bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of ANXA3 as a biomarker associated with pyroptosis in ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Linquan , Cai Yahong , Deng Changqing
Published: December 2023

Background

Pyroptosis plays an important role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke (IS). However, the exact mechanism of pyroptosis remains unclear. This paper aims to reveal the key molecular markers associated with pyroptosis in IS.

Methods

We used random forest learning, gene set variation analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis to screen for biomarkers associated with pyroptosis in IS. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models were constructed in vitro and in vivo. Cells were transfected with an Annexin A3 silencing (si-ANXA3) plasmid to observe the effects of ANXA3 on OGD/R + lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced pyroptosis. qRT‒PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of potential biomarkers and pyroptotic pathways.

Results

Samples from a total of 170 IS patients and 109 healthy individuals were obtained from 5 gene expression omnibus databases. Thirty important genes were analyzed by random forest learning from the differentially expressed genes. Then, we investigated the relationship between the above genes and the pyroptosis score, obtaining three potential biomarkers (ANXA3, ANKRD22, ADM). ANXA3 and ADM were upregulated in the MCAO/R model, and the fold difference in ANXA3 expression was greater. Pyroptosis-related factors (NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, GSDMD-N, caspase-8, pro-caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18) were upregulated in the MCAO/R model. Silencing ANXA3 alleviated the expression of pyroptosis-related factors (NLRC4, AIM2, GSDMD-N, caspase-8, pro-caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-18) induced by OGD/R + LPS or MCAO/R.

Conclusion

This study identified ANXA3 as a possible pyroptosis-related gene marker in IS through bioinformatics and experiments. ANXA3 could inhibit pyroptosis through the NLRC4/AIM2 axis.
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) is a prognostic indicator for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ong Khaa Hoo , Lai Hong-Yue , Sun Ding-Ping , Chen Tzu-Ju , Huang Steven Kuan-Hua , Tian Yu-Feng , Chou Chia-Lin , Shiue Yow-Ling , Chan Ti-Chun , Li Chien-Feng , Kuo Yu-Hsuan
Published: December 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common malignant bile duct tumor in Southeast Asia. The special location of cholangiocarcinoma leads to it being difficult to diagnose. Currently, the progress in clinical prognosis outcomes remains abysmal owing to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria. Therefore, uncovering the potential markers for cholangiocarcinoma is a pressing issue. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) is a critical ubiquitination enzyme; it is involved in the tumorigenesis of various malignancies and affects the patient’s prognosis. However, there is currently no relevant literature to indicate whether UBE2C is related to the clinical survival outcome of cholangiocarcinoma patients. In this report, we mined the published cholangiocarcinoma transcriptome data set (GSE26566), compared it with the ubiquitination-associated gene (GO:0016567), and identified that UBE2C was highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma tumor tissue. Moreover, high expression of UBE2C was markedly correlated with surgical margin, primary tumor, histological variants, and histological grade. More specifically, high expression of UBE2C was negatively associated with overall survival, disease-specific survival, local recurrence-free survival, and metastasis-free survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Our findings demonstrate that UBE2C may provide a potential therapeutic marker and prognostic factor for cholangiocarcinoma patients.
Uniform formation and characterization of Au/TiO2 nanoparticles for electrokinetically assisted optofluidic reactors
Authors: Seo Eunseok , Jung Jaehyun , Wang Cong , Park Jungyul
Published: December 2023

Research is being conducted on photocatalyst-based organic compound treatment processes for water purification to decompose wastewater efficiently. An optofluidic reactor based on TiO2 photocatalysis and nanoelectrokinetics was presented recently to improve the efficacy of photocatalytic water purification. However, inefficient absorption of visible light by TiO2 materials hinders the effective utilization of solar energy. To address this issue, the uniform formation and characterization of Au/TiO2 nanoparticles for a plasmonic photocatalytic-based optofluidic platform are studied to improve photocatalytic reactivity in visible light. The present study uses UV irradiation and spray spraying for producing Au/TiO2 NPs uniformly on microporous carbon fabric. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to assess the quality of the Au/TiO2 NP-coated carbon fabric. Au NPs were uniformly obtained on the surface and inside the TiO2 coating layer by UV irradiation-based photo-reduction, according to SEM and TEM investigation. The interaction of Au NPs, TiO2 NPs, and carbon fabric (CF) to improve electron transport and charge separation on the photocatalyst surface is supported by XPS spectra. TEM and XRD analyses revealed that all TiO2 components in the Au/TiO2 coating layer consisted of anatase having high photocatalytic activity. After comparing the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and Au/TiO2-coated samples under solar-simulated light and a voltage of 3 V, it was found that the surface coated with Au NPs had a superior photocatalytic effect than the surface coated with only TiO2.
A virtual restoration network of ancient murals via global–local feature extraction and structural information guidance
Authors: Ge Hao , Yu Ying , Zhang Le
Published: December 2023

Ancient murals are precious cultural heritages. They suffer from various damages due to man-made destruction and long-time exposure to the environment. It is urgent to protect and restore the damaged ancient murals. Virtual restoration of ancient murals aims to fill damaged mural regions by using modern computer techniques. Most existing restoration approaches fail to fill the loss mural regions with rich details and complex structures. In this paper, we propose a virtual restoration network of ancient murals based on global–local feature extraction and structural information guidance (GLSI). The proposed network consists of two major sub-networks: the structural information generator (SIG) and the image content generator (ICG). In the first sub-network, SIG can predict the structural information and the coarse contents for the missing mural regions. In the second sub-network, ICG utilizes the predicted structural information and the coarse contents to generate the refined image contents for the missing mural regions. Moreover, we design an innovative BranchBlock module that can effectively extract and integrate the local and global features. We introduce a Fast Fourier Convolution (FFC) to improve the color restoration for the missing mural regions. We conduct experiments over simulated and real damaged murals. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms other three comparative state-of-the-art approaches in terms of structural continuity, color harmony and visual rationality of the restored mural images. In addition, the mural restoration results of our method can achieve comparatively high quantitative evaluation metrics.
An MRI-based radiomics nomogram for detecting cervical esophagus invasion in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Meng , Sha Yan , Zhang Duo , Ren Jiliang
Published: December 2023

Background

Accurate detection of cervical esophagus invasion (CEI) in HPSCC is challenging but crucial. We aimed to investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics for detecting CEI in patients with HPSCC.

Methods

This retrospective study included 151 HPSCC patients with or without CEI, which were randomly assigned into a training (n = 101) or validation (n = 50) cohort. A total of 750 radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (ceT1WI), respectively. A radiomics signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adopted to establish a clinical model and a radiomics nomogram. Two experienced radiologists evaluated the CEI status based on morphological findings. Areas under the curve (AUCs) of the models and readers were compared using the DeLong method. The performance of the nomogram was also assessed by its calibration and clinical usefulness.

Results

The radiomics signature, consisting of five T2WI and six ceT1WI radiomics features, was significantly associated with CEI in both cohorts (all p < 0.001). The radiomics nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical T stage achieved significantly higher predictive value than the clinical model and pooled readers in the training (AUC 0.923 vs. 0.723 and 0.621, all p < 0.001) and validation (AUC 0.888 vs. 0.754 and 0.647, all p < 0.05) cohorts. The radiomics nomogram showed favorable calibration in both cohorts and provided better net benefit than the clinical model.

Conclusions

The MRI-based radiomics nomogram is a promising method for detecting CEI in HPSCC.
Multiparametric bone MRI targeting aides lesion selection for CT-guided sclerotic bone biopsies in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Donners Ricardo , Figueiredo Ines , Westaby Daniel , Koh Dow-Mu , Tunariu Nina , Carreira Suzanne , de Bono Johann S. , Fotiadis Nicos
Published: December 2023

Background

Bone biopsies in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients can be challenging. This study’s objective was to prospectively validate a multiparametric bone MRI (mpBMRI) algorithm to facilitate target lesion selection in mCRPC patients with sclerotic bone disease for subsequent CT-guided bone biopsies.

Methods

20 CT-guided bone biopsies were prospectively performed between 02/2021 and 11/2021 in 17 mCRPC patients with only sclerotic bone disease. Biopsy targets were selected based on MRI, including diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T1-weighted VIBE Dixon MR images, allowing for calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the relative fat-fraction (rFF), respectively. Bone marrow with high DWI signal, ADC < 1100 µm2/s and rFF < 20% was the preferred biopsy target. Tumor content and NGS-feasibility was assessed by a pathologist. Prognostic routine laboratory blood parameters, target lesion size, biopsy tract length, visual CT density, means of HU, ADC and rFF were compared between successful and unsuccessful biopsies (p < 0.05 = significant).

Results

Overall, 17/20 (85%) biopsies were tumor-positive and next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) was feasible in 13/18 (72%) evaluated samples. Neither laboratory parameters, diameter, tract length nor visual CT density grading showed significant differences between a positive versus negative or NGS feasible versus non-feasible biopsy results (each p > 0.137). Lesion mean HU was 387 ± 187 HU in NGS feasible and 493 ± 218 HU in non-feasible biopsies (p = 0.521). For targets fulfilling all MRI selection algorithm criteria, 13/14 (93%) biopsies were tumor-positive and 10/12 (83%) provided NGS adequate tissue.

Conclusions

Multiparametric bone MRI can facilitate target lesion selection for subsequent CT-guided bone biopsy in mCPRC patients with sclerotic metastases.

Trial registration

Committee for Clinical Research of the Royal Marsden Hospital registration number SE1220.
Comparing endoscopic ultrasonography and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the preoperative diagnosis of gastric stromal tumor
Authors: He Huiliao , Tang Tingting , Wang Xiaohua , Zhou Lingling , Wang Liang
Published: December 2023

Background

This study was designed to perform a comparative analysis between endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCEUS) for the preoperative diagnosis of gastric stromal tumors (GSTs).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted involving 139 patients with histologically confirmed GSTs. All patients preoperatively underwent DCEUS and EUS. The pathology reports were treated as the baseline and were retrospectively compared with the findings of EUS and DCEUS.

Results

Of the 139 lesions, 120 and 113 were correctly identified by DCEUS and EUS, respectively, with an accuracy of 86.3% and 81.3%. The results revealed an insignificant difference between these two methods (p = 0.189).

Conclusions

DCEUS can display not only the locations, sizes, shapes, borders, internal echoes, but also show the blood perfusion patterns of GSTs. It is a highly accurate, noninvasive, and convenient method to be used at the pre-treatment stage.
Head-to-head comparison of ultrasound and 99mTc-glucosamine SPECT/CT imaging of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single center prospective study
Authors: Evbuomwan Osayande , Engelbrecht Gerrit , Driver Cathryn , Sempa Joseph , van Rensburg Barend Jansen , Labuschagne Mathys , Horn-Lodewyk Je’nine
Published: December 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can lead to progressive joint damage. Early identification of synovitis is key in the management of patients with RA. The aim of this study was to assess synovitis in patients with RA using 99mTc-glucosamine single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and compare this radiopharmaceutical's diagnostic performance with ultrasound (US) imaging. This prospective study included 22 participants with active RA and 380 joints were assessed with SPECT/CT and US imaging. SPECT/CT imaging of the joints of interest was performed in each participant three hours after injection of 99mTc-glucosamine, with US imaging of the same joints performed on the same day. The affected joints were qualitatively assessed for 99mTc-glucosamine uptake and compared with the findings on US imaging.

Results

Abnormal increased uptake of 99mTc-glucosamine, localized specifically to the synovial space, was noted in the affected joints. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-glucosamine SPECT/CT imaging were 86%, 60%, 61%, 85% and 73%, respectively. A sensitivity of 100% was noted in the identification of synovitis in the carpal and knee joints. Disease activity in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was not observed with either SPECT/CT or US.

Conclusions

SPECT/CT imaging with 99mTc-glucosamine is a valuable tool for assessing disease activity in the joints of patients with RA. It has a very high sensitivity in detecting synovitis and it correlates very well with US imaging in this regard.
Supporting Student Competencies in Graph Reading, Interpretation, Construction, and Evaluation
Authors: Gardner Stephanie M. , Angra Aakanksha , Harsh Joseph A.
Published: December 2023

This Evidence-Based Teaching Guide is a synthesis and summary of important instructional priorities, foundational research articles, and instructional resources to provide recommendations for instruction to improve undergraduate biology student competence with the practices of graphing.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Medical Cannabis in the United States
Authors: Hong Genewoo , Sideris Alexandra , Waldman Seth , Stauffer Joe , Wu Christopher L.
Published: December 2023

Federal and state laws in the United States governing the use of cannabis are rapidly evolving. Under federal law, marijuana and its derivatives remain schedule I, defined as substances having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Hemp and its derivatives, in contrast, have been removed from schedule I. At the state level, a majority of states have passed laws legalizing cannabis in some form, although these laws vary from state to state in terms of the extent to which use is permitted, approved medical uses, and the types of regulation placed on commercial activity and quality control. This inconsistency has contributed to uncertainty among medical providers and their patients. In this review, we provide a brief account of the evolution and current state of federal and state laws and regulatory agencies involved in overseeing medical cannabis use in the United States.
The Basic Science of Cannabinoids
Authors: Sideris Alexandra , Lauzadis Justas , Kaczocha Martin
Published: December 2023

The cannabis plant has been used for centuries to manage the symptoms of various ailments including pain. Hundreds of chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from the plant and elicit a variety of physiological responses by binding to specific receptors and interacting with numerous other proteins. In addition, the body makes its own cannabinoid-like compounds that are integrally involved in modulating normal and pathophysiological processes. As the legal cannabis landscape continues to evolve within the United States and throughout the world, it is important to understand the rich science behind the effects of the plant and the implications for providers and patients. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the basic science of the cannabinoids by describing the discovery and function of the endocannabinoid system, pharmacology of cannabinoids, and areas for future research and therapeutic development as they relate to perioperative and chronic pain medicine.
Successful Implantation of a Ventricular Shunt With Termination in the Iliac Bone in the Adult Patient With Obstructive Hydrocephalus
Authors: Vivelo Nicole , Krause Katie , Leveque Jean-Christophe A.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

With the exception of the 3 classic shunt placement options (ventriculoperitoneal, ventriculopleural, and ventriculoatrial), surgically feasible alternative sites for distal catheter placement remain limited and often require the assistance of an access surgeon. Tubbs et al suggested the possibility of intraosseous cerebrospinal fluid diversion in the ilium, noting that ilium infusion in cadaveric specimens was possible without the development of body edema or fluid overflow. Since this publication, limited case reports have been published on the success of ventriculo-ilium (VI) shunt placement. Here, we describe the technique used for successful VI shunt placement in 2 adult patients.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

Here, we describe 2 patients with differing etiologies of hydrocephalus (obstructive and nonobstructive) and complex medical and surgical problems precluding traditional distal shunt termini. Both patients underwent successful placement of a VI shunt with distal catheter placement into the right iliac crest using a small right-angle connector and small cranial fixation plate to prevent backout of the catheter.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

We report the first demonstration of successful placement of a VI shunt in 2 adult patients with evidence of shunt functionality and improved neurological outcome. We propose that the placement of a VI shunt is an easy and viable option when more traditional shunt methods are not available for use.
Thinking process templates for constructing data stories with SCDNEY
Authors: Cao Yue , Tran Andy , Kim Hani , Robertson Nick , Lin Yingxin , Torkel Marni , Yang Pengyi , Patrick Ellis , Ghazanfar Shila , Yang Jean
Published: December 2023

Background Globally, scientists now have the ability to generate a vast amount of high throughput biomedical data that carry critical information for important clinical and public health applications. This data revolution in biology is now creating a plethora of new single-cell datasets. Concurrently, there have been significant methodological advances in single-cell research. Integrating these two resources, creating tailor-made, efficient, and purpose-specific data analysis approaches can assist in accelerating scientific discovery. Methods We developed a series of living workshops for building data stories, using Single-cell data integrative analysis (scdney). scdney is a wrapper package with a collection of single-cell analysis R packages incorporating data integration, cell type annotation, higher order testing and more. Results Here, we illustrate two specific workshops. The first workshop examines how to characterise the identity and/or state of cells and the relationship between them, known as phenotyping. The second workshop focuses on extracting higher-order features from cells to predict disease progression. Conclusions Through these workshops, we not only showcase current solutions, but also highlight critical thinking points. In particular, we highlight the Thinking Process Template that provides a structured framework for the decision-making process behind such single-cell analyses. Furthermore, our workshop will incorporate dynamic contributions from the community in a collaborative learning approach, thus the term ‘living’.
Towards inventory control excellence: An innovative approach based on a web-based platform
Authors: Ramos-Miller Miguel , Pacheco Alex
Published: December 2023

Background Inventory management in educational institutions presents unique challenges due to the diverse sources of information and the need for improved team collaboration. This research aims to enhance inventory processes in educational institutions by leveraging information technology to optimize efficiency and ensure data integrity and reliability. Methods The study employed a five-phase methodology to develop a web-based inventory optimization system. The initial phase involved a comprehensive analysis of inventory requirements, considering multiple data sources and team needs. Subsequently, in the planning phase, requirements were prioritized, and tasks with corresponding deadlines were established. The implementation phase adhered to the requirements outlined in the planning phase, utilizing appropriate information technologies to ensure efficient and reliable operation. A thorough system review was conducted to assess the achievement of each requirement’s objectives, with necessary adjustments made as needed. Finally, following the completion of the previous phases, the developed software was deployed, and additional testing was conducted to ensure proper functionality. Results Following the implementation of the web-based system, significant improvements were observed: an 85.51% increase in efficiency for goods searches, streamlining the process and reducing location times; a 90.31% enhancement in goods registration, ensuring greater accuracy and data reliability; an 83.11% improvement in annual goods report generation, simplifying reporting and offering a clearer view of the inventory. Overall, the inventory process experienced an 86.31% improvement, leading to enhanced efficiency and collaboration among administrative and teaching staff. The utilization of information technology reduced inventory processing times and ensured the uniqueness and reliability of information. Conclusions This research focuses specifically on optimizing inventory management in educational institutions through information technology. The study’s uniqueness lies in its tailored web-based system designed to address the specific needs of educational institutions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach and its positive impact on inventory management.
Acute effects of virtual reality exercise bike games on psychophysiological outcomes in college North-African adolescents with cerebral palsy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Soudani Makrem , Farhat Faical , Ghram Amine , Ben Saad Helmi , Chlif Mehdi
Published: December 2023

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that can affect motor skills and psychophysiological well-being. Virtual Reality Exercise (VRE) has been shown to improve cognitive and physical outcomes for patients with CP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of VRE on attention, vigor, and decision-making abilities in adolescents with CP. Methods A randomized controlled trial was used. Fourteen Tunisian college adolescents (15.6 ± 0.7 years; diagnosed with CP) were randomly assigned to either the VRE group or the Traditional Exercise (TE) group. The VRE group engaged in 40 min exercise sessions using VRE bike games, while the TE group participated in TE sessions. Results Fourteen participants (42.9 % females) were included in this analysis The results showed that VRE had a significant positive impact on attention and vigor compared to TE. Participants in the VRE group demonstrated improved attention levels and reported higher levels of vigor following the exercise sessions. Conclusions The findings suggest that VRE is an effective intervention for improving attention and vigor abilities in adolescents with CP. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the long-term effects of VRE. Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202308598603482; 31/08/2023).
Has COVID-19 affected the publication productivity of neurosurgeons in UK and Republic of Ireland? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: G Paremes Sivam Hariss , Moudgil-Joshi Jigi , Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran
Published: December 2023

Background Our aim was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the publication productivity of neurosurgeons in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Methods Using bibliometric data we quantified and analysed the academic output of neurosurgeons in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, between two time periods i.e., January 2017 to December 2019 and January 2020 to March 2022, as a representative capture of the academic climate before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultant neurosurgeons were grouped according to their departments, title, sex, subspecialities and additional research qualifications. Using data charts on Scopus author directory, the total number of publications, citations and h-indices of each neurosurgeon were obtained over the two time periods. The median and mean of these 3 parameters were computed and the median values were analysed and tested for significance using a Mann Whitney-U test according to the groups. Results Our analysis conveyed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the total number of publications after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. There was a statistically significant decrease in the median number of citations, after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was observed in both sexes, in authors without an additional MD/PhD and in authors who sub-specialized in neuro-oncology. Overall, there was a significant decrease in H-index after the start of the pandemic compared to before (median h-index:1.00 and 2.00; mean h-index:1.8 and 3.4 respectively). Conclusions There appears to be an apparent increase in total number of publications after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most authors have registered a reduction in citations and h-indices, suggesting a lower impact and unequal distribution of the abovementioned increase.
Establishing Interconnections and Predictive Modelling for CMT Cladding on 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: J Sachithananthan , R Raviram , M Mohandass , V Gurusamy
Published: December 2023

Background Austenitic stainless-steel cladding is vital for corrosion resistance in industries such as petrochemicals, marine, and nuclear. Weld bead geometry and dilution, governed by process parameters, impact cladding quality. This study examines weld bead geometry with welding current, speed, and nozzle-to-plate distance, creating equations to predict dimensions and control geometry. Method This research explores Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) cladding, emphasizing its interaction with parameters using ANOVA and orthogonal arrays. It uncovers patterns and correlations, leading to a robust mathematical model derived from a Definitive Screen Design in Surface Methodology. Results Process parameter changes particularly affect internal shape (bead width, dilution, penetration area) compared to external shape (penetration, reinforcement) using mathematical model. And the validity of the model is defined. Penetration is primarily affected by welding current and nozzle-to-plate distance, with higher current and smaller distances leading to deeper penetration. Reinforcement is minimally impacted by welding current, speed, and error but decreases with a larger nozzle-to-plate distance. Bead width increases with higher welding current and larger nozzle-to-plate distances, while the effects of welding speed and error are relatively small. Dilution is reduced by higher welding current and larger distances, but error can significantly increase dilution. Welding speed has minimal impact on dilution. Conclusion This study enhances the understanding of CMT cladding. By analyzing parameter interactions, it predicts and controls weld dimensions. Statistical tools reveal patterns, aiding in a strong mathematical model. Significant for industrial applications, it emphasizes the impact of parameters on the quality and structure of cladding using austenitic stainless steel.
Public engagement by early career researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic: case studies from East Africa
Authors: K. Milugo Trizah , V. Mosha Mary , Wampande Eddie , Philemon Rune , N. Lwanga Immaculate , Seeley Janet , K. Sewankambo Nelson
Published: December 2023

Background Community engagement and involvement (CEI) in research usually depends on face-to-face interactions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented such interactions because of national lockdowns and social distancing. This paper highlights the ways in which early career researchers from East Africa tackled CEI activities during the pandemic. Methods We provide four case examples that illustrate how early-career researchers based in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, deployed different approaches and initiatives to community-engaged research during the pandemic to encourage participation and uptake of research findings. Results All the three early-career researchers attempted to use virtual/digital means to implement the CEI. However, in each country, this attempt was unsuccessful because of poor connectivity, as well as many poorer students lacking access to telephones and computers. Nevertheless, the researchers effectively engaged the students using different activities (making up songs, drawing comics, and taking part in quizzes) once the schools reopened. Conclusion These results highlight the complexity of implementing community engagement and involvement in health research when face-to-face interaction is not possible. The findings are relevant to researchers who wish to incorporate community engagement in their research and initiatives.
UNCERTAINTY LAWS OF MIMO MODAL IDENTIFICATION
Authors: LI BINBIN , WANG PEIXIANG
Published: December 2023

‘Uncertainty law’ aims at closed-form asymptotic formulas for the relationship between the identification uncertainties of modal properties (e.g., natural frequency, damping ratio) and test configuration (e.g., number and location of shakers/sensors, noise level, data duration). Focusing on the case of experimental modal analysis with multiple-input and multiple-output, the uncertainty laws of modal parameters for wellseparated modes are proposed in the paper. Asymptotic expressions for the posterior coefficient of variation of modal parameters are derived via the Fisher information matrix for long data and small damping scenarios. Assumptions and theory are validated using synthetic test data. Governing factors motivated by the theory are investigated, including the equivalent modal signal-to-noise ratio and data duration. The developed uncertainty laws provide a scientific basis for planning and managing identification uncertainties in vibration tests with known multiple-inputs.
Lessons of Sustainability: The Folk Reading of a Ritualistic Landscape
Authors: C Anjali , Kawathekar Vishakha
Published: December 2023

This paper entails an investigation of the reciprocal relationship between the agrarian landscape and the cultic practice of teyyam prevailing in the cultural region of Kolattunāṭu. Focusing on the agrarian history, production pattern and the resultant social formations, it attempts an analytical reading of the socio-historical realities of teyyam in Kolattunāṭu. The characteristic features of teyyam performance and its consistent co-existence with the associated landscape have resulted in distinctive cultural and social formations in the region. The current research argues on the interdependencies of teyyam and its agrarian landscape and analyzes the multitude of ways in which liturgies of teyyam communicate exemplars of ecological and social sustainability. The aspects of sustainability intrinsic to the folk ritual are explored through three facets discussed in the paper. At the onset, the role of teyyam in shaping its sacred realm thereby simultaneously getting shaped by the singularities of geography is discussed. Second is an inquiry into the temporal and spatial dimensions of teyyam performance to establish the reciprocal relationship between teyyam and its ritualistic landscape. The third facet of the inquiry analyses the case of a folk performance through the spatial lens to decipher the layers of interdependencies within its sacred realm.
Crafting of Ornaments and Their Accessories in Folktales and Folksongs among the Nagas
Authors: Odyuo Iris
Published: December 2023

Ornaments play a very important and specific role in the life of every Naga tribe; therefore in this paper, I refer to their differentiated meanings and roles. Focusing on the cultural meanings of ornaments, I also examine their crafting and accessories as reflected in the Nagas‘ folktales and folksongs, arguing for their indispensable role in the survival of the Nagas as an ethnic community.
Indra-kaví
Authors: Rossi Paola M.
Published: December 2023

The paper aims at illustrating the possible interconnection between Ṛgvedic poetry and the bovine environment in relation to which the proto-Vedic clan-based society ensured its own subsistence. Given that the protection of livestock was one of the functions attributed to chieftainship, especially during the phase of clan mobility (yóga), and that the figure of the proto-Vedic kaví, the so-called ‗sage poet,‘ is correlated to the milieu of the lordship, it is most likely that the bovine imagery and rhetorical devices, particularly connected to sonority, stemmed precisely from that environment where the human and animal dimensions were symbiotically associated to ensure clan‘s prosperity. Therefore, Ṛgvedic poetical expressions are not only the artful means to mark the liturgical language, but also a direct output of the expertise of the warrior-cowherd, identified especially with the mythological figure of Indra, who could, by way of sonorous enchanting of both, the livestock and the enemies, yoke the former and keep away the latter, guaranteeing subsistence to his own clan.
Haemophilus influenzae epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Farouji Abdelhadi , Haddad Ahmad W. , Yar Khan Nibras , Battah Arwa , Ahmad Amaar S. , Slim Jihad
Published: December 2023

Background: Epididymitis is a common cause of scrotal pain in adults, with coliform bacteria being the most common isolated organisms in patients older than 35. Case presentation: A 51-year-old healthy patient presented with scrotal pain and swelling, and was found to have epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia caused by Haemophilus influenzae, which has not previously been reported as a cause of epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in immunocompetent patients. Discussion: Diagnostic studies can help confirm the diagnosis and detect the causative pathogen. In all suspected cases, a urinalysis, urine culture and a urine or urethral swab for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis should be performed. Colour Doppler ultrasonography often shows an enlarged thickened epididymis with increased Doppler wave pulsation in epididymitis. H. influenzae are pleomorphic gram-negative rods that commonly colonise the human respiratory tract and are associated with a number of clinical conditions. H. influenzae has been reported as a cause of epididymo-orchitis in prepubertal boys, and in few cases were associated with positive blood cultures. In adults, H. influenzae has been isolated before from urine samples or urethral swabs in patients with epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis. Conclusion: This case highlights the possibility of H. influenzae causing epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in immunocompetent patients. Healthcare providers should consider H. influenzae in the differential diagnosis of epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.
Journal scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: December 2023

A brief overview of recently published articles on gastroenterology, hepatology and stoma care
Attuning to Opacity: Interpreting “Post-Crisis” Refusals on Abidjan’s Local Airwaves
Authors: Cante Fabien
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: This article examines how local radio producers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire made sense of audiences’ refusals to speak on the airwaves in the aftermath of armed conflict (1999–2O11). Since the 199Os, local or “proximity” broadcasting has materialized contests over popular expression in Côte d'Ivoire. After 2O11, local stations also crystallized expectations and anxieties over the role of popular voice in peacebuilding. Drawing on scholarship linking public silences, power, and insecurity, and on Édouard Glissant’s notion of opacity, I emphasize the relationality of audience refusals, as well as producers' interpretative agency in response. I show that producers deliberately made room for the opacity of refusals by acknowledging the atmospheric pressures of political violence, without making its eЛects in the social world transparent or determining. I argue that such a practice of attunement–neither witnessing nor denial—preserved opacity as a ground for possible mutuality. Résumé: Cet article interroge la (non-)prise de parole sur les ondes locales d’Abidjan en période « postcrise ». Autorisées dans les années 1990, les radios dites « de proximité » sont un vecteur privilégié de l’expression populaire dans l’espace médiatique abidjanais où celle-ci est étroitement surveillée, voire contrôlée. Or, dans les années qui suivent le conflit ivoirien (1999–2011), une partie de l’auditoire refuse de parler au micro des radios de proximité. L’article examine comment les animateurs radio interprètent ces refus. Je montre que leur interprétation fait référence principalement au ressenti, ainsi qu’à une atmosphère diffuse, plutôt qu’à des rapports socio-politiques précis. S’ils inscrivent bien ces refus de s’exprimer dans une conjoncture marquée par la violence politique, ils évitent que les effets de cette conjoncture dans le monde social ne soient ni clairement établis, ni présentés comme déterminants. Leur interprétation esquive ainsi le registre du témoignage comme celui du déni. Surtout, en accordant aux refus leur part d’opacité, telle que théorisée par Édouard Glissant, l’interprétation des animateurs préserve dans le non-dit la possibilité d’un être-ensemble.
On the Dynamics of Kinship in Migration Processes: Some Perspectives from Historical-Anthropological Studies on North Macedonian migrants in Austria
Authors: Leitner-Stojanov Darko , Pichler Robert
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Based on two case studies of immigrants from North Macedonia to Vienna, this article sheds light on the dynamics of kinship in the migration process with regard to immigration, settlement and post-migration. The authors argue that the embeddedness in close trans-local social networks facilitates the access to accommodation and jobs; it also enables a certain degree of psychosocial well-being through mutual support and appears to be advantageous when setting up businesses and homeland associations. By placing kinship at the center of attention, it is essential to acknowledge its cultural diversity in order to avoid western-centric concepts of kinship that differ from concepts predominant in parts of southeastern Europe.
Women’s Agency: Then and Now
Authors: Wiesner-Hanks Merry E.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article surveys recent thinking about agency as a concept, both in general and within women’s and gender history, and then discusses some of the ways in which women’s agency has figured in early modern cultural and economic history over the last several decades. It considers whether women’s agency might have been a matter of norms as well as actions, that is, whether people expected women to be capable, economically productive, qualified, and skilled while simultaneously ascribing to patriarchal norms about women’s weakness. It highlights several research areas in which women’s agency has been a particularly important theme in recent scholarship and examines arguments about women’s and girls’ agency that have emerged in debates about the role of women’s work in European economic expansion. At the end, it briefly connects early modern developments with some trends in women’s lives that have emerged because of the COVID pandemic.
‘Wide wandring Weemen’: The Nature and Variety of Female Travel, 1558–1630
Authors: Higgins Chris
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Female overseas travel has long been viewed as a niche activity involving only a handful of privileged elites. In his book ‘The Traveiler’ (1575), Jerome Turler cast moral aspersions on female travellers, describing them as ‘wide wandring Weemen’. However, an extensive review of the surviving evidence, drawing on underused sources, including the King’s Remembrancer records and diplomatic correspondence, suggests that European travel by English women was far more widespread than previously acknowledged. This article surveys the findings of a new database of over 2100 journeys made by English women to Europe between 1558 and 1630. From this information, it is now possible to construct a more complex understanding of both the extent and nature of female mobility than was previously supposed both by modern historians of travel and earlier commentators such as Jerome Turler.
Integrated multimode optical waveguides in glass using laser induced deep etching
Authors: Reitz Birger , Evertz Andreas , Basten Robin , Wurz Marc Christopher , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: December 2023

Glass is an ideal material for optical applications, even though only a few
micromachining technologies for material ablation are available. These
microstructuring methods are limited regarding precision and freedom
of design. A micromachining process for glass is laser induced deep
etching (LIDE). Without generating micro-cracks, introducing stress,
or other damages, it can precisely machine many types of glass. This
work uses LIDE to subtractive manufacture structures in glass carrier
substrates. Due to its transmission characteristics and refractive
index, the glass substrate serves as optical cladding for polymer
waveguides. In this paper, the described fabrication process can be
divided into two sub-steps. The doctor blade technique and subsequent
additive process step is used in manufacturing cavities with U-shaped
cross-sections in glass in order to fill the trenches with liquid
optical polymers, which are globally UV-cured. Based on the higher
refractive index of the polymer, it enables optical waveguiding in the
visible to near-infrared wavelength range. This novel, to the best of
our knoowledge, manufacturing method is called LDB
(LIDE-doctor-blade); it can be the missing link between long-distance
transmissions and on-chip solutions on the packaging level. For
validation, optical waveguides are examined regarding their
geometrical dimensions, surface roughness, and waveguiding ability,
such as intensity distribution and length-dependent attenuation.
Dual-band terahertz reflective-mode metasurface for the wavefront manipulation of independent linear and circular polarization waves
Authors: Cheng Yongzhi , Rong Chenguang , Li Jun , Chen Fu , Luo Hui , Li Xiangcheng
Published: December 2023

Metasurfaces (MSs) are being extensively researched owing to their ability to modulate the polarization and wavefront of electromagnetic (EM) waves in a flexible manner, which usually offer significant advantages including ultra-thinness, low losses, and easy fabrication. However, conventional MSs typically operate well only with a single polarization. Here, we propose a novel design strategy for a terahertz (THz) reflective-mode MS that relies on a single unit-cell arrangement combining propagation phase and geometric phase. Our designed MS can achieve multiple wavefront manipulations in reflection mode, not limited to circular polarization (CP) transformation, but also enabling linear polarization (LP) conversion. The MS we propose consists of a periodic array of bilayered metal patterned resonator structures sandwiched by a dielectric substrate. The metallic resonator is made of the outer single-split-ring (SSR) and C-shaped slot (CSS), inner double-split-ring (DSR), and its complementary structure. With this design, the MS is capable of converting a LP wave to its orthogonal counterpart at lower frequency (f1=0.7THz) after reflection. Additionally, at higher frequency (f2=1.4THz), the proposed MS can also convert the right-handed CP (RCP) to left-handed CP (LCP) upon reflection or vice versa. The 2π phase full coverage of the orthogonal LP and CP waves can be achieved independently and simultaneously by adjusting the opening and orientation angles of the SSR based on propagation phase, and orientation angle of the DSR based on geometric phase. We numerically demonstrate beam deflection, planar focusing, and the vortex beam for both reflected orthogonal LP and CP waves with three representative MSs to provide proof of concept. These findings reveal the great potential for multifunctional devices for dual-polarization in imaging and communication systems.
Dual-stage hybrid network for single-shot fringe projection profilometry based on a phase-height model
Authors: Song Xuwen , Wang Lianpo
Published: December 2023

Single-shot fringe projection profilometry (FPP) is widely used in the field of dynamic optical 3D reconstruction because of its high accuracy and efficiency. However, the traditional single-shot FPP methods are not satisfactory in reconstructing complex scenes with noise and discontinuous objects. Therefore, this paper proposes a Deformable Convolution-Based HINet with Attention Connection (DCAHINet), which is a dual-stage hybrid network with a deformation extraction stage and depth mapping stage. Specifically, the deformable convolution module and attention gate are introduced into DCAHINet respectively to enhance the ability of feature extraction and fusion. In addition, to solve the long-standing problem of the insufficient generalization ability of deep learning-based single-shot FPP methods on different hardware devices, DCAHINet outputs phase difference, which can be converted into 3D shapes by simple multiplication operations, rather than directly outputting 3D shapes. To the best of the author's knowledge, DCAHINet is the first network that can be applied to different hardware devices. Experiments on virtual and real datasets show that the proposed method is superior to other deep learning or traditional methods and can be used in practical application scenarios.