bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on PV Power Prediction Based on VMD-IGWO-LSTM
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Xiang Kexian , Wang Bin , Li Xianguo
Published: July 2024

This research proposes a combined approach for predicting photovoltaic power by integrating variational modal decomposition (VMD), an improved gray wolf optimization algorithm (IGWO), and long- and short-term memory neural network (LSTM) techniques. The model takes into account the impact of varying environmental factors on photovoltaic power and aims to enhance prediction accuracy. Firstly, the four environmental factors constraining the PV output power are decomposed into eigenfunctions (IMFs) through variational modal decomposition; then the improved gray wolf optimization algorithm is used to optimize the long and short-term memory neural network; finally, the dimensionality-reduced dataset is inputted into the LSTM neural network, and the dynamic temporal modeling and comparative analysis on the multivariate feature sequences are carried out. The results show that the VMD-LSTM model optimized by the improved Gray Wolf algorithm predicts better than the comparison models LSTM, VMD-LSTM and VMD-GWO-LSTM, and achieves the accurate prediction of time-volt power in the external environmental changes.
"Anything of Note": Recovering "Lost Life" in the Psychoanalytic Archive
Authors: Smith Vanessa
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay engages with the hitherto embargoed letters, drawings and case notes of Stella Coomber ("Susan"), the subject of Marion Milner's case history The Hands of the Living God . Using these documents as a starting point, I decode the identities of medical staff, institutions, and contacts whose names are disguised in Milner's book, and reconstruct some of Stella's life behind the scenes of, and after, Hands . The letters disclose her project of writing an autobiographical companion volume to Milner's, a project which was never realized. In later letters Stella is increasingly despondent about her failure to write this book, feeling that her life has been wasted, for she has not produced "anything of note." The essay suggests that there is a way of reading her "notes" as themselves both autobiography and counter case-history. I approach Stella's correspondence as a piece of life writing: not a traditional narrative, but one whose fragmentary form gives expression to her complex and exemplary experience.
Fourier transform and expanding maps on Cantor sets
Authors: Sahlsten Tuomas , Stevens Connor
Published: July 2024

abstract: We study the Fourier transforms $\widehat{\mu}(\xi)$ of non-atomic Gibbs measures $\mu$ for uniformly expanding maps $T$ of bounded distortions on $[0,1]$ or Cantor sets with strong separation. When $T$ is totally non-linear, then $\widehat{\mu}(\xi)\to 0$ at a polynomial rate as $|\xi|\to\infty$.
“A Wife and a Mother Has No Business to Be So Well Dressed”: Gender, Class, and Dynasty in the Revolutionary Republic
Authors: Cutterham Tom
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay takes Angelica Schuyler—whose surname, following her husband’s, became Church in 1784—as a case study in the intersection between class, gender, sexuality, and citizenship in the revolutionary American republic. It argues that she and women like her held a distinctively dynastic attitude towards kinship, which shaped the norms of sociability that governed the emerging national state during the first decades of the federal government. Like other wealthy, well-connected, white women in this period, Schuyler Church disavowed the popular ideology of female domesticity and asserted power through the public display of feminine sexuality. The essay builds on studies of the so-called “republican court” in the United States, as well as scholarship on elite women’s role as powerbrokers in British and French society, to draw out the ways that their gendered experience of sexuality and family life interacted with strategies for reproducing and accumulating power. Like all other ruling classes, that of the United States depended upon women. That dependence drove the shifting political salience of gender and sexuality in the early republic.
Overseers of the Poor: Relief, Surveillance, and Control in the Early Republic Northeast
Authors: O’Brassill-Kulfan Kristin
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Early Republic communities were represented by officers of the poor law operated almshouses, distributed relief, and collaborated with other local authorities to implement the state poor laws. The scale of poverty experienced in the early American republic, when the rates of destitution and level of need for high welfare budgets were a constant preoccupation of lawmakers and philanthropists, points to the importance of this singular figure of the overseer. Working within a highly mobile population adjusting to the nascent system of wage labor in this period, overseers tracked people experiencing poverty across community lines. Overseers of the Poor acted as agents of the state writ large, operating at local and municipal levels to implement the logics of state laws relating to citizenship and poverty.
Digital Echoes of Discrimination: Investigating the Reception of Hate Speech Against Korean Chinese in Online Communities
Authors: Jung Sangil , Kim Donggyu
Published: July 2024

abstract: This study aims to investigate the circulation, consumption, and learning of anonymous users’ hatred in online communities, focusing on the reception process of hate speech targeting Korean Chinese people, a group long discriminated against by native Koreans and the media. It identifies critical factors shaping attitudes toward Korean Chinese (i.e., Chaoxianzu), defining hate as long-term sentiments resulting from repeated immediate emotions triggered by specific incidents and social identities. This study adopts a grounded theory approach, employing interviews to construct a paradigm model that captures the authentic perspectives of online community users. Following the coding process, 17 categories and 38 subcategories emerged. Online audiences consolidate or maintain their attitudes through admission, resistance, exploration, and reproduction after exposure to hate expressions toward Korean Chinese. Self-intervention, personal experience, quality of verbal stimulation, and patriotism function as interventional conditions or environmental contexts throughout this process.
Actor in History: A Hasidic Tsadik's Journey from Uman to Brownsville
Authors: Wiskind Ora
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Rabinowitz (1860–1938) was one of the first Hasidic rebbes of stature to come to America. An Orthodox Jewish leader and author with uncommon historical consciousness, he strove to revitalize religion as an existentially vital facet of being. Keenly attuned to the complexities of moments of transition, he reflected on his own experience of migration. His response to modernity differs from that of most traditionalist communal leaders of his day—both those who stayed in Europe and those who came to America. In the New World, now in his sixties, his understanding of Jewish history and the ongoing transformation of modern Jewish society and self continued to evolve as contemporary challenges demanded new responses. His life and works—written in Hebrew in a strikingly modern idiom—add important dimensions to the story of Hasidic migration, resettlement, and spiritual revival during a volatile historical era. Retracing his long path from Ukraine to New York, from the "valley of slaughter" to the goldene medina , through close readings of ego-documents and other resources that have received little attention to date, this paper considers his importance as a Hasidic figure worthy of note.
Frequency-multiplexed aberration measurement for confocal microscopy
Authors: Pan Daisong , Ge Xinxin , Liu Ying-Ting , Ferger Leah , Shcherbakova Daria M. , Isacoff Ehud , Ji Na
Published: July 2024

In single-photon confocal fluorescence microscopy, optical aberration affects both excitation and detection light paths, thus can severely degrade image quality. We incorporated an adaptive optics (AO) module into a confocal microscope and used a frequency-multiplexed aberration measurement method to measure and correct sample-induced aberration. We demonstrated that this method can measure aberration using signals from features of different sizes and recover diffraction-limited imaging performance. Applying our AO confocal microscope to imaging through and within living zebrafish larvae, as well as in the mouse brain in vivo, we showed that aberration correction can substantially improve confocal image brightness, resolution, and contrast.
Anisotropic below bandgap harmonic generation in β-gallium oxide
Authors: Hussain Mukhtar , Antunes André Mesquita , Vaz Gonçalo , Alves Joana , Pires Hugo , Imran Tayyab , Peres Marco , Lorenz Katharina , Víllora Encarnación , Shimamura Kiyoshi , Madas Saibabu , Kahaly Mousumi Upadhyay , Kahaly Subhendu , Figueira Gonçalo , Fajardo Marta , Williams Gareth
Published: July 2024

Harmonic generation in wide bandgap semiconductors and dielectrics has attracted a surge of interest as a compact solid-state light source and as a method of mapping the band structure of the material itself. Longer driving wavelengths can support longer electron trajectories and suppress interband transitions, yielding spectra sensitive to crystal orientation and band shapes. Here, we combine a long wavelength laser to drive harmonic generation in a wide band-gap material with applications in photonics and power electronics, beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3). We generate harmonics up to the ninth order (H9=3.7 eV) in air, with a ≈ 3.0 μm, 100 kHz, 40 fs mid-infrared (MIR) driving laser in (100) and (010) oriented single crystals of β-Ga2O3. We observe odd and even harmonics, spectral interference, and the strong anisotropic response of both odd and even harmonics to the incident laser polarization. Our results are explained in terms of the electronic structure and macroscopic optical properties of β-Ga2O3.
Bayesian approach to coherent combination of single photon beams
Authors: Mikos-Nuszkiewicz Antoni , Paczos Jerzy , Banaszek Konrad , Jarzyna Marcin
Published: July 2024

We theoretically investigate the performance of a coherent beam combination of two light beams under relative phase fluctuations in the photon starved regime. We apply a first-principles approach using the optimal Bayesian phase correction protocol. We analyze the efficiency of beam combination as a function of the phase fluctuations strength.
Wireless optical power transfer system incorporating a wide-field-of-view optical receiver
Authors: Naqvi Syed F. A , Javed Nadeem , Nguyen Ngoc-Luu , Ha Jinyong
Published: July 2024

This article introduces what we believe to be a novel receiver design featuring a compact, wide-field-of-view receiver and bidirectional gain medium that enables multiple receivers to charge simultaneously. The receiver was tested with a transmitter comprising a bidirectional broadband semiconductor optical amplifier and two wavelength division multiplexing filters. The receiver incorporates a ball-lens retroreflector equipped with anti-reflection and highly reflective coatings on its front and rear surfaces, respectively. The system has an overall efficiency of 1.23%, which can be improved further using suitable gain media. This receiver scheme has potential for seamless integration with various transmission systems that utilize the RBC technique and offers a wide field of view of approximately ±60 degrees.
Improving color uniformity and the ambient contrast ratio of LEDs through the scattering-enhanced magnetic manipulation bilayered structure
Authors: Li Zongtao , Qiu Jiayong , Liu Xiujuan , Li Jiasheng
Published: July 2024

To address challenges in enhancing color uniformity and ambient contrast ratio (ACR) in RGB light-emitting diodes (LEDs) without losing efficiency, we developed a scattering-enhanced magnetic manipulation (SEMM) bilayer structure. The effect of the TiO2 scattering layer on improving the LED’s angular intensity non-uniformity (AIN) was studied by ray-tracing simulations and optimized by varying the particle concentration. The magnetic manipulation technique formed the microcolumns and magnetic chains of the Fe3O4 anti-reflective layer, which was optimized by adjusting Fe3O4 particle size, magnetic field strength, and Fe3O4 concentration. The resulting bilayered device significantly increased the ACR by 11.38 times and reduced AIN by 63% compared to conventional graphite-based LEDs, while maintaining high brightness and consistent color quality across angles. This marks a pioneering application of magnetic manipulation in enhancing LED display quality.
Generation of dual vortices with controlled topological charges based on spin-decoupled moiré metalens
Authors: Shang Shu , Liu Hongzhan , Meng Hongyun , Wang Faqiang , Yang Xiangbo , Shou Qian , Wei Zhongchao
Published: July 2024

By their powerful talent in manipulating optical parameters, metasurfaces demonstrate great ability in the generation of the vortex beams. Until now, vortex beam generators constructed by metasurfaces mostly lack tunability, which reduces the scope of their applications. Here, spin-decoupled moiré metalenses composed of two cascaded all-dielectric metasurfaces are designed. Utilizing mathematical derivation and numerical simulation, dual vortices with variable topological charge can be generated under the incidence of orthogonal circularly polarized light by tuning the mutual rotation between the two cascaded metasurfaces. Meanwhile, vector vortex beams can be produced by superposition of dual focused vortices under the linearly polarized light illumination and whose vector polarized states can also be manipulated by mutual rotation. This work provides a flexible design strategy for continuous manipulation of singular beams, which have potential applications in optical communication, microparticle manipulation, and super-resolution imaging.
Realization of nonreciprocal photon statistics by manipulating the quantum nonlinearity of cold atoms in an asymmetric cavity
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Wang Zhihui , Fan Qing , Yang Chen , Zhang Pengfei , Li Gang , Zhang Tiancai
Published: July 2024

In a strongly coupled cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) system, the second-order correlation function g(2)(τ) of the transmitted probe light from the cavity is determined by the nonlinearity of the atom in the cavity. Therefore, the system provides a platform for controlling the photon statistics by manipulating nonlinearity. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate nonreciprocal quantum statistics in a cavity QED system with several atoms strongly coupled to an asymmetric optical cavity, which is composed of two mirrors with different transmittivities. When the direction of the probe light is reversed, the intracavity light field alternates to a different level. Distinct photon statistics are then observed due to the quantum nonlinearity associated with strongly coupled atoms. Sub-Poissonian photon-number statistics for forward light and a Poissonian distribution for backward light are then realized. Our work provides an effective approach for realizing nonreciprocal quantum devices, which have potential applications in the unidirectional generation of nonclassical light fields and quantum sensing.
Photonic-assisted W-band flexible integrated sensing and communication system for fiber-wireless network based on CE-LFM-OFDM
Authors: Wu Fangbing , Dong Boyu , Du Ping , Dong Mingji , Miao Xin , Zhao Junhao , Li Zhongya , Shen Wangwei , Shi Jianyang , Chi Nan , Zhang Junwen
Published: July 2024

We have experimentally demonstrated a constant envelope linear frequency modulated orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CE-LFM-OFDM) signal by employing an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal to phase modulate the linear frequency modulation (LFM) carrier. The experimental verification was conducted in the photonic-based integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system working at 94.5 GHz. In our system, a 10-km optical fiber and a 1-m free space transmission are incorporated, achieving seamless fiber-wireless networks. As a result, we achieved data rates ranging from 8 to 15.4 Gbit/s and range resolution ranging from 1.5 to 7.5 cm, respectively.
Broadly tunable continuous-wave Tm,Ho:SrF2 and Tm,Ho:BaF2 lasers
Authors: Veselský Karel , Loiko Pavel , Eremeev Kirill , Benayad Abdelmjid , Braud Alain , Šulc Jan , Jelínková Helena , Camy Patrice
Published: July 2024

We report on the first, to our knowledge, room-temperature
continuous-wave laser operation of
Tm3+,Ho3+-codoped barium and strontium fluoride
crystals at ∼2.1 µm. The 3 at.% Tm, 0.5 at.% Ho:BaF2 laser
generated 160 mW at 2073 nm with a slope efficiency of 31.0% and a
laser threshold of 43 mW. The continuous wavelength tuning of this
laser from 2010 to 2090 nm (tuning range, 80 nm) was demonstrated. The
spectroscopic properties of Tm,Ho:SrF2 and
Tm,Ho:BaF2 crystals were also determined, showing enhanced
Tm3+ → Ho3+ energy transfer in rare-earth
clusters. For Ho3+ ions in BaF2, the
stimulated-emission cross section is
0.40 × 10−20 cm2 at 2044 nm, and the thermal
equilibrium luminescence lifetime is as long as 14.1 ms.
Robust discriminator of chiral molecules via a topological invariant
Authors: Kang Yi-Hao , Wang Yu , Su Qi-Ping , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Feng Wei , Yang Chui-Ping
Published: July 2024

We propose a scheme for chirality discrimination via a topological invariant. The physical model is based on a three-level subspace of a molecule. By modulating the components of the control field with proper frequencies, two different two-level effective Hamiltonians are derived for the left-handed and the right-handed molecules. We parameterize the effective Hamiltonians with two angles and demonstrate that a topological quantum phase transition can be induced by tuning the effective Rabi frequency if the molecule is right-handed. This phenomenon provides a method to discriminate the chirality of the molecule by measuring a topological invariant, i.e., the Chern number, of the parametric manifold. Since the Chern number is robust against perturbations to the system, the scheme is insensitive to the systematic errors of the control fields, the deviations of the modulation frequencies, and decoherence of the molecule. Therefore, the scheme may provide useful perspectives to construct a robust discriminator of chiral molecules.
A sero-epidemiological analysis of Coxiella burnetii infection and its risk factors in livestock from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Milkesa Ashenafi , Rufael Tesfaye , Kinfe Getachew , Belaineh Redeat , Bulbula Abdella , Cho Donghee , Naimuddin Mohammed , Sori Teshale , Dinka Hunduma
Published: July 2024

Background

Coxiella burnetii is causing infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. Information on the occurrence of C. burnetii infection is scarce in Ethiopia. This study estimated the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in four common livestock species from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia.

Results/principal findings

Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Out of the 4140 serum samples tested, 777 (18.77%; 95% CI: 17.59, 19.99) were found positive for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate was 27.17% at Addis Ababa abattoir, 19.41% at Adama abattoir, 19.13% at Modjo abattoir and 12.1% in animals tested from pastoral areas. Sera analysis at the animal species level showed that cattle exhibited the lowest sero-prevalence estimate (11.83%; 95% CI, 10.27–13.53%), while the highest was observed in camels (28.39%; 95% CI, 25.16–31.80%). The sero-prevalence estimate was 21.34% (95% CI, 18.86–23.99%) in goats and 20.17% (95% CI, 17.49–23.07%) in sheep. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that species, age, sex of animals and tick infestation were important risk factors for C. burnetii infection. The odds of infection were 3.22 times higher in camels and almost twice as high in goats and sheep compared to cattle. Adult animals were infected more likely (OR = 3.23) than young ones. Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the sero-prevalence of infection between animals that were infested with ticks (OR = 16.32) and those which were tick-free.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the sero-epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in four common livestock species at major abattoirs and pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the need for further studies and implementing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease in both humans and livestock to safeguard the economical and public health aspects.
Bone and joint infections due to melioidosis; diagnostic and management strategies to optimise outcomes
Authors: Dadwal Parvati , Bonner Brady , Fraser David , Loveridge Jeremy , Withey Grant , Puri Arvind , Smith Simon , Hanson Josh
Published: July 2024

Background

Melioidosis, a life-threatening infection caused by the gram negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, can involve almost any organ. Bone and joint infections (BJI) are a recognised, but incompletely defined, manifestation of melioidosis that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings.

Methodology/principal findings

We identified all individuals with BJI due to B. pseudomallei managed at Cairns Hospital in tropical Australia between January 1998 and June 2023. The patients’ demographics, their clinical findings and their treatment were correlated with their subsequent course.

Of 477 culture-confirmed cases of melioidosis managed at the hospital during the study period, 39 (8%) had confirmed BJI; predisposing risk factors for melioidosis were present in 37/39 (95%). However, in multivariable analysis only diabetes mellitus was independently associated with the presence of BJI (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 4.04 (1.81–9.00), p = 0.001). BJI was frequently only one component of multi-organ involvement: 29/39 (74%) had infection involving other organs and bacteraemia was present in 31/39 (79%). Of the 39 individuals with BJI, 14 (36%) had osteomyelitis, 8 (20%) had septic arthritis and 17 (44%) had both osteomyelitis and septic arthritis; in 32/39 (83%) the lower limb was involved. Surgery was performed in 30/39 (77%). Readmission after the initial hospitalisation was necessary in 11/39 (28%), 5/39 (13%) had disease recrudescence and 3/39 (8%) had relapse; 4/39 (10%) developed pathological fractures. ICU admission was necessary in 11/39 (28%) but all 11 of these patients survived. Only 1/39 (3%) died, 138 days after admission, due to his significant underlying comorbidity.

Conclusions

The case-fatality rate from melioidosis BJI in Australia’s well-resourced health system is very low. However, recrudescence, relapse and orthopaedic complications are relatively common and emphasise the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary care that includes early surgical review, aggressive source control, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and thorough, extended follow-up.
Humor in parenting: Does it have a role?
Authors: Emery Lucy , Libera Anne , Lehman Erik , Levi Benjamin H.
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite the widespread use of humor in social interactions and the considerable literature on humor in multiple fields of study, the use of humor in parenting has received very little formal study. The purpose of this pilot study was to gather preliminary data on the use of humor in the raising of children.

Materials and methods

We developed and administered a 10-item survey to measure people’s experiences being raised with humor and their views regarding humor as a parenting tool. Responses were aggregated into Disagree, Indeterminate, and Agree, and analyzed using standard statistical methods.

Results

Respondents (n = 312) predominantly identified as male (63.6%) and white (76.6%) and were (by selection) between the ages of 18–45 years old. The majority of participants reported that they: were raised by people who used humor in their parenting (55.2%); believe humor can be an effective parenting tool (71.8%) and in that capacity has more potential benefit than harm (63.3%); either use (or plan to use) humor in parenting their own children (61.8%); and would value a course on how to utilize humor in parenting (69.7%). Significant correlations were found between the use of humor and both i) the quality of respondents’ relationships with their parents and ii) assessments of how good a job their parents had done.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, respondents of childbearing/rearing age reported positive views about humor as a parenting tool.
Explainable machine learning on baseline MRI predicts multiple sclerosis trajectory descriptors
Authors: Campanioni Silvia , Veiga César , Prieto-González José María , González-Nóvoa José A. , Busto Laura , Martinez Carlos , Alberte-Woodward Miguel , García de Soto Jesús , Pouso-Diz Jessica , Fernández Ceballos María de los Ángeles , Agis-Balboa Roberto Carlos
Published: July 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted neurological condition characterized by challenges in timely diagnosis and personalized patient management. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to MS holds promises for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and predictive modeling. The objectives of this study are: 1) to propose new MS trajectory descriptors that could be employed in Machine Learning (ML) regressors and classifiers to predict patient evolution; 2) to explore the contribution of ML models in discerning MS trajectory descriptors using only baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. This study involved 446 MS patients who had a baseline MRI, at least two measurements of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and a 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) for model development and 2) for evaluation. Three descriptors: β1, β2, and EDSS(t), were related to baseline MRI parameters using regression and classification XGBoost models. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis enhanced model transparency by identifying influential features. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of AI in predicting MS progression using the proposed patient trajectories and baseline MRI scans, outperforming classic Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. In conclusion, MS trajectory descriptors are crucial; incorporating AI analysis into MRI assessments presents promising opportunities to advance predictive capabilities. SHAP analysis enhances model interpretation, revealing feature importance for clinical decisions.
Bacteriophages isolated from mouse feces attenuates pneumonia mice caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sutnu Nuttawut , Chancharoenthana Wiwat , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Phuengmaung Pornpimol , Singkham-In Uthaibhorn , Chongrak Chiratchaya , Montathip Sirikan , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Ounjai Puey , Schultz Marcus J. , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: July 2024

Background

Most of the current bacteriophages (phages) are mostly isolated from environments. However, phages isolated from feces might be more specific to the bacteria that are harmful to the host. Meanwhile, some phages from the environment might affect non-pathogenic bacteria for the host.

Methods

Here, bacteriophages isolated from mouse feces were intratracheally (IT) or intravenously (IV) administered in pneumonia mice caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 2 hours post-intratracheal bacterial administration. As such, the mice with phage treatment, using either IT or IV administration, demonstrated less severe pneumonia as indicated by mortality, serum cytokines, bacteremia, bacterial abundance in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in lung tissue (immunofluorescence of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase).

Results

Interestingly, the abundance of phages in BALF from the IT and IV injections was similar, supporting a flexible route of phage administration. With the incubation of bacteria with neutrophils, the presence of bacteriophages significantly improved bactericidal activity, but not NETs formation, with the elevated supernatant IL-6 and TNF-α, but not IL-1β. In conclusion, our findings suggest that bacteriophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be discovered from feces of the host.

Conclusions

The phages attenuate pneumonia partly through an enhanced neutrophil bactericidal activity, but not via inducing NETs formation. The isolation of phages from the infected hosts themselves might be practically useful for future treatment. More studies are warranted.
Unrecognised COVID-19 deaths in central Europe: The importance of cause-of-death certification for the COVID-19 burden assessment
Authors: Fihel Agnieszka , Janicka Anna , Buschner Andrea , Ustinavičienė Rūta , Trakienė Aurelija
Published: July 2024

Objective

In Central Europe, the increase in mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic exceeded the number of deaths registered due to coronavirus disease. Excess deaths reported to causes other than COVID-19 may have been due to unrecognised coronavirus disease, the interruptions in care in the overwhelmed health care facilities, or socioeconomic effects of the pandemic and lockdowns. Death certificates provide exhaustive medical information, allowing us to assess the extent of unrecognised COVID-19 deaths.

Materials and methods

Data from 187,300 death certificates with a COVID-19 mention from Austria, Bavaria (Germany), Czechia, Lithuania and Poland, 2020–2021, was used. The two step analysis uses Cause of Death Association Indicators (CDAIs) and Contributing CDAIs to identify and measure the statistical strength of associations between COVID-19 and all other medical mentions.

Results

15,700 deaths were reported with COVID-19 only as a contributing condition (comorbidity). In three cases out of four, a typical, statistically significant coronavirus complication or pre-existing condition was registered as the underlying causes of death. In Austria, Bavaria, Czechia and Lithuania the scale of COVID-19 mortality would have been up to 18–27% higher had COVID-19 been coded as the underlying cause of death. Unrecognised coronavirus deaths were equivalent to the entire surplus of excess mortality beyond registered COVID-19 deaths in Austria and the Czech Republic, and its large proportion (25–31%) in Lithuania and Bavaria.

Conclusions

Death certificates with typical coronavirus complications or comorbidities as the underlying causes of death and contributing COVID-19 mentions were plausibly unrecognized coronavirus deaths.
Age at natural menopause and associated factors with early and late menopause among Chinese women in Zhejiang province: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiao Jie , Hao Jiajun , Hou Leying , Luo Zeyu , Shan Shiyi , Ding Yuehong , Ma Linjuan , Huang Yizhou , Ying Qian , Wang Feixue , Zhou Jianhong , Ning Yumei , Song Peige , Xu Ling
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Menopause is a significant life transition for women, impacting their physical and psychological health. The age at natural menopause (ANM) and its associated factors have differed by race and region. This study aimed to investigate ANM and associated factors of early and late menopause among Chinese women in Zhejiang province.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method to recruit 8,006 women aged 40–69 years who had resided in Zhejiang province for over 6 months between July 2019 and December 2021. Self-reported ANM and sociodemographics, lifestyle behaviors, reproductive history, and health-related factors were collected using questionnaires in face-to-face surveys. ANM were categorized into three groups: early menopause (<45 years), normal menopause (45–54 years), and late menopause (≥55 years). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was utilized to calculate the median ANM. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was employed to explore the associated factors of early menopause and late menopause.

Results

A total of 6,047 women aged 40–69 years were included for survival analysis, with 3,176 of them for the regression analysis. The overall median ANM was 51 years (Inter-quartile range [IQR]: 51–52). Women who were smokers (odds ratio [OR]:4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.6–12.84), had irregular menstrual cycles (OR:1.78, 95% CI:1.12–2.83) and hypertension (OR:1.55, 95% CI:1.09–2.21) had a higher odds ratio of early menopause, while central obesity (OR:1.33, 95% CI:1.03–1.73) and hyperlipidemia (OR:1.51, 95% CI:1.04–2.18) were factors associated with late menopause.

Conclusions

This study revealed the associations between ANM and various factors among Chinese women. These factors included socio-demographic factors such as age; life behavior factors like current or prior smoking status; reproductive history factors such as irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriages, and breastfeeding; and health-related factors like central adiposity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. These findings provided a basis for understanding factors associated with ANM.
Enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) surveys: A comparison of visual and aerial imagery-based counts at coastal haulouts
Authors: Altukhov Alexey V. , Kryukova Natalia V. , Trukhanova Irina S. , Burkanov Vladimir N.
Published: July 2024

This study presents a semi-automated approach utilizing unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys to accurately estimate the abundance of Pacific walruses at large coastal haulouts in Chukotka, Russia. Seven major haulout sites were surveyed during the summers and falls of 2017–2019. Walrus counts were performed using three distinct methods: traditional visual land-based counts, complete head counts utilizing georeferenced UAV imagery, and counting walruses within model polygons within the haulout outline and employing various extrapolation techniques to predict walrus abundance across the haulout area. The results indicated that traditional visual counts neither yielded consistent results nor allowed for uncertainty estimation, unlike the site- and date-specific direct extrapolation method and the non-specific linear regression model. These latter methods consistently provided estimates, on average, within 5% of the "true" abundance determined through complete photo-based head counts. Beside yielding accurate estimates, these semi-automated methods significantly reduced counting time by at least 63%, in contrast to complete head counts. The non-specific model, which allowed the estimation of walrus abundance based on the type of the terrain and the haulout area was less accurate compared with site and date specific estimates, but provided a tool to estimate abundance when no field visits are conducted, e.g., by using high-resolution satellite imagery to measure haulout area. This model revealed that the haulouts located on flat sandy beaches exhibited mean walrus densities approximately 30.5% times higher than those on rocky shores surrounded by cliffs: 0.879 (SD = 0.1302) and 0.648 (SD = 0.1753) walrus per m2 correspondingly. The estimated daily walrus abundance at major Chukotkan haulouts in 2017–2019 ranged between 15 and 94,660 (mean = 10,397, SD = 14,477) walruses with the maximum seasonal abundances reported at Cape Serdtse-Kamen as 94,960 on 10-Oct-2017, 26,850 on 10-Oct-2018, and 87,595 on 10-Oct-2019.
Um Debate a três conceitos
Authors: Cunha Tomás
Published: July 2024

Neste trabalho tentámos fazer uma análise e história dos conceitos de preservação, restauração e conservação. Abordámos de forma muito resumida as abordagens paradigmáticas à volta dos termos, começando com a sua etimologia, mas situadas no debate desde o século XIX até aos dias de hoje. O nosso objetivo geral é de demonstrar o desenvolvimento da discussão acerca do conceito ao longo do tempo. Desenvolvemos uma revisão de literatura com base em pesquisa nas bases de dados científicas e artigos académicos. A título conclusivo observamos que existem problemas de tradução e adaptação dos conceitos analisados em diferentes contextos linguísticos.
Três Ideias e uma Aposta sobre a Teoria Literária no Brasil
Authors: Durão Fabio Akcelrud
Published: July 2024

O presente texto busca oferecer um balanço da teoria literária no Brasil a partir de três eixos fundamentais: a constituição de um discurso teórico cada vez mais descolado da literatura, o processo de institucionalização segundo especificidades nacionais, e o impacto social de ideias derivadas do campo da teoria. O artigo encerra-se com uma aposta a respeito da aclimatação da teoria literária na cultura brasileira.
Tinha o livro no meio do caminho
Authors: De Castro Rocha João Cezar
Published: July 2024

A institucionalização da disciplina Teoria da Literatura ocorreu num contexto marcado pela tentativa de afirmação das Humanidades no plano acadêmico após a fundação da Universidade de São Paulo, em 1934. A tarefa não era fácil, sobretudo em virtude da tradição forte do ensaísmo crítico e do pensamento social; tradição essa atuante desde o século XIX. A estratégia empregada nessa disputa implicou tanto a valorização da especialização do conhecimento quanto o privilégio de uma materialidade própria: o livro em oposição ao jornal.
Carolina Michaëlis e a edição de Poesias de Sá de Miranda
Authors: Marques Inês
Published: July 2024

O presente artigo visa sistematizar o contributo de Carolina Michaëlis de Vasconcelos para a construção da história da crítica textual em Portugal, ilustrando o tratamento dado a textos sem tradição autógrafa, mas que possuem testemunhos que permitem vislumbrar trabalho criativo do autor. Neste contexto, através da análise da edição de Poesias de Sá de Miranda, exploraremos os conceitos de recensio, collatio e emendatio e, sobretudo, de constituição do texto enquadrados no método de Lachamnn, e a forma como a filóloga encara cada uma destas etapas na concretização da sua edição. Avaliaremos, assim, os critérios que fundamentaram a seleção do manuscrito que serve de base à edição e os que servem para distinguir as variantes que devem ser relegadas para aparato e quais as que dão origem a uma emenda. Em suma, a reconstituição do raciocínio da filóloga alemã possibilita um novo entendimento acerca do estado da crítica textual nacional no ínicio do século XX.
Palavras-chave: Carolina Michaëlis; Poesias de Sá de Miranda; Método de Lachmann; Crítica Textual; Literatura do Renascimento.
A lekapcsolódás Szent Gráljának illúziója – Léteznek-e országok viszonylag magas SDGI-vel és alacsony ökológiai lábnyommal?
Authors: Radácsi László , Szigeti Cecília
Published: July 2024

Az országok fenntarthatósági teljesítményét mérő mutatószámok szükségessége a GDP-nek a jólét, a fenntarthatóság és az ellenálló képesség mérőszámaként való felhasználási korlátai miatt merült fel. A kutatók az elmúlt évtizedekben különféle indikátorokat és rangsorokat készítettek, amelyek a pusztán gazdasági növekedésről egy átfogóbb perspektívára helyezték át a hangsúlyt. Kutatásunk célja egy új rangsor létrehozása volt, amely két módszertan, nevezetesen az ENSZ Fenntartható Fejlődési Célok Index (SDGI) és a Global Footprint Network ökológiai lábnyoma (EF) integrációján alapul, annak érdekében, hogy ország- klasztereket lehessen azonosítani. Az országok csoportosítására hierarchikus klaszterezést, a kiugró értékek kiszűrésére a ‘legközelebbi szomszéd’ módszert, a végső klaszterekre pedig a Ward módszert használtuk. Ezenkívül a Pearson-féle korrelációs együtthatót kiszámítottuk a 17 SDGI és az EF közötti kapcsolat értékelésére. A klaszterezés eredményei azt mutatták, hogy a háromklaszteres megoldás kielégítőnek tekinthető. Az új módszerrel kapott eredmények alapján az SDGI környezeti dimenziója a környezeti fenntarthatóság szempontjából az országok rangsorolásának elégséges mérőszáma.
The causes of air movement in hidden indoor micro-environments: measurements in historic bookshelves
Authors: Ferreira Morena , Grau-Bove Josep , Blades Nigel , O'Hagan Lisa , Altamirano Hector
Published: July 2024

The use of ventilation holes in small micro-environments has been proposed by the National Trust as a mechanism to improve the environmental conditions of moisture and temperature within bookshelves. At one National Trust historic property, this mechanism has been used to encourage air movement behind books as a possible strategy to reduce the risk of mould growth. It is believed that including ventilation holes as a passive design solution to promote airflow within micro-environments could prevent decay from occurring in the archives of historic buildings. This paper investigates the mechanisms that cause airflow behind bookshelves using field measurements in three National Trust historic libraries. The measurements indicate that small but measurable velocities, up to 4 cm/s, can be passively generated behind bookshelves. Air movement in such confined micro-environments is probably caused by a combination of natural convection, caused by temperature differences between the walls and the interior and the exterior of the bookshelf, and forced convection due to drafts in the surrounding environment. While in some cases one mechanism prevailed, both mechanisms may be present simultaneously in most cases. Further research is needed to clarify how surface temperature drives air motion behind shelves.
Markers of chronic low-grade inflammation and serum cytokine levels in patients with type 1 diabetes: associations with time in ranges and glucose variability
Authors: Mavlianova K. R. , Semenova Ju. F. , Orlov N. B. , Klimontov V. V.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Increased glucose variability is recognized as a risk factor for vascular diabetic complications. It is assumed that deteriorating effect of GV on blood vessels can be realized through the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways.

AIM: to determine associations of low-grade inflammation markers and serum cytokines with time in ranges and GV parameters derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 470 adult patients with T1D, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen was measured, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) were calculated. In a sample of 130 patients and 20 healthy individuals (control), serum concentrations of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6Rα, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-26, IL-27, IL-28A, IL-29, IL-32, IL-34, IL-35) were assessed by multiplex analysis. Time in the ranges and GV parameters: Coefficient of Variability (CV), Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions (MAGE), and Mean Absolute Glucose rate of changes (MAG) were derived from CGM data.

RESULTS: Patients with Time In Range (TIR) <70% had higher concentrations of hs-CRP and fibrinogen, higher SII values, and demonstrated a trend toward higher TIR compared with those with TIR ≥70% (p=0.018, p=0.026, p=0.037, p=0.101, respectively). Patients with T1D, when compared to control, demonstrated increased concentrations of IL-1β (p<0.0001), IL-6 (p<0.0001), decreased levels of IL-4 (p=0.002), and a tendency to decrease IL-22 and IL-29 (p=0.1). Patients with TIR>70% had higher levels of IL-4 (p=0.02) as well as lower concentrations of IL-1β (p=0.0003) and IL-6 (p=0.007) than patients with TIR≤70%. In a multivariate stepwise regression analysis including clinical data and CGM parameters as independent variables, body mass index was positive predictor of hsCRP and fibrinogen levels, TIR was negatively associated with IL-20 and IL-34, time above range was associated positively with IL-1β, MAGE showed positive association with SII, IL-26 and IL28A, while MAG was positively associated with IL-29.

CONCLUSION: T1D patients with non-target TIR (<70%) have higher levels of low-intensity inflammatory markers and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines than patients with TIR>70%. Both hyperglycemia and increased GV are associated with intensity of low-grade inflammation in T1D.
The place of metformin in the treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and insulin resistance during, before and after pregnancy: resolution of the expert council
Authors: Shestakova M. V. , Melnichenko G. A. , Andreeva E. N. , Sukhareva O. Y. , Vorotnikova S. Y. , Ibragimova L. I. , Burumkulova F. F. , Demidova T. Y. , Deryabina E. G. , Tiselko A. V. , Chulkov V. S.
Published: July 2024

Due to its effect on insulin resistance, ease of administration and favorable safety profile, metformin has been included in the recommendations of foreign medical communities for the management of pregnant women with hyperglycemia since 2008. However, in Russia, the use of any oral hypoglycemic agents during pregnancy is still contraindicated. However, recent studies demonstrate the safety and positive effects of metformin on pregnancy in patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes mellitus. In 2023, the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare of the Ministry of Health of Russia updated the instructions for the medical use of Glucophage® and Glucophage®Long: pregnancy was excluded from the “Contraindications” section and moved to the “With caution” section. This resolution is intended to evaluate studies of the effectiveness and safety of metformin, as well as to study the experience of foreign colleagues and Russian legal aspects of prescribing metformin in the stages of preparation for pregnancy, during it and in the post-gravid period.
Effectiveness and safety of an artificial intelligence-based medical decision support system for adjusting insulin pump settings in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Laptev D. N. , Sorokin D. Yu. , Trufanova E. S. , Rebrova O. Yu. , Bezlepkina O. B.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Previously, we presented the process of developing a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for adjusting insulin pump (IP) settings in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and assessing the agreement of the recommendations it generates with the expert opinion. The CDSS demonstrated satisfactory forecasting of glucose profile and agreement rates between recommendations CDSS and experts.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using CDSS in children with T1D, testing the hypothesis of non-inferiority (with a limit of -5%) of relative increase of glucose time in range (TIR) over 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial included 80 children with T1D, divided into two comparable groups of 40 children using the minimization method. Patients in the main group received recommendations for adjusting the IP settings from a physician who uses the CDSS; patients in the control group received recommendations from a physician (control group). Patients were observed for 6 months with remote consultations once a month (7 consultations in total) and monitoring of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 1, 4 and 7 consultations. The primary outcome is the difference in group mean relative changes in TIR (%), secondary outcomes are TIR (%), HbA1c concentration. 

RESULTS: The trial was completed by 63 patients 32 in the main group, 31 in the control group. The difference in the mean relative increase in TIR at the 7th consultation in the groups was 3.02%, one-sided 95% CI (-4.55%; inf ). Thus, the lower bound of this CI is greater than the noninferiority limit of -5%, and the noninferiority hypothesis can be accepted. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for all outcomes. The dynamics of the indicators were positive in the main group and had a statistical tendency towards positive changes in the control group.

CONCLUSION: The use of CDSS was no less effective in terms of the TIR than the management of the patient by a physician. The use of CDSS in clinical practice can help in regular and frequent monitoring of children with T1D, and standardize at a high level the approach to correction of IP parameters, supplemented with CGM.