bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives and implications of halal food consumption among major Islamized groups in the Philippines: strengthening consumer confidence, standardization, and traceability
Authors: Balah Khadiguia Ontok , Makakena Salik D.
Published: March 2024

The study focused on the perspectives on Halal food products of the three predominantly Islamized groups residing in the Cotabato Province, Philippines: Maguindanaon, Tausug, and Maranao. Three hundred heads of households served as the sample of the study. Data was gathered using a self-made survey questionnaire duly validated by Muslim scholars. The research revealed the participants’ strong preference for Halal-Certified products, ensuring adherence to Shari'ah Law. However, the participants’ concerns emerged regarding the lack of standardization and clear responsibility for Halal integrity. Transparency and traceability were identified as essential in the Halal food market, with the participants seeking accurate information and comprehensive traceability systems to prevent cross-contamination. Participants recommend strategic investments in Halal infrastructure, including storage and transportation processes that are crucial in Muslim-dominated regions like the Cotabato Province in the Philippines.
Building communication and awareness
Authors: Ganeswaran Loven
Published: March 2024

Loven Ganeswaran emphasises the importance of patients understanding gingival disease.
Gall-inducing and building habit in Lixinae weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: VOLOVNIK SEMYON V.
Published: March 2024

Among the Lixinae, at least 35 species are gall inducers. Twenty six species have larvae with building activity (lists of both are provided). Fifteen species are root gallers (tribe Cleonini) and 20 species are stem gallers (Lixini). Their gall morphology (shape, colour, size), habitat peculiarities and typical gall development are described. A new classification of galls according to their inhabitants and formation is proposed. The data obtained suggest that galling depends on the thickness of the transformed plant parts. The potential benefits and costs of galling to gall inducers are discussed. Data on the diversity of parasitoids indirectly support a protective role for galls. A summary of information on special larval constructions is presented. Two types of such constructions are—the ground capsules and the trehalas. These are closed chambers whose walls consist of a small soil and plant particles bound with sticky larval secretions. Capsules and trehalas are attached to the plant and serve to complete preimaginal development. Both are functionally similar to galls.
The use of medial joint opening rather than mechanical axis deviation to determine the clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Kim Sung E. , Kwak Junpyo , Ro Du H. , Lee Myung C. , Han Hyuk-Soo
Published: March 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether achieving medial joint opening, as measured by the change in the joint line convergence angle (∆JLCA), is a better predictor of clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared with the mechanical axis deviation, and to find individualized targets for the redistribution of load that reflect bony alignment, joint laxity, and surgical technique.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 121 knees in 101 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively, and were analyzed according to the surgical technique (opening or closing wedge), postoperative mechanical axis deviation (deviations above and below 10% from the target), and achievement of medial joint opening (∆JLCA > 1°). Radiological parameters, including JLCA, mechanical axis deviation, and the difference in JLCA between preoperative standing and supine radiographs (JLCAPD), an indicator of medial soft-tissue laxity, were measured. Cut-off points for parameters related to achieving medial joint opening were calculated from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Patients in whom the medial joint opening was achieved had significantly better postoperative PROMs compared with those without medial opening (all p < 0.05). Patients who were outliers with deviation of > 10% from the target mechanical axis deviation had significantly similar PROMs compared with patients with an acceptable axis deviation (all p > 0.05). Medial joint opening was affected by postoperative mechanical axis deviation and JLCAPD. The influence of JLCAPD on postoperative axis deviation was more pronounced in a closing wedge than in an opening wedge HTO.

Conclusion

Medial joint opening rather than the mechanical axis deviation determined the clinical outcome in patients who underwent HTO. The JLCAPD identified the optimal postoperative axis deviation necessary to achieve medial joint opening. For patients with increased laxity, lowering the target axis deviation is recommended to achieve medial joint opening. The target axis deviation should also differ according to the technique of undergoing HTO.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):240–248.
Environmental and genetic risk factors associated with total knee arthroplasty following cruciate ligament surgery
Authors: Inclan Paul M. , Brophy Robert H. , Saccone Nancy L. , Ma Yinjiao , Pham Vy , Yanik Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2024

Aims

The purpose of this study is to determine an individual’s age-specific prevalence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after cruciate ligament surgery, and to identify clinical and genetic risk factors associated with undergoing TKA.

Methods

This study was a retrospective case-control study using the UK Biobank to identify individuals reporting a history of cruciate ligament surgery. Data from verbal history and procedural codes recorded through the NHS were used to identify instances of TKA. Patient clinical and genetic data were used to identify risk factors for progression from cruciate ligament surgery to TKA. Individuals without a history of cruciate ligament reconstruction were used for comparison.

Results

A total of 2,576 individuals with a history of cruciate ligament surgery were identified, with 290 (11.25%) undergoing TKA. In patients with prior cruciate ligament surgery, prevalence of TKA was 0.75% at age 45 years, 9.10% at age 65 years, and 20.43% at age 80 years. Patients with prior cruciate ligament surgery were 4.6 times more likely to have undergone TKA by age 55 years than individuals without prior cruciate ligament surgery. In the cruciate ligament surgery cohort, BMI > 30 kg/m2 (odds ratio (OR) 4.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.74 to 5.87)), a job that always involved heavy manual or physical labour (OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.57 to 4.71)), or a job that always involved walking and standing (OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.58 to 4.20)) were associated with greater TKA odds. No single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with risk of TKA following cruciate ligament surgery.

Conclusion

Patients with a history of prior cruciate ligament surgery have substantially higher risk of TKA and undergo arthroplasty at a relatively younger age than individuals without a history of prior cruciate ligament surgery. Physically demanding work and obesity were associated with higher odds of TKA after cruciate ligament surgery, but no SNP was associated with risk of TKA.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):249–255.
Monobloc dual-mobility acetabular component versus a standard single-mobility acetabular component
Authors: Lustig Sébastien , Cotte Matthieu , Foissey Constant , Asirvatham Rhody D. , Servien Elvire , Batailler Cecile
Published: March 2024

Aims

The benefit of a dual-mobility acetabular component (DMC) for primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) is controversial. This study aimed to compare the dislocation and complication rates when using a DMC compared to single-mobility (SM) acetabular component in primary elective THA using data collected at a single centre, and compare the revision rates and survival outcomes in these two groups.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2019, 2,075 primary THAs using either a cementless DM or SM acetabular component were included. Indications for DMC were patients aged older than 70 years or with high risk of dislocation. All other patients received a SM acetabular component. Exclusion criteria were cemented implants, patients treated for femoral neck fracture, and follow-up of less than one year. In total, 1,940 THAs were analyzed: 1,149 DMC (59.2%) and 791 SM (40.8%). The mean age was 73 years (SD 9.2) in the DMC group and 57 years (SD 12) in the SM group. Complications and revisions have been analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The mean follow-up was 41.9 months (SD 14; 12 to 134). There were significantly fewer dislocations in the DMC group (n = 2; 0.17%) compared to the SM group (n = 8; 1%) (p = 0.019). The femoral head size did not influence the dislocation rate in the SM group (p = 0.702). The overall complication rate in the DMC group was 5.1% (n = 59) and in the SM group was 6.7% (n = 53); these were not statistically different (p = 0.214). No specific complications were attributed to the use of DMCs. In the DMC group, 18 THAs (1.6%) were revised versus 15 THAs in the SM group (1.9%) (p = 0.709). There was no statistical difference for any cause of revisions in both groups. The acetabular component aseptic revision-free survival rates at five years were 98% in the DMC group and 97.3% in the SM group (p = 0.780).

Conclusion

The use of a monobloc DMC had a lower risk of dislocation in a high-risk population than SM component in a low-risk population at the mid-term follow-up. There was no significant risk of component-specific complications or revisions with DMCs in this large cohort.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):81–88.
Arthroscopic suture in the management of palmar midcarpal instability
Authors: de Villeneuve Bargemon Jean-Baptiste , Mari Romain , Mathoulin Christophe , Prenaud Clément , Merlini Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Aims

Patients with midcarpal instability are difficult to manage. It is a rare condition, and few studies have reported the outcomes of surgical treatment. No prospective or retrospective study has reported the results of arthroscopic palmar capsuloligamentous suturing. Our aim was to report the results of a prospective study of arthroscopic suture of this ligament complex in patients with midcarpal instability.

Methods

This prospective single-centre study was undertaken between March 2012 and May 2022. The primary outcome was to evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic palmar midcarpal suture. The study included 12 patients, eight male and four female, with a mean age of 27.5 years (19 to 42). They were reviewed at three months, six months, and one year postoperatively.

Results

There was a significant improvement in flexion, extension, grip strength, abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score, and pain, in all patients. After telephone contact with all patients in March 2023, at a mean follow-up of 3.85 years (2.2 to 6.25), no patient had a persistent or recurrent clunk.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic suture of the midcarpal capsuloligamentous complex represents a minimally invasive, easy, and reproducible technique for the management of patients with midcarpal instbility, with a clear improvement in function outcomes and no complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):262–267.
Metal artifact reduction sequence-MRI abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with dual-mobility hip prostheses
Authors: Heckmann Nathanael D. , Chung Brian C. , Liu Kevin C. , Chen Xiao T. , Lovro Luke R. , Kistler Natalie M. , White Eric , Christ Alexander B. , Longjohn Donald B. , Oakes Daniel A. , Lieberman Jay R.
Published: March 2024

Aims

Modular dual-mobility (DM) articulations are increasingly used during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, concerns remain regarding the metal liner modularity. This study aims to correlate metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS)-MRI abnormalities with serum metal ion levels in patients with DM articulations.

Methods

A total of 45 patients (50 hips) with a modular DM articulation were included with mean follow-up of 3.7 years (SD 1.2). Enrolled patients with an asymptomatic, primary THA and DM articulation with over two years’ follow-up underwent MARS-MRI. Each patient had serum cobalt, chromium, and titanium levels drawn. Patient satisfaction, Oxford Hip Score, and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were collected. Each MARS-MRI was independently reviewed by fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to serum ion levels.

Results

Overall, two patients (4.4%) had abnormal periprosthetic fluid collections on MARS-MRI with cobalt levels > 3.0 μg/l. Four patients (8.9%) had MARS-MRI findings consistent with greater trochanteric bursitis, all with cobalt levels < 1.0 μg/l. A seventh patient had a periprosthetic fluid collection with normal ion levels. Of the 38 patients without MARS-MRI abnormalities, 37 (97.4%) had cobalt levels < 1.0 μg/l, while one (2.6%) had a cobalt level of 1.4 μg/l. One patient (2.2%) had a chromium level > 3.0 μg/l and a periprosthetic fluid collection. Of the 41 patients with titanium levels, five (12.2%) had titanium levels > 5.0 μg/l without associated MARS-MRI abnormalities.

Conclusion

Periprosthetic fluid collections associated with elevated serum cobalt levels in patients with asymptomatic DM articulations occur infrequently (4.4%), but further assessment is necessary due to implant heterogeneity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):89–96.
Registry-based study of survivorship of cemented femoral components versus collared cementless femoral components in total hip arthroplasty in older patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Orce Rodríguez Aida , Smith Paul N. , Johnson Paul , O'Sullivan Michael , Holder Carl , Shimmin Andrew
Published: March 2024

Aims

In recent years, the use of a collared cementless femoral prosthesis has risen in popularity. The design intention of collared components is to transfer some load to the resected femoral calcar and prevent implant subsidence within the cancellous bone of the metaphysis. Conversely, the load transfer for a cemented femoral prosthesis depends on the cement-component and cement-bone interface interaction. The aim of our study was to compare the three most commonly used collared cementless components and the three most commonly used tapered polished cemented components in patients aged ≥ 75 years who have undergone a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from 1 September 1999 to 31 December 2022 were analyzed. Collared cementless femoral components and cemented components were identified, and the three most commonly used components in each group were analyzed. We identified a total of 11,278 collared cementless components and 47,835 cemented components. Hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and sex, were obtained to compare the revision rates between the groups.

Results

From six months postoperatively onwards, patients aged ≥ 75 years undergoing primary THA with primary diagnosis of OA have a lower risk of all-cause revision with collared cementless components than with a polished tapered cemented component (HR 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.96); p = 0.018). There is no difference in revision rate prior to six months.

Conclusion

Patients aged ≥ 75 years with a primary diagnosis of OA have a significantly lower rate of revision with the most common collared cementless femoral component, compared with the most common polished tapered cemented components from six months postoperatively onwards. The lower revision rate is largely due to a reduction in revisions for fracture and infection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):121–129.
Changing practice to a new-generation triple-taper collared femoral component reduces periprosthetic fracture rates after primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ricotti Robert G. , Flevas Dimitrios A. , Sokrab Ruba , Vigdorchik Jonathan M. , Mayman David J. , Jerabek Seth A. , Sculco Thomas P. , Sculco Peter K.
Published: March 2024

Aims

Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) is a major complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Uncemented femoral components are widely preferred in primary THA, but are associated with higher PPF risk than cemented components. Collared components have reduced PPF rates following uncemented primary THA compared to collarless components, while maintaining similar prosthetic designs. The purpose of this study was to analyze PPF rate between collarless and collared component designs in a consecutive cohort of posterior approach THAs performed by two high-volume surgeons.

Methods

This retrospective series included 1,888 uncemented primary THAs using the posterior approach performed by two surgeons (PKS, JMV) from January 2016 to December 2022. Both surgeons switched from collarless to collared components in mid-2020, which was the only change in surgical practice. Data related to component design, PPF rate, and requirement for revision surgery were collected. A total of 1,123 patients (59.5%) received a collarless femoral component and 765 (40.5%) received a collared component. PPFs were identified using medical records and radiological imaging. Fracture rates between collared and collarless components were analyzed. Power analysis confirmed 80% power of the sample to detect a significant difference in PPF rates, and a Fisher’s exact test was performed to determine an association between collared and collarless component use on PPF rates.

Results

Overall, 17 PPFs occurred (0.9%). There were 16 fractures out of 1,123 collarless femoral components (1.42%) and one fracture out of 765 collared components (0.13%; p = 0.002). The majority of fractures (n = 14; 82.4%) occurred within 90 days of primary THA. There were ten reoperations for PPF with collarless components (0.89%) and one reoperation with a collared component (0.13%; p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Collared femoral components were associated with significant decreases in PPF rate and reoperation rate for PPF compared to collarless components in uncemented primary THA. Future studies should investigate whether new-generation collared components reduce PPF rates with longer-term follow-up.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):115–120.
Effectiveness of bracing to achieve curve regression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Tang Shiyu , Cheung Jason P. Y. , Cheung Prudence W. H.
Published: March 2024

Aims

To systematically evaluate whether bracing can effectively achieve curve regression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to identify any predictors of curve regression after bracing.

Methods

Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library to obtain all published information about the effectiveness of bracing in achieving curve regression in AIS patients. Search terms included “brace treatment” or “bracing,” “idiopathic scoliosis,” and “curve regression” or “curve reduction.” Inclusion criteria were studies recruiting patients with AIS undergoing brace treatment and one of the study outcomes must be curve regression or reduction, defined as > 5° reduction in coronal Cobb angle of a major curve upon bracing completion. Exclusion criteria were studies including non-AIS patients, studies not reporting p-value or confidence interval, animal studies, case reports, case series, and systematic reviews. The GRADE approach to assessing quality of evidence was used to evaluate each publication.

Results

After abstract and full-text screening, 205 out of 216 articles were excluded. The 11 included studies all reported occurrence of curve regression among AIS patients who were braced. Regression rate ranged from 16.7% to 100%. We found evidence that bracing is effective in achieving curve regression among compliant AIS patients eligible for bracing, i.e. curves of 25° to 40°. A similar effect was also found in patients with major curve sizes ranging from 40° to 60° when combined with scoliosis-specific exercises. There was also evidence showing that a low apical vertebral body height ratio, in-brace correction, smaller pre-brace Cobb angle, and daily pattern of brace-wear compliance predict curve regression after bracing.

Conclusion

Bracing provides a corrective effect on scoliotic curves of AIS patients to achieve curve regression, given there is high compliance rate and the incorporation of exercises.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):286–292.
Effects of high antibiotic concentrations applied to continuous local antibiotic perfusion on human bone tissue-derived cells
Authors: Yamamoto Yuya , Fukui Tomoaki , Sawauchi Kenichi , Yoshikawa Ryo , Takase Kyohei , Kumabe Yohei , Maruo Akihiro , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Oe Keisuke
Published: March 2024

Aims

Continuous local antibiotic perfusion (CLAP) has recently attracted attention as a new drug delivery system for orthopaedic infections. CLAP is a direct continuous infusion of high-concentration gentamicin (1,200 μg/ml) into the bone marrow. As it is a new system, its influence on the bone marrow is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of high-concentration antibiotics on human bone tissue-derived cells.

Methods

Cells were isolated from the bone tissue grafts collected from six patients using the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator system, and exposed to different gentamicin concentrations. Live cells rate, apoptosis rate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, expression of osteoblast-related genes, mineralization potential, and restoration of cell viability and ALP activity were examined by in vitro studies.

Results

The live cells rate (the ratio of total number of cells in the well plate to the absorbance-measured number of live cells) was significantly decreased at ≥ 500 μg/ml of gentamicin on day 14; apoptosis rate was significantly increased at ≥ 750 μg/ml, and ALP activity was significantly decreased at ≥ 750 μg/ml. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results showed no significant decrease in the ALP and activating transcription factor 4 transcript levels at ≥ 1,000 μg/ml on day 7. Mineralization potential was significantly decreased at all concentrations. Restoration of cell viability was significantly decreased at 750 and 1,000 μg/ml on day 21 and at 500 μg/ml on day 28, and ALP activity was significantly decreased at 500 μg/ml on day 28.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the exposure concentration and duration of antibiotic administration during CLAP could affect cell functions. However, further in vivo studies are needed to determine the optimal dose in a clinical setting.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(3):91–100.
The gender wage gap and domestic violence against women: evidence from Peru
Authors: Quispe Ortogorin Diego
Published: March 2024

In Peru, 68% of women have reported being the victim of partner violence, at some point in their lives. However, very little is known about the economic determinants of domestic violence. The present study is intended to analyze the relationship between the gender wage gap and domestic violence in Peru. We understand that the gap is a characteristic of the market that places women at a disadvantage compared to men. Data from the National Household Survey enables the calculation of this wage gap. This information, combined with the violence report from the Demographic and Health Survey, is used in the regression analyses. We find that wide wage gaps are associated with higher incidences of physical and emotional violence. This result also extends to women who are not gainfully employed. These women benefit from greater equality in the labor market that provides them with better potential income, which would increase their bargaining power within the home.
Incidencia del sector externo en el crecimiento económico del Paraguay, periodo 1994-2020
Authors: Alderete Torales Héctor Rubén , Cabral Lopez Maria Antonella
Published: March 2024

In this paper, using empirical and statistical research, we analyze the impact of the external sector on economic growth in Paraguay during the 1994-2020 period. The results enabled the assessment of the validity of the income elasticities of imports calculated in the long term, attributed to the presence of cointegration among the series. Consequently, the economic growth rate associated with the external balance was obtained, aligning with Thirlwall’s Law. The empirical analysis and validation of Thirlwall’s Law suggest that the growth dynamics of the Paraguayan economy can be explained by the Thirlwall model. Thus, it was determined that the external sector has had an impact on Paraguay’s economic growth.
Impacto de la política fiscal y la política monetaria en el valor de capitalización bursátil de las empresas
Authors: Quintero Montaño Washington , Rodríguez Nava Abigail , Pérez Vázquez Liliam Itzel , León Villafuerte Doménica Akira
Published: March 2024

Several studies have examined the relationship between monetary policy and the stock market. However, few have assessed the impact of fiscal management on this market. This paper examines the extent to which fiscal policy affects a firm’s stock market capitalization using the Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) methodology. The study finds that the stock market capitalization in the CPI fully reflects the available information on the movements of variables related to monetary policy. However, total public indebtedness exerts a significant lagged effect on the stock market capitalization of Mexican firms. This finding indicates that the CPI does not fully reflect the available information on the movements of fiscal policy variables. A comprehensive analysis of fiscal policy measures can enhance stock market performance for investors and financial analysts.
Maximally invasive surgery in the era of robots and keyholes
Authors: Sagar PM
Published: March 2024

In an age of advanced robotic surgery, is there still a place for maximally invasive surgery?
“You can‘t be what you can‘t see”: Levelling up - Basic Surgical Skills Course Faculty
Authors: Bowbrick G , Somaiya P , Webster K , Goldring L
Published: March 2024

Empowering women in surgery with opportunities to learn and progress in their surgical careers.
Today's surgeons: are we cutting edge or are we being forced to cut corners?
Authors: Burton OE , Asif A , Fleming S
Published: March 2024

How surgical training has changed over time and how this affects the future generation of surgeons entering the workforce.
War’s Implications: Missionaries and the Global War Novel
Authors: Williams Brian J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This article argues that US war literature hinges on nationalistic, exclusionary narratives that are inadequate for the complexities of globalized warfare. Drawing on theories of the global novel, with its focus on individual action within complex systems, this piece considers Phil Klay’s Missionaries as a global war novel that foregrounds how an embrace of chaos and contingency enables new ideas of responsibility and destabilizes the categories “combatant” and “war story.” Klay forces a confrontation with individual and shared culpability, conceptualizing war as a process of implication, laying the groundwork for ethical local action within global systems.
Half-spectrum OFDM to quadruple the spectral efficiency of underwater wireless optical communication with digital power division multiplexing
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhang Tianyi , Fei Chao , Tian Jiahan , Zhang Junwei , Xie Yitong , Zhang Fei , Du Ji , Zhang Guowu , Wang Gaoxuan , Hong Xiaojian , He Sailing
Published: March 2024

Improving the spectrum efficiency (SE) is an effective method to further enhance the data rate of bandwidth-limited underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems. Non-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (NOFDM) with a compression factor of 0.5 can save half of the bandwidth without introducing any inter-carrier-interference (ICI) only if the total number of subcarriers is large enough, and we termed it as half-spectrum OFDM (HS-OFDM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported work on a closed-form HS-OFDM signal in the discrete domain from the perspective of a correlation matrix. Due to the special mathematical property, no extra complex decoding algorithm is required at the HS-OFDM receiver, making it as simple as the conventional OFDM receiver. Compared with traditional OFDM, HS-OFDM can realize the same data rate, but with a larger signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) margin. To fully use the SNR resource of the communication system, we further propose a digital power division multiplexed HS-OFDM (DPDM-HS-OFDM) scheme to quadruple the SE of conventional OFDM for the bandwidth-starved UWOCs. The experimental results show that HS-OFDM can improve the receiver sensitivity by around 4 dB as opposed to conventional 4QAM-OFDM with the same data rate and SE. With the help of the DPDM-HS-OFDM scheme, the data rate of multi-user UWOC can reach up to 4.5 Gbps under the hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) limit of a bit error rate (BER) of 3.8×10−3. Although there is some performance degradation in comparison with single-user HS-OFDM, the BER performance of multi-user DPDM-HS-OFDM is still superior to that of conventional single-user 4QAM-OFDM. Both single-user HS-OFDM and multi-user DPDM-HS-OFDM successfully achieve 2 Gbps/75 m data transmission, indicating that the DPDM-HS-OFDM scheme is of great importance in bandwidth-limited UWOC systems and has guiding significance to underwater wireless optical multiple access.
In-vivo assessment of a rat rectal tumor using optical-resolution photoacoustic endoscopy
Authors: Lin Riqiang , Lv Shengmiao , Lou Wenjing , Wang Xiatian , Xie Zhihua , Zeng Silue , Chen Rui , Gao Wen , Jiang Tianan , Cheng Ka-Wai Eric , Lam Kwok-Ho , Gong Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Optical-resolution photoacoustic endoscopy (OR-PAE) has been proven to
realize imaging on the vascular network in the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, providing
morphological information. Various photoacoustic endoscopic catheters
were developed to improve the resolution and adaptivity of
in-vivo imaging. However, this technology has not yet
been validated on in-vivo GI tumors, which generally
feature angiogenesis. The tumor causes thickened mucosa and neoplasia,
requiring large depth-of-field (DOF) in imaging, which contradicts to
high-resolution imaging. In this work, a novel catheter was developed
with a high resolution of ∼27 µm,
providing a matched DOF of ∼400 µm
to cover the vessels up to the submucosa layer. Optical-resolution
photoacoustic endoscopic imaging was first performed on
in-vivo rat rectal tumors. In addition, to further
characterize the vessel morphology, tumor-suspected regions and normal
regions were selected for quantification and analysis of vessel
dimension distribution and tortuosity. All the results suggest that
the OR-PAE has great application potential in tumor diagnosis,
evaluation, and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.
Volume detection based on porous silicon waveguide for CO2 mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Meziani Sofiane , Jaafar Abdallah , Hammouti Abdelali , Bodiou Loïc , Lorrain Nathalie , Pirasteh Parastesh , Courson Rémi , Lemaitre Jonathan , Nazabal Virginie , Guendouz Mohammed , Charrier Joël
Published: March 2024

A mid-infrared (mid-IR) porous silicon (PSi) waveguide gas sensor was fabricated. PSi guiding and confinement layers were prepared by electrochemical anodization. Ridge waveguides were patterned using standard i-line photolithography and reactive ion etching. Due to the open pores, light and gas molecules interact in the inside volume, unlike bulk material in which the interaction takes place with the evanescent part of the light. Propagation losses are measured for a wavelength range spanning from λ = 3.9 to 4.55 µm with a value of 11.4 dB/cm at λ = 4.28 µm. The influence of native oxidation and ageing on the propagation losses was investigated. Limit of detection (LoD) of 1000 ppm is obtained with the waveguide sensor at the carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption peak at λ = 4.28 µm.
Tunable terahertz absorption of ion gel-graphene hybrids based on the Salisbury effect
Authors: Li Qiannan , Mei Linyu , Bi Kaixi , Hou Liuyu , Zhang Shuai , Han Shuqi , Guo Miaoli , Zhang Shengguo , Wu Dianyu , Mu Jiliang , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2024

The gate-tunable absorption properties of graphene make it suitable for terahertz (THz) absorbers. However, the realization of a graphene-based THz absorber faces challenges between the difficulty of patterning graphene for processing and the intrinsically low absorbance of graphene with the high electric field needed to change the conductivity of graphene. This report presents an electrically tunable graphene THz absorber where a single-layer graphene film and a gold reflective layer are separated by a polyimide (PI) dielectric layer to form an easily fabricated three-layer Salisbury screen structure. The carrier density of the graphene layer can be efficiently tuned by a small external electrical gating (-5V-5 V) with the assistance of an ion gel layer. The voltage modulation of the Fermi energy level (EF) of graphene was confirmed by Raman spectra, and the variation of the device absorbance was confirmed using a THz time-domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDS). The measurements show that the EF is adjusted in the range of 0-0.5 eV, and THz absorbance is adjusted in the range of 60%-99%. The absorber performs well under different curvatures, and the peak absorbance is all over 95%. We conducted further analysis of the absorber absorbance by varying the thickness of the PI dielectric layer, aiming to examine the correlation between the resonant frequency of the absorber and the dielectric layer thickness. Our research findings indicate that the proposed absorber holds significant potential for application in diverse fields such as communication, medicine, and sensing.
Non-heavy doped pnp-AlGaN tunnel junction for an efficient deep-ultraviolet light emitting diode with low conduction voltage
Authors: Xing Zhongqiu , Zhou Yongjie , Zhang Aoxiang , Qu Yipu , Wang Fang , Liou Juin J. , Liu Yuhuai
Published: March 2024

While traditional tunnel junction (TJ) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can enhance current diffusion and increase hole injection efficiency, their reliance on highly doped AlGaN layers to improve hole tunneling efficiency results in a higher conduction voltage, adversely impacting LED device performance. This paper proposes a non-heavy doped pnp-AlGaN TJ deep ultraviolet (DUV) LED with a low conduction voltage. By inserting the TJ near the active region, between the electron blocking layer and the hole supply layer, the need for heavily doped AlGaN is circumvented. Furthermore, the LED leverages the polarization charge in the pnp-AlGaN TJ layer to decrease the electric field strength, enhancing hole tunneling effects and reducing conduction voltage. The non-heavy doped pnp-AlGaN TJ LED effectively enhances carrier concentration in the quantum well, achieving a more uniform distribution of electrons and holes, thus improving radiative recombination efficiency. Consequently, at an injection current of 120 A/cm2, compared to the traditional structure LED (without TJ), the proposed LED exhibits a 190.7% increase in optical power, a 142.8% increase in maximum internal quantum efficiency (IQE) to 0.85, and a modest efficiency droop of only 5.8%, with a conduction voltage of just 4.1V. These findings offer valuable insights to address the challenges of high heavy doped TJ and elevated conduction voltage in high-performance TJ DUV LEDs.
Integrated approach for simultaneously measuring thermophysical parameters of semi-transparent materials
Authors: Xu Yanfen , Zhang Kaihua , Yu Kun , Liu Yufang
Published: March 2024

To concurrently determine the thermophysical parameters of semi-transparent materials, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, integrated approach for concurrent measurement is proposed. In the measurement setup, a high-temperature radiation source and a beam reducer are employed to minimize the influence of background radiation. In order to differentiate between the transmitted and emitted radiation in the detection signal, the radiation signals from the radiation source are measured under four different conditions, enabling the calculation of transmissivity, emissivity, and reflectivity. The reliability and accuracy of the measurement method are validated by the thermophysical parameters of sapphire, and the results demonstrate a strong agreement between the measured data and previous findings. The combined uncertainties of transmissivity and emissivity for the sapphire at 753 K are estimated, highlighting the novel contribution of this method in investigating the thermophysical parameters of semi-transparent materials.
Chirp-driven control over fast–slow light effects in epsilon-near-zero metamaterials
Authors: Novikov V. B. , Dotsenko A. A. , Leontiev A. P. , Napolskii K. S. , Murzina T. V.
Published: March 2024

Optical applications based on fast and slow light effects force the usage of metamaterials famous for their flexible dispersion properties. In this work, we apply the unique optical nonlocality of metal nanorod-based epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials along with the chirp of femtosecond laser pulses for astonishing control of these effects. We demonstrate the switching between the fast and slow light phenomena via the change of the angle of incidence and/or the central wavelength of chirped pulses in the vicinity of metamaterial zero-transmission regime mediated by the ENZ nonlocality. We elucidate that the laser chirp allows one to manipulate and enhance the fast–slow light phenomena.
Computational models of compound nerve action potentials: Efficient filter-based methods to quantify effects of tissue conductivities, conduction distance, and nerve fiber parameters
Authors: Peña Edgar , Pelot Nicole A. , Grill Warren M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Peripheral nerve recordings can enhance the efficacy of neurostimulation therapies by providing a feedback signal to adjust stimulation settings for greater efficacy or reduced side effects. Computational models can accelerate the development of interfaces with high signal-to-noise ratio and selective recording. However, validation and tuning of model outputs against in vivo recordings remains computationally prohibitive due to the large number of fibers in a nerve.

Methods

We designed and implemented highly efficient modeling methods for simulating electrically evoked compound nerve action potential (CNAP) signals. The method simulated a subset of fiber diameters present in the nerve using NEURON, interpolated action potential templates across fiber diameters, and filtered the templates with a weighting function derived from fiber-specific conduction velocity and electromagnetic reciprocity outputs of a volume conductor model. We applied the methods to simulate CNAPs from rat cervical vagus nerve.

Results

Brute force simulation of a rat vagal CNAP with all 1,759 myelinated and 13,283 unmyelinated fibers in NEURON required 286 and 15,860 CPU hours, respectively, while filtering interpolated templates required 30 and 38 seconds on a desktop computer while maintaining accuracy. Modeled CNAP amplitude could vary by over two orders of magnitude depending on tissue conductivities and cuff opening within experimentally relevant ranges. Conduction distance and fiber diameter distribution also strongly influenced the modeled CNAP amplitude, shape, and latency. Modeled and in vivo signals had comparable shape, amplitude, and latency for myelinated fibers but not for unmyelinated fibers.

Conclusions

Highly efficient methods of modeling neural recordings quantified the large impact that tissue properties, conduction distance, and nerve fiber parameters have on CNAPs. These methods expand the computational accessibility of neural recording models, enable efficient model tuning for validation, and facilitate the design of novel recording interfaces for neurostimulation feedback and understanding physiological systems.
When do stereotypes undermine indirect reciprocity?
Authors: Kawakatsu Mari , Michel-Mata Sebastián , Kessinger Taylor A. , Tarnita Corina E. , Plotkin Joshua B.
Published: March 2024

Social reputations provide a powerful mechanism to stimulate human cooperation, but observing individual reputations can be cognitively costly. To ease this burden, people may rely on proxies such as stereotypes, or generalized reputations assigned to groups. Such stereotypes are less accurate than individual reputations, and so they could disrupt the positive feedback between altruistic behavior and social standing, undermining cooperation. How do stereotypes impact cooperation by indirect reciprocity? We develop a theoretical model of group-structured populations in which individuals are assigned either individual reputations based on their own actions or stereotyped reputations based on their groups’ behavior. We find that using stereotypes can produce either more or less cooperation than using individual reputations, depending on how widely reputations are shared. Deleterious outcomes can arise when individuals adapt their propensity to stereotype. Stereotyping behavior can spread and can be difficult to displace, even when it compromises collective cooperation and even though it makes a population vulnerable to invasion by defectors. We discuss the implications of our results for the prevalence of stereotyping and for reputation-based cooperation in structured populations.
Meiotic prophase length modulates Tel1-dependent DNA double-strand break interference
Authors: López Ruiz Luz María , Johnson Dominic , Gittens William H. , Brown George G. B. , Allison Rachal M. , Neale Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

During meiosis, genetic recombination is initiated by the formation of many DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalysed by the evolutionarily conserved topoisomerase-like enzyme, Spo11, in preferred genomic sites known as hotspots. DSB formation activates the Tel1/ATM DNA damage responsive (DDR) kinase, locally inhibiting Spo11 activity in adjacent hotspots via a process known as DSB interference. Intriguingly, in S. cerevisiae, over short genomic distances (<15 kb), Spo11 activity displays characteristics of concerted activity or clustering, wherein the frequency of DSB formation in adjacent hotspots is greater than expected by chance. We have proposed that clustering is caused by a limited number of sub-chromosomal domains becoming primed for DSB formation. Here, we provide evidence that DSB clustering is abolished when meiotic prophase timing is extended via deletion of the NDT80 transcription factor. We propose that extension of meiotic prophase enables most cells, and therefore most chromosomal domains within them, to reach an equilibrium state of similar Spo11-DSB potential, reducing the impact that priming has on estimates of coincident DSB formation. Consistent with this view, when Tel1 is absent but Ndt80 is present and thus cells are able to rapidly exit meiotic prophase, genome-wide maps of Spo11-DSB formation are skewed towards pericentromeric regions and regions that load pro-DSB factors early—revealing regions of preferential priming—but this effect is abolished when NDT80 is deleted. Our work highlights how the stochastic nature of Spo11-DSB formation in individual cells within the limited temporal window of meiotic prophase can cause localised DSB clustering—a phenomenon that is exacerbated in tel1Δ cells due to the dual roles that Tel1 has in DSB interference and meiotic prophase checkpoint control.
Age-specific case data reveal varying dengue transmission intensity in US states and territories
Authors: Kada Sarah , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Adams Laura E. , Johansson Michael A.
Published: March 2024

Dengue viruses (DENV) are endemic in the US territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands, with focal outbreaks also reported in the states of Florida and Hawaii. However, little is known about the intensity of dengue virus transmission over time and how dengue viruses have shaped the level of immunity in these populations, despite the importance of understanding how and why levels of immunity against dengue may change over time. These changes need to be considered when responding to future outbreaks and enacting dengue management strategies, such as guiding vaccine deployment. We used catalytic models fitted to case surveillance data stratified by age from the ArboNET national arboviral surveillance system to reconstruct the history of recent dengue virus transmission in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Florida, Hawaii, and Guam. We estimated average annual transmission intensity (i.e., force of infection) of DENV between 2010 and 2019 and the level of seroprevalence by age group in each population. We compared models and found that assuming all reported cases are secondary infections generally fit the surveillance data better than assuming all cases are primary infections. Using the secondary case model, we found that force of infection was highly heterogeneous between jurisdictions and over time within jurisdictions, ranging from 0.00008 (95% CrI: 0.00002–0.0004) in Florida to 0.08 (95% CrI: 0.044–0.14) in American Samoa during the 2010–2019 period. For early 2020, we estimated that seropositivity in 10 year-olds ranged from 0.09% (0.02%–0.54%) in Florida to 56.3% (43.7%–69.3%) in American Samoa. In the absence of serological data, age-specific case notification data collected through routine surveillance combined with mathematical modeling are powerful tools to monitor arbovirus circulation, estimate the level of population immunity, and design dengue management strategies.
Chloroform associated with bone mineral density and bone mineral content in adults: A population-based cross-sectional research
Authors: Li Lin , Liu Xuekui , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yan , Li Qing , Geng Houfa , Shi Li , Wang Ben , Qiu Qinqin , Yu Tianpei , Sang Yiquan , Wang Lyying , Xu Wei , Liang Jun
Published: March 2024

Background

Bone mineral density is an important indicator of osteoporosis, and its variation with volatile organic compounds exposure has rarely been studied. However, the relationship between chloroform (an essential volatile organic compounds component) and bone mineral density remains unclear. Consequently, we aimed to explore the relationship between chloroform alone and bone mineral density or bone mineral content.

Methods

Herein, 2,553 individuals aged 18 and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) in 2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2020, were included. We employed two independent t-tests and multi-linear regression models to statistically assess the relationship between chloroform exposure and BMD/BMC in the spine and femoral area.

Results

A "V"-shaped correlation between chloroform exposure and bone mineral density or bone mineral content (BMD/BMC) was observed in the unadjusted model, particularly in the Ward’s triangle and femoral neck as a whole. A negative correlation was specifically observed for the Ward’s triangle BMD/BMC and L4 BMD/BMC. On the other hand, in the adjusted model, a dominantly negative correlation between the L4 BMC and chloroform exposure was observed over a range of exposure levels. The subgroup analysis revealed a negative correlation between chloroform concentrations and BMC in the femur and spine, especially in women and the 65–80 age population.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a "V" shaped correlation between chloroform and BMD/BMC of the femur and spine in U.S. adults. This finding highlights the fact that prolonged exposure to chloroform may cause the changes in BMD/BMC.