bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonamyloidogenic TTR gene variants c.76G>A and c.337‐18G>C are not associated with idiopathic small‐fiber neuropathy
Authors: Konecki Céline , Francou Bruno , Chappell Kenneth , Augey Lucie , Beaudonnet Guillemette , Cauquil Cécile , Dimitri‐Boulos Dalia , Not Adeline , Adam Clovis , Poinsignon Vianney , Verstuyft Céline , Adams David , Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Labeyrie Céline
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects only unmyelinated and thin myelinated fibers. It may be caused by amyloidogenic mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, but not all TTR gene variants are pathogenic. The nonamyloidogenic c.76G>A (rs1800458) and c.337‐18G>C (rs36204272) variants of TTR were recently reported to be associated with SFN. We investigated this putative association by analyzing TTR gene sequencing data retrospectively for two cohorts of patients, one with SFN and a control group.

Methods

In this retrospective single‐center study, we analyzed the frequency of the c.76G>A and c.337‐18G>C TTR gene variants in a cohort of patients meeting a strict definition of SFN, with or without dysautonomia, a control cohort of patients investigated for nonneurological conditions, and the gnomAD international database.

Results

We included 55 SFN patients in this study, 17 of whom had dysautonomia. The allelic frequencies of the two variants in our cohort of 55 SFN patients were 7.27% for c.76G>A TTR and 5.25% for c.337‐18G>C. The frequencies of both variants were statistically similar in the 337 control patients and the gnomAD database.

Conclusions

The c.76G>A and c.337‐18G>C TTR gene variants are not associated with SFN.
Aripiprazole/Sertraline Combination: Clinical and Cost‐Effectiveness in Comparison With Quetiapine for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression (ASCEnD Trial)—Protocol for a Nested Qualitative Study
Authors: Hoppe Isobel , Watson Stuart , Kemp Caroline , Turnbull Fiona , Davies Firoza , Gibson John , Azim Lumbini , Wall Lauren , Ahuja Niraj , Al‐Ashmori Sarah , Keys Sally , Kabir Thomas , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent mental health disorder with a prevalence rate of 1.4%. On average, there can be a delay of 9.5 years from the initial presentation of symptoms to a confirmed diagnosis. Individuals living with bipolar disorder have a reduced life expectancy. There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants in treating bipolar disorder. The ASCEnD clinical trial will test the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of the aripiprazole/sertraline combination in comparison with quetiapine for the treatment of bipolar depression (individuals who suffer from depressive episodes in bipolar disorder) and will include a nested qualitative study.

Methods

The qualitative study will use semi‐structured interviews to explore pilot trial participants' and clinicians' perspectives on recruitment procedures, the acceptability of the intervention, the management of bipolar disorder and attitudes to medication combinations.

Conclusion

Findings will inform recruitment strategies and optimise training for the participating sites in the ASCEnD full trial. They will also help to illuminate the lived experience of people with bipolar disorder and the clinicians who work with people with bipolar disorder. The discussion will explore perspectives on the delay in diagnosis, having a diagnosis, the impact of living with bipolar disorder and attitudes to treatment, including drug combinations.

Patient or Public Contribution

A Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) has been convened with the support of the McPin Foundation, which will contribute to the ASCEnD trial and its nested qualitative study to provide input on the design and delivery of the trial and qualitative study, analysis of qualitative data and dissemination of findings.
Evaluation of the immature platelet fraction as a predictive marker of bone marrow regeneration after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Steibel Kélian , Joris Magalie , Clichet Valentin , Charbonnier Amandine , Desoutter Judith , Marolleau Jean‐Pierre , Garçon Loïc , Boyer Thomas
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCST) is a widely used therapy in the management of hematological malignancies, leading to cytopenias that require transient transfusions. Platelet recovery (PR) following HSCT is assessed by monitoring platelet count (PC). Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a research parameter offered by Sysmex® on XN series analyzers, enabling rapid diagnostic orientation in the event of thrombocytopenia. It has also been described as a predictive factor for PR after chemotherapy or HSCT, and thresholds have been proposed.

Methods

The objective of this study was to assess the predictive capability of IPF for PR in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing HSCT and to evaluate its utility in guiding platelet transfusion decision.

Results

An optimized A‐IPF (absolute number of IPF) threshold of 2.5 × 109/L was predictive of a PC greater than 50 × 109/L at day 30 with a sensitivity of 78.9%, specificity of 78.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 83.3% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 73.3%. We were able to distinguish patients recovering PC before day 15 with an earlier %IPF peak, greater IPF recovery kinetics and faster neutrophil recovery.

Conclusion

A‐IPF shows promise as a predictor of PR following HSCT. A multicenter study could help confirm both A‐IPF and %IPF (IPF) clinical utility before it is made available to clinicians.
Clinical significance of coefficient of variation in continuous glucose monitoring for glycemic management in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Urakami Tatsuhiko , Terada Hiroki , Tanabe Satomi , Mine Yusuke , Aoki Masako , Aoki Ryoji , Suzuki Junichi , Morioka Ichiro
Published: September 2024

Aims/Introduction

Coefficient of variation (CV) is an indicator for glucose variability in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and the target threshold of %CV in type 1 diabetes is proposed to be ≤36%. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of CV in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Participants included 66 children with type 1 diabetes. A total of 48 participants were treated with multiple daily injections of insulin, and 18 with continues subcutaneous insulin infusion, using intermittently scanned CGM. The frequencies of the CGM metrics and glycosylated hemoglobin values were examined, and the significance of a threshold %CV of 36% was evaluated.

Results

The mean frequencies in time in range (TIR), time below range, %CV and the mean glycosylated hemoglobin value were 59.3 ± 16.1, 4.0 ± 3.5, 39.3 ± 6.2 and 7.3 ± 0.8%, respectively. The frequencies of participants who achieved a TIR >70% and a %CV of ≤36% were 24.1 and 27.3%, respectively. A total of 18 participants with a %CV of ≤36% had significantly higher TIR, lower time below range and lower glycosylated hemoglobin than the 48 with a %CV of >36% (72.6 ± 12.6 vs 52.4 ± 13.6, 2.4 ± 1.9 vs 4.6 ± 3.6, 6.9 ± 0.8 vs 7.4 ± 0.7%, respectively).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using intermittently scanned CGM had difficulties in achieving the recommended targets of TIR and CV. However, the target %CV of ≤36% seems to be an appropriate indicator for assessing glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes with any treatment.
Modified Surgical Guide for Root Sectioning in the Socket Shield Technique—In Vitro Study
Authors: de Mello Vasconcellos João Manoel , Pereira Daniel Valvassori , Fukuoka Gisele Lie , Mukai Eduardo , Sesma Newton
Published: September 2024

Objective

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a printed surgical guide for root sectioning in the socket‐shield technique.

Materials and Methods

A typodont model of the maxilla with augmented filler was used for the upper right central incisor, and CBCT images were obtained. Two types of vertical root sectioning guides were tested: one with a buccal sleeve (Group A, n = 10) and another with a buccal orientation slit (Group B, n = 10). Control group (n = 10) performed freehand cuts on printed models. After crown cutting with diamond burs, root sectioning was conducted using an ultrasonic tip with the guides. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for the remaining root length, width, and volume. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's post hoc test.

Results

Statistical analysis showed significant differences in root width between the control group (2.0 mm) and both Groups A (2.655 mm; p < 0.0001) and B (2.460 mm; p < 0.0001). Group B (5.585 mm) also showed a significant difference in root remnant compared with the control (13.880 mm; p < 0.0043). Groups A and B did not differ significantly from each other.

Conclusions

The socket shield technique is safe and effective, this study aimed to add improvements through the introduction of surgical guides, facilitating the root section, which is the critical phase so that the parameters that are requisite for success are achieved in terms of width, length, and volume of the root remnant. Both guided techniques effectively facilitated root sectioning, maintaining satisfactory root thickness and length.

Clinical Significance

Sectioning the root is challenging for the correct angulation to remove the palatal portion in the socket shield technique. Therefore, modifying this technique with the use of the presented guides, it is possible to prevent damage to the soft tissues and to plan the surgery with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to remove the root apex and maintain the root remnant with a thickness greater than 1.5 mm, making the socket‐shield technique more predictable.
Microsporidia secretory effectors and their roles in pathogenesis
Authors: Ran Maoshuang , Yang Wenxin , Faryad Khan Muhammad Usman , Li Tian , Pan Guoqing
Published: September 2024

Microsporidia, a group of unicellular eukaryotic parasites, rely intensely on secretory effectors for successful invasion and proliferation within host cells. This review focuses on the identification, characterization, and functional roles of effectors, including secretory proteins and microRNAs. The adhesion proteins like the Ricin‐B‐lectin facilitate initial invasion, which binds to the host cell surface. Once inside, microsporidia deploy a range of effectors to modulate host immune responses, such as serpin proteins, and redirect host cell metabolism to meet the parasite's nutritional needs through hexokinase. Some effectors such as microRNAs, alter the host gene expression to create a more favorable intracellular parasitic environment. In conclusion, the secretory effectors of microsporidia play a pivotal role spanning from host cell invasion to intracellular establishment. In the future, more effectors secreted by microsporidia will be studied, which will not only help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of pathogenic manipulation of the host but also help to provide the potential targets for anti‐parasitic treatments.
Developing flood risk curves of agricultural economic damage under climate change in the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand
Authors: Budhathoki Aakanchya , Tanaka Tomohiro , Tachikawa Yasuto
Published: September 2024

Rice is a major agricultural crop in Thailand, while paddy fields near river lines are exposed to high flood risk. This study assesses rice exposure and economic flood risk under future climate in the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand. To encompass various flood events, this study estimates the frequency of rice economic damage by employing a large ensemble climate projection dataset based on database for Policy Decision making for Future climate change (d4PDF). Results show that, in the 4‐K warmer climate, the 100‐year exposed cultivation area and duration will increase approximately by 1.2–1.4 and 1.1–1.2 times, respectively. Decreased rice production is evaluated as monetary damage through several fragility curves. The economic damage by the 2011 flooding is estimated as 11.25 billion Thai Baht, while the estimation varies from the fragility curves employed. In the 4 K warmer climate, regardless of the fragility curves, 100‐year rice damage is projected to increase by 1.2–1.4 times. The 2011 flooding is larger than all 3000‐year simulations in the past climate, whereas extreme events in the 4 K warmer climate showed higher damage than the 2011 flooding, indicating that agricultural damage corresponding to the 2011 flooding may occur more frequently in the future climate.
Academic socialization model: Understanding Chinese children's academic self‐concept and the role of academic achievement
Authors: Zhang Fanwen , Csizmadia Annamaria
Published: September 2024

Although symbolic interactionism sheds light on how parents may impact their children's behaviors and outcomes through socialization, it has been underutilized in research and theorizing on Chinese parents' role in their children's academic development. Because work considering academic socialization holistically in Chinese families is limited, we use symbolic interactionism to propose a model that advances this theory by incorporating academic socialization as a formal construct that impacts Chinese children's academic outcomes. Specifically, we suggest that academic socialization shapes children's academic self‐concept directly and indirectly through academic achievement, with variations in Chinese parents' academic socialization based on socioeconomic status. Implications for research, theory, and practice are elaborated.
Safety and effectiveness results of an innovative injectable poly‐L‐lactic acid‐based collagen stimulator (Lanluma®)—Clinical outcomes at 9 months in a post‐market study
Authors: Amselem Moises , Fatsea Dolly , Forte Riccardo , Hasenöhrl Carlo , Haus Ariel , Salaabian Ali
Published: September 2024

Background

Injectable fillers for soft tissue augmentation stand out as one of the most favored procedures in the field of aesthetic medicine, especially in addressing the clinical signs of skin aging. Among soft tissue fillers, non‐permanent fillers have been safely used in numerous medical applications for several decades.

Aims

The aim of this post‐market observational, open‐label, uncontrolled, multicentered, prospective study (PMS) was to evaluate the effects of an injectable poly‐L‐lactic acid‐based collagen stimulator (Lanluma®, the study product).

Participants/Methods

This analysis is based on the clinical outcomes data (safety and effectiveness) collected from investigators and participants between the first injection (T0, September 2022) and 9 months thereafter (T3, June 2023) in the treatment of five body‐contouring areas.

Results

Overall, 70 participants had 99 treatment sessions of the neck (31%), upper arm (20%), hand (17%), thigh (16%) and décolleté (15%). Lumps (neck, upper arm, hand) and nodules (neck, hand, thigh) were the most frequent adverse events (AEs) reported by investigators. All were treatment related. None were serious, severe or fatal. No AEs were reported following treatment of the décolleté. Both investigators and participants reported high levels of satisfaction during the nine‐month follow‐up period with the treatments in five body areas.

Conclusions

These positive clinical outcomes can be attributed to a proper implementation of best practices and recommendations, and the rheological properties of the study product. This 9‐month follow‐up analysis should be reconsidered in light of the study's objectives for the final analysis at the 25‐month follow‐up.
Matrix Metalloproteinases on Skin Photoaging
Authors: Feng Chao , Chen Xianglong , Yin Xiuqing , Jiang Yanfei , Zhao Chunyue
Published: September 2024

Background

Skin aging is characterized by an imbalance between the generation and degradation of extracellular matrix molecules (ECM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the primary enzymes responsible for ECM breakdown. Intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli can induce different MMPs. However, there is limited literature especially on the summary of skin MMPs and potential inhibitors.

Objective

We aim to focus on the upregulation of MMP expression or activity in skin cells following exposure to UV radiation. We also would like to offer valuable insights into potential clinical applications of MMP inhibitors for mitigating skin aging.

Methods

This article presents the summary of prior research, which involved an extensive literature search across diverse academic databases including Web of Science and PubMed.

Results

Our findings offer a comprehensive insight into the effects of MMPs on skin aging after UV irradiation, including their substrate preferences and distinct roles in this process. Additionally, a comprehensive list of natural plant and animal extracts, proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, as well as natural and synthetic compounds that serve as inhibitors for MMPs is compiled.

Conclusion

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by environmental factors and MMPs. Research focuses on UV‐induced skin damage and the formation of Advanced Glycosylation End Products (AGEs), leading to wrinkles and impaired functionality. Inhibiting MMPs is crucial for maintaining youthful skin. Natural sources of MMP inhibitor substances, such as extracts from plants and animals, offer a safer approach to obtain inhibitors through dietary supplements. Studying isolated active ingredients can contribute to developing targeted MMP inhibitors.
Stranded marine mammal detection by the public, trained responders, and drones using decoy carcasses
Authors: Ponti Mary J. , Russell Mackenzie L. , Díaz Clark Cristina , Cloyed Carl S. , Carmichael Ruth H. , Johnson Christina L. , Bloodgood Jennifer C. G.
Published: September 2024

Stranded marine mammals provide valuable insight into population health of free‐ranging conspecifics; however, the likelihood of carcass detection by the public or trained observers is not well known. To better understand carcass detection rates (CDR), we placed twelve decoy dolphin carcasses around Dauphin Island, Alabama, for 2 weeks, one during peak tourist season and one during the off season. Decoys were placed in regions representing different habitat types (marsh or beach) and levels of human use (low or high). Calls from the public were recorded, and trained observers actively searched for decoys via drone and visual observation either by vessel or UTV and walking. There were 2.5 times more public reports during the peak (n = 38) compared to off season (n = 15), with most reports being from the high‐traffic beach site during peak season (n = 27). Trained observers found more decoys (CDR = 0.88) than the public (CDR = 0.58), however, the public found two decoys that observers did not. Drone searches were slightly more successful (CDR = 0.83) than other methods (CDR = 0.79). Our results indicate that a combination of surveillance methods will enhance carcass detection, and our novel methods can be used across habitat types to improve stranding surveillance, better estimate stranding rates, and inform mortality estimates of many species.
Floristic composition, natural history traits and habitat affiliation in vegetation of major forest types in Jammu and Kashmir, western Himalaya
Authors: Haq Shiekh Marifatul , Rashid Irfan , Malik Akhtar Hussain , Waheed Muhammad , Khuroo Anzar Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Documenting floristic diversity, its natural history traits and habitat affiliation offers crucial insights for developing conservation strategies and management plans for regional biodiversity. In this study, we employed random sampling technique to investigate the floristic composition, natural history trait diversity and habitat distribution among 12 major forest types spread across an elevational gradient of 350–3450 m a.s.l. in the western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. We recorded 451 species belonging to 90 families in the study region, with herbaceous growth form, perennial life span and therophyte categories dominant. We observed a steady increase in species richness from 800 to 2000 m a.s.l., with highest at 1750 m a.s.l. in the Himalayan dry temperate forest type and then a decreasing trend with elevation. In terms of species turnover, the lowest dissimilarity of 36.8% was found between the Himalayan dry temperate and Fir forests. Whereas, considering species replacement (βsne), the highest similarity of 17.3% was found between the lower western Himalayan and Himalayan dry temperate forests. This shows that beta‐diversity patterns between different forest types are mostly driven by species replacement. Multivariate analysis revealed three major groups in the entire forest species pool. Habitat‐wise, 34% species were recorded in the natural habitats, while the remaining 66% were found in human‐modified habitats (roadsides, piospheres). Our findings will improve scientific understanding of the forest vegetation of this Himalayan region and help in guiding forest policy and management.
Prediction of Platycodon grandiflorus distribution in China using MaxEnt model concerning current and future climate change
Authors: Shan Yuxin , Lu Zongran , Yan Lanmeng , Rosseleena Rohani Emelda , Du Fangping , Fan Zhiwei , Han Rongchun , Tong Xiaohui
Published: September 2024

Platycodon grandiflorus has long been used for its medicinal, culinary and ornamental properties. With increasing market demand and the depletion of wild resources, understanding the distribution and factors affecting its habitat suitability is crucial for its conservation and sustainable utilization. This study aims to predict the suitable habitat for P. grandiflorus in China considering current and future climate scenarios. The MaxEnt model, with an AUC value of 0.846, demonstrated good predictive ability for the current and future distribution of P. grandiflorus. It also identified the central, eastern, and southern regions as suitable habitats, with the critical environmental factors being precipitation, temperature, and elevation. Future scenarios under both SSP126 and SSP585 projections indicate an increase in suitable habitats, particularly in northeastern and central China, albeit with a shift in the distribution center towards the northeast by 2041–2060 and 2081–2100 under different scenarios. P. grandiflorus' distribution is significantly influenced by environmental factors, with precipitation and temperature being pivotal. Taken together, our study predicts an expansion of suitable habitats under future climate scenarios and the northward shift in the distribution center underlines the impact of global warming on the distribution of P. grandiflorus. The findings are crucial for the conservation, effective utilization, and strategic planning for the cultivation of P. grandiflorus in the face of climate change.
Can we really distinguish ‘responders’ from ‘non‐responders’ to myopia control interventions?
Authors: Brennan Noel A. , Nixon Alex D. , Cheng Xu , Bullimore Mark A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

It is common to hear talk of ‘responders’ and ‘non‐responders’ with respect to myopia control interventions. We consider the reality of distinguishing these sub‐groups using data from the first year of the Low‐concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP) study.

Methods

The first year of the LAMP study was a robustly designed, placebo‐controlled trial of three different low concentrations of atropine using a large sample size (N > 100 randomised to each group). The authors subsequently published mean axial elongation and myopia progression rates by age group. We used these data to calculate efficacy in terms of both absolute reduction in myopic progression and absolute reduction in axial elongation for each of the different atropine concentrations at each age group. We then compared these efficacy data to the overall progression for each of the two progression metrics.

Results

Plotting efficacy as a function of overall myopia progression and axial elongation for each of the different atropine concentrations demonstrates the invariant nature of efficacy, in terms of clinically meaningful reduction in progression, despite a substantial range of underlying overall progression. That is, faster progressors—the so‐called non‐responders—achieved similar reduction in axial elongation and myopia progression as the slower progressors—the so‐called responders—within the various atropine treatment groups.

Conclusion

The use of the terms, responders and non‐responders, during myopia progression interventions is not supported by evidence. Those designated as such may simply be slower or faster progressors, who, on average achieve the same benefit from treatment.
The Concentration of Reproduction During the Fertility Transition in Developing Countries
Authors: Spoorenberg Thomas
Published: September 2024

This article revisits and updates an earlier study of the increased concentration of reproduction that has occurred or is occurring during the fertility transition in developing countries. Using 350 DHS datasets for 87 developing countries, the analysis extends the observation period by several decades, considers a larger range of completed fertility, and expands the geographic coverage by including more countries from all regions of the world. It shows that reproduction tends to become increasingly concentrated within the population during the early stages of the fertility transition in developing countries, but that once completed fertility reaches a level of about 4 children per woman, the concentration of reproduction tends to stabilize. The changing concentration of reproduction over the course of the fertility transition in developing countries has implications for who becomes a parent, who bears the risks of childbearing, and who covers the costs of raising children in a society.
The Muse Writes the Poet: Gender Politics and Decentralized Authorship in the Russian Avant‐Garde
Authors: Denischenko Irina
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the changing gender politics of the Russian avant‐garde, focusing on the Futurist manuscript books of the 1910s and their legacy in the artist’s book edition of Backbone Flute, created by Lilia Brik and Vladimir Mayakovsky in 1919. It contends that the misogynist rhetoric of early Russian Futurism, which echoed the positions of F. T. Marinetti, shifted in the mid‐1910s, in part due to the artistic collaborations between male and female avant‐garde artists on the manuscript books. As a collaborative enterprise involving multiple co‐authors, these books advanced innovative ideas regarding decentralized authorship and handwriting. The article argues that these ideas and practices found a potent expression in the 1919 Backbone Flute, which recreated Mayakovsky’s eponymous poem (1915–16) in the tradition of Futurist manuscript books. The deployment of Brik’s handwriting to visualize the text of the poem and the relocation of the lyrical I’s experiences into the illustrations in this artist’s book re‐ascribed the authorship of the poem to its muse. This book is thus viewed as an attempt to rethink the creative relationship between the poet Mayakovsky and his “muse” Brik, as well as the gender politics of the Russian avant‐garde at large.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:02:24 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Galluccio Tiziana , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: September 2024

HLA‐DQA1*01:02:24 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:02:01:03 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 167 in exon 3.
Ocular melanosis in the adult Cairn Terrier population within the United Kingdom
Authors: Margetts Adam C. , Mellersh Cathryn , Smith Kerry
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Prospective investigation to determine the prevalence of ocular melanosis in adult Cairn Terriers within the United Kingdom using a previously established staging scheme.

Methods

Ophthalmic assessment was performed on adult Cairn Terriers, recruited from various geographic locations within the United Kingdom. Examination included gonioscopy, rebound tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy, performed by one examiner (AM).

Results

A total of 93 dogs were examined, including 52 females and 41 males, aged between 15 months and 16 years 4 months. Sixty of 93 dogs (64.5%) were >7 years of age. Nine of 93 dogs (9.6%) demonstrated changes consistent with ocular melanosis. Four of 9 (44.4%) had Stage 1 disease and 5 of 9 (55.6%), Stage 2. Stages 3 or 4 were not identified in any dogs. Mean intraocular pressures in affected and unaffected dogs were 14.7 mmHg (range 12–17 mmHg) and 12.8 mmHg (range 5–21 mmHg), respectively. Incomplete pupil dilation was noted in affected dogs following pharmacologic mydriasis.

Conclusion

Ocular melanosis was identified in approximately 10% of examined dogs, over half were dogs of breeding age (<7 years of age). It is possible that Grade 1 disease could go undetected, prior to obvious scleral pigment accumulation (Grade 2 disease). It is therefore recommended that dogs undergoing pre‐breeding screens have pre‐dilation assessment of the anterior segment using slit lamp biomicroscopy with subsequent gonioscopy to clearly assess for circumferential thickening of the iris base that might otherwise go undetected. Additionally, regular reassessment of breeding dogs is advised as disease progression could be rapid.
Numerical study of the effects of discharge parameters on capacitively coupled plasma in a magnetic field
Authors: Yan Minghan , Wu Huanhuan , Wu Hao , Peng Yanli , Yang Shali
Published: September 2024

The impact of electrode spacing, power supply voltage, radio frequency, and gas pressure on capacitively coupled plasma discharge under both weak and strong magnetic fields is investigated by using a one-dimensional implicit particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulation. Simulation results indicate that under both weak and strong magnetic field conditions, plasma density increases with the increase in these discharge parameters. However, the principle of density increase under weak and strong magnetic field conditions is slightly different. The strong magnetic field plays a crucial role in strongly constraining electrons. Under weak magnetic field conditions, the mutual transition between stochastic heating and ohmic heating can be observed, while under strong magnetic field conditions, ohmic heating predominantly prevails. Furthermore, the simulation results also indicate that a strong magnetic field can effectively reduce the voltage threshold for the transition from the α mode to the γ mode. The strong magnetic field strongly confines secondary electrons near the sheath, allowing them to interact multiple times with the sheath and acquire higher energy, thereby making the γ mode more likely to occur.
Atomic layer etching of SiO2 using sequential exposures of Al(CH3)3 and H2/SF6 plasma
Authors: Catherall David S. , Hossain Azmain A. , Ardizzi Anthony J. , Minnich Austin J.
Published: September 2024

On-chip photonic devices based on SiO2 are of interest for applications such as microresonator gyroscopes and microwave sources. Although SiO2 microdisk resonators have achieved quality factors exceeding one billion, this value remains an order of magnitude less than the intrinsic limit due to surface roughness scattering. Atomic layer etching (ALE) has potential to mitigate this scattering because of its ability to smooth surfaces to sub-nanometer length scales. While isotropic ALE processes for SiO2 have been reported, they are not generally compatible with commercial reactors, and the effect on surface roughness has not been studied. Here, we report an ALE process for SiO2 using sequential exposures of Al(CH3)3 (trimethylaluminum) and Ar/H2/SF6 plasma. We find that each process step is self-limiting, and that the overall process exhibits perfect synergy, with neither isolated half-cycle resulting in etching. We observe etch rates up to 0.58 Å per cycle for thermally grown SiO2 and higher rates for ALD, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and sputtered SiO2 up to 2.38 Å per cycle. Furthermore, we observe a decrease in surface roughness by 62% on a roughened film. The residual concentration of Al and F is around 1%–2%, which can be further decreased by O2 plasma treatment. This process could find applications in smoothing of SiO2 optical devices and thereby enabling device quality factors to approach limits set by intrinsic dissipation.
OrbiSIMS depth profiling of semiconductor materials—Useful yield and depth resolution
Authors: Zhou Yundong , Franquet Alexis , Spampinato Valentina , Merkulov Alex , Keenan Michael R. , van der Heide Paul A. W. , Trindade Gustavo F. , Vandervorst Wilfried , Gilmore Ian S.
Published: September 2024

OrbiSIMS is a secondary ion mass spectrometry method with dual mass analyzers: a time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometer for high-speed imaging and an Orbitrap™ for high mass resolving power and mass accuracy. Originally developed for biological imaging, there is now growing interest in the application to semiconductor materials to resolve peak interferences that obfuscate analysis in traditional SIMS depth profiling experiments. We use a new method to calibrate the Orbitrap intensity scale to true counts, which allows comparison of the useful yield and duty cycle with a magnetic sector instrument and a time-of-flight instrument using an Sb implant in the silicon sample. The useful yield of the Orbitrap and magnetic sector instruments (for one detected peak) are similar. However, since the magnetic sector instrument has serial mass detection, its useful yield reduces as more peaks are analyzed. While the ToF instrument has parallel detection, it has a low duty cycle and the useful yield is two orders of magnitude lower for 1000 eV Cs+ sputtering. The depth resolution was also compared from the measurement of the downslope from depth profiles of an Sb delta multilayer. For 1000 eV Cs+ sputtering, the downslopes are 3.9, 2.3, and 2.7 nm/decade for Orbitrap, magnetic sector, and ToF instruments, respectively. Ion trajectory simulation shows that the poorer depth resolution of the OrbiSIMS is in part due to ion beam distortion at low energy.
Comment on: “Anomalous reflection from a two-layered marine sediment” [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 1285–1296 (2024)] (L)
Authors: Gudimenko Aleksei I. , Zakharenko Alyona D. , Petrov Pavel S.
Published: September 2024

Buckingham [(2024). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 1285–1296] analyzed the dependence of the reflection coefficient on the grazing angle in two-layer marine sediment model. The upper layer in his model consists of a fine-grained material (mud), while seawater and the basement below the mud layer are treated as homogeneous halfspaces. Buckingham's analyses revealed several narrow spikes in this dependence that appeared only in the presence of a sound velocity gradient in the mud layer, a phenomenon he called acoustic glint. His derivation was accomplished for certain specific dependencies of the sound velocity on the depth. Surprisingly, the authors appear to reach the conclusion that for a slightly different vertical sound speed profile in the mud layer the spikes are no longer present in the dependence of the reflection coefficient on the grazing angle. More precisely, the same problem is examined in this letter for the case of an n2-linear layer (often called Airy medium). Acoustic glint effect is therefore very sensitive to the exact parametrization of the mud layer.
Female Athlete Sport Science Versus Applied Practice: Bridging the Gap
Authors: Burden Richard J. , Biswas Anita , Hackney Anthony C.
Published: September 2024

Background: Female-specific science, medicine, and innovation have grown steadily since the turn of the decade as the focus on female sport continues to advance. While this growth is welcome, and despite the best of intentions, it is not always coupled with valuable application. Purpose: This commentary discusses barriers faced when developing and applying sport-science research and innovation activities in female sport. We offer several practical solutions to help safeguard the progress of female athlete health and performance support. We make 3 suggestions: (1) multicenter studies to increase the number of elite athletes participating in research and enhance statistical power, which is often lacking in sport-science research; (2) further acceptance of case studies in elite sport research, as they can include context alongside athlete data that more traditional research designs perhaps do not; and (3) collaborative, codesigned approaches to research and innovation, wherein researchers, practitioners, and athletes all contribute to balancing scientific rigor with applied “real-world” understanding, which may result in the generation of richer, more meaningful knowledge for the benefit of female athletes and their environments.
The Effect of a Newly Developed Hand Rim on Mobility Performance and Propulsion Technique in Wheelchair Tennis Players
Authors: Rietveld Thomas , Janssen Rowie J.F. , van der Woude Lucas H.V. , Vegter Riemer J.K. , de Groot Sonja
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a newly developed hand rim in wheelchair tennis players from a lab and field perspective. Methods: Nine wheelchair tennis players performed a set of field and lab tests with the new rim (NR) and regular rim on the racket side. Each player had a 60- to 120-minute regular training session with the NR. Three wheelchair tennis field tests (20-m sprint, Illinois, spider) were completed on a hard court using inertial measurement units. The inertial measurement units enabled analysis of linear/rotational velocity and acceleration. In the lab, two 4-minute submaximal tests (at 1.5 and 2 m/s, 0.2 W/kg), followed directly by a 5-second sprint, on a wheelchair ergometer were completed. Force and velocity were measured continuously throughout all tests. Mixed linear models investigated the effect between the 2 hand rims. Results: During the spider test, mean rotational velocity to the racket side (−2%, P = .005) was lower in the NR, and end times were similar between hand-rim conditions. No differences were observed in the 20-m sprint and Illinois field tests. In the lab, contact angle (+6%, P = .04), cycle time (+12%, P = .007), and work per push (+13%, P = .005) were higher in the NR during submaximal propulsion. Work per push (+13%, P = .007), peak velocity (+3%, P < .001), and distance covered (+4%, P = .02) were higher with the NR during the 5-second sprint test. Conclusions: The NR seems slightly favorable compared with the regular rim during performance testing on a wheelchair ergometer in wheelchair tennis players. A longer practice time might show more insights between the hand-rim types.
Influence of Running Velocity and Hypoxic Exposure on Vastus Lateralis Muscle Oxygenation
Authors: Yeap Ming Wei , Loh Tze Chien , Chong Mee Chee , Yeo Wee Kian , Girard Olivier , Tee Chris Chow Li
Published: September 2024

Purpose: We investigated the effects of manipulating running velocity and hypoxic exposure on vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation levels during treadmill running. Methods: Eleven trained male distance runners performed 7 randomized runs at different velocities (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 km·h−1), each lasting 45 seconds on an instrumented treadmill in normoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] = 20.9%), moderate hypoxia (FiO2 = 16.1%), high hypoxia (FiO2 = 14.1%), and severe hypoxia (FiO2 = 13.0%). Continuous assessment of Tissue Saturation Index (TSI) in the vastus lateralis muscle was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, changes in TSI (ΔTSI) data over the final 20 seconds of each run were compared between velocities and conditions. Results: There was a significant velocity × condition interaction for ΔTSI% (P < .001, ), with a smaller ΔTSI% decline in normoxia compared with high hypoxia and severe hypoxia at 8 km·h−1 (g = 1.30 and 1.91, respectively), 10 km·h−1 (g = 0.75 and 1.43, respectively), and 12 km·h−1 (g = 1.47 and 1.95, respectively) (pooled values for all conditions: P < .037). The ΔTSI% decline increased with each subsequent velocity increment from 8 km·h−1 (−9.2% [3.7%]) to 20 km·h−1 (−22.5% [4.1%]) irrespective of hypoxia severity (pooled values for all conditions: P < .048). Conclusions: Running at slower velocities in conjunction with high and severe hypoxia reduces vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation levels. Muscle ΔTSI% proves to be a sensitive indicator, underscoring the potential use of near-infrared spectroscopy as a reference index of internal load during treadmill runs.
Controls on fluvial sediment evacuation following an earthquake-triggered landslide: Observations from LiDAR time series
Authors: Tunnicliffe Jon , Howarth Jamie , Massey Chris
Published: September 2024

Catastrophic sediment overloading of mountain streams in response to coseismic landsliding causes river systems to fundamentally reorganize their morphology and sediment transporting characteristics, influencing sediment yields, bedrock incision, and the coupling between erosion and tectonics. A sequence of 13 airborne LiDAR surveys of an alpine tributary of the Hāpuku River, New Zealand, reveals patterns of sediment mass balance change over 5 years following delivery of 6.6 million cubic meters of landslide debris during the 2016 magnitude 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake. The surveys reveal how mountain river systems modulate catastrophic sediment deliveries to their lower reaches through sediment storage, evolution of channel morphology, and armoring of the bed. Variations in valley width contribute to the delay and diffusion of the seismically induced disturbance “wave” as it moves across river process domains. The landslide sediment train remnants may persist for longer than the return time of their triggering mechanism, leading to a long-lived hiatus in bedrock incision in this tectonically active mountain catchment.
Thermodynamic computing via autonomous quantum thermal machines
Authors: Lipka-Bartosik Patryk , Perarnau-Llobet Martí , Brunner Nicolas
Published: September 2024

We develop a physics-based model for classical computation based on autonomous quantum thermal machines. These machines consist of few interacting quantum bits (qubits) connected to several environments at different temperatures. Heat flows through the machine are here exploited for computing. The process starts by setting the temperatures of the environments according to the logical input. The machine evolves, eventually reaching a nonequilibrium steady state, from which the output of the computation can be determined via the temperature of an auxilliary finite-size reservoir. Such a machine, which we term a “thermodynamic neuron,” can implement any linearly separable function, and we discuss explicitly the cases of NOT, 3-MAJORITY, and NOR gates. In turn, we show that a network of thermodynamic neurons can perform any desired function. We discuss the close connection between our model and artificial neurons (perceptrons) and argue that our model provides an alternative physics-based analog implementation of neural networks, and more generally a platform for thermodynamic computing.
Real-time machine learning–enhanced hyperspectro-polarimetric imaging via an encoding metasurface
Authors: Zhang Lidan , Zhou Chen , Liu Bofeng , Ding Yimin , Ahn Hyun-Ju , Chang Shengyuan , Duan Yao , Rahman Md Tarek , Xia Tunan , Chen Xi , Liu Zhiwen , Ni Xingjie
Published: September 2024

Light fields carry a wealth of information, including intensity, spectrum, and polarization. However, standard cameras capture only the intensity, disregarding other valuable information. While hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging systems capture spectral and polarization information, respectively, in addition to intensity, they are often bulky, slow, and costly. Here, we have developed an encoding metasurface paired with a neural network enabling a normal camera to acquire hyperspectro-polarimetric images from a single snapshot. Our experimental results demonstrate that this metasurface-enhanced camera can accurately resolve full-Stokes polarization across a broad spectral range (700 to 1150 nanometer) from a single snapshot, achieving a spectral sensitivity as high as 0.23 nanometer. In addition, our system captures full-Stokes hyperspectro-polarimetric video in real time at a rate of 28 frames per second, primarily limited by the camera’s readout rate. Our encoding metasurface offers a compact, fast, and cost-effective solution for multidimensional imaging that effectively uses information within light fields.
High-performance fault-tolerant quantum computing with many-hypercube codes
Authors: Goto Hayato
Published: September 2024

Standard approaches to quantum error correction for fault-tolerant quantum computing are based on encoding a single logical qubit into many physical ones, resulting in asymptotically zero encoding rates and therefore huge resource overheads. To overcome this issue, high-rate quantum codes, such as quantum low-density parity-check codes, have been studied over the past decade. In this case, however, it is difficult to perform logical gates in parallel while maintaining low overheads. Here, we propose concatenated high-rate small-size quantum error-detecting codes as a family of high-rate quantum codes. Their simple structure allows for a geometrical interpretation using hypercubes corresponding to logical qubits. We thus call them many-hypercube codes. They can realize both high rates, e.g., 30% (64 logical qubits are encoded into 216 physical ones), and parallelizability of logical gates. Developing dedicated decoder and encoders, we achieve high error thresholds even in a circuit-level noise model. Thus, the many-hypercube codes will pave the way to high-performance fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Precision adjuvants for pediatric vaccines
Authors: Singh Anjali , Boggiano César , Yin Dwight E. , Polakowski Laura , Majji Sai P. , Leitner Wolfgang W. , Levy Ofer , De Paris Kristina
Published: September 2024

Elucidating optimal vaccine adjuvants for harnessing age-specific immune pathways to enhance magnitude, breadth, and durability of immunogenicity remains a key gap area in pediatric vaccine design. A better understanding of age-specific adjuvants will inform precision discovery and development of safe and effective vaccines for protecting children from preventable infectious diseases.