bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
III-nitride m-plane violet narrow ridge edge-emitting laser diodes with sidewall passivation using atomic layer deposition
Authors: Wong Matthew S. , Trageser Emily S. , Zhang Haojun , Chang Hsun-Ming , Gee Stephen , Tak Tanay , Gandrothula Srinivas , Lee Changmin , Speck James S. , Nakamura Shuji , Cohen Daniel A. , DenBaars Steven P.
Published: May 2024

A novel deep-ridge laser structure with atomic-layer deposition (ALD) sidewall passivation was proposed that enhances the optical characteristics of 8-µm ridge width III-nitride violet lasers on freestanding m-plane GaN substrates. The internal loss was determined using the variable stripe length method, where the laser structure with ALD sidewall passivation showed lower internal loss compared to the conventional shallow-ridge laser design. ALD sidewall passivation plays a critical role in device improvements; compared to the lasers without ALD sidewall passivation, the lasers with ALD sidewall passivation yield improved optoelectrical performance and longer lifetime under continuous-wave operation at high current density. This work demonstrates the importance of ALD sidewall passivation to laser performance, which enables high energy efficiency.
Ultrasensitive refractometric sensing via centimeter-scale metasurfaces with spatially gradient geometry generated by elastomer mechanical stretching
Authors: Wen Baohua , Yang Ji , Liao Chenyu , Li Guohua , Ye Xiangyi , Wu Mingxi , Zhou Bin , Zhou Jianhua , Cai Jingxuan
Published: May 2024

Plasmonic metasurfaces with gradient geometry are emerging two-dimensional optical elements with unique capabilities, such as manipulating light by imparting local, space-variant phase changes to an incident electromagnetic wave, eliminating the chromatic aberration. However, the costly and time-consuming fabrication process and the requirement of sophisticated optical characterization instruments restrict practical applications of plasmonic metasurfaces. Herein, we present a novel nanofabrication method to generate centimeter-scale metasurface with spatially gradient geometry over the whole metasurface by directional stretching of a trapezoid elastic carrier patterned with regular metallic nanostructures. This strategy eases the requirement of time-consuming and expensive lithographic techniques in conventional methods. The spatially gradient plasmonic metasurface exhibit variable transmittances under monochromatic and polar light illumination, resulting in grayscale patterns with different transmittance intensity distributions. An ultrahigh imaging-based sensitivity of 1495 pixel/refractive index unit (RIU) and a detection limit of 0.00068 RIU can be achieved based on the spatially gradient plasmonic metasurface, which is superior to the performance of the regular metasurface before stretching. This novel strategy is expected to be promising for fabrication of gradient metasurfaces to be employed in many fields of nanophotonics.
Tunable spin splitting of reflected Laguerre-Gaussian beams on controllable metamaterials with anti-PT symmetry
Authors: Feng Zhenxiao , Liu Luyao , Guo Liang , Deng Dongmei , Wang Guanghui , Zhang Li , Liang Chengkang
Published: May 2024

The intriguing photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) of reflected Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams can be exhibited on the systems with optical anti-parity-time (Anti-PT) symmetry. During the reflection, the left/right circularly polarized (LCP/RCP) components of reflected LG beams are considered. By controlling parameters of the Anti-PT systems, the PSHE of reflected LCP/RCP can be identical and symmetrical with respect to incident-reflected plane (IRP). Due to gain/non-Hermitian effects of designed Anti-PT systems, special PSHE near the strong gain points (SGP) and exceptional points (EPs) can be obtained simulatively. Through analyses in PSHE of reflected LCP on four similar Anti-PT systems, specific conclusions that can even be extended to more general cases. Moreover, simulations of PSHE by simultaneously varying the incident angles * and imaginary/real dielectric constants Im/Re[ε] of the Anti-PT systems, specal PSHE and other novel optical phenomena with real applications can be revealed. So Anti-PT systems not only provide novel ways to regulate the PSHE of reflected LG beams, but also offer possibilities for new optical characteristics of devices.
Characteristics and seasonal variations of cirrus clouds from ground-based lidar and satellite observations over Shouxian Area, China
Authors: Deng Xu , Xie Chenbo , Liu Dong , Wang Bangxing , Xing Kunming , Chen Jianfeng , Ji Jie , Wang Yingjian
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the macroscopic and optical properties of cirrus clouds in the 32N region from July 2016 to May 2017, leveraging data from ground-based lidar observations and CALIOP to overcome the inconsistencies in detected cirrus cloud samples. Through extensive data analysis, statistical characteristics of cirrus clouds were discerned, revealing lidar ratio values of 28.5 ± 10.8 from ground-based lidar and 27.4 ± 11.2 from CALIOP. Validation with a decade of CALIOP data (2008-2018) confirmed these findings, presenting a consistent lidar ratio of 27.4 ± 12.0. A significant outcome of the analysis was the identification of a positive correlation between the lidar ratio and cloud centroid temperature, indicating a gradual decrease in the lidar ratio as temperatures dropped. The study established a fundamental consistency in their macroscopic properties, including cloud base height, cloud top height, cloud thickness, cloud centroid height, and cloud centroid temperature. The results for ground-based lidar (CALIOP) are: 10.0 ± 2.1 km (10.0 ± 2.2 km), 11.8 ± 2.1 km (11.5 ± 2.3 km), 1.87 ± 0.83 km (1.52 ± 0.71 km), and 10.5 ± 2.2 km, -46.9 ± 9.7°C (-47.1 ± 10.0°C).These properties exhibited seasonal variations, with cirrus clouds reaching higher altitudes in summer and lower in winter, influenced by the height of the tropopause. The optical properties of cirrus clouds were also analyzed, showing an annual average optical depth of 0.31 ± 0.35 for ground-based lidar and 0.32 ± 0.44 for CALIOP. The study highlighted the distribution of subvisible, thin, and thick cirrus clouds, with a notable prevalence of subvisible clouds during summer, suggesting their frequent formation above 14 km. Furthermore, the study observed linear growth in geometric thickness and optical depth up to 2.5 km from CALIOP and 2.9 km from ground-based lidar. Maximum optical depth was observed at cloud centroid temperatures of -35°C for CALIOP and -40°C for ground-based lidar, with optical depth decreasing as temperatures fell. This suggests that fully glaciated cirrus clouds exhibit the highest optical depth at warmer temperatures, within the complete glaciation temperature range of -35°C to -40°C.
Temperature-dependent electroluminescence of red high-In-content MQWs of dual-wavelength micro-LED
Authors: Shan Xinyi , Li Yanzhe , Yu Huabin , Lin Runze , Tan Cuili , Wang Rui , Luo Yuanmin , Cui Xugao , Liu Ran , Tian Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Temperature-dependent electroluminescence (TDEL) measurements have been employed to investigate the carrier transport and recombination processes of InGaN red micro-LED based on dual-wavelength InGaN/GaN MQWs structure. EL peak energy and carrier transport of the red micro-LED both show temperature dependence, due to temperature-induced changes in defect activation. In addition, the current density at which the blue peak of the low-In-content appears in the EL spectrum varies with temperature. As the temperature increases, the blue peak of the low In component tends to appear at higher current densities, which may be attributed to the increase in thermally activated defects hindering the injection of holes into the low-In-content MQWs further away from p-GaN. Furthermore, the IQEs of the high-In-content MQWs are estimated from the TDEL method and then reveal the temperature-dependent efficiency droop. The IQE decreases as temperature increases, particularly above 50 K, where it drops sharply due to temperature-dependent nonradiative recombination. And the two different variation trends in IQE of MQWs with high and low In content reveal a competitive mechanism in carrier distribution, implying that more escaping holes from high-In-content MQWs will further reduce red emission efficiency but enhance carrier injection and blue emission in low-In-content MQWs.
Directly modulated deformed-square-FP coupled-cavity laser with intracavity-mode photon-photon resonance
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Ning , Yang Yue-De , Sheng Meng-Wei , Dong Zhong , Shi Yang , Tan Man-Qing , Xiao Jin-Long , Huang Yong-Zhen
Published: May 2024

We propose and demonstrate a high-speed directly modulated laser based on a hybrid deformed-square-FP coupled cavity (DFC), aiming for a compact-size low-cost light source in next-generation optical communication systems. The deformed square microcavity is directly connected to the FP cavity and utilized as a wavelength-sensitive reflector with a comb-like and narrow-peak reflection spectrum for selecting the lasing mode, which can greatly improve the single-mode yield of the laser and the quality (Q) factor of the coupled mode. By optimizing the device design and operating condition, the modulation bandwidth of the DFC laser can be enhanced due to the intracavity-mode photon-photon resonance effect. Our experimental results show an enhancement of 3-dB modulation bandwidth from 19.3 GHz to 30 GHz and a clear eye diagram at a modulation rate of 25 Gbps.
Promoter recruitment drives the emergence of proto-genes in a long-term evolution experiment with Escherichia coli
Authors: uz-Zaman Md. Hassan , D’Alton Simon , Barrick Jeffrey E. , Ochman Howard
Published: May 2024

The phenomenon of de novo gene birth—the emergence of genes from non-genic sequences—has received considerable attention due to the widespread occurrence of genes that are unique to particular species or genomes. Most instances of de novo gene birth have been recognized through comparative analyses of genome sequences in eukaryotes, despite the abundance of novel, lineage-specific genes in bacteria and the relative ease with which bacteria can be studied in an experimental context. Here, we explore the genetic record of the Escherichia coli long-term evolution experiment (LTEE) for changes indicative of “proto-genic” phases of new gene birth in which non-genic sequences evolve stable transcription and/or translation. Over the time span of the LTEE, non-genic regions are frequently transcribed, translated and differentially expressed, with levels of transcription across low-expressed regions increasing in later generations of the experiment. Proto-genes formed downstream of new mutations result either from insertion element activity or chromosomal translocations that fused preexisting regulatory sequences to regions that were not expressed in the LTEE ancestor. Additionally, we identified instances of proto-gene emergence in which a previously unexpressed sequence was transcribed after formation of an upstream promoter, although such cases were rare compared to those caused by recruitment of preexisting promoters. Tracing the origin of the causative mutations, we discovered that most occurred early in the history of the LTEE, often within the first 20,000 generations, and became fixed soon after emergence. Our findings show that proto-genes emerge frequently within evolving populations, can persist stably, and can serve as potential substrates for new gene formation.
Cartography of teneurin and latrophilin expression reveals spatiotemporal axis heterogeneity in the mouse hippocampus during development
Authors: Liakath-Ali Kif , Refaee Rebecca , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: May 2024

Synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins that play an important role in the form and function of neuronal synapses. Teneurins (Tenms) and latrophilins (Lphns) are well-known cell adhesion molecules that form a transsynaptic complex. Recent studies suggest that Tenm3 and Lphn2 (gene symbol Adgrl2) are involved in hippocampal circuit assembly via their topographical expression. However, it is not known whether other teneurins and latrophilins display similar topographically restricted expression patterns during embryonic and postnatal development. Here, we reveal the cartography of all teneurin (Tenm1-4) and latrophilin (Lphn1-3 [Adgrl1-3]) paralog expression in the mouse hippocampus across prenatal and postnatal development as monitored by large-scale single-molecule RNA in situ hybridization mapping. Our results identify a striking heterogeneity in teneurin and latrophilin expression along the spatiotemporal axis of the hippocampus. Tenm2 and Tenm4 expression levels peak at the neonatal stage when compared to Tenm1 and Tenm3, while Tenm1 expression is restricted to the postnatal pyramidal cell layer. Tenm4 expression in the dentate gyrus (DG) exhibits an opposing topographical expression pattern in the embryonic and neonatal hippocampus. Our findings were validated by analyses of multiple RNA-seq datasets at bulk, single-cell, and spatial levels. Thus, our study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal map of Tenm and Lphn expression in the hippocampus, showcasing their diverse expression patterns across developmental stages in distinct spatial axes.
Tying the knot: Unraveling the intricacies of the coronavirus frameshift pseudoknot
Authors: Trinity Luke , Stege Ulrike , Jabbari Hosna
Published: May 2024

Understanding and targeting functional RNA structures towards treatment of coronavirus infection can help us to prepare for novel variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), and any other coronaviruses that could emerge via human-to-human transmission or potential zoonotic (inter-species) events. Leveraging the fact that all coronaviruses use a mechanism known as −1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (−1 PRF) to replicate, we apply algorithms to predict the most energetically favourable secondary structures (each nucleotide involved in at most one pairing) that may be involved in regulating the −1 PRF event in coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2. We compute previously unknown most stable structure predictions for the frameshift site of coronaviruses via hierarchical folding, a biologically motivated framework where initial non-crossing structure folds first, followed by subsequent, possibly crossing (pseudoknotted), structures. Using mutual information from 181 coronavirus sequences, in conjunction with the algorithm KnotAli, we compute secondary structure predictions for the frameshift site of different coronaviruses. We then utilize the Shapify algorithm to obtain most stable SARS-CoV-2 secondary structure predictions guided by frameshift sequence-specific and genome-wide experimental data. We build on our previous secondary structure investigation of the singular SARS-CoV-2 68 nt frameshift element sequence, by using Shapify to obtain predictions for 132 extended sequences and including covariation information. Previous investigations have not applied hierarchical folding to extended length SARS-CoV-2 frameshift sequences. By doing so, we simulate the effects of ribosome interaction with the frameshift site, providing insight to biological function. We contribute in-depth discussion to contextualize secondary structure dual-graph motifs for SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the energetic stability of the previously identified 3_8 motif alongside the known dominant 3_3 and 3_6 (native-type) −1 PRF structures. Using a combination of thermodynamic methods and sequence covariation, our novel predictions suggest function of the attenuator hairpin via previously unknown pseudoknotted base pairing. While certain initial RNA folding is consistent, other pseudoknotted base pairs form which indicate potential conformational switching between the two structures.
Every sip counts: Understanding hydration behaviors and user-acceptability of digital tools to promote adequate intake during early and late pregnancy
Authors: Pauley Abigail M. , Rosinger Asher Y. , Savage Jennifer S. , Conroy David E. , Downs Danielle Symons
Published: May 2024

Maintaining adequate hydration over the course of pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal health and reducing risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preeclampsia, low placental and amniotic fluid volume). Recent evidence suggests that women may be at risk for under-hydration in the second and third trimesters when water needs begin to increase. Scant research has examined pregnant women’s knowledge of hydration recommendations, water intake behaviors, and willingness to use digital tools to promote water intake. This study aimed to: 1) describe hydration recommendation knowledge and behaviors by the overall sample and early vs late pregnancy, and 2) identify habits and barriers of using digital tools. Pregnant women (N = 137; M age = 30.9 years; M gestational age = 20.9) completed a one-time, 45-minute online survey. Descriptive statistics quantified women’s knowledge of hydration recommendations, behaviors, and attitudes about utilizing digital tools to promote adequate intake, and Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were used to determine group differences. Most women lacked knowledge of and were not meeting hydration recommendations (63%, 67%, respectively) and were not tracking their fluid consumption (59%). Knowledge of hydration recommendations differed by time of pregnancy, such that women in later pregnancy reported 82 ounces compared to women in early pregnancy (49 ounces). Common barriers included: forgetting to drink (47%), not feeling thirsty (47%), and increased urination (33%). Most were willing to use digital tools (69%) and believed a smart water bottle would help them achieve daily fluid recommendations (67%). These initial findings suggest that pregnant women may benefit from useful strategies to increase knowledge, decrease barriers, and maintain adequate hydration, specifically earlier in pregnancy. These findings will inform the design of a behavioral intervention incorporating smart connected water bottles, wearables for gesture detection, and behavior modification strategies to overcome barriers, promote proper hydration and examine its impact on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Fam96a is essential for the host control of Toxoplasma gondii infection by fine-tuning macrophage polarization via an iron-dependent mechanism
Authors: Liu Zhuanzhuan , Wang Hanying , Zhang Zhiwei , Ma Yulu , Jing Qiyue , Zhang Shenghai , Han Jinzhi , Chen Junru , Xiang Yaoyao , Kou Yanbo , Wei Yanxia , Wang Lu , Wang Yugang
Published: May 2024

Background

Toxoplasmosis affects a quarter of the world’s population. Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is an intracellular parasitic protozoa. Macrophages are necessary for proliferation and spread of T.gondii by regulating immunity and metabolism. Family with sequence similarity 96A (Fam96a; formally named Ciao2a) is an evolutionarily conserved protein that is highly expressed in macrophages, but whether it play a role in control of T. gondii infection is unknown.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, we utilized myeloid cell-specific knockout mice to test its role in anti-T. gondii immunity. The results showed that myeloid cell-specific deletion of Fam96a led to exacerbate both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis after exposure to T. gondii. This was related to a defectively reprogrammed polarization in Fam96a-deficient macrophages inhibited the induction of immune effector molecules, including iNOS, by suppressing interferon/STAT1 signaling. Fam96a regulated macrophage polarization process was in part dependent on its ability to fine-tuning intracellular iron (Fe) homeostasis in response to inflammatory stimuli. In addition, Fam96a regulated the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation or related events that involved in control of T. gondii.

Conclusions/significance

All these findings suggest that Fam96a ablation in macrophages disrupts iron homeostasis and inhibits immune effector molecules, which may aggravate both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. It highlights that Fam96a may autonomously act as a critical gatekeeper of T. gondii control in macrophages.
Relationship between sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and severity of COVID-19 in pediatric patients
Authors: Roca Cristian , Asturizaga Adriana , Villca Nelson , Cabrera Ramiro , Copana-Olmos Raul , Aguilera-Avendano Vladimir , Estrada-Villarroel Claudia , Forest-Yepez Mariel Andrea , Torrez-Santos Marcia , Magne-Calle Adela Felipa , Foronda-Rios Maria Ofelia , Pena-Helguero Liz Malena , Montalvo Monica , Torrez Delina , Toco Mirna , Cespedes Miguel , Davalos Ingrid , Bowman Natalie M. ,   COVID19 Research Group in Bolivia
Published: May 2024

COVID-19 affects children less seriously than adults; however, severe cases and deaths are documented. This study objective is to determine socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory indicators associated with severe pediatric COVID-19 and mortality at hospital entrance. A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed in 13 tertiary hospitals in Bolivia. Clinical records were collected retrospectively from patients less than 18 years of age and positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. All variables were measured at hospital entrance; outcomes of interest were ICU admission and death. A score for disease severity was developed using a logistic regression model. 209 patients were included in the analysis. By the end of the study, 43 (20.6%) of children were admitted to the Intensive care unit (ICU), and 17 (8.1%) died. Five indicators were independently predictive of COVID-19 severity: age below 10 years OR: 3.3 (CI95%: 1.1–10.4), days with symptoms to medical care OR: 2.8 (CI95%: 1.2–6.5), breathing difficulty OR: 3.4 (CI95%: 1.4–8.2), vomiting OR: 3.3 (CI95%: 1.4–7.4), cutaneous lesions OR: 5.6 (CI95%: 1.9–16.6). Presence of three or more of these risk factors at hospital entrance predicted severe disease in COVID-19 positive children. Age, presence of underlying illness, male sex, breathing difficulty, and dehydration were predictive of death in COVID-19 children. Our study identifies several predictors of severe pediatric COVID-19 and death. Incorporating these predictors, we developed a tool that clinicians can use to identify children at high risk of severe COVID-19 in limited-resource settings.
MVMRmode: Introducing an R package for plurality valid estimators for multivariable Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Woolf Benjamin , Gill Dipender , Grant Andrew J. , Burgess Stephen
Published: May 2024

Background

Mendelian randomisation (MR) is the use of genetic variants as instrumental variables. Mode-based estimators (MBE) are one of the most popular types of estimators used in univariable-MR studies and is often used as a sensitivity analysis for pleiotropy. However, because there are no plurality valid regression estimators, modal estimators for multivariable-MR have been under-explored.

Methods

We use the residual framework for multivariable-MR to introduce two multivariable modal estimators: multivariable-MBE, which uses IVW to create residuals fed into a traditional plurality valid estimator, and an estimator which instead has the residuals fed into the contamination mixture method (CM), multivariable-CM. We then use Monte-Carlo simulations to explore the performance of these estimators when compared to existing ones and re-analyse the data used by Grant and Burgess (2021) looking at the causal effect of intelligence, education, and household income on Alzheimer’s disease as an applied example.

Results

In our simulation, we found that multivariable-MBE was generally too variable to be much use. Multivariable-CM produced more precise estimates on the other hand. Multivariable-CM performed better than MR-Egger in almost all settings, and Weighted Median under balanced pleiotropy. However, it underperformed Weighted Median when there was a moderate amount of directional pleiotropy. Our re-analysis supported the conclusion of Grant and Burgess (2021), that intelligence had a protective effect on Alzheimer’s disease, while education, and household income do not have a causal effect.

Conclusions

Here we introduced two, non-regression-based, plurality valid estimators for multivariable MR. Of these, “multivariable-CM” which uses IVW to create residuals fed into a contamination-mixture model, performed the best. This estimator uses a plurality of variants valid assumption, and appears to provide precise and unbiased estimates in the presence of balanced pleiotropy and small amounts of directional pleiotropy.
Rationalizing artemisinin-based combination therapies use for treatment of uncomplicated malaria: A situation analysis in health facilities and private pharmacies of Douala 5e-Cameroon
Authors: Eboumbou Moukoko Carole Else , Etang Josiane , Kojom Foko Loick Pradel , Tafock Christian Donald , Epee Eboumbou Patricia , Essangui Same Estelle Géraldine , Penda Ida Calixte , Same Ekobo Albert
Published: May 2024

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) represent one of the mainstays of malaria control. Despite evidence of the risk of ACTs resistant infections in resource-limited countries, studies on the rational use of ACTs to inform interventions and prevent their emergence and/or spread are limited. The aim of this study was designed to analyze practices toward ACTs use for treating the treatment of uncomplicated malaria (UM) in an urban community. Between November 2015 and April 2016, a cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted in the 6 health facilities and all pharmacies in the Douala 5e subdivision, Cameroon. Anonymous interviews including both open- and closed-ended questions were conducted with selected participants among drug prescribers, patients attending the health facilities, and customers visiting the pharmacies. Data analysis was performed using StataSE11 software (version 11 SE). A total of 41 prescribers were included in the study. All were aware of national treatment guidelines, but 37.7% reported not waiting for test results before prescribing an antimalarial drug, and the main reason being stock-outs at health facilities. Likewise, artemether+lumefantrine/AL (81%) and dihydroartemisinin+piperaquine (63.5%) were the most commonly used first- and second-line drugs respectively. Biological tests were requested in 99.2% (128/129) of patients in health facilities, 60.0% (74) were performed and 6.2% were rationally managed. Overall 266 (35%) of 760 customers purchased antimalarial drugs, of these, 261 (98.1%) agreed to participate and of these, 69.4% purchased antimalarial drugs without a prescription. ACTs accounted for 90.0% of antimalarials purchased from pharmacies, of which AL was the most commonly prescribed antimalarial drug (67.1%), and only 19.5% of patients were appropriately dispensed. The current data suggest a gap between the knowledge and practices of prescribers as well as patients and customers misconceptions regarding the use of ACTs in Douala 5e subdivision. Despite government efforts to increase public awareness regarding the use of ACTs as first-line treatment for UM, our findings point out a critical need for the development, implementation and scaling-up of control strategies and continuing health education for better use of ACTs (prescription and dispensing) in Cameroon.
Patterns of cognitive-emotional change after cognitive-behavioural treatment in emotional disorders: A 12-month longitudinal cluster analysis
Authors: Barrio-Martínez Sara , Rodriguez-Perez Noelia , Priede Amador , Medrano Leonardo Adrián , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , Moriana Juan Antonio , Carpallo-González María , Prieto-Vila Maider , Ruiz-Rodríguez Paloma , Cano-Vindel Antonio , González-Blanch César
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to use cluster analysis based on the trajectory of five cognitive-emotional processes (worry, rumination, metacognition, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) over time to explore differences in clinical and performance variables in primary care patients with emotional symptoms.

Methods

We compared the effect of adding transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural therapy (TD-CBT) to treatment as usual (TAU) according to cluster membership and sought to determine the variables that predicted cluster membership. 732 participants completed scales about cognitive-emotional processes, anxiety and depressive symptoms, functioning, and quality of life (QoL) at baseline, posttreatment, and at 12 months. Longitudinal cluster analysis and logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results

A two-cluster solution was chosen as the best fit, named as “less” or “more” improvement in cognitive-emotional processes. Individuals who achieved more improvement in cognitive-emotional processes showed lower emotional symptoms and better QoL and functioning at all three time points. TAU+TD-CBT, income level, QoL and anxiety symptoms were significant predictors of cluster membership.

Conclusions

These results underscore the value of adding TD-CBT to reduce maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies. These findings highlight the importance of the processes of change in therapy and demonstrate the relevance of the patient’s cognitive-emotional profile in improving treatment outcomes.
Low illumination fog noise image denoising method based on ACE-GPM
Authors: Li Wuyi , Zhou Guanglu , Wang Xingjian
Published: May 2024

The Perona-Malik (P-M) model exhibits deficiencies such as noise amplification, new noise introduction, and significant gradient effects when processing noisy images. To address these issues, this paper proposes an image-denoising algorithm, ACE-GPM, which integrates an Automatic Color Equalization (ACE) algorithm with a gradient-adjusted P-M model. Initially, the ACE algorithm is employed to enhance the contrast of low-light images obscured by fog and noise. Subsequently, the Otsu method, a technique to find the optimal threshold based on between-class variance, is applied for precise segmentation, enabling more accurate identification of different regions within the image. After that, distinct gradients enhance the image’s foreground and background via an enhancement function that accentuates edge and detailed information. The denoising process is finalized by applying the gradient P-M model, employing a gradient descent approach to further emphasize image edges and details. Experimental evidence indicates that the proposed ACE-GPM algorithm not only elevates image contrast and eliminates noise more effectively than other denoising methods but also preserves image details and texture information, evidenced by an average increase of 0.42 in the information entropy value. Moreover, the proposed solution achieves these outcomes with reduced computational resource expenditures while maintaining high image quality.
Combining enhanced spectral resolution of EMG and a deep learning approach for knee pathology diagnosis
Authors: Khader Ateka , Zyout Ala’a , Al Fahoum Amjed
Published: May 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, debilitating joint condition primarily affecting the elderly. This investigation aims to develop an electromyography (EMG)-based method for diagnosing knee pathologies. EMG signals of the muscles surrounding the knee joint were examined and recorded. The principal components of the proposed method were preprocessing, high-order spectral analysis (HOSA), and diagnosis/recognition through deep learning. EMG signals from individuals with normal and OA knees while walking were extracted from a publicly available database. This examination focused on the quadriceps femoris, the medial gastrocnemius, the rectus femoris, the semitendinosus, and the vastus medialis. Filtration and rectification were utilized beforehand to eradicate noise and smooth EMG signals. Signals’ higher-order spectra were analyzed with HOSA to obtain information about nonlinear interactions and phase coupling. Initially, the bicoherence representation of EMG signals was devised. The resulting images were fed into a deep-learning system for identification and analysis. A deep learning algorithm using adapted ResNet101 CNN model examined the images to determine whether the EMG signals were conventional or indicative of knee osteoarthritis. The validated test results demonstrated high accuracy and robust metrics, indicating that the proposed method is effective. The medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle was able to distinguish Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients from normal with 96.3±1.7% accuracy and 0.994±0.008 AUC. MG has the highest prediction accuracy of KOA and can be used as the muscle of interest in future analysis. Despite the proposed method’s superiority, some limitations still require special consideration and will be addressed in future research.
Biomechanical testing of ex vivo porcine tendons following high intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation
Authors: Chu Kwan William , Partanen Ari , Narayanan Unni , Waspe Adam C. , Drake James M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has been demonstrated to be able to thermally ablate tendons with the aim to non-invasively disrupt tendon contractures in the clinical setting. However, the biomechanical changes of tendons permitting this disrupting is poorly understood. We aim to obtain a dose-dependent biomechanical response of tendons following magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thermal ablation.

Methods

Ex vivo porcine tendons (n = 72) were embedded in an agar phantom and randomly assigned to 12 groups based on MRgFUS treatment. The treatment time was 10, 20, or 30s, and the applied acoustic power was 25, 50, 75, or 100W. Following each MRgFUS treatment, tendons underwent biomechanical tensile testing on an Instron machine, which calculated stress-strain curves during tendon elongation. Rupture rate, maximum treatment temperature, Young’s modulus and ultimate strength were analyzed for each treatment energy.

Results

The study revealed a dose-dependent response, with tendons rupturing in over 50% of cases when energy delivery exceeded 1000J and 100% disruption at energy levels beyond 2000J. The achieved temperatures during MRgFUS were directly proportional to energy delivery. The highest recorded temperature was 56.8°C ± 9.34 (3000J), while the lowest recorded temperate was 18.6°C ± 0.6 (control). The Young’s modulus was highest in the control group (47.3 MPa ± 6.5) and lowest in the 3000J group (13.2 MPa ± 5.9). There was no statistically significant difference in ultimate strength between treatment groups.

Conclusion

This study establishes crucial thresholds for reliable and repeatable disruption of tendons, laying the groundwork for future in vivo optimization. The findings prompt further exploration of MRgFUS as a non-invasive modality for tendon disruption, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients with musculotendinous contractures.
Ethanolamine metabolism through two genetically distinct loci enables Klebsiella pneumoniae to bypass nutritional competition in the gut
Authors: Barnes Andrew J. , Bennett Emma F. , Vezina Ben , Hudson Andrew W. , Hernandez Giovanna E. , Nutter Noah A. , Bray Andrew S. , Nagpal Ravinder , Wyres Kelly L. , Zafar M. Ammar
Published: May 2024

Successful microbial colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract hinges on an organism’s ability to overcome the intense competition for nutrients in the gut between the host and the resident gut microbiome. Enteric pathogens can exploit ethanolamine (EA) in the gut to bypass nutrient competition. However, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an asymptomatic gut colonizer and, unlike well-studied enteric pathogens, harbors two genetically distinct ethanolamine utilization (eut) loci. Our investigation uncovered unique roles for each eut locus depending on EA utilization as a carbon or nitrogen source. Murine gut colonization studies demonstrated the necessity of both eut loci in the presence of intact gut microbiota for robust GI colonization by K. pneumoniae. Additionally, while some Escherichia coli gut isolates could metabolize EA, other commensals were incapable, suggesting that EA metabolism likely provides K. pneumoniae a selective advantage in gut colonization. Molecular and bioinformatic analyses unveiled the conservation of two eut loci among K. pneumoniae and a subset of the related taxa in the K. pneumoniae species complex, with the NtrC-RpoN regulatory cascade playing a pivotal role in regulation. These findings identify EA metabolism as a critical driver of K. pneumoniae niche establishment in the gut and propose microbial metabolism as a potential therapeutic avenue to combat K. pneumoniae infections.
Shaping foundations: Trans feminine self-fashioning, DIY and community building in the postwar United States
Authors: Held Isabelle
Published: May 2024

More than 5 million pairs of falsies, also known as bust pads, were sold in the United States in 1946, exceeding prior sales records. In the postwar United States, falsies were an increasingly popular way of shaping the body into a fashionable curvaceous silhouette and utilized the latest in wartime synthetic material developments. Falsies were an important part of trans and queer life. However, these wearers and makers have been largely omitted from histories of fashion, foundationwear and material culture. This article traces the trans feminine history of falsies and other padded foundationwear in the postwar United States. The author analyses a range of archival materials largely sourced from the Digital Transgender Archive including publications and print ephemera from the 1950s–70s to show how trans feminine, queer and gender-nonconforming people innovated falsie design through DIY practices. While the majority of individuals in the postwar United States were unable to access trans healthcare and anti-trans legislation continued to publicly police bodies, trans feminine networks circulated information on how to purchase, wear and make padded foundations. These collective efforts empowered wearers and built community in a variety of ways.
The inescapable haunt(ing): Dressing trans life after death
Authors: Delafose Ev
Published: May 2024

This article traces the material effects of Black trans death on Black trans life, particularly in the dimensions of aesthetics, fashion and beauty. I use a Black trans hauntological approach to analyse recordings of Balls, film and television, and personal anecdotes of Black transness in order to develop a transtemporal mapping between ghosts and their haunted subjects. On the one hand, my research builds upon a growing field of work in Black queer and trans studies that looks at Black trans life and its relationship with the ‘afterlife’. On the other, it critiques the liberal humanism that grounds much of fashion studies, thus foregrounding subjects, methodologies and worlds that are still under-researched within the field. By focusing on the practice of dressing, and specifically on the autonomous garmenting of trans people, I show how the violated and murdered Black trans person’s haunting can be traced materially. At the centrepiece of this article is the interrogation of how contemporary dressing practices of ‘living’ Black trans people invoke and are possessed by the ghosts of anti-trans violence. Found in the reciprocal relationship of invocation and possession is the mutual care transmitted between and through the barriers of Black trans life and death.
The transfeminine mystique: Transsexual models and the UK press, 1960–71
Authors: Esculapio Alex Nora
Published: May 2024

The article investigates transgender embodiment, public feelings and (in)visibility in the British press in the 1960s and early 1970s by using the models and performers April Ashley (1935–2021) and Amanda Lear (1939–present) as case studies. Both Ashley and Lear worked as performers at the celebrated Parisian cabaret bar Le Carrousel in the 1950s, and later moved to London independently. Ashley – white, British, working class – enjoyed a successful but brief career as a commercial model that was cut short following her outing by a British tabloid in 1961. Lear – of French and alleged south-east Asian origins – associated herself with the fashionable Chelsea set in London in the 1960s and 1970s. Drawing on press articles, fashion editorials, documentaries and autobiographical writing, in this article, I reconstruct the two models’ career trajectories and examine how the British media constructed Ashley and Lear as both objects of disgust and exotic objects of fascination. In doing so, I critically assess their respective attempts to navigate these public feelings in relation to the politics of (in)visibility in the contemporary British media landscape.
Acute and Long-Term Effects of App-Delivered Heartfulness Meditation on Psychological Outcomes and the Endocannabinoid Signaling System in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Authors: Venkatesan Thangam , Hillard Cecilia J. , Ayer Lina , Arumugam Saranya , Culp Stacey , Vyas Mahima , Gofar Kebire , Petrova Ana , Palsson Olafur S.
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction often triggered by stress. Interventions such as meditation may improve psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but their efficacy and the underlying mechanism are unknown.

METHODS:

We conducted a 6-week single-arm pilot study to assess the effects of heartfulness meditation (HFM) in CVS using a custom-designed meditation app. Primary outcomes included state and trait anxiety and mood state changes pre vs post-meditation, and secondary outcomes were psychological distress, coping, sleep quality, and HRQoL at baseline and at weeks 3 and 6. Serum concentrations of endocannabinoids N-arachidonylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and related lipids were measured pre- and post-HFM at baseline and week 6.

RESULTS:

In 30 treatment completers, there was a significant improvement in state anxiety (P < 0.001), total mood disturbance (P < 0.001), and other mood states (all P values < 0.05) across the 3 time points. Trait anxiety was also improved at week 6. There was a significant improvement in psychological distress (Global Severity Index), sleep quality (daytime dysfunction), coping (using religion/spirituality), and HRQoL (mental and physical) across the 3 time points (all P < 0.05). Significant increases in N-arachidonylethanolamine and related lipids N-oleoylethanolamine and palmitoylethanolamide post vs pre-HFM were observed at week 6 (P < 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, respectively). No adverse effects were noted.

DISCUSSION:

App-delivered HFM is feasible, safe, and effective and improves psychological outcomes and augments endocannabinoids. This provides insight into the mechanism underlying HFM and has potential for widespread use as a digital therapeutic in CVS and other disorder of gut-brain interaction.
Inverse Kinematics Model For a 18 Degrees of Freedom Robot
Authors: Ortega-Palacios Miguel Angel , Palomino-Merino Amparo Dora , Reyes-Cortes Fernando
Published: May 2024

The study of humanoid robots is still a challenge for the scientific community, although there are several related works in this area, several limitations have been found in the literature that drive the need to develop an inverse kinematic modeling of biped robots. This paper presents a research proposal for the Bioloid Premium robot. The objective is to propose a complete solution to the inverse kinematics model for a 18 DOF (Degrees Of Freedom) biped robot. This model will serve as a starting point to obtain the dynamic model of the robot in a subsequent work. The proposed methodology can be extended to other biped robots.
Who and what belongs to us? Towards a comprehensive concept of inclusion and planetary citizenship
Authors: Salonen Arto O. , Isola Anna-Maria , Jakonen JP , Foster Raisa
Published: May 2024

In this theoretical article, we ask who and what belongs to us. We aim to conceptualise planetary citizenship and identify the scale for experiences of planetary inclusion. As a basis for the planetary approach, we utilise systems thinking and eudaimonic well-being that transcends hedonism and materialism and that focuses on meaningful and purposeful living, personal growth, engagement and positive relationships. Expanding the concept of human participation is necessary as the contemporary lifeworld has gradually stretched beyond the traditional boundaries of local communities and nation-state societies. Furthermore, the lifestyle of people living in high-income industrial countries has also been noted to have serious consequences in wider circles of life. Thus, human–biosphere relationships must be renegotiated to strengthen responsible citizenship and facilitate caring for life on Earth. To promote this ideal, we widen the already validated scale for experiences of social inclusion towards a scale for experiences of planetary inclusion. We introduce the concept of planetary citizenship, which enhances the concept of inclusion. Planetary citizenship refers to a life orientation where the boundary between humans and the rest of nature disappears. It refers to the citizen who is simultaneously a local, global and planetary actor. The attachment to something larger could help planetary citizens grow towards being a person who is aware and reflective and can look at the world from new perspectives. Experiences of planetary inclusion could also help to solve the problems of climate change, depletion of natural resources and biodiversity loss.
Book review of: Bernt, Matthias; Volkmann, Anne (2023): Segregation in Ostdeutschland – Transformationsprozesse, Wohnungsmärkte und Wohnbiographien in Halle (Saale)
Authors: Wiest Karin
Published: May 2024

Buchrezension
Influence of plant growth regulators on qualitative attributes of acid lime Kuliana local in Odisha
Authors: P Sarada , A.K Sahoo
Published: May 2024

Kuliana lime is an outstanding Odisha cultivar with significant potential to be included in future crop improvement operations due to its flavor and juice content. This research was conducted at the Horticultural Research Station, Department of Fruit Science and Horticultural Technology, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 to determine the optimal growth regulator in terms of quality metrics. certain growth regulators 2,4-D (2,4-D @ 10 ppm and 20 ppm) and GA3 (GA3 @ 50 ppm and 100 ppm) and NAA (NAA @ 100 ppm and 200 ppm) and SA (SA @ 100 ppm and 200 ppm) and SPMD (SPMD @ 0.01 ppm and 0.5 ppm) and PUT (PUT @ 0.01 ppm and 0.5 ppm) and BR (BR @ 0.1 ppm and 0.5 ppm) quality of Acid Lime kuliana local. The biometrical observations on various quality features were recorded in the same seasons over 2 years. The best was for fruit quality, which has been determined on the basis of growth regulators performances, as growth regulator variation has a significant effect on the quality of fruit. Brassinosteroids showed the best effects for TSS (7.17 oBrix), acidity (6.05 %), total sugar content (0.61 %), reducing sugar content (0.41 %), ascorbic acid (36.35 mg per 100 mL of juice), chlorophyll content (33.03 mg/100 g), flavonoid content (119.91 mg/100 g), protein (0.82 mg/100 g) and carbohydrate content (10.29 mg/100g) with the other treatments, including the untreated fruits in both years of the study. Our results revealed that the BR gave superior results in quality attributes for Kuliana lime in the East and Southeast Coastal Plain Zones of Odisha.