bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and varicella zoster meningoencephalitis in a newly diagnosed case of retroviral disease: a case report
Authors: Jog Aniruddha , Sawardekar Vinayak M. , Agarwal Arjun
Published: November 2023

Background

Meningoencephalitis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) are rare neurological and ocular complications of herpes zoster, respectively. Their co-occurrence is rarer, even in patients with retroviral disease (RVD), and may occur in the presence of normal CD4 count.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman presented with altered sensorium. Four days back, she developed left-sided severe, deep burning type headache, and on the next day, painful vesicles developed over the left side of the scalp which progressively involved the forehead, upper part of left cheek, and tip of the nose, with swelling around the eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed conjunctivitis and keratitis suggesting acute HZO. Neck rigidity was present, and MRI brain was suggestive of acute meningoencephalitis. The DNA polymerase chain reaction of cerebrospinal fluid for varicella zoster virus (VZV) confirmed the diagnosis of acute meningoencephalitis. The search for cause of immunosuppression led to the diagnosis of RVD. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir and dexamethasone led to rapid recovery and clearing of lesions.

Conclusion

VZV infection should be included in the differential diagnosis among patients with newly diagnosed RVD presenting with meningoencephalitis and HZO.
Assessment of atypical pneumonia by chest ultrasonography
Authors: Sayed Ahmed Sameh , Ahmed Mona Mansour , Wagih Khaled Mohamed , Diab Haytham Samy , Hussein Ahmed Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with pneumonia exhibit similar clinical presentations despite having different causative organisms; thus, a rapid and easy test is needed to differentiate between the diseases. Here, we use lung ultrasound to discriminate between causative organisms in correlation with other diagnostic modalities.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 67 patients diagnosed with atypical pneumonia admitted at Ain-Shams University hospitals in the period from July 2019 to June 2021. Study population was divided into three groups according to the causative agent based on the results of PCR: Group 1 included 23 patients (influenza A), group 2 included 30 patients (COVID-19), and group 3 included 14 patients (atypical organisms). Included patients underwent lung ultrasound scan via a 12-zone scanning protocol and CT scan with 24 h in between. The present study was approved by the ethical committee at our institution.

Results

The mean age ranged from 39.93 ± 19.26 SD to 60.3 ± 13.02 SD years; 64.17% of them were males. There was also a highly statistically significant difference between the three groups as regard B-lines and thickened pleural line being higher among group 2; 100% of cases had B-lines in their chest ultrasound assessment, while thickened pleural line was found in 53.3% of cases. Dynamic air bronchogram was found with higher percentage in group 3 (71.4%) with a highly significant association. Higher mean Soldati score was associated with more severe disease among cases with viral pneumonia.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound may be used as an aiding tool to estimate the etiology of atypical pneumonia. It can be useful during pandemics of acute respiratory diseases for rapid triage and stratification of patients as through calculation of modified Soldati score and detection of the most common finding. Also, modified Soldati score correlates with disease severity.
Safety and efficacy of high flow nasal canula in patients with mild hypercapnia
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Emara Magdy , Shehta Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Context

High flow nasal canula is usually used for management of acute hypoxemic failure; however, it may have a potential therapeutic benefits in hypercapnia as it can alter tidal volume, end expiratory volume, positive end expiratory pressure, and respiratory rate.

Aim

Evaluate safety and efficacy of application HFNC (high flow nasal canula) for patients with mild hypercapnia.

Settings and design

A prospective interventional study.

Patients and methods

Over six months, thirty eight patients were enrolled, with mild hypercapnia and PH level not less 7.30 and PaCo2 not more 60 mmhg; with applying HFNC, serial checking of arterial blood gases was done. Checkpoints were at 2 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h post application of HFNC. HFNC can be shifted to NIV or invasive MV at any time whenever indicated.

Results

Primary pulmonary disorder was chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder in (22 patients) and (16 patients) had interstitial lung disease. For PH in overall, mean values had changed from 7.33 until reached 7.37 at 48 h post HFNC with calculation of P value at each checkpoint from baseline value; significant changes were recorded at 24 h and 48 h post HFNC application. A similar observation was observed for PaCO2. No significant changes were observed at any checkpoint for HCO3.

Conclusion

High flow nasal canula is safe in cases with mild hypercapnia with a considerable success rate and a proven high efficacy.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05948527, Registered 14 July 2023—Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05948527.
Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol baseline plasma concentrations and their clinical correlate in gambling disorder
Authors: Baenas Isabel , Solé-Morata Neus , Granero Roser , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Pujadas Mitona , Mora-Maltas Bernat , Lucas Ignacio , Gómez-Peña Mónica , Moragas Laura , del Pino-Gutiérrez Amparo , Tapia Javier , de la Torre Rafael , Potenza Marc N. , Jiménez-Murcia Susana
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Different components of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system such as their most well-known endogenous ligands, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), have been implicated in brain reward pathways. While shared neurobiological substrates have been described among addiction-related disorders, information regarding the role of this system in behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder (GD) is scarce.

Aims

Fasting plasma concentrations of AEA and 2-AG were analyzed in individuals with GD at baseline, compared with healthy control subjects (HC). Through structural equation modeling, we evaluated associations between endocannabinoids and GD severity, exploring the potentially mediating role of clinical and neuropsychological variables.

Methods

The sample included 166 adult outpatients with GD (95.8% male, mean age 39 years old) and 41 HC. Peripheral blood samples were collected after overnight fasting to assess AEA and 2-AG concentrations (ng/ml). Clinical (i.e., general psychopathology, emotion regulation, impulsivity, personality) and neuropsychological variables were evaluated through a semi-structured clinical interview and psychometric assessments.

Results

Plasma AEA concentrations were higher in patients with GD compared with HC (p = .002), without differences in 2-AG. AEA and 2-AG concentrations were related to GD severity, with novelty-seeking mediating relationships.

Conclusions

This study points to differences in fasting plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids between individuals with GD and HC. In the clinical group, the pathway defined by the association between the concentrations of endocannabinoids and novelty-seeking predicted GD severity. Although exploratory, these results could contribute to the identification of potential endophenotypic features that help optimize personalized approaches to prevent and treat GD.
Pioneer statoacoustic neurons guide neuroblast behaviour during otic ganglion assembly
Authors: Bañón Aitor , Alsina Berta
Published: November 2023

Cranial ganglia are aggregates of sensory neurons that mediate distinct types of sensation. The statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) develops into several lobes that are spatially arranged to connect appropriately with hair cells of the inner ear. To investigate the cellular behaviours involved in the 3D organization of the SAG, we use high-resolution confocal imaging of single-cell, labelled zebrafish neuroblasts (NBs), photoconversion, photoablation, and genetic perturbations. We show that otic NBs delaminate out of the otic epithelium in an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like manner, rearranging apical polarity and primary cilia proteins. We also show that, once delaminated, NBs require RhoGTPases in order to perform active migration. Furthermore, tracking of recently delaminated NBs revealed their directed migration and coalescence around a small population of pioneer SAG neurons. These pioneer SAG neurons, not from otic placode origin, populate the coalescence region before otic neurogenesis begins and their ablation disrupts delaminated NB migratory pathways, consequentially affecting SAG shape. Altogether, this work shows for the first time the role of pioneer SAG neurons in orchestrating SAG development.
30 years of nanobodies – an ongoing success story of small binders in biological research
Authors: Frecot Desiree I. , Froehlich Theresa , Rothbauer Ulrich
Published: November 2023

A milestone in the field of recombinant binding molecules was achieved 30 years ago with the discovery of single-domain antibodies from which antigen-binding variable domains, better known as nanobodies (Nbs), can be derived. Being only one tenth the size of conventional antibodies, Nbs feature high affinity and specificity, while being highly stable and soluble. In addition, they display accessibility to cryptic sites, low off-target accumulation and deep tissue penetration. Efficient selection methods, such as (semi-)synthetic/naïve or immunized cDNA libraries and display technologies, have facilitated the isolation of Nbs against diverse targets, and their single-gene format enables easy functionalization and high-yield production. This Review highlights recent advances in Nb applications in various areas of biological research, including structural biology, proteomics and high-resolution and in vivo imaging. In addition, we provide insights into intracellular applications of Nbs, such as live-cell imaging, biosensors and targeted protein degradation.
Agent-based models under uncertainty
Authors: Stepanov Vladimir , Ferson Scott
Published: November 2023

Background: Monte Carlo (MC) is often used when trying to assess the consequences of uncertainty in agent-based models (ABMs). However, this approach is not appropriate when the uncertainty is epistemic rather than aleatory, that is, when it represents a lack of knowledge rather than variation. The free-for-all battleship simulation modelled here is inspired by the children’s battleship game, where each battleship is an agent.

Methods: The models contrast an MC implementation against an interval implementation for epistemic uncertainty. In this case, our epistemic uncertainty is in the form of an uncertain radar. In the interval method, the approach occludes the status of the agents (ships) and precludes an analyst from making decisions about them in real-time.

Results: In a highly uncertain environment, after many time steps, there can be many ships remaining whose status is unknown. In contrast, any MC simulation invariably tends to conclude with a small number of the remaining ships after many time steps. Thus, the interval approach misses the quantitative conclusion. However, some quantitative results are generated by the interval implementation, e.g. the identities of the surviving ships, which are revealed to be nearly mutual with the MC implementation, though with fewer identities in total compared to MC.

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that it is possible to implement intervals in an ABM, but the results are broad, which may be useful for generating the overall bounds of the system but do not provide insight on the expected outcomes and trends.
Application of artificial intelligence-based strategies for promotion of family planning in India: a scoping review
Authors: G. Maroju Revathi , G. Choudhari Sonali , Shaikh Mohammed Kamran , K. Borkar Sonali , Mendhe Harshal
Published: November 2023

Family planning is regarded as an essential component of public health and development in India since it promotes reproductive health, gives people more autonomy, and ensures population growth that is sustainable. Family planning programmes have an effect on women's health by ensuring that everyone has access to counselling and medical care related to sexual and reproductive problems. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into family planning strategy has the ability to ensure effective execution and greatly increase programme efficacy. In general, AI has the potential to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and personalization of family planning. However, it's essential to ensure that AI-powered solutions are developed and used responsibly, with a focus on privacy, ethics, and equity. The implementation of the government's family planning policy in the nation and the potential benefits of those AI-based applications are the primary focus of this scoping review.
A chromosomal reference genome sequence for the malaria mosquito, Anopheles moucheti, Evans, 1925
Authors: Nsango Sandrine N. , Agbor Jean-Pierre , Ayala Diego , Johnson Harriet  F. , Heaton Haynes , Wagah Martin G. , Collins Joanna C. , Krasheninnikova Ksenia , Pelan Sarah E. , Pointon Damon-Lee B. , Sims Ying , Torrance James W. , Tracey Alan , Uliano Da Silva Marcela , Wood Jonathan M. D. , von Wyschetzki Katharina ,   DNA Pipelines collective, McCarthy Shane A. , Neafsey Daniel E. , Makunin Alex , Lawniczak Mara
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Anopheles moucheti (the malaria mosquito; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Culicidae), from a wild population in Cameroon. The genome sequence is 271 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into three chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.5 kilobases in length.
Living with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a nested qualitative study
Authors: Mackereth Peter , Stringer Jacqui
Published: November 2023

Background:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side-effect for patients undergoing a variety of chemotherapy regimens. These effects can have a detrimental impact on patients' quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the experience of living with CIPN prior to and while participating in a randomised study of acupuncture versus a control wait group.

Design:

The study was nested within a randomised trial (n=120) with participants randomised to acupuncture or to control (wait list for acupuncture).

Method:

Participants (n=23) volunteered to be interviewed either by telephone (n=20) or face to face (n=3). The audiotapes produced were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results:

Four themes developed; these included daily life with CIPN, signs and symptoms, interacting with others and management of CIPN. Patients reported compromised dexterity and ability to safely carry out activities. They were often reliant on help and sought out information from others living with the condition. There were also concerns about the lack of effectiveness and the side-effects of medication prescribed.

Conclusion:

Participants were self-selecting volunteers across different cancer groups, but the information gathered could influence future study designs and increase understanding of the impact of CIPN on patients' lives.
COVID-19 transmission due to interplay between PM2.5 and weather conditions
Authors:   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, Sharma Gulshan , Upadhyay Era ,   Centre for Ocean Atmospheric Science &Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, Kulkarni Akshay ,   Centre for Ocean Atmospheric Science &Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, Sagalgile Archna ,   Centre for Ocean Atmospheric Science &Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Published: November 2023

Background: The association of air pollution with the COVID-19 pandemic majorly caused respiratory diseases among the major outcomes of COVID-19 infection. In addition, meteorological factors play an important role in spreading COVID-19 infection in humans who have been exposed to air pollutants. Objectives: This study aims to estimate and comprehend the linkages between the contribution of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters to the spreading coronavirus infection in Gurugram, a badly affected city in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We employed some statistical analysis on daily average data of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological conditions with daily COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to February 2022. To optimize PM2.5 concentrations linked with COVID-19 instances, a time series analysis was performed. The Pearson correlation test investigated the relationships between PM2.5levels, meteorological data, and COVID-19 instances. The PCA was applied to reveal the most significant factor attributable to affecting the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Gurugram. Results: The highest cases of COVID-19 (250,000) were observed in February 2022 when PM 2.5 concentration was 286.6µg/m3, 12.64 oC temperature, 73.81% RH, and 68.265 km/h wind speed while minimum cases (3125) were found in March 2020 with the 18.18µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration, 10.62.oC temperature, 50.05% RH, and 83.295km/h wind speed. Conclusion: The principal component analysis helped conclude the results, which revealed that the daily COVID-19 cases were significantly positively correlated with PM 2.5 concentrations, RH, and temperature. However, daily COVID-19 cases were negatively or poorly correlated with wind speed. COVID-19 pandemic is prominently affected by PM 2.5, while RH and temperature were found to be important meteorological factors significantly affecting its human-to-human transmission. This study may provide useful indications to regulatory bodies to modify environmental health policies.
Bulk Compressibility Behavior for Select Crops
Authors: Turner Aaron P. , McNeill Samuel G. , Montross Michael , Casada Mark E. , Thompson Sidney A. , Maghirang Ronaldo G. , Petingco Marvin Carpena
Published: November 2023

Highlights

The pressure dependent bulk density relationship was evaluated for nine crops.

Two compressibility models were proposed, with RMSE ranging from 1.7 to 7.1 kg m-3, depending on the crop.

Differences between compressibility equations had minimal influence on packing predictions in full size bins.

Combined test weight and packing correction factors are shown for each crop in bins of different sizes and construction.

Abstract. Knowledge of the pressure-dependent bulk density increase observed in stored grains and oil seeds, commonly referred to as packing or compressibility, is important for maintaining accurate grain inventory, evaluating wall loads, and other applications that require estimating density at specific depths in a bin. This study presents compressibility equation parameters determined utilizing a compilation of the best data available, including previously published and new datasets. In all, confined uniaxial compression tests for nine crops (barley, canola, corn, oats, rice, sorghum, soybeans, hard red winter wheat, and soft red winter wheat) were included. The data was fit using two candidate compressibility equations, both of which generally fit well and resulted in root mean squared errors ranging from 1.7 to 7.1 kg m-3, depending on the model and crop. For crops with full scale bin data available from previous research, the resulting equations were applied to estimate inventory and were compared with the measured mass of grain in the bin. Results from both equations were similar, and apart from oats, median errors were less than 2.5%. Keywords: Bulk density, Compressibility, Pack factor, Grain storage, Test weight, Stored grain inventory.
Translation as a cultural tool for mediating conflict in queer and feminist grassroots democratic coalitions in Denmark, Germany and Sweden
Authors: Doerr Nicole
Published: November 2023

In this article, I present the findings of a three-year qualitative research project studying feminist and queer activist groups that support refugees in Denmark, Germany and Sweden. My findings show how multilingual activists volunteered as linguistic interpreters to enable inclusive dialogue between refugees and host-country citizens in joint grassroots democratic coalition meetings. Based on interviews with different groups, I show that their linguistic-broker position gave these activists the leverage to challenge and bring to the attention of white-majority citizens the exclusionary dynamics of structural inequality and civic-status hierarchies that create tensions within supposedly open and inclusive joint meetings. By highlighting the critical, counter-hegemonic positionality of activist-translators in coalitions working on gender, the central contribution of my case study is to connect theories of translation and conflict mediation in transnational social movements with research that focuses on the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in intersectional coalitions.
Les proves d’admissió als estudis de Mestre: Arestes i oportunitats
Authors: Oliver-Trobat Miquel F.
Published: November 2023

Editorial número 14
Formación e innovación docente en didáctica de la escritura basada en géneros en el grado de Maestro en Educación Primaria
Authors: García-Parejo Isabel
Published: November 2023

En el marco de proyectos de innovación docente, el estudiantado del grado de Maestro de Educación Primaria de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid se ha formado en la didáctica de la escritura basada en géneros discursivos (Genre Pedagogy). Con ello, han desarrollado la capacidad de reconocer y analizar los géneros textuales propios de cada área del currículo, en español y en inglés, de manera que pueden planificar el aprendizaje conjunto de contenidos y de lengua a partir de la lectura y escritura guiadas. La finalidad de este trabajo es describir las características de tres de estos proyectos, denominados Géneros y Sociedad I, II, III; de la formación docente desarrollada en ellos en las asignaturas Lengua Española y Didáctica de la Lengua, y de la valoración realizada por el estudiantado (N = 158) a propósito de la experiencia, a través de cuestionarios y diarios de campo. Los resultados apuntan a la presencia de una mayor conciencia lingüística y didáctica para abordar la enseñanza de la escritura.
La gripe de las mil y una caras. Lentejuelas y volantes para vestir a la «influenza» de 1918
Authors: Moreno Coll Araceli
Published: November 2023

La pandemia de gripe que estremeció el mundo entre 1918 y 1919, llegando incluso en algunas ciudades hasta 1920, fue una de las peores que conoce el ser humano. Los medios de comunicación, aunque tarde en ocasiones debido a la censura que tuvieron durante la Primera Guerra Mundial (1914-1918), siguieron su evolución y las páginas de la prensa se ilustraron con todo tipo de viñetas, la mayoría de ellas satirizándola. A través del trabajo de hemeroteca nos proponemos analizar las distintas representaciones que tuvo el virus, incidiendo sobre todo en la que se aludía al supuesto origen «español». Una imagen estereotipada creada a partir del siglo XVII que hoy en día continúa existiendo fuera de nuestras fronteras, nos referimos a la figura del torero y la flamenca como un reflejo de la sociedad.
Broadband tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber having near-perfect absorbance modulation capability based on a patterned vanadium dioxide circular patch
Authors: Zhao Qian , Qin Xuefeng , Xu Chongyang , Zhou Haiquan , Wang Ben-Xin
Published: November 2023

A new tunable broadband terahertz metamaterial absorber has been designed based on patterned vanadium dioxide (VO2). The absorber consists of three simple layers, the top VO2 pattern layer, the middle media layer, and the bottom metal layer. Based on phase transition properties of VO2, the designed device has excellent absorption modulation capability, achieving the functional transition from broadband absorption to near-perfect reflection. When VO2 is in the metallic state, there are two absorption peaks observed at frequencies of 4.16 and 6.05 THz, exhibiting near-perfect absorption characteristics; the combination of these two absorption peaks gives rise to the broadband phenomenon and the absorption bandwidth, where the absorbance exceeds 90% and spans from 3.40 to 7.00 THz, with a corresponding relative absorption bandwidth of 69.23%. The impedance matching theory, near-field patterns, and surface current distributions are provided to analyze the causes of broadband absorption. Furthermore, the broadband absorption could be completely suppressed when VO2 presents the dielectric phase, and its absorbance could be dynamically adjusted from 100% to less than 0.70%, thereby achieving near-perfect reflection. Owing to its symmetrical structure, it exhibits excellent performance in different polarization directions and at large incidence angles. Our proposed absorber may have a wide range of promising applications and can be applied in a variety of fields such as communications, imaging, sensing, and security detection.
Visadapt: Catadioptric adaptive camera for scenes of variable density of visual information
Authors: Ducrocq Julien Jean , Caron Guillaume , Midavaine Hervé , Duriez Christian , Dequidt Jérémie , Mouaddib El Mustapha
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the design method of a multi-resolution camera, named Visadapt. It is made of a conventional compact camera with a sensor and a lens pointed to a new deformable mirror so that the mirror in a flat state is parallel to the image plane. The main novelty of the latter mirror, to our knowledge, is the ability to control automatically strokes of several millimeters. This allows Visadapt to capture scenes with a spatially variable density of visual information. A grid of linear actuators, set underneath the mirror surface, deforms the mirror to reach the desired shape computed to capture several areas of different resolutions. Mechanical simulations are allowed to iterate on Visadapt’s design, to reduce the geometrical distortions in the images. Evaluations made on an actual prototype of Visadapt show that, by adapting the mirror shape, this camera can magnify a scene object up to 20%, even off-centered in the field-of-view, while still perceiving the rest of the scene.
Implementation of particle swarm optimization for complete inverse design of multilayered optical filters
Authors: Lee Inho , Kim Changdae , Ju Kyoungjae , Jun Gunhee , Yoon Gwanho
Published: November 2023

Particle swarm optimization is implemented for the complete inverse design of
multilayered optical filters. To achieve this, a model is designed to
optimize the thickness and material of each layer, as well as the
total number of layers, simultaneously. The performance of the model
is evaluated by repeating the optimization process, enabling
clarification of the effects of model parameters on the final output.
The designed model is also demonstrated for the optimization of
various optical filters, including bandstop filters, bandpass filters,
and anti-reflection coatings. The results confirm that particle swarm
optimization is capable of designing arbitrary optical filters that
cannot be designed using conventional design theories.
Ultrasensitive refractive index sensor based on stainless steel metamaterial
Authors: Wu GuiFang , Yan Fengping , Wang Wei , Liang LanJu , Yan Xin , Yao HaiYun , Wang Meng , Guo Hao
Published: November 2023

Terahertz metamaterial technology, as an efficient nondestructive testing method, has shown great development potential in biological detection. This paper presents a stainless steel terahertz metamaterial absorber that achieves a near-perfect absorption of incident metamaterial waves with a 99.99% absorption at 2.937 THz. We demonstrate the theoretical discussion about the absorber and the application in sensing. The effect of the metamaterial absorber’s structural parameters on the sensing performance is also analyzed. Simulation results show that the sensor can detect analytes with a refractive index between 1.0 and 1.8. Additionally, the performance of the sensor in detecting analytes in three states (solid, liquid, and gas) is analyzed in detail, and the sensitivity and the FoM of the sensor to detect methane are 22.727 THz/RIU and 568.175RIU−1, respectively. In addition, the terahertz sensor has the advantage of wide incident angle insensitivity, maintaining a good sensing performance within a wide manufacturing tolerance range of −10% to 10%. Compared to metal–dielectric–metal or dielectric–metal structures, the proposed sensor adopts stainless steel as the only manufacturing material, which has the advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing costs, and high sensitivity, and has potential application prospects in label-free high-sensitivity biomedical sensing.
Direct generation of lower-order cylindrical vector vortex modes from an end-pumped Pr3+:LiYF4 laser
Authors: Morohashi Takuya , Srinivasa Rao A. , Omatsu Takashige
Published: November 2023

We report the direct
generation of vector vortex laser modes at 640 nm from a
compact, diode end-pumped continuous-wave Pr3+:LiYF4 (YLF) laser that utilizes an
intracavity lens and diaphragm. On-axis displacement of the
intracavity lens, combined with appropriate choice of the
intracavity diaphragm,
enables selective generation of a desired radial and azimuthal vector
laser mode. Such compact, vector vortex laser sources based on Pr3+:YLF in the visible wavelength region are
a significant enabling technology for a wide range of
applications.
Bubbles-induced turbulence channel prediction mechanism based on machine vision in underwater wireless optical communication
Authors: Dong Zhixin , Huang Zhitong , Qiu Hongcheng , Xu Jie , Ji YueFeng
Published: November 2023

Bubbles-induced turbulence poses a significant challenge to the stability of underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system. Existing methods for understanding channel characteristics rely on the pilot information from the feed-back channel, which are ineffective and inaccurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the underwater channel. We propose a machine-vision-based channel prediction mechanism which contains three modules of motion judgment module, image processing module and scintillation index (SI) prediction module. The mechanism captures images of bubbles and calculates the bubble density. Subsequently, a relational function is applied to acquire the predicted SI which quantifies the impacts of bubbles on the channel. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism.
Mid-infrared pulsed Er:ZBLAN fiber laser producing mode-switchable cylindrical vector beams
Authors: Zhu Guojun , Li Xinying , Yin Xinyue , Muhammad Sohail , Xu Changwen , Zhang Chunxiang , Ma Chunyang , Liu Jun
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate the generation of both continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) from a mid-infrared Er3+-doped ZBLAN (Er:ZBLAN) fiber laser at ∼ 2.8 µm. A customized S-waveplate is incorporated as the intracavity mode converter to achieve the mid-infrared CVBs. Switchable modes of CVBs between the radially and azimuthally polarized beam can be realized easily by manipulating the cavity conditions. A maximum output power of ∼250 mW is achieved for the CW CVBs. In the short-pulsed CVBs operation regime, both the active and passive Q-switching modes are realized with a pulse duration of hundreds of nanoseconds. The proposed mid-infrared cylindrical vector lasers can have significant potential for applications in biomedicine, optical trapping, material processing and optical communication.
Simultaneous bond-selective deuterium-based isotopic labeling sensing with disposable ultra-miniature CARS fiber probe
Authors: Wang Tong , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Kun , Wang Shuang , Xu Tianhua , Niu Panpan , Ma Jinying , Yin JinDe , Liu Tiegen
Published: November 2023

Deuterium-based isotopic labeling is an important technique for tracking cellular metabolism with the Raman signals analysis of low-wavenumber (LW) C–D bonds and high-wavenumber (HW) C–H bonds. We propose and demonstrate a disposable ultra-miniature fiber probe to detect LW and HW coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectra for deuterated compounds simultaneously and bond-selectively sensing. The 10.78 µm diameter disposable fiber probe, comprised of focusing taper as fiber probe head and time-domain walk-off eliminating fiber section with designed length, realizes wide-frequency-interval dual Stokes pulse delivering and focusing. The fiber probe enables quantitative concentration determination with resolution down to 11 mM. The chemical vibration modes of LW region C–D bonds and HW region C–H bonds of the mixture samples of organic compounds and their deuterated counterparts in a simulated cell are simultaneously excited and characterized. The CARS disposable fiber probe introduces a promising handle for in vivo biochemical detection based on isotopic labeling sensing.
Mobile recognition and positioning for multiple visible light communication cells using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Du Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yanyu , Wang Chao , Fan Penghui , Zhu Yijun
Published: November 2023

The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environment involves multiple production items, such as robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), among others. The practical industrial scenario requires communication of production items while also considering mobile recognition and positioning. Hence the perception approach requires not only combining communications but also realizing the recognition and positioning of multiple communication cells. This Letter proposes a multi-optical cell recognition and positioning framework based on LED image features. The LED images are obtained by a CMOS image sensor. This framework utilizes convolutional neural networks (CNN) to train LED images for recognition between multiple optical cells and locates precise positions through region recognition within the optical cells. The experimental results show that the mean accuracy of the CNN model for two LED cells is above 99%, and the mean accuracy of region recognition within the optical cell is as high as 100%, which is significantly better than other traditional recognition algorithms. Therefore, the proposed framework can provide location-aware services for visible light communication and has a wide application prospect in IIoT.
MIGGRI: A multi-instance graph neural network model for inferring gene regulatory networks for Drosophila from spatial expression images
Authors: Huang Yuyang , Yu Gufeng , Yang Yang
Published: November 2023

Recent breakthrough in spatial transcriptomics has brought great opportunities for exploring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from a brand-new perspective. Especially, the local expression patterns and spatio-temporal regulation mechanisms captured by spatial expression images allow more delicate delineation of the interplay between transcript factors and their target genes. However, the complexity and size of spatial image collections pose significant challenges to GRN inference using image-based methods. Extracting regulatory information from expression images is difficult due to the lack of supervision and the multi-instance nature of the problem, where a gene often corresponds to multiple images captured from different views. While graph models, particularly graph neural networks, have emerged as a promising method for leveraging underlying structure information from known GRNs, incorporating expression images into graphs is not straightforward. To address these challenges, we propose a two-stage approach, MIGGRI, for capturing comprehensive regulatory patterns from image collections for each gene and known interactions. Our approach involves a multi-instance graph neural network (GNN) model for GRN inference, which first extracts gene regulatory features from spatial expression images via contrastive learning, and then feeds them to a multi-instance GNN for semi-supervised learning. We apply our approach to a large set ofDrosophilaembryonic spatial gene expression images. MIGGRI achieves outstanding performance in the inference of GRNs for early eye development and mesoderm development ofDrosophila, and shows robustness in the scenarios of missing image information. Additionally, we perform interpretable analysis on image reconstruction and functional subgraphs that may reveal potential pathways or coordinate regulations. By leveraging the power of graph neural networks and the information contained in spatial expression images, our approach has the potential to advance our understanding of gene regulation in complex biological systems.
Spt5 C-terminal repeat domain phosphorylation and length negatively regulate heterochromatin through distinct mechanisms
Authors: MacKinnon Sarah , Pagé Viviane , Chen Jennifer J. , Shariat-Panahi Ali , Martin Ryan D. , Hébert Terence E. , Tanny Jason C.
Published: November 2023

Heterochromatin is a condensed chromatin structure that represses transcription of repetitive DNA elements and developmental genes, and is required for genome stability. Paradoxically, transcription of heterochromatic sequences is required for establishment of heterochromatin in diverse eukaryotic species. As such, components of the transcriptional machinery can play important roles in establishing heterochromatin. How these factors coordinate with heterochromatin proteins at nascent heterochromatic transcripts remains poorly understood. In the model eukaryote Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe), heterochromatin nucleation can be coupled to processing of nascent transcripts by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, or to other post-transcriptional mechanisms that are RNAi-independent. Here we show that the RNA polymerase II processivity factor Spt5 negatively regulates heterochromatin in S. pombe through its C-terminal domain (CTD). The Spt5 CTD is analogous to the CTD of the RNA polymerase II large subunit, and is comprised of multiple repeats of an amino acid motif that is phosphorylated by Cdk9. We provide evidence that genetic ablation of Spt5 CTD phosphorylation results in aberrant RNAi-dependent nucleation of heterochromatin at an ectopic location, as well as inappropriate spread of heterochromatin proximal to centromeres. In contrast, truncation of Spt5 CTD repeat number enhanced RNAi-independent heterochromatin formation and bypassed the requirement for RNAi. We relate these phenotypes to the known Spt5 CTD-binding factor Prf1/Rtf1. This separation of function argues that Spt5 CTD phosphorylation and CTD length restrict heterochromatin through unique mechanisms. More broadly, our findings argue that length and phosphorylation of the Spt5 CTD repeat array have distinct regulatory effects on transcription.
Uptake of diabetic retinopathy screening at a secondary level facility in Malawi
Authors: Zungu Thokozani , Mdala Shaffi , Kayange Petros , Fernando Elizabeth , Twabi Halima , Jumbe Arnold , Kumwenda Johnstone , Muula Adamson
Published: November 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus (DM). DR screening is a cost-effective intervention for preventing blindness from DR. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the uptake and the predictors of uptake of annual DR screening in an opportunistic DR screening programme at a secondary-level diabetes clinic in Southern Malawi. Consecutive patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to record their demographic characteristics, medical details and data regarding; the frequency of clinic visits, knowledge of existence of DR screening services and a history of referral for DR screening in the prior one year. Univariate binary logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of DR screening uptake over the prior one year. Explanatory variables that had a P-value of < 0.1 were included into a multivariate logistic regression model. All variables that had a p-value of <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. We recruited 230 participants over three months with a median age of 52.5 years (IQR 18–84) and a median duration of diabetes of 4 years (IQR 1–7). The average interval of clinic visits was 1.2 months (SD ± 0.43) and only 59.1% (n = 139) of the participants were aware of the existence of diabetic retinopathy screening services at the facility. The uptake for DR screening over one year was 20% (n = 46). The strongest predictors of uptake on univariate analysis were awareness of the existence of DR screening services (OR 10.05, P <0.001) and a history of being referred for DR screening (OR 9.02, P <0.001) and these remained significant on multivariable analysis. Interventions to improve uptake for DR screening should promote referral of patients for DR screening and strengthen knowledge about the need and availability of DR screening services.
Funcionality assessed by the core set of the international classification of functionality and health for rheumatoid arthritis: A cohort study
Authors: Portes Juliana , Santo Rafaela C. E. , Xavier Ricardo M. , Brenol Claiton V.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the core set of the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF) for RA over 12 months.

Methods

We used prospective longitudinal data to conduct a cohort study among a well-characterized group of RA patients. Ninety RA patients aged between 40 and 70 years were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. Age, disease duration, current smoking, erosions, disease activity, functional test, disability and physical activity were evaluated. Then, the ICF core set classification for RA was applied.

Results

81 patients completed the assessments, the majority of patients were female (88.9%) and the mean age was 56.5 ± 7.3 years. At baseline, the median disease activity was 3.0. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.02) improvement in "Exercise tolerance functions" over 12 months and also a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in "Muscle strength functions" over 12 months. The activity and participation domain showed a weak correlation with the clinical data of the DAS28-PCR (p<0.02).

Conclusion

We conclude that relevant aspects of the ICF Core Set for RA were able to adequately express the physical and functional factors of the RA cohort. This tool provides a common language for the interdisciplinary team, which can enhance the use of timely interventions to prevent physical disability in clinical practice.
Identification of natural antiviral drug candidates against Tilapia Lake Virus: Computational drug design approaches
Authors: Sumon Md Afsar Ahmed , Asseri Amer H. , Molla Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Aljahdali Mohammed Othman , Hasan Md. Rifat , Rahman M. Aminur , Hasan Md. Tawheed , Sumon Tofael Ahmed , Gabr Mohamed Hosny , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Fakhurji Burhan , Moulay Mohammed , Larson Earl , Brown Christopher L.
Published: November 2023

Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) is a disease that affects tilapia fish, causing a high rate of sudden death at any stage in their life cycle. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective antiviral drugs or vaccines to prevent or control the progression of this disease. Researchers have discovered that the CRM1 protein plays a critical function in the development and spreading of animal viruses. By inhibiting CRM1, the virus’s spread in commercial fish farms can be suppressed. With this in mind, this study intended to identify potential antiviral drugs from two different tropical mangrove plants from tropical regions: Heritiera fomes and Ceriops candolleana. To identify promising compounds that target the CRM1 protein, a computer-aided drug discovery approach is employed containing molecular docking, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) analysis, toxicity assessment as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. To estimate binding affinities of all phytochemicals, molecular docking is used and the top three candidate compounds with the highest docking scores were selected, which are CID107876 (-8.3 Kcal/mol), CID12795736 (-8.2 Kcal/mol), and CID12303662 (-7.9 Kcal/mol). We also evaluated the ADME and toxicity properties of these compounds. Finally, MD simulation was conducted to analyze the stability of the protein-ligand complex structures and confirm the suitability of these compounds. The computational study demonstrated that the phytochemicals found in H. fomes and C. candolleana could potentially serve as important inhibitors of TiLV, offering practical utility. However, further in vivo investigations are necessary to investigate and potentially confirm the effectiveness of these compounds as antiviral drugs against the virus TiLV.
Bacterial viability in the built environment of the home
Authors: Xie Joy , Acosta Ellen M. , Gitai Zemer
Published: November 2023

The built environment (BE) consists of human-made structures and, much like living organisms, is colonized by bacteria that make up the BE microbiome. The BE microbiome can potentially affect human health because of the constant proximity of these bacteria to humans. This has led to increasing public concern of whether the bacteria in the BE are harmful. Previous studies have used approaches based on DNA sequencing to assess the composition of the BE microbiome. However, the extent to which the bacterial DNA in the BE represents viable bacterial cells that could infect human hosts remains unknown. To address this open question we used both culture-based and culture-independent molecular methods to profile bacterial viability of the microbiomes from several BE sites. As part of an undergraduate-led project, we found that the vast majority of the bacterial DNA from the BE is not associated with viable bacteria, suggesting that most bacteria in the BE are dead. To begin to understand the determinants of bacterial viability in the BE we used mock bacterial communities to investigate the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and human interaction on bacterial viability. We found that relative humidity, temperature, and surface material did not have statistically significant effects on BE microbiome viability, but environmental exposure decreased bacterial viability. These results update our conception of the BE microbiome and begin to define the factors that affect BE microbiome viability.
Does intellectual property protection promote green innovation in firms? A perspective on R&D spillovers and financing constraints
Authors: Gao Xiaoyuan , Zhao Yixin
Published: November 2023

Although the literature has assessed the impact of Intellectual property protection on urban innovation, there is still a gap in the assessment of the impact of green innovation at the firm level. This study constructs a multi-period differences-in-differences (DID) model using China’s Intellectual Property Demonstration Cities (IPDC) as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the impact of IPDC on corporate green innovation. The findings indicate that (1) the IPDC program significantly stimulates corporate green innovation and has long-term effects. This finding still holds after using PSM-DID as well as robust IW estimators. (2) Mechanism analysis suggests that IPDC can promote firms’ green innovation by reducing R&D spillover losses and alleviating financing constraints. (3) Heterogeneity tests show that the IPDC program has a more significant promotion effect on small, state-owned, growth-stage firms. Based on the above findings, this study provides policy implications for enhancing intellectual property protection to stimulate corporate green innovation.