bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking into the Quantification of Forensic Samples with Real-Time PCR
Authors: Ricci Ugo , Ciappi Dario , Carboni Ilaria , Centrone Claudia , Giotti Irene , Petti Martina , Brogi Alice , Pelo Elisabetta
Published: May 2024

The quantification of human DNA extracts from forensic samples plays a key role in the forensic genetics process. Quantification guarantees maximum efficiency and avoids repeated analyses, over amplified samples, or unnecessary examinations. Here, we present our experience using an extremely sensitive real-time-based method with the Quantifiler® Trio DNA quantification kit, which we have explored in the ISO/IEC17025 accredited test validation process conducted in our laboratory. In this study, our focus was on establishing a minimum threshold beyond which DNA typing is unnecessary, by defining the correlation of negative quantification results with the absence of genetic profiles resulting from DNA typing. We investigated the results in the range in which the technique is used (50-0.005 ng/μl). In the validation process of the internally accredited method, we used data from the commercial quantification system, based on the average values of the standard curve using a wide range of samples, including artificially degraded samples. This method was extensively used continuously for nine years to quantify the DNA extract coming from a wide range of samples from criminal cases. The validation allowed us to verify the limits of the technique, especially in the use of the minimum quantities necessary to obtain genetic profiles acceptable for sending to the Italian DNA database. This optimization of the protocol for analysing forensic samples allows us to optimise the protocol for analysing forensic samples. However, the technique is used in our laboratory with a completely manual preparative phase, and we have decided to investigate the contribution of human error more accurately. Thus, in our experience, we have found that it is preferable to use quantification ranges rather than exact limits before deciding how to analyse the extracts via PCR. In addition, here we present some preliminary data related to the analysis of certain samples that initially appeared negative during quantification, applying a concentration method for maximum yield from forensic samples of judicial interest. Our aim is to ensure that no source of evidence is lost in the reconstruction of a criminal event.
Advances in the Synthesis of Graphene: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: gupta gopal , gupta Ajeet
Published: May 2024

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, has attracted tremendous attention due to its exceptional properties and diverse applications. Synthesis methods play a crucial role in tailoring graphene's properties for specific applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in graphene synthesis techniques, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), exfoliation, epitaxial growth, and chemical reduction. We discuss the principles, advantages, challenges, and applications associated with each method. Furthermore, emerging trends and future prospects in graphene synthesis are explored, with a focus on scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
Strong Correlation Between Femoral Condyle Radius of Curvature and Anterior-Posterior Length
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Tabbaa Suzanne M. , Pearson Sara , Caldwell Paul E. , Jones Kristofer J. , Chang Eric Y.
Published: May 2024

Background:

The radius of curvature (ROC) of the femoral condyle is a factor in potential cartilage incongruities following osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. Accurate restoration of the chondral surface may be achievable by using “best-fit” donor-recipient matching based on linear femorotibial dimensions, such as the femoral condyle anterior-posterior length (APL), femoral condyle width (lateral-medial length, LML), femoral hemicondyle width (HCW), and tibial plateau width (TPW), particularly if they correlate well with the ROC. This study aimed to investigate the correlative relationship between femorotibial dimensions and the ROC.

Methods:

Computed tomography (CT) scans from 49 patients (31 men 28 ± 10 years old and 18 women 27 ± 6 years old) were analyzed. Axial images were used for APL and LML measurements, while coronal images were used for HCW and TPW. True sagittal images of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and lateral femoral condyle (LFC) were used to calculate their individual ROCs by determining the best-fit circles along the condylar surface. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between the femorotibial dimensions and ROC. Measurements were repeated for a randomly selected subset of the data, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to investigate intra- and interobserver reliability.

Results:

All femorotibial dimensions showed significant correlations with the MFC and LFC ROCs (p < 0.01). The ROC correlations with femorotibial dimensions were found to be in the following descending order: APL (R2 ≥ 0.83), LML (R2 ≥ 0.52), TPW (R2 ≥ 0.36), and HCW (R2 ≥ 0.27). The intra- and interobserver reliabilities for the APL (ICC > 0.98) and ROC (ICC > 0.94) were excellent.

Conclusions:

The ROC was strongly correlated with the APL of the MFC and LFC. Donor-recipient APL matching in OCA transplantation may provide a level of matching similar to that achievable by direct ROC measurements.

Clinical Relevance:

Determining the most predictive femorotibial dimension for ROC restoration in the OCA matching process may improve clinical outcomes, particularly for patients with large osteochondral lesions.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip and Knee
Authors: Manning Laurens , Rofe Alexander , Athan Eugene , Gill Stephen D. , Yates Piers , Cooper Darcie , Davis Joshua S. , Aboltins Craig ,   on behalf of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network
Published: May 2024

Background:

The role of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as tools for monitoring the impact and outcomes of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is not well described. This study analyzed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) or Oxford Knee Score (OKS) in a prospective observational cohort of patients with hip or knee PJI.

Methods:

The PIANO (Prosthetic joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand, Observational study) cohort prospectively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed PJI from multiple centers. The OHS and OKS were evaluated at PJI diagnosis (baseline) and at 3, 12, and 24 months. Scores and score changes were examined according to PJI type, patient characteristics, and management. A successful functional outcome at 12 months was defined as an OHS of >38 or OHS of >36 and/or an improvement from baseline of >12 or >9, respectively.

Results:

Of the 741 participants, PROMs were available at 12 months for 233 with hip and 342 with knee PJI. Significant improvements (p < 0.0001) were seen at 12 months for both the OHS (24.5 to 36) and OKS (25 to 34), with no further improvement at 24 months. Patients with late-acute PJI had a higher median baseline OHS (35; interquartile range [22 to 46]) and OKS (30 [18 to 41]) than those with early PJI (OHS: 19 [15 to 29]; OKS: 22 [16 to 29.5]) or chronic PJI (OHS: 23 [14 to 34]; OKS 22 [14 to 28]). Logistic regression showed that a clinical cure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28 to 2.76, p = 0.001) and early PJI (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.64 to 4.07, p < 0.0001) independently predicted a successful functional outcome. Chronic renal impairment (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.71, p = 0.007), congestive cardiac failure (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.95, p = 0.04), and clinical signs of inflammation (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.85, p = 0.009) at diagnosis independently predicted failure to achieve a successful functional outcome.

Conclusions:

The OHS and OKS varied significantly at baseline and 12 months according to PJI type, emphasizing the need to consider the PJI type when evaluating treatment success. This study highlights superior functional outcomes associated with early PJI and with achievement of a clinical cure.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Ethical Considerations of Declining Surgical Intervention
Authors: Lajam Claudette M. , Hutzler Lorraine H. , Lerner Barron H. , Bosco Joseph A.
Published: May 2024

Orthopaedic surgeons face increasing pressure to meet quality metrics due to regulatory changes and payment policies. Poor outcomes, including patient mortality, can result in financial penalties and negative ratings. Importantly, adverse outcomes often increase surgeon stress level and lead to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Despite optimization efforts, some orthopaedic patients remain at high risk for complications. In this article, we explore the ethical considerations when surgeons are presented with high-risk surgical candidates. We examine how the ethical tenets of patient interests, namely beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, apply to such patients. We discuss external forces such as the malpractice environment, financial challenges in health-care delivery, and quality rankings. Informed consent and the challenges of communicating risks to patients are discussed, as well as the role of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Case examples with varied outcomes highlight the complexities of decision-making with high-risk patients and the potential role of palliative care. We provide recommendations for surgeons and care teams, including the importance of justifiable reasons for not operating, the utilization of institutional resources to help make care decisions, and the robust communication of risks to patients.
Understanding the fishery dynamics and stock health of mahi-mahi Coryphaena hippurus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Indian coastal waters
Authors: E. M. Abdussamad  , S. Surya  , A. Margaret Muthu Rathinam  , K. G. Mini  , K. M. Rajesh  , P. Abdul Azeez  , T. B. Ratheesh  , S. Febna  , N. V. Dipti
Published: May 2024

This work delves into the mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) fishery along the Indian coast, noting itsdevelopmental stage precluding a full assessment. The analysis of population characteristicshighlights their inherent resilience, driven by early maturity, substantial fecundity and rapidgrowth rates. These traits collectively mitigate susceptibility to fishing pressure, ensuringthe maintenance of sizable spawning stock biomasses and recruitment. Through Kobeanalysis, it is determined that the present fishing mortality and biomass levels remain withinsafe thresholds, indicating absence of overfishing. However, regular monitoring is imperativeto swiftly implement management measures if necessary, safeguarding the sustainability ofthe mahi-mahi fishery in the long term.
Keywords:Kobe plot, Population characteristics, Recruitment,Resilience, Spawning stock biomass
Fishery, population dynamics and stock assessment of flat needlefish Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846) from the south-eastern Arabian Sea off Kerala coast, India
Authors: Subal Kumar Roul  , U. Ganga  , E. M. Abdussamad  , Ashok Kumar Jaiswar  , Prathibha Rohit
Published: May 2024

The age, growth, mortality parameters and stock status of Ablennes hians(Valenciennes, 1846) were assessed by using length frequency, catch, and effort datacollected from the commercial catches along the coast of Kerala (south-eastern ArabianSea) during 2015-2017. The growth parameters, L∞, K and t0 were estimated at 133.9 cm TL,0.72 yr-1 and -0.0026 yr, respectively. The instantaneous natural mortality (M), total mortality(Z), fishing mortality (F) and current exploitation rate (Ecur) were estimated as 0.95 yr-1,2.78 yr-1, 1.83 yr-1 and 0.66, respectively. Length at capture (Lc50) was estimated at 77.58cm TL, which is greater than Lm50. Beverton and Holt yield per recruit analysis, indicated thatmaximum Y/R could be obtained at an exploitation rate (Emax) of 0.75, suggesting scope foran increase in exploitation. In this analysis, spawning stock biomass (SSB) was not takeninto consideration, which is essential for maintaining recruitment in the future. In the presentstudy, E0.1 (0.61) and Ecur (0.66) were nearly equal, indicating that the fishery is running atan economic reference point i.e., maximum economic yield (MEY). Thompson and Bellprediction model showed that at the current level of exploitation, the SSB was reduced by20.49% and hence, there is no scope for further increase in fishing efforts to maintain the SSBat a relatively safe and sustainable level. The analysis revealed the maximum sustainableyield (MSY) of this species as 90.26 t, which can be obtained by increasing the present levelof fishing effort by 1.3 times but would result in the depletion of the SSB to a critically lowlevel of 15.65%. Therefore, a precautionary safe level of exploitation (E0.1), estimated at 0.61for the species, is recommended.
 
Keywords:Belonidae, Fishery management, Population dynamics,Spawning stock biomass, Stock status
Performance of crustacean and insect meal based diets on the growth and digestive enzyme profile of pearlspot Etroplus suratensis (Bloch, 1790)
Authors: B. Ramji  , Aanand Samraj  , Stephen Sampath Kumar  , V. Senthil kumar
Published: May 2024

A feeding trial of 75 days was conducted in tanks to study the performance of shrimphead meal (SM), crab shell meal (CM) and silkworm pupae meal (SWP) on the growth anddigestive enzyme profile of pearlspot, Etroplus suratensis. Four iso-nitrogenous diets with31.5% crude protein replacing 50% fishmeal (FM) in the diets were formulated viz., SM (T1),CM (T2), SWP (T3) and a control (C). Pearlspot advanced fry, 2 cm in length and 1.1 g inweight, was stocked at 60 nos per tank. After 75 days of the experiment, feed conversionratio (FCR), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were observed to besignificantly better (p<0.05) in all treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) than in control (C). T2 (CM)fed fishes exhibited a maximum specific growth rate (SGR) of 3.25±0.09, and significantlyhigher (p<0.05) weight gain (11.54±0.78 g) than T1, T3 and control. In enzyme assays, T2 (CM) fedfishes exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) protease activity than other treatments.Lipase activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3. However, there was no significantdifference with control diet-fed fishes. Significantly higher (p<0.05) activities of amylase,malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed in all thetreatments compared with control. The outcomes of the present study indicate that crabmeal (31.5% CP) could be effectively utilised as a 50% replacement for fishmeal in the dietof E. suratensis advanced fry for higher yields.
Keywords:Crab meal, Enzyme activity, Growth, Shrimp meal,Silkworm pupae meal
Cage aquaculture of Indian pompano for livelihood diversification of artisanal fishers: Insights from Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Ghosh Shubhadeep , Jeeva J. Charles , Raju S. S. , Megarajan Sekar , Ranjan Ritesh , Xavier Biji , Edward Loveson , A. Gopalakrishnan
Published: May 2024

Artisanal fishers fishing in nearshore coastal waters off Visakhapatnam using motorisedcrafts and in estuaries of Krishna using non-motorised crafts were selected for the study.Their annual net operating income varied between US$ 469.63 (₹39,040) and US$ 2698.42(₹2,24,320), respectively. Inspired by the potential of cage farming from the frontlinedemonstrations in marine and estuarine waters and after acquiring appropriate skills,15 individuals from the Traditional Fishermen’s Co-operative Society, Visakhapatnamand 76 individuals from Yanadri Girijana Matsya Sakhara Sangam, Krishna embarked oncage aquaculture of Indian pompano in 15 and 70 cages, respectively. Marine cages werecircular (6 m diameter) and estuarine cages were square (5 m X 5 m), and were stockedwith hatchery-produced Indian pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) fingerlings of 22.6 gweight @ 2500 and 1500 numbers respectively, and were fed with floating pellets at 8-3% ofbiomass. Average body weight, survival and biomass production from marine and estuarinecages after eight months of culture were 843 and 666 g, 96.28 and 91.47% and 2029.0 and913.85 kg respectively. Deducting all capital and operational expenses, annual net operatingincome per unit ranged from US$ 1247.44 (₹1,03,700) to US$ 2632.02 (₹2,18,800); whichrepresented a substantial increase from that of capture fishery. Cluster-cage farming, asadopted, did not adversely impact the water and sediment quality. The current researchoffers novel insights into the bio-growth and economic factors pertinent to commercial cagefarming of Indian pompano. Cage farming in marine and estuarine conditions holds a greatpromise as an alternative source of livelihood for artisanal fishers, thereby bolstering theireconomic sustainability.
Keywords:Cage farming, Gross revenue, Indian Pompano, Netoperating income, Small scale fishers
Assessment of marine fish stocks within India’s ExclusiveEconomic Zone: Status report 2022
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Dash Gyanaranjan , M. Muktha  , Sasikumar Geetha , U. Ganga  , Joe Kizhakudan Shoba , Chellappan Anulekshmi , Bhendekar Santosh , Sukumaran Sandhya , Thomas Sujitha , Varghese Eldho , Abdussamad E. M. , Josileen Jose , Sen Dash Swatipriyanka , Rahangdale Shikha , Pillai Lakshmi , L. Remya  , Akhilesh K.V.  , Rekha Devi Chakraborty  , K.M. Rajesh  , T. M. Najmudeen  , Somy Kuriakose  , Mini K.G  , G. B. Purushottama  , M. Kavitha  , Vidya R. , Nakhawa D. Ajay , Vinothkumar R. , Roul Subal Kumar , V. Mahesh , Wilson Livi , Divipala Indira , F. Jasmin , P. Abdul Azeez , Surya S. , Mohamed Koya , Manas H. M. , Vase Vinay Kumar , Rajkumar M. , Dineshbabu A.P. , Sarada P. T. , Venkatesan V. , Nair Rekha J. , Pradhan Rajesh Kumar , Gomathi P. , Ail Sunil Kumar S. , Rathinam A.Margaret Muthu , Laxmilatha P. , Rohit Prathibha , Ghosh Shubhadeep , Jayasankar J. , Gopalakrishnan A.
Published: May 2024

India is one of the major fishing nations in the Indian Ocean, with commercial marine fishlandings in the country comprising of nearly 1000 species. A comprehensive and periodicassessment of the stocks is crucial for achieving the goals of sustainable fisheries harvestand management. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry ofAgriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India, is mandated to monitor and assess themarine fisheries resources in the Indian EEZ. In the present study, 135 stocks across 70species were assessed using monthly length-frequency data. The health status of the stockis projected based on a combination of indicators such as relative biomass or spawningstock biomass (B/Bmsy or SSB/SSB0) and relative fishing pressure (F/Fmsy) estimated usinga standard length-based dynamic pool model (i.e., Thompson and Bell Model). Based onthe comparison of estimated values of indicators against the thresholds, the stocks wereclassified as sustainable, overfishing, overfished and rebuilding. The study revealed that91.1% of the assessed fish stocks have a healthy biomass level (sustainable stocks andthose subjected to overfishing), 8.2% of stocks are overfished, whereas 0.7% are in theprocess of rebuilding.
Biology-based, Healthy stocks, Length-frequency,Stock assessment, Sustainable, Tropical
Exploring Learning experiences of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students in a Public Health Undergraduate Degree.
Authors:   University of Greenwich, Jeavons Charlotte , Leguizamon Carlos Moreno , Cole Linda
Published: May 2024

Whilst university data highlights that BAME students are awarded up to 33% lower assessment outcomes than their white counterparts, there is limited contextual information to explain why the situation arises. A small scale qualitative project sought to explore the barriers and enablers to Public Health students' learning experiences through semi-structured interviews. Emerging themes included the role of the family in their learning; the influence of peer groups and others in their motivation to study and becoming an independent student and these themes are viewed from a critical intercultural and intersectional perspective.
TEACHER EDUCATORS’ EXPERIENCES OF USING THE MURSION® SIMULATION PROGRAMME: A CASE OF A SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Wepener Tiani , Mpisi Tony , Botes Wiets , Felix Alan , du Plessis Odette , Hanekom Gert
Published: May 2024

This article explores the experiences of teacher educators at a South African university regarding their use of the Mursion® simulation program during pre-service teacher training. The study aimed to investigate these teacher educators’ experiences and perceptions of using the Mursion® simulation software by means of semi-structured interviews, and subsequent thematic analyses. Three themes were predominantly discussed during the interviews, namely, initial impressions of the Mursion® software, favourable aspects associated with the software, and less-favourable aspects associated with the software. The respondents’ initial impressions revealed a mixture of satisfaction, excitement, and uncertainty. The favourable aspects included the realism of the virtual classroom environment and experience, the opportunity for practice and skill development, and the potential for increased pre-service teacher preparedness. The less-favourable aspects highlighted were some anxiety and intimidation related to the technical nature of the software and the initial learning curve. The findings suggest that the software has the potential to enhance teacher education by providing a realistic and immersive classroom experience for pre-service teachers. The importance of technological support and training for educators to fully utilize such programs is also highlighted.
Embracing mindful reading: leveraging technology to soothe sensory stress
Authors: Keshishi Nayiri
Published: May 2024

In an increasingly digitized world, technological advancements have transformed information consumption, introducing sensory stress. This review explores mindful reading as a strategy to alleviate this stress and enhance digital reading experiences by integrating technology and mindfulness practices. Mindful reading involves deliberate engagement, derived from mindfulness techniques, offering improved concentration and emotional regulation. Tools like Reader View and digital annotation features can help to reduce sensory strain and enhance readability. Educators play a vital role in supporting mindful reading by providing tailored resources for navigating digital formats and fostering reflective learning approaches. This review calls for further research on this topic to build our understanding of how to create a balanced coexistence between technology and human well-being in reading.
Reimagining Library Learning Spaces, or Risking Digital Piracy in Universities: Students Views on Spatial Boundaries, Time, and Self-Study Modalities in the Post-Digital Era of AI
Authors: Day Michael
Published: May 2024

Higher education (HE) is changing. Students are crossing boundaries, such as physical (those of countries) or digital (through distance learning). During COVID-19, the concept of a learning space was redefined, for many studied at home. As the student experience changes, so does the use of learning spaces. This article focuses upon ‘post-digital’ learning spaces and goes on to frame a narrative about how our HE institutional environments need to sharpen the now much hazier boundaries between the physical, digital, spatial and temporal realms; by drawing upon research with 103 Chinese postgraduates in a Sino-British university, it demonstrates piracy of ebooks as one indicator – and disruptor – of a shift in post-digital lived experience (analysis shows how students turn to online ‘shadow libraries’, to save not just money, but time and space too, redefining universities, reading and information retrieval practices); it concludes by discussing how institutional repositories need to be transformed into multifunctional spaces where students can access resources in various ways, not just in hard copies of books. In consequence, it positions the need for a future ‘post-digital library’ in universities as a place of collaboration, creativity, enterprise and critical thinking, not as one of stacked shelves.
Recurring Suboptimal Choices Result in Superior Decision Making
Authors: Mondal Supratik , Lenda Dominik , Traczyk Jakub
Published: May 2024

A vast body of research has indicated that individuals with higher statistical numeracy, in comparison to individuals with lower statistical numeracy, make superior decisions by employing more deliberative processes leading to selecting options with the highest expected value (EV). However, it is not feasible to deliberate every time we make a choice due to cognitive and environmental constraints. In one simulation study and three well-powered, fully-incentivized empirical studies using the decision-from-experience task, we identified conditions where recurring suboptimal choices were more rewarding than a normatively superior strategy. That is, even if individual choices in isolation are considered suboptimal in light of the EV maximization principle, individuals with higher numeracy can adapt their decision strategy in accordance with changes in the task structure, and make faster suboptimal (or random in terms of EV maximization) decisions that result in overall superior performance (e.g., earning more money). We found that individuals who maximized EV without time constraints accumulated higher total gain. However, the trend reversed in the following two studies. Participants who made more suboptimal choices, under time constraints, earned more money than those who spent more time maximizing EV. Importantly, we found that more numerate individuals made significant adjustments to their meta-cognitive decision processes and made more quick suboptimal choices resulting in better overall earnings than less numerate individuals. Finally, our results also indicate that more numerate individuals are better at identifying the changes in the task structure and are more rational in their use of cognitive and environmental resources.
Disparity in temporal and spatial relationships between resting-state electrophysiological and fMRI signals
Authors: Tu Wenyu , Cramer Samuel , Zhang Nanyin
Published: May 2024

Resting-state brain networks (RSNs) have been widely applied in health and disease, but the interpretation of RSNs in terms of the underlying neural activity is unclear. To address this fundamental question, we conducted simultaneous recordings of whole-brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and electrophysiology signals in two separate brain regions of rats. Our data reveal that for both recording sites, spatial maps derived from band-specific local field potential (LFP) power can account for up to 90% of the spatial variability in RSNs derived from rsfMRI signals. Surprisingly, the time series of LFP band power can only explain to a maximum of 35% of the temporal variance of the local rsfMRI time course from the same site. In addition, regressing out time series of LFP power from rsfMRI signals has minimal impact on the spatial patterns of rsfMRI-based RSNs. This disparity in the spatial and temporal relationships between resting-state electrophysiology and rsfMRI signals suggests that electrophysiological activity alone does not fully explain the effects observed in the rsfMRI signal. To reconcile this disparity, we propose a model hypothesizing that a significant component of the rsfMRI signal is driven by neural activities that are not directly captured by electrophysiology, yet are active in neurovascular coupling. These "electrophysiology-invisible" signals exhibit weak temporal correlation with electrophysiology data. However, due to the shared anatomical backbone constraining both types of neural activities, they can produce similar spatial patterns in RSNs in parallel. These findings, along with our proposed model, offer a novel perspective on our understanding of RSN interpretation.
A scale-invariant large-area single-mode topological photonic cavity
Authors: Xie Biye , Li Zhongfu , Li Shiqi , Yan Bei , Chan Hsun-Chi , Li Jing , Guan Jun , Bi Wengang , Xiang Yuanjiang , Gao Zhen , Zhang Shuang , Zhan Peng , Wang Zhenlin
Published: May 2024

Emergent collective modes in lattices give birth to many intriguing physical phenomena in condensed matter physics. Among these collective modes, large area modes typically feature small level spacings, whilst a single mode tends to be spatially tightly confined. Here, we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a unique scale-invariant, large-area, and single-mode topological cavity mode in a two-dimensional photonic crystal. This mode emerges from the hybridization of the large-area fundamental Dirac mode and in-gap topological corner modes. Remarkably, we find that the scale-invariant, large-area, and single-mode topological cavity mode possesses unique chiralities and with a tunable mode area under the change of the mass term of the inner topological nontrivial lattice. We experimentally observe such topological cavity modes in a 2D photonic system and demonstrate the robustness by introducing disorders in the cavity structure. Our findings have propelled the forefront of higher-order topology research, transitioning it from single-lattice systems to multi-lattice systems and may support promising potential applications, particularly in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.
Image Colourization using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Majumdar Soumya
Published: May 2024

Over the last decade, the process of automatic image colourization has been of significant interest for several application areas including restoration of aged or degraded Images. Image colourization is a challenging task in computer vision that involves adding realistic colour to grayscale images. Traditional methods rely on handcrafted rules and heuristics, which can lead to inconsistent and inaccurate results. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) offer a promising solution for this problem by learning to generate realistic colour images from grayscale inputs. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art techniques for image colourization using GANs. We discuss different architectures and loss functions used in GANs for colourization, as well as their advantages and limitations. We also provide an overview of the datasets used for training and evaluation, and the metrics used for measuring the performance of the models. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of GAN-based colourization in various domains, such as art, photography, and medical imaging. Overall, we show that GAN- based approaches offer a powerful and flexible framework for image colourization, with the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive and manipulate visual content.
A retrospective database analysis of anticholinergic burden among older patients with and without overactive bladder in South Korea
Authors: Lee Kyu-Sung , Cho Juhee , Park Hyejeong , Kang Danbee , Ko Kwang Jin , Foo Chee Yoong , Stoelzel Matthias , Hadi Farid Abdul , Kim Soyoung
Published: May 2024

Background Little is known about the contribution of overactive bladder (OAB) treatments to total anticholinergic burden in older patients in South Korea. Understanding this could raise awareness of the challenges of long-term use associated with anticholinergic drugs in this population. This study aimed to measure the cumulative anticholinergic burden in older outpatients in South Korea with and without newly started OAB medications, and to assess the contribution OAB treatment-related antimuscarinics have on overall anticholinergic exposure.Methods This retrospective study utilised data from the South Korean National Health Insurance Service database and included patients ≥ 65 years old with at least one outpatient visit (any cause) between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2016. The overall cohort included patients with OAB and matched patients without OAB. Outcomes were assessed over a 100-day follow-up period. Primary endpoints were 100-day cumulative anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) score, prevalence of anticholinergic and strong anticholinergic use, and number of anticholinergics per patient. Proportion of ACB score attributable to OAB medication was assessed as a secondary endpoint.Results The final study cohort included 2360 patients with OAB and 11,676 patients without OAB. Mean 100-day cumulative ACB score was 15.2 times higher among the OAB group than the non-OAB group (320.1 vs. 21.0, respectively). Anticholinergics were used widely, particularly in the OAB group (2287 [96.9%] patients vs. 3921 [33.6%] patients in the non-OAB group). Prevalence of strong anticholinergic use was almost four times higher in the OAB group (2234 [94.7%] patients) compared with the non-OAB group (2817 [24.1%] patients). On average, 0.9 anticholinergics were dispensed per patient. ACB score attributable to OAB medications was 66.9% in the antimuscarinic-only group, 64.3% in the antimuscarinic with mirabegron group, and 0% in the mirabegron-only group.Conclusions In patients with OAB, 100-day cumulative ACB score was 15 times higher than in patients without OAB due to the use of anticholinergic medications. In this study, mirabegron did not contribute to anticholinergic burden. As there are unwanted effects associated with this burden, clinicians should consider the anticholinergic burden of each individual patient when using pharmacotherapy to treat OAB.Trial registration: NCT03903094 (first posted 04/04/2019)
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Myrrh Resin Extract and Its Application in Cacao Beverages
Authors: Goda Amira A. , Ayad Eman G , Amin Menna H. , Youssef Mahmoud , Shi Jianrong , Xu Jianhong , Liu Xin , Zhou You , Xiao Liwen , Ramzy Sherif
Published: May 2024

Due to the potential health risks of synthetic food preservatives, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in finding natural food preservatives during the past few decades. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of a natural extract of Commiphora Myrrh as an antimicrobial agent. The antioxidant properties of Myrrh resin extract (MRE) were analyzed using HPLC and GC-MS. The results showed that MRE contained potent antioxidant compounds, including 19 compounds, with the dominant compound being kaempferol, which had the highest value of 1896 µg/g. Quercetin was found to be the second most abundant compound, with a value of 520 µg/g. The efficacy of MRE as an antimicrobial agent against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was tested, and its application in Cacao beverage was also studied. The results demonstrated that MRE was highly effective against all the tested bacteria both in vitro and in the total bacterial count of the produced cacao beverage. Additionally, the fungi in the cacao beverage were completely inhibited at all tested concentrations of MRE. The total soluble solids (TSS), pH value, and acidity of the produced untreated, treated cacao beverage with MRE and sodium benzoate were carried out, and all values mentioned were almost the same, with no differences noted. The sensory evaluation of Cacao beverage showed that the MRE had a minor impact on taste, odor, color, and texture of the produced cacao beverage in comparison with the control sample, which was very acceptable for judgments and recorded 95, 88, and 94 for the control and treated samples, respectively. Furthermore, the anti-cancer properties of MRE were evaluated, revealing significant cytotoxic effects against colon cancer (HCT) and liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines. The IC50 values for HCT and HEPG2 cells were 55.69 µg/ml and 70.78 µg/ml, respectively, indicating the potential of MRE as an anti-cancer agent.
Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) species associated with avocado orchards in central Veracruz
Authors: Alarcón-Utrera David , López-Lima Daniel , Cerdán-Cabrera Carlos R. , Alvarado-Castillo Gerardo , Salinas-Castro Alejandro , Carrión Gloria
Published: May 2024

Thrips are one of the main agricultural pests of the Hass avocado crop. Because of their herbivory and oviposition, thrips damage buds, flowers and fruits, causing both yield and quality losses. In Veracruz orchards significant damage associated with these insects has been previously detected; however, there are species identification, and their population fluctuation stills unknown. The identification of species and their seasonality is important to design appropriate management strategies. In this study, thrips populations were surveyed during two flowering cycles in two Hass avocado orchards located in the central mountainous area of the state of Veracruz. For 20 months, collections with the spray drag technique with soap solution using a specialized device were made in buds and inflorescences. 27 species of thrips belonging to 16 genera (ten phytophagous and six predatory) were identified. Frankliniella gardeniae was the most abundant species in the two orchards studied with more than 75% of the relative abundance and its population peaks were recorded during the flowering and fruit setting season. It is possible that F. gardeniae is related to fruits damage, as it occurs in avocado crops in South America.
Development of predictive indexes for evaluating UHI adaptation potential of green roof- and wall- based scenarios in the Mediterranean climate
Authors: Susca Tiziana , Iaria Jacopo , Zanghirella Fabio
Published: May 2024

Urban heat island (UHI) can jeopardize urban inhabitants, but the installation of green roofs (GRs) and walls (GWs) can contribute to mitigating it. The present study provides a novel index to easily predict the spatially median variation in air temperature at pedestrian height related to the application of GR- and GW- -based scenarios on the hottest hours of a typical summer day varying building height (BH), coverage percentage (COP), and leaf area index (LAI). The index is meant to be applied to built areas with 0.3–0.4 urban density in the Mediterranean climate and is derived from a linear regression model fed with the outputs of 269 simulations of three urban areas developed and run in ENVI-met software. The developed models are all highly significant. GR model shows that the mitigation is influenced by all three parameters, and it can estimate the mitigation with a mean standard error of 0.05°C. GW model shows that BH is not influential in decreasing air temperature compared to the other parameters. GF and living wall (LW) index can predict the mitigation with an error of 0.03°C and 0.04°C, respectively. However, for the LW model, further parameters should be considered to improve its reliability.
The Clinical Significance of Inflammatory Mediators in Predicting Obesity and Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Xiao Youchao , Wu Wentao , Liu Fangzheng , Jia Yanfei , Jin Lu , Qiao Ning , Cai Kefan , Ru Siming , Cao Lei , Gui Songbai
Published: May 2024

Background: Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare malformational tumor characterized by high rates of recurrence and morbid obesity. However, the role of inflammatory mediators in obesity and the prognosis of patients with CP remains unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze associations of inflammatory mediators with weight-related outcomes and the prognosis of patients with CP.
Methods: A total of 130 consecutive patients with CP were included in this study. The expression levels of seven inflammatory mediators and the plasma leptin concentration were investigated. Clinical parameters, weight changes, new-onset obesity, and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. The relationships between inflammatory mediators, clinicopathologic parameters, weight-related outcomes, and PFS were explored.
Results: Compared with those in normal pituitary tissue, the expressions of inflammatory mediators in tumor tissue were higher. Higher expression levels of CXCL1 and CXCL8 were identified as independent risk factors for significant weight gain, and CXCL1 and TNF were identified as independent risk factors for new-onset postoperative obesity. Poor PFS was associated with higher expression levels of CXCL1, CXCL8, IL1A, IL6, and TNF.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that inflammatory mediators are associated with morbid obesity in patients with CP. Inflammatory mediators may be the critical bridge between elevated leptin and weight-related outcomes. Additionally, PFS was associated with the expression of inflammatory mediators. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of inflammatory mediators and their potential as targets for novel therapies for CP.
On-demand nanoengineering of in-plane ferroelectric topologies
Authors: Checa Marti , Pant Bharat , Puretzky Alexander , Dryzhakov Bogdan , Vasudevan Rama , Kavle Pravin , Dasgupta Arvind , Martin Lane , Cao Ye , Collins Liam , Jesse Stephen , Domingo Neus , Kelley Kyle
Published: May 2024

Hierarchical assemblies of ferroelectric nanodomains (or superdomains) can exhibit exotic morphologies that lead to distinct behaviors and functionalities. Controlling these superdomains reliably is critical for realizing new states with desired functional properties. Here, using a biased atomic force microscopy tip we reveal a so-called super-switching mechanism of the in-plane superdomains of a model ferroelectric Pb0.6Sr0.4TiO3, demonstrating that the response of this material is dominated by a superdomain nucleation and super-boundary stabilization process. We show that the scanning-probe’s trajectory is key in stabilizing complex defect states, enabling on-demand formation of intricate center-divergent/convergent and flux-closure polar structures. Correlative piezoresponse force microscopy and optical spectroscopy confirm the topological nature and significant tunability of these emergent structures. The stability of the generated structures, validated by phase-field modeling, suggests potential for reliable multi-state nanodevice architectures, offering an alternative route for creating tunable topological structures in neuromorphic circuits, forging a new frontier in nanolithography for ferroics.
Emergence and Transformation of Polar Skyrmion Lattices via Flexoelectricity
Authors: Chen Weijin , Ren Jianhua , Liu Linjie , Sun Fei , He Qian , Wu Mengjun , Zheng Yue
Published: May 2024

As analogies to magnetic skyrmions, polar skyrmions in ferroelectric superlattices and multilayers have garnered widespread attention for their non-trivial topology and novel properties like negative capacitance and nonlinear optical effect. So far, they have only been theoretically predicted to be able to assemble ordered hexagonal skyrmion lattices (SkLs) in ferroelectric thin films. Here, based on phase-field simulations, we report the critical roles of flexoelectricity playing in the stabilization and transformation of polar SkLs. Different polar SkL patterns can emerge in the ferroelectric thin films, including tetragonal-SkL, and hexagonal-SkLs with diverse orientations, as summarized by phase diagrams. These emergent SkL states are attributed to the material anisotropy modified by the flexoelectric effect. Interestingly, we further found that the hexagonal-SkLs can be rotated by applying strain gradient or in-plane electric field to the films. Moreover, a nonreciprocal bending response of tetragonal-SkL is also induced by the flexoelectric effect. Our results provide useful guidelines for the implementation of polar skyrmion lattices in experiments.
Comprehensive Analysis of Granzymes and Perforin Family Genes in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Mareboina Manvita , Bakhl Katrina , Agioti Stephanie , Georgakopoulos-Soares Ilias , Zaravinos Apostolos
Published: May 2024

Cancer remains a significant global health concern, with immunotherapies emerging as promising treatments. This study explores the role of perforin-1 (PRF1) and granzymes-A, -B and -K (GZMA, GZMB and GZMK) in cancer biology, focusing on their impact on tumor cell death and immune response modulation. Through comprehensive genomic analysis across various cancer types we explored the differential expression, mutation profiles, and methylation patterns of these genes, providing insights into their potential as therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we investigated their association with immune cell infiltration and pathway activation within the tumor microenvironment in each cancer. Our findings reveal distinct expression patterns and prognostic implications of PRF1, GZMA, GZMB and GZMK across different cancers, highlighting their multifaceted roles in tumor immunity. We found increased immune infiltration across all tumor types and significant correlations between the genes of interest and cytotoxic T cells, as well as the greatest significant survival outcomes in breast cancer. We also show that granzymes and perforin-1 are significantly associated with indicators of immunosuppression and T cell dysfunction within patient cohorts. In skin melanoma, glioblastoma, kidney and bladder cancer we found significant correlations between the genes of interest and patient survival after receiving immune-checkpoint inhibition therapy. Additionally, we identified potential associations between the mRNA expression levels of these genes and drug sensitivity. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor immunity and provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic implications of PRF1, GZMA, GZMB and GZMK in cancer treatment.
Deep Learning Based Defect Detection Method for Overhead Transmission Wires
Authors: Yu Zhilong , Lei Yanqiao , Shen Feng , Zhou Shuai
Published: May 2024

Transmission line is the carrier of power transmission, in order to more accurately detect the transmission conductor is susceptible to the influence of the external environment and cause the conductor to break the strand, loose strand to the cable foreign body hanging and other defects. In this paper, a lightweight transmission conductor defect detection algorithm named HorCM_PAM_YOLOv5 based on YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, in order to increase the algorithm's ability to spatially interact with different features as well as its detection accuracy, this paper designs a lightweight recursive convolution module HorCM with reference to HorNet to enhance the expression of the algorithm's model. Then in order to cope with the problem of complex background and difficult detection of aerial images, this paper proposes a lightweight parallel attention mechanism module (PAM), so that the defective image channel feature extraction and spatial feature extraction can be independent of each other, which reduces the interference of the background and increases the image's characterisation ability. Afterwards, in order to cope with the problem of large differences in the scale of wire defect images taken by aerial photography, this paper proposes for the MPDIOU loss function, using the distance between the prediction frame and the actual frame of the identified points to minimise the processing, to improve the accuracy of the model and convergence speed. Finally, in order to better reflect the actual engineering application scenarios, our dataset uses UAS machine patrol images from Yunnan Power Supply Bureau Company. Experimental simulations show that with a 3.1% increase in detection speed relative to YOLOv5s and a 5% reduction in model volume, the improved algorithm HorCM_PAM_YOLOv5 still manages to increase its overall performance by 9.8% over YOLOv5s, and its accuracy by 7.2% over YOLOv5s.