bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading Between the Lameds: Unsound Words and Gothic Music in Smart's Psalm CXIX
Authors: Lewis Jayne
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Intended for practical use in the Anglican liturgy but even more deeply invested in their physical status as a book, Smart's 1765 Psalms of David invert the private, ecstatically spiritualized stylizations of Jubilate Agno . Smart's strange and compulsive rendering of Psalm CXIX explores the limits of the earlier poem's engagements with the echoic potential of the phoneme, confining the sound that it exalts to the material and specifically typographical space thereby shown to generate it. I argue that this technique echoes the sonic architecture of Horace Walpole's exactly contemporary Castle of Otranto , linking Smart's Psalm CXIX to the acousmatic pretenses that became a signature of gothic literary form.
Introduction to Geoffrey Hartman, "Trauma And Literature: The Case of Christopher Smart"
Authors: Goodman Kevis
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This introduction discusses the relationship between "Trauma and Literature: The Case of Christopher Smart," which Geoffrey Hartman was still working on before his death, and Hartman's famous original essay on Jubilate Agno , published in 1974: "Christopher Smart's Magnificat : Toward a Theory of Representation." With the help of Hartman's intermediate drafts and overflow notes to himself, Goodman sketches the continuous line of concern that links this late essay to Hartman's work of the 1970s. She argues that "Smart's Magnificat " was already exploring the distinct conditions of thwarted speech that Hartman would later call the literary expression of trauma in Smart and others.
Manual for Talking to Plants
Authors: Day Morgan
Published: July 2024

Abstract: “They told me about their depression, worried that the plants were absorbing their feelings. They told me gardening was their only escape and asked how they could improve so that eventually the plants would grow larger than them.”
Addressing the Dunning-Kruger Effect through Research Logs
Authors: van Ingen Lauer Sarah , Ariew Susan
Published: July 2024

abstract: This article describes how and why the Dunning-Kruger effect, in which novice students fail to recognize their own lack of research skills, often occurs with the one-shot library instruction mode. In contrast, we offer a holistic model of instruction that emphasizes closer information literacy connections to higher education curricula. Through collaboration, embedded librarianship, and using class time to address ACRL Framework concepts, such instruction promotes deeper, student-centered, authentic inquiry. A case study using research logs and a learning community approach indicated that students acquired a deeper understanding of the research process. The collaborative use of research logs highlights one approach to avoiding the Dunning-Kruger effect, even with limited class time.
Tunable and switchable multi-wavelength mode-locked fiber lasers induced by an optimized hybrid mode-locked composite filtering effect
Authors: Han Ying , Liu Lie , Li Qi , Li Ying-Ying , Wen Hong-Lin , Zhou Lu-Yao , Wu Ge , Ma Chun-Yang , Gao Bo
Published: July 2024

A multi-wavelength mode-locked fiber laser can generate different wavelengths from a single laser cavity, offering potential as a dual-frequency comb and serving as an ideal light source for terahertz wave generation. We present an optimized hybrid mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser with flexible outputs: switchable and tunable dual-wavelength mode-locking, along with stable tri-wavelength mode-locking, which is achieved by introducing 0.69 m polarization-maintaining fiber and bent 200 m single-mode fiber to enhance intra-cavity birefringence and nonlinear effect to optimize the hybrid mode-locking effect, that is, build the composite filter effect. The dual-wavelength mode-locking not only covers a tunable wavelength range of 5 nm but also provides tunable wavelength intervals of 4-26 nm due to the composite filter effect. The formation dynamics of the tri-wavelength mode-locking can be switched either pair-by-pair or one-by-one. This approach enables the realization of wavelength interval tunable dual-wavelength mode-locking in mode-locked fiber lasers simply by introducing fiber without additional actions. Such a simple, compact fiber laser with tunable wavelength capabilities holds significant potential for diverse applications.
High-resolution optical coherence tomography using a multi-level diffractive lens
Authors: Hamza Ameer , Hayward Tina M. , Majumder Apratim , Brimhall Nicole , Menon Rajesh , Ha Jinyong
Published: July 2024

We present a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system that utilizes a multi-level diffractive lens (MDL) to enhance lateral resolution. The system utilizes a polygon-based swept laser source with a center wavelength of 1,000 nm to achieve an axial resolution of 5.6 µm and an imaging depth of 1.4 mm using the bidirectional configuration of a semiconductor optical amplifier. The MDL significantly enhances the lateral resolution of the system, providing an extended depth of focus of 550 µm with an average lateral resolution of 8.5 µm. The effectiveness of this setup is validated through imaging of phantom and onion samples, demonstrating the system's capability for high-resolution deep tissue imaging. These findings underscore the potential of compact MDLs to significantly enhance the performance of OCT systems, offering a promising direction for advanced high-resolution imaging applications.
Talbot-like pattern evolution in complex structured light from a unitary transformation
Authors: Cao Zheng-Xiao , Liu Ting-Ting , Zhao Bo , Rosales-Guzmán Carmelo , Liu Jun , Zhu Zhi-Han
Published: July 2024

Astigmatic unitary transformations allow for the adiabatic connections of all feasible states of paraxial Gaussian beams on the same modal sphere, i.e., Hermite-Laguerre-Gaussian (HLG) modes. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation into the unitary modal evolution of complex structured Gaussian beams, comprised of HLG modes from disparate modal spheres, via astigmatic transformation. The non-synchronized higher-order geometric phases in cyclic transformations originate a Talbot-effect-like modal evolution in the superposition state of these HLG modes, resulting in pattern variations and revivals in transformations with specific geodesic loops. Using Ince-Gaussian modes as an illustrative example, we systematically analyze and experimentally corroborate the beamforming mechanism behind the pattern evolution. Our results outline a generic modal conversion theory of structured Gaussian beams via astigmatic unitary transformation, offering a new approach for shaping spatial modal structure. These findings may inspire a wide variety of applications based on structured light.
IOWN GF Energy Efficiency Program: Powering a Sustainable Future
Authors: Levrau Lieven
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses challenges for optimizing energy efficiency in telecommunications networks, encompassing areas like data centers, network protocols, equipment, AI-driven management, and efficient data collection, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
THz Communication Enabled by Photonics
Authors: Renaud Cyril
Published: July 2024

This presentation will look at the contribution of photonic solutions for THz wireless communication. We will review the most recent results and explore some of the possible routes that could be investigated through photonic technologies.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Quantum Network Protocols
Authors: Kashefi Elham
Published: July 2024

Abstract not available.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
The Future of Optical Networking in Service Provider Networks: Defined by External Factors
Authors: Gerstel Ori
Published: July 2024

The evolution of optical networking in service providers was fueled by technology achievements, such as coherent transmission and ROADM advancements. Its future is likely to be defined by factors that are outside the SP optical networking domain: collaboration of optical networks and routers will fundamentally change how optical networks are built and operated, sophisticated software control systems and webscale applications driving the roadmap for optical components and network architectures.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
AWS Inter-Datacenter Transport Network
Authors: Kumar Saurabh
Published: July 2024

This talk is on the evolution of Amazon Web Services (AWS) inter-datacenter optical network. We will review the network architecture, discuss our approach to optical platforms and present examples of topology planning, deployment, and operations automation.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Erbium-Doped Si3N4 Photonic Integrated Circuits and Wafer-Scale Fabrication to Include our Recent Progress
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: July 2024

We present the recent progress on Erbium-doped Si3N4 photonic integrated circuits-based devices including high-power amplifiers and hertz-linewidth lasers, and the fabrication via wafer-scale processes.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Advancement in CPO and Ecosystem
Authors: Traverso Matthew
Published: July 2024

This work reviews state-of-the-art Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), integrating optical interconnects with large electrical processors. Comparing commercial demonstrations, it highlights advancements in high-speed networking infrastructure and potential impacts on CPO adoption.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Photonic Integrated Circuits for Quantum Communication
Authors: Bacco Davide , Guarda Giulia , Cocchi Sebastiano , Vigliar Caterina , Zahidy Mujtaba , Ding Yunhong , Oxenløwe Leif , Occhipinti Tommaso , Zavatta Alessandro
Published: July 2024

We report an overview of photonic integrated circuits for generating, manipulating, and measuring quantum states of light (qubit and qudit) in the context of quantum communications and quantum networks.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Fully Packaged Multichannel Cryogenic Quantum Memory Module
Authors: Dixon Ben
Published: July 2024

Realizing quantum networks requires efficient and scalable quantum memories and repeaters. I will discuss how we developed a photonic integrated circuit module with a heterogeneously integrated solid-state color-center qubit chiplet for these uses.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing With Integrated Photonics
Authors: DeBono Bryan , Semenenko Henry , Nugent Lora , Krogstad Molly , Ollanik Adam , Nguyen Duc , Campbell Sara , Schultz Justin , Plascak Michael , Bushati Rezlind , Zultak Johanna , Rowe Mary
Published: July 2024

Quantinuum’s trapped-ion quantum computer utilizes the QCCD architecture which exhibits high-fidelity operations, mid-circuit measurements, and full connectivity. This talk discusses how we can address scaling challenges with visible-light integrated photonics to facilitate large-scale quantum computing.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Mid-infrared Doppler-free saturation absorption spectroscopy of the Q branch of CH4ν3 = 1 band using a rapid-scanning continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Shah Riyadh S. M. , Telfah Hamzeh , Jones Ian W. , Bersson Jonathan S. , Cheng Cun-Feng , Hu Shui-Ming , Foote David B. , Liu Jinjun
Published: July 2024

We have developed a mid-infrared Doppler-free saturation absorption spectroscopy apparatus that employs a commercial continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator (CW OPO), complemented by a home-built automation and wavelength scanning system. Here, we report a comprehensive spectral scan of the Q branch transitions of the ν3 = 1 band of methane (CH4) with an average linewidth (FWHM) of 4.5 MHz. The absolute frequency calibration was achieved using previously reported transition frequencies determined using optical frequency combs, while a Fabry–Perot etalon was used for the relative frequency calibration. We report 15 transitions with improved accuracies of 1.13 MHz (3.76 × 10−5 cm−1).
Challenges for ticks and tick-borne diseases research in Southeast Asia: Insight from the first international symposium in Cambodia
Authors: Yean Sony , Prasetyo Didot Budi , Marcombe Sebastien , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Kazim Abdul Rahman , Tiawsirisup Sonthaya , Chinh Vu Duc , Matsuno Keita , Low Van Lun , Bonnet Sarah , Boulanger Nathalie , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Abdad Mohammad Yazid , Herbreteau Vincent , Chavatte Jean-Marc , Sum Samuth , Ren Theary , Sakuntabhai Anavaj , Maquart Pierre-Olivier , Rakotonirina Antsa , Boyer Sebastien
Published: July 2024

Background

Ticks, as critical vectors of a variety of pathogens, pose a significant public health challenge globally. In Southeast Asia (SEA), ticks are responsible for transmitting a diverse array of pathogens affecting humans and animals. The geographical and ecological diversity of SEA provides a unique environment that supports a wide range of tick species, which complicates the management and study of tick-borne diseases (TBDs).

Methodology/principal findings

This article synthesizes findings from the first international symposium on ticks and TBDs in Southeast Asia, held in Phnom Penh on June 22 and 23, 2023. It highlights regional efforts to understand tick ecology and pathogen transmission.

This paper proposes to present a summary of the various presentations given during the symposium following 3 main parts. The first one is devoted to the state of knowledge regarding ticks and TBDs in SEA countries, with presentations from 6 different countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The second part focuses on the development of new research approaches on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and TBDs. The last part is a summary of the round table discussion held on the final day, with the aim of defining the most important challenges and recommendations for researches on TBP and TBD in the SEA region.

Conclusions/Significance

Key topics discussed include advancements in diagnostic tools, such as MALDI-TOF MS and proteomics, and the development of sustainable strategies for tick management and disease prevention. The symposium facilitated the exchange of knowledge and collaborative networks among experts from various disciplines, promoting a unified approach to tackling TBDs in the region. The symposium underscored the need for enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and inter-regional cooperation to manage the threat of TBDs effectively. Recommendations include the establishment of a regional database for tick identification and the expansion of vector competence studies. These initiatives are crucial for developing targeted interventions and understanding the broader implications of climate change and urbanization on the prevalence of TBDs.
Investigating stronger tolerant network against cascading failures in focusing on changing degree distributions
Authors: Kusunoki Ryota , Hayashi Yukio
Published: July 2024

Many real-world networks with Scale-Free structure are significantly vulnerable against both intentional attacks and catastrophic cascading failures. On the other hand, it has been shown that networks with narrower degree distributions have strong robustness of connectivity by enhancing loops. This paper numerically reveals that such networks are also tolerant against cascading failures. Our findings will be useful in designing stronger tolerant network infrastructures.
Soil water content drives the spatiotemporal the distribution and community assembly of soil ciliates in the Nianchu River Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Zhu Shiying , Huang Qian , Li Tianshun , Li Mingyan , Yang Qing , Li Xiaodong , Warren Alan , Pu Bu
Published: July 2024

Ciliated protozoa (ciliates) are an ecologically important group of microeukaryotes that play roles in the flow of energy and nutrients in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The community distribution and diversity of soil ciliates in the Nianchu River Basin were investigated by sampling four major habitats, i.e., grassland, farmland, wetland and sea buckthorn forest during May, August and October 2020. Cultivation identification and enumeration of soil ciliates were performed by the non-submerged culture method, in vivo observations and protargol silver staining, and direct counting methods, respectively. A total of 199 species were identified representing, 89 genera, 67 families, 31 orders and 11 classes. Haptorida was the dominant group with 35 species, accounting for 17.59% of the total. The results showed that the α and β diversity indices of soil ciliate communities in the Nianchu River Basin varied significantly in spatial distribution, but not in temporal distribution. Mantel test showed that soil water content, total nitrogen and organic matter were significantly correlated with soil ciliates. Soil water content was the main environmental factor driving the spatial distribution of soil ciliates. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that soil ciliate species in the Nianchu River Basin depend on each other in the relationship of solidarity and cooperation or ecological complementarity. Thus maintaining or enhancing the diversity and stability of the community. Community assembly shows that randomness process was an important ecological process driving soil ciliate community construction in the Nianchu River Basin.
Community end user perceptions of hessian fabric transfluthrin vapour emanators for protecting against mosquitoes under conditions of routine use in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Authors: Damus Obrillant , Supreme Chicoye , Lemoine Jean-Frantz , Raccurt Christian , McBeath Justin , Ogoma Sheila B. , Corbel Vincent , Andrinopoulos Katherine , Impoinvil Daniel , Killeen Gerry F. , Czeher Cyrille
Published: July 2024

Background

A treated fabric device for emanating the volatile pyrethroid transfluthrin was recently developed in Tanzania that protected against night-biting Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes for several months. Here perceptions of community end users provided with such transfluthrin emanators, primarily intended to protect them against day-active Aedes vectors of human arboviruses that often attack people outdoors, were assessed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Methods

Following the distribution of transfluthrin emanators to participating households in poor-to-middle class urban neighbourhoods, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews of end-user households were supplemented with conventional and Photovoice-based focus group discussions. Observations were assessed synthetically to evaluate user perceptions of protection and acceptability, and to solicit advice for improving and promoting them in the future.

Results

Many participants viewed emanators positively and several outlined various advantages over current alternatives, although some expressed concerns about smell, health hazards, bulkiness, unattractiveness and future cost. Most participants expressed moderate to high satisfaction with protection against mosquitoes, especially indoors. Protection against other arthropod pests was also commonly reported, although satisfaction levels were highly variable. Diverse use practices were reported, some of which probably targeted nocturnal Culex resting indoors, rather than Aedes attacking them outdoors during daylight hours. Perceived durability of protection varied: While many participants noted some slow loss over months, others noted rapid decline within days. A few participants specifically attributed efficacy loss to outdoor use and exposure to wind or moisture. Many expressed stringent expectations of satisfactory protection levels, with even a single mosquito bite considered unsatisfactory. Some participants considered emanators superior to fans, bedsheets, sprays and coils, but it is concerning that several preferred them to bed nets and consequently stopped using the latter.

Conclusions

The perspectives shared by Haitian end-users are consistent with those from similar studies in Brazil and recent epidemiological evidence from Peru that other transfluthrin emanator products can protect against arbovirus infection. While these encouraging sociological observations contrast starkly with evidence of essentially negligible effects upon Aedes landing rates from parallel entomological assessments across Haiti, Tanzania, Brazil and Peru, no other reason to doubt the generally encouraging views expressed herein by Haitian end users could be identified.
Intrinsic functional connectivity mediates the effect of personality traits on depressive symptoms
Authors: Lee Zheng Long , Siew Savannah Kiah Hui , Yu Junhong
Published: July 2024

Background

Personality traits have been proposed as risk factors for depressive symptoms. However, the neural mechanism behind these relationships is unclear. This study examined the possible mediating effect of resting-state functional connectivity networks on these relationships.

Methods

Data from 153 healthy Germans were obtained from the MPI-Leipzig Mind-Brain-Body: Neuroanatomy & Connectivity Protocol database. Network-based statistics were used to identify significant functional connectivity networks that were positively and negatively associated with the personality traits of neuroticism, conscientiousness, and extraversion, with and without demographical covariates. Mediation analyses were performed for each personality trait and depressive symptoms with the significant positive and negative network strengths of the respective personality traits as mediators.

Results

Neuroticism, conscientiousness, and extraversion were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. Network-based statistics identified patterns of functional connectivity that were significantly associated with neuroticism and conscientiousness. After controlling for demographical covariates, significant conscientiousness-associated and extraversion-associated networks emerged. Mediation analysis concluded that only the neuroticism-positive network mediated the effect of neuroticism on depressive symptoms. When age and sex were controlled, the extraversion-positive network completely mediated the effect of extraversion on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings revealed that patterns of intrinsic functional networks predict personality traits and suggest that the relationship between personality traits and depressive symptoms may in part be due to their common patterns of intrinsic functional networks.
Anti-hemagglutinin monomeric nanobody provides prophylactic immunity against H1 subtype influenza A viruses
Authors: Barbieri Elena Susana , Sosa-Holt Carla , Ibañez Lorena Itati , Baztarrica Josefina , Garaicoechea Lorena , Gay Claire Lindsey , Caceres Carlos Joaquin , Aduriz Matias , Baumeister Elsa , Escribano José Angel , Perez Daniel , Wigdorovitz Andrés , Parreño Gladys Viviana , Puntel Mariana
Published: July 2024

Influenza viruses constitute a major threat to human health globally. The viral surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) is the immunodominant antigen, contains the site for binding to the cellular receptor (RBS), and it is the major target of neutralizing antibody responses post-infection. We developed llama-derived single chain antibody fragments (VHHs) specific for type A influenza virus. Four VHHs were identified and further characterized. VHH D81 bound residues in the proximity of the C-terminal region of HA1 of H1 and H5 subtypes, and showed weak neutralizing activity, whereas VHH B33 bound residues in the proximity of the N-terminal region of the HA’s stem domain (HA2) of H1, H5, and H9 subtypes, and showed no neutralizing activity. Of most relevance, VHHs E13 and G41 recognized highly conserved conformational epitopes on the H1 HA’s globular domain (HA1) and showed high virus neutralizing activity (ranging between 0.94 to 0.01μM), when tested against several human H1N1 isolates. Additionally, E13 displayed abrogated virus replication of a panel of H1N1 strains spanning over 80 years of antigenic drift and isolated from human, avian, and swine origin. Interestingly, E13 conferred protection in vivo at a dose as low as 0.05 mg/kg. Mice treated with E13 intranasally resulted in undetectable virus challenge loads in the lungs at day 4 post-challenge. The transfer of sterilizing pan-H1 immunity, by a dose in the range of micrograms given intranasally, is of major significance for a monomeric VHH and supports the further development of E13 as an immunotherapeutic agent for the mitigation of influenza infections.
A supervised multiclass framework for mineral classification of Iberian beads
Authors: Sanchez-Gomez Daniel , Odriozola Lloret Carlos P. , Sousa Ana Catarina , Garrido-Cordero José Ángel , Romero-García Galo , Martínez-Blanes José María , Edo I. Benaiges Manel , Villalobos-García Rodrigo , Gonçalves Victor S.
Published: July 2024

Research on personal adornments depends on the reliable characterisation of materials to trace provenance and model complex social networks. However, many analytical techniques require the transfer of materials from the museum to the laboratory, involving high insurance costs and limiting the number of items that can be analysed, making the process of empirical data collection a complicated, expensive and time-consuming routine. In this study, we compiled the largest geochemical dataset of Iberian personal adornments (n = 1243 samples) by coupling X-ray fluorescence compositional data with their respective X-ray diffraction mineral labels. This allowed us to develop a machine learning-based framework for the prediction of bead-forming minerals by training and benchmarking 13 of the most widely used supervised algorithms. As a proof of concept, we developed a multiclass model and evaluated its performance on two assemblages from different Portuguese sites with current mineralogical characterisation: Cova das Lapas (n = 15 samples) and Gruta da Marmota (n = 10 samples). Our results showed that decisión-tres based classifiers outperformed other classification logics given the discriminative importance of some chemical elements in determining the mineral phase, which fits particularly well with the decision-making process of this type of model. The comparison of results between the different validation sets and the proof-of-concept has highlighted the risk of using synthetic data to handle imbalance and the main limitation of the framework: its restrictive class system. We conclude that the presented approach can successfully assist in the mineral classification workflow when specific analyses are not available, saving time and allowing a transparent and straightforward assessment of model predictions. Furthermore, we propose a workflow for the interpretation of predictions using the model outputs as compound responses enabling an uncertainty reduction approach currently used by our team. The Python-based framework is packaged in a public repository and includes all the necessary resources for its reusability without the need for any installation.
Mentha longifolia assisted nanostructures: An approach to obliterate microbial biofilms
Authors: Kazmi Mahwish Batool , Almutairi Hayfa Habes , Andleeb Ayesha , Jabeen Raheela , Mustafa Ghulam , Habiba Umm-e- , Kazmi Safdar Abbas , Naz Farah , Qammar Najma
Published: July 2024

Microbes maneuver strategies to become incessant and biofilms perfectly play a role in scaling up virulence to cause long-lasting infections. The present study was designed to assess the use of an eco-friendly formulation of functionalized silver nanoparticles generated from Mentha longifolia leaf extract (MℓE) for the treatment of biofilm-producing microbes. Nanoparticles synthesized using MℓE as a reducing agent were optimized at different strengths of AgNO3 (1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, and 4 mM). Synthesis of M. longifolia silver nanoparticles (MℓAgNPs) was observed spectrophotometrically (450 nm) showing that MℓAgNPs (4 mM) had the highest absorbance. Various techniques e.g., Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize MℓAgNPs. In the present study, the Kirby—Bauer method revealed 4mM was the most detrimental conc. of MℓAgNPs with MIC and MBC values of 0.62 μg/mL and 1.25 μg/mL, 0.03 μg/mL and 0.078 μg/mL, and 0.07 μg/mL and 0.15 μg/mL against previously isolated and identified clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Moreover, the MℓAgNP antibiofilm activity was examined via tissue culture plate (TCP) assay that revealed biofilm inhibition of up to 87.09%, 85.6%, 83.11%, and 75.09% against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, and S. aureus, respectively. Herbal synthesized silver nanoparticles (MℓAgNPs) tend to have excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties and are promising for other biomedical applications involving the extrication of irksome biofilms. For our best knowledge, it is the first study on the use of the green-synthesized silver nanoparticle MℓAgNP as an antibiofilm agent, suggesting that this material has antibiotic, therapeutic, and industrial applications.
Unveiling population-specific outcomes: Examining life cycle traits of different strains of Chironomus riparius exposed to microplastics and cadmium questions generality of ecotoxicological results
Authors: Binde Doria Halina , Wagner Vivian , Foucault Quentin , Pfenninger Markus
Published: July 2024

Ecotoxicological tests used for risk assessment of toxicants and its mixtures rely both on classical life-cycle endpoints and bioindicator organisms usually derived from long-term laboratory cultures. While these cultures are thought to be comparable among laboratories and more sensitive than field organisms, it is not well investigated whether this assumption is met. Therefore, we aimed to investigate differential life-cycle endpoints response of two different strains of C. riparius, one originally from Spain and the other from Germany, kept under the same laboratory conditions for more than five years. To highlight any possible differences, the two populations were challenged with exposure to cadmium (Cd), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics and a co-exposure with both. Our results showed that significant differences between the strains became evident with the co-exposure of Cd and PVC MPs. The German strain showed attenuation of the deleterious Cd effects with microplastic co-exposure in survival and developmental time. Contrary to that, the Spanish strain showed no interaction between the substances. In conclusion, the toxicity-effects of contaminants may vary strongly among laboratory populations, which makes a universal risk assessment evaluation challenging.
Reduced adaptability to balance perturbations in older adults with probable cognitive impairment after a severe fall
Authors: Voß Malte , Zieschang Tania , Schmidt Laura , Hackbarth Michel , Koschate Jessica , Stuckenschneider Tim
Published: July 2024

Falls in older individuals often result from unexpected balance disturbances during walking, necessitating the analysis of recovery strategies for effective falls prevention. This becomes particularly crucial for individuals with cognitive impairment, who face a higher fall risk compared to cognitively healthy adults. Hence, our study aimed to compare the recovery response to standardized walking perturbations on a treadmill between older adults with cognitive impairment and cognitively healthy older adults. 36 individuals with a recent history of a severe fall, leading to an emergency department visit without subsequent admission, were stratified into two groups (with and without probable cognitive impairment) based on scores of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Recovery performance was quantified using force plate data from a perturbation treadmill (M-Gait, Motek Medical B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands), specifically evaluating the number of steps needed to restore step length and width to pre perturbation baseline across two trials of nine different perturbations. Individuals with cognitive impairment (n = 18, mean age: 74.7) required significantly (p = 0.045, Cohen’s d = 0.69) more steps to recover total steps after perturbations compared to cognitively healthy individuals (n = 18, mean age: 69.7). While step width recovery was similar between the groups, those with probable cognitive impairment required significantly more steps to recover their step length (p = 0.039, Cohen’s d = 0.72). Thus, our findings indicate that older adults with probable cognitive impairment manifest inferior gait adaptability, especially in adapting step length, potentially underscoring a critical aspect for effective falls prevention in this population.
Strategic decision making in live streaming e-commerce through tripartite evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Xu Yifan , Qi Jingyu , Kong Jiahao , Zhang Weisi
Published: July 2024

This article delves into the current popular phenomenon of live streaming e-commerce, with a specific focus on issues related to product quality and after-sales service. It constructs an evolutionary game model that encompasses three key stakeholders: e-commerce platforms, consumers, and streamers. The study conducts a thorough analysis of the interactions and strategic choices among these entities, investigating the stability of equilibrium strategy combinations within the game system and the influence of various factors on decision-making behaviors. Furthermore, the validity of the analytical conclusion is corroborated through the application of simulation analysis methods. The study finds that for the consumer, strategies such as reducing losses encountered due to quality issues under strict demands, enhancing compensation in these scenarios, and increasing benefits for maintaining stringent requirements during live streaming sessions can motivate them to adopt more stringent strategies. For the streamer, essential factors in promoting the selection of high-quality products include increasing the benefits associated with such choices and reducing the probability of quality issues, or alternatively, decreasing the gains from lower-quality selections and increasing the likelihood of encountering quality problems with these products. For the e-commerce platform, strategically adjusting the profit-sharing ratio to maintain collaborative momentum and influence the enthusiasm of both consumers and streamers is a critical strategy to avert market scenarios akin to prisoner’s dilemmas and tragic outcomes. Overall, this research offers profound insights into the complex strategic evolution within the live commerce market, providing valuable guidance for interaction strategies among e-commerce platforms, consumers, and streamers. Its implications for practical decision-making optimization and strategic formulation are of significant importance.
Dietary fiber induces a fat preference associated with the gut microbiota
Authors: Liow Yi Jia , Kamimura Itsuka , Umezaki Masahiro , Suda Wataru , Takayasu Lena
Published: July 2024

Eating behavior is essential to human health. However, whether future eating behavior is subjected to the conditioning of preceding dietary composition is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fiber consumption on subsequent nutrient-specific food preferences between palatable high-fat and high-sugar diets and explore its correlation with the gut microbiota. C57BL/6NJcl male mice were subjected to a 2-week dietary intervention and fed either a control (n = 6) or inulin (n = 6) diet. Afterward, all mice were subjected to a 3-day eating behavioral test to self-select from the simultaneously presented high-fat and high-sugar diets. The test diet feed intakes were recorded, and the mice’s fecal samples were analyzed to evaluate the gut microbiota composition. The inulin-conditioned mice exhibited a preference for the high-fat diet over the high-sugar diet, associated with distinct gut microbiota composition profiles between the inulin-conditioned and control mice. The gut microbiota Oscillospiraceae sp., Bacteroides acidifaciens, and Clostridiales sp. positively correlated with a preference for fat. Further studies with fecal microbiota transplantation and eating behavior-related neurotransmitter analyses are warranted to establish the causal role of gut microbiota on host food preferences. Food preferences induced by dietary intervention are a novel observation, and the gut microbiome may be associated with this preference.
Receipt of Opioid Agonist Treatment in provincial correctional facilities in British Columbia is associated with a reduced hazard of nonfatal overdose in the month following release
Authors: McLeod Katherine E. , Buxton Jane A. , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Martin Ruth Elwood , Nosyk Bohdan , Kurz Megan , Scow Marnie , Felicella Guy , Slaunwhite Amanda K.
Published: July 2024

Background

In many jurisdictions, policies restrict access to Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) in correctional facilities. Receipt of OAT during incarceration is associated with reduced risk of fatal overdose after release but little is known about the effect on nonfatal overdose. This study aimed to examine the association between OAT use during incarceration and nonfatal overdose in the 30 days following release.

Methods and findings

Using linked administrative healthcare and corrections data for a random sample of 20% of residents of British Columbia, Canada we examined releases from provincial correctional facilities between January 1, 2015 –December 1, 2018, among adults (aged 18 or older at the time of release) with Opioid Use Disorder. We fit Andersen-Gill models to examine the association between receipt of OAT in custody and the hazard of nonfatal following release. We conducted secondary analyses to examine the association among people continuing treatment initiated prior to their arrest and people who initiated a new episode of OAT in custody separately. We also conducted sex-based subgroup analyses. In this study there were 4,738 releases of 1,535 people with Opioid Use Disorder. In adjusted analysis, receipt of OAT in custody was associated with a reduced hazard of nonfatal overdose (aHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41, 0.74). This was found for prescriptions continued from community (aHR 0.49, 95%CI 0.36, 0.67) and for episodes of OAT initiated in custody (aHR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41, 0.82). The effect was greater among women than men.

Conclusions

OAT receipt during incarceration is associated with a reduced hazard of nonfatal overdose after release. Policies to expand access to OAT in correctional facilities, including initiating treatment, may help reduce harms related to nonfatal overdose in the weeks following release. Differences in the effect seen among women and men indicate a need for gender-responsive policies and programming.
Combining traceological analysis and ZooMS on Early Neolithic bone artefacts from the cave of Coro Trasito, NE Iberian Peninsula: Cervidae used equally to Caprinae
Authors: Hansen Jakob , Sierra Alejandro , Mata Sergi , Gassiot Ballbè Ermengol , Rey Lanaspa Javier , Welker Frido , Saña Seguí Maria , Clemente Conte Ignacio
Published: July 2024

Few studies have combined the analysis of use-wear traces, traceology, and the proteomic taxonomic identification method Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS). Traceology provides information on the usage, in this case, of bone artefacts, while ZooMS allows for taxonomic identifications where diagnostic features are otherwise gone. The approaches therefore offer complementary information on bone artefacts, allowing for insights into species selection strategies in bone tool manufacture and their subsequent use. Here we present a case study of 20 bone artefacts, mainly bone points, from the Early Neolithic cave site of Coro Trasito located on the southern slope of the Central Pyrenees. Hitherto, studies on Early Neolithic bone artefacts from the Iberian Peninsula have suggested based on morphological assessments that Ovis aries/Capra hircus constituted the majority of the bone material selected for bone tool production. However, the taxonomic identification in this study suggests that, at this site, Cervidae was selected equally to that of O. aries/C. hircus. Furthermore, bone artefacts made from Cervidae specimens seem to be utilised in a wider range of artefact types compared to O. aries/C. hircus. Coro Trasito’s bone artefact species composition is probably site-specific to some degree, however, morphological assessments of bone artefacts might not be representative and could be biased towards certain species. Therefore, research on bone artefacts’ usage could possibly gain new insights by implementing ZooMS in combination with traceology.
Estimates of functional muscle strength from a novel progressive lateral step-up test are feasible, reliable, and related to physical activity in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Batson Trevor , Whitten Sydni V. W. , Singh Harshvardhan , Zhang Chuan , Colquitt Gavin , Modlesky Christopher M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine if estimates of functional muscle strength from a novel progressive lateral-step-up test (LSUT) are feasible, reliable, and related to physical activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Design

Cross-sectional; test-retest reliability Subjects/Patients: Children with CP and typically developing control children (n = 45/group).

Methods

An LSUT with 10, 15, and 20 cm step heights was completed. It was repeated 4 weeks later in 20 children with CP. A composite score of LSUT was calculated based on the step height and number of repetitions completed. Physical activity was assessed using monitors worn on the ankle and hip.

Results

Only 4 (13%) of the children with CP were unable to complete a lateral step-up repetition without assistance. All children were able to complete at least 1 repetition with assistance, though more than twice as many children with CP required assistance at 15 and 20 cm step heights than at the 10 cm step height (p < 0.01). Children with CP had 59 to 63% lower LSUT performance, 37% lower physical activity assessed at the ankle, and 22% lower physical activity assessed at the hip than controls (all p < 0.01). The intra-class correlation coefficient ranged from 0.91 to 0.96 for LSUT performance at the different step heights and was 0.97 for the composite score. All LSUT performance measures were positively related to ankle physical activity in children with CP (r range = 0.43 to 0.47, all p < 0.01). Only performance at 20 cm and the composite score were positively related to hip physical activity (r = 0.33 and 0.31, respectively, both p < 0.05). The relationship between the LSUT performance and physical activity at both the ankle and hip increased when age and sex were statistically controlled (model r range = 0.55 to 0.60, all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Estimates of functional muscle strength from a novel progressive LSUT are feasible, reliable, and positively related to physical activity in children with CP.
A chemical analysis of the Pelargonium species: P. odoratissimum, P. graveolens, and P. zonale identifies secondary metabolites with activity against gram-positive bacteria with multidrug-resistance
Authors: Celi Diana , Quiroz Evelyn , Beltrán-Noboa Andrea , Machado António , Tejera Eduardo , Fernandez-Soto Paulina
Published: July 2024

The Pelargonium genus encompasses around 280 species, most of which are used for medicinal purposes. While P. graveolens, P. odoratissimum, and P. zonale are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity, there is an evident absence of studies evaluating all three species to understand their chemical differences and biological effects. Through the analysis of the hydroalcoholic extracts of P. graveolens, P. odoratissimum, and P. zonale, using HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were identified in these three species. Conversely, gallotannins and anthocyanins were uniquely detected in P. zonale. P. graveolens stood out due to the various types of myricetin derivatives that were not detected in P. odoratissimum and P. zonale extracts. Evaluation of their biological activities revealed that P. zonale displayed superior antibacterial and antibiofilm activities in comparison to the other two species. The antibacterial efficacy of P. zonale was observed towards the clinically relevant strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 333, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and the Vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis INSPI 032. Fractionation analysis of P. zonale suggested that the antibacterial activity attributed to this plant is due to the presence of quercetin derivatives and kaempferol and its derivatives, alongside their synergistic interaction with gallotannins and anthocyanins. Lastly, the three Pelargonium species exhibited notable antioxidant activity, which may be attributed to their high content of total phenolic compounds.
Microvesicles from quiescent and TGF-β1 stimulated hepatic stellate cells: Divergent impact on hepatic vascular injury
Authors: Xie Jianlong , Ye Zhirong , Xu Xiaobing , Chang Anzhi , Yang Ziyi , Wu Qin , Pan Qunwen , Wang Yan , Chen Yanyu , Ma Xiaotang , Miao Huilai
Published: July 2024

Background

This study evaluated the effect of microvesicles(MVs) from quiescent and TGF-β1 stimulated hepatic stellate cells (HSC-MVs, TGF-β1HSC-MVs) on H2O2-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury and CCl4-induced rat hepatic vascular injury.

Methods

HUVECs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to establish a model for vascular endothelial cell injury. HSC-MVs or TGF-β1HSC-MVs were co-cultured with H2O2-treated HUVECs, respectively. Indicators including cell survival rate, apoptosis rate, oxidative stress, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were measured. Simultaneously, the expression of proteins such as PI3K, AKT, MEK1+MEK2, ERK1+ERK2, VEGF, eNOS, and CXCR4 was assessed, along with activated caspase-3. SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 twice a week for 10 weeks to induce liver injury models. HSC-MVs or TGF-β1HSC-MVs were injected into the tail vein of rats. Liver and hepatic vascular damage were also detected.

Results

In H2O2-treated HUVECs, HSC-MVs increased cell viability, reduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, improved oxidative stress, migration, and angiogenesis, and upregulated protein expression of PI3K, AKT, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, VEGF, eNOS, and CXCR4. Conversely, TGF-β1HSC-MVs exhibited opposite effects. CCl4- induced rat hepatic injury model, HSC-MVs reduced the release of ALT and AST, hepatic inflammation, fatty deformation, and liver fibrosis. HSC-MVs also downregulated the protein expression of CD31 and CD34. Conversely, TGF-β1HSC-MVs demonstrated opposite effects.

Conclusion

HSC-MVs demonstrated a protective effect on H2O2-treated HUVECs and CCl4-induced rat hepatic injury, while TGF-β1HSC-MVs had an aggravating effect. The effects of MVs involve PI3K/AKT/VEGF, CXCR4, and MEK/ERK/eNOS pathways.