bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelength domain spatial frequency modulation imaging: enabling fiber optic delivery and detection
Authors: Czerski John , Scarbrough Daniel , Adams Daniel , Field Jeffrey J. , Bartels Randy , Reeves Robert V. , Squier Jeff
Published: October 2023

Spatial frequency modulation imaging (SPIFI) provides a simple
architecture for modulating an extended illumination source that is
compatible with single pixel imaging. We demonstrate wavelength domain
SPIFI (WD-SPIFI) by encoding time-varying spatial frequencies in the
spectral domain that can produce enhanced resolution images, like its
spatial domain counterpart, spatial domain (SD) SPIFI. However,
contrary to SD-SPIFI, WD-SPIFI enables remote delivery by single mode
fiber, which can be attractive for applications where free-space
imaging is not practical. Finally, we demonstrate a cascaded system
incorporating WD-SPIFI in-line with SD-SPIFI enabling single pixel 2D
imaging without any beam or sample scanning.
Efficient denoising of cold atom images using the optimized eigenface recognition algorithm
Authors: Pal Gourab , Chaudhuri Saptarishi
Published: October 2023

Absorption imaging is a widely employed technique for detecting cold atom clouds and Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). There are situations where such images may suffer from unwanted interference fringes, resulting in uncertainties in determining crucial parameters such as the atom number, temperatures, or even dynamics in small timescales. Reducing the acoustic vibrations and recording image frames synchronized with the source of such vibrations can largely reduce these fringes; however, some residual fringes still need to be taken care of for precision measurements. In this study, we propose an efficient image post-processing technique for noise reduction that effectively mitigates such interference patterns. Our approach makes use of the well-known eigenface recognition algorithm, combined with an optimized masking strategy applied to the image of the atomic cloud using a small number of basis sets. The use of a limited basis set ensures minimal computational time, allowing this method to be readily incorporated into every experimental run. Through the application of our technique, we successfully reduce interference fringes and improve the accuracy of parameter estimation by 50% in the absorption imaging of cold atoms. The temperature uncertainties of cold 87Rb atoms are reduced by more than 50% after the algorithm is applied. This approach holds significant promise for enhancing the reliability and precision of experimental measurements in diverse research fields where absorption imaging is employed.
Adaptive polarization control for a fiber system based on the optimized AdamSPGD algorithm
Authors: Hu Chen , Luo Bin , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan , Zou Xihua
Published: October 2023

In this work, an adaptive control scheme based on the optimized AdamSPGD algorithm is proposed to maintain the stable state of polarization (SOP) of the optical signal in a fiber system. The search space can be reduced by half with the guidance of the physical equation of optical intensity that passes through a liner polarizer, leading to an increase in the speed and stability. Moreover, the robustness is guaranteed by the adoption of AdamSPGD as the optimization object. In the experiment, the input optical signals with random SOPs are successfully controlled to a stable output SOP. Compared to the original algorithm, the speed is increased by 44.73%, and the standard deviation of the required number of iterations is reduced by 21.27%.
Focal-plane wavefront sensing with photonic lanterns II: numerical characterization and optimization
Authors: Lin Jonathan , Fitzgerald Michael P. , Xin Yinzi , Kim Yoo Jung , Guyon Olivier , Leon-Saval Sergio G. , Norris Barnaby , Jovanovic Nemanja
Published: October 2023

We present numerical characterizations of the wavefront sensing performance for few-mode photonic lantern wavefront sensors (PLWFSs). These characterizations include calculations of the throughput, control space, sensor linearity, and an estimate of the maximum linear reconstruction range for standard and hybrid lanterns with between 3 and 19 ports, at λ=1550nm. We additionally consider the impact of beam-shaping optics and a charge-1 vortex mask placed in the pupil plane. The former is motivated by the application of PLs to high-resolution spectroscopy, which could enable efficient injection into the spectrometer along with simultaneous focal-plane wavefront sensing; similarly, the latter is motivated by the application of PLs to vortex fiber nulling (VFN), which can simultaneously enable wavefront sensing and the nulling of on-axis starlight. Overall, we find that the PLWFS setups tested in this work exhibit good linearity out to ∼0.25−0.5 radians of RMS wavefront error (WFE). Meanwhile, we estimate the maximum amount of WFE that can be handled by these sensors to be around ∼1−2 radians RMS before the sensor response becomes degenerate. In the future, we expect these limits can be pushed further by increasing the number of degrees of freedom, either by adopting higher mode-count lanterns, dispersing lantern outputs, or separating polarizations. Finally, we consider optimization strategies for the design of the PLWFS, which involve both modification of the lantern itself and the use of pre- and post-lantern optics like phase masks and interferometric beam recombiners.
Creating a near-perfect circularly polarized terahertz beam through the nonreciprocity of a magnetoplasma
Authors: Ju Xuewei , Hu Zhiqiang , Zhu Guofeng , Huang Feng , Chen Yanqing , Guo Cuixia , Belyanin Alexey , Kono Junichiro , Wang Xiangfeng
Published: October 2023

Compared to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, the terahertz frequency range lacks efficient polarization manipulation techniques, which is impeding the proliferation of terahertz technology. In this work, we demonstrate a tunable and broadband linear-to-circular polarization converter based on an InSb plate containing a free-carrier magnetoplasma. In a wide spectral region (∼ 0.45 THz), the magnetoplasma selectively absorbs one circularly polarized mode due to electron cyclotron resonance and also reflects it at the edges of the absorption band. Both effects are nonreciprocal and contribute to form a near-zero transmission band with a high isolation of –36 dB, resulting in the output of a near-perfect circularly polarized terahertz wave for an incident linearly polarized beam. The near-zero transmission band is tunable with magnetic field to cover a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 4.8 THz.
Sensing profiles of the volume scattering function at 180° using a single-photon oceanic fluorescence lidar
Authors: Shangguan Mingjia , Guo Yirui , Liao Zhuoyang , Lee Zhongping
Published: October 2023

A novel oceanic fluorescence lidar technique has been proposed and demonstrated for remotely sensing the volume scattering function at 180° (βf), which can be used to further retrieve the profiles of the absorption coefficient of phytoplankton (aph) at 532 nm and chlorophyll concentration (Chl). This scheme has these features. 1) The single-photon detection technology is employed to enhance the detection sensitivity to the single-photon level, enabling the oceanic lidar to obtain fluorescence backscatter profiles. 2) In terms of algorithms, the Raman backscattered signals of the water are utilized to normalize the backscattered signals of chlorophyll fluorescence, effectively minimizing the depth-dependent variation of the differential lidar attenuation coefficient (ΔK
l
i
d
a
r

f
r
). To reduce the contamination of fluorescence signals in the Raman backscatter signals, a Raman filter with a bandwidth of 6 nm was chosen. Subsequently, a perturbation method is utilized to invert the βf of the fluorescence lidar. Finally, aph and Chl profiles can be inverted based on empirical models. 3) The value of ΔK
l
i
d
a
r

f
r
used in inversion is obtained through a semi-analytic Monte Carlo simulation. According to theoretical analysis, the maximum relative error of βf for Chl ranging from 0.01 mg/m3 to 10 mg/m3 is less than 13 %. To validate this approach, a field experiment was conducted aboard the R/V Tan Kah Kee in the South China Sea from September 4th to September 5th, 2022, resulting in continuous subsurface profiles of βf, aph, and Chl. These measurements confirm the robustness and reliability of the oceanic single-photon fluorescence lidar system and the inversion algorithm.
Pulsed swept-source FDML-MOPA laser with kilowatt picosecond pulses around 1550 nm
Authors: Kutscher Tonio F. , Lamminger Philipp , Gruber Anton , Leonhardt Christina , Hunold Annika , Huber Robert A. , Karpf Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Swept-source lasers are versatile light sources for spectroscopy, imaging, and microscopy. Swept-source-powered multiphoton microscopy can achieve high-speed, inertia-free point scanning with MHz line-scan rates. The recently introduced spectro-temporal laser imaging by diffractive excitation (SLIDE) technique employs swept-source lasers to achieve kilohertz imaging rates by using a swept-source laser in combination with a diffraction grating for point scanning. Multiphoton microscopy at a longer wavelength, especially in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region, can have advantages in deep tissue penetration or applications in light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Here we present a swept-source laser around 1550 nm providing high-speed wavelength agility and high peak power pulses for nonlinear excitation. The swept-source laser is a Fourier-domain mode-locked (FDML) laser operating at 326 kHz sweep rate. For high peak powers, the continuous wave (cw) output is pulse modulated to short picosecond pulses and amplified using erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) to peak powers of several kilowatts. This FDML-master oscillator power amplifier (FDML-MOPA) setup uses reliable, low-cost fiber components. As proof-of-principle measurement, we show third-harmonic generation (THG) using harmonic nanoparticles at the 10 MHz pulse excitation rate. This new, to the best of our knowledge, laser source provides unique performance parameters for applications in nonlinear microscopy, spectroscopy, and ranging.
Analysis and optimization of aberration induced by oblique incidence for in-vivo tissue polarimetry
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Hao Rui , Shao Conghui , Mi Changjiang , He Honghui , He Chao , Du E. , Liu Shaoxiong , Wu Jian , Ma Hui
Published: October 2023

For in-vivo polarimetry such as Mueller matrix endoscopy of human internal organ cavities, the complicated undulating tissue surfaces deliver an inescapable occurrence of oblique incidence, which induce a prominent aberration to backscattering tissue polarimetry. In this Letter, we quantitatively analyze such polarimetric aberration on polarization basic parameters derived from the Mueller matrix. A correlation heatmap is obtained as applicable criteria to select an appropriate incident angle for different polarization basic parameters. Based on the analyzing results, we propose two aberration optimization strategies of parameter selection and azimuth rotation, which are suitable for tissue samples with randomly and well-aligned fiber textures, respectively. Both strategies are demonstrated to be effective in the ex-vivo human gastric muscularis tissue experiment. The findings presented in this Letter can be useful to provide accurate polarization imaging results, widely applied on in-vivo polarimetric endoscopy for tissues with complicated surface topography.
Dual-mode tunable absorber based on quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Di , Shi Xi-Rong , Meng Hai-Yu , Yue Jing , Zhai Xiang , Xia Sheng-Xuan , Li Hong-Ju , Wang Ling-Ling
Published: October 2023

In this Letter, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, dual-mode tunable absorber that utilizes quasi-bound states in the continuum (q-BIC) based on the periodically arranged silicon cylinders tetramer. By introducing asymmetry perturbation through manipulating the diameters of diagonal cylinders in the all-dielectric structure, the symmetry-protected BIC (SP-BIC) transforms into q-BIC, leading to the emergence of one transmission and one reflection Fano-like resonant mode. The relationship between the quality factor of each mode and the asymmetry parameter α is analyzed, revealing an exponential dependence with an exponent of −1.75, i.e., Q ∝ α−1.75. To explain the underlying physics, multipole decomposition analysis and Aleksandra’s theory are applied. Subsequently, a monolayer graphene is introduced to the all-dielectric structure to demonstrate the application of the dual-mode tunable absorber. When the critical coupling condition is satisfied, each mode can achieve the theoretical maximum absorption, demonstrating the distinctive capability of our proposed absorber for tuning and efficient light absorption. This research provides valuable insights into light–matter interactions and opens up possibilities for optical modulation and the development of graphene-based devices.
A Multi-hop Resource Efficient UWOC-Link assisted Local Area Network for UIoT Monitoring
Authors: Salman Maaz , Bolboli Javad , Ramavath Prasad Naik , Chung Wan Young
Published: October 2023

The underwater environment remains relatively uncharted territory when compared to the earth's surface, primarily due to the inadequate underwater communication infrastructure. To establish connectivity for the Internet of Underwater things (IoUT), underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) could prove to be instrumental, providing superior range, high data rates, low latency, and unrestricted bandwidth when compared to traditional radio frequency communication methods. This study proposes a local area network (UWOC-LAN) powered by underwater wireless optical communication, featuring multiple network nodes equipped with optical transceivers. To ensure user-end framework security, the sensor data is enveloped with individual authentication identity of respective node. The proposed system underwent evaluation in a specially designed water tank spanning 4 meters, and the results revealed that the system could transmit underwater sensor data reliably in real-time. Furthermore, the proposed secure UWOC-LAN underwent testing within a communication range of 16 meters, using multi-hop connectivity to monitor the underwater environment. The proposed system has achieved the packet success rate of about 82 \% at the link range of 16 meters in the 25.42 NTU turbid water. Additionally, we have introduced and rigorously assessed a resource-efficient algorithm designed to optimize the transmission of sensor data. This algorithm not only ensures the judicious use of channel bandwidth but also enhances the security of the transmitted payload. The evaluation outcomes have revealed highly promising results, affirming the efficacy of resource-efficient underwater communication as a viable and robust solution.
Genes for highly abundant proteins in Escherichia coli avoid 5’ codons that promote ribosomal initiation
Authors: Lewin Loveday E. , Daniels Kate G. , Hurst Laurence D.
Published: October 2023

In many species highly expressed genes (HEGs) over-employ the synonymous codons that match the more abundant iso-acceptor tRNAs. Bacterial transgene codon randomization experiments report, however, that enrichment with such “translationally optimal” codons has little to no effect on the resultant protein level. By contrast, consistent with the view that ribosomal initiation is rate limiting, synonymous codon usage following the 5’ ATG greatly influences protein levels, at least in part by modifying RNA stability. For the design of bacterial transgenes, for simple codon based in silico inference of protein levels and for understanding selection on synonymous mutations, it would be valuable to computationally determine initiation optimality (IO) scores for codons for any given species. One attractive approach is to characterize the 5’ codon enrichment of HEGs compared with the most lowly expressed genes, just as translational optimality scores of codons have been similarly defined employing the full gene body. Here we determine the viability of this approach employing a unique opportunity: for Escherichia coli there is both the most extensive protein abundance data for native genes and a unique large-scale transgene codon randomization experiment enabling objective definition of the 5’ codons that cause, rather than just correlate with, high protein abundance (that we equate with initiation optimality, broadly defined). Surprisingly, the 5’ ends of native genes that specify highly abundant proteins avoid such initiation optimal codons. We find that this is probably owing to conflicting selection pressures particular to native HEGs, including selection favouring low initiation rates, this potentially enabling high efficiency of ribosomal usage and low noise. While the classical HEG enrichment approach does not work, rendering simple prediction of native protein abundance from 5’ codon content futile, we report evidence that initiation optimality scores derived from the transgene experiment may hold relevance for in silico transgene design for a broad spectrum of bacteria.
“Am I going to have to run to get out of this place?” A qualitative study exploring HIV clinical and service provider experiences from California regions heavily impacted by climate disaster
Authors: Moran Lissa , Fuller Shannon M. , Joshi Shivali , Outram Simon , Koester Kimberly A. , Steward Wayne T. , Arnold Emily A.
Published: October 2023

Maintaining continuity of HIV care and prevention resources is critical to the health, wellbeing, and at times survival of individuals who rely on those services. In California, disaster events and extreme conditions caused by climate change are becoming more frequent and intense, impacting many regions in what have become cycles of destruction and disruption. The HIV workforce, already under strain, must now contend with delivering services to clients during and in the wake of repeated climate-related events. From October 2021 to April 2022, using purposive and snowball sampling, we interviewed 18 HIV, sexual health, and harm reduction clinical and service providers in California counties heavily impacted by climate-related events. Participants were asked about their experiences providing services amid climate disasters, including reflections on client needs and strategies for maintaining continuity of care. Data were analyzed following the tenets of thematic analysis. We found that HIV, STI, and harm reduction service providers and their agencies play an integral role within their communities, both in maintaining continuity of essential services to clients during catastrophic events, as well as in disaster response as trusted community resources. We further found that individuals in these roles drive the innovations and adaptive strategies that allow their agencies to endure the shock and disruption of disaster events. Finally, we highlight the extent to which clinical and service providers experience harms due to cyclical climate disasters. We discuss existing research on health system resilience in the face of climate change, and identify a critical research gap: consideration of workforce needs is often limited to professional skills and capacity specific to caring for climate disaster survivors, rather than as support needed by workforce personnel who are survivors of disasters themselves. We propose recommendations for next steps and encourage further research on HIV workforce resilience in a new climate era.
The NeoRoo mobile app: Initial design and prototyping of an Android-based digital health tool to support Kangaroo Mother Care in low/middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Bucher Sherri Lynn , Young Allison , Dolan Madison , Padmanaban Geetha Priya , Chandnani Khushboo , Purkayastha Saptarshi
Published: October 2023

Premature birth and neonatal mortality are significant global health challenges, with 15 million premature births annually and an estimated 2.5 million neonatal deaths. Approximately 90% of preterm births occur in low/middle income countries, particularly within the global regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Neonatal hypothermia is a common and significant cause of morbidity and mortality among premature and low birth weight infants, particularly in low/middle-income countries where rates of premature delivery are high, and access to health workers, medical commodities, and other resources is limited. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-Skin care has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of neonatal hypothermia and improve survival rates among premature infants, but there are significant barriers to its implementation, especially in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). The paper proposes the use of a multidisciplinary approach to develop an integrated mHealth solution to overcome the barriers and challenges to the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care (KMC/STS) in LMICs. The innovation is an integrated mHealth platform that features a wearable biomedical device (NeoWarm) and an Android-based mobile application (NeoRoo) with customized user interfaces that are targeted specifically to parents/family stakeholders and healthcare providers, respectively. This publication describes the iterative, human-centered design and participatory development of a high-fidelity prototype of the NeoRoo mobile application. The aim of this study was to design and develop an initial (“A”) version of the Android-based NeoRoo mobile app specifically to support the use case of KMC/STS in health facilities in Kenya. Key functions and features are highlighted. The proposed solution leverages the promise of digital health to overcome identified barriers and challenges to the implementation of KMC/STS in LMICs and aims to equip parents and healthcare providers of prematurely born infants with the tools and resources needed to improve the care provided to premature and low birthweight babies. It is hoped that, when implemented and scaled as part of a thoughtful, strategic, cross-disciplinary approach to reduction of global rates of neonatal mortality, NeoRoo will prove to be a useful tool within the toolkit of parents, health workers, and program implementors.
Longitudinal ECG changes among adults with HIV in Tanzania: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Rahim Faraan O. , Sakita Francis M. , Coaxum Lauren , Maro Amedeus V. , Ford James S. , Hatter Kate , Gedion Kalipa , Ezad Saad M. , Galson Sophie W. , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Limkakeng Alexander T. , Kessy Monica S. , Mmbaga Blandina , Hertz Julian T.
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising among people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the utility of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in screening for CVD, there is limited data regarding longitudinal ECG changes among PWH in SSA. In this study, we aimed to describe ECG changes over a 6-month period in a cohort of PWH in northern Tanzania. Between September 2020 and March 2021, adult PWH were recruited from Majengo HIV Care and Treatment Clinic (MCTC) in Moshi, Tanzania. Trained research assistants surveyed participants and obtained a baseline ECG. Participants then returned to MCTC for a 6-month follow-up, where another ECG was obtained. Two independent physician adjudicators interpreted baseline and follow-up ECGs for rhythm, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), bundle branch blocks, ST-segment changes, and T-wave inversion, using standardized criteria. New ECG abnormalities were defined as those that were absent in a patient’s baseline ECG but present in their 6-month follow-up ECG. Of 500 enrolled participants, 476 (95.2%) completed follow-up. The mean (± SD) age of participants was 45.7 (± 11.0) years, 351 (73.7%) were female, and 495 (99.8%) were taking antiretroviral therapy. At baseline, 248 (52.1%) participants had one or more ECG abnormalities, the most common of which were LVH (n = 108, 22.7%) and T-wave inversion (n = 89, 18.7%). At six months, 112 (23.5%) participants developed new ECG abnormalities, including 40 (8.0%) cases of new T-wave inversion, 22 (4.6%) cases of new LVH, 12 (2.5%) cases of new ST elevation, and 11 (2.3%) cases of new prolonged QTc. Therefore, new ECG changes were common over a relatively short 6-month period, which suggests that subclinical CVD may develop rapidly in PWH in Tanzania. These data highlight the need for additional studies on CVD in PWH in SSA and the importance of routine CVD screening in this high-risk population.
Association of rural-urban place of residence with adequate antenatal care visit in Bangladesh
Authors: Kibria Gulam Muhammed Al , Nayeem Jannatun
Published: October 2023

Adequate antenatal care (ANC) is crucial to reduce maternal/neonatal deaths, but the proportion of mothers with appropriate ANC is lower in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries. Furthermore, in many LMICs, including Bangladesh, there are intra-country disparities, and rural regions have substantially lower adequate ANC than urban regions. In this cross-sectional study, we performed secondary analyses on Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18 data to examine the rural-urban differences in adequate initiation, number, and quality of ANC. Women of reproductive age (i.e., 15-49-year-olds) with at least one birth in the three years before the survey were included. After reporting the prevalence of adequate ANC by rural-urban place, simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association. Among 4974 women, 1331 and 3643 were from urban rural regions, respectively. The proportions of mothers who initiated the visits in the first trimester, had at least four ANC visits, and had quality ANC were 47.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 44.6–50.3), 59.0% (95% CI: 56.3–61.8), and 27.1% (95% CI: 24.6–29.6) in urban regions, and 33.4% (95% CI: 31.6–35.1), 42.8% (95% CI: 41.0–44.7), and 14.5% (95% CI: 13.1–15.8) in rural regions, respectively. These differences in ANC utilization were observed regardless of most sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics. After adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, compared to urban mothers, rural mothers had lower odds of at least four ANC visits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65–0.91) and quality ANC (AOR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.97) but the odds for timely initiation (AOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73–1.01) was not significant. Findings of this study showed significant disparities between rural and urban regions regarding appropriate ANC coverage, and the importance of improving ANC coverage among some sociodemographic groups to reduce these disparities, especially among mothers with low socioeconomic status.
Speech extraction from vibration signals based on deep learning
Authors: Wang Li , Zheng Weiguang , Li Shande , Huang Qibai
Published: October 2023

Extracting speech information from vibration response signals is a typical system identification problem, and the traditional method is too sensitive to deviations such as model parameters, noise, boundary conditions, and position. A method was proposed to obtain speech signals by collecting vibration signals of vibroacoustic systems for deep learning training in the work. The vibroacoustic coupling finite element model was first established with the voice signal as the excitation source. The vibration acceleration signals of the vibration response point were used as the training set to extract its spectral characteristics. Training was performed by two types of networks: fully connected, and convolutional. And it is found that the Fully Connected network prediction model has faster Rate of convergence and better quality of extracted speech. The amplitude spectra of the output speech signals (network output) and the phase of the vibration signals were used to convert extracted speech signals back to the time domain during the test set. The simulation results showed that the positions of the vibration response points had little effect on the quality of speech recognition, and good speech extraction quality can be obtained. The noises of the speech signals posed a greater influence on the speech extraction quality than the noises of the vibration signals. Extracted speech quality was poor when both had large noises. This method was robust to the position deviation of vibration responses during training and testing. The smaller the structural flexibility, the better the speech extraction quality. The quality of speech extraction was reduced in a trained system as the mass of node increased in the test set, but with negligible differences. Changes in boundary conditions did not significantly affect extracted speech quality. The speech extraction model proposed in the work has good robustness to position deviations, quality deviations, and boundary conditions.
Expression and role of melatonin membrane receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis of Tibetan sheep in a plateau pastoral area
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Yuan Ligang , Chen Guojuan , Chen Shaoyu , Ma Xiaojie , Xing Yindi , Song Juanjuan
Published: October 2023

MTNR1A and MTNR1B, two high-affinity MT membrane receptors found in mammals, mediate the activity of MT on the HPGA to regulate animal reproduction. Nevertheless, the expression patterns and function of the MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in the HPTA of seasonal estrus sheep and perennial estrus sheep have not been elucidated. We studied the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) of Tibetan sheep at different reproductive stages using histochemistry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot (WB), and analyzed the relationship between their expression and reproductive hormone receptors. We also compared relevant characteristics between seasonal Tibetan sheep and non-seasonal Small Tail Han sheep in the same pastoral area. The results showed that MTNR1A and MTNR1B were expressed in all tissues of the Tibetan sheep HPTA, and both were co-expressed in the cytoplasm of epididymis basal and halo cells located at common sites of the epididymis basement membrane, forming an immune barrier. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that not only MTNR1A but also N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), hydroxyindole-oxygen- methyltransferase (HIOMT), androgen receptor (AR), and estrogen receptor α (ERα) mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep during the breeding season, whereas no clear upregulation of these genes was observed in the tissues of Small Tail Han sheep. MTNR1A and MTNR1B are important regulators of the HPTA in sheep. MTNR1A mediates seasonal estrus regulation in Tibetan sheep. Both MTNR1A and MTNR1B may play important roles in formation of the blood-epididymal barrier. The results of this study should help advance research on the mechanism of reproductive regulation of the HPTA in male animals and provide reference data for improving the reproductive rate of seasonal breeding animals.
Eyes of love: Java sparrows increase eye ring conspicuousness when pair-bonded
Authors: Onaga Jenna , Soma Masayo
Published: October 2023

Conspicuous facial features, such as blushing in primates, can communicate social/emotional/physiological states in animals. However, the role of bare facial features is less well studied in birds than in humans or primates. We investigate the Java sparrow, which is characterised by conspicuous rings of swollen and blushed bare skin around the eye. Eye rings show no clear sex difference, although the swelling is associated with breeding. Java sparrows are socially monogamous, with mutual courtships and long-term pair-bonding. Therefore, it is plausible that eye rings function in within-pair communication. Specifically, do eye rings reflect psychophysiological conditions after pair formation? We assessed variations in ring thickness in pair-bonded birds and compared them with single birds and pairs of non-bonded individuals. Over the 12-week experimental period, pair-bonded males and females had an increased ring thickness, unlike the controls. We suggest eye rings convey breeding motivations or serve as fertility signals. This would be of great importance for ensuring reproductive synchrony in tropical birds like the Java sparrow. Our results contribute to understanding the evolution of facial ornamentation in birds, which was often overlooked in the past studies.
Earliest known ophiuroids from high palaeolatitude, southern Gondwana, recovered from the Pragian to earliest Emsian Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group, Cape Supergroup) South Africa
Authors: Reddy Caitlin , Thuy Ben , Reid Mhairi , Gess Robert
Published: October 2023

For the first time, ophiuroids have been found in South African strata predating the lowermost Bokkeveld Group. These comprise natural moulds and casts from two localities in the ‘upper unit’ of the Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group). As a Pragian to earliest Emsian age has been inferred for this member, the new taxa comprise the earliest high-palaeolatitude ophiuroid records from southern Gondwana. Morphological analysis of the specimens revealed the presence of two distinct taxa. One is here described as Krommaster spinosus gen. et sp. nov., a new encrinasterid characterised by very large spines on the dorsal side of the disc, the ventral interradial marginal plates and the arm midlines. The second taxon is a poorly preserved specimen of Hexuraster weitzi, a cheiropterasterid previously described from the slightly younger Bokkeveld Group.
Changes in paleo-groundwater levels revealed by water wells and their relationship with climate variations in imperial Southern China
Authors: Jiang Chenyao , Lee Harry F. , Jia Xin , Kong Xinggong
Published: October 2023

Based on records of the bottom elevations of 511 ancient water wells from published archaeological reports, we reconstructed the paleo-groundwater levels (PGWL) in urban areas of Chengdu, Changsha, Nanjing, Suzhou, Suqian, Yancheng, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou cities in southern China. Our PGWL reconstruction shows that PGWL varied in two patterns. In the inland monsoon region (Chengdu and Changsha), there was a low PGWL in Jin (AD 266–420) and South Song (AD 1127–1279), and a high PGWL in Tang (AD 618–907) and Ming (AD 1368–1644). In the coastal region (Yancheng, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou), there was a low PGWL in Jin (AD 266–420) and Ming (AD 1368–1644) but a high PGWL in Tang (AD 618–907) and Song (AD 960–1279). Via cross-wavelet transform and wavelet transform coherence analyses, we found that monsoon and temperature significantly drove the PGWL fluctuations at the inter-centennial scale. East Asian Summer Monsoon-induced precipitation has continuously affected cities in the inland monsoon area represented by Chengdu and Changsha over the past 2,500 years. It has also intermittently affected Nanjing and Suzhou when EASM intensified. In parallel, temperature influenced the PGWL in coastal cities such as Yancheng, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou via the changes in the sea level. Also, the temperature affected the PGWL in relatively inland cities during climatic anomalies such as the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age. This study demonstrates the value of archaeological records in learning how climatic factors influence the PGWL variation and its mechanism.
Atopic dermatitis and cognitive dysfunction in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Qi , Yang Dejiang , Xiong Chongyu , Li Xinming
Published: October 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects adults worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that AD may be associated with cognitive dysfunction, but the results of individual studies have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between AD and cognitive dysfunction in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

To find relevant research, a comprehensive search of electronic databases from the beginning to March 2023 was carried out. Data were taken from studies that were eligible, and a meta-analysis was done to determine the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We searched three databases and found a total of 15 studied arms included in 5 cohort studies with over 8.5 million participants were included in the analysis. The results showed that individuals with AD had a higher risk of developing dementia of all-cause dementia (pooled hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.10–1.23,P<0.001) and the Alzheimer type (pooled HR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01–1.63,P<0.001) but not vascular dementia (pooled HR = 1.42; 95% CI, 0.99–2.04,P<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between atopic dermatitis and all-cause dementia was significant in Europe (P = 0.004) but not in Asia (P = 0.173) and was significant in prospective cohort studies (P<0.001) but not in non-prospective cohort studies (P = 0.068). Sensitivity analysis and publication bias detection confirmed the reliability of the overall findings.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that AD was associated with increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, particularly dementia of the Alzheimer type and all-cause dementia, in middle-aged and older participants. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this association and its potential implications for clinical practice.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42023411627).
Decreasing trend of blood lipid profile in type 2 diabetes: Not a promising change in HDL-C, a serial cross-sectional study
Authors: Yadegar Amirhossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Rabizadeh Soghra , Meysamie Alipasha , Nabipoorashrafi Seyed Ali , Seyedi Seyed Arsalan , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been reported to be relatively high. The current study aimed to investigate the trend of serum lipid levels and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with T2D.

Methods

Data were extracted from a cohort of patients with T2D who had regular follow-ups every year for three years. TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C were analyzed. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated using log (TG/HDL-C).

Results

A total of 747 patients with T2D were included in this study, consisting of 469 (62.8%) women and 278 (37.2%) men. There was a significant downward trend in mean TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP levels. The trend of mean HDL-C levels showed no significant change. The prevalence of high TG, high TC, high LDL-C, and high non-HDL-C significantly decreased from the first to the last visit. There was no significant change in the trend of prevalence of low HDL-C. The prevalence of high AIP significantly decreased in women and showed no significant changes in men.

Conclusions

A decreasing trend was observed in the mean levels and prevalence of TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP. HDL-C did not change significantly. The success rate in achieving a complete normal lipid profile during follow-up years was not promising and continues to be challenging.
A double encryption protection algorithm for stem cell bank privacy data based on improved AES and chaotic encryption technology
Authors: Wang Li , Wei Xinyi , Zhang Yuan , Gao Yuan , Niu Qunfeng
Published: October 2023

The unique infinite self-renewal ability and multidirectional differentiation potential of stem cells provide a strong support for the clinical treatment. In light of the growing demands for stem cell storage, how to ensure personal privacy security and comply with strict ethical supervision requirements is particularly important. In order to solve the problem of low security of traditional encryption algorithm, we proposed a double encryption protection (DEP) algorithm for stem cell bank privacy data based on improved AES and chaotic encryption technology. Firstly, we presented the hash value key decomposition algorithm, through the hash value dynamic coding, cyclic shift, conversion calculation to get the key of each subsystem in the built algorithm. Secondly, DEP algorithm for privacy data is realized with two level of encryption. The first level of encryption protection algorithm used AES as the main framework, adding dynamic coding and byte filling based on DNA coding, and carries out dynamic shift of rows and simplified mixing of columns. The second level of encryption protection algorithm conducted random encoding, operation, diffusion and decoding based on the results of our proposed sequence conversion algorithm. Finally, we raised two evaluation indexes, the number of characters change rate (NCCR) and the unified average change intensity of text (UACIT) to measure the sensitivity of encryption algorithms to changes in plain information. The experimental results of using DEP shown that the average values of histogram variance, information entropy, NCCR and UACIT are116.7883, 7.6688, 32.52% and 99.67%, respectively. DEP algorithm has a large key space, high key sensitivity, and enables dynamic encryption of private data in stem cell bank. The encryption scheme provided in this study ensures the security of the private information of stem cell bank in private cloud environment, and also provides a new method for the encryption of similar high confidentiality data.
Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret and the politics of grievability: 9/11, allegory, mourning
Authors: Townsend Karim
Published: October 2023

This article examines Kenneth Lonergan’s film Margaret (2011), which can be viewed, I suggest, as an essential post-9/11 text. As I argue, the events of 9/11 serve within the film as the backdrop against which broader (geo)political questions of grievability are negotiated, as we see through the sprawling and pseudo-allegorical melodrama of the narrative, following a young woman who accidentally causes the death of a pedestrian by distracting a bus driver. In the first section of this article, I read the film’s geopolitical engagements alongside Judith Butler’s writing on grievability as well as Akira Mizuta Lippit’s writing on allegory. I suggest that the film’s uneasy allegorical imbrications gesture to a nexus of ethical and political questions regarding allegory and its rhetorical uses. In the second section, I examine the ways in which the film’s form and aesthetics bespeak a Derridean engagement with mourning and spectrality, ultimately gesturing to the United States’ grappling with the atrocities of the War on Terror and the attendant ontological instabilities arising in the haunted urban spaces of a post-9/11 New York City.
The French New Wave: Critical Landmarks (new expanded edition), Peter Graham and Ginette Vincendeau, eds. (2022)
Authors: Tian Yue
Published: October 2023

Review of: The French New Wave: Critical Landmarks (new expanded edition), Peter Graham and Ginette Vincendeau, eds. (2022)

New York: Bloomsbury Academic on behalf of the British Film Institute, 306pp., ISBN: 9781839022302 (hbk), $95.00
Knock at the Cabin: Fear and Faith
Authors: Samples Kim
Published: October 2023

Review of: Knock at the Cabin: Fear and Faith

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

USA

Director M. Night Shyamalan

Runtime 100 minutes
Necessidades na gestão do risco de catástrofe em grandes eventos no Alto Minho: a perspetiva das corporações de bombeiros
Authors: Barreiro Paulo , Marques Albertina
Published: October 2023

O estudo pretendeu conhecer as necessidades existentes na gestão de catástrofe associadas a grandes eventos realizados no Alto Minho, na perspetiva das Corporações de Bombeiros. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório-descritivo, tendo sido realizadas entrevistas aos responsáveis das Corporações de Bombeiros e efetuado tratamento dos dados com recurso a análise de conteúdo e estatística descritiva. Os resultados evidenciaram a existência de grandes eventos geograficamente dispersos; a intervenção das Corporações de Bombeiros a nível do planeamento do socorro nem sempre se verifica; são percecionados constrangimentos na prestação de socorro relacionados com o grande número de ocorrências a efetuar em datas de eventos, trânsito e acessos difíceis e corredores de emergência pouco viáveis; Os aspetos influenciadores da resposta das unidades de saúde de evacuação são a distância entre o local do acidente e a unidade de saúde, a retenção dos meios de socorro, a lotação e dotação dos serviços de urgência. Concluindo, urge a necessidade de uma gestão de risco eficaz.
Anomalias do teor de nitrato na água do Sistema Aquífero Bauru em Catanduva – SP
Authors: Perroni Julio Cesar Arantes , Campos Heraldo Cavalheiro Navajas Sampaio
Published: October 2023

A cidade de Catanduva está localizada na região centro-norte paulista sobre depósitos  sedimentares  cretáceos  do  Grupo  Bauru. O estudo hidrogeológico detalhado contratado pela concessionária municipal de saneamento SAEC – Superintendência de Água e Esgoto de Catanduva avaliou os dados de 69 poços tubulares que captam o Sistema Aquífero Bauru/Serra Geral. Os registros de dados de análises de água do sistema de abastecimento apresentam em alguns poços teores anômalos de nitrato. O presente artigo apresenta o diagnóstico desses teores anômalos de nitrato, obtido por meio  perfilagens óticas e raios gama.  E análises físico-químicas completas realizadas em 21 poços, que indicaram provável origem por contaminação da água do aquífero freático com esgoto sanitário e posterior penetração nos poços através de orifícios e da base do tubo de boca.
Generative Learning Strategies To Improve Students’ Cognitive Engagement In Online Classes At Islamic School: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ardiansyah Arief , Bagus Cahyanto
Published: October 2023

Purpose – This research aims to reveal learning strategies based on generative learning theory that have proven effective based on the results of empirical studies. This study was conducted by following the steps of systematic survey techniques in the social sciences.
Design/methods/approach – The study was conducted by following the steps of systematic review techniques in the social sciences. There are seven steps in conducting a systematic review: formulating research questions, determining the type of research, conducting a comprehensive literature search, filtering literature search results, assessing studies that meet the criteria, synthesizing studies, and assessing heterogeneity between studies.
Findings – This research shows how the learning process occurs in individuals based on generative learning theory. In addition, this study also reveals several learning strategies based on generative learning theory, including learning through summarizing, learning through mapping, learning through drawing, learning through imagining, and learning through teaching.
Research Implications/Limitations – The results of this study can be used as a reference for teachers who want to implement learning strategies that can involve students’ cognitive aspects to produce more meaningful learning achievements.
Originality/value – The results of this study provide educators with insight into how information processing occurs in a person’s cognition and uncover several learning strategies that align with information processing theory.