up. However, 2wT uptake among healthcare providers remains suboptimal. Understanding the gap between mobile health (mHealth) potential for innovation expansion and scale-up realization is critical for 2wT and other mHealth innovations. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study with the objective of identifying 2wT program strengths, challenges, and suggestions for scale up as part of routine VMMC services. A total of 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with diverse 2wT stakeholders were conducted, including nurses, monitoring & evaluation teams, and technology partners–a combination of perspectives that provide new insights. We used both inductive and deductive coding for thematic analysis. Among 2wT drivers of expansion success, interviewees noted: 2wT care benefits for clients; effective hands-on 2wT training; ease of app use for providers; 2wT saved time and money; and 2wT strengthened client/provider interaction. For 2wT scale-up challenges, staff shortages; network infrastructure constraints; client costs; duplication of paper and electronic reporting; and complexity of digital tools integration. To improve 2wT robustness, respondents suggested: more staff training to offset turnover; making 2wT free for clients; using 2wT to replace paper VMMC reporting; integrating with routine VMMC reporting systems; and expanding 2wT to other health areas. High stakeholder participation in app design, implementation strengthening, and evaluation were appreciated. Several 2wT improvements stemmed from this study, including enrollment of multiple people on one number to account for phone sharing; 2wT inclusion of minors ages 15+; clients provided with $1 to offset SMS costs; and reduced SMS messages to clients. Continued 2wT mentoring for staff, harmonization of 2wT with Ministry e-health data systems, and increased awareness of 2wT’s client and provider benefits will help ensure successful 2wT scale-up.
A surge in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort in Mexico City
Authors: Bautista-Arredondo Luis F. , Muñoz-Rocha T. Verenice , Figueroa José Luis , Téllez-Rojo Martha M. , Torres-Olascoaga Libni A. , Cantoral Alejandra , Arboleda-Merino Laura , Leung Cindy , Peterson Karen E. , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor
Published: May 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused tremendous loss of life and health but has also greatly disrupted the world economy. The impact of this disruption has been especially harsh in urban settings of developing countries. We estimated the impact of the pandemic on the occurrence of food insecurity in a cohort of women living in Mexico City, and the socioeconomic characteristics associated with food insecurity severity.

Methods

We analyzed data longitudinally from 685 women in the Mexico City-based ELEMENT cohort. Food insecurity at the household level was gathered using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale and measured in-person during 2015 to 2019 before the pandemic and by telephone during 2020–2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Fluctuations in the average of food insecurity as a function of calendar time were modeled using kernel-weighted local polynomial regression. Fixed and random-effects ordinal logistic regression models of food insecurity were fitted, with timing of data collection (pre-pandemic vs. during pandemic) as the main predictor.

Results

Food insecurity (at any level) increased from 41.6% during the pre-pandemic period to 53.8% in the pandemic stage. This increase was higher in the combined severe-moderate food insecurity levels: from 1.6% pre-pandemic to 16.8% during the pandemic. The odds of severe food insecurity were 3.4 times higher during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels (p<0.01). Socioeconomic status quintile (Q) was significantly related to food insecurity (Q2 OR = 0.35 p<0.1, Q3 OR = 0.48 p = 0.014, Q4 OR = 0.24 p<0.01, and Q5 OR = 0.17 p<0.01), as well as lack of access to social security (OR = 1.69, p = 0.01), and schooling (OR = 0.37, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Food insecurity increased in Mexico City households in the ELEMENT cohort as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results contribute to the body of evidence suggesting that governments should implement well-designed, focalized programs in the context of economic crisis such as the one caused by COVID-19 to prevent families from the expected adverse health and well-being consequences associated to food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable.
The PreQuine Platform: A novel diagnostic tool for measuring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and hemoglobin concentration
Authors: Harper Robert , Ley Benedikt , Kabir Md Alamgir , Matulis Graham , von Seidlein Lorenz , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Adhikari Bipin , Okech Bernard A. , Williams Alan L. , Price Ric N. , von Fricken Michael E.
Published: May 2024

Quantitative diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is essential for the safe administration of 8-aminoquinoline based radical cure for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax infections. Here, we present the PreQuine Platform (IVDS, USA), a quantitative biosensor that uses a dual-analyte assay for the simultaneous measurement of Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and G6PD enzyme activity within the same sample. The platform relies on a downloadable mobile application. The device requires 10μl of whole blood and works with a reflectance-based meter. Comparing the G6PD measurement normalized by Hgb of 12 samples from the PreQuine Platform with reference measurements methods (spectrophotometry, Pointe Scientific, USA and hemoglobin meter, HemoCue, Sweden) showed a positive and significant agreement with a slope of 1.0091 and an intercept of -0.0379 under laboratory conditions. Next steps will be to conduct field trials in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and the USA to assess diagnostic performance, user friendliness and acceptance.