bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrete Mapping for Nonlinear Media in Optical Resonators
Authors: Ritter A. , Wicht T. , Haug H.
Published: February 2023

We study the instabilities which occur in linear and ring resonators, with delayed feedback. We use three models for the optical nonlinearities:

1) the coeffcients of absorption α(I) and reflection n(I) are linear functions of the light intensity (Kerr medium);

2) α(N) and n(N) are linear in excitation density N;

3) α(N) and n(N) are given by the Banyai-Koch model for semiconductors.
Nonlinear Photogeneration of Carriers in an InSb Etalon
Authors: Hunter J.J. , Mackenzie H.A. , Allan G.R. , Hughes J.
Published: February 2023

An investigation of the photogeneration of carriers via interband transitions has yielded new data for the linear absorption band tail and the nonlinear refraction in InSb. The measurements are based on a photo-Hall technique [1] which permits direct assessment of the photogenerated carrier population. Optical absorption coefficients as low as 0.01 cm-1 may be observed by this technique. The new measurement of the InSb band tail at a temperature of 77 K is shown in Fig. 1 and, from the associated theoretical fit, the form of the curve may be accurately interpreted as a spectral Urbach tail convoluted with an absorption feature from acceptor impurities [2].
Study of Phase Coherence Times in CuCl
Authors: Gomes M.J.M. , Kippelen B. , Hönerlage B. , Levy R.
Published: February 2023

We perform time-resolved degenerated four-wave mixing experiments on thin CuCl platelets (thickness of about 30 μm) and epitaxially grown layers (thickness of 5 to 10 μm) at low temperature (2K). The light source is a tunable picosecond dye-laser of 20 ps duration (FWHM) and of 0.3 meV spectral width (FWHM). It is synchronously pumped by the third harmonics of a mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. The dye-laser beam is split into two parts (pump and test) with an intensity ratio of about 8 to 1. The optical delay between both pulses is varied.
Towards clinical-dose grating interferometry breast CT with fused intensity-based iterative reconstruction
Authors: van Gogh Stefano , Rawlik Michał , Pereira Alexandre , Spindler Simon , Mukherjee Subhadip , Zdora Marie-Christine , Stauber Martin , Alaifari Rima , Varga Zsuzsanna , Stampanoni Marco
Published: February 2023

X-ray grating interferometry CT (GI-CT) is an emerging imaging modality which provides three complementary contrasts that could increase the diagnostic content of clinical breast CT: absorption, phase, and dark-field. Yet, reconstructing the three image channels under clinically compatible conditions is challenging because of severe ill-conditioning of the tomographic reconstruction problem. In this work we propose to solve this problem with a novel reconstruction algorithm that assumes a fixed relation between the absorption and the phase-contrast channel to reconstruct a single image by automatically fusing the absorption and phase channels. The results on both simulations and real data show that, enabled by the proposed algorithm, GI-CT outperforms conventional CT at a clinical dose.
Multiscale models of plasmonic structural colors with nanoscale surface roughness
Authors: Sen Loi Wei , Chau Kenneth
Published: February 2023

Plasmonic coloration arises from resonant interaction between visible light and metallic nanostructures, which causes wavelength-selective absorption or scattering of light. This effect is sensitive to surface roughness that can perturb these resonant interactions and cause observed coloration to deviate from coloration predicted by simulations. We present a computational visualization approach that incorporates electrodynamic simulations and physically based rendering (PBR) to investigate the effect of nanoscale roughness on the structural coloration from thin, planar silver films decorated with nanohole arrays. Nanoscale roughness is modeled mathematically by a surface correlation function and parameterized in terms of roughness that is either out of or into the plane of the film. Our results provide photorealistic visualization of the influence of nanoscale roughness on the coloration from silver nanohole arrays in both reflectance and transmittance. Out-of-plane roughness has a significantly greater effect on coloration than in-plane roughness. The methodology introduced in this work is useful for modeling artificial coloration phenomena.
Terahertz polarization and chirality modulation induced by asymmetry inversion combining chiral metasurface and liquid crystal anisotropy
Authors: Jiang Xinhao , Ji Yunyun , Fan Fei , Zhao Huijun , Jiang Songlin , Cheng Jierong , Wu Maoqi , Xin John H. , Chang Shengjiang
Published: February 2023

We experimentally demonstrate a dynamic terahertz (THz) chiral device based on a composite structure of anisotropic liquid crystals (LCs) sandwiched between a bilayer metasurface. The device supports the symmetric mode and antisymmetric mode under the incidence of left- and right-circular polarized waves, respectively. The different coupling strengths of the two modes reflect the chirality of the device, and the anisotropy of the LCs can change the coupling strength of the modes, which brings tunability to the chirality of the device. The experimental results show that the circular dichroism of the device can be dynamically controlled from 28 dB to −32 dB (i.e., inversion regulation) at approximately 0.47 THz and from −32 dB to 1 dB (i.e., switching regulation) at approximately 0.97 THz. Moreover, the polarization state of the output wave is also tunable. Such flexible and dynamic manipulation of THz chirality and polarization might build an alternative pathway for complex THz chirality control, high-sensitivity THz chirality detection, and THz chiral sensing.
Optical metasurfaces for multiplex high-performance grating-type structural colors
Authors: Li Liye , Jin Shengxiao , Hu Senyong , Huang Yun , Sun Hongshun , Ma Lijun , Kang Tian , Chen Yusa , Xiong Shisong , Lin Guanzhou , Yang Bingquan , Wu Meizhang , Qi Zhimei , Wu Wengang
Published: February 2023

Optical metasurfaces provide a significant approach for the production of structural colors due to their excellent optical control abilities. Herein, we propose trapezoidal structural metasurfaces for achieving multiplex grating-type structural colors with high comprehensive performance originating from the anomalous reflection dispersion in the visible band. Single trapezoidal metasurfaces with different x-direction periods can tune the angular dispersion regularly from 0.036 rad/nm to 0.224 rad/nm to generate various structural colors, and composite trapezoidal metasurfaces with three kinds of combinations can achieve multiplex sets of structural colors. The brightness can be controlled by adjusting the distance between the trapezoids in a pair accurately. The designed structural colors have higher saturation than traditional pigmentary colors, whose excitation purity can reach 1.00. The gamut is about 158.1% of the Adobe RGB standard. This research has application potential in ultrafine displays, information encryption, optical storage, and anti-counterfeit tagging.
Optimizing triangle mesh lenses for non-uniform illumination with an extended source
Authors: Li Linpei , Hao Xiang
Published: February 2023

Precise control of irradiance distribution is a complicated problem for freeform lens design, especially when the target is non-uniform. Realistic sources are often simplified as zero-etendue ones in cases designed for content-rich irradiance fields while the surfaces are usually assumed smooth everywhere. These practices can limit the performance of the designs. We developed an efficient proxy for Monte Carlo (MC) ray tracing under extended sources, with the linear property of our triangle mesh (TM) freeform surface. Our designs show finer irradiance control compared to their counterparts from the LightTools design feature. One of the lenses is fabricated and evaluated in an experiment, and performed as expected.
A neuron model with unbalanced synaptic weights explains the asymmetric effects of anaesthesia on the auditory cortex
Authors: López-Jury Luciana , García-Rosales Francisco , González-Palomares Eugenia , Wetekam Johannes , Pasek Michael , Hechavarria Julio C.
Published: February 2023

Substantial progress in the field of neuroscience has been made from anaesthetized preparations. Ketamine is one of the most used drugs in electrophysiology studies, but how ketamine affects neuronal responses is poorly understood. Here, we used in vivo electrophysiology and computational modelling to study how the auditory cortex of bats responds to vocalisations under anaesthesia and in wakefulness. In wakefulness, acoustic context increases neuronal discrimination of natural sounds. Neuron models predicted that ketamine affects the contextual discrimination of sounds regardless of the type of context heard by the animals (echolocation or communication sounds). However, empirical evidence showed that the predicted effect of ketamine occurs only if the acoustic context consists of low-pitched sounds (e.g., communication calls in bats). Using the empirical data, we updated the naïve models to show that differential effects of ketamine on cortical responses can be mediated by unbalanced changes in the firing rate of feedforward inputs to cortex, and changes in the depression of thalamo-cortical synaptic receptors. Combined, our findings obtained in vivo and in silico reveal the effects and mechanisms by which ketamine affects cortical responses to vocalisations.
Neural adaptation and fractional dynamics as a window to underlying neural excitability
Authors: Lundstrom Brian Nils , Richner Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

The relationship between macroscale electrophysiological recordings and the dynamics of underlying neural activity remains unclear. We have previously shown that low frequency EEG activity (<1 Hz) is decreased at the seizure onset zone (SOZ), while higher frequency activity (1–50 Hz) is increased. These changes result in power spectral densities (PSDs) with flattened slopes near the SOZ, which are assumed to be areas of increased excitability. We wanted to understand possible mechanisms underlying PSD changes in brain regions of increased excitability. We hypothesized that these observations are consistent with changes in adaptation within the neural circuit. We developed a theoretical framework and tested the effect of adaptation mechanisms, such as spike frequency adaptation and synaptic depression, on excitability and PSDs using filter-based neural mass models and conductance-based models. We compared the contribution of single timescale adaptation and multiple timescale adaptation. We found that adaptation with multiple timescales alters the PSDs. Multiple timescales of adaptation can approximate fractional dynamics, a form of calculus related to power laws, history dependence, and non-integer order derivatives. Coupled with input changes, these dynamics changed circuit responses in unexpected ways. Increased input without synaptic depression increases broadband power. However, increased input with synaptic depression may decrease power. The effects of adaptation were most pronounced for low frequency activity (< 1Hz). Increased input combined with a loss of adaptation yielded reduced low frequency activity and increased higher frequency activity, consistent with clinical EEG observations from SOZs. Spike frequency adaptation and synaptic depression, two forms of multiple timescale adaptation, affect low frequency EEG and the slope of PSDs. These neural mechanisms may underlie changes in EEG activity near the SOZ and relate to neural hyperexcitability. Neural adaptation may be evident in macroscale electrophysiological recordings and provide a window to understanding neural circuit excitability.
Data-driven predictions of potential Leishmania vectors in the Americas
Authors: Vadmal Gowri M. , Glidden Caroline K. , Han Barbara A. , Carvalho Bruno M. , Castellanos Adrian A. , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: February 2023

The incidence of vector-borne diseases is rising as deforestation, climate change, and globalization bring humans in contact with arthropods that can transmit pathogens. In particular, incidence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL), a disease caused by parasites transmitted by sandflies, is increasing as previously intact habitats are cleared for agriculture and urban areas, potentially bringing people into contact with vectors and reservoir hosts. Previous evidence has identified dozens of sandfly species that have been infected with and/or transmitLeishmaniaparasites. However, there is an incomplete understanding of which sandfly species transmit the parasite, complicating efforts to limit disease spread. Here, we apply machine learning models (boosted regression trees) to leverage biological and geographical traits of known sandfly vectors to predict potential vectors. Additionally, we generate trait profiles of confirmed vectors and identify important factors in transmission. Our model performed well with an average out of sample accuracy of 86%. The models predict that synanthropic sandflies living in areas with greater canopy height, less human modification, and within an optimal range of rainfall are more likely to beLeishmaniavectors. We also observed that generalist sandflies that are able to inhabit many different ecoregions are more likely to transmit the parasites. Our results suggest thatPsychodopygus amazonensis and Nyssomia antunesiare unidentified potential vectors, and should be the focus of sampling and research efforts. Overall, we found that our machine learning approach provides valuable information forLeishmaniasurveillance and management in an otherwise complex and data sparse system.
Untargeted serum metabolomics analysis of Trichinella spiralis-infected mouse
Authors: Chienwichai Peerut , Thiangtrongjit Tipparat , Tipthara Phornpimon , Tarning Joel , Adisakwattana Poom , Reamtong Onrapak
Published: February 2023

Background

Trichinellosis, caused by a parasitic nematode of the genus Trichinella, is a zoonosis that affects people worldwide. After ingesting raw meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae, patients show signs of myalgia, headaches, and facial and periorbital edema, and severe cases may die from myocarditis and heart failure. The molecular mechanisms of trichinellosis are unclear, and the sensitivity of the diagnostic methods used for this disease are unsatisfactory. Metabolomics is an excellent tool for studying disease progression and biomarkers; however, it has never been applied to trichinellosis. We aimed to elucidate the impacts of Trichinella infection on the host body and identify potential biomarkers using metabolomics.

Methodology/Principal findings

Mice were infected with T. spiralis larvae, and sera were collected before and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after infection. Metabolites in the sera were extracted and identified using untargeted mass spectrometry. Metabolomic data were annotated via the XCMS online platform and analyzed with Metaboanalyst version 5.0. A total of 10,221 metabolomic features were identified, and the levels of 566, 330, and 418 features were significantly changed at 2-, 4-, and 8-weeks post-infection, respectively. The altered metabolites were used for further pathway analysis and biomarker selection. A major pathway affected by Trichinella infection was glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipids comprised the main metabolite class identified. Receiver operating characteristic revealed 244 molecules with diagnostic power for trichinellosis, with phosphatidylserines (PS) being the primary lipid class. Some lipid molecules, e.g., PS (18:0/19:0)[U] and PA (O-16:0/21:0), were not present in metabolome databases of humans and mice, thus they may have been secreted by the parasites.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study highlighted glycerophospholipid metabolism as the major pathway affected by trichinellosis, hence glycerophospholipid species are potential markers of trichinellosis. The findings of this study represent the initial steps in biomarker discovery that may benefit future trichinellosis diagnosis.
Evaluating the efficacy of serological testing of clinical specimens collected from patients with suspected brucellosis
Authors: Xu Nannan , Qu Chunmei , Sai Lintao , Wen Sai , Yang Lulu , Wang Shanshan , Yang Hui , Liu Hui , Wang Gang
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the standard agglutination test (SAT), the Brucellacapt test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in clinical specimens collected from patients with suspected brucellosis.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021. Brucellosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical evidence, and confirmed by isolation of Brucella or a four-fold rise in SAT titer. All samples were tested by the SAT, ELISA and the Brucellacapt test. Titers ≥1:100 were considered as SAT positive; ELISA was considered positive when an index greater than 11 was detected, while titers ≥1/160 indicated positivity on the Brucellacapt test. The specificity, sensitivity, and positive (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) of the three different methods were calculated.

Results

A total of 149 samples were collected from patients with suspected brucellosis. The sensitivities for the SAT, IgG, and IgM detection were 74.42%, 88.37% and 74.42%, respectively. The specificities were 95.24%, 93.65%, and 88.89%, respectively. The simultaneous measurement of IgG and IgM improved the sensitivity (98.84%) but reduced the specificity (84.13%) compared to each antibody test separately. The Brucellacapt test had excellent specificity (100%) and a high PPV (100%); however, the sensitivity and NPV were 88.37% and 86.30%, respectively. The combination of IgG detection by ELISA and the Brucellacapt test had excellent diagnostic performance, with 98.84% sensitivity and 93.65% specificity.

Conclusion

This study showed that the simultaneous performance of IgG detection by ELISA and the Brucellacapt test has the potential to overcome the current limitations of detection.
Psychological profiles of South African smallholder farmers
Authors: Bhullar Navjot , Nengovhela Nkhanedzeni B. , Mudau Livhuwani , Villano Renato A. , Koomson Isaac , Burrow Heather M.
Published: February 2023

The present study examined smallholder farmer profiles based on key psychological variables associated with farm business performance in the South African context. A sample of 471 beef farmers (mean age = 54.15 years; SD = 14.46; men = 76%) and 426 poultry farmers (mean age = 47.28 years; SD = 13.53; women = 54.5%) provided data on a range of measures assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personality characteristics, present and future time orientation, expected benefits of, and efficacy to perform the farm business tasks, and farm-related concerns. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profile segments of smallholder beef and poultry farmers, respectively: Fatalists, Traditionalists, and Entrepreneurs. Our results suggested unique combinations of psychological characteristics in a sample of South African smallholder beef and poultry farmers and show a novel way of understanding enablers of, and barriers to, engaging in the farm business.
Prevalence and determinants of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deressa Ababe Tamirat , Desta Melese Siyoum
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Neonatal near miss is a condition of newborn infant characterized by severe morbidity (near miss), but survived these conditions within the first 27 days of life. It is considered as the first step to design management strategies that can contribute in reducing long term complication and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and determinants of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia.

Methods

The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at the Prospero with a registration number of (PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020206235). International online databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Google scholar, Global Health, Directory of open Access journal and African Index Medicus were used to search articles. Data extraction was undertaken with Microsoft Excel and STATA11 was used to conduct the Meta-Analysis. Random effect model analysis was considered when there was evidence of heterogeneity between the studies.

Results

The overall pooled prevalence of neonatal near miss was 35.51% (95%CI: 20.32–50.70, I2 = 97.0%, p = 0.000). Primiparity (OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.62, 3.42), referral linkage (OR = 3.92, 95%CI: 2.73, 5.12), premature rupture of membrane (OR = 5.05, 95%CI: 2.03, 8.08), Obstructed labor (OR = 4.27, 95%CI: 1.62, 6.91) and maternal medical complications during pregnancy (OR = 7.10, 95%CI: 1.23, 12.98) had shown significant statistical association with neonatal near miss.

Conclusion

The prevalence of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia is evidenced to be high. Primiparity, referral linkage, premature rupture of membrane, obstructed labor and maternal medical complications during pregnancy were found to be determinant factors of neonatal near miss.
Community-based serum chloride abnormalities predict mortality risk
Authors: Shafat Tali , Novack Victor , Barski Leonid , Haviv Yosef S.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This population-based study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ambulatory serum chloride abnormalities, often ignored by physicians.

Methods

The study population included all non-hospitalized adult patients, insured by "Clalit" Health Services in Israel’s southern district, who underwent at least 3 serum chloride tests in community-based clinics during 2005–2016. For each patient, each period with low (≤97 mmol/l), high (≥107 mmol/l) or normal chloride levels were recorded. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the mortality risk of hypochloremia and hyperchloremia periods.

Results

664,253 serum chloride tests from 105,655 subjects were analyzed. During a median follow up of 10.8 years, 11,694 patients died. Hypochloremia (≤ 97 mmol/l) was independently associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk after adjusting for age, co-morbidities, hyponatremia and eGFR (HR 2.41, 95%CI 2.16–2.69, p<0.001). Crude hyperchloremia (≥107 mmol/L) was not associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.03, 95%CI 0.98–1.09 p = 0.231); as opposed to hyperchloremia ≥108 mmol/l (HR 1.14, 95%CI 1.06–1.21 p<0.001). Secondary analysis revealed a dose-dependent elevated mortality risk for chloride levels of 105 mmol/l and below, well within the "normal" range.

Conclusion

In the outpatient setting, hypochloremia is independently associated with an increased mortality risk. This risk is dose-dependent where the lower the chloride level, the higher is the risk.
Multivariate GWAS analysis reveals loci associated with liver functions in continental African populations
Authors: Soremekun Chisom , Machipisa Tafadzwa , Soremekun Opeyemi , Pirie Fraser , Oyekanmi Nashiru , Motala Ayesha A. , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun
Published: February 2023

Background

Liver disease is any condition that causes liver damage and inflammation and may likely affect the function of the liver. Vital biochemical screening tools that can be used to evaluate the health of the liver and help diagnose, prevent, monitor, and control the development of liver disease are known as liver function tests (LFT). LFTs are performed to estimate the level of liver biomarkers in the blood. Several factors are associated with differences in concentration levels of LFTs in individuals, such as genetic and environmental factors. The aim of our study was to identify genetic loci associated with liver biomarker levels with a shared genetic basis in continental Africans, using a multivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach.

Methods

We used two distinct African populations, the Ugandan Genome Resource (UGR = 6,407) and South African Zulu cohort (SZC = 2,598). The six LFTs used in our analysis were: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, and albumin. A multivariate GWAS of LFTs was conducted using the exact linear mixed model (mvLMM) approach implemented in GEMMA and the resulting P-values were presented in Manhattan and quantile-quantile (QQ) plots. First, we attempted to replicate the findings of the UGR cohort in SZC. Secondly, given that the genetic architecture of UGR is different from that of SZC, we further undertook similar analysis in the SZC and discussed the results separately.

Results

A total of 59 SNPs reached genome-wide significance (P = 5x10-8) in the UGR cohort and with 13 SNPs successfully replicated in SZC. These included a novel lead SNP near the RHPN1 locus (lead SNP rs374279268, P-value = 4.79x10-9, Effect Allele Frequency (EAF) = 0.989) and a lead SNP at the RGS11 locus (lead SNP rs148110594, P-value = 2.34x10-8, EAF = 0.928). 17 SNPs were significant in the SZC, while all the SNPs fall within a signal on chromosome 2, rs1976391 mapped to UGT1A was identified as the lead SNP within this region.

Conclusions

Using multivariate GWAS method improves the power to detect novel genotype-phenotype associations for liver functions not found with the standard univariate GWAS in the same dataset.
Relationship of masked obesity to self-reported lifestyle habits, ideal body image, and anthropometric measures in Japanese university students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yamashiro Kaito , Yamaguchi Naho , Sagawa Kazunori , Tanei Shigeharu , Ogata Fumihiko , Nakamura Takehiro , Kawasaki Naohito
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Masked obesity (MO) is defined as a normal body mass index (BMI) with a high body fat percentage (%BF), and is associated with the onset of lifestyle-related diseases. However, little is known about the current status of MO. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of MO to physical characteristics and lifestyle habits among Japanese university students.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2019, we conducted a survey of 10,168 males and 4,954 females with BMI within the normal range (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2). MO was defined as %BF ≥ 20% in males and %BF ≥ 30% in females. Students completed a questionnaire containing items about lifestyle habits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, and hypertension was defined as systolic above 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships as follows: the relationship of masked obesity to self-reported lifestyle habits, ideal body image, and anthropometric measures; the relationship between hypertension and body indices.

Results

The proportion of students with MO in 2019 was 13.4% in males and 25.8% in females, and the proportion of females increased over time. MO was associated with desire for weight loss (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.76, 1.53–2.02), intake of five macronutrients (0.79, 0.67–0.93), rice and wheat intakes (1.22, 1.01–1.47), sleep duration of < 7hr (0.85, 0.74–0.98), and exercise habit (0.71, 0.63–0.81) in males; and with balanced diet intake (0.79, 0.64–0.99) and exercise habit (0.65, 0.51–0.82) in females. There was a significant association of MO with hypertension in males (1.29, 1.09–1.53).

Conclusion

The percentage of female students with MO increased during the study period, and in males, MO may be a risk factor for hypertension. These results suggest that intervention for MO is needed in Japanese university students.
Adaptive and non-adaptive gene expression responses in prostate cancer during androgen deprivation
Authors: Nätkin Reetta , Pennanen Pasi , Syvälä Heimo , Bläuer Merja , Kesseli Juha , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Nykter Matti , Murtola Teemu J.
Published: February 2023

Androgen deprivation therapy is the cornerstone treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Eventually prostate cancer cells overcome androgen deprivation therapy, giving rise to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) characterized by increased androgen receptor (AR) activity. Understanding the cellular mechanisms leading to CRPC is needed for development of novel treatments. We used long-term cell cultures to model CRPC; a testosterone-dependent cell line (VCaP-T) and cell line adapted to grow in low testosterone (VCaP-CT). These were used to uncover persistent and adaptive responses to testosterone level. RNA was sequenced to study AR-regulated genes. Expression level changed due to testosterone depletion in 418 genes in VCaP-T (AR-associated genes). To evaluate significance for CRPC growth, we compared which of them were adaptive i.e., restored expression level in VCaP-CT. Adaptive genes were enriched to steroid metabolism, immune response and lipid metabolism. The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma data were used to assess the association with cancer aggressiveness and progression-free survival. Expressions of 47 AR-associated or association gaining genes were statistically significant markers for progression-free survival. These included genes related to immune response, adhesion and transport. Taken together, we identified and clinically validated multiple genes being linked with progression of prostate cancer and propose several novel risk genes. Possible use as biomarkers or therapeutic targets should be studied further.
Towards an explainable clinical decision support system for large-for-gestational-age births
Authors: Du Yuhan , Rafferty Anthony R. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Mehegan John , Mooney Catherine
Published: February 2023

A myriad of maternal and neonatal complications can result from delivery of a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant. LGA birth rates have increased in many countries since the late 20th century, partially due to a rise in maternal body mass index, which is associated with LGA risk. The objective of the current study was to develop LGA prediction models for women with overweight and obesity for the purpose of clinical decision support in a clinical setting. Maternal characteristics, serum biomarkers and fetal anatomy scan measurements for 465 pregnant women with overweight and obesity before and at approximately 21 weeks gestation were obtained from the PEARS (Pregnancy Exercise and Nutrition with smart phone application support) study data. Random forest, support vector machine, adaptive boosting and extreme gradient boosting algorithms were applied with synthetic minority over-sampling technique to develop probabilistic prediction models. Two models were developed for use in different settings: a clinical setting for white women (AUC-ROC of 0.75); and a clinical setting for women of all ethnicity and regions (AUC-ROC of 0.57). Maternal age, mid upper arm circumference, white cell count at the first antenatal visit, fetal biometry and gestational age at fetal anatomy scan were found to be important predictors of LGA. Pobal HP deprivation index and fetal biometry centiles, which are population-specific, are also important. Moreover, we explained our models with Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) to improve explainability, which was proven effective by case studies. Our explainable models can effectively predict the probability of an LGA birth for women with overweight and obesity, and are anticipated to be useful to support clinical decision-making and for the development of early pregnancy intervention strategies to reduce pregnancy complications related to LGA.
Assessment of HIV viral load monitoring in remote settings in Vietnam - comparing people who inject drugs to the other patients
Authors: Lefrancois Louise H. , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Pham Tram Thi Phuong , Le Nhung Thi Hong , Dao Huyen Thi Thanh , Tran Tram Hong , Ngo Khanh Phuong , Tong Ha Thi , Phan Huong Thi Thu , Ait-Ahmed Mohand , Pham Thang Hong , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Taieb Fabien , Madec Yoann ,   for the MOVIDA 2 study group
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Increasing access to viral load (VL) monitoring is essential to fight HIV epidemics. In remote settings in Vietnam, using dried blood spot (DBS) sampling for specimen collection could improve the situation. Here, people who inject drugs (PWID) represent many newly antiretroviral therapy (ART)-initiated patients. The goals of this evaluation were to evaluate if access to VL monitoring and the rate of virological failure differed between PWID and non-PWID.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of patients newly initiated on ART in remote settings in Vietnam. DBS coverage at 6, 12 and 24 months of ART was investigated. Factors associated with DBS coverage were identified through logistic regression, as were factors associated with virological failure (VL ≥1,000 copies/mL) at 6, 12 and 24 months of ART.

Results

Overall 578 patients were enrolled in the cohort, of whom 261 (45%) were PWID. DBS coverage improved from 74.7% to 82.9% between 6 and 24 months of ART (p = 0.001). PWID status was not associated with DBS coverage (p = 0.74), but DBS coverage was lower in patients who were late to clinical visits and in those in WHO stage 4 (p = 0.023 and p = 0.001, respectively). The virological failure rate decreased from 15.8% to 6.6% between 6 and 24 months of ART (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, PWID were more at risk of failure (p = 0.001), as were patients who were late to clinical visits (p<0.001) and not fully adherent (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Despite training and simple procedures, DBS coverage was not perfect. DBS coverage was not associated with PWID status. Close management is required for effective routine HIV VL monitoring. PWID were more at risk of failure, as were patients who were not fully adherent and patients who were late to clinical visits. Specific interventions targeting these patients are needed to improve their outcomes. Overall, efforts in coordination and communication are essential to improve global HIV care.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Number: NCT03249493.
Multilayer perceptron-genetic algorithm as a promising tool for modeling cultivation substrate of Auricularia cornea Native to Iran
Authors: Jahedi Akbar , Salehi Mina , Goltapeh Ebrahim Mohammadi , Safaie Naser
Published: February 2023

Auricularia corneaEhrenb (syn.A.polytricha) is a wood-decaying fungi known as black ear mushroom. Earlike gelatinous fruiting body distinguishes them from other fungi. Industrial wastes have the potential to be used as the basic substrate to produce mushrooms. Therefore, 16 substrate formulations were prepared from different ratios of beech (BS) and hornbeam sawdust (HS) supplemented with wheat (WB) and rice brans (RB). The pH and initial moisture content of substrate mixtures were adjusted to 6.5 and 70%, respectively. The comparison ofin vitrogrowth characteristics of the fungal mycelia under the different temperatures (25, 28, and 30°C), and culture media [yeast extract agar (YEA), potato extract agar (PEA), malt extract agar (MEA), and also HS and BS extract agar media supplemented with maltose, dextrose, and fructose revealed that the highest mycelial growth rate (MGR; 7.5 mm/day) belonged to HS and BS extract agar media supplemented with three mentioned sugar at 28°C. InA.corneaspawn study, the substrate combination of BS (70%) + WB (30%) at 28°C and moisture contents of 75% displayed the highest mean MGR (9.3 mm/day) and lowest spawn run period (9.0 days). In the bag test, “BS (70%) + WB (30%)” was the best substrate displaying the shortest spawn run period (19.7 days), and the highest fresh sporophore yield (131.7 g/bag), biological efficiency (53.1%) and number of basidiocarp (9.0/bag) ofA.cornea. Also,A.corneacultivation was processed to model yield, biological efficiency (BE), spawn run period (SRP), days for pinhead formation (DPHF), days for the first harvest (DFFH), and total cultivation period (TCP) by multilayer perceptron-genetic algorithm (MLP-GA). MLP-GA (0.81–0.99) exhibited a higher predictive ability than stepwise regression (0.06–0.58). The forecasted values of the output variables were in good accordance with their observed ones corroborating the good competency of established MLP-GA models. MLP-GA modeling exhibited a powerful tool for forecasting and thus selecting the optimal substrate for maximumA.corneaproduction.
A numerical simulation method for pressure drop and normal air velocity of pleated filters during dust loading
Authors: Teng Guangping , Shi Guoqing , Zhu Jintuo , Qi Jiamin
Published: February 2023

Pressure drop is an important indicator that affects the filtration performance of the pleated filter, and the deposition of dust particles within the pleats is crucial to the evolution of the pressure drop. In this study, the pressure drop during PM10 loading process was investigated for a series of V-shaped and U-shaped filters with a pleat height of 20 mm and different pleat ratios (the ratio of pleat height to pleat width: α = 0.71–3.57). In the numerical simulations, numerical models suitable for different pleated geometries were obtained through experimental verification on the local air velocity. Then, assuming that the dust cake thickness is proportional to the normal air velocity of the filters, the variation of the pressure drop with the dust deposition is derived by means of successive numerical simulations. This simulation method saved a significant amount of CPU time required for the growth of dust cake. It was found that the relative average deviations between experimental and simulated pressure drops were 3.12% and 1.19% for V-shaped and U-shaped filters, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that under the same pleat ratio and the mass of dust deposition per unit area, both the pressure drop and unevenness of normal air velocity of the U-shaped filter were lower than the V-shaped filter. Therefore, the U-shaped filter is recommended due to its better filtration performance.
Detailed chemical analysis of honey bee (Apis mellifera) worker brood volatile profile from egg to emergence
Authors: Noël Amélie , Dumas Charlène , Rottier Emilien , Beslay Dominique , Costagliola Guy , Ginies Christian , Nicolè Florence , Rau Andrea , Le Conte Yves , Mondet Fanny
Published: February 2023

Chemical communication is a widely used mode of communication for social insects and has been demonstrated to be involved in many behaviours and physiological processes such as reproduction, nutrition or the fight against parasites and pathogens. In the honey bee, Apis mellifera, the release of chemical compounds by the brood plays a role in worker behaviour, physiology, and foraging activities and colony health as a whole. Several compounds have already been described as brood pheromones, such as components of the brood ester pheromone and (E)-β-ocimene. Several other compounds originating from diseased or varroa-infested brood cells have been described as triggering the hygienic behaviour of workers. So far, studies of brood emissions have focused on specific stages of development and little is known about the emission of volatile organic compounds by the brood. In this study, we investigate the semiochemical profile of worker honey bee brood during its whole developmental cycle, from egg to emergence, with a specific focus on volatile organic compounds. We describe variation in emissions of thirty-two volatile organic compounds between brood stages. We highlight candidate compounds that are particularly abundant in specific stages and discuss their potential biological significance.
Terrorismus, Crash und Krise in der Literatur
Authors: Kaewert Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Krisenszenarien prägen das 21. Jahrhundert und stellen die betroffenen Gesellschaften vor drängende Herausforderungen. Ihre Omnipräsenz zeigt sich auch in zahlreichen Erzähltexten, die diesen Topos zum Thema haben. Rebecca Kaewert widmet sich den Spezifika des literarischen Krisendiskurses ab der Jahrtausendwende anhand von vier zeitgenössischen spanischen und hispanoamerikanischen Erzähltexten. Sie entwickelt einen multiperspektivischen Ansatz zur Analyse und Interpretation literarischer Krisenaneignungen: Auf Grundlage politikwissenschaftlicher, soziologischer und psychologisch motivierter Krisenkonzeptionen werden narrative Strategien, Funktionen und ihre Wirkungen berücksichtigt.
On Making Fiction
Authors: Danebrock Friederike
Published: February 2023

Fiction is generally understood to be a fascinating, yet somehow deficient affair, merely derivative of reality. What if we could, instead, come up with an affirmative approach that takes stories seriously in their capacity to bring forth a substance of their own? Iconic texts such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and its numerous adaptations stubbornly resist our attempts to classify them as mere representations of reality. Friederike Danebrock shows how these texts insist that we take them seriously as agents and interlocutors in our world- and culture-making activities. Drawing on this analysis, she develops a theory of narrative fiction as a generative practice.
Integration of Islamic and Indonesian Education in the Perspective of KH. Salahuddin Wahid
Authors: Rosyidin Muhammad , Arifin Imron
Published: February 2023

Islam and Indonesia have been integrated since Islam entered into Nusantara (the Indonesian Archipelago) before Indonesia's independence. This combination has influenced the dynamics of the life of Muslims in Indonesia, including its influence on education issues. The researcher is interested in comprehending the extent of the integration, viewed from the perspective of KH. Salahuddin Wahid. This research focuses on two issues, (1) the thought of KH Salahuddin Wahid about Islamic and Indonesianness and (2) the integration of Islamic and Indonesian education, from the perspective of KH. Salahuddin Wahid. This study used a qualitative approach to literature study with descriptive-analytical data analysis. The research design used is to carry out a literature study by the discussion and to conduct the necessary interviews to complete the data with several informants. The next step is to reduce the data obtained, analyze it, and obtain conclusions according to the focus of the study. The results of this study indicate that in education, integration occurs in various approaches, including, (1) internalizing religious values ​​taught in Islamic religious education, (2) strengthening character and moral education through Islamic religious education, (3) combining religious and non-religious education and discarding the dichotomy of the two, it means combining Islamic education with national education, (4) combining Islamic religious education with science and technology, (5) leveling Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and improving their quality in order to compete with non-Islamic boarding schools, (6) promoting Islamic history education in Indonesia and its figures, through books, monuments such as museums, as well as educational films, (7) promoting Aswaja and NU education which is following the teachings of the scholars, especially KH. Hasyim Asy'ari, as a character who has successfully combined Islam and Indonesia.
Learning Tahfidz Al-Qur'an During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Susanto Susanto , Desrani Ayu , Zamani Dzaki Aflah
Published: February 2023

This research discussed the learning of tahfidz Al-Qur’an by applying online and offline learning at two different schools. The selection of learning methods and learning systems is one that is very influential in memorizing the Qur'an for students. To get the discussion material from this research, the researcher conducted a series of data searches through interviews, documentation, and observations at schools. After the data was collected, the researcher conducted a critical analysis using in-depth data triangulation techniques. The findings of this study indicate that there is a very significant difference in the implementation of learning between the two institutions. Junior High School Plus Babussalam carries out online learning using the classical method, namely the teacher sends voice notes via WhatsApp and students follow it and also collects memorization using WhatsApp and the evaluation is done face-to-face. While the Tahfidz Yatim Dhuafa Islamic Boarding School continues to do offline learning using the Pakistani method, namely by depositing new memorization to the teacher along with old memorization. This method is effective to use, but it is quite hard because students are required to repeat and add memorization simultaneously.
Fast Algorithms for Denial Constraint Discovery
Authors: Pena Eduardo H. M. , Porto Fabio , Naumann Felix
Published: February 2023

Denial constraints (DCs) are an integrity constraint formalism widely used to detect inconsistencies in data. Several algorithms have been devised to discover DCs from data, as manually specifying them is burdensome and, worse yet, error-prone. The existing algorithms follow two basic steps: building an intermediate data structure from records, then enumerating the DCs from that intermediate. However, current algorithms are often inefficient in computing these intermediates. Also, it is still unclear which enumeration algorithm performs best since some of the available algorithms have not yet been compared to each other.

In response, we present a set of new algorithms with improved design choices. We introduce a parallel pipeline for rapidly computing the intermediate using custom data representations, algorithms, and indexes. For DC enumeration, we propose an inverted index, pruning, and parallel search strategies. We present hybrid approaches that integrate our techniques with previous enumeration algorithms, improving their performance in many scenarios. Our experimental study shows that the proposed DC discovery algorithms are consistently much faster (up to an order of magnitude) than the current state-of-the-art.
The neuroendocrine stress response compensates for suppression of insulin secretion by volatile anesthetic agents: An observational study
Authors: Tharp William G. , Breidenstein Max W. , Friend Alexander F. , Bender S. Patrick , Raftery Daniel
Published: February 2023

Alterations in perioperative metabolic function, particularly hyperglycemia, are associated with increased post‐operative complications, even in patients without preexisting metabolic abnormalities. Anesthetic medications and the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery may both contribute to altered energy metabolism through impaired glucose and insulin homeostasis but the discrete pathways involved are unclear. Prior human studies, though informative, have been limited by analytic sensitivity or technique, preventing resolution of underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that general anesthesia with a volatile agent would suppress basal insulin secretion without altering hepatic insulin extraction, and that surgical stress would promote hyperglycemia through gluconeogenesis, lipid oxidation, and insulin resistance. In order to address these hypotheses, we conducted an observational study of subjects undergoing multi‐level lumbar surgery with an inhaled anesthetic agent. We measured circulating glucose, insulin, c‐peptide, and cortisol frequently throughout the perioperative period and analyzed the circulating metabolome in a subset of these samples. We found volatile anesthetic agents suppress basal insulin secretion and uncouple glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Following surgical stimulus, this inhibition disappeared and there was gluconeogenesis with selective amino acid metabolism. No robust evidence of lipid metabolism or insulin resistance was observed. These results show that volatile anesthetic agents suppress basal insulin secretion, which results in reduced glucose metabolism. The neuroendocrine stress response to surgery ameliorates the inhibitory effect of the volatile agent on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, promoting catabolic gluconeogenesis. A better understanding of the complex metabolic interaction between anesthetic medications and surgical stress is needed to inform design of clinical pathways aimed at improving perioperative metabolic function.