bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Pulse Duration on Mechanical Properties and Dislocation Density of Dry Laser Peened Aluminum Alloy using Ultrashort pulsed Laser-driven Shock Wave
Authors: Yoshida Masayuki , Nishibata Itsuki , Matsuda Tomoki , Ito Yusuke , Sugita Naohiko , Shiro Ayumi , Shobu Takahisa , Arakawa Kazuto , Hirose Akio , Sano Tomokazu
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the influence of the pulse duration on the mechanical properties and dislocation density of an aluminum alloy treated using dry laser peening (DLP), which is a laser peening technique that uses ultrashort pulsed laser-driven shock wave to eliminate the need for a sacrificial overlay under atmospheric conditions. The results of the micro-Vickers hardness test, residual stress measurement, and dislocation density measurement demonstrate that over a pulse duration range of 180 fs to 10 ps, the maximum peening effects are achieved with a pulse duration of 1 ps. Moreover, the most significant DLP effects are obtained by choosing a pulse duration that achieves a laser intensity that simultaneously generates the strongest shock pressure, suppresses optical nonlinear effects, and realizes the least thermal effects, which weaken the shock effects. Shock temperature calculations based on thermodynamic equations also suggest that a laser intensity driving a shock pressure less than 80 GPa, as in the case of a pulse duration of 1 ps in this study, maintains the solid state of the material throughout the process, resulting in significant DLP effects.
Excitation dynamics in molecule resolved by internuclear distance driven by the strong laser field
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyun , Liu Mingqing
Published: December 2023

Rydberg-state excitation of stretched model molecules subjected to near-infrared intense laser fields has been investigated based on a fully quantum model (QM) proposed recently and the numerical solutions of time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). Given the good agreement between QM and TDSE, it is found that, as the molecules are stretched, the electron tends to be trapped into low-lying Rydberg-states after its ionization from the core, which can be attributed to the shift of the ionization moments corresponding to maximum excitation populations. Moreover, the n-distribution is broadened for molecules with increasing internuclear distance, which results from the change of momentum distribution of emitted electrons. Analysis indicates that both of the above phenomena are closely related to the interference effect of electronic wave packets emitted from different nuclei. Our study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular excitation in intense laser fields, as well as a means of possible applications to related experimental observations.
R3-DICnet: an end-to-end recursive residual refinement DIC network for larger deformation measurement
Authors: Yang Jiashuai , Qian Kemao , Wang Lianpo
Published: December 2023

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an optical metrology method for measuring object deformation and has been widely used in many fields. Recently, the deep learning based DIC methods have achieved good performance, especially for small and complex deformation measurements. However, the existing deep learning based DIC methods with limited measurement range cannot satisfy the needs of real-world scenarios. To tackle this problem, a recursive iterative residual refinement DIC network (R3-DICnet) is proposed in this paper, which mimics the idea of the traditional method of two-step method, where initial value estimation is performed on deep features and then iterative refinement is performed on shallow features based on the initial value, so that both small and large deformations can be accurately measured. R3-DICnet not only has high accuracy and efficiency, but also strong generalization ability. Synthetic image experiments show that the proposed R3-DICnet is suitable for both small and large deformation measurements, and it has absolute advantages in complex deformation measurement. The accuracy and generalization ability of the R3-DICnet for practical measurement experiments were also verified by uniaxial tensile and wedge splitting tests.
Quasi-bound states in the continuum in a metal nanograting metasurface for a high figure-of-merit refractive index sensor
Authors: Tang Xisaina , He Rong , Chen Cheng , Huang Zian , Guo Junpeng
Published: December 2023

In this work, we investigate the bound states in the continuum (BICs) in a gold nanograting metal-insulator-metal metasurface structure at oblique angles of incidence. The nanograting metasurface consists of a gold nanograting patterned on a silicon dioxide dielectric film deposited on a thick gold film supported by a substrate. With rigorous full-wave finite difference time domain simulations, two bound states in the continuum are revealed upon transverse magnetic wave angular incidence. One BIC is formed by the interference between the surface plasmon polariton mode of the gold nanograting and the FP cavity mode. Another BIC mode is formed by the interference between the metal-dielectric hybrid structure guided mode resonance mode and the FP cavity mode. While true BIC modes cannot be observed, quasi-BIC modes are investigated at angles of incidence slightly off from the corresponding true BIC angles. It is shown that quasi-BIC modes can suppress radiation loss, resulting in narrow resonance spectral linewidths and high quality-factors. The quasi-BIC mode associated with the surface plasmon polariton mode is investigated for refractive index sensing. As a result, a high sensitivity refractive index sensor with a large figure-of-merit of 364 has been obtained.
Coherent FIR/THz wave generation and steering via surface-emitting thin film lithium niobate waveguides
Authors: Yoshioka Valerie , Jin Jicheng , Zhen Bo
Published: December 2023

Generating narrowband, continuous wave FIR/THz light via difference frequency generation (DFG) remains challenging due to material absorption and dispersion from optical phonons. The relatively new platform of thin film lithium niobate enables high-confinement nonlinear waveguides, reducing device size and potentially improving efficiency. We simulated surface-emitting DFG from 10 to 100 THz in a thin film lithium niobate waveguide with fixed poling period, demonstrating reasonable efficiency and bandwidth. Furthermore, adjusting wavelength and relative phase in an array of these waveguides enables beam steering along two directions. Continuous wave FIR/THz light can be efficiently generated and steered using these integrated devices.
Towards high-sensitivity and high-accuracy forward Brillouin scattering-based optomechanical temperature sensing in thin-diameter fibers
Authors: Zhang Liang , Wang Han , Li Yichun , Gao Song , Zhu Mengshi , Wei Heming , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: December 2023

We numerically and experimentally demonstrated a high-sensitivity and high-accuracy temperature sensor based on guided acoustic radial modes of forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS)-based optomechanics in thin-diameter fibers (TDF). The dependence of the FSBS-involved electrostrictive force on the fiber diameter is systematically investigated. As the diameters of the fiber core and cladding decrease, the intrinsic frequency of each activated acoustic mode and corresponding FSBS gain are expected to be accordingly increased, which benefits the significant enhancement of its temperature sensitivity as well as the optimization of the measurement accuracy. In validations, by utilizing TDFs with fiber diameters of 80 µm and 60 µm, the proof-of-concept experiments proved that sensitivities of the TDF-based FSBS temperature sensor with radial modes from R0,4 to R0,15 increased from 35.23 kHz/°C to 130.38 kHz/°C with an interval of 8.74 kHz/°C. The minimum measurement error (i.e., 0.15 °C) of the temperature sensor with the 60 µm-TDF is 2.5 times lower than that of the 125 µm-SSMF (i.e., 0.39 °C). The experimental and simulated results are consistent with theoretical predictions. It is believed that the proposed approach with high sensitivity and accuracy could find potential in a wide range of applications such as environmental monitoring, chemical engineering, and cancer detection in human beings.
OAM mode-division multiplexing IM/DD transmission at 4.32 Tbit/s with a low-complexity adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system nonlinear equalizer
Authors: Wang Fei , Gao Ran , Li Zhipei , Liu Jie , Cui Yi , Xu Qi , Pan Xiaolong , Zhu Lei , Wang Fu , Guo Dong , Chang Huan , Zhou Sitong , Dong Ze , Zhang Qi , Tian Qinghua , Tian Feng , Huang Xin , Yan Jinghao , Jiang Lin , Xin Xiangjun
Published: December 2023

Stochastic nonlinear impairment is the primary factor that limits the
transmission performance of high-speed orbital angular momentum (OAM)
mode-division multiplexing (MDM) optical fiber communication systems.
This Letter presents a low-complexity adaptive-network-based fuzzy
inference system (LANFIS) nonlinear equalizer for OAM-MDM
intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM/DD) transmission with three
OAM modes and 15 wavelength division multiplex (WDM) channels. The
LANFIS equalizer could adjust the probability distribution functions
(PDFs) of the distorted pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) symbols to
fit the statistical characteristics of the WDM–OAM-MDM transmission
channel. Therefore, although the transmission symbols in the
WDM–OAM-MDM system are subjected to a stochastic nonlinear impairment,
the proposed LANFIS equalizer can effectively compensate the distorted
signals. The proposed equalizer outperforms the Volterra equalizer
with improvements in receiver sensitivity of 2, 1.5, and 1.3 dB for
three OAM modes at a wavelength of 1550.12 nm, respectively. It also
outperforms a CNN equalizer, with improvements in receiver sensitivity
of 1, 0.5, and 0.3 dB, respectively. Moreover, complexity reductions
of 67%, 74%, and 99.9% are achieved for the LANFIS equalizer compared
with the Volterra, CNN, and ANFIS equalizers, respectively. The
proposed equalizer has high performance and low complexity, making it
a promising candidate for a high-speed WDM–OAM-MDM system.
Topological corner states in a silicon nitride photonic crystal membrane with a large bandgap
Authors: Liu Yiying , Hong Xing , Zhang Shouqi , Li Jixin , Han Song , Tao Jin , Zeng Yongquan
Published: December 2023

The theory of band topology has inspired the discovery of various topologically protected states in the regime of photonics. It has led to the development of topological photonic devices with robust property and versatile functionalities, like unidirectional waveguides, compact power splitters, high-Q resonators, and robust lasers. These devices mainly rely on the on-chip photonic crystal (PhC) in Si or III-V compound materials with a fairly large bandgap. However, the topological designs have rarely been applied to the ultra-low-loss silicon nitride (SiN) platform which is widely used in silicon photonics for important devices and integrated photonic circuits. It is mainly hindered by the relatively low refractive index. In this work, we revealed that a rhombic PhC can open a large bandgap in the SiN slab, and thus support robust topological corner states stemming from the quantization of the dipole moments. Meanwhile, we propose the inclination angle of rhombic lattice, as a new degree of freedom, to manipulate the characteristics of topological states. Our work shows a possibility to further expand the topological protection and design flexibility to SiN photonic devices.
Electrically tunable dual polarization states of light using lithium niobate-based nanograting
Authors: Hou Yaping , Xu Yunfan , Du Bobo , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2023

Tuning polarization states of light electrically has unique advantages in the integration of optoelectronic devices. Here, a lithium niobate-based nanograting is proposed to dynamically tune the polarization state of both the reflected and transmitted lights simultaneously in the near-infrared range. By judiciously designing the nanograting, a quasi-bound state in the continuum (qBIC) is excited under the excitation of an obliquely incident plane wave. The excited mode with a high quality-factor and enhanced local electric field can respond to a refractive index change in nanograting structures as small as 10−4 level, which can be generated with a low external voltage via the electro-optic effect. As a result, both the polarization states of reflected and transmitted lights can be dynamically tuned from a right circular polarization to a linear polarization state. The proposed lithium niobate-based nanograting for tuning dual polarization states of light with a qBIC mode suggests a promising electrical scheme for achieving high speed optoelectronic devices.
Deep learning based characterization of human organoids using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Bingjie , GANJEE RAZIEH , KHANDAKER IRONA , FLOHR KEEVON , HE YUANHANG , LI GUANG , WESALO JOSHUA , SAHEL JOSÉ-ALAIN , DA SILVA SUSANA , Pi Shaohua
Published: December 2023

Organoids, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), are intricate three-dimensional in vitro structures that mimic many key aspects of the complex morphology and functions of in vivo organs such as the retina and heart. Traditional histological methods, while crucial, often fall short in analyzing these dynamic structures due to their inherently static and destructive nature. In this study, we leveraged the capabilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for rapid, non-invasive imaging of both retinal, cerebral, and cardiac organoids. Complementing this, we developed a sophisticated deep learning approach to automatically segment the organoid tissues and their internal structures, such as hollows and chambers. Utilizing this advanced imaging and analysis platform, we quantitatively assessed critical parameters including size, area, volume, and cardiac beating, offering a comprehensive live characterization and classification of the organoids. These findings provide profound insights into the differentiation and developmental processes of organoids, positioning quantitative OCT imaging as a potentially transformative tool for future organoid research.
Many but not all deep neural network audio models capture brain responses and exhibit correspondence between model stages and brain regions
Authors: Tuckute Greta , Feather Jenelle , Boebinger Dana , McDermott Josh H.
Published: December 2023

Models that predict brain responses to stimuli provide one measure of understanding of a sensory system and have many potential applications in science and engineering. Deep artificial neural networks have emerged as the leading such predictive models of the visual system but are less explored in audition. Prior work provided examples of audio-trained neural networks that produced good predictions of auditory cortical fMRI responses and exhibited correspondence between model stages and brain regions, but left it unclear whether these results generalize to other neural network models and, thus, how to further improve models in this domain. We evaluated model-brain correspondence for publicly available audio neural network models along with in-house models trained on 4 different tasks. Most tested models outpredicted standard spectromporal filter-bank models of auditory cortex and exhibited systematic model-brain correspondence: Middle stages best predicted primary auditory cortex, while deep stages best predicted non-primary cortex. However, some state-of-the-art models produced substantially worse brain predictions. Models trained to recognize speech in background noise produced better brain predictions than models trained to recognize speech in quiet, potentially because hearing in noise imposes constraints on biological auditory representations. The training task influenced the prediction quality for specific cortical tuning properties, with best overall predictions resulting from models trained on multiple tasks. The results generally support the promise of deep neural networks as models of audition, though they also indicate that current models do not explain auditory cortical responses in their entirety.
Sequence representation as an early step in the evolution of language
Authors: Jon-And Anna , Jonsson Markus , Lind Johan , Ghirlanda Stefano , Enquist Magnus
Published: December 2023

Human language is unique in its compositional, open-ended, and sequential form, and its evolution is often solely explained by advantages of communication. However, it has proven challenging to identify an evolutionary trajectory from a world without language to a world with language, especially while at the same time explaining why such an advantageous phenomenon has not evolved in other animals. Decoding sequential information is necessary for language, making domain-general sequence representation a tentative basic requirement for the evolution of language and other uniquely human phenomena. Here, using formal evolutionary analyses of the utility of sequence representation we show that sequence representation is exceedingly costly and that current memory systems found in animals may prevent abilities necessary for language to emerge. For sequence representation to evolve, flexibility allowing for ignoring irrelevant information is necessary. Furthermore, an abundance of useful sequential information and extensive learning opportunities are required, two conditions that were likely fulfilled early in human evolution. Our results provide a novel, logically plausible trajectory for the evolution of uniquely human cognition and language, and support the hypothesis that human culture is rooted in sequential representational and processing abilities.
Active compensation for changes in TDH3 expression mediated by direct regulators of TDH3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Vande Zande Pétra , Siddiq Mohammad A. , Hodgins-Davis Andrea , Kim Lisa , Wittkopp Patricia J.
Published: December 2023

Genetic networks are surprisingly robust to perturbations caused by new mutations. This robustness is conferred in part by compensation for loss of a gene’s activity by genes with overlapping functions, such as paralogs. Compensation occurs passively when the normal activity of one paralog can compensate for the loss of the other, or actively when a change in one paralog’s expression, localization, or activity is required to compensate for loss of the other. The mechanisms of active compensation remain poorly understood in most cases. Here we investigate active compensation for the loss or reduction in expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene TDH3 by its paralog TDH2. TDH2 is upregulated in a dose-dependent manner in response to reductions in TDH3 by a mechanism requiring the shared transcriptional regulators Gcr1p and Rap1p. TDH1, a second and more distantly related paralog of TDH3, has diverged in its regulation and is upregulated by another mechanism. Other glycolytic genes regulated by Rap1p and Gcr1p show changes in expression similar to TDH2, suggesting that the active compensation by TDH3 paralogs is part of a broader homeostatic response mediated by shared transcriptional regulators.
Do people with disabilities experience disparities in cancer care? A systematic review
Authors: Tosetti Irene , Kuper Hannah
Published: December 2023

Background

Over 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. Recent studies have reported that people with disabilities (PwD) might not be receiving state-of-the-art treatment for cancer as their non-disabled peers; our objective was to systematically review this topic.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to compare cancer outcomes and quality of cancer care between adults with and without disabilities (NIHR Prospero register ID number: CRD42022281506). A search of the literature was performed in July 2022 across five databases: EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Peer-reviewed quantitative research articles, published in English from 2000 to 2022, with interventional or observational study designs, comparing cancer outcomes between a sample of adult patients with disabilities and a sample without disabilities were included. Studies focused on cancer screening and not treatment were excluded, as well as editorials, commentaries, opinion papers, reviews, case reports, case series under 10 patients and conference abstracts. Studies were evaluated by one reviewer for risk of bias based on a set of criteria according to the SIGN 50 guidelines. A narrative synthesis was conducted according to the Cochrane SWiM guidelines, with tables summarizing study characteristics and outcomes. This research received no external funding.

Results

Thirty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Compared to people without disabilities, PwD had worse cancer outcomes, in terms of poorer survival and higher overall and cancer-specific mortality. There was also evidence that PwD received poorer quality cancer care, including lower access to state-of-the-art care or curative-intent therapies, treatment delays, undertreatment or excessively invasive treatment, worse access to in-hospital services, less specialist healthcare utilization, less access to pain medications and inadequate end-of-life quality of care.

Discussion

Limitations of this work include the exclusion of qualitative research, no assessment of publication bias, selection performed by only one reviewer, results from high-income countries only, no meta-analysis and a high risk of bias in 15% of included studies. In spite of these limitations, our results show that PwD often experience severe disparities in cancer care with less guideline-consistent care and higher mortality than people without disabilities. These findings raise urgent questions about how to ensure equitable care for PwD; in order to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality, cancer care programs need to be evaluated and urgently improved, with specific training of clinical staff, more disability inclusive research, better communication and shared decision-making with patients and elimination of physical, social and cultural barriers.
Addressing food insecurity: An exploration of wheat production expansion
Authors: Dadrasi Amir , Chaichi Mehrdad , Nehbandani Alireza , Sheikhi Abdollatif , Salmani Fatemeh , Nemati Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Wheat plays a crucial role in global food security, serving as a vital food crop that feeds billions of people worldwide. Currently, Russia and Ukraine are responsible for exporting approximately 25% of the world’s wheat, making any issues in these regions a cause for concern regarding global wheat supply. The problems faced in these areas have led to a surge in wheat prices worldwide. Consequently, it becomes necessary to explore alternative regions that can compensate for the decline in wheat production and supply. This study focuses on wheat production and yield in major producing countries, utilizing the GYGA (Global Yield Gap Atlas) protocol for predictions. The findings reveal a global wheat production gap of 270,378,793 tons. Notably, the largest gap in irrigated wheat production exists in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Additionally, the rainfed wheat production gap on a global scale amounts to 545,215,692 tons, with Russia, the USA, Kazakhstan, Australia, Ukraine, China, Turkey, Canada, India, and France having the most significant production gaps. Through boundary line analysis, specific criteria were identified for suitable areas of irrigated and rainfed wheat cultivation. For irrigated conditions, the temperature range of 3000 to 7000 GDD (Growing Degree Days) and a temperature seasonality of 3 were determined as favorable. Under rainfed conditions, the suitable areas encompass a temperature range of 2000 to 4000 GDD, an aridity index exceeding 600, and a temperature seasonality of 2. Thirteen countries possess extensive agricultural land within the climatic codes favorable for irrigated wheat cultivation. Approximately 50% of the agricultural lands within these countries, corresponding to the total arable area for irrigated wheat, fall within the climatic codes 3403, 5403, 5303, 4303, 5503, 5203, 3503, 3303, and 4103. China, the United States, Ukraine, Russia, and Iran are the top five countries with favorable lands for irrigated wheat cultivation. Similarly, fourteen countries have significant agricultural lands within the favorable climatic codes for rainfed wheat cultivation. Around 52% of the agricultural lands within these countries are within the climatic codes 3702, 2702, 2802, and 4602. France, Germany, Britain, Poland, and Denmark possess the highest potential to expand rainfed wheat cultivation areas within these favorable climate codes, with respective areas of 2.7, 2.6, 1.6, and 0.9 million hectares. According to the study, the North China Plain emerges as a primary region for increasing irrigated wheat production, both in terms of cultivated area and yield potential. For rainfed conditions, the European continent stands out as a significant region to enhance wheat production.
Weed target detection at seedling stage in paddy fields based on YOLOX
Authors: Deng Xiangwu , Qi Long , Liu Zhuwen , Liang Song , Gong Kunsong , Qiu Guangjun
Published: December 2023

Weeds are one of the greatest threats to the growth of rice, and the loss of crops is greater in the early stage of rice growth. Traditional large-area spraying cannot selectively spray weeds and can easily cause herbicide waste and environmental pollution. To realize the transformation from large-area spraying to precision spraying in rice fields, it is necessary to quickly and efficiently detect the distribution of weeds. Benefiting from the rapid development of vision technology and deep learning, this study applies a computer vision method based on deep-learning-driven rice field weed target detection. To address the need to identify small dense targets at the rice seedling stage in paddy fields, this study propose a method for weed target detection based on YOLOX, which is composed of a CSPDarknet backbone network, a feature pyramid network (FPN) enhanced feature extraction network and a YOLO Head detector. The CSPDarknet backbone network extracts feature layers with dimensions of 80 pixels ⊆ 80 pixels, 40 pixels ⊆ 40 pixels and 20 pixels ⊆ 20 pixels. The FPN fuses the features from these three scales, and YOLO Head realizes the regression of the object classification and prediction boxes. In performance comparisons of different models, including YOLOv3, YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv5-s, SSD and several models of the YOLOX series, namely, YOLOX-s, YOLOX-m, YOLOX-nano, and YOLOX-tiny, the results show that the YOLOX-tiny model performs best. The mAP, F1, and recall values from the YOLOX-tiny model are 0.980, 0.95, and 0.983, respectively. Meanwhile, the intermediate variable memory generated during the model calculation of YOLOX-tiny is only 259.62 MB, making it suitable for deployment in intelligent agricultural devices. However, although the YOLOX-tiny model is the best on the dataset in this paper, this is not true in general. The experimental results suggest that the method proposed in this paper can improve the model performance for the small target detection of sheltered weeds and dense weeds at the rice seedling stage in paddy fields. A weed target detection model suitable for embedded computing platforms is obtained by comparing different single-stage target detection models, thereby laying a foundation for the realization of unmanned targeted herbicide spraying performed by agricultural robots.
A combination of oxygenation and driving pressure can provide valuable information in predicting the risk of mortality in ARDS patients
Authors: Yu Yu-Yi , Ou Wei-Fan , Wu Jia-Jun , Hsu Han-Shui , Wu Chieh-Laing , Yang Kuang-Yao , Chan Ming-Cheng
Published: December 2023

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common life-threatening condition in critically ill patients. Itis also an important public health issue because it can cause substantial mortality and health care burden worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate therisk factors that impact ARDS mortality in a medical center in Taiwan.

Methods

This was a single center, observational study thatretrospectively analyzed data from adults in 6 intensive care units (ICUs) at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan from 1st October, 2018to30th September, 2019. Patients needing invasive mechanical ventilation and meeting the Berlin definition criteria were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 1,778 subjects were screened in 6 adult ICUs and 370 patients fulfilled the criteria of ARDS in the first 24 hours of the ICU admission. Among these patients, the prevalenceof ARDS was 20.8% and the overall hospital mortality rate was 42.2%. The mortality rates of mild, moderate and severe ARDS were 35.9%, 43.9% and 46.5%, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression model, combination of driving pressure (DP) > 14cmH2O and oxygenation (P/F ratio)≤150 was an independent predictor of mortality (OR2.497, 95% CI 1.201–5.191, p = 0.014). Patients with worse oxygenation and a higher driving pressure had the highest hospital mortality rate(p<0.0001).

Conclusions

ARDS is common in ICUs and the mortality rate remains high. Combining oxygenation and respiratory mechanics may better predict the outcomes of these ARDS patients.
Quantitative evaluation of China’s private universities provincial public funding policies based on the PMC-Index model
Authors: Hu Maobo , Guo Cai , Wang Yang , Ma Dan
Published: December 2023

The special public funding policies, formulated and implemented by provincial governments, plays an important role in the development of private universities in China. However, there is a lack of scientific evaluation on the rationality and completeness of the provincial special public funding policy of China’s private colleges and universities. Therefore, this paper uses PMC-index model and text mining technology to establish an evaluation index system for the provincial special public funding policy of private universities in China. Based on PMC-Index and PMC-Surface, 13 policy texts issued since 2010 were evaluated scientifically. The results show that the average PMC-Index of the 13 policies is 6.97, and the PMC-Surface map is smooth, which indicates that the overall structure of these policies is reasonable and the policy content has certain completeness. Only one policy is unacceptable. Through further analysis, we found that there is still much room for improvement in the content design of the sample policy, and its rationality and completeness are related to the publication time. This study is helpful to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the provincial special public funding policy of private universities in China.
Improving the size selectivity and exploitation pattern of cocktail shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris) in shrimp trawl fishery of the South China Sea
Authors: Yang Bingzhong , Herrmann Bent , Wan Rong
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the size selectivity and exploitation pattern for cocktail shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris) in shrimp trawl fishery of the South China Sea (SCS), selective properties of four codends were tested and compared. These experimental codends involved two mesh sizes, 30 and 35 mm, and two mesh shapes, diamond-mesh (T0) and diamond-mesh turned by 90 degree (T90), respectively. Our results demonstrated that increasing the mesh sizes in T0 codends or/and applying T90 codends would improve the selective properties for cocktail shrimp in the SCS. By comparing selectivity parameters, delta selectivity and exploitation pattern indicators, the T90 codend with 35-mm mesh size (T90_35) presented the best selective properties for cocktail shrimp in the studied areas. It will be a potential choice to substitute the currently legal codend in fisheries management to mitigate the bycatch of undersized cocktail shrimp in shrimp trawl fisheries of the SCS.
The power of mumps virus: Matrix protein activates apoptotic pathways in human colorectal cell lines
Authors: Morovati Solmaz , Mohammadi Ali , Masoudi Ramin , Heidari Amir Ali , Asad Sangabi Mehdi
Published: December 2023

New therapeutic approaches can significantly impact the control of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is increasing worldwide. In this study, we investigated the potential of targeting viral proteins to combat cancer cells. Specifically, we examined the anticancer potential of the matrix (M) protein of the mumps virus Hoshino strain in SW480 CRC cell lines. To begin, we individually transfected SW480 cells with pcDNA3 plasmids containing the mumps virus M gene. We then investigated the percentage of cell death, caspase activity, and the expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis pathways. Following this, we performed bioinformatics analysis on the M protein to identify any similarities with Bcl-2 family members and their viral homologs. Our diagnostic methods showed that treatment with the mumps M protein induced apoptosis and upregulated the expression and activity of pro-apoptotic proteins in SW480 CRC cells compared to the control and vector groups. Based on our bioinformatics studies, we proposed that the BH3 motif in the M protein may trigger apoptosis in CRC cells by interacting with cellular Bax. Overall, our study showed for the first time that the mumps virus M protein could be considered as a targeted treatment for CRC by inducing apoptotic pathways.
Understanding Predictors of Fatigue Over Time in Persons With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Importance of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms
Authors: Bernstein Charles N. , Fisk John D. , Dolovich Casandra , Hitchon Carol A. , Graff Lesley A. , El-Gabalawy Renée , Lix Lisa M. , Bolton James M. , Patten Scott B. , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Fatigue is a complex and frequent symptom in persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with detrimental impact. We aimed to determine predictors of fatigue over time.

METHODS:

Two hundred forty-seven adults with IBD participated in a prospective study conducted in Manitoba, Canada, providing data at baseline and annually for 3 years. Participants reported fatigue impact (Daily Fatigue Impact Scale [DFIS]), depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), and pain (Pain Effects Scale [PES]). Physician-diagnosed comorbidities, IBD characteristics, and physical and cognitive functioning were also assessed. We tested factors associated with fatigue using multivariable generalized linear models that estimated within-person and between-person effects.

RESULTS:

Most participants were women (63.2%), White (85.4%), and had Crohn's disease (62%). At baseline, 27.9% reported moderate-severe fatigue impact, 16.7% had clinically elevated anxiety (HADS-A ≥11), and 6.5% had clinically elevated depression (HADS-D ≥11). Overall fatigue burden was stable over time, although approximately half the participants showed improved or worsening fatigue impact between annual visits during the study. On multivariable analysis, participants with a one-point higher HADS-D score had, on average, a 0.63-point higher DFIS score, whereas participants with a one-point higher PES score had a 0.78-point higher DFIS score. Within individuals, a one-point increase in HADS-D scores was associated with 0.61-point higher DFIS scores, in HADS-A scores with 0.23-point higher DFIS scores, and in PES scores with 0.38-point higher DFIS scores. No other variables predicted fatigue.

DISCUSSION:

Anxiety, depression, and pain predicted fatigue impact over time in IBD, suggesting that targeting psychological factors and pain for intervention may lessen fatigue burden.
Incidence of pancreatic injury and pancreatitis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Hori Yasuki , Naitoh Itaru , Naiki-Ito Aya , Kawai Tatsuya , Yoshida Michihiro , Kato Akihisa , Kachi Kenta , Sahashi Hidenori , Adachi Akihisa , Toyohara Tadashi , Kito Yusuke , Yamamoto Tatsuhito , Takahashi Satoru , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are being increasingly used to treat advanced malignancies. ICI-induced pancreatic injury (ICI-PI), which is an immune-related adverse event that may be a risk factor for ICI-associated pancreatitis, is not well documented in the literature.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients who received ICIs for advanced malignancies from August 2015 through October 2022 were analyzed with regard to the incidence of ICI-PI based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and ICI-associated pancreatitis. The imaging, clinical, and pathological findings of ICI-associated pancreatitis were also assessed.

RESULTS:

This study enrolled 843 patients. In multivariable analyses, dual or simultaneous immunotherapy and ≥10 cycles of ICI administration were significant predictive factors for all grades of pancreatic injury, including grade ≥ 3. Notably, patients who received simultaneous immunotherapy exhibited a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 pancreatic injuries compared to those receiving asynchronous immunotherapy in univariable analysis (p = 0.032). One-fifth of the patients (16/70) with grade ≥ 3 pancreatic injuries had imaging evidence of pancreatitis similar to mild acute pancreatitis. ICI-associated pancreatitis was observed in 5.7% (48/843) of patients, including 1.8% (15/843) with moderate-to-severe pancreatitis (grade ≥ 2). Symptomatic cases (0.36%, 3/843) were treated with steroids with favorable outcomes. Immunohistochemistry for CD4 and CD8 revealed greater infiltration of CD8+ than CD4+ lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION:

Simultaneous immunotherapy and dual immunotherapy are risk factors for ICI-PI. Although most patients diagnosed with ICI-PI and ICI-associated pancreatitis were asymptomatic and had a low mortality likelihood, long-term outcomes, including endocrine and exocrine function should be carefully monitored.
Collaborative Endeavors in Souto De Moura's Legacy A Conversation with Nuno Graça Mora
Authors: Marcolini Federico
Published: December 2023

The Portuguese context was characterised, in the recent past, by a predominant role of architecture in the construction of a modern country. A product of the blending of several generations and the sharing of ideals aimed at change, the Portuguese experience seems to find in Porto the origin of this change. Although distant in time and on the fringes of European geography, it is fitting to look at that lively transformation experience through the open testimony of the architect Nuno Graca Mora. From the 90s, he collaborated within Eduardo Souto de Moura's studio, experiencing that modus operandi based on dialogue and free exchange of ideas. A professional experience based on collaboration, which saw, in the relationship between Fernando Távora, Alvaro Siza Vieira, and Eduardo Souto de Moura, the tangible legacy of those free reforms that began in Porto thanks to the figure of Carlos Ramos in the 50s. It has been an extraordinary event worth delving into understanding how architecture can act as a catalyst for other disciplines without ever sidelining its primary role. An essential look at a time dense with changes where Nuno Graca Moura intervenes, drawing on his own experience as a possible interpretation. An intimate gaze laden with memories, where the architect's work is at the heart of a dialogue with multiple actors and where collaboration seems to be understood more as an informal relationship, attentive to the other. An attitude of listening to realities and times that change rapidly, where architecture stands as a collector of various expertise and collaborations between the office and the construction site.
Collaborative Pedagogical Practices in the Era of Radical Urban Transitions
Authors: Mehan Asma , Stuckemeyer Jessica
Published: December 2023

In this article, Asma Mehan and Jessica Stuckemeyer explore the pivotal role of research in architectural design, emphasizing the interplay of sociopolitical factors and the spatial-cultural dimensions of a site and its surrounding built environment. By focusing on the imprints left by industrial heritage, revolutions, energy transitions, and technological innovations, the authors articulate how cities undergo unique metamorphoses. Drawing parallels between various heritage sites fosters a collaborative ideation process enriched with transnational and interdisciplinary perspectives. This enhances the depth of individual designs and offers a comprehensive view of industrial architectural heritage. The authors present a pedagogical studio model that engages with the multifaceted challenges faced by post-industrial cities. Through a critical, comparative, and analytical problem-based design research lens, they assess collaborative teaching methods that craft innovative adaptive reuse strategies, forging new identities for the evolving post-industrial urban landscape.
COMPARISON OF SPATIAL WEIGHTED MATRIX BETWEEN POWER AND QUEEN ON THE SPATIAL EMPIRICAL BEST LINEAR UNBIASED PREDICTION MODEL (Study on Per Capita Expenditure in East Java Province in 2019)
Authors: Amaliana Luthfatul , Prasetya Andi
Published: December 2023

This study aims to make a comparison related to the spatial weighted matrix of power and queen in the SEBLUP model to estimate per capita expenditure in East Java in 2019. The data used is secondary data then the data were analyzed by the Spatial Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (SEBLUP). The results of this study indicate that the best spatial weighted matrix for estimating per capita expenditure in East Java using the SEBLUP model is the spatial weighted matrix of Queen, because it produces the smallest MSE value. In this study, the factors that significantly affect East Java's per capita expenditure are population density (X1), number of health facilities (X2), number of public elementary schools (X3), and the percentage of residents who have BPJS as the Fund Assistance Recipients (X5). The novelty of this study are combining multiple determinant factors that have demonstrated their substantial/significant effect on the average per capita expenditure and focusing on the regions characters in intermediate size (16<n<64).
KAPLAN-MEIER AND NELSON-AALEN ESTIMATORS FOR CREDIT SCORING
Authors: Widiharih Tatik , Rusgiyono Agus , Sudarno Sudarno , Saputra Bagus Arya
Published: December 2023

Financial institutions use credit scoring analysis to predict the probability that a customer will default. In this paper, we determine the probability of default using nonparametric survival analysis that are Kaplan-Meier and Nelson-Aalen. The analysis is based on survival function curves, cumulative hazard function curves, mean survival time, and standard error of estimators. Based on the curves of survival function for both Kaplan Meier and Nelson Aalen estimators relatively the same. Based on the curves of cumulative hazard function, mean survival time, and standard error the Nelson-Aalen estimators are slightly higher than Kaplan-Meier.
BETA-BINOMIAL MODEL IN SMALL AREA ESTIMATION USING HIERARCHICAL LIKELIHOOD APPROACH
Authors: Sunandi Etis , Notodiputro Khairil Anwar , Indahwati Indahwati , Soleh Agus Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Small Area Estimation is a statistical method used to estimate parameters in sub-populations with small or even no sample sizes. This research aims to evaluate the Beta-Binomial model's performance for estimating small areas at the area level. The estimation method used is Hierarchical Likelihood (HL). The data used are simulation data and empirical data. Simulation studies were used to investigate the proposed model. The estimator's Mean Squared Error of Prediction (MSEP) and Absolute Bias (AB) estimator values determine the best estimation criteria. An empirical study using data on the illiteracy rate at the sub-district level in Bengkulu Province. The results of the simulation study show that, in general, the parameter estimators are nearly unbiased. Proportion prediction has the same tendency as parameters. Finally, the HL estimator has a small MSEP estimator. The results of an empirical study show that the average illiteracy rate in Bengkulu province is quite diverse. Kepahiang District has the highest average illiteracy rate in Bengkulu Province in 2021.
Effects of particle size on determination of the contents of grain and legume dietary fibre and resistant starch
Authors: FERJANČIČ Blaž , KOROŠEC Mojca , PISKERNIK Saša , BERTONCELJ Jasna
Published: December 2023

Dietary fibre comprises non˗digestible carbohydrates, including resistant starch, and lignin, and it is an important constituent of a healthy diet. The aim was to define the influence of particle size on contents determined for dietary fibre and resistant starch in unprocessed grain and canned legumes. Five samples of unprocessed and processed grains were analysed, as oatmeal, buckwheat, dehulled barley, wheat and spelt, and three canned legumes, as beans, chickpeas and peas, with and without their brine. Samples were initially milled unscreened, and then again through 500 μm or 350 μm screens. For unprocessed grain samples, there was generally no influence of particle size, except for the 350-μm milling of dehulled barley, with significantly decreased contents determined for insoluble dietary fibre and resistant starch presumably due to damaging of starch granules and disrupting crystalline formation of starch. For canned legumes with and without their brine, particle size had little effect on contents determined for dietary fibre and resistant starch.
Retrybutywizm, utylitaryzm, abolicjonizm. O modelach polityki kryminalnej słów kilka
Authors: Strzeliński Eryk
Published: December 2023

Na gruncie nauk penalnych od stulecia toczy się debata nad zjawiskiem przestępczości i jego zwalczaniem. Newralgicznym elementem dyskusji filozofów prawa karnego niezmiennie pozostaje uzasadnienie i rola kary, rozpatrywanej przez pryzmat narzędzia do egzekucji aprobowanych społecznie norm i zasad. Dziedziną, która odpowiada za kształtowanie stanu prawnego i podejmowanych przez instytucje wymiaru sprawiedliwości działań w tym zakresie pozostaje polityka kryminalna. W jej obrębie są wyróżnione trzy wiodące modele penalizacyjne: retrybutywny, utylitarny oraz abolicyjny. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest ich charakterystyka, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem kluczowych założeń, relacji sprawca–pokrzywdzony oraz mankamentów koncepcji karania.
Evidence-based cutoffs for total and adjusted calcium: a major factor in detecting severe hypo- and hypercalcemia
Authors: Schmidt Maria , Steinbach Daniel , Federbusch Martin , Tönjes Anke , Isermann Berend , Kaiser Thorsten , Eckelt Felix
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Severe hypo- and hypercalcemia are common and urgent treatment is recommended. Free calcium (fCa) is the gold standard but needs blood gas tests with challenging preanalytics. Total calcium (tCa) and calculated adjusted calcium (aCa) are readily available, but their interpretation is hampered by identical tCa and aCa cutoffs, laborious local aCa calculation and difficult comparability of calcium biomarkers.

Methods

Laboratory results from University Medicine Leipzig were evaluated over a five-year period (236,274 patients). A local aCa equation was derived by linear least squares regression, the agreement between fCa, tCa and aCa assessed with Cohen’s κ and decision thresholds derived by this indirect method.

Results

The local aCa equation was created from data of 9,756 patients, each with one paired measurement of tCa, fCa and albumin. Derived aCa cutoffs (1.95/3.15 mmol/L) differ markedly from derived tCa cutoffs (1.6/2.9 mmol/L) and severe hypo- and hypercalcemia can be more accurately assessed by aCa (κ=0.489, 0.812) than by tCa (κ=0.445, 0.744). Comparing our approach to standard care (tCa, literature cutoff), a total 3,250 of 3,680 (88.3 %) misclassified measurements were correctly classified when using aCa with evidence-based cutoffs.

Conclusions

Optimized cutoffs for aCa and tCa hold great potential for improved patient care. Locally derived aCa equations differ mostly in the chosen mean normal calcium and provide minimal overall improvement, but entail a close examination of the used cutoffs before application.