bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brachioradialis tendon transfer and palmaris longus tendon graft for thumb avulsion: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Curings Pierre , Ramos-Pascual Sonia , Michalewska Kinga , Gibert Nicolas , Erhard Lionel , Saffarini Mo , Nogier Alexis
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Thumb replantation following complete traumatic avulsion requires complex techniques to restore function, especially in cases of avulsion at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP I) and avulsion of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) at the musculotendinous junction. Possible treatments include direct tendon suture or tendon transfer, most commonly from the ring finger. To optimize function and avoid donor finger complications, we performed thumb replantation with flexion restoration using brachioradialis (BR) tendon transfer with palmaris longus (PL) tendon graft.

CASE SUMMARY

A 20-year-old left-handed male was admitted for a complete traumatic left thumb amputation following an accident while sliding from the top of a handrail. The patient presented with skin and bone avulsion at the MCP I, avulsion of the FPL tendon at the musculotendinous junction (zone 5), avulsion of the extensor pollicis longus tendon (zone T3), and avulsion of the thumb’s collateral arteries and nerves. The patient was treated with two stage thumb repair. The first intervention consisted of thumb replantation with MCP I arthrodesis, resection of avulsed FPL tendon and implantation of a silicone tendon prosthesis. The second intervention consisted of PL tendon graft and BR tendon transfer. Follow-up at 10 months showed good outcomes with active interphalangeal flexion of 70°, grip strength of 45 kg, key pinch strength of 15 kg and two-point discrimination threshold of 4 mm.

CONCLUSION

Flexion restoration after complete thumb amputation with FPL avulsion at the musculotendinous junction can be achieved using BR tendon transfer with PL tendon graft.
Bullous pemphigoid associated with acquired hemophilia A: A case report
Authors: Hu Su-Ye , Li Meng-Can , Hao Zi-Jia , Chai Xu-Ya , Li Pei-Sai , Liu Yang , Liu Li-Xia , Xu Ying , Yang Pan-Pan , Li Ling-E
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare and potentially severe bleeding disorder caused by circulating autoantibodies against factor VIII (FVIII). In approximately 50% of the patients, the condition is associated with autoimmune diseases, cancers, medication use, pregnancy, and the post-partum period. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease associated with tissue-bound and circulating autoantibodies against BP antigens 180 (BP180) and 230 (BP230). AHA-associated BP has a high mortality rate; hence, the understanding of this disease must improve.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old man presented with erythema, blisters, blood blisters, and crusts accompanied by severe pruritus for more than 20 days, and ecchymosis and swelling on his left upper arm for 3 days. Pathological examination revealed a subepidermal blister that contained eosinophils. Laboratory tests showed that the BP180 autoantibody levels had increased, isolated activated partial thromboplastin time was notably prolonged (115.6 s), and coagulation FVIII activity was extremely low (< 1.0%). Furthermore, the FVIII inhibitor titer had greatly increased (59.2 Bethesda units). Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having BP associated with AHA, prescribed 0.05% topical halometasone cream, and transferred to a higher-level hospital for effective treatment; however, he died after 2 days.

CONCLUSION

AHA associated BP is rare, dangerous, and has a high mortality rate. Therefore, its timely diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary.
Analysis of Earthquake Vulnerability of The Demak Coastal Area based on the HVSR (Horizontal To Vertical Spectral Ratio) Method
Authors: Nurwidyanto Muhammad Irham , Harmoko Udi , Gernowo Rahmat , Fernando Gregrius Alvin , Koesuma Sorja
Published: November 2024

Most of the Demak Coastal area, especially on the north coast, has a subsurface structure which is quite thick sediment. The impact of an earthquake will cause damage to subsurface structures and buildings above it, so a method is needed that can determine earthquake vulnerability in an area to take mitigation steps. This research aims to analyze vulnerability to earthquakes based on natural frequency (fo), amplification (Ao) and seismic vulnerability index (SVI). The research was carried out by measuring the microseismic signal response at 89 locations using a 3-component seismograph and data logger. The research results showed that the dominant frequency varied from 0.26 – 5.26 Hz, the amplification factor varied from 0.51 – 3.56 and the seismic susceptibility index varied from 0.14-14.77 micro cm2/s. The study area was classified into low SVI (SVI < 5), medium SVI (5 < SVI < 10), and high SVI (SVI > 10).  The potential earthquake hazard described by SVI with a value range of 10 < SVI (high classification) is found at observation station 60 (Bedono Hamlet) and observation station 70 (Karangwaru Hamlet Cemetery)
Meduloblastom u dječjoj dobi
Authors: Gjurašin Miroslav , Cvrlje Filip Jadrijević , Popović Ljiljana , Đurđica Moscatello Đurđica x , Đuranović Vlasta , Bošnjak Vlatka Mejaški
Published: November 2024

Meduloblastom je najčešći među zloćudnim tumorima mozga u dječjoj dobi. Multimodalno liječenje danas obuhvaća kirurškizahvat, kemoterapiju i radioterapiju. Uspješno kirurško uklanjanje tumora preduvjet je za učinkovito onkološko liječenje i konačnoizlječenje. Na osnovi postignute opsežnosti kirurške operacije, životne dobi pri postavljanju dijagnoze i prisutnosti metastaza, bolesnici se dijele u skupinu standardnog i skupinu povišenog rizika. Bolesnici standardnog rizika nakon operacije primaju kemoterapijui kraniospinalno zračenje, a bolesnici povišenog rizika nakon operacije primaju sličnu terapiju, ali s višim dozama zračenja. Djecamlađa od 3 godine nakon operacije primaju samo kemoterapiju u visokim dozama, a izbjegava se zračenje zbog negativnih učinakana daljnji neuromotorički razvoj i kognitivne funkcije. Posljednjih godina postoji stalan napredak u molekulskim istraživanjima meduloblastoma. Tako se novim genskim metodama utvrdilo postojanje četiriju osnovnih molekulskih podskupina meduloblastoma(SHH, WNT, podskupina C i podskupina D), koje su u izravnoj korelaciji s patohistološkim nalazima, kliničkim tijekom i prognozombolesti. Djeca s WNT molekulskom podskupinom imaju najbolje preživljenje i dobre rezultate liječenja, dok djeca s molekulskompodskupinom C imaju najlošiju prognozu. Stoga bi djeci s podskupinom WNT moglo koristiti smanjenje u količini primjene standardnog režima liječenja, radi smanjenja toksičnih učinaka na neurokognitivni ishod liječenja, dok bi djeci s podskupinom C mogaokoristiti agresivniji pristup u liječenju. Primjenjujući nove metode klasifi kacije temeljene na molekulskim podskupinama meduloblastoma i ciljnu terapiju za svakog pojedinog bolesnika, bolesnici s boljom molekulskom prognozom mogli bi izbjeći nepotrebne agresivne postupke liječenja, a time i štetne neurološke i kognitivne posljedice, što bi bitno unaprijedilo rezultate liječenja
Epileptic encephalopathy refractory to treatment and heredodegenerative disease of unknown etiology
Authors: Cvitanović-Šojat Ljerka , Malenica Maša , Kukuruzović Monika , Žigman Tamara , Kužnik Kristina
Published: November 2024

Epileptic encephalopathies are severe brain disorders in which epileptic electrical discharges are presumed to contribute to progressive psychomotor dysfunction. They are related to young age, thus creating progressive dysfunction of the developing neurologic system. Depending on the age at onset, the child loses learned skills, or never even acquires them. First noticeable behavior changes in our patient born from a normal pregnancy occurred while attending kindergarten at the age of 3.5 years. Generalized tonicclonic seizures with loss of consciousness started at the age of 4 years and 10 months. Computed tomography showed atrophy of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed cerebellar and brain stem atrophy with leukodystrophy. He further became atactic, with choreo-atetotic movements, hypertonus, incomprehensive speech, upper gaze palsy and nystagmus. Psychomotor deterioration developed gradually. No myopathy or neuropathy was shown on electromyoneurography, and no lesion on visual evoked potentials. Wide range laboratory and microbiological investigations were undertaken with normal results. Skin biopsy EM analyses were negative as well as mtDNA, tRNA Leu or Lys. Now, he is aged 13 years and 9 months and his EEG is without pathology with beta waves. He is tetraparetic, with heavy psychomotor retardation, incontinent, obstipated, often vomits and produces a lot of saliva. His current therapy is levetiracetam and his last seizure was 9 months ago. As of now, we were not able to fi nd the causative factor for this progressive heredodegenerative disease with brain atrophy and epileptic encephalopathy refractory to treatment.
Rare tumours in children
Authors: Roganović J.
Published: November 2024

Pediatric rare cancers account for approximately 9% of all childhood malignancies. There is no generally accepted definition of this heterogeneous group of tumors. It mainly involves pediatric epithelial neoplasms for which there is no available clinical trial. Considering limited studies and sparse clinical and biological data, there are difficulties in creating standardized diagnostic and treatment guidelines. International collaboration with cooperative expert groups, tissue banking for additional biologic studies and specialized departments for selected rare cancers will significantly improve the outcome of treatment of children with rare tumors.
Juvenile recurrent parotitis in a five-year-old boy
Authors: Ovuka A. , Rožmanić V. , Šaina G.
Published: November 2024

Juvenile recurrent parotitis is after mumps the second most common inflammatory disease affecting parotid gland in children. It is defined as recurrent parotid gland inflammation associated with non-obstructive sialectasia. It is characterized by intermittent swelling of one or both parotid glands accompanied with pain, fever and redness. It is a condition of unknown origin, mostly affecting male gender. The disease is self-limiting with spontaneous resolution after puberty in the majority of affected children.
Unusual case of incarcerated umbilical hernia
Authors: Marinković S. , Bukarica S. , Dobanovački D. , Antić J. , Živković D.
Published: November 2024

Umbilical hernias are a common surgical diagnosis in infants and young children. Spontaneous closure of umbilical hernias with a small ring diameter occurs in the majority of cases before the age of 4. Umbilical hernias are usually observed in patients with Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and 13, mucopolysaccharidosis and congenital hypothyroidism. This case report describes surgical treatment of an incarcerated umbilical hernia in an 11-year-old boy with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). Surgical exploration revealed gangrenous appendicitis and peritonitis as the cause of incarceration in the umbilical hernia. Intestinal reduction, appendectomy, hernia repair and umbilicoplasty were done without perioperative complications, which are more frequent in this group of patients. In selected MPS I cases, it may be wise to perform elective hernia repair soon after diagnosis in order to prevent complications.
Gastroschisis – surgical treatement using silicone bag
Authors: Car A. , Višnjić S. , Patrlj M. Hrelec , Žganjer M. , Gliha A. , Škarić I. , Kondža K. , Mišak Z. , Župančić B.
Published: November 2024

Gastroschisis is a visually impressive, life threatening congenital malformation with urgent operative indication. During the 2005-2010 period, ten neonates with gastroschisis were treated at Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center. Eight neonates with gastroschisis were surgically treated using silicone bag, while primary reconstruction of abdominal wall was performed in two neonates. Surgical treatment with silicone bag was accomplished in two acts. During first operation, eviscerated intestines were placed into a silicone bag, which was then fixed to the muscular part of the abdominal wall. Within ten days, most of the protruded intestines were reduced into peritoneal cavity; in the second operation, silicone bag was removed and abdominal wall closed in full thickness. All ten patients with gastroschisis fully recovered during three-month hospital stay. The procedure requires close cooperation of anesthesiologists, neonatologists-intensivists and gastroenterologists.
Influence of iron deficiency on early brain development
Authors: Armano G. , Vulić D. Mladinić , Vulić D. Mladinić , Jovančević M. , Konjarik Z.
Published: November 2024

Iron is important micro-nutrient involved in the complex processes of brain formation, maturation and functioning. During early brain development, iron deficiency disturbs myelination, neurotransmitter metabolism and consequently alters brain functioning. Severe iron deficiency is accompanied by sideropenic anemia. Prioritizing of haematopetic utilization of iron leads to even greater risk of normal brain development and functioning. Moreover, severe iron depletion during the neonatal period and infancy, causes a permanent deficit in cognitive, social and general life achievements which leads to the conclusion that there is a critical period when a sufficient amount of iron is a prerequisite for basic brain developmental processes. The large number of infants with sideropenic anemia caused by malnourishment and parasitic diseases make this problem a high priority public health issue and accentuate primary and secondary prevention as crucial interventions.
Nutrition of healthy infants: recommendations of the Croatian society of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition
Authors: Kolaček S. , Barbarić I. , Despot R. , Dujšin M. , Jelić N. , Hegeduš-Jungvirth M. , Mišak Z. , Peršić M. , Pinotić Lj. , Radman D. , Senečić-Čala I. , Tješić-Drinković D. , Žaja O.
Published: November 2024

Guidelines for nutrition of healthy infants and young children have been substantially changed over the past several decades. However, only very recently the results of a few important prospective cohort or randomized studies have been published, shedding a different light on many aspects of our present practice, particularly in respect of prevention of chronic diseases such as allergies. Therefore, both the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, and the same body of the American Academy of Pediatrics have published their position papers regarding a few important aspects of infant nutrition. The aim of this paper is to summarize new developments on the topic of nutrition of healthy infants with particular emphasis on the timing and composition of complementary feeding. It also focuses on the nutritional options that may affect later development of chronic diseases such as allergy and coeliac disease. The first premise in the nutrition of healthy infants, also called the golden standard, is that exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months is a desirable goal. Concerning solid foods or complementary feeding, it should not be introduced before 17 weeks and not later than 26 weeks. Prevention of allergies through infant dietetic measures have recently been thoroughly reviewed. So far, there is no convincing evidence that the avoidance or delayed introduction of potentially allergenic foods reduces allergy, either in infants with a positive atopic predisposition or without it. Also, there are no documented benefits for maternal elimination diets during pregnancy or during lactation in respect of allergy prevention. Finally, cow’s milk should not be used as a main drink before 12 months, although small amounts may be added to complementary foods.
Treatment of children with complications of cancer therapy and multiple organ failure
Authors: Škarić I.
Published: November 2024

The large number of paediatric patients with oncological problems requires an intensive care unit because of the complications of oncology therapies. These complications such as infectious problems, respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal insufficiency may require long and expensive treatments. The number of organ dysfunctions is the best prognostic factor of survival.
Hypomelanosis ito
Authors: Lujić L. , Mejaški-Bošnjak V. , Đuranović V. , Pustišek N. , Lončarević D. , Krakar G.
Published: November 2024

Hypomelanisis Ito (HI) is a neurocutaneous disorder characterised by hypopigmented skin lesions appearing on any body part. Skin lesions are related to various extracutaneous manifestations. The central nervous system (CNS) and the musculoskeletal system are most frequently involved. The clinical course is very variable. Of neurocutaneous disorders it is the fourth most prevalent, most cases being sporadic. We present five children fulfilling HI diagnostic criteria, 3 males and 2 females, all with CNS affection. One female with a severe clinical course had bilateral hypopigmented lesions, refractory epilepsy, pathologic EEG, mild mental retardation (MR), hypotonia and clumsiness. The oldest female patient had unilateral skin lesions, normal neurological and intellectual development and the first seizure at the age of 14 years. Four children had bilateral hypopigmented skin lesions. One male patient had mild MR and the second one had sensorineural deafness with febrile seizures and normal EEG. One girl had pathological EEG without seizures. Two patients had normal brain MRI findings, one had enlarged cistetrna magna (cerebellomedullary cistern). The girl with the most severe clinical course had the following brain MRI changes: mildly enlarged subarachnoidal spaces over the convexities and attenuated grey-white matter difference. All the patients had macrocrania. One girl had other musculoskeletal abnormalities. Skin biopsies were performed in two patients at the hypopigmented sites, showing normal dermis and epidermis hystologically. At the basal layer, using Fontana stains, we discovered spots with reduced or no melanin.
Aktuelle Herausforderungen in der Vermittlung des Ausdrucks von Emotionen
Authors: Duch-Adamczyk Justyna , Kowalonek-Janczarek Monika , Poźlewicz Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Current challenges in teaching emotive means of expression
Vermittlung von Abtönungspartikeln als emotive Mittel im DaF-Unterricht für Anfänger
Authors: Duch-Adamczyk Justyna , Kowalonek-Janczarek Monika , Poźlewicz Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Teaching modal particles as emotive means of expression in GFL lessons for beginners. An analysis of the textbooks Menschen A1.1 and Menschen A1.2
Ethnomemes – Definition, Merkmale, Funktionen und ausgewählte Beispiele mit Fokus auf polnische und deutsche Ethnostereotype
Authors: Adamczak-Krysztofowicz Sylwia , Mihułka Krystyna
Published: November 2024

Ethnomemes – Definition, characteristics, functions and selected examples with the focus on Polish and German ethnic stereotypes. Connecting ethnomemes and emotion in teaching German as a foreign language – introductory remarks
Exploring emotions and identity categories in synchronous online art presentations in English as a FL
Authors: Nowicka Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

This chapter discusses the role of expressing emotions in synchronous online tasks of presenting visual art during classes of English as a foreign language at a Polish university. Conversation analysis and membership categorization analysis are used to explore how emotions are expressed and understood by the talk participants. The analysis also focuses on the relationship between social identity categories, types of these categories, and the kinds of emotionally charged actions the talk participants undertake in their particular roles. Keywords: emotional expression, synchronous presentation tasks, English as a foreign language, conversation analysis, individual communicative competence
Übermittlung von Emotionen im Dolmetschprozess – didaktische Konsequenzen und Vorschläge von Übungen für den Dolmetschunterricht
Authors: Krenz-Brzozowska Lucyna
Published: November 2024

Transfer of emotions in interpreting process – didactic consequences and suggestions of exercises for interpreting classes
Online learning-induced challenges for emotional self-regulation in tertiary language learners
Authors: Przybył Jakub , Chudak Sebastian
Published: November 2024

self-regulation, self-regulated language learning, emotional self-regulation, emotional distress, online language learning
Optical properties of nanoparticles in blood: considering blood absorption
Authors: Cheng Ning , Li Xingcai , Wang Juan , Ma Xin
Published: November 2024

Nanomedicine is emerging as a crucial avenue for exploring new therapeutic and diagnostic techniques in the medical field. Effective monitoring of the dispersion concentration of nanoparticles using optical methods is an extremely important topic in this area. However, existing research has not recognized that the light absorption of blood can lead to significant errors in related optical measurements. This paper, considering the absorption properties of the background medium, meticulously discusses the variations in the single-scattering characteristics of nanoparticles in plasma and whole blood, and analyzes the influence of parameters such as incident wavelength, particle size, refractive index, and background medium refractive index. The results indicate that neglecting the light absorption of the background medium may lead to differences of up to approximately 50% in the results, but this is also influenced by parameters such as incident wavelength, particle size, and refractive index. Furthermore, there are still significant differences in the variations of the single-scattering properties of nanoparticles with identical characteristics in plasma and whole blood. These results indicate the importance of in-depth research into calibration techniques for optical instruments in monitoring nanoparticles in the blood, and further enhance the development of nanoparticle monitoring technology in nanomedicine.
Freeform mirror design for beam shaping by a combined approach using Poisson-based grid optimization and a discrete cosine transform
Authors: Xu ShengZhi , Su ZhouPing , Lei Ming
Published: November 2024

In this study, we have designed freeform mirrors capable of transforming uniform irradiance distribution into complicated irradiance distribution. The design methodology incorporates two key algorithms: Poisson-based grid optimization and a discrete cosine transform (DCT). The grids on the target plane were optimized using Poisson-based grid optimization while maintaining uniformity on the incident plane. By obtaining grids for both input and target planes, we derived the normal vector field and utilized the DCT to calculate the sags of the freeform surface. Several examples have been devised to substantiate the validity of the approach. For Case 1 and Case 2, the results demonstrate that these freeform surfaces produce high-contrast and complicated irradiance maps with a notable proportion exceeding 4:1 in terms of irradiation intensity ratio between the graphic area and the background. In Case 2, when compared to the prescribed irradiance distribution, the normalized cross correlation values for generated irradiance distributions by the freeform mirror, both with and without sag error, are 94% and 96%, respectively. Furthermore, Cases 3 and 4 demonstrate that incident beams with complex irradiance distributions can be transformed into uniform irradiance profiles by the freeform mirror designed using the proposed method, achieving uniformity levels of 93% and 95%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the incident beam aperture in Case 4 exhibits an elliptical shape.
Thermal lens focal length statistics for end-pumped solid-state lasers excited with different beam shapes
Authors: Haddadi Sofiane , Bencheikh Abdelhalim , Aït Ameur Kamel
Published: November 2024

Recent research has explored the use of non-Gaussian beams, such as ring-shaped pump beams, in end-pumped solid-state lasers to reduce thermal lensing effects. Theoretical studies indicate that the thermal lens is not constant but varies with the radial coordinate r, and can be modeled with two or three components depending on the pumping beam profile, top-hat or ring-shaped. This paper introduces a new, to our knowledge, single-component expression for the thermal lens, derived from the mean value and standard deviation, which is applicable to various pump beam shapes. The results show that the ring-shaped beam produces the lowest average thermal lens dioptric power, with the top-hat beam following closely, exhibiting similar power to the Gaussian beam. These findings align with experimental data reported in the literature. This new approach simplifies the representation of the thermal lensing, offering a more accurate method for correcting its effects.
Radially polarized partially coherent beams with prescribed sinh-Gauss non-uniform correlation structure
Authors: Song Zhenzhen , Zhang Wenrui , Li Ying , Wang Lin , Ye Jingfei , Liu Zhengjun , Liu Shutian
Published: November 2024

We introduce a kind of radially polarized partially coherent beam with a prescribed sinh-Gauss non-uniform correlation structure, named a radially polarized sinh-Gauss non-uniformly correlated (RPSNC) beam. Utilizing the ordinary Huygens–Fresnel principle, we derive the analytical formulas for the spectral intensity and the spectral degree of polarization (DOP) in free space and investigate the beam’s propagation properties through numerical simulations. The results demonstrate that RPSNC beams exhibit a self-focusing property during propagation, with the focal position adjustable by varying the coherence length. Additionally, the spectral DOP in the central region forms a distinctive single-ring structure as the beam propagates. These unique properties make RPSNC beams promising for applications in free-space optical communications, beam shaping, and optical trapping.
Diverse interlocked switching waves in cavity-enhanced second-harmonic generation
Authors: Wu Gangzhou , Hou Chong , Wei Yating , Chen Shihua , Lin Tong , Baronio Fabio , Ni Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

We investigate the intriguing dynamics and existence conditions of temporal two-color flat-top solitons, termed interlocked switching waves (ISWs), in driven quadratic microresonators via a phase-matched second-harmonic generation process. We show that the formation of two-color ISWs relies strongly upon the pump frequency detuning, the group-velocity dispersion, and the temporal walk-off, and that the ISWs at the negative detuning may behave differently from the ones formed at the positive detuning, due to the asymmetric modulation instability of homogeneous steady-state solutions. In contrast to previous predictions, stable ISW states are found to occur as well on interacting harmonics that both have anomalous group-velocity dispersions when prepared at the negative detuning. Moreover, we unveil that large temporal walk-off contributes to the formation of two-color ISWs at the positive detuning but tends to deteriorate at the negative detuning. Our results help improve our understanding of two-color ISWs and thereby pave the way for highly efficient octave-spanning dual-band comb generation.
Tunable and reconfigurable fundamental, frequency-doubled, and dual-frequency RF signal generator
Authors: Huang Chongjia , Hao Peng , Huang Yijing , Chan Erwin H. W. , Steve Yao X.
Published: November 2024

A photonic scheme for generating a reconfigurable single- and dual-frequency RF signal with low phase noise and high sidemode suppression is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It is based on an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) loop comprising a dual-polarisation binary phase-shift keying (DP-BPSK) modulator and a rotating polariser connected to the output of the OEO loop. Adjusting the polariser device angle alters the amplitudes of the carrier and the RF modulation sidebands produced by the OEO, which leads to the generation of an RF signal at the fundamental and/or twice the OEO oscillating wave frequency after photodetection. The polariser device angles for generating different output RF signals are theoretically analyzed and compared with that obtained using photonic simulation software. Using a high-speed tunable bandpass filter inside the OEO loop, the proposed structure can also generate a reconfigurable fundamental-frequency, frequency-doubled, and dual-band linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal. Experiments are conducted using optimized system parameters and components to minimize the sidemode amplitudes and the phase noise of the generated RF signal. Results demonstrate the generation of an RF signal at either or both 10 GHz and 20 GHz frequencies. The phase noise at a 10 kHz frequency offset for a fundamental 10 GHz RF signal, a frequency-doubled 20 GHz RF signal, and a dual-frequency RF signal at 10 and 20 GHz are -134.6 dBc/Hz, -129.1 dBc/Hz, and -133.5 dBc/Hz (10 GHz) and -128 dBc/Hz (20 GHz) respectively. In all three cases, the sidemode suppression ratio is above 55.4 dB. The frequency tunability of the proposed structure and the ability to generate a reconfigurable LFM signal with different bandwidths using a high-speed tunable bandpass filter inside the OEO loop are also demonstrated.
Experimental investigation on enhanced ablation of silicon with the combined pulse laser
Authors: Liu Hao , Ye Jifei , Rao Wei , Cui Haichao , Wang Sibo
Published: November 2024

The combined pulse laser (CPL) based on long-pulsed lasers has been proven to be an effective way of improving laser processing efficiency by combining their processing advantages. In this Letter, a CPL with a 500 mJ millisecond pulse and a 150 mJ nanosecond pulse is utilized to study the interaction process between laser and silicon. Based on high-speed images of plasma distribution and laser supported detonation wave (LSDW), as well as the height characteristics of ablation morphology, the energy coupling of plasma with variable delay time is analyzed. The irradiation of the material by millisecond pulse within the delay time enhances the strong coupling process between nanosecond pulse and the target.
Electromagnetic wave propagation in time-periodic chiral media
Authors: Koufidis Stefanos Fr. , Koutserimpas Theodoros T. , Monticone Francesco , McCall Martin W.
Published: November 2024

Within the framework of coupled-wave theory, we investigate the propagation of light in a time-periodic chiral medium whose permittivity, permeability, and chirality parameter are periodic functions of time. For non-constant impedance, we show that two first-order momentum gaps emerge in the Brillouin diagram, resulting in parametric amplification with distinct amplification factors and corresponding momenta for right- and left-handed modes. The presence of chirality plays a pivotal role in manipulating lightwave signals, controlling the center of resonance, the corresponding bandgap size, and the amplification factor in a unique manner for each handedness. For a finite “time-slab” of the considered medium, we analytically derive the scattering coefficients as functions of both time and momentum. Additionally, we discuss how extreme values of optical rotation grant access to the temporal analog of the chirality-induced negative refraction regime. Finally, we elucidate the mechanism by which the orientation of the electric field, associated with elliptical polarizations, is altered as the wave propagates within a first-order momentum gap, thereby undergoing simultaneous optical rotation and parametric amplification.
Mechanical stress and anionic lipids synergistically stabilize an atypical structure of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1)
Authors: Ben Boubaker Rym , Henrion Daniel , Chabbert Marie
Published: November 2024

Environmental factors, including mechanical stress and surrounding lipids, can influence the response of GPCRs, such as the mechanosensitive angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1). To investigate the impact of these factors on AT1 activation, we developed a steered molecular dynamics simulations protocol based on quaternion formalism. In this protocol, a pulling force was applied to the N-terminus of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) to induce the TM6 opening characteristic of activation. Subsequently, the simulations were continued without constraints to allow the receptor to relax around the novel TM6 conformation under different conditions. We analyzed the responses of AT1 to membrane stretching, modeled by applying surface tension, in different bilayers. In phosphocholine bilayers without surface tension, we could observe a transient atypical structure of AT1, with an outward TM7 conformation, at the beginning of the activation process. This atypical structure then evolved toward a pre-active structure with outward TM6 and inward TM7. Strikingly, the presence of anionic phosphoglycerol lipids and application of surface tension synergistically favored the atypical structure, which led to an increase in the cross-section area of the receptor intracellular domain. Lipid internalization and H-bonds between lipid heads and the receptor C-terminus increased in phosphoglycerol vs phosphocholine bilayers, but did not depend on surface tension. The difference in the cross-section area of the atypical and pre-active conformations makes the conformational transition sensitive to lateral pressure, and favors the atypical conformation upon surface tension. Anionic lipids act as allosteric modulators of the conformational transition, by stabilizing the atypical conformation. These findings contribute to decipher the mechanisms underlying AT1 activation, highlighting the influence of environmental factors on GPCR responses. Moreover, our results reveal the existence of intermediary conformations that depend on receptor environment and could be targeted in drug design efforts.
Linear-regression-based algorithms can succeed at identifying microbial functional groups despite the nonlinearity of ecological function
Authors: Zhao Yuanchen , Cordero Otto X. , Tikhonov Mikhail
Published: November 2024

Microbial communities play key roles across diverse environments. Predicting their function and dynamics is a key goal of microbial ecology, but detailed microscopic descriptions of these systems can be prohibitively complex. One approach to deal with this complexity is to resort to coarser representations. Several approaches have sought to identify useful groupings of microbial species in a data-driven way. Of these, recent work has claimed some empirical success at de novo discovery of coarse representations predictive of a given function using methods as simple as a linear regression, against multiple groups of species or even a single such group (the ensemble quotient optimization (EQO) approach). Modeling community function as a linear combination of individual species’ contributions appears simplistic. However, the task of identifying a predictive coarsening of an ecosystem is distinct from the task of predicting the function well, and it is conceivable that the former could be accomplished by a simpler methodology than the latter. Here, we use the resource competition framework to design a model where the “correct” grouping to be discovered is well-defined, and use synthetic data to evaluate and compare three regression-based methods, namely, two proposed previously and one we introduce. We find that regression-based methods can recover the groupings even when the function is manifestly nonlinear; that multi-group methods offer an advantage over a single-group EQO; and crucially, that simpler (linear) methods can outperform more complex ones.
Association between coordinated counseling from both ASHA and Anganwadi Workers and maternal health outcomes: A cross-sectional study from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, India
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Lakshmi , Patil Sumeet , Fernald Lia , Walker Dilys , Diamond-Smith Nadia
Published: November 2024

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play crucial roles in health promotion and services in rural India. Previous research investigating the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion by different community health workers (CHWs) cadres on health practices is scarce. This study examines the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion by different CHW cadres, specifically Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi Workers (AWW), on maternal health outcomes. Using endline data from a 2019 impact evaluation of 6635 mothers with children <12 months in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, we compared the association between standalone and coordinated counseling by ASHA and AWW on various maternal health practices. Outcomes included four or more antenatal care visits, birth preparedness, institutional delivery, postnatal care visits, and contraceptive uptake. Fixed effects logistic regression with robust standard errors, corrected for multiple hypothesis tests, was used for analysis. Results showed that 39.6% of women received four or more ANC visits, 31.2% adopted birth preparedness practices, 79.6% had institutional deliveries, 23.3% received postnatal care, and 19.5% adopted a postpartum contraceptive method. Coordinated counseling from both ASHA and AWW was associated with a greater prevalence of four outcomes (birth preparedness, institutional delivery, PNC visit, and contraception) compared to standalone counseling from either ASHA or AWWs. These findings suggest that health promotion by AWW complements that of ASHA, collectively associated with improved health outcomes. This study underscores the effectiveness of coordinated health promotion and highlights the need for multisectoral and coordinated efforts among different CHW cadres at the community level. The results emphasize the importance of integrating various CHW roles to enhance maternal health practices and outcomes in rural India.

Trial registration number: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN83902145.

Date of registration: 08/12/2016.
Assessing yellow fever outbreak potential and implications for vaccine strategy
Authors: Fraser Keith , Hamlet Arran , Jean Kévin , Ramos Daniel Garkauskas , Romano Alessandro , Horton Jennifer , Cibrelus Laurence , Ferguson Neil M. , Gaythorpe Katy A. M.
Published: November 2024

Yellow fever (YF), a vector-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America, with large vaccination programmes being used for control. However, significant outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Data on infection rates and seroprevalence is often sparse, requiring robust mathematical models to estimate the burden of yellow fever. In particular, modelling is required to estimate the risk of outbreaks and inform policy decisions regarding the targeting of vaccination. We present a dynamic, stochastic model of YF transmission which uses environmental covariates to estimate the force of infection due to spillover from the sylvatic (non-human primate) reservoir and the basic reproduction number for human-to-human transmission. We examine the potential for targets identified by the World Health Organization EYE Strategy (50%, 60% or 80% vaccination coverage in 1-60 year olds) to achieve different threshold values for the effective reproduction number. Threshold values are chosen to reflect the potential for seasonal and/or climatic variation in YF transmission even in a scenario where vaccination lowers the median reproduction number below 1. Based on parameter estimates derived from epidemiological data, it is found that the 2022 EYE Strategy target coverage is sufficient to reduce the static averaged annual effective reproduction number R below 1 across most or all regions in Africa depending on the effectiveness of reported vaccinations, but insufficient to reduce it below 0.5 and thereby eliminate outbreaks in areas with high seasonal range. Coverage levels aligned with the 2026 targets are found to significantly decrease the proportion of regions where R is greater than 0.5.
Examining suicidality in relation to the menopause: A systematic review
Authors: Martin-Key Nayra A. , Funnell Erin L. , Barker Eleanor J. , Bahn Sabine
Published: November 2024

Suicide is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 100 deaths being attributable to suicide. Whilst rates of suicide are higher in men, evidence suggests that suicide attempts are more frequent in women. Suicidality data indicates that deaths by suicide in women are highest in those in midlife, warranting investigation into the relationship between the menopause and suicidality. The current study aimed to review the existing literature examining the relationship between suicidality and the menopause using a systematic review approach. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase databases was conducted in October 2023. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of identified articles against the eligibility criteria. Any inconsistencies were discussed and resolved. This process was subsequently repeated with the articles’ full-text. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Relevant data were extracted and summarised in both a tabulated and narrative form. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria, with the findings revealing a complex relationship between the menopause and suicidality. Several studies highlighted that the perimenopause period shows a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts compared to pre-menopausal and post-menopausal stages. Conversely, some studies indicated increased suicidality during the post-menopausal phase, while others noted elevated suicidality in pre-menopausal individuals and those with primary ovarian insufficiency. Critically, several studies found no link between hormonal status and suicidality. The quality of the studies also varied, with a lack of involvement from individuals with relevant lived experience being a consistent methodological flaw across all the included studies. Overall, the current evidence on menopause and suicidality is mixed. Further research is needed to unravel the relationship between menopause and suicidality.
International medical graduates’ experiences of clinical competency assessment in postgraduate and licensing examinations: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Hynes Helen , Wiese Anél , McCarthy Nora , Sweeney Catherine , Foley Tony , Bennett Deirdre
Published: November 2024

An international medical graduate (IMG) is a doctor who has received their basic medical qualification from a medical school located in a different country from that in which they practice or intend to practice. IMGs are known to face difficulties in their working lives, including differential attainment in assessment. The objective of this review is to map key concepts and types of evidence in academic and gray literature relating to international medical graduates’ experiences of clinical competency assessment and to identify knowledge gaps on this topic by systematically searching, selecting, and synthesizing existing knowledge. All studies will relate to IMGs. The concept of interest will be IMGs’ experiences of assessment. The context will be postgraduate, licensing or credentialing medical assessments of clinical competence. This review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. Seven electronic databases will be searched for literature published between 2009 and 2024: the Australian Education Index, British Education Index, ERIC, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and SocINDEX. Gray literature will be searched using Google, Google Scholar, and published reports from postgraduate training bodies and medical licensing organizations. Documents will be independently screened, selected, and extracted by two researchers using a piloted data-extraction tool. Data will be analyzed and presented in tables and in a narrative format.

Trial resgistration: Scoping review registration: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/8gdm7.
A semi-automated method using object-based image analysis (OBIA) to detect and enumerate beluga whales in summer from very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery
Authors: Iacozza John , Sherbo Bryanna , Watt Cortney
Published: November 2024

Very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery has proven to be useful for detection of large to medium cetaceans, such as odontocetes and offers some significant advantages over traditional detection methods. However, the significant time investment needed to manually read satellite imagery is currently a limiting factor to use this method across large open ocean regions. The objective of this study is to develop a semi-automated detection method using object-based image analysis to identify beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in open water (summer) ocean conditions in the Arctic using panchromatic WorldView-3 satellite imagery and compare the detection time between human read and algorithm detected imagery. The false negative rate, false positive rate, and automated count deviation were used to assess the accuracy and reliability of various algorithms for reading training and test imagery. The best algorithm, which used spectral mean and texture variance attributes, detected no false positives and the false negative rate was low (<4%). This algorithm was able to accurately and reliably identify all the whales detected by experienced readers in the ice-free panchromatic image. The autodetection algorithm does have difficulty separately identifying whales that are perpendicular to one another, whales below the surface, and may use multiple segments to define a whale. As a result, for determining counts of whales, a reader should manually review the automated results. However, object-based image analysis offers a viable solution for processing large amounts of satellite imagery for detecting medium-sized beluga whales while eliminating all areas of the imagery which are whale-free. This algorithm could be adapted for detecting other cetaceans in ice-free water.
Assessing spatial structure in marine populations using network theory: A case study of Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) connectivity
Authors: Economou Karsten N. , Gentleman Wendy C. , Krumhansl Kira A. , DiBacco Claudio , Reijnders Daan , Wang Zeliang , Lyons Devin A. , Lowen Ben
Published: November 2024

Knowledge of the geographic distribution and connectivity of marine populations is essential for ecological understanding and informing management. Previous works have assessed spatial structure by quantifying exchange using Lagrangian particle-tracking simulations, but their scope of analysis is limited by their use of predefined subpopulations. To instead delineate subpopulations emerging naturally from marine population connectivity, we interpret this connectivity as a network, enabling the use of powerful analytic tools from the field of network theory. The modelling approach presented here uses particle-tracking to construct a transport network, and then applies the community detection algorithm Infomap to identify subpopulations that exhibit high internal connectivity and sparse connectivity with other subpopulations. An established quality metric, the coherence ratio, and a new metric we introduce indicating self-recruitment to subpopulations, dubbed the fortress ratio, are used to interpret community-level exchange. We use the Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) in the northwest Atlantic as a case study. Results suggest that genetic lineages of P. magellanicus demonstrate spatial substructure that depends on horizontal transport, vertical motility, and suitable habitat. Our results support connectivity previously characterized on Georges Bank and Mid-Atlantic Bight. The Gulf of St. Lawrence genetic lineage is found to consist of five subpopulations that are classified as being a sink, source, permeable, or impermeable using quality metrics. This approach may be applied to other planktonic dispersers and prove useful to management.