bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking the ECRIN Metadata Repository with the BBMRI-ERIC Directory to connect clinical studies with related biobanks and collections
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Canham Steve , Majcen Kurt , Meloni Vittorio , Pireddu Luca , Sulis Alessandro , Delussu Giovanni , Frexia Francesca , Holub Petr
Published: October 2024

Background There is much value to be gained by linking clinical studies and (biosample-) collections that have been generated in the context of a clinical study. However, the linking problem is hard because usually no direct references between a clinical study and an associated collection are available. Methods The BBMRI-ERIC Directory and the ECRIN Metadata Repository (MDR), already include much of the information required to link clinical studies and related sample collections. In this study, we present the work performed to find and implement those links across existing corresponding records in the two systems. The linking process between MDR studies and related collections in the BBMRI-ERIC Directory started with exploring linkage in both directions – searching the BBMRI-ERIC Directory for candidate hits to try to link with MDR records, and searching the ECRIN MDR for candidate hits to try to link with Directory collections. Thereafter, a systematic search through the BBMRI-ERIC Directory was performed. Results The investigation of linkages in both directions resulted in a limited but promising number of linkages. The results of the systematic search of the Directory identified linkage of 202 studies, spanning 284 collections. Conclusions The analysis with existing data sources indicated that links between the BBMRI-ERIC and ECRIN collections exist, but also that they would be difficult to continuously identify and maintain without a great deal of manual work which neither organisation could support. The question arises whether, in the future, systems could be put into place to make the exchange of information and the linkage of identifiers almost automatic.
Impact and evaluation report of the DTA3/COFUND programme
Authors: E.S Cowley , R. Arshad , L. Noble , C. Wynne , J. Eldridge
Published: October 2024

Background This report evaluates the outcomes and effectiveness of the DTA3/COFUND doctoral fellowship programme, which ran from 2019 to 2023. Funded by the Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Fellowship programme, DTA3 aimed to foster interdisciplinary, international, and industry-focused research across 15 UK universities. Methods The programme supported 71 international fellows from diverse countries, emphasising inter-sectoral skills and post-doctorate employability. A mixed-methods study design was employed, involving online surveys, focus groups, and interviews with fellows, supervisors, and university programme leads. Results Key areas of evaluation included research activities, employment outcomes, wellbeing, doctoral training experiences, and institutional impact. The data revealed that 72% of fellows had submitted their PhD theses, with 66% having completed their viva by the report's conclusion. The programme also recorded a high employment rate, with 55% of fellows in the final stages of their PhD already employed. The DTA3 programme featured an enhanced training component, including annual summer schools, spring refresh events, autumn schools, and residential writing retreats. These events focused on enhancing employability, academic skills, research impact, and intersectoral collaboration. Despite challenges such as visa complications, COVID-19 restrictions, and international supervisor movements, the programme maintained a strong completion rate. Conclusions The report highlights the programme's success in providing fellows with significant international mobility opportunities, with many securing employment in their home countries or abroad shortly after completing their PhD. The DTA3 legacy includes ongoing cohort tracking, an alum network, and a dedicated legacy fund to support further international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Overall, the DTA3/COFUND programme demonstrated substantial impact in training and developing skilled researchers, promoting international collaboration, and enhancing employability in diverse sectors, thereby contributing positively to the global research community.
Global language geography and language history: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Urban Matthias
Published: October 2024

As the several thousand languages spoken by people all around the world became more and more systematically assessed and catalogued in the 20th century, it became clear that linguistic diversity is unevently distributed across the globe. Up to the present day, the reasons for that are poorly understood. Linguists are thus in the embarassing situation that they do not understand significant regularities in the way the objects of their study –languages– pattern; human sciences at large are faced with the fact that the way humans produce that key cultural product which is often seen as defining the essence of what makes them humans –language–remains in the dark. In this essay, I explore three interrelated strands of thought associated with the problem of explaining patterns in global language diversity to create a perspective that is different from those explored so far. First, I suggest that instead of looking at present-day levels of diversity and find parameters of variation between the regions in which they are spoken, we should take a process-based approach that looks into how these distributions were generated. Related to this point and in contradistinction to extant work, second, I advocate an inductive approach that departs from qualitative case studies which inform theory-building. Third, I ponder that, in contrast to the traditional focus of historical linguistics on language diversification and expansion, understanding how the ranges of languages are reduced might be the key missing piece of evidence in a global theory of language diversity and its genesis.
Use of oral nutritional supplements
Authors: Holdoway Anne
Published: October 2024

Malnutrition – specifically undernutrition – is a state in which a deficiency of energy, protein and other nutrients causes adverse effects on the body, its function and clinical outcomes. Malnutrition can be disease-related or caused by social factors; the two are often inter-related. More than 3 million people in the UK are malnourished or ‘at risk’ of malnutrition, 93% of whom reside in the community. It commonly affects older people and those with certain medical conditions. With a pivotal role in providing care in secondary and community settings, prescribers are increasingly involved in quality improvement programmes to manage malnutrition, including the appropriate use of oral nutritional supplements. This article seeks to improve understanding of the impact of malnutrition on individuals and the wider healthcare economy, identification of those at risk and the effective use of oral nutrition support.
La invisibilidad social del pueblo mapuche en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de las ciencias sociales en Chile y en Argentina. Un análisis desde la teoría fundamentada.
Authors: Sanhueza Rodríguez Alexis
Published: October 2024

La invisibilidad social de diversos grupos, personas, tiempos y espacios y memorias representan un problema fundamental en la didáctica de las ciencias sociales. El problema de investigación se configuró a partir de un conjunto de investigaciones en países con un pasado colonial, los vínculos históricos y educativos entre Chile, Argentina y el pueblo mapuche y el estado de la investigación en didáctica de las ciencias sociales en ambos países. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la investigación es construir conocimiento que expliquen la invisibilidad social del pueblo mapuche en la enseñanza de las ciencias sociales a partir de la perspectiva de los y las profesores, de las comunidades mapuches y de los y las estudiantes de educación básica en Chile y en Argentina. Los resultados apuntan a una política oficial que pesa en los currículums y que influye en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la historia y cultura mapuche.
Geometrical characterization of fracture systems using point clouds and SEFL-Software: example of the Añisclo anticline carbonate platform, Central Pyrenees
Authors: Garcia-Sellés David , Carola Eloi , Gratacós Òscar , Cabello Patricia , Muñoz Josep Anton , Ferrer Oriol
Published: October 2024

Natural fracture systems contribute significantly to rock mass anisotropies. Characterizing these systems is essential for understanding processes of fluid flow, energy exploration and storage, slope stability or tectonic processes that can affect the permeability or compaction of the material, as well as reflect its temporal evolution. This work presents a set of automatic and supervised algorithms integrated into the open-access software solution SEFL, designed to characterize fracture systems using remote sensing data sets. The software implements various strategies to quantify geometrical parameters with deterministic or stochastic descriptions, facilitating a detailed characterization of the fracture system for numerical simulations. Geological outcrops provide direct access to the rock masses and discontinuities, offering analogies with materials that are otherwise inaccessible for its direct study. The digital acquisition of the terrain using high-resolution techniques, such as Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) or photogrammetry to obtain point clouds, enabled post-field studies, particularly for fracture systems that are complex, inaccessible, or large in scale. Additionally, SEFL offers a tool based on the concept of fracture stratigraphy to identify mechanical units, which are essential frameworks for measuring and calculating fracture properties. This new methodology has been applied to study the fractured Eocene limestone outcrop at the hinge of the Añisclo anticline (South-Central Pyrenees, NE Iberia) which has been digitally acquired and characterized. SEFL output data interpretations revealed an outcrop characterized by over two thousand modelled fractures, five fracture sets, fourteen fracture stratigraphic units, and 1-2 fractures/m.
Roger Alier, in memoriam
Authors: Radigales Jaume
Published: October 2024

Homenatge a Roger Alier.
Zonas de Sacrificio en Chile
Authors: Astudillo Pizarro Francisco Segundo , Sandoval Díaz José , Bravo Ferretti Cristóbal
Published: October 2024

Durante la última década, la noción de zonas de sacrificio ha sido un significante relevante en los discursos y dinámicas de movilización socioambiental críticos al modelo de desarrollo neoliberal en la región sudamericana y particularmente en Chile. A pesar de su creciente centralidad en el debate público, no ha habido una problematización teórica del fenómeno en sus dimensiones sociopolíticas, espaciales e históricas. En esta dirección, buscamos repensar teóricamente la noción desde el repertorio de la justicia espacial, mediante una perspectiva histórica que articule distintos períodos históricos, y que trascienda el enfoque en el corto plazo que predomina actualmente. A partir del análisis de cinco casos emblemáticos de Zonas de Sacrificio en Chile, examinamos la problematización política durante la última década que confluyó en un proceso constituyente marcado por la transversalidad de la cuestión ambiental y la centralidad de la crítica al desarrollo sacrificial.
Structural design and cryogenic stability analysis for long-wave infrared spatial heterodyne spectrometers
Authors: Wu Yang , Feng Yutao , Han Bin , Wu Junqiang , Sun Jian
Published: October 2024

Under cryogenic conditions, long-wave infrared spatial heterodyne spectrometers (LWIR-SHSs) may exhibit variations in the inclination, frequency, and distortion of their interference fringes, which can affect the system’s performance. To address the stability issues associated with cryogenics, an analysis and simulation of the optomechanical system’s performance were conducted under such conditions. Employing a structural thermal optical performance (STOP) analysis, an integrated micro-stress dynamic flexible support structure for the LWIR-SHS was designed. The optimized system ensured stable operation under cryogenic conditions, maintaining the relative positional deviation of the key components below 0.00146 mm, the relative angular deviation within 25.984′′, and the inclination of interference fringes in both simulation and tests less than 21°. Furthermore, in comparison to the initial system, the interference fringe distortion also decreased significantly. Cryogenic testing of the entire system validated the optimized structure’s effectiveness in minimizing variations of the interferogram, aligning with simulation predictions. This outcome demonstrates the optimization strategy’s substantial impact on enhancing both the structural stability and operational performance of the cryogenic infrared optical system.
All-optical multi-wavelength-channel ReLU activation function
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Mehdi , Mehrany Khashayar , Memarian Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Optical neural networks (ONNs) are custom optical circuits promising a breakthrough in low-power, parallelized, and high-speed hardware, for the growing demands of artificial intelligence applications. All-optical implementation of ONNs has proven burdensome chiefly due to the lack of optical devices that can emulate the neurons’ non-linear activation function, thus forcing hybrid optical-electronic implementations. Moreover, ONNs suffer from a large footprint in comparison to their electronic (CMOS-based) counterparts. Utilizing virtual optical neurons in time or frequency domain can reduce the number of required physical neurons, but an all-optical activation function is still required, especially where several layers comprised of multiple neurons are required for deep networks. Here we propose an all-optical multi-wavelength-channel rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function, by leveraging χ(2) nonlinearity across more than 100 wavelength channels simultaneously. Our design significantly reduces the footprint of ONNs by consolidating all of the nonlinear activation functions present in each layer of an ONN into a single physical device with a broad bandwidth. This enables the realization of all-optical low-footprint ONNs with multiple layers made of several virtual neurons whose outputs are computed by a single ReLU activation function. We demonstrate this by simulating a 16-channel ReLU function in a realistic ONN and performing a multi-class classification task with a validation accuracy of 98.05%.
Depth-prior-based range-gated 3D imaging method: integration of optical property into visual learning
Authors: Gao Jinming , Liu Xiaoquan , Yang Zhaopeng
Published: October 2024

3D Range-gated Imaging (3DRGI) has great potential for long-range detection in adverse weather conditions. Recently, vision-guided 3DRGI has brought new perspectives to this area as it overcomes hardware limitations and greatly increases flexibility. However, existing vision-guided methods do not consider the optical properties of range-gated imaging, which results in low accuracy. This paper proposes a depth-prior-based 3DRGI method to combine the advantages of optical-based and vision-guided methods. In this method, depth-prior is firstly deduced from principles of range-gated imaging and provides effective depth signals. Then, adaptive depth intervals are estimated using statistical methods, and a depth-prior-guided loss function is designed. The integration of the depth-prior-guided loss function within a vision-guided model enables focused attention on pixels with depth estimations that are inconsistent with the depth prior, thereby refining the overall accuracy of the depth map. To prove the feasibility of the proposed method, comparison experiments and ablation studies have been performed. The results show that the root mean square error improved by more than 12% under adverse weather conditions.
Chromatic dispersion-aware Tx and LO laser phase noise independent estimation enabled by dual pilot tones in DSCM systems
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Yang Tao , You Jialin , Wang Yongben , Wei Shuai , Chen Xue
Published: October 2024

In the backbone networks employing high modulation formats such as 64QAM and metropolitan area networks, data center interconnection networks using the distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with several megahertz laser linewidths dramatically degrades system performance in the equalization enhanced phase noise (EEPN). Even though digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) systems are known for their tolerance to EEPN, they still cause performance degradation in this case. Therefore, the EEPN mitigation algorithm becomes an indispensable part of DSP algorithms in DSCM systems. A dual pilot tone-based chromatic dispersion-aware transmitter and local oscillator laser phase noise independent estimation algorithm is proposed in this paper to solve the above problem. Simulations/offline experiment results under 5 MHz laser linewidth and 1000/800 km transmission indicate that the proposed algorithm could bring about 1/0.6 dB improvement of the required SNR for the normalized generalized mutual information of 0.9 compared with the blind phase searching algorithm.
Low-profile and wide-angle of a low RCS antenna based on a broadband polarization conversion metasurface
Authors: Li FengXia , Zhou Yang , Chen Haiyan , Zhou Peiheng , Deng Jing-Ya
Published: October 2024

A broadband and high-efficiency polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) is used to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) and improve the radiation property of a patch antenna. The PCM is arranged in a checkerboard configuration comprised of square split-ring unit cells. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of the PCM unit is greater than 90% over a frequency range of 8.9 GHz to 21.8 GHz. The proposed patch antenna (PPA) has a low profile of 0.06 λL and is designed with the PCM loading on the surface of a patch antenna. The −10 dB RCS reduction bandwidth of the PPA is from 8.5 GHz to 22.0 GHz under normal incidence, and the low RCS property can be maintained as the oblique angles up to 60° for x- and y-polarized waves. Additionally, the PPA has a 10 dB return-loss bandwidth of 11.5-12.6 GHz and a peak gain of 8.02 dBi. The measured and numerical results confirm that the PPA exhibits wide-angle and broadband RCS reduction properties, while also improving the radiation properties at a low profile.
High-speed in vivo calcium recording using structured illumination with self-supervised denoising
Authors: Speed Forest , Saladrigas Catherine A. , Teel Alec , Vieau Sean , Bright Victor M. , Gopinath Juliet T. , Welle Cristin G. , Restrepo Diego , Gibson Emily A.
Published: October 2024

High-speed widefield fluorescence imaging of neural activity in vivo is fundamentally limited by fluctuations in recorded signal due to background contamination and stochastic noise. In this study, we show background and shot noise-reduced imaging of the ultrafast genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP8f in CA1 pyramidal neurons using periodic structured illumination (SI) with computational image reconstruction. We implement what we believe to be a novel reconstruction method for data acquired using periodic structured illumination, termed pseudo-HiLo (pHiLo), that combines a pseudo-widefield (pWF) reconstruction with individual SI frames to perform a HiLo reconstruction. We compare this new technique to interleaved optical sectioning structured illumination microscopy (OS-SIM) and pWF reconstruction. We quantify the performance of each reconstruction by evaluating contrast, transient peak-to-noise ratio (PNR), pairwise correlation coefficients between ΔF/F time courses extracted from individual in-focus cells, and correlation coefficients between each cell with surrounding cell-free background pixels. We additionally incorporate a self-supervised deep learning method for real-time noise suppression (DeepCAD-RT) into our data preprocessing pipeline. At 500 Hz frame rates, we demonstrate a 75% increase in PNR using the denoised pHiLo reconstruction compared to pWF. Utilizing DeepCAD-RT, we show significant PNR improvements using both structured illumination (SI) reconstruction methods with OS-SIM showing a 59% increase in PNR after denoising. Both pHiLo and OS-SIM reconstructions result in a ≈65% decrease in the mean correlation coefficient of the ΔF/F time courses between ROIs in comparison with pWF, indicating the potential to remove background fluorescent transients from out-of-focus cells.
Spatiotemporal dissipation dynamics: a route to high-beam-quality and high-peak-power spatiotemporal mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Fu Guohao , Li Yuhang , Xiao Qirong , Li Dan , Gong Mali , Liu Qiang , Wabnitz Stefan , Yan Ping
Published: October 2024

Spatiotemporal mode-locking (STML) opens a new avenue for implementing high-energy, high-peak-power mode-locked fiber oscillators. However, the compromised beam quality poses a critical limitation to their broader applications. This study presents a method for enhancing the beam quality of STML fiber lasers by employing spatiotemporal dissipation involving the quenching and reabsorption effects of multimode erbium-doped fibers. The proposed technique introduces spatiotemporal saturable absorption, achieving high beam quality without the stringent conditions required for Kerr beam self-cleaning (BSC). Integrating spatiotemporal dissipation with Kerr BSC, we demonstrate an all-anomalous-dispersion Er-doped STML fiber laser, which produces solitons with 6.7 nJ pulse energy (the intracavity solitons with 25.8 nJ pulse energy and >52.8kW peak power), sub-500 fs pulse duration, and beam quality with M
x
2/M
y
2=1.23/1.20. To our knowledge, it is a record peak power for 1.5 µm band soliton lasers. Additionally, the approach enables the generation of noise-like pulses with M
x
2/M
y
2=1.04/1.13. This work not only advances our understanding of spatiotemporal dissipation dynamics in STML fiber lasers, but also paves the way toward high-performance STML fiber lasers, rendering them very attractive for applications.
A Theoretical Approach for Diagnosing Keratoconus Using Purkinje Image Geometry: An Accessible Method for Low-Cost and Early Detection
Authors: Sharifzadeh Mohsen
Published: October 2024

Abstract:
Purpose:
To develop and evaluate a theoretical method for diagnosing keratoconus by analyzing the geometric properties of Purkinje images, with a focus on the displacement and distortion of the first Purkinje image (P1).
Methods:
Purkinje images are captured using near-infrared LEDs integrated into attachments for existing fundus cameras or stand-alone devices. Image processing techniques are employed to measure P1 displacement and distortion. A composite scoring system quantifies keratoconus severity, and data augmentation simulates diverse corneal shapes for robust diagnostic comparisons.
Results:
Simulated analysis demonstrated that the method effectively differentiates between healthy and keratoconic corneas by assessing key metrics such as Euclidean distance, eccentricity, area, and perimeter of P1. The scoring system consistently reflected keratoconus severity, with higher scores indicating greater deviation from normal corneal profiles.
Conclusions:
This study presents a promising, low-cost approach to diagnosing keratoconus using Purkinje image analysis. The method's adaptability and potential for early detection make it particularly suitable for low-resource settings.
Translational Relevance:
This method bridges the gap between basic research and clinical care by providing an affordable and accessible diagnostic tool for early keratoconus detection, especially in underserved regions.
Amalgam plays a dual role in controlling the number of leg muscle progenitors and regulating their interactions with the developing Drosophila tendon
Authors: Moucaud Blandine , Prince Elodie , Ragot Elia , Renaud Yoan , Jagla Krzysztof , Junion Guillaume , Soler Cedric
Published: October 2024

Formation of functional organs requires cell–cell communication between different cell lineages and failure in this communication can result in severe developmental defects. Hundreds of possible interacting pairs of proteins are known, but identifying the interacting partners that ensure a specific interaction between 2 given cell types remains challenging. Here, we use the Drosophila leg model and our cell type-specific transcriptomic data sets to uncover the molecular mediators of cell–cell communication between tendon and muscle precursors. Through the analysis of gene expression signatures of appendicular muscle and tendon precursor cells, we identify 2 candidates for early interactions between these 2 cell populations: Amalgam (Ama) encoding a secreted protein and Neurotactin (Nrt) known to encode a membrane-bound protein. Developmental expression and function analyses reveal that: (i) Ama is expressed in the leg myoblasts, whereas Nrt is expressed in adjacent tendon precursors; and (ii) in Ama and Nrt mutants, myoblast-tendon cell–cell association is lost, leading to tendon developmental defects. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ama acts downstream of the FGFR pathway to maintain the myoblast population by promoting cell survival and proliferation in an Nrt-independent manner. Together, our data pinpoint Ama and Nrt as molecular actors ensuring early reciprocal communication between leg muscle and tendon precursors, a prerequisite for the coordinated development of the appendicular musculoskeletal system.
Conditional probabilistic diffusion model driven synthetic radiogenomic applications in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Lianghong , Huang Zi Huai , Sun Yan , Domaratzki Mike , Liu Qian , Hu Pingzhao
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the heterogeneity of Breast Cancer (BC) by employing a Conditional Probabilistic Diffusion Model (CPDM) to synthesize Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs) based on multi-omic data, including gene expression, copy number variation, and DNA methylation. The lack of paired medical images and genomics data in previous studies presented a challenge, which the CPDM aims to overcome. The well-trained CPDM successfully generated synthetic MRIs for 726 TCGA-BRCA patients, who lacked actual MRIs, using their multi-omic profiles. Evaluation metrics such as Frechet’s Inception Distance (FID), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) demonstrated the CPDM’s effectiveness, with an FID of 2.02, an MSE of 0.02, and an SSIM of 0.59 based on the 15-fold cross-validation. The synthetic MRIs were used to predict clinical attributes, achieving an Area Under the Receiver-Operating-Characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.82 and an Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC) of 0.84 for predicting ER+/HER2+ subtypes. Additionally, the MRIs served to accurately predicted BC patient survival with a Concordance-index (C-index) score of 0.88, outperforming other baseline models. This research demonstrates the potential of CPDMs in generating MRIs based on BC patients’ genomic profiles, offering valuable insights for radiogenomic research and advancements in precision medicine. The study provides a novel approach to understanding BC heterogeneity for early detection and personalized treatment.
MAD1 upregulation sensitizes to inflammation-mediated tumor formation
Authors: Copeland Sarah E. , Snow Santina M. , Wan Jun , Matkowskyj Kristina A. , Halberg Richard B. , Weaver Beth A.
Published: October 2024

Mitotic Arrest Deficient 1 (gene name MAD1L1), an essential component of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint, is frequently overexpressed in colon cancer, which correlates with poor disease-free survival. MAD1 upregulation induces two phenotypes associated with tumor promotion in tissue culture cells–low rates of chromosomal instability (CIN) and destabilization of the tumor suppressor p53. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we generated a novel mouse model by inserting a doxycycline (dox)-inducible promoter and HA tag into the endogenous mouse Mad1l1 gene, enabling inducible expression of HA-MAD1 following exposure to dox in the presence of the reverse tet transactivator (rtTA). A modest 2-fold overexpression of MAD1 in murine colon resulted in decreased p53 expression and increased mitotic defects consistent with CIN. After exposure to the colon-specific inflammatory agent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), 31% of mice developed colon lesions, including a mucinous adenocarcinoma, while none formed in control animals. Lesion incidence was particularly high in male mice, 57% of which developed at least one hyperplastic polyp, adenoma or adenocarcinoma in the colon. Notably, mice expressing HA-MAD1 also developed lesions in tissues in which DSS is not expected to induce inflammation. These findings demonstrate that MAD1 upregulation is sufficient to promote colon tumorigenesis in the context of inflammation in immune-competent mice.
Watching subtitled videos with the sound off affects viewers’ comprehension, cognitive load, immersion, enjoyment, and gaze patterns: A mixed-methods eye-tracking study
Authors: Szarkowska Agnieszka , Ragni Valentina , Szkriba Sonia , Black Sharon , Orrego-Carmona David , Kruger Jan-Louis
Published: October 2024

Every day, millions of viewers worldwide engage with subtitled content, and an increasing number choose to watch without sound. In this mixed-methods study, we examine the impact of sound presence or absence on the viewing experience of both first-language (L1) and second-language (L2) viewers when they watch subtitled videos. We explore this novel phenomenon through comprehension and recall post-tests, self-reported cognitive load, immersion, and enjoyment measures, as well as gaze pattern analysis using eye tracking. We also investigate viewers’ motivations for opting for audiovisual content without sound and explore how the absence of sound impacts their viewing experience, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Our goal is to ascertain whether these effects are consistent among L2 and L1 speakers from different language varieties. To achieve this, we tested L1-British English, L1-Australian English and L2-English (L1-Polish) language speakers (n = 168) while they watched English-language audiovisual material with English subtitles with and without sound. The findings show that when watching videos without sound, viewers experienced increased cognitive load, along with reduced comprehension, immersion and overall enjoyment. Examination of participants’ gaze revealed that the absence of sound significantly affected the viewing experience, increasing the need for subtitles and thus increasing the viewers’ propensity to process them more thoroughly. The absence of sound emerged as a global constraint that made reading more effortful. Triangulating data from multiple sources made it possible to tap into some of the metacognitive strategies employed by viewers to maintain comprehension in the absence of sound. We discuss the implications within the context of the growing trend of watching subtitled videos without sound, emphasising its potential impact on cognitive processes and the viewing experience.
Exploring environmental and climate features associated with yellow fever across space and time in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome
Authors: Kersul Maíra G. , Abreu Filipe V. S. , Pinter Adriano , Campos Fabrício S. , Andrade Miguel de S. , Teixeira Danilo S. , Almeida Marco A. B. de , Roehe Paulo M. , Franco Ana Claudia , Campos Aline A. S. , Albuquerque George R. , Ribeiro Bergmann M. , Sevá Anaiá da P.
Published: October 2024

The Atlantic Forest Biome (AFB) creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of vector mosquitoes, such as Haemagogus and Sabethes species, which transmit the Yellow Fever virus (YFV) to both human and non-human primates (NHP) (particularly Alouatta sp. and Callithrix sp.). From 2016 to 2020, 748 fatal cases of YF in humans and 1,763 in NHPs were reported in this biome, following several years free from the disease. This underscores the imminent risk posed by the YFV. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of YF cases in both NHPs and humans across the entire AFB during the outbreak period, using a generalized linear mixed regression model (GLMM) at the municipal level. Our analysis examined factors associated with the spread of YFV, including environmental characteristics, climate conditions, human vaccination coverage, and the presence of two additional YFV-affected NHP species. The occurrence of epizootics has been directly associated with natural forest formations and the presence of species within the Callithrix genus. Additionally, epizootics have been shown to be directly associated with human prevalence. Furthermore, human prevalence showed an inverse correlation with urban areas, temporary croplands, and savannah and grassland areas. Further analyses using Moran’s Index to incorporate the neighborhoods of municipalities with cases in each studied host revealed additional variables, such as altitude, which showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the occurrence of the disease in both hosts exhibited a spatio-temporal distribution pattern. To effectively mitigate the spread of the virus, it is necessary to proactively expand vaccination coverage, refine NHP surveillance strategies, and enhance entomological surveillance in both natural and modified environments.
Impact of GnRH antagonist pretreatment on oocyte yield after ovarian stimulation: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Federica Di Guardo , De Rijdt Sylvie , Racca Annalisa , Drakopoulos Panagiotis , Mackens Shari , Strypstein Laurence , Tournaye Herman , De Vos Michel , Blockeel Christophe
Published: October 2024

The study investigates whether a 3-day pretreatment course with a GnRH antagonist in the early follicular phase has an impact on the number of retrieved COCs in a GnRH antagonist stimulation protocol. This is a retrospective single center crossover study involving women who did not conceive after one GnRH antagonist stimulation cycle (“standard cycle”) and proceeded with another GnRH antagonist stimulation cycle preceded by early administration of GnRH antagonist for 3 days (“pretreatment cycle”) with fresh embryo transfer or frozen embryo transfer. 430 patients undergoing 860 cycles were included. The mean female age was 34.4 ± 4.8 years. Indications for fertility treatment included unexplained infertility (34.3%), male-factor infertility (33.3%), age (16.9%), PCOS (8.2%), tubal (4.7) and endometriosis (2.6%). All cycles were divided into two groups: group 1 (standard, 430 cycles) and group 2 (pretreatment, 430 cycles). The mean duration of stimulation was similar in both groups (10.3 vs 10.3 days, p = 0.28). The starting dose of gonadotropin (234.9 vs 196.8 IU, p<0.001), total amount of gonadotropin used (2419 vs 2020 IU, p<0.001), the total number of retrieved COCs (10 vs 7.8 p<0.001) and the number of mature oocytes (8 vs 5.8 p<0.001) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. The Generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analysis showed that the pretreatment strategy had a significant positive effect on the number of COCs (coefficient 2.4, p <0.001 after adjusting for known confounders (age, indication, stimulation dose, type, and duration of stimulation). In conclusion, A 3-day course of GnRH antagonist pretreatment increases the number of COCs obtained after ovarian stimulation.
The self-correction and influence factors of congenital auricular deformity: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Jincheng , Zou Kun , Yang Min , Fan Yanjun , Xia Jinjie , Zhao Li
Published: October 2024

Objective

To prospectively observe the self-correction of congenital auricular deformity (CAD) and explore the potential factors affecting the self-correction.

Methods

This study was a multi-center prospective observational study. Newborns aged 0–3 days from 12 Maternal and Child Health Hospitals or Maternity Hospitals were chosen as the participants and prospectively followed up until week 6 after birth. The primary and secondary outcome was the score of deformity, and the secondary outcome was the improvement rate, respectively.

Results

A total of 135 newborns diagnosed with CAD (237 ears) were recruited. Boys and girls accounted for 50.37% (117 ears) and 49.63% (120 ears). The top morphological type was the constricted ear (107 ears, 45.15%). The score of deformity at baseline, week 3, and week 6 after enrollment was 4.00, 3.00, and 2.00, decreasing over time (P < 0.05). The higher the severity of deformity, the worse the self-correcting effect (P < 0.05). The scores of deformity of Stahl’s ear were lower than those of others after follow-up (P < 0.05). No significant differences among the scores of deformity in different genders (P >0.05). The total improvement rate at week 3 and week 6 was 29.96% (71/237 ears) and 37.13% (88/237), respectively. The improvement rate of the Stahl’s ear at week 3 and week 6 after enrollment was higher than that of four other morphological types (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Some CAD tends to self-correction, but for most CADs, there is still a need for early correction. Morphological types and severity of deformity are the main influencing factors on self-correcting effect, whereas sex was not.
Genotype-phenotype correlation of ocular von Hippel-Lindau disease in Koreans
Authors: Hwang Sungsoon , Kang Se Woong , Kim Jong-Won , Kim Sang Jin
Published: October 2024

This scientific report aims to investigate the genotype-phenotype correlations of retinal hemangioblastoma (RH) in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. The study included 77 patients with genetically confirmed VHL disease who visited an ophthalmology clinic for the evaluation of RH. The presence, location, and size of RH were evaluated, Patients were categorized into three groups based on variants: HIF-1α binding site missense (HM), non-HIF-1α binding site missense (nHM), and truncating (TR) mutations. Fifty-six patients (72.7%) had RH in either eye, and 24 had bilateral RH. Sixteen patients (20.8%) had juxtapapillary RH in either eye. Nine patients had RH ≥ 2.0 disc diameters in size. VHL c.208G>A variant was the most frequent single mutation. Compared with patients having nHM mutations (15 patients) in VHL gene, patients with HM mutations (33 patients) or TR mutations (26 patients) presented a greater number of eyes affected (p = 0.007 and 0.004, respectively), a greater number of RH (p = 0.012 and 0.003, respectively), and more frequent presentation of large RH ≥ 2.0 disc diameters (p = 0.012, and 0.013, respectively). In conclusion, this study provides a deeper understanding of the genetic spectrum of VHL disease in Korean VHL disease and highlights the importance of the location of missense mutations regarding the risk of RH.
First detection and impact of bovine herpesvirus type 4 on dairy cattle reproduction in Thailand
Authors: Jongsuwanwattana Ruchikon , Setthawong Piyathip , Suadsong Siriwat , Sirivaidyapong Sudson , Swangchan-Uthai Theerawat
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim: Postpartum reproductive tract infections pose significant challenges to dairy farms, leading to economic losses due to reduced fertility associated with uterine inflammation. In veterinary practice, numerous research groups have explored the underlying causes of subfertility in cows, including surveying endemic viral infections related to endometritis in local areas. This study investigated bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) infection in Thai dairy herds and assessed its impact on endometritis and subsequent reproductive outcomes.

Materials and Methods: The present study analyzed BoHV-4 DNA in various samples, including milk, blood, and endometrial tissue, from 44 Holstein-Friesian cows 21–47 days postpartum across five dairy herds in Central Thailand. BoHV-4 glycoprotein B and thymidine kinase DNA sequences were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR, with sequence comparisons made to GenBank data for phylogenetic analysis. The endometritis status was diagnosed through vaginal mucus examination and endometrial cytology, with reproductive performance monitored up to the subsequent calving.

Results: BoHV-4 DNA was identified in blood and endometrial tissues (15.91%) but not in milk samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the local BoHV-4 strains are similar to those identified in Brazil and Japan. Notably, the presence of BoHV-4 was correlated with reduced postpartum reproductive performance, particularly extending the interval from calving to the first service.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of integrating BoHV-4 genomic surveys and uterine health assessments to refine reproductive management strategies within the dairy industry.

Keywords: bovine herpesvirus-4, dairy cattle, endometritis, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive performance, Thailand.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: August 2024
Authors: Umar Shifa
Published: October 2024

Article Title: Machine Learning Models for Pancreatic Cancer Risk Prediction Using Electronic Health Record Data—A Systematic Review and Assessment
Relationship between endometriosis and uterine cervical elasticity assessed using ultrasound strain elastography
Authors: Xholli Anjeza , Molinari Filippo , Scovazzi Umberto , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , Perugi Isabella , Kratochwila Chiara , Cremonini Francesca , Cagnacci Angelo
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Internal cervical os (ICO) stiffness is related to menstrual pain, a key symptom of endometriosis. The study evaluated whether women with endometriosis have a stiffer ICO than unaffected women.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using prospectively collected data from women with and without endometriosis, spanning from June 2020 to September 2022. Endometriosis was diagnosed through clinical and ultrasound evaluations, with histological confirmation in a subset of participants. Strain elastography (SE) was employed to measure tissue elasticity in four cervical regions of interest: the ICO and the anterior, posterior, and middle cervical compartments (ACC, PCC, and MCC, respectively). Tissue elasticity was quantified using a color-based scoring system ranging from 0.1 (blue, indicating less elasticity) to 3.0 (red, indicating greater elasticity).Results: Overall, 287 women were included, with 157 diagnosed with endometriosis and 130 controls. On SE, women with endometriosis exhibited a lower color score (mean±standard deviation), indicating lower elasticity, for the ICO (0.56±0.28 vs. 0.70±0.26, P=0.001) and PCC (0.69±0.30 vs. 0.80±0.27, P=0.002). Additionally, they had a lower ICO/MCC ratio (0.45±0.28 vs. 0.60±0.32, P=0.001) and ICO/ACC ratio (0.68±0.42 vs. 0.85±0.39, P=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that endometriosis was associated with the ICO color score (odds ratio, 0.053; 95% confidence interval, 0.014 to 0.202; R2=0.358; P=0.001), even after adjusting for confounding factors like the presence of myomas (P=0.040) and the use of hormonal therapy (P=0.001). The results were corroborated in women with histologically confirmed endometriosis (n=71).Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential relationship between a stiffer ICO and endometriosis.
Precise liver tumor ablation: the clinical potential of US-US overlay fusion guidance
Authors: Minami Yasunori
Published: October 2024

Image-guided thermal ablation is a minimally invasive option for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the risk of local recurrence remains substantial because ultrasound (US) artifacts have a negative impact on the assessment of ablative margins during and immediately after ablation. Precise, real-time assessment of the ablation zone is key to reducing the risk of local tumor progression. With the advent of US image fusion technology, ablative margins can now be assessed three-dimensionally with greater accuracy. Therefore, US-US overlay fusion guidance has the potential to improve the local controllability of ablation in patients with HCC. This review discusses the US-US fusion guidance technique and its current clinical applications for hepatic interventions, with descriptions of its concept, methodology, and efficacy.
A/part: Writing retreats as spaces fostering a sense of belonging for academic staff
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, van Heerden Martina
Published: October 2024

In June 2022, I attended a teaching and learning writing retreat with other early career researchers, the deputy dean of teaching and learning of the faculty, and the teaching and learning specialist for our faculty. I had recently completed my teaching portfolio as part of my probationary requirements and had been asked to join the retreat to guide and assist the other early career researchers who were working on their teaching portfolios at the time. At this specific retreat, we had quite a few frank discussions about our teaching and learning background experiences and we were given the space to be vulnerable and open with one another. At the time, I was working on a paper on student belonging, and I noted the parallel between what I was reading about student belonging and what I was experiencing at the retreat: a profound sense of being a part of a group, of belonging.
‘Ungazilanda in so many ways’ – Theory-making in African languages
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Tyler Robyn , Masola Athambile , Mpuma Nondwe
Published: October 2024

Background: In this interview, conducted over Zoom on 13 February 2023, Robyn Tyler (RT) is in conversation with Athambile Masola (AM) and Nondwe Mpuma (NM). Both Athambile and Nondwe are published South African poets as well as full time academics. Athambile published ‘Ilifa’ in 2021 and Nondwe published ‘Peach Country’ in 2022. The transcript of the interview, which has been edited by all three authors, follows, interspersed with reflections by Robyn on the content (in italics).
Introduction: Building decolonial learning and teaching through connecting to our diverse pasts: a case for ukuzilanda
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Tyler Robyn
Published: October 2024

The authors of this special issue – Nondwe Mpuma, Martina van Heerden, Khanyiso Jonas and Robyn Tyler - are part of a cohort of early career academics in the Arts and Humanities Faculty at the University of the Western Cape. We are joined by co-author Athambile Masola from the University of Cape Town. We are all fewer than 5 years into our permanent position as a lecturer at our institution. We come from Lubaleko, Kariega, Durban, eMonti and Cape Town and we speak isiXhosa, Afrikaans, English and isiZulu. Our academic disciplines within Arts and Humanities include Linguistics, English Literature, Sociology, Academic Literacies and Historical Studies. The foregrounding of our academic, geographic and linguistic identity positions within the body of this introduction is intentional.
Surplus Absorption, Secular Stagnation, and the Transition to Socialism
Authors: Li Minqi , Wei Lingyi
Published: October 2024

Minqi Li and Lingyi Wei look to the Chinese and U.S. economies to illustrate the contradictions of secular stagnation, concluding that both economies will likely face great challenges in the decades to come. However, they write, progressive economic policies could change China's future, encouraging massive investment into the state sector and bringing about the transition to a fully socialist society.