bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and Preclinical Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Shufelt Chrisandra L , Saadedine Mariam , Cook-Wiens Galen , Pisarska Margareta D , Manson JoAnn E , Berga Sarah L , Arditi Moshe , Shah Prediman K , Bairey Merz C Noel
Published: August 2023

Context

Endothelial dysfunction is a preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) marker. Due to various neuroendocrine aberrations, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) may be a sex-specific risk factor for CVD in young women.

Objective

To investigate endothelial function in women with FHA, compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis among women with FHA (n = 30), eumenorrheic controls (n = 29), and recently menopausal women (n = 30). FHA was defined as amenorrhea ≥3 consecutive months, estradiol <50 pg/mL, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) < 10 mIU/mL, and luteinizing hormone (LH) < 10 mIU/mL, excluding other etiologies. Participants were recruited through obstetrics and gynecology referrals, social media advertising, and review of electronic health records. Preclinical CVD was measured using EndoPAT 2000 to calculate reactive hyperemic index (RHI). RHI ≤1.67 indicates endothelial dysfunction.

Results

Mean estradiol levels in women with FHA, as compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women, were 29.0 ± 18.1, 46.4 ± 15.7, and 10.9 ± 14.4 pg/mL (P < .0001), respectively. Women with FHA had lower insulin (P = .0095) and higher cortisol (P = .0004) compared with controls. RHI was significantly lower in women with FHA compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.6, respectively; P = .008), and 35% of women with FHA had RHI ≤1.67, consistent with endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate endothelial dysfunction in 1 out of 3 young women with FHA. FHA may be a contributor to preclinical CVD, and it is not explained by hypoestrogenemia alone.
What Is “Postmedieval”? Embedded Reflections
Authors: Orlemanski Julie
Published: August 2023

This essay explores the issue's topic, “The ‘Medieval’ Undone: Imagining a New Global Past,” by asking what it has meant, and what it could yet mean, to be postmedieval. It does so by telling a specific institutional history, that of postmedieval: a journal of medieval cultural studies, which launched in 2010 and continues to the present. The article adopts a decidedly embedded perspective, from the point of view of a current coeditor of postmedieval, previously an author and book reviews editor. Ultimately, the article argues that postmedieval's attachment to the “medieval” works to keep its readers in conflicted contact with the Eurocentrism, global flows of capital, dominance of English, and politics of time that cannot be escaped merely through critique or shifts in representation.
A Bridge Too Far? Ludovico Marracci's Translation of the Qurʾan and the Persistence of Medieval Biblicism
Authors: Livanos Christopher , Salama Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The medieval tendency to view Islam as a Christian heresy continues to influence Qurʾanic studies in the Western academy due to the academy's origins as a religious institution and the absence of systematic reckoning by contemporary scholars. Ludovico Marracci's 1698 Qurʾan commentary was both the culmination of the medieval polemic tradition and the blueprint for subsequent Western engagement with the Qurʾan. Though few Qurʾanic scholars have the proficiency in Latin necessary to read Marracci's work, Western Qurʾanic studies continues to overemphasize biblical “sources” for the Qurʾan because the field originated in a methodology that was fundamentally polemical rather than exegetical. This essay proposes models from within the Christian and Muslim traditions that can pave the way toward a break from Biblicist tropes toward an interfaith understanding based on the rich tradition of Muslim exegesis.
Towards an employment policy: optimum control theory and input-output analysis as instruments to planning
Authors: Fonseca Manuel Alcino Ribeiro da , Lopes Carlos Magno dos Mendes
Published: August 2023

The objective of this paper is to integrate optimum control theory and input-output analysis in a model designed to provide elements toward policies of sectoral unemployment minimization. In the paper, the deterministic version of the optimum control problem with linear dynamic equation and quadratic performance criterion is briefly presented. In the model, the objective function contains an index that is regarded as representing the unemployment due to underutilization of sectoral capacity, which is minimized. The state variables are the sectoral gaps between actual output and potential (full-capacity) output; the control variables are the variations in the sectoral final demands accomplished by the government. In the empirical simulations, data from the Brazilian input-output table, built by IBGE, are used. The results show that the service and the civil construction sectors are the most responsive to policies intended to minimize sectoral unemployment, due to its wage coefficients and backward linkages, respectively. Other good reasons to stimulate those sectors are the acceptable degree of government intervention and the small consumption of imported inputs, which characterize them. Government intervention is then recommended to be concentrated on those two sectors.
Bayesian foundations of nash equilibrium behaviour
Authors: Werlang Sergio Ribeiro da Costa
Published: August 2023

This is part of a larger project to investigate the Bayesian foundations of non-cooperative solution concepts. Elsewhere Bernheim and Pearce prove that common knowledge of Bayesian rationality is not enough to justify the non-cooperative solution concept defined by Nash. Here several alternative behavioural assumptions are considered. In general the coordination required to achieve a Nash equilibrium is very strong. Not only Bayesian rationality, but also the actions taken, have to be common knowledge . For particular kinds of games the coordination required is not as strong.
Descentralização na governança das águas no estado da Bahia: afinal, do que estamos falando?
Authors: Cerqueira Lucas Santos , Fadul Élvia , Spínola Carolina De Andrade
Published: August 2023

A governança das águas, sob o ponto de vista da descentralização, é analisada neste artigo como uma opção política. Essa discussão apoia-se na análise dos aparatos legais e institucionais da política estadual de recursos hídricos no Estado da Bahia, identificando aqueles que podem significar barreiras para que a descentralização se efetive. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa e os dados são provenientes de análise das atas das reuniões dos comitês de bacia e entrevista com representante do INEMA. A Bahia possui atualmente 14 comitês de bacias e nenhum deles tem os instrumentos de gestão totalmente em funcionamento. Conclui-se que o Estado pretende manter-se como o protagonista da política estadual de recursos hídricos, definindo a agenda política e regulando a água de acordo com os interesses dos grupos que participam do seu controle. A descentralização é essencial para que os demais princípios e mecanismos dispostos na Lei das Águas se efetivem.
Demanda por dados abertos governamentais: Um estudo com dados do Ministério da Saúde Brasileiro, antes e ao longo da pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Craveiro Gisele da Silva , Albano Cláudio Sonáglio , Soletto Juliana Strumiello
Published: August 2023

Atualmente os governos desenvolvem diversas ações visando promover maior abertura dos dados governamentais, entretanto para que essa iniciativa alcance seus objetivos é necessária uma eficiente relação entre oferta e demanda por dados. Assim, este trabalho teve como principal objetivo analisar os pedidos de acesso à informação do governo federal, com foco no Ministério da Saúde, que assumiu papel de protagonismo por causa da sua atuação por ocasião da pandemia da Covid-19. Para o atendimento aos objetivos, foram utilizados dados secundários, disponíveis nos sítios dos órgãos governamentais. Como principais resultados, citam-se: identificar os demandantes (proximidade com a área); agrupar os pedidos em áreas temáticas; efetivar associação entre oferta e demanda por dados; e comparar a demanda por dados antes e no decorrer da pandemia. De posse desses resultados, é possível aos gestores de processos de abertura de dados promoverem uma abertura que atenda aos anseios da sociedade.
Legal Aspects of Measures Implemented for the Management of SARS-Cov-2 Crisis in Greece
Authors: Kyrgos Zisis S. , Karageorgou Aikaterini , Tsadiras Alexandros , Soteriades Elpidoforos S.
Published: August 2023

The management of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has seen extensive criticism on the subjects of legality, social liberties and general scientific morality. The method used by the Greek state to impose control measures was that of Acts of Legislative Content. The other available alternatives were that of a “state of siege” and the “emergency civil planning”, which were both determined to be legislative disproportionate to the situation and could have, if chosen, a significant potential political cost for the government. The measures were imposed with the justification provided by art. 25 par. 1 of the Constitution which states that the state has the right to claim of all citizens to duty of social and national solidarity, implying that the state is able to request by its citizens to restrict their rights in favor of the above duties. However, the above justification can be considered relevant only in the case of these measures being proportionate to the threat posed by the pandemic. Further research on the subject of proportionality would be necessary to comment on the justification of the measures in regards to the threat posed by the pandemic.
Podcast as a Tool to Popularize Political Science Knowledge into Non-Academic Audiences: The Case of Universities’ Podcasts in Poland
Authors: Szeląg Oliwia
Published: August 2023

Increasing digitization means that education is forced to adapt technological solutions to the learning process. Podcasts are one of the forms that accompany education. This article is an analysis of political science podcasts in Poland, which are produced by academic units. The purpose of the article is to verify the methods of popularization, promotion, and distribution of political science podcasts. Study draws on qualitative and quantitative analysis of sources. The first allowed to discover what topics are covered by political science podcasts in Poland and how they are distributed. The quantitative analysis of sources made it possible to gain knowledge of the number of episodes of these podcasts produced. The author also posed three research questions 1) What are the political science podcasts in Poland that are produced by university units? 2) What topics do they cover? 3) How do the creators try to reach non-academic audiences? The study draws attention to good practices in producing and distributing political science podcasts to reach beyond an academic audience.
Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Development in Angola: A Policy Agenda for Diversification and Innovation
Authors: Garwi Jabulani
Published: August 2023

This policy brief titled "Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Development in Angola: A Policy Agenda for Diversification and Innovation" provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic challenges faced by Angola and proposes a policy agenda to foster inclusive growth and development. The brief highlights the heavy reliance on oil exports and the need for diversification, identifies key challenges in sectors such as human capital development and infrastructure, and presents policy recommendations for economic diversification, enhancing human capital, improving infrastructure, and addressing governance and transparency issues. The proposed policy agenda aims to promote sustainable economic development, reduce poverty and inequality, and improve the well-being of the Angolan population. The brief offers valuable insights and practical solutions for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in addressing the economic challenges and unlocking the potential of Angola's economy.
Ανθεκτικότητα: Αναδεικνύοντας τη Σημασία της για την Ασφάλεια και την Ανάπτυξη μέσα από Αναφορές Στρατηγικών Εγγράφων (Εθνικής) Ασφάλειας Διεθνών Δρώντων
Authors: Κουκάκης Γεώργιος
Published: August 2023

Η ανθεκτικότητα αποτελεί μία κρίσιμη ικανότητα για κάθε διεθνή δρώντα, καθώς του επιτρέπει να αντιμετωπίζει με επιτυχία τις αναδυόμενες προκλήσεις του περιβάλλοντος ασφάλειας και να εκμεταλλεύεται τις ευκαιρίες που παρουσιάζονται ώστε να ανακάμπτει ταχέως μετά από την εκδήλωση κρίσεων. Το παρόν άρθρο επιχειρεί να αναδείξει τη σημασία που έχει η ανθεκτικότητα – όσον αφορά την ανάπτυξη και την ασφάλεια - για τους διεθνείς δρώντες, παρουσιάζοντας τον τρόπο με τον οποίο την έχουν ενσωματώσει στη στοχοθεσία τους μέσα από επίσημα έγγραφα που σχετίζονται με την (εθνική) ασφάλεια.
The influence of the angle of the trunk flexion and extension in the sagittal plane and flexion in the frontal plane on the value of features describing the spine and pelvis among 7 to 15-year-old youth of both sexes
Authors: Mrozkowiak Mirosław
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the significant effect of the value of the angle of trunk flexion and extension in the sagittal plane and the flexion to the left and right in the frontal plane on the value of selected features describing the spine.
Material and methodology. The research was conducted in a group of 2,361 people aged 7 to 15, in 6 semi-annual successive editions. This made it possible to record 16,608 observations using the photogrammetric method: 29 features describing spatially body posture.
Results. Four features influencing the value of features describing the posture were selected for the analysis like an angle of trunk flexion and extension in the sagittal plane, an angle of flexion to the left and right in the frontal plane on selected sagittal and frontal features.
Conclusions. (1) The influence of trunk flexion and extension angles in the sagittal plane and
left and right flexion in the frontal oplane on the spine features is multidirectional and differential. (2) Spine characteristics are significantly and positively affected in particular by the value of the trunk extension angle in the sagittal plane and the value of the left flexion angle in the frontal plane, and negatively the value of the flexion angle in the sagittal plane. (3) None of the examined angles affect the characteristics of the pelvis.
Wide range applications of botulinum toxin in medicine - literature review
Authors: Serwik-Trandasir Aleksandra , Kania Agata , Gonet Malwina , Miszczyk Karolina , Włodarczyk-Cybulska Karolina , Maj Patrycja , Sergiel Natalia , Mozer Piotr , Maternia Jakub , Lazar Michal
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose :
Botulinum toxin is one of the most dangerous natural toxins. Botulinum toxin poisoning causes botulism. Botulism is a set of systemic symptoms resulting from flaccid muscle paralysis. The first symptomatology of toxin poisoning was described at the beginning of the 19th century. After more than 200 years, botulinum toxin is associated primarily with aesthetic medicine treatments, where it is used to temporarily improve the appearance, mainly by reducing mimic wrinkles.
Aim of the study:
The aim of the study is to collect information available in PubMed, Google Scholar, academic textbooks and characteristics of botulinum toxin medicinal products, especially regarding its wide use, mechanism of action, adverse events and contraindications. As a result, the presentation of the versatile use of botulinum toxin as a medicinal product in many fields of medicine.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Botulinum toxin is produced by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Its mechanism of action consists in flaccid muscle paralysis. Most preparations with botulinum toxin are only registered for strictly defined aesthetic medicine treatments. Other registered indications for the use of medicinal products with botulinum toxin include overactive bladder, various types of spasticity and prevention of headaches. In addition, in medicine, botulinum toxin is commonly used off-label.
Summary:
Botulinum toxin is widely used not only in aesthetic medicine. Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin are successfully used in various fields of medicine, such as: urology, neurology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, dermatology, gynecology, otolaryngology, dentistry and even psychiatry.
Protection of the Owner’s Rights to Property Damaged during the War
Authors: Spasybo-Fateyeva Inna
Published: August 2023

Property is an economic, social, and legal phenomenon. Owning property is an inalienable natural human right. Destruction and damage to property belonging to a person during mil-itary operations, being forced to leave it in the occupied territories, a significant decrease in the value of the property, and other reasons for the impossibility of extracting benefits from the property are the realities in which many citizens of Ukraine found themselves. Military operations continue, and human life goes on. All owners, whose property was negatively affected by the war, seek to restore their rights. Adequate protection of the rights of owners, however, is not possible with the usual legal mechanisms used in peacetime. In emergencies, such as hostilities, martial law, and state of emergency, neither vindication, nor restitution, nor negative actions are possible. Currently, it is difficult to bring to justice the perpetrator of damage to private Ukrainian owners, since the damage was caused by military actions by the state that invaded Ukraine and does not recognize the norms of international law. Therefore, the realities require effective legal mechanisms, the use of which would allow the application of the norms of public law, including international, and humanitarian law, for real compensation to private individuals for the damage caused by the war. The scale of such damage is currently very significant, and legal mechanisms are absent or ineffective.
„Poukraińskie” i jego polskie losy
Authors: Kich-Masłej Olga
Published: August 2023

“THE POST-UKRAINIAN” IN POLAND: A STORY OF VANISHING In the literature on the heritage of the post-migration areas of south-eastern Poland, as well as in the nationwide information space, too little attention is paid to the Ukrainian legacy. Although since 1989, the topic has been discussed more often and more freely, and the knowledge in this area has significantly expanded, still the issue of Ukrainian heritage is underrepresented in scientific and journalistic narratives and public administration practices of eastern border regions Polish. Within the present borders of Poland, there are over a thousand postUkrainian localities, whose tangible and intangible heritage has been destroyed, forgotten, and repressed from social consciousness, it has become invisible. In this article we try to explain how this happened. We ask about the decisions, people, and events that caused the ‘Ukrainian’ in Poland to become a symbolic ‘after’ – ‘post-Ukrainian.’
More Than a Bot? The Impact of Disclosing Human Involvement on Customer Interactions with Hybrid Service Agents
Authors: Gnewuch Ulrich , Morana Stefan , Hinz Oliver , Kellner Ralf , Maedche Alexander
Published: August 2023

To leverage the complementary strengths of humans and artificial intelligence (AI) in online service encounters, firms have begun to use hybrid service agents: combinations of AI agents (e.g., chatbots) and human agents (e.g., service employees) behind a single interface. However, it is unclear whether firms should be transparent about behind-the-scenes employees working in tandem with an AI-based chatbot to serve customers. Against this backdrop, we investigated the impact of human involvement disclosure on customer interactions with hybrid service agents. Our findings suggest that disclosing human involvement before or during an interaction with the hybrid service agent leads customers to adopt a more human-oriented communication style. This effect is driven by impression management concerns that are activated when customers become aware of humans working in tandem with the chatbot. The more human-oriented communication style ultimately increases employee workload because fewer customer requests can be handled automatically by the chatbot and must be delegated to a human. These findings provide novel insights into how and why disclosing human involvement affects customer communication behavior, reveal its negative consequences for employees working in tandem with a chatbot, and highlight the potential costs and benefits of providing transparency in customer–hybrid service agent interactions.
Robust Bidding in First-Price Auctions: How to Bid Without Knowing What Others Are Doing
Authors: Kasberger Bernhard , Schlag Karl H.
Published: August 2023

We propose how to bid in first-price auctions when a bidder knows the own value but not how others will bid. To do this, we introduce a methodology to show how to make choices in strategic settings without assuming common knowledge or equilibrium behavior. Accordingly, we first eliminate environments that are believed not to occur and then find a robust rule that performs well in the remaining environments. We test our bids using data from laboratory experiments and the field and find that our bids outperform those made by real bidders.

This paper was accepted by Omar Besbes, revenue management and market analytics.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4899 .
Magnetization properties of radially polarized Bessel–Gaussian vortex beams with radial phase modulation in a 4π focusing system
Authors: Lu Chenxu , Li Jinsong , Feng Guojin , Gao Xiumin
Published: August 2023

This paper explored the optically induced magnetization properties of radially polarized Bessel–Gaussian vortex beams with radial phase modulation in a 4π high numerical aperture (NA) focusing system, which is based on the vector diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. The results show that in the case of radial modulation parameter L=0, one longitudinal magnetization chain with adjustable length can be obtained by modulating the truncation parameter β. When the radial modulation parameter L=1.3, two magnetization chains can be obtained by modulating the truncation parameter β. By modulating the radial modulation parameter L, two magnetization chains along the optical axis can be generated, each with four dark magnetic traps; meanwhile, the spacing between two magnetization chains can be adjusted. These results may be helpful in high-density all-optical magnetic recording, atom capture, and magnetic resonance microscopy.
Adjustable spatial filter for optimal free-space quantum communication round the clock
Authors: Kržič Andrej , Döll Nico , Chandrashekara Uday , Spiess Christopher , Steinlechner Fabian
Published: August 2023

Free-space quantum communication in daylight relies crucially on spatial filtering. The optimal filter configuration, however, depends on ever-changing link conditions. To this end, we developed an adjustable spatial filter that can be used to change the system field of view on the fly. We demonstrate its use in quantum key distribution over a 1.7-km free-space link. Furthermore, we compare it to filtering with multi-mode fiber coupling. Finally, we extrapolate our results to a broader range of realistic link conditions and show that active field-of-view optimization has the potential to substantially improve the overall secure key output of the system.
Wavelength scaling of high harmonic yields and cutoff energies in solids driven by mid-infrared pulses
Authors: Wan Zhongjun , Guan Zhong , Liu Jiaqi , Yang Hang , Tian Kan , He Linzhen , Xiang Maoxin , Hu Bo , Wang Weizhe , Yang Xuemei , Li Yang , Wu Han , Jin Cheng , Bian Xuebin , Liang Houkun
Published: August 2023

The effect of driving wavelengths on high harmonic generation (HHG) have long been a fundamental research topic. However, despite of abundant efforts, the investigation of wavelength scaling of HHG in solids is still confined within the scope of theoretical predictions. In this work, we for the first time to the best of our knowledge, experimentally reveal wavelength scaling of HHG yields and cutoff energy in three typical solid media (namely pristine crystals GaSe, CdTe and polycrystalline ZnSe), driven in a broad mid-infrared (MIR) range from 4.0 to 8.7 µm. It is revealed that when the driving wavelength is shorter than 6.5-7.0 µm, HHG yields decrease monotonously with the MIR driving wavelengths, while they rise abruptly by 1-3 orders of magnitude driven at longer wavelength and exhibit a crest at 7.5 µm. In addition, the cutoff energies are found independent on driving wavelengths across the broad MIR pump spectral range. We propose that the interband mechanism dominates the HHG process when the driving wavelength is shorter than 6.5-7.0 µm, and as the driving wavelength increases, intraband contribution leads to an abrupt rise of the HHG yields, which is verified by the HHG polarization measurement driven at 3.0 and 7.0 µm. This work not only experimentally demonstrate the wavelength scaling of HHG in solids, but more importantly blazes the trail for optimizing the HHG performance by choosing a driving wavelength and provides experimental method to distinguish the interband and intraband dynamics.
Collimation by a polycapillary half lens at 277 eV
Authors: Probst Jürgen , Löchel Heike , Thiel Markus , Bjeoumikhova Semfira , Braig Christoph , Seifert Christian
Published: August 2023

We report on the efficient collimation of soft X-rays with an energy of 277 eV by a halved polycapillary lens (PCL), made of borosilicate glass. Using electron-excited, micro fluorescence emission in the focus of the PCL, experiments reveal an angular divergence of (6.9 ± 0.2) mrad in the far field of the emitted beam. For a source of ≈5μm in size, that result is confirmed by simulations, obtained with a newly developed ray tracing code. An analytical fit model is proposed and applied to characterize the evolution of the measured as well as calculated, three-dimensional (3-D) intensity distribution. The photon flux density in a free-space propagation distance of (0.4 − 0.9) m from the PCL is enhanced by a factor of ≈(30 − 90) in comparison to the direct, not collimated radiation, as it is detected through a mm-sized transmission slit. Our findings could help to establish the halved PCL as a versatile tool in the table-top metrology of optical elements, such as mirrors and gratings for soft X-rays.
Hybrid channel coding for OAM division multiplexing free space optical communication systems
Authors: Cai Shanyong , Sheng Wenbing , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: August 2023

An orbital angular momentum division multiplexing free space optical communication (OAM-DM FSO) system with channel coding can compensate atmospheric channel fading and improve system performance. An OAM-DM FSO system based on hybrid channel coding is proposed in this paper. The coding gain is improved by taking into account mode dependent channel fading difference caused by atmospheric turbulence. Simulation results show that compared with single channel coding, the coding gain is increased by 1.85 dB under Cn2=1E-14, BER=1E-5 with non-uniform LDPC code (0.7 code rate) for an OAM1/OAM3 multiplexing system. In addition, for four OAM modes (+1,+3,+5,+7) multiplexing systems, the coding gain is increased by more than 3.8 dB under Cn2=1E-14 and BER=1E-5.
Study on measurement of diesel Exhaust Velocity based on Absorption spectroscopy and Doppler effect
Authors: Xun Jiaqi , Chang Penghao , Ma Hongzhang , Shao Mingyu , Sun Xinghong , Han Zhuoqun , yang xiaotao , Ding Yu
Published: August 2023

Non-contact on-line measurement of gas velocity is of great significance in the experimental research of high-speed flow field such as engine. Based on the Doppler frequency shift effect of absorption spectrum, a high-speed airflow velocity measurement system was designed and built, and the high-speed airflow velocity accelerated by compressor nozzle was detected online in real time. The experiment chooses H2O characteristic absorption lines near 1392 nm. Then the experimental measurement was carried out to obtain the data. Through the calculation and analysis of the data, the flow rate of about 70m/s was obtained, and the relative error could be controlled within 5.8%. Using Origin software, connected with the experimental system, the corresponding absorption spectrum line was obtained, which realized the real-time on-line measurement of flow velocity that the traditional method could not do. This paper analyzes the shortcomings of the system and lists several possible solutions. On this basis, the lower limit of measurement that the system can achieve is 25.9 m/s, which lays a foundation for the further optimization of the system and the development of the whole device.
Autism, thy name is man: Exploring implicit and explicit gender bias in autism perceptions
Authors: Brickhill Rae , Atherton Gray , Piovesan Andrea , Cross Liam
Published: August 2023

Males are around three times more likely to possess an autism diagnosis than females. For years this was explained by accounts that considered the male gender more compatible with the autistic phenotype. However, new research suggests that a lack of understanding and recognition of the female autistic phenotype, and a predisposition to associate males with autistic traits, could lead to structural inequalities that hinder the identification of autistic females. To explore how autism and gender are more widely perceived, the present study tested implicit and explicit associations between autism and binary gender using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and the Autism Quotient (AQ) presented alongside a male or female vignette. A significant association was found on the IAT, identifying an implicit bias towards males and autistic traits. The vignette AQ pairing also revealed some specific items perceived as explicitly male traits, while only reverse-scored items were perceived as female. These findings suggest that current perceptions and even metrics of autism are skewed towards males, which may hinder the identification and understanding of the female autistic phenotype.
Persistent Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi sub-populations within host interrogated by whole genome sequencing and metagenomics
Authors: Sim Eby M. , Wang Qinning , Howard Peter , Kim Rady , Lim Ling , Hope Kirsty , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: August 2023

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) causes typhoid fever and, in some cases, chronic carriage after resolution of acute disease. This study examined sequential isolates of S. Typhi from a single host with persistent asymptomatic infection. These isolates, along with another S. Typhi isolate recovered from a household contact with typhoid fever, were subjected to whole genome sequencing and analysis. In addition, direct sequencing of the bile fluid from the host with persistent infection was also performed. Comparative analysis of isolates revealed three sub-populations of S. Typhi with distinct genetic patterns. Metagenomic sequencing recognised only two of the three sub-populations within the bile fluid. The detection and investigation of insertion sequences IS10R and associated deletions complemented analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms. These findings improve our understanding of within-host dynamics of S. Typhi in cases of persistent infection and inform epidemiological investigations of transmission events associated with chronic carriers.
Integrated physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal changes during the natural senescence of Quercus mongolica leaves
Authors: Yuan Yangchen , Zhang Weiqiang , Pang Jiushuai , Zhou Miaomiao , Liu Jianying , Zhao Jin , Sui Jinming , Huang Dazhuang , Yang Minsheng
Published: August 2023

Quercus mongolica is a common landscape, afforestation, and construction timber species in northern China with high ecological, economic, and ornamental value. Leaf senescence is a complex process that has important implications for plant growth and development. To explore changes of metabolites during the ageing of Quercus mongolica leaves, we investigated physiological responses and metabolite composition in ageing leaves harvested from 15–20-year-old Quercus mongolica. Leaf samples of Q. mongolica were collected when they were still green (at maturity) (stage 1), during early senescence (stage 2), and during late senescence (stage 3). These leaves were then subjected to physiological index and metabolome sequencing analyses. The physiological analysis showed that the leaves of Q. mongolica changed from green to yellow during senescence, which induced significant accumulation of soluble sugar and significant reductions in the concentration of soluble protein and chlorophyll. Peroxidase and catalase were the main antioxidant enzymes mitigating leaf senescence. Metabolomic analysis identified 797 metabolites during leaf senescence. Compared to stage 1, 70 differential metabolites were screened in stage 2 and 72 were screened in stage 3. Differential metabolites in the two senescent stages were principally enriched in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The contents of N-oleoylethanolamine and N, N-dimethylglycine were significantly increased only in stage 2, while the contents of trifolin, astragalin, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and citric acid were significantly increased only in stage 3. Histidine, homoserine, tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, proline, norleucine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, gallic acid, 3-indoleacrylic acid, 3-amino-2-naphthoic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentane-1,5-dioic acid, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, trifolin, astragalin, DL-2-aminoadipic acid, pinoresinol dimethyl ether, dimethylmatairesinol, and lysophosphatidylcholine increased during both stage 2 and stage 3. Increasing contents of these metabolites may constitute the main mechanism by which Q. mongolica leaves adapt to senescence.
Drivers and pressures behind insect decline in Central and Western Europe based on long-term monitoring data
Authors: Rumohr Quintana , Baden Christian Ulrich , Bergtold Matthias , Marx Michael Thomas , Oellers Johanna , Schade Michael , Toschki Andreas , Maus Christian
Published: August 2023

Insect declines have been discussed intensively among experts, policymakers, and the public. Albeit, decreasing trends have been reported for a long time for various regions in Europe and North America, but the controversial discussion over the role of specific drivers and pressures still remains. A reason for these uncertainties lies within the complex networks of inter-dependent biotic and abiotic factors as well as anthropogenic activities that influence habitats, communities, populations, and individual organisms. Many recent publications aim to identify both the extent of the observed declines and potential drivers. With this literature analysis, we provide an overview of the drivers and pressures and their inter-relationships, which were concluded in the scientific literature, using some of the best-studied insect groups as examples. We conducted a detailed literature evaluation of publications on Carabidae (Coleoptera) and Lepidoptera trends with data for at least 6 years in countries of Central and Western Europe, with a focus on agricultural landscapes. From the 82 publications identified as relevant, we extracted all reported trends and classified the respective factors described according to the DPSIR model. Further, we analysed the level of scientific verification (presumed vs correlated vs examined) within these papers for these cited stressors. The extracted trends for both species groups underline the reported overall declining trend. Whether negative or positive trends were reported in the papers, our semi-quantitative analysis shows that changes in insect populations are primarily anthropogenically driven by agriculture, climate change, nature conservation activities, urbanisation, and other anthropogenic activities. Most of the identified pressures were found to act on habitat level, only a fraction attributed to direct effects to the insects. While our analysis gives an overview of existing research concerning abundance and biodiversity trends of carabids and lepidopterans, it also shows gaps in scientific data in this area, in particular in monitoring the pressures along with the monitoring of abundance trends. The scientific basis for assessing biodiversity changes in the landscape is essential to help all stakeholders involved to shape, e.g. agriculture and other human activities, in a more sustainable way, balancing human needs such as food production with conservation of nature.
Thinking about the consequences: The detrimental role of future thinking on intrapersonal problem-solving in depression
Authors: Noreen Saima , Dritschel Barbara
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that depressed individuals encounter a multitude of social problems in daily life, research on social problem-solving has largely been dominated by research on interpersonal problems and there is a paucity of research on intrapersonal problems. Intrapersonal problems are linked to one’s subjective psychological functioning and involve managing one’s own feelings and emotions pertaining to the self. Given that depressed individuals exhibit impaired emotion regulation, it is possible that their ability to solve intrapersonal problems may be impaired, especially in relation to future thinking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether future thinking, in the form of thinking about the consequences of a problem being resolved or remaining unresolved has an impact on intrapersonal problem-solving in depression. Forty-five depressed and fifty-four non-depressed participants completed a modified version of the means end problem-solving task (MEPS). In the task, participants were presented with a series of intrapersonal problems and were asked to generate consequences of the problems being resolved or remaining unresolved. Participants were then presented with a positive resolution to each of the problems and were asked to solve the problem to achieve the positive resolution. Following a delay, participants were asked to recall all of the consequences initially generated. Overall, depressed individuals generated fewer-relevant means and less effective solutions to problems than non-depressed participants. Depressed individuals also demonstrated impaired intrapersonal problem-solving following the generation of resolved and unresolved consequences, compared to a baseline condition, where no consequences were generated. These findings suggest that future thinking impairs intrapersonal problem-solving and indicates that a more nuanced approach to future thinking and social problem-solving in depression is needed across different real-life problem-solving contexts.
Investigation of the vaginal microbiota of dairy cows through genetic sequencing of short (Illumina) and long (PacBio) reads and associations with gestational status
Authors: Souza Anne Kemmer , Zangirolamo Amanda Fonseca , Droher Ricardo Guella , Bonato Francieli Gesleine Capote , Alfieri Amauri A. , Carvalho da Costa Márcio , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes
Published: August 2023

The vaginal microbiota has been shown to be important in local immune regulation and may play a role in reproduction and fertility. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been used to characterize the bovine vaginal microbiota, mainly using short-read sequencing (Illumina). However, the main limitation of this technique is its inability to classify bacteria at the species level. The objective of this study was to characterize the bovine vaginal microbiota at the species level using long-read sequencing (PacBio) and to compare it with the results of short-read sequencing. In addition, the vaginal microbiota of cows that became pregnant after artificial insemination (AI) was compared with that of infertile animals. Thirteen Holstein cows had vaginal swabs collected prior to AI. DNA was extracted and subjected to Illumina and PacBio sequencing to characterize the V4 region and the entire 16S rRNA gene, respectively. PacBio sequencing yielded 366,509 reads that were assigned to 476 species from 27 phyla. However, none of the most abundant reads (>1%) could be classified at the species level. Illumina sequencing yielded more reads and consequently was able to detect a more observed species, but PacBio sequencing was able to detect more unique and rare species. The composition of the vaginal microbiota varies according to the sequencing method used, which might complicate the interpretation of results obtained in the majority of the current studies. The present study expands on the current knowledge of bovine microbiota, highlighting the need for further efforts to improve the current databanks.
Reduced steroid activation of elephant shark GR and MR after inserting four amino acids from the DNA-binding domain of lamprey corticoid receptor-1
Authors: Katsu Yoshinao , Zhang Jiawen , Baker Michael E.
Published: August 2023

Atlantic sea lamprey contains two corticoid receptors (CRs), CR1 and CR2, that have identical amino acid sequences, except for a four amino acid insert (Thr-Arg-Gln-Gly) in the CR1 DNA-binding domain (DBD). Steroids are stronger transcriptional activators of CR2 than of CR1 suggesting that the insert reduces the transcriptional response of lamprey CR1 to steroids. The DBD in elephant shark mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which are descended from a CR, lack these four amino acids, suggesting that a CR2 is their common ancestor. To determine if, similar to lamprey CR1, the presence of this insert in elephant shark MR and GR decreases transcriptional activation by corticosteroids, we inserted these four CR1-specific residues into the DBD of elephant shark MR and GR. Compared to steroid activation of wild-type elephant shark MR and GR, cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol had lower transcriptional activation of these mutant MR and GR receptors, indicating that the absence of this four-residue segment in the DBD in wild-type elephant shark MR and GR increases transcriptional activation by corticosteroids.
Application of computer vision in assessing crop abiotic stress: A systematic review
Authors: Orka Nabil Anan , Toushique Fardeen Md. , Uddin M. Nazim , Bari M. Latiful
Published: August 2023

Background

Abiotic stressors impair crop yields and growth potential. Despite recent developments, no comprehensive literature review on crop abiotic stress assessment employing deep learning exists. Unlike conventional approaches, deep learning-based computer vision techniques can be employed in farming to offer a non-evasive and practical alternative.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using the revised Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to assemble the articles on the specified topic. We confined our scope to deep learning-related journal articles that focused on classifying crop abiotic stresses. To understand the current state, we evaluated articles published in the preceding ten years, beginning in 2012 and ending on December 18, 2022.

Results

After the screening, risk of bias, and certainty assessment using the PRISMA checklist, our systematic search yielded 14 publications. We presented the selected papers through in-depth discussion and analysis, highlighting current trends.

Conclusion

Even though research on the domain is scarce, we encountered 11 abiotic stressors across 7 crops. Pre-trained networks dominate the field, yet many architectures remain unexplored. We found several research gaps that future efforts may fill.
Test performance of lateral flow rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 in Welsh adult care home staff using routine surveillance data
Authors: Hogg Craig , Boots Sian , Howorth Daniel , Williams Christopher , Heginbothom Margaret , Salmon Jane , Howe Robin
Published: August 2023

Background

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) have been used to screen for SARS-CoV2 in Wales since January 2021. Between May and August 2021, adult care home staff policy was for biweekly Innova LFT and weekly Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing while asymptomatic. We estimated test performance of LFTs conducted in adult care home staff using PCR tests as a reference standard.

Methods

Test results from surveillance data were matched by individual where both LFT and PCR were taken on the same day. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and agreement using Matthew’s correlation coefficient. Ct values of positive PCR results were compared by matched LFT result. Analysis was conducted using R v4.1.3.

Results

We analysed 115,593 test pairs, 499 (0.43%) of which were PCR positive. Median age was 48 (IQR: 22) and 85.00% of the study population were female. Test result agreement was 99.59% (95%CI 99.55–99.63; MCC: 0.38, p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 25.65% (95%CI 22.02–29.67) and 99.91% (95%CI 99.89–99.93), respectively. PPV was 55.90% (95%CI 49.42–62.17) and NPV was 99.68% (95%CI 99.64–99.71). Crude Ct values were significantly lower in positive PCR tests matched to a positive LFT compared to a negative LFT.

Conclusions

Specificity and negative predictive value were high in an asymptomatic population of care home staff indicating this test is an effective tool for identifying cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection during periods of high prevalence where transmission is likely, due to the presence of high viral loads. Positive predictive value results are lower than existing literature yet should be considered in light of the asymptomatic study population and low prevalence (under 1%) at the time most of these tests were conducted. Performance improved at times of higher prevalence during the study. These results suggest that whilst lateral flow tests are effective for identifying SARS-COV-2 infections with high viral loads, they are not effective at identifying cases with a low viral load. When an LFT provides a negative result, false negatives should be considered and additional diagnostic tests performed.
Sex, violence and a bit of a giggle: Notes on the novelty song
Authors: Hodges Hugh
Published: August 2023

Drawing on examples of novelty songs from Tin Pan Alley, rock ’n’ roll, punk, skiffle and pop, this article argues that novelty songs, when they make it into the charts, always appear to perform a similar function. Whatever the differences in the ecologies of popular music in Britain and the United States, and despite historical changes, novelty songs always seem to arrive as a more or less impolite interruption. The article proposes that it is this, the way they are used, that distinguishes novelty songs, not distinctions between novelty songs and other popular songs based on their (lack of) authenticity, seriousness, originality or durability.