bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral analysis based blind frequency offset estimation for digital subcarrier multiplexing systems with adjustable roll-off factors and various modulation formats
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Zhipei , Zhang Qi , Zhao Qihan , Wang Chenchen , Li Li , Wang Fu , Wang Yongjun , Zhou Sitong , Tian Feng , Tian Qinghua , Xin Xiangjun
Published: June 2024

We proposed a blind frequency offset estimation (FOE) method for digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSM) signals. By utilising spectral information from the DSM signal and analysing the correlation between the frequency offset (FO) and the summed power of the signal spectrum, the proposed FOE method can accurately and effectively handle various modulation schemes assigned to each subcarrier. The proposed FOE method exhibits a flexibility to the roll-off factor of the root raised cosine (RRC) spectral shaping and can achieve a high level of accuracy in FOE under different roll-off factors and subcarrier numbers, with an FOE error of less than 30 MHz under a fast Fourier transform (FFT) size of 2048. Additionally, the proposed FOE method has advantages in terms of the computational complexity compared to the existing method. The performance of the proposed FOE method is experimentally verified for 48Gbaud 16QAM DSM signals in a coherent detection system.
Manipulation of Bloch surface beams based on perfectly matched Bragg diffraction
Authors: Xiang Yifeng , Wang Jiaxin , Lu Qijing , Li Hui , Lei Xinrui , Wang Ruxue
Published: June 2024

A generalized method is proposed for the manipulation of Bloch surface waves (BSWs) with multiple designed phases. This method is based on perfectly matched Bragg diffraction with a wide range of available diffraction angles and can be used beyond the paraxial limit to realize nonparaxial accelerating BSW beams. When combined with the caustic method, multiple accelerating beams with pre-engineered trajectories have been successfully generated, including power-law, circular, elliptic, and bottle beams. Furthermore, the transverse light field distribution of these accelerating beams is consistent with the theoretical prediction, indicating that the beam width can be manipulated by controlling the trajectory of the beam. The results of this work will facilitate the development of novel applications where controlling the trajectory and width of the two-dimensional beams is crucial, such as surface tweezers, and lab-on-chip photonic integrations.
Generation of dual bi-power-exponents helico-conical beams employing spin-isolated geometric metasurface
Authors: Yan Bin , Liu Yue , Zhang Yingqiu , He Xuewen , Wei Zhongchao , Liu Hongzhan
Published: June 2024

Unlike traditional optical vortex (OV), helico-conical optical beams (HCOBs) carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) related to the beam’s radius and exhibit a helical intensity pattern, drawing widespread attention in fields such as optical communication and optical tweezers. In this study, we introduce two independent power-exponents into the HCOB configuration and employ spin-isolated geometric phase metasurfaces to simultaneously generate dual bi-power-exponent helico-conical beams (BPE-HCBs). This innovative approach allows unprecedented control over the beams’ shape and intensity using only simple linearly polarized (LP) incident light, facilitating the transformation from dual helical structures to multi-ring hollow beams and vector vortex beams (VVBs) patterns. Our research not only simplifies the design process of metasurfaces but also demonstrates their significant capabilities in generating and manipulating complex OAM beam patterns, paving the way for innovative designs in integrated optical systems.
Absorptive frequency-selective transmission/reflection metamaterials with angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption
Authors: Tang Zhao , Xu Jie , Yuan Dong-Rui , Li Bing-Xiang , Zhang Hai-Feng
Published: June 2024

Absorptive frequency-selective transmission/reflection (AFST/AFSR) metamaterials (MMs) embedded with yttrium-iron-garnet are proposed, capable of achieving angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption. The season optimization algorithm is utilized to optimize the structural parameters of the MM, thus achieving exceptional angular stability. By adjusting the discrete decreasing magnetic field applied to the MM, it can freely switch between double, triple, quadruple, and fivefold octave absorptions. Incorporating reflection layers into two symmetrical AFST MMs, which individually handle electromagnetic waves in forward and backward incidence cases, the Janus feature is realized. This accomplishment led to the achievement of the Janus AFSR MM, enabling angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption. AFST and AFSR MMs demonstrate stable performance for TE waves under various oblique incidence angles up to 53°. The AFST/AFSR MMs showcase a novel approach to achieving angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption, and hold significant application value in fields such as electromagnetic computing, RCS reduction, and information processing.
High sensitivity fiber SPR sensor based on a spiral coarse cone structure
Authors: Wei Yong , Tang Yixiong , Shao Yabin , Liu Chunlan , Shi Chen , Wang Xingkai , Liu Chunbiao , Liu Zhihai
Published: June 2024

A fiber SPR sensor can achieve rapid and portable detection of
trivalent arsenic ions (As3+) in drinking water or food,
but their sensitivity and detection limit need to be further improved
and developed toward specific detection. This article proposed the
implementation of the SPR sensor using a biased core fiber spiral
coarse cone structure. The fine core of the biased core fiber was used
to reduce the mode of transmitted light. By controlling the pitch of
the spiral core to control the SPR incidence angle, a significant
increase in the sensitivity of the fiber SPR sensor was achieved.
Meanwhile, the harmless glutathione (GSH) was modified on the surface
of the sensing gold film to achieve the specific detection of
As3+. The experimental results indicate that the spiral
coarse cone fiber SPR sensor proposed in this article has a detection
sensitivity of 32.48 nm/ppb for As3+, with a detection
limit as low as 0.011 ppb, meeting the detection requirements of the
World Health Organization for As3+ in water, which provides
a new feasible solution for fast, portable, and highly sensitive
detection of metal ions in water and food.
Extremely high extinction ratio electro-optic modulator via frequency upconversion to visible wavelengths
Authors: Sabatti Alessandra , Kellner Jost , Kaufmann Fabian , Chapman Robert J. , Finco Giovanni , Kuttner Tristan , Maeder Andreas , Grange Rachel
Published: June 2024

Intensity modulators are fundamental components for integrated photonics. From near-infrared (NIR) to visible spectral ranges, they find applications in optical communication and quantum technologies. In particular, they are required for the control and manipulation of atomic systems such as atomic clocks and quantum computers. Typical integrated electro-optic modulators operating at these wavelengths show high bandwidth and low-voltage operation, but their extinction ratios are moderate. Here we present an integrated thin-film lithium niobate electro-optic (EO) modulator operating in the C-band, which uses a subsequent periodically poled waveguide to convert the modulated signal from 1536 to 768 nm using the second-harmonic (SH) generation. We demonstrate that the upconverted signal retains the characteristics of the modulated input signal, reaching a measured high bandwidth of 35 GHz. Due to the nature of the nonlinear process, it exhibits, with respect to the fundamental signal, a doubled extinction ratio of 46 dB, which is the highest, to the best of our knowledge, recorded for near-infrared light on this platform.
Coherence sidelobe suppression of laser diode by white-noise-current modulation and external cavity feedback
Authors: Li Fangxin , Zhao Xinyang , Han Zhigang , Rui Jiuduo , Yang Zhenying , Pan Liqiang , Liu Ming , Zhu Rihong
Published: June 2024

A coherence sidelobe suppression method for a laser diode (LD) is proposed, based on the white-noise-current modulation and external cavity feedback. The theoretical model of the coherence of the white-noise-current-modulated external cavity laser (WECL) is established, which details the spectrum broadening mechanism and the coherence sidelobe suppression. At the noise current modulation, the coherence sidelobe induced by the internal cavity is lowered by the external cavity feedback, and the position of the coherence sidelobe induced by the external cavity is controlled with the cavity length, which can extend the coherence range without the sidelobes. The experimental results demonstrate that the 98.4% sidelobe suppression ratio (SLSR) of the WECL is achieved in dynamic interferometry, which is about 20% higher than that of the laser diode only with the white-noise-current modulation. This new, to the best of our knowledge, method can avoid the stray fringe cross talk caused by the multiple coherence sidelobes in the surface error measurements of parallel plates.
A closed-loop auditory stimulation approach selectively modulates alpha oscillations and sleep onset dynamics in humans
Authors: Hebron Henry , Lugli Beatrice , Dimitrova Radost , Jaramillo Valeria , Yeh Lisa R. , Rhodes Edward , Grossman Nir , Dijk Derk-Jan , Violante Ines R.
Published: June 2024

Alpha oscillations play a vital role in managing the brain’s resources, inhibiting neural activity as a function of their phase and amplitude, and are changed in many brain disorders. Developing minimally invasive tools to modulate alpha activity and identifying the parameters that determine its response to exogenous modulators is essential for the implementation of focussed interventions. We introduce Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation (αCLAS) as an EEG-based method to modulate and investigate these brain rhythms in humans with specificity and selectivity, using targeted auditory stimulation. Across a series of independent experiments, we demonstrate that αCLAS alters alpha power, frequency, and connectivity in a phase, amplitude, and topography-dependent manner. Using single-pulse-αCLAS, we show that the effects of auditory stimuli on alpha oscillations can be explained within the theoretical framework of oscillator theory and a phase-reset mechanism. Finally, we demonstrate the functional relevance of our approach by showing that αCLAS can interfere with sleep onset dynamics in a phase-dependent manner.
Changes in subchondral bone morphology with osteoarthritis in the ankle
Authors: Koria Lekha , Farndon Mark , Jones Elena , Mengoni Marlène , Brockett Claire
Published: June 2024

Significant alterations to subchondral trabecular bone microarchitecture are observed in late-stage osteoarthritis (OA). However, detailed investigation of these changes to bone in the ankle are under-reported. This study aimed to fully characterise the trabecular morphology in OA ankle bone specimens compared to non-diseased (ND) controls using both standard and individual-trabecular segmentation-based (ITS) analyses. Ten ND tibial bone specimens were extracted from three cadaveric ankles, as well as five OA bone specimens from patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty surgery. Each specimen was scanned using microcomputed tomography from which a 4 mm cuboidal volume was extracted for analysis. Morphological parameters for the subchondral trabecular bone were measured using BoneJ (NIH ImageJ) and 3D ITS for whole volumes and at each depth level in 1 mm increments. The results show an overall increase in bone volume fraction (p<0.01) and trabecular thickness (p<0.001) with OA, with a decrease in anisotropy (p<0.05). ITS analysis showed OA bone was composed of more rod-like trabeculae and plate-like trabeculae compared to ND bone. Numerous properties were depth dependent, but the results demonstrated that towards the subchondral bone plate, both rod- and plate-like trabeculae were thicker, rods were longer and plates had increased surface area. Overall, this study has verified key microstructural alterations to ankle subchondral bone that are found in other OA lower-limb joints. Depth-based analysis has highlighted differences of interest for further evaluation into the remodelling mechanisms that occur with OA, which is critical to understanding the role of subchondral bone microarchitecture in the progression of the disease.
The modeling method for vibration characteristics analysis of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shell
Authors: Shi Dong , Zhang Hong , Ding Yiqun , Yang Changrun , Cheng Tianlin
Published: June 2024

The composite laminated rotationally stiffened shell is widely applied in aviation, aerospace, ship, machinery and other fields. To investigate the vibration characteristics of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shells with varying elastic boundary conditions, a modeling method of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shells is established. Firstly, the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the modified Fourier series method are effectively applied to establish the allowable displacement function of the composite laminated rotationally stiffened shell. Secondly, the energy function of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shell is established, and the simulation of complex elastic boundary and coupling boundary is realized by using artificial virtual spring technology. Thirdly, the Rayleigh-Ritz method is used to solve the energy function. Finally, the vibration characteristics of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shells are obtained and analyzed. In the analysis of numerical results, the fast and uniform convergence of analysis modeling and the accuracy of the calculated results are verified. On this basis, the effect of some important parameters such as thickness-to-radius ratio and length-to-radius ratio of shell, boundary spring stiffness values, cone apex angle, thickness and width of laminated beams, number of stiffeners on the vibration characteristics of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shell is studied. In theory, it makes up for the vibration characteristics analysis of composite laminated rotationally stiffened shells. In practical application, it guides the noise reduction design of related structures.
Innovative monitoring scheme adapted to remote, scattered nesting aggregation reveals a major loggerhead turtle rookery in New Caledonia, South Pacific
Authors: Bourgogne Hugo , Oremus Marc , Mangeas Morgan , Vidal Eric , Girondot Marc
Published: June 2024

The loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta is a large marine turtle with a cosmopolitan repartition in warm and temperate waters of the planet. The South Pacific subpopulation is classified as ’Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, based on the estimated demographic decline. This precarious situation engages an urgent need to monitor nesting populations in order to highlight conservation priorities and to ensure their efficiency over time. New Caledonia encompasses a large number of micro and distant nesting sites, localized on coral islets widely distributed across its large lagoon. Adequately surveying nesting activities on those hard-to-reach beaches can prove to be challenging. As a result, important knowledge gaps prevail in those high-potential nesting habitats. For the first time, an innovative monitoring scheme was conducted to assess the intensity of nesting activities, considered as a proxy of the population size, on an exhaustive set of islets located in the ‘Grand Lagon Sud’ area. These data were analyzed using a set of statistical methods specially designed to produce phenology and nesting activity estimates using Bayesian methods. This analysis revealed that this rookery hosts a large nesting colony, with a mean annual estimate of 437 nests (95% Credible Interval = 328–582). These numbers exceed that of the previous estimated annual number of loggerhead turtle nests in New Caledonia, highlighting the exceptional nature of this area. Considering the fact that similar high-potential aggregations have been identified in other parts of New Caledonia, but failed to be comprehensively assessed to this day, we recommend carrying out this replicable monitoring scheme to other locations. It could allow a significant re-evaluation of the New Caledonian nesting population importance and, ultimately, of its prevailing responsibility for the protection of this patrimonial yet endangered species.
SinglePointRNA, an user-friendly application implementing single cell RNA-seq analysis software
Authors: Puente-Santamaría Laura , del Peso Luis
Published: June 2024

Single-cell transcriptomics techniques, such as scRNA-seq, attempt to characterize gene expression profiles in each cell of a heterogeneous sample individually. Due to growing amounts of data generated and the increasing complexity of the computational protocols needed to process the resulting datasets, the demand for dedicated training in mathematical and programming skills may preclude the use of these powerful techniques by many teams. In order to help close that gap between wet-lab and dry-lab capabilities we have developed SinglePointRNA, a shiny-based R application that provides a graphic interface for different publicly available tools to analyze single cell RNA-seq data. The aim of SinglePointRNA is to provide an accessible and transparent tool set to researchers that allows them to perform detailed and custom analysis of their data autonomously. SinglePointRNA is structured in a context-driven framework that prioritizes providing the user with solid qualitative guidance at each step of the analysis process and interpretation of the results. Additionally, the rich user guides accompanying the software are intended to serve as a point of entry for users to learn more about computational techniques applied to single cell data analysis. The SinglePointRNA app, as well as case datasets for the different tutorials are available at www.github.com/ScienceParkMadrid/SinglePointRNA.
Impact of dietary administration of Arthrospira platensis free-lipid biomass on growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and some related genes of pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Ashour Mohamed , Mabrouk Mohamed M. , Mansour Ahmed I. A. , Abdelhamid Ahmed F. , Kader Marwa F. AbdEl , Elokaby Mohamed A. , El-Nawsany Mohamed M. , Abdelwarith Abdelwahab A. , Younis Elsayed M. , Davies Simon J. , El-Haroun Ehab , Naiel Mohammed A. E.
Published: June 2024

The current study aimed to assess the influence of dietary inclusion of cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003 as a dry material and as a free-lipid biomass (FL) on the growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and gene expression of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae. L. vannamei were fed five different supplemented diets; the first group was fed on an un-supplemented diet as a negative control group (C-N), the second group was fed on a commercial diet supplemented with 2% of A. platensis complete biomass as a positive control group (C-P20), whereas, the three remaining groups were fed on a commercial diet supplemented with graded amounts of FL at 1%, 2%, and 3% (FL10, FL20, and FL30, respectively). The obtained results indicated that the diet containing 1% FL significantly increased the growth performance, efficiency of consumed feed, and survival percentage of L. vannamei compared to both C-N and C-P20 groups. As for the carcass analysis, diets containing A. platensis or its FL at higher levels significantly increased the protein, lipid, and ash content compared to the C-N group. Moreover, the shrimp group fed on C-P20 and FL10 gave significantly stimulated higher digestive enzyme activities compared with C-N. The shrimp fed C-P20 or FL exhibited higher innate immune responses and promoted their redox status profile. Also, the shrimp fed a low FL levels significantly upregulated the expression of both the peroxiredoxin (Prx) and prophenoloxidase (PPO1) genes than those receiving C-N. The current results recommended that dietary supplementation with 1% FL is the most effective treatment in promoting the performance and immunity of whiteleg shrimp.
Visual stimulus structure, visual system neural activity, and visual behavior in young human infants
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Mash Clay , Arterberry Martha E. , Gandjbakhche Amir , Nguyen Thien , Esposito Gianluca
Published: June 2024

In visual perception and information processing, a cascade of associations is hypothesized to flow from the structure of the visual stimulus to neural activity along the retinogeniculostriate visual system to behavior and action. Do visual perception and information processing adhere to this cascade near the beginning of life? To date, this three-stage hypothetical cascade has not been comprehensively tested in infants. In two related experiments, we attempted to expose this cascade in 6-month-old infants. Specifically, we presented infants with two levels of visual stimulus intensity, we measured electrical activity at the infant cortex, and we assessed infants’ preferential looking behavior. Chromatic saturation provided a convenient stimulus dimension to test the cascade because greater saturation is known to excite increased activity in the primate visual system and is generally hypothesized to stimulate visual preference. Experiment 1 revealed that infants prefer (look longer) at the more saturated of two colors otherwise matched in hue and brightness. Experiment 2 showed increased aggregate neural cortical excitation in infants (and adults) to the more saturated of the same pair of colors. Thus, experiments 1 and 2 taken together confirm a cascade: Visual stimulation of relatively greater intensity evokes relatively greater levels of bioelectrical cortical activity which in turn is associated with relatively greater visual attention. As this cascade obtains near the beginning of life, it helps to account for early visual preferences and visual information processing.
The potential of the transformer-based survival analysis model, SurvTrace, for predicting recurrent cardiovascular events and stratifying high-risk patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Shinohara Hiroki , Kodera Satoshi , Nagae Yugo , Hiruma Takashi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Sato Masataka , Sawano Shinnosuke , Kamon Tatsuya , Narita Koichi , Hirose Kazutoshi , Kiriyama Hiroyuki , Saito Akihito , Miura Mizuki , Minatsuki Shun , Kikuchi Hironobu , Takeda Norifumi , Akazawa Hiroshi , Morita Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its importance is increasing with the aging population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of SurvTrace, a survival analysis model using the Transformer—a state-of-the-art deep learning method—for predicting recurrent cardiovascular events and stratifying high-risk patients. The model’s performance was compared to that of a conventional scoring system utilizing real-world data from cardiovascular patients.

Methods

This study consecutively enrolled patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital, between 2005 and 2019. Each patient’s initial PCI at our hospital was designated as the index procedure, and a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was monitored for up to two years post-index event. Data regarding patient background, clinical presentation, medical history, medications, and perioperative complications were collected to predict MACE. The performance of two models—a conventional scoring system proposed by Wilson et al. and the Transformer-based model SurvTrace—was evaluated using Harrell’s c-index, Kaplan–Meier curves, and log-rank tests.

Results

A total of 3938 cases were included in the study, with 394 used as the test dataset and the remaining 3544 used for model training. SurvTrace exhibited a mean c-index of 0.72 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.69–0.76), which indicated higher prognostic accuracy compared with the conventional scoring system’s 0.64 (95% CI: 0.64–0.64). Moreover, SurvTrace demonstrated superior risk stratification ability, effectively distinguishing between the high-risk group and other risk categories in terms of event occurrence. In contrast, the conventional system only showed a significant difference between the low-risk and high-risk groups.

Conclusion

This study based on real-world cardiovascular patient data underscores the potential of the Transformer-based survival analysis model, SurvTrace, for predicting recurrent cardiovascular events and stratifying high-risk patients.
Barriers to USMLE Step-1 accommodations: Students with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Serata Emily L. , Noonan Emily J. , Petersen Kristina H.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Students who earn their medical doctorate (MD) in the U.S. must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step-1. The application process for students with disabilities who seek Step-1 accommodations can be arduous, barrier-ridden, and can impose a significant burden that may have long-lasting effects. We sought to understand the experiences of medical students with Type-1 Diabetes (T1D) who applied for Step-1 accommodations.

Methods

A Qualtrics survey was administered to students enrolled in Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)-accredited MD programs who disclosed having a primary diagnosis of T1D. Basic counts and qualitative inductive analyses were conducted.

Results

Of the 21 surveys sent, 16 (76.2%) participants responded. Of the 16 respondents, 11 (68.8%) applied for USMLE Step-1 accommodations, whereas 5 (31.2%) did not. Of the 11 who applied for accommodations, 7 (63.6%) received the accommodations requested, while 4 (36.4%) did not. Of those who received the accommodations requested, 5/7 (71.4%) experienced at least one diabetes-related barrier on exam day. Of those who did not apply for Step-1 accommodations, 4/5 (80%) participants reported experiencing at least one diabetes-related barrier on exam day. Overall, 11/16 (68.8%) students experienced barriers on exam day with or without accommodations. Qualitative analysis revealed themes among participants about their experience with the process: frustration, anger, stress, and some areas of general satisfaction.

Conclusions

This study reports the perceptions of students with T1D about barriers and inequities in the Step-1 accommodations application process. Students with and without accommodations encountered T1D-related obstacles on test day.
Influence of the atmospheric environment on spatial variation of lung cancer incidence in China
Authors: Yu Haishi , Wang Yang , Yue Xiaoli , Zhang Hong’ou
Published: June 2024

Conducting this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the correlation between atmospheric environmental quality and lung cancer incidence, and provides the scientific basis for formulating effective environmental protection and lung cancer prevention and control strategies. Lung cancer incidence in China has strong spatial variation. However, few studies have systematically revealed the characteristics of the spatial variation in lung cancer incidence, and have explained the causes of this spatial variation in lung cancer incidence from the perspectives of multiple components of the atmospheric environment to explain this spatial variation in lung cancer incidence. To address research limitations, we first analyze the spatial variation and spatial correlation characteristics of lung cancer incidence in China. Then, we build a spatial regression model using GeoDa software with lung cancer incidence as the dependent variable, five atmospheric environment factors—particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and elevation as explanatory variables, and four socio-economic characteristics as control variables to systematically analyze the influence and intensity of these factors on lung cancer incidence. The results show that lung cancer incidence in China has apparent changes in geographical and spatial unevenness, and spatial autocorrelation characteristics. In China, the lung cancer incidence is relatively high in Northeast China, while some areas of high lung cancer incidence still exist in Central China, Southwest China and South China, although the overall lung cancer incidence is relatively low. The atmospheric environment significantly affects lung cancer incidence. Different elements of the atmospheric environment vary in the direction and extent of their influence on the development of lung cancer. A 1% increase in PM2.5 concentration is associated with a level of 0.002975 increase in lung cancer incidence. Atmospheric pressure positively affects lung cancer incidence, and an increase in atmospheric pressure by 1% increases lung cancer incidence by a level of 0.026061. Conversely, a 1% increase in temperature is linked to a level of 0.006443 decreases in lung cancer incidence, and a negative correlation exists between elevation and lung cancer incidence, where an increase in elevation by 1% correlates with a decrease in lung cancer incidence by a level of 0.000934. The core influencing factors of lung cancer incidence in the seven geographical divisions of China exhibit variations. This study facilitates our understanding of the spatial variation characteristics of lung cancer incidence in China on a finer scale, while also offering a more diverse perspective on the impact of the atmospheric environment on lung cancer incidence.
Epidemiology and multiple colonization of gastrointestinal pathogens in rural Tanzanian children with and without diarrhea: A case-control study
Authors: Chercos Daniel Haile , Wafula Solomon T. , Lusingu John P. A. , Minja Daniel T. R. , Gesase Samwel , Mbwana Joyce R. , Schotte Ulrich , May Jürgen , Mardeis Lea , Jaeger Anna , Rojak Sandra , Lamshöft Maike , Kaseka Joseph , Lorenz Eva , Frickmann Hagen , Dekker Denise
Published: June 2024

Diarrheal diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. The occurrence of multiple pathogens in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in resource-limited countries have been repeatedly described. In this study, we assessed the differentiated effects of combined pathogen detections on recorded symptoms. A case-control study was conducted among 620 under-five-year-old children in rural northeastern Tanzania with emphasis of multiple detection. The median age of children was 11 months (IQR = 7, 20), and 52.1% were male. Cases (50.2%, n = 157) were less likely than controls (64.5%, n = 198) to have multiple colonization with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathogens. The children’s age was positively associated with the likelihood of harboring multiple GIT pathogens [OR, 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.04]. Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) [OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.62, 4.83] and norovirus [OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.23, 3.39] were more common in cases and were strongly associated with diarrhea, while enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) [OR = 0.23, 95%CI 0.17–0.33] were more common in controls. Diarrheal diseases in under-five children from rural Tanzania are likely to be due to infections with Shigella spp./EIEC, and norovirus with strongly age-dependent associations.
Avirulence of a spontaneous Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica prmA mutant
Authors: Timofeev Vitalii , Bakhteeva Irina , Titareva Galina , Mironova Raisa , Evseeva Vera , Kravchenko Tatiana , Sizova Angelika , Borzilov Alexander , Pavlovich Natalia , Mokrievich Alexander , Dyatlov Ivan , Vergnaud Gilles
Published: June 2024

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is divided into three subspecies. Two of these, subspecies holarctica and tularensis, are highly pathogenic to humans and consequently relatively well studied. The third subspecies, mediasiatica, is rarely isolated and remains poorly studied. It is distributed in the sparsely populated regions of Central Asia and Siberia. Curently this subspecies is not known to have been responsible for human infections in spite of its high virulence in laboratory animals. Subspecies mediasiatica is currently divided into three subgroups—MI, present in Central Asia, MII, present in southern Siberia, and MIII represented by a unique strain, 60(B)57, isolated in Uzbekistan in 1960. We describe here the unexpected observation that MIII strain 60(B)57 is avirulent and immunogenic. We observed that infection with this strain protected mice from challenge 21 days later with a virulent subsp. mediasiatica strain. With an increase of this interval, the protection for mice was significantly reduced. In contrast, guinea pigs were protected from challenge with strains of the subspecies holarctica and mediasiatica (but not subsp. tularensis) 90 days after infection with 60(B)57. We performed genome assembly based on whole genome sequencing data obtained using the Nanopore MinION for strain 60(B)57 and two subsp. mediasiatica strains representing the Central Asian MI and Siberian MII phylogenetic subgroups. The prmA gene is truncated due to a nonsense mutation in strain 60(B)57. The deletion of gene prmA has previously been shown to induce a loss of virulence in Francisella novicida the closest model organism suggesting that the observed mutation might the cause of the avirulence of strain 60(B)57.
Comparison of angle-to-angle distance and corneal diameter in pediatric eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Kolosky Taylor D. , Saga Anusha U. , Dariano Donald F. , Das Urjita , Panchal Bhakti K. , Bregman Jana A. , Levin Moran R. , Alexander Janet Leath
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between corneal diameter and internal corneal span determined from angle-to-angle distance using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in an observational cross-sectional patient population comprised of 54 eyes (28 healthy control eyes, ages 0.1 to 11.3 years; 26 eyes with primary congenital glaucoma, ages 0.1 to 3.5 years) from 41 pediatric participants ages 0.1 to 11.3 years (mean age: 3±3 years, median age: 2 years).

Methods

Forty cornea photographs with reference ruler and 110 UBM images were obtained. Three observers measured horizontal and vertical corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance in each cornea photo and UBM image using ImageJ and the average values were used. Main outcome measures were Pearson correlation coefficient, linear regression, mean difference between corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance, and intra-class correlation coefficients among measurements from all three observers for each parameter.

Results

Corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance had a strong positive correlation horizontally (Pearson r = 0.89, p<0.001) and vertically (r = 0.93, p<0.001). Correlation was consistent regardless of presence of primary congenital glaucoma and participant age. Regression analysis demonstrated a linear relationship between the parameters for horizontal (CD = 0.99*AA+0.28, R2 = 0.81, p<0.001) and vertical (CD = 0.91 *AA+1.32, R2 = 0.85, p<0.001) dimensions. Overall, reliability was good-excellent, ranging from an ICC of 0.76 for vertical corneal diameter to 0.90 for horizontal angle-to-angle distance.

Conclusions

Based on the strong positive correlation found between corneal diameter and angle-to-angle distance in our study population, UBM image analysis can be used to accurately estimate corneal diameter from angle-to-angle distance in children with healthy eyes and primary congenital glaucoma. UBM may provide a useful intraocular alternative for estimating corneal diameter and monitoring diseases that affect the cornea in infants and children, such as congenital glaucoma.
Optimization of microbial fuel cell performance application to high sulfide industrial wastewater treatment by modulating microbial function
Authors: Sriwichai Nattawet , Sangcharoen Rutrawee , Saithong Treenut , Simpson David , Goryanin Igor , Boonapatcharoen Nimaradee , Kalapanulak Saowalak , Panichnumsin Pornpan
Published: June 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are innovative eco-friendly technologies that advance a circular economy by enabling the conversion of both organic and inorganic substances in wastewater to electricity. While conceptually promising, there are lingering questions regarding the performance and stability of MFCs in real industrial settings. To address this research gap, we investigated the influence of specific operational settings, regarding the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) on the performance of MFCs used for treating sulfide-rich wastewater from a canned pineapple factory. Experiments were performed at varying hydraulic retention times (2 days and 4 days) during both low and high seasonal production. Through optimization, we achieved a current density generation of 47±15 mA/m2, a COD removal efficiency of 91±9%, and a sulfide removal efficiency of 86±10%. Microbiome analysis revealed improved MFC performance when there was a substantial presence of electrogenic bacteria, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria, and methanotrophs, alongside a reduced abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens. In conclusion, we recommend the following operational guidelines for applying MFCs in industrial wastewater treatment: (i) Careful selection of the microbial inoculum, as this step significantly influences the composition of the MFC microbial community and its overall performance. (ii) Initiating MFC operation with an appropriate OLR is essential. This helps in establishing an effective and adaptable microbial community within the MFCs, which can be beneficial when facing variations in OLR due to seasonal production changes. (iii) Identifying and maintaining MFC-supporting microbes, including those identified in this study, should be a priority. Keeping these microbes as an integral part of the system’s microbial composition throughout the operation enhances and stabilizes MFC performance.
Research on strength and microscopic characteristics of lime-activated fly ash-slag solidified sludge under high temperature effect
Authors: Gong Shunmei , Feng Songbao , Wang Shiquan , Yu Lemei , Chen Yuanyuan , Xu Qiang , Niu Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

To explore the reaction mechanism of sludge, slag, lime, and fly ash in high temperature environments, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test was hereby implemented to study the effect on curing age, curing temperature, slag content and fly ash content about the strength of sludge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microscopic composition of the substance, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyze the mineral composition at the micro level to further disclose its reinforcement mechanism. The experimental results demonstrate the difference in the strength measured by different dosage of curing agent, and results indicate that the strength of high temperature curing sample was obviously higher than that of low temperature curing sample. When the curing temperature rises, the pozzolanic reaction and hydration reaction between materials are accelerated, and a certain amount of gel products are produced, playing a precipitation and bonding role between particles. The 28 days and 90 days strengths of the sludge samples with 20% fly ash and 80% slag dosing at 40°C were 1139 KPa and 1194 KPa, which were 1.4 and 1.1 times of that of pure cement solidified sludge. At 60°C, the strength of 14 days, 28 days and 90 days were 802 KPa, 1298 KPa and 1363 KPa, which were 1.1, 1.5 and 1.3 times of that of pure cement solidified sludge. Under the influence of an alkaline environment, the silicon-aluminum grid structure was interconnected into a denser network structure, and the compressive strength of lime-activated fly ash-slag was thus continuously enhanced. Affected by the high temperature, lime-activated fly ash-slag solidified sludge could significantly improve the middle and late strength of the sample. The research showed that the new solidification material can replace partly the concrete curing agent, thereby alleviating the carbon emission and environmental pollution problems arising from cement solidified sludge.
CD56-mediated activation of human natural killer cells is triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus galactosaminogalactan
Authors: Heilig Linda , Natasha Fariha , Trinks Nora , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Wong Sarah Sze Wah , Fontaine Thierry , Terpitz Ulrich , Strobel Lea , Le Mauff François , Sheppard Donald C. , Schäuble Sascha , Kurzai Oliver , Hünniger Kerstin , Weiss Esther , Vargas Mario , Howell P. Lynne , Panagiotou Gianni , Wurster Sebastian , Einsele Hermann , Loeffler Juergen
Published: June 2024

Invasive aspergillosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal for antifungal defense. Thus far, CD56 is the only known pathogen recognition receptor on NK cells triggering potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the fungal ligand of CD56 have remained unknown. Using purified cell wall components, biochemical treatments, and ger mutants with altered cell wall composition, we herein found that CD56 interacts with the A. fumigatus cell wall carbohydrate galactosaminogalactan (GAG). This interaction induced NK-cell activation, degranulation, and secretion of immune-enhancing chemokines and cytotoxic effectors. Supernatants from GAG-stimulated NK cells elicited antifungal activity and enhanced antifungal effector responses of polymorphonuclear cells. In conclusion, we identified A. fumigatus GAG as a ligand of CD56 on human primary NK cells, stimulating potent antifungal effector responses and activating other immune cells.
Representações sociais de vida: ensino escolar em debate na pandemia em 2020
Authors: Azevedo Alvarenga Claudia Helena , Mazzotti Tarso Bonilha
Published: June 2024

A pandemia do novo coronavírus em 2020 trouxe um cenário de instabilidade para a educação escolar, com aulas presenciais suspensas e substituídas pelo ensino remoto em todo planeta. No Brasil, o tensionamento dessa situação gerou o debate acerca da necessidade de retorno às atividades presenciais na educação básica. No contexto de uma crise sanitária em 2020, pediatras e professores sustentam posicionamentos divergentes, embora tenham por objeto de acordo o que se considera desejável para o desenvolvimento dos estudantes. Para o exame dos argumentos, adota-se a Teoria da Argumentação, proposta no movimento Nova Retórica. A análise expõe as representações sociais de vida, ancoradas na metáfora que concebe a educação escolar como PERCURSO DETERMINADO E DETERMINÁVEL.
El reconocimiento como estrategia retórico-argumentativa en la segunda cumbre de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible, Río+20
Authors: Duarte Sáenz Silvio Johan
Published: June 2024

En este artículo propongo analizar la entrada verbal “reconocemos” como parte de una estrategia retórico-argumentativa presente en el documento final de la segunda cumbre mundial de las Naciones Unidas sobre desarrollo sostenible (Río+20, 2012), con la cual se pretende escenificar un consenso amplio entre sectores diversos frente al tema de la economía verde. Mediante el contraste genético entre el borrador y el documento oficial, considero posible establecer cómo se escenifica un acuerdo aparentemente plural, a pesar de las diferencias que constituyen dicho discurso colectivo. Para ello se medirá la presencia de dicha entrada, así como la del objeto “la economía verde en el contexto del desarrollo sostenible y la erradicación de la pobreza” por medio del software hermenéutico-textual C.A.T.M.A, para dar cuenta de las instancias en las que se manifiesta dicha relación en los materiales y así poder seleccionar las muestras significativas a analizar bajo la lupa de la crítica genética y el análisis del discurso. Este análisis considera que la relación entre la dinámica que dicho verbo habilita y el objeto de discurso mencionado, escenifican un consenso que avala el nexo entre desarrollo sostenible y economía verde a partir de la consolidación de una voz colectiva institucional deliberadamente ambigua. En otras palabras, este análisis da cuenta de cómo dicho acto de reconocimiento permite instrumentalizar dicha pluralidad constitutiva del acontecimiento para poder así legitimar un consenso en el discurso final de la cumbre de Río+20.
La seducción en el discurso publicitario. Estrategias de manipulación en los anuncios de alimentos funcionales de España y China
Authors: Ren Zhongde
Published: June 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar los discursos publicitarios de alimentos funcionales en España y China, con miras a realizar un análisis comparativo de las estrategias de manipulación, empleadas en un conjunto de anuncios emitidos en las páginas web. Estos discursos esconden un fin manipulador ya desde la propia organización textual. Comparten unas características léxico-discursivas comunes, y también presentan diferencias a nivel sintáctico-discursivo y léxico-discursivo en la argumentación falaz. A partir de ahí, establecemos un contraste en las ideologías proyectadas, las emociones evocadas y las imágenes sociales fijadas por los anunciadores de las dos culturas.
Estudio de la microbiota de cerveza artesanal producida a pequeña escala
Authors: Matías Beatriz , Carro Lorena , Menéndez Esther
Published: June 2024

La cerveza es la bebida alcohólica más consumida en el mundo, con un creciente interés por parte de los consumidores, que demandan sabores nuevos y productos más saludables. Las cervezas artesanas son objeto de esta demanda, debido a sus características organolépticas. En este estudio, se pretende conocer y comparar la estructura y la composición microbianas presentes en 4 cervezas artesanales tipo pale ale, de diferentes orígenes: 2 de pequeña fábrica y 2 industriales adquiridas en supermercado. Para ello, se aislaron e indentificaron una gran variedad de microorganismos en diferentes medios de cultivo. Los resultados demostraron la presencia de una gran diversidad microbiana, sobre todo en aquellas cervezas artesanas de pequeña fábrica respecto a las provenientes de un ambiente más industrial. Además, se detectó la presencia de ciertas cepas o especies que pueden representar potenciales contaminantes. Mediante este estudio se concluyó que la cerveza artesana producida a pequeña escala posee una microbiota más diversa que aquellas cervezas “artesanas” de tipo comercial, siendo importante la adopción de métodos de control de contaminaciones para preservar la salud de los consumidores.
Desarrollo y evaluación de un modelo farmacocinético poblacional de metotrexato
Authors: Santiago Adrián , Pérez Samuel Jonás , García María José
Published: June 2024

La monitorización de fármacos es una estrategia basada en la determinación de las concentraciones plasmáticas de fármacos en fluidos biológicos para individualizar la posología de fármacos de estrecho margen terapéutico. El metotrexato es un análogo del ácido fólico que se emplea a dosis altas en el tratamiento de diferentes tipos de leucemias, siendo un proceso complejo por la multitud de factores que afectan a su comportamiento. Se ha evaluado un modelo farmacocinético poblacional de metotrexato en pacientes hematológicos desarrollado en el Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica de la Universidad de Salamanca. El modelo muestra una elevada variabilidad interindividual en el aclaramiento y semivida de los pacientes evaluados, lo que justifica la necesidad de la monitorización de metotrexato para poder establecer las necesidades reales de dosificación. Por otro lado, muestra una variabilidad intraindividual significativamente inferior a la correspondiente a la variabilidad interindividual, lo que avala el uso de los parámetros farmacocinéticos estimados en ciclos previos para estimar las dosis en los siguientes ciclos con mayor fiabilidad.