bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in diabetic ketoacidosis in place of saline
Authors: Jones Adam F , Jadzinski Patryk , Brickell Tracey L
Published: November 2024

Background:

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes. With rising mortality from the condition and associated healthcare costs, prompt prehospital recognition and optimum management are necessary to improve patient outcomes. Upon recognition of DKA, it is recommended that fluid resuscitation be started immediately with sodium chloride 0.9%.

Aim:

To examine the literature investigating the effectiveness of balanced crystalloids and saline in the management of DKA and the potential implications of this for practice.

Methodology:

A literature review was undertaken using five databases and the evidence was critically appraised. Themes were developed to explore the results.

Results:

The three included studies indicated that balanced crystalloids may lead to faster DKA resolution than saline. Better electrolyte outcomes were also noted in the balanced crystalloid group, with no increased adverse effects observed.

Conclusion:

The adoption of balanced crystalloids in the prehospital setting has the potential to improve patient outcomes. Further research and clinical trials are required to validate these findings and inform guideline revisions.
Nanoalumina Synthesized from Solanum torvum Leaves: A Green Approach
Authors: Pandian P. , Kasthuri A. , Sameerabanu P. , Ilavenil K. K.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the eco-friendly synthesis of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) using Solanum torvum leaf extract, highlighting its potential in sustainable nanotechnology. The synthesized nanoparticles, with an average size of 94.6 nm, exhibited high crystallinity and diverse morphologies as confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray crystallography. The antibacterial properties of these Al2O3 NPs were evaluated against a range of pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, where significant inhibition zones were observed. The findings underscore the effectiveness of Solanum torvum leaf extract as a green synthesis medium for producing Al2O3 nanoparticles. With their promising antibacterial activity, these nanoparticles hold potential for application in various fields, from healthcare to environmental protection, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable nanomaterials.
Synthesis, Bioactivity Screening and Docking Analysis of Thiazole Derivatives Containing Quinoline Moieties
Authors: Sutradhar Ranajit Kumar , Marma Aongchainu , Hossain Md. Emdad
Published: November 2024

A new series of quinoline-thiazole compounds (1b-3b) were synthesized by two step reaction where thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1a-3a) were obtained from quinolinecarbaldehyde and thiosemicarbazide. The final products (1b-3b) were synthesized from thiosemicarbazone and 3-chloroacetylacetone. Characterizations of all synthesized compounds (1a-3a, 1b-3b) were performed by IR, Proton and Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopic methods. In vitro antimicrobial studies of thiazole derivatives (1b-3b) were screened by agar disc diffusion method. Compounds 1b and 3b revealed significant antibacterial effects against B. cereus, K. pneumonia, S. aureus and 2b revealed potential antibacterial effects against S. aureus, K. pneumonia with standard. Compounds 1b, 2b and 3b showed significant antifungal activities against the fungi A. niger with standard amphotericin B. In silico molecular docking studies performed by DFT method revealed that compound 1b and 3b showed good binding score against 2BTF protein taken from protein data bank.
PERCEPÇÕES DA INCLUSÃO FINANCEIRA: O PAPEL DO CONHECIMENTO, ACESSO, VARIÁVEIS SOCIOECONÔMICAS E DEMOGRÁFICAS
Authors: Dutra Vanessa Rabelo , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Puhle Mayara De Carvalho , Fabian Ana Elaine Guimarães
Published: November 2024

A compreensão abrangente da inclusão financeira ainda é uma área de pesquisa em desenvolvimento, especialmente quando comparada a outras facetas do sistema financeiro. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a importância do acesso, conhecimento financeiro e variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas na percepção da inclusão financeira. Utilizando uma pesquisa survey, foi aplicado um instrumento contendo vinte e oito questões a 1.137 participantes brasileiros. Os dados coletados foram analisados através de estatísticas descritivas, testes de média e análise de regressão. Os resultados indicam que a inclusão financeira é diretamente influenciada pelo acesso ao sistema financeiro e pelo conhecimento financeiro. Verifica-se, por meio da variável gênero, que os homens tendem a se perceber como mais incluídos no sistema em comparação às mulheres. Como limitações, compreende-se que a pesquisa ainda necessita de validações interculturais para que seja aplicada nas diversas regiões do próprio Brasil. Assim, pesquisas futuras podem seguir esse caminho, ou se dedicarem a avaliar a inclusão financeira do ponto de vista do acesso físico às agências bancárias.
Editorial
Authors: Giraldi Janaina De Moura Engracia
Published: November 2024

Editorial
An analysis of the UK’s commercial stem cell clinics
Authors: Smith Megan , Goodheart Kate , Fryer Claudia , Balcytis Tomas , Wilmshurst Peter , Murray Patricia
Published: November 2024

Commercial stem cell clinics in the UK are offering therapies of unproven efficacy that have the potential to cause harm. Marketing information used to advertise the therapies is often misleading and prices can be extortionate. Most so-called ‘stem cell’ therapies are currently exempt from regulations. This needs to be addressed urgently to stop patients from being subjected to financial, physical or psychological harm. To address these problems, we have made several recommendations, which include better education for healthcare professionals, concerted action by regulators and new legislation.
Why university social responsibility initiatives can backfire and what to do about it
Authors: Grolleau Gilles , Mzoughi Naoufel , Stadge Marie
Published: November 2024

Well-intentioned university social responsibility (USR) initiatives are increasingly being implemented in higher education organizations. Nevertheless, these initiatives can sometimes backfire and undermine USR goals. We explore four mechanisms for this possible ‘dark side’ of USR: moral licensing, contamination by association, resistance from key agents and diverting attention and resources. We develop behaviorally inspired solutions to mitigate this risk.
Bibliothek und Wissenschaft
Authors: Theise Antje
Published: November 2024

Herausgegeben von Cornel Dora, Claudia Fabian, Monika Linder, Elmar Mittler, Wolfgang Schmitz und Antje Theise Bibliotheken sind wichtige Institutionen des kulturellen Gedächtnisses. Sie überliefern gedruckte und handschriftliche Dokumente und Medien aller Art und stellen sie der Wissenschaft als Quellenmaterial zur Verfügung. Geschichte und Organisation der Bibliotheken sind ebenso Objekt der Forschung wie die Bestände, die sie bewahren. Das Jahrbuch Bibliothek und Wissenschaft publiziert Untersuchungen zu einzelnen Texten, Sammlungen und Quellengattungen sowie kultur- und wissenschaftshistorische Beiträge zur Geschichte und Methode der Bibliotheksarbeit und zur Bibliographie. Bibliothek und Wissenschaft ist das fachübergreifende Forum für den Prozess der kulturellen Überlieferung durch Bibliotheken.
Stone recurrence among Indonesian kidney stone formers: a comprehensive analysis of genetic polymorphism, demographic, and clinical factors
Authors: Atmoko Widi , Savira Missy , Fajriani Rosalina , Wistara Sevita Sathya , Asmarinah  , Harahap Alida Roswita , Witjaksono Fiastuti , Werdhani Retno Asti , Safriadi Ferry , Hamid Agus Rizal Ardy Hariandy , Birowo Ponco , Rasyid Nur , Taher Akmal
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND The recurrence rate of kidney stone disease (KSD) can exceed 50% within 5 years. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with stone recurrence based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) rs1801725 and rs1042636, demographic, and clinical profiles.
METHODS We collected data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of 80 adult kidney stone formers from April 2021 to September 2022, including peripheral blood samples, morning and 24-hour urine, and 7-day water intake records. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate SNP. Comparisons were made between patients with recurrent and first-time stones.
RESULTS 41% of 80 patients have experienced stone recurrence. Recurrent stone formers exhibited significantly higher 24-hour urine calcium excretion (p = 0.03) and lower serum calcium levels (p = 0.019) than first-time stone formers. Hypocitraturia (100%), low urine volume (78%), and hyperoxaluria (55%) were the main abnormalities of all patients. No significant differences were found in CaSR gene polymorphisms and other demographic, biochemical, or clinical parameters.
CONCLUSIONS Recurrent stone formers had higher 24-hour urine calcium excretion and lower serum calcium levels. Other risk factors and CaSR polymorphisms may insignificantly affect KSD recurrence.
How do digital tools support family caregivers in peer learning and innovation? A media analysis
Authors: Herold-Majumdar Astrid , Zorn Isabel
Published: November 2024

Family caregivers develop considerable expertise in managing daily life and share this expertise in online peer support groups. A media analysis was conducted to evaluate whether digital tools meet family caregivers’ needs and requirements, especially concerning social learning and innovation processes, finding that existing German-speaking tools meet family caregivers’ needs to a low degree. An evidence-based criterion catalogue for the evaluation of digital tools assisting peer groups of family caregivers is developed, and a need for the development and evaluation of functions and features that specifically support social learning and innovation processes is specified.
On the sensations of direct-to-consumer DNA testing: realisations, resemblance and relationships
Authors: Newton Giselle , Kirby Emma , Carah Nicholas , Wilson Gray Romy
Published: November 2024

The field of genealogy has rapidly evolved with the rise of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, a digital technology with the potential to disrupt previously held understandings of family history. Recent theorisation in the sociology of personal life provides a useful lens to attune to potent sensations and affinities sparked by direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Our analysis focuses on the accounts of three donor-conceived people – Thomas, Simone and Amira – whose DNA discoveries significantly disrupted their familial, cultural and national identities. We explore three cascading flashes of insight derived from our analysis: realising and reordering the family tree – how DNA discoveries were experienced through a range of initial sensations from shock to stupidity to feeling cheated and duped; reflecting on resemblance – how DNA discoveries were felt through sensations of similarity and alterity; and re-evaluating relationships – how the sensations of DNA discoveries (re)shaped interactions with family. This article contributes to understanding donor-conceived people’s relational practices following DNA discoveries and the role of sensations in these practices. We argue that such sensations impact understandings of self and familial relationships, raising questions about social and genetic inheritance and who counts as family.
"Our war is with words": James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man , Dora Marsden, and Egoistic Language
Authors: Haughton Thomas
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT: While critics tend to assume that it was Ezra Pound who accepted James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man for publication in The Egoist , the final decision was made by Dora Marsden, the periodical's founder and editor. This essay reads the serialization of Joyce's Künstlerroman alongside Marsden's own philosophic articles concerning individualism and language. It argues that, when read within the pages of The Egoist , Joyce's work appears to represent the novelization of Marsden's egoistic philosophy. Equally, Joyce's novel challenges the solipsistic basis of Marsden's philosophy and engenders a more empathetic turn within The Egoist .
Determinants of fertility in Nigeria: An analysis of recent data
Authors: Enemuwe Christopher Amrobo
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Despite the continuous decline in fertility since the 1950s, several African nations, including Nigeria, have continued to experience population growth. Previous research has concentrated on how socioeconomic and fertility-related factors influence fertility outcomes in developing countries. It is crucial to understand the dynamics of fertility in Nigeria, a country with rapid population growth, to lower the total fertility rate (TFR), particularly in regions prone to rapid population expansion, which in turn affects the rate of development. This study sought to examine the factors influencing fertility outcomes in Nigeria. Using zero-inflated Poisson regression models, this study examined recent data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) to determine the factors with the greatest influence on fertility in the country. The findings indicate that the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of women influence their fertility. In addition, proximate factors such as contraceptive use, marital status, and abortion were also significantly associated with fertility. Recommendations are made to the government, policymakers, and local stakeholders to maintain a national policy for citizens and development that aims to improve the education of young girls and extend their ages at first sex (and, consequently, their ages at first birth) through extended schooling. Finally, greater emphasis should be placed on promoting knowledge of the use of contraceptives.
Imaginary Voyage: Constructed Reality in Eric Overmyer's On the Verge; or, the Geography of Yearning
Authors: Jones Nancy C.
Published: November 2024

abstract: This essay examines Eric Overmyer's 1988 play On the Verge: or the Geography of Yearning in the context of the Imaginary Voyage, through the ways that imaginative travel functioned as a tool of empowerment and identity construction for 19th-century women. Using texts such as Herodotus's Histories and Strabo's Geographies as well as Victorian women travel-writers like Lucie Duff Gordon and Mary Kingsley as lenses to examine Overmyer's language-centric comedy, the article positions the play within the framework of the Imaginary Voyage and provides a road map for the creative imagination required for a contemporary feminist journey.
Articulating Self and Other: Edward Henry Palmer—"Sheikh Abdallah"—and the Middle East
Authors: Sakhnini Mohammad
Published: November 2024

abstract: This essay draws on Stuart Hall's theory of articulation by examining the writings of Edward Henry Palmer. Palmer (1840–82) was a scholar and man of letters widely known in Victorian Britain for his Middle Eastern travels and his studies of Arabic culture and literature at Cambridge University. Palmer's writings on Middle Eastern society, poetry, history, and religious traditions allowed him to develop critiques of dissenting voices in Britain, mainly those of atheists and working-class communities. He also addressed fears of Islam at a time when Britain was concerned about safe access to Middle Eastern routes to India—a time marked by Christian-Muslim clashes in Eastern Europe and Muslim rebellion in India. By examining how Self and Others were articulated in non-reductionist, non-essentialist ways, this essay reveals that Victorian debates about religion, empire, and material progress shaped and were shaped by British encounters with the Middle East.
"He strove that such innocent creatures should come to no harm": Thomas Hardy and the RSPCA
Authors: Basu Neelanjana
Published: November 2024

abstract: The year 2024 marks the bicentenary of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), the world's first registered animal welfare organization, established in 1824. This analysis explores Thomas Hardy's response to animal rights discourses during his life, with special emphasis on the common pursuits of the RSPCA as a champion of animal rights and of Hardy as an evolutionary meliorist who cared about animals. As evidenced by Hardy's literary and non-literary, public and personal writings, his vision of a humanitarian future was inseparable from the question of animal rights, including the plights of working / performing animals, and cruelty to animals in slaughterhouses, battlefields, laboratories and animal sports. Although Hardy was disappointed in his aims to save animals and to alter people's consciousness on the issue, animal rights movements have come a long way through decades of struggle, as reflected in the achievements of the RSPCA and other animal welfare movements. Hardy's attitude toward animals also anticipates subsequent developments in animal studies, including post-humanist approaches.
Efficient curvilinear optical proximity correction using non-uniform B-spline curves
Authors: Yang He , Li Yanqiu , Yuan Miao , Li Zhaoxuan , Huang Weichen , Li Zhen
Published: November 2024

The curvilinear mask has received much attention in recent years due to its better lithography imaging fidelity than the Manhattan mask. As a significant part of computational lithography techniques, the curvilinear OPC optimally designs the mask contour represented by parametric curves to generate a curvilinear mask structure. However, the current curvilinear OPC process is computationally intensive and contains redundant data. In this paper, a curvilinear OPC method using the non-uniform B-spline curve, together with a knot removal process, is proposed to improve the optimization efficiency and reduce the mask file size. The non-uniform B-spline curve is used to characterize curvilinear mask structure without a complex splicing process, which can effectively reduce the computation complexity. To our best knowledge, knot removal theory is for the first time applied to solve the redundant data problem in curvilinear OPC. Simulations and comparisons verify the superior optimization efficiency and data reduction (DRON) rate of the proposed method.
Nonlinearity mitigation in bandwidth limited blue LED-based OFDM-UOWC systems using differential pre-emphasis
Authors: Krishna Gopal , Mathew Jimson , Gupta Sumanta
Published: November 2024

Direct current biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) is widely used in blue light-emitting diode (LED)–based underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC), but the limited LED bandwidth leads to nonlinear distortions at higher frequencies. Using experiments, this paper proposes and validates a differential pre-emphasis (DPE) scheme for OFDM signal transmission in underwater channels to mitigate LED modulation bandwidth-induced nonlinearity, therefore improving transmission system performance. It is shown that the optimum DPE value leads to shorter rise time and fall time of the received signal and also avoids over- and under-shoots. The DPE scheme is validated through numerical simulations for QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM at symbol rates of 10 MS/s, 20 MS/s, and 25 MS/s, respectively, with an LED bandwidth of 8 MHz. The bit error rate (BER) performances are estimated at different values of the DPE factor for each modulation format and symbol rate. The simulation results indicate an optimized modulation format and symbol rate-dependent DPE factor for achieving minimum BER values. We further validate the DPE scheme on QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM-based OFDM transmissions in a 2.5 m tap water UOWC experimental setup. Results confirm that the optimized DPE factor depends on the modulation format and symbol rate for achieving the best BER performance. Experimental results show that the DPE scheme improves BER performance significantly, providing over 4 orders of BER improvement for all modulation formats at their respective maximum symbol rates. Successful transmissions of the OFDM signal at data rates of 24.09 Mb/s for QPSK, 48.19 Mb/s for 16-QAM, and 72.28 Mb/s for 64-QAM using an 8 MHz blue-LED-based transmitter in the presence and absence of air-bubble-induced turbulence in the water channel are experimentally demonstrated in this paper.
Near-infrared diffuse optical characterization of human thyroid using ultrasound-guided hybrid time-domain and diffuse correlation spectroscopies
Authors: Fernández Esteberena Pablo , Cortese Lorenzo , Zanoletti Marta , Lo Presti Giuseppe , Aranda Velazquez Gloria , Ruiz Janer Sabina , Buttafava Mauro , Renna Marco , Di Sieno Laura , Tosi Alberto , Dalla Mora Alberto , Wojtkiewicz Stanislaw , Dehghani Hamid , de Fraguier Sixte , Nguyen-Dinh An , Rosinski Bogdan , Weigel Udo M. , Sarangi Dibya J. , Squarcia Mattia , Hanzu Felicia A. , Contini Davide , Mora Porta Mireia , Durduran Turgut
Published: November 2024

Thyroid vascularization and hemodynamics become altered in thyroid pathologies and could thus inform diagnostics, therapy planning, and follow-up. However, the current non-invasive monitoring methods available in clinics lack the necessary sensitivity and/or are impractical for large-scale deployment. As a step towards proposing a new modality, we applied the first platform, to our knowledge, designed to do simultaneous measurements of neck anatomy and thyroid microvascular hemodynamics and metabolism in a single probe placement, integrating state-of-the-art near-infrared spectroscopy techniques and clinical ultrasound. A rich dataset was formed with sixty-five subjects (forty-eight females), including eighteen healthy volunteers and forty-seven patients with thyroid nodules, characterizing thyroid tissue and the effects of demographic and anatomical variables while preserving the standard clinical workflow. We have found marked reductions with age and body mass index in thyroid total hemoglobin concentration (THC), tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), and blood flow index (BFi), among others. Patients showed lower THC and BFi than healthy subjects, and the limited sample of malignant nodules showed a higher StO2 than the benign. These findings support the need for personalized clinical approaches.
Full-view volumetric photoacoustic imaging using a hemispheric transducer array combined with an acoustic reflector
Authors: Sun Mingli , Wang Xuanhao , Wang Yuqi , Meng Yuqian , Gao Da , Li Chiye , Chen Ruimin , Huang Kaikai , Shi Junhui
Published: November 2024

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) has evoked extensive interest for applications in preclinical and clinical research. However, the current systems suffer from the limited view provided by detection setups, thus impeding the sufficient acquisition of intricate tissue structures. Here, we propose an approach to enable fast 3D full-view imaging. A hemispherical ultrasonic transducer array combined with a planar acoustic reflector serves as the ultrasonic detection device in the PACT system. The planar acoustic reflector can create a mirrored virtual transducer array, and the detection view range can be enlarged to cover approximately 3.7 π steradians in our detection setup. To verify the effectiveness of our proposed configuration, we present the imaging results of a hair phantom, an in vivo zebrafish larva, and a leaf skeleton phantom. Furthermore, the real-time dynamic imaging capacity of this system is demonstrated by observing the movement of zebrafish within 2 s. This strategy holds great potential for both preclinical and clinical research by providing more detailed and comprehensive images of biological tissues.
Two dimensional beam forming and steering based on silicon nitride 1 × 32 optical phased array
Authors: Arsanjani Saeed , Khan Muhammad S. , Bardong Jochen , Frank Albert , Zimmermann Lars , Cassese Tommaso
Published: November 2024

Optical phased arrays (OPAs) offer a promising solution for integrating beam focusing and steering functionalities on a chip. In this work, we present a 32-antenna OPA fully integrated on a commercially available silicon nitride (SiN) platform, operating in the wavelength range of 1500 nm to 1630 nm. We detail the design of the circuit and its components, emphasizing the development of a highly efficient phase shifter that requires 130 mW for a 2π phase shift. Testing the fabricated and assembled chip demonstrates a field of view of 24.28∘× 9.4∘ and a beam resolution of 0.66∘ × 0.082∘. To the best of our knowledge, these values are the highest reported for a fully SiN-based OPA at 1550 nm.
Dual-band photodetector based on a large circular dichroism
Authors: Chen Zhao , Ma Xinxin , Zhu Baixu , Wang Yilin , Li Tong , Hou Zhiling
Published: November 2024

Room temperature near-infrared photodetector has important applications in military, aerospace, and other fields. However, the development of highly efficient and highly selective circularly polarized photodetectors is still a challenge. Here, we theoretically demonstrate a near-infrared photodetector based on the dual-band perfect absorber in a filleted L-shaped chiral dielectric metal metasurface, and the optical, thermal, and electrical properties are analyzed in detail. Numerical simulation results show that two absorption peaks at λ=1129 nm and λ=1148 nm under right-hander circularly polarized (RCP) are achieved, and the absorption rate is both greater than 90%, while the electromagnetic waves are almost completely reflected under left-hander circularly polarized (LCP), which indicates that the proposed system has strong optical chirality. Then, we investigate the effects of polarization angle and structure period on the absorption spectra. The relationship between the surface temperature of the thermo-sensitive material and the wavelength is calculated when the absorber is used as the heat source. Finally, two kinds of chiral photodetectors based on different effects, thermoelectric and pyroelectric effects, are designed, and the temperature time-varying relationship of the thermo-sensitive material is mainly discussed at λ=1129 nm. By constructing a complete external circuit, the correlated electrical properties of the system to the load are analyzed. This integrated photothermoelectric numerical simulation method can comprehensively consider the optical, thermal, and electrical effects so as to more accurately predict the overall performance of the photo-detection system in practical applications, which can significantly improve the overall efficiency of the system and achieve better energy utilization and performance.
Multimode fiber based multi-OAM mode group receiver for turbulence-resistant free-space optical communications
Authors: Wang Andong , Cao Han , Zhu Long , Wang Jian
Published: November 2024

Free-space optical (FSO) communication systems play an important role in modern communications for its high speed, excellent privacy, and large unlicensed bandwidth. However, in practical applications, especially for long-distance transmission, atmospheric turbulence can induce power coupling from the transmitted Gaussian mode to the neighboring higher-order modes, which will cause serious power loss and power fluctuation at the receiver side and limit the performance of the communication system. Orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, as a set of orthogonal spatial mode basis, offer a degree of freedom for data transmission in FSO links. Here, using a self-designed and fabricated multimode fiber (MMF) based multi-OAM mode group receiver, we experimentally demonstrate a 72 Gbit/s FSO communication link under moderate to strong turbulence without adaptive optics for beam compensation. Using the MMF-based multi-OAM mode group receiver, one can significantly increase the average received optical power and reduce the power fluctuation caused by turbulence. In the proof-of-principle experiment, the distorted Gaussian beams after turbulence transmission are successfully received by converting them to three OAM mode groups (OAM0, OAM ± 1, and OAM ± 2) with the MMF based receiver, which can reduce the required transmitted power for more than 6 dB and improve the system stability under moderate to strong atmospheric turbulence.
Sapphire fiber Bragg gratings array demodulated with the multi-peak auto-tracking algorithm for quasi-distributed high-temperature measurement
Authors: Tan Qingming , Li Zhuoda , Wu Jiafeng , He Jia , Zhao Cong , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping , Xu Xizhen , He Jun
Published: November 2024

Sapphire fiber Bragg gratings (SFBGs) are promising high-temperature sensors in many harsh environments, such as aviation, nuclear power, and furnaces. Here, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated a quasi-distributed high-temperature sensor based on an SFBG array sealed in an argon gas-infiltrated sapphire tube interrogated by using an InGaAs-based interrogator. An SFBG array including five SFBGs was inscribed using the femtosecond laser line-by-line method and sealed in an argon gas-infiltrated sapphire tube. A multi-peak auto-tracking algorithm, including the Hilbert transform and cross correlation algorithm (CCA), was employed to demodulate the array. The Hilbert transform method is introduced for the segmentation of the peak region in the reflection spectrum. The CCA was used to obtain the Bragg wavelength shift of each SFBG reflection peak. Then, we investigated the stability in demodulation of the SFBG array, and the result shows that Bragg wavelength dispersion is less than ±12 pm, which indicates that the interrogator and the proposed algorithm exhibit high accuracy and stability. Moreover, the SFBG array was calculated at high temperatures up to 1676 °C, and the thermal response curves of the SFBG array were obtained. Furthermore, the temperature distribution measurement of the blackbody radiation source was successfully carried out using the calibrated SFBGs array sensor, with a maximum test temperature of 1900 °C. Therefore, such a quasi-distributed high-temperature sensing system, including an SFBG array, interrogator, and multi-peak detection algorithm, is promising in applications with thermal gradients, such as metallurgical, aviation, and nuclear power industries.
Phase-only hologram optimization with adaptive constraint strategy for high-quality optical reconstruction
Authors: Gu Tao , Han Chao , Qin Haifeng , Sun Kangsheng
Published: November 2024

Aiming to address problems of unstable convergence and poor reconstruction quality of traditional iterative algorithms, an adaptive constrained iterative algorithm based on angular-spectrum propagation is proposed. A set of discrete plane waves, which is computed to approximate the quadratic phase, is used to suppress scattering noise and artifacts due to the power of convergence of light rays of the quadratic phase. The target plane is divided into signal and non-signal areas. The corresponding adaptive amplitude constraints and bandwidth constraints strategies are applied to different areas during the iteration process. The iteration process is adjusted by setting the adaptive feedback coefficients to optimize the iteration step size in order to achieve stable and fast convergence. After 200 iterations, the algorithm has converged, and compared to traditional algorithms, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) are improved by 10.1 dB and 0.19, respectively. The experimental results show that the reconstructed images have less noise and higher reconstruction quality, and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dual-polarization nonreciprocal thermal radiation in an InAs/SiO2/Al three-layer planar structure with a 0.2 T magnetic field
Authors: Fang Jimin , Zou Jiaqi , Yu Jingcheng , Liu Tingyu , Wang Manzhuo , Sun Xiaoqiang , Wu Yuanda , Zhang Daming
Published: November 2024

Reducing the magnetic field required for the emitter is one of the key challenges for nonreciprocal thermal photonics. Few structures support the dual-polarized nonreciprocity at low magnetic field yet. A photolithography-free emitter consisting of an InAs/SiO2/Al three-layer planar structure is proposed. The simulation results show that the dual-polarization nonreciprocity surpasses 75% at the magnetic field of 0.2 T. The sensitivity of nonreciprocity to the magnetic field is 4.15 T−1 and 3.76 T−1 for the TM and TE polarizations, respectively. The physical mechanism underlying the observed phenomenon is revealed by the study of electric field distribution and coupled-mode theory. The proposed strategy can be applied to the practical spectral region of thermal radiation (∼10 µm) with optimized parameters. This work has potential in the fields of nonreciprocal solar cells and nonreciprocal radiative cooling.
Semianalytical model for the enhancement of spontaneous emission by a periodic array of nanowire optical antennas on metallic substrate
Authors: Tang Liping , Zhong Ying , Liu Haitao
Published: November 2024

We investigate an optical nanoantenna array consisting of a gold substrate, a dielectric nanogap and a periodic array of gold-nanowire antennas with a point emission source in the nanogap. Full-wave numerical results show that this antenna array of nanoparticles on mirror (NPoM) can achieve enhancement factors of total spontaneous emission rate and far-field emission rate of the point source up to 3450.71 and 367.66, respectively, while achieving directional far-field radiation along the direction perpendicular to the substrate. To clarify the underlying physical mechanism of spontaneous emission enhancement and reduce computational amount, by considering an intuitive excitation and multiple-scattering process of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), we establish an SPP model for the reciprocal problem of NPoM antenna array under plane-wave excitation based on the reciprocity-theorem method, and establish an SPP model for the original problem of NPoM antenna array under point-source excitation based on the array scanning method (ASM). These semianalytical models can provide comprehensive and quantitative predictions of the spontaneous-emission enhancement properties of the antenna array, including total spontaneous emission rate, far-field emission rate, far-field radiation-intensity angular distribution and so on. By using the phase-matching conditions derived from the models, one can predict the structural parameters when the antenna array resonates and achieves spontaneous-emission enhancement. Compared with the full-wave numerical method, the proposed models can reduce the computation time by several orders of magnitude. The proposed results and models can be used for an efficient design of high modulation-rate, high brightness and large-area directional-radiation light sources based on nanoantenna arrays.
Quantum frequency-resolved optical gating measurement for ultranarrow temporal correlation of twin beams
Authors: Eto Yujiro , Nuriya Mutsuo , Kano Hideaki
Published: November 2024

Intense twin beams generated by high-gain parametric downconversion exhibit simultaneous correlations in time and frequency. To characterize the simultaneous correlations, it is important to determine the temporal correlation profile and the corresponding phase. Although sum frequency generation (SFG) is often used to characterize the temporal correlation of the twin beams, the SFG spectra reconstruct the pump intensity spectrum shape used to generate the twin beams, so useful information for phase reconstruction cannot be obtained from the SFG spectra. We propose and demonstrate frequency-resolved optical gating measurement for ultranarrow temporal correlation of twin beams (referred to as quantum FROG measurement). Quantum FROG measurement for twin beam correlations is realized using a cross-correlator based on four-wave mixing (FWM). We show theoretically that although the quantum FROG trace exhibits a different functional form obtained by the conventional FROG trace for ultrashort pulses, it is sensitive to phase dispersion. In experiments, we observed a shift of the FWM frequency, i.e., frequency chirping, within a correlation time of hundreds of femtoseconds, and the sign of the chirp was also identified.
Between worlds: Cis-and trans-identifying diaspora Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women in Ontario, Canada on the intersections of gender, sexuality and sexual health
Authors: Kteily-Hawa Roula , Falenchuk Olesya , Momani Bessma , Chikermane Vijaya , Bartels Susan , Anand Praney , Younes Rania , Abdel-Tawab Nahla , Abuelezam Nadia N. , Hammad Lina , Pahlevan Tina , Eloulabi Rama , Ezzeddine Ahmad , Al-Ezzawi Anmar , Akel Mohammad , Loutfy Mona
Published: November 2024

Youth Sexual Health and HIV/STI Prevention in Middle Eastern and North African Communities (YSMENA) is the first community-based research study in Canada to explore key determinants of sexual health among diaspora Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women living in Canada. Our objectives were to identify the factors influencing sexual health for MENA youth and grow an evidence base to strengthen the sexual health response for MENA communities. Using mixed- method design, data were gathered through a quantitative socio-demographic survey and qualitative focus groups with 24 women-identifying MENA youth (16–29 years) living in Ontario, Canada. Six (6) focus groups were held virtually via Zoom, with heterosexual, lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ), and trans women. Members of each group participated in two sessions as per the sequential critical dialogical method and transcripts were coded in NVIVO. While participants identified with diverse sexual orientations and across the trans-feminine gender spectrum, key commonalities surfaced, namely the pressures to conform to familial expectations and the barriers faced when accessing healthcare. The trans group experienced compounded levels of exclusion given their unique positioning. Although the challenges faced by the group were deeply entrenched in patriarchy, heteronormativity and internalized shame, many participants demonstrated resilience and self-acceptance that enabled them to forge pathways to health. Findings have important and valuable implications for community-based health programs targeting MENA women as well as healthcare practitioners and service providers.
Clinical anemia predicts dermal parasitism and reservoir infectiousness during progressive visceral leishmaniosis
Authors: Waugh Max C. , Cyndari Karen I. , Lynch Tom J. , Koh Soomin , Henao-Ceballos Ferney , Oleson Jacob J. , Kaye Paul M. , Petersen Christine A.
Published: November 2024

Dogs represent the primary reservoir for Leishmania infantum human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmitted through phlebotomine sand flies. Public health initiatives targeting zoonotic VL commonly focus on dogs with severe clinical disease, often in renal failure, as they have previously been considered the most infectious to sand flies. However, more recent studies suggest that dogs with mild to moderate clinical disease may be more infectious than dogs with severe disease. The mechanisms of infectiousness from the skin and how this relates to transmissibility as clinical disease progresses is largely unknown. We evaluated dermal parasitism in dogs naturally infected with L. infantum across the four LeishVet clinical stages of disease. We establish the relationship between dermal parasitism, critical, frequently observed, clinical parameters such as anemia and creatinine, and infectiousness. Using RNAscope and confocal microscopy, we found notable variation in dermal parasitism between dogs, particularly within LeishVet II. Dogs with mild disease had significantly less dermal inflammation and parasitism than dogs with moderate or severe disease. We found significant correlations between anemia, dermal parasitism, and infectiousness (p = 0.0098, r = -0.4798; p = 0.0022, r = -0.8364). In contrast, we did not observe significant correlation between creatinine, a measure of renal function, and dermal parasitism or infectiousness. Host blood cell abnormalities, including anemia, correlate with infectiousness to sand flies. As these signs of disease often appear earlier in the course of disease, this indicates that classical measures of disease severity do not necessarily correlate with infectiousness or epidemiological importance. Public health initiatives attempting to break the zoonotic cycle of L. infantum infection should therefore focus on preventing transmission from infectious, anemic dogs, and not those with the most severe disease.
Deep learning algorithms reveal increased social activity in rats at the onset of the dark phase of the light/dark cycle
Authors: Popik Piotr , Cyrano Ewelina , Golebiowska Joanna , Malikowska-Racia Natalia , Potasiewicz Agnieszka , Nikiforuk Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

The rapid decrease of light intensity is a potent stimulus of rats’ activity. The nature of this activity, including the character of social behavior and the composition of concomitant ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), is unknown. Using deep learning algorithms, this study aimed to examine the social life of rat pairs kept in semi-natural conditions and observed during the transitions between light and dark, as well as between dark and light periods. Over six days, animals were video- and audio-recorded during the transition sessions, each starting 10 minutes before and ending 10 minutes after light change. The videos were used to train and apply the DeepLabCut neural network examining animals’ movement in space and time. DeepLabCut data were subjected to the Simple Behavioral Analysis (SimBA) toolkit to build models of 11 distinct social and non-social behaviors. DeepSqueak toolkit was used to examine USVs. Deep learning algorithms revealed lights-off-induced increases in fighting, mounting, crawling, and rearing behaviors, as well as 22-kHz alarm calls and 50-kHz flat and short, but not frequency-modulated calls. In contrast, the lights-on stimulus increased general activity, adjacent lying (huddling), anogenital sniffing, and rearing behaviors. The animals adapted to the housing conditions by showing decreased ultrasonic calls as well as grooming and rearing behaviors, but not fighting. The present study shows a lights-off-induced increase in aggressive behavior but fails to demonstrate an increase in a positive affect defined by hedonic USVs. We further confirm and extend the utility of deep learning algorithms in analyzing rat social behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations.
Effects of grazing on the relationship between dominant shrubs and understory vegetation along sand dune stability gradient
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Cao Wenxu , Li Xu , Hai Lu , Zhao Xiulian , Li Qinghe
Published: November 2024

During the process of dune vegetation restoration, understanding how grazing disturbance affects the relationship between plant species is a critical issue in ecological studies. However, there is insufficient evidence on the changes in the interaction between dominant shrubs and understory vegetation under grazing behavior. We aimed to study how grazing and dune stabilization affects the relationship between Caragana microphylla and understory vegetation. We established fencing at various stages of dune stabilization and proceeded to compared the performance indicators (e.g., richness and biomass) and the relative interaction index of understory vegetation and different functional groups along the dune stability under grazing and fencing conditions. Results showed that C. microphylla had facilitation on understory plants, and increased with dune stability, while the facilitation of Caragana microphylla on understory vegetation was stronger under grazing conditions. As sand dune stabilization increases, the facilitation of C. microphylla on understory vegetation diversity decreases significantly. However, there was no significant difference in the facilitation of C. microphylla on understory vegetation biomass at different stages of sand dune stabilization. This is related to the survival strategy of perennials being less tolerant to environmental stress than annuals, because grazing increased the richness of both annuals and perennials while reducing the overall biomass, and in the later stages of sand dune stabilization, and the facilitation of C. microphylla on perennials was higher than on annuals. Our study highlights the importance of the responses of different life-form groups to environmental factors and grazing disturbance during the process of sand dune vegetation restoration, as they play a crucial role in shaping the development of the relationship between understory vegetation and dominant shrubs.
Association of METS-IR index with Type 2 Diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis of national health and nutrition examination survey data from 2009 to 2018
Authors: Hou Yisen , Li Rui , Xu Zhen , Chen Wenhao , Li Zhiwen , Jiang Weirong , Meng Yong , Han Jianli
Published: November 2024

Background

With rising global diabetes prevalence, precise early identification and management of diabetes risk are critical research areas. The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), a novel non-insulin-based tool, is gaining attention for quantifying insulin resistance using multiple metabolic parameters. Despite its potential in predicting diabetes and its precursors, evidence on its specific relationship with diabetes is limited, especially in large-scale population validation and mechanistic exploration.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the association between METS-IR and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in American adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2009 to 2018. Participants aged 20 years and above were included, excluding individuals with missing data on BMI, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol glycated hemoglobin and diabetes status. Logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to assess the association between METS-IR and T2DM, controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, smoking status, drinking habits, depression, physical activity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, we found a positive association between METS-IR and the risk of T2DM. Specifically, each unit increase in METS-IR was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of T2DM (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.08). Subgroup analysis showed that the association between METS-IR and T2DM incidence was significantly positive in the highest quartile group, particularly among Mexican Americans over 40 years old and those diagnosed with depression, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a significant positive association between METS-IR and the prevalence of T2DM, indicating that this relationship persists even after controlling for various confounding factors. Therefore, monitoring METS-IR may provide a valuable tool for the early identification of individuals at risk of glucose metabolism disorders. Further research should focus on the applicability of METS-IR in different populations and its potential impact on clinical practice.
Screening the organic materials database for superconducting metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Tyner Alexander , Balatsky Alexander V.
Published: November 2024

The increasing financial and environmental cost of many inorganic materials has motivated study into organic and “green” alternatives. However, most organic compounds contain a large number of atoms in the primitive unit cell, posing a significant barrier to high-throughput screening for functional properties. In this work, we attempt to overcome this challenge and identify superconducting candidates among the metal-organic-frameworks in the organic materials database using a recently proposed proxy for the electron-phonon coupling. We then isolate the most promising candidate for in-depth analysis, C9H8Mn2O11, providing evidence for superconductivity below 100mK.