bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancies, Births and Abortions in the United States, 1973–2020: National and State Trends by Age
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute, Chiu Doris W. , Maddow-Zimet Isaac , Kost Kathryn
Published: October 2024

The Guttmacher Institute calculates comprehensive historical statistics on the incidence of pregnancy, birth and abortion in the United States. Our most recent release includes national statistics covering the period from 1973 to 2020, the most recent year for which comparable data are available; state-level statistics are available for selected years from 1988 to 2020 (see note on historical estimates). We highlight a few patterns in these new demographic estimates and include a series of interactive figures for further data exploration. A brief discussion of the methods used to produce these estimates is available, as well as in an accompanying document (see Methodology Appendix).
Visualizing the fine structure and dynamics of living cells with temporal polychromatic digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Haouat Mohamed , Larivière-Loiselle Céline , Crochetière Marie-Ève , Chaniot Johan , Moreaud Maxime , Bélanger Erik , Marquet Pierre
Published: October 2024

Polychromatic digital holographic microscopy (P-DHM) has demonstrated its capacity to generate highly denoised optical path difference images, thereby enabling the label-free visualization of fine cellular structures, such as the dendritic arborization within neuronal cells in culture. So far, however, the sample must remain more or less stationary since P-DHM is performed manually, i.e., all actions are carried out sequentially over several minutes. In this paper, we propose fully automated, robust, and efficient management of the acquisition and reconstruction of the time series of polychromatic hologram sets, transforming P-DHM into temporal P-DHM. Experimental results have demonstrated the ability of the proposed temporal P-DHM implementation to non-invasively and quantitatively reveal the fine structure and dynamics of living cells.
Tunable enhancement of the cylindrical Luneburg lens focusing ability with the aid of a conformal graphene strip
Authors: Mikhailikova Iryna O. , Natarov Denys M. , Dukhopelnykov Sergii V. , Sauleau Ronan , Lucido Mario , Nosych Oleksandr I.
Published: October 2024

We consider the plane wave focusing characteristics of the layered cylindrical Luneburg lens equipped with a conformal strip of graphene, in the H-polarization case. The angular width and location of the strip is arbitrary, and its surface impedance is characterized with the aid of the quantum-physics Kubo formalism. We use a mathematically accurate full-wave analytical regularization technique, which is based on the explicit inversion of the problem static part and yields a Fredholm second-kind matrix equation. This guarantees the convergence of the resulting meshless numerical algorithm. We compute the focusing ability of a microsize lens as a function of the frequency in the wide range up to 60 THz. This analysis shows that a graphene strip, placed into the focal area of the Luneburg lens, enhances its focusing ability at the resonance frequency of the strip plasmon mode proportionally to the quality factor. This frequency is defined by the strip width and is tunable with the aid of graphene’s chemical potential.
Simultaneous underwater beam steering and PAM4 transmission enabled by the acousto-optic effect
Authors: Lu Junlin , Zhang Yufan , Ali Amjad , Cai Chengye , Gao Yunhai , Zhang Zejun , Xu Jing
Published: October 2024

In this paper, an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system that can simultaneously achieve beam steering and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) enabled by the acousto-optic effect is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. An approach to manipulate the driving signal of an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) is utilized to simultaneously achieve precise laser emission angle control and signal modulation, which enables high-speed link-switching for multi-user access. The system is tested in a 7-m water tank with a water attenuation coefficient of 0.87 dB/m, and a bit error rate (BER) of 2.99 × 10−3 is realized at a maximum data rate of 1.6 Mbps. The theoretical deflection angle of a 450-nm laser is 4.6 mrad, while the actual steering range could reach up to 5.2 mrad with a horizontal displacement of 36.4 mm at the receiver plane under experimental conditions. We further measured the relationship between the diffraction efficiency of the 1st-order diffracted light and the amplitude as well as the central frequency of the driving signal, which is essential for the generation of the driving signal. The system provides an effective solution for link-switching in the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) and high-throughput underwater wireless optical networks.
Plasmonic devices – equivalent circuit representations
Authors: Baumann Michael , Koepfli Stefan M. , Vukovic Boris , Bisang Dominik , Smajic Jasmin , Leuthold Juerg
Published: October 2024

An equivalent circuit model for plasmonic slot waveguide-based devices is presented. Taking advantage of the high mode confinement provided by this waveguide geometry, we express plasmonic waveguide geometries using transmission line parameters and express T-junctions using lumped equivalent circuit elements. By combining these fundamental building blocks, we subsequently introduce equivalent circuit models for stub filters and branch-line couplers. We show that plasmonic circuits, if designed with sharp discontinuities, feature low losses that are comparable to losses from RF circuits and even the corresponding photonic circuits. The framework presented here gives insight into the design of novel microwave-inspired plasmonic devices and circuits and significantly speeds up the design time, as a large part of the geometry optimization can be performed in the equivalent circuit domain. For instance, we use this framework in a follow-up paper to design ultra-compact plasmonic hybrids, such as those needed for coherent detection.
Switchable generation and dynamic evolution of vector vortex beams
Authors: Yao Junna , Li Xiangle , Jiang Xinhua , Wu Shuimei , Zhan Qiwen , Wang Anting
Published: October 2024

The vector vortex beams (VVBs) are endowed with helical phase and vector polarization. The rich optical properties of VVBs have attracted extensive concern. Here the geometric phase is applied to manipulate both the phase and polarization of light for switchable generation of VVBs by vortex plates. As a natural longitudinally varying optical beam, the dynamic evolution of VVB with the propagation distance is also analyzed and verified based on the Gouy phase. The proposed method features simple structure, high beam quality and flexible switching, which may provide an alternative and flexible way for multi-degree-of-freedom modulation of optical beams and supplies solutions and approaches for applications in classical and quantum fields.
Octave-spanning supercontinuum coherent soft x-ray for producing a single-cycle soft x-ray pulse
Authors: Nishimiya Kaito , Wang Feng , Lan Pengfei , Takahashi Eiji J.
Published: October 2024

This study demonstrates the potential to generate a soft x-ray single-cycle attosecond pulse using a single-cycle mid-infrared pulse from advanced dual-chirped optical parametric amplification (DC-OPA). A super continuum high harmonic (HH) spectrum was generated in argon (80–160 eV) and neon (150–270 eV). The experimental spectra reasonably agree with those calculated by the strong-field approximation model and Maxwell’s equations. In addition, simulation results indicate that the dispersion of HHs in argon can be compensated using a 207-nm Zr filter to obtain 40 as (Fourier transform limited (FTL)) pulses (1.1 cycles at 118 eV). For neon, a 278-nm Sn filter can compensate for the dispersion of HH and create 23 as FTL pulses (1.1 cycles at 206 eV). This soft x-ray single-cycle attosecond pulse is expected to be highly valuable for ultrafast science and applications in quantum information science.
Ultralow-noise preamplified optical receiver using conventional single-wavelength transmission
Authors: Larsson Rasmus , Weerasuriya Ruwan U. , Andrekson Peter A.
Published: October 2024

Conventional optical amplifiers that use stimulated emission suffer from the generation of excess noise, thus limiting the performance in many applications. The phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier, relying on the use of a nonlinear material for amplification, is an exception that can approach a noise figure of 0 dB. Its implementation in optical communication links has, however, been cumbersome due to increased complexity both in the transmitter and the receiver, effectively limiting the use of such amplifiers in practice. Here, we propose and demonstrate an implementation of a transmission system with exceptional performance in terms of receiver sensitivity (0.9 photons per bit) using a standalone ultralow-noise phase-sensitively preamplified receiver and a conventional single-wave optical transmitter. This is a significant simplification compared to previous demonstrations and can transform such amplifiers from a curiosity to practical use for example in deep-space-to-earth communication links.
Moving beyond simulation and learning: Unveiling the potential of complexity data science
Authors: Emmert-Streib Frank , Cherifi Hocine , Kauffman Stuart , Yli-Harja Olli
Published: October 2024

Complexity science is a multidisciplinary field that examines various aspects of complex systems. While complexity science places a significant emphasis on simulation, it has a somewhat neglectful treatment of learning. In this paper, we explore a recent example of the potential synergy between simulation and learning, illustrated by the concept of digital twins. We argue that integrating simulation and learning holds significant promise beyond the scope of digital twins alone. In our view, the general amalgamation of complexity science and data science heralds the dawn of a distinct and innovative field in its own right, which we call complexity data science.
DARTS: Modelling effects of shocks on global, regional, urban and rural food security
Authors: van Oort P. A. J. , Fonteijn H. M. J. , Hengeveld G. M.
Published: October 2024

Food trade networks represent a complex system where food is periodically produced in different regions of the world. Food is continuously stocked and traded. Food security in a globalised world is vulnerable to shocks. We present DARTS, a new agent based model that models monthly dynamics of food production, trade, stocking, consumption and food security for different interconnected world regions and a city state. Agents in different regions differ in their harvest seasons, wealth (rich and poor), degree of urbanisation and connection to domestic and global markets. DARTS was specifically designed to model direct and indirect effects of shocks in the food system. We introduce a new typology of 6 distinct shock types and analyse their impact on food security, modelling local and global effects and short term and longer term effects. A second important scientific novelty of the model is that DARTS can also model indirect effects of shocks (cascading in space and in time, lag effects due to trade and food stock buffering). A third important scientific novelty of the model is its’ capability of modelling food security at different scales, in which the rural/urban divide and differences in (intra-annually varying) production and trade connections play a key role. At the time of writing DARTS is yet insufficiently parameterised for accurate prediction for real world regions and cities. Simulations for a hypothetical in silico world with 3 regions and a city state show that DARTS can reproduce rich and complex dynamics with analogues in the real world. The scientific interest is more on deepening insight in process dynamics and chains of events that lead to ultimate shock effects on food security.
Trends and topics: Characterizing echo chambers’ topological stability and in-group attitudes
Authors: Cau Erica , Morini Virginia , Rossetti Giulio
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, online debates focusing on a wide spectrum of topics are often characterized by clashes of polarized communities, each fiercely supporting a specific stance. Such debates are sometimes fueled by the presence of echo chambers, insulated systems whose users’ opinions are exacerbated due to the effect of repetition and by the active exclusion of opposite views. This paper offers a framework to explore how echo chambers evolve through time, considering their users’ interaction patterns and the content/attitude they convey while addressing specific controversial issues. The framework is then tested on three Reddit case studies focused on sociopolitical issues (gun control, American politics, and minority discrimination) during the first two years and a half of Donald Trump’s presidency and on an X/Twitter dataset involving BLM discussion tied to the EURO 2020 football championship. Analytical results unveil that polarized users will likely keep their affiliation to echo chambers in time. Moreover, we observed that the attitudes conveyed by Reddit users who joined risky epistemic enclaves are characterized by a slight inclination toward a more negative or neutral attitude when discussing particularly sensitive issues (e.g., fascism, school shootings, or police violence) while X/Twitter ones often tend to express more positive feelings w.r.t. those involved into less polarized communities.
Misaligned or misheard? Physical activity and healthy eating messaging to ethnic minority communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study and scoping review
Authors: Gafari Olatundun , Agyapong-Badu Sandra , Alwan Nisreen A. , Tully Mark A. , McDonough Suzanne , Stokes Maria , Barker Mary
Published: October 2024

This mixed-methods study identified physical activity (PA) and healthy eating messages produced during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored how they were received by UK ethnic minority communities. A scoping review of research and grey literature identified categories of PA and healthy eating messaging targeted at ethnic minorities. Individual and group interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. There was active community engagement in all study phases to ensure relevance and co-production of findings. Interviews were held with 41 study participants aged 18–86 years (20 men) residing in England and Wales using digital conferencing and in person. The scoping review identified 24 records containing messages grouped into three categories: 1) PA messages; 2) healthy eating messages; 3) risk messages. Five themes described participants’ views of these messages: 1) lack of awareness of messaging; 2) responses to PA messaging; 3) responses to healthy eating messaging; 4) perceptions of risk messaging and 5) perceptions of conflict in messages. The review revealed that physical activity and healthy eating messaging specifically targeting ethnic minority communities is limited. This limited messaging was almost entirely missed by these communities. When received, the messaging was not interpreted as intended, perceived to be conflicting and risk messaging was perceived as blaming. More work with ethnic minority communities needs to be done to co-produce meaningful and appropriate PA and healthy eating messaging in a timely manner.
Performance and usability of cardiometabolic point of care devices in Nepal: A prospective, quantitative, accuracy study
Authors: Giachino Marina , Vetter Beatrice , Perone Sigiriya Aebischer , Correia Jorge César , Erkosar Berra , Heller Olivia , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Lab Bruno , Pataky Zoltan , Poudel Sagar , Rai Mamit , Sharma Sanjib Kumar
Published: October 2024

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, represent a serious global health concern. There is an urgent need for prompt diagnosis and effective monitoring at point of care, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Here we present the results of a study assessing the quantitative accuracy of two devices that may fit the target product profile for a cardiometabolic point-of-care device. This prospective, quantitative, accuracy study (NCT05257564) was conducted between March to May 2022, investigating the performance of the JanaCare Aina Blood Monitoring System (JCAina) and the Tascom SimplexTAS 101 device (TAS101) compared with local standard laboratory methods in rural Nepal. Using fingerstick capillary blood, cardiometabolic parameters were analysed using both devices. The quantitative accuracy was compared against a local laboratory reference assay. System usability was also assessed. For JCAina, the mean absolute biases (Bland-Altman analysis) for glucose, HbA1c and total cholesterol tests were -3.87 mg/dL (95% CI: -7.52–-0.22), 1.34% (95% CI: 1.21–1.47), and -9.52 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.9–-7.2), respectively, corresponding to mean percentage biases of 2.0%, 18.5%, and -6.4%. These indicate clinically small (<10% biases) differences from laboratory results for glucose and cholesterol, and a moderate (10–20%) positive bias for HbA1c. For TAS101, the mean absolute biases for glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol and creatinine tests were 18.7 mg/dL (95% CI: 15.8–21.5), -0.2% (95% CI: -0.26–-0.14), 29.8 mg/dL (95% CI: 27.0–32.6), and -0.02 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.05–0.01), respectively, corresponding to mean percentage biases of 12.1%, -2.6%, 15.8%, and -4.5%. These indicate clinically small differences for HbA1c and creatinine, and moderate positive biases for glucose and cholesterol. Both systems exhibited usability challenges. The JCAina and TAS101 point-of-care cardiometabolic devices were shown to have promising accuracy in environmental conditions such as in Nepal, though improvements are still needed for some parameters and for ease of use.

Trial registration: NCT05257564 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Community perspectives on adolescent mental health stigma in American Samoa
Authors: Blas Vanessa , Mew Emma J. , Winschel Julia , Hunt Leiema , Soliai Lemusu Si’itia , Lowe Sarah R. , Naseri Joshua , Toelupe Robert L. M. , Hawley Nicola L. , McCutchan-Tofaeono Jueta
Published: October 2024

Despite reports of mental health concerns among adolescents in American Samoa, little is known about the current mental health burden. Furthermore, previous literature has identified mental illness-related stigma as a significant global barrier to mental health care access and treatment. By gathering various perspectives from adult stakeholders and adolescent participants, this community-partnered qualitative study aimed to describe the perceived stigmatization of mental health in American Samoa. Employing the Pacific-specific Fa’afaletui research framework, 28 adult informants of differing professions, ages, and genders participated in semi-structured, in-depth virtual interviews from October 2020 to February 2021. In June 2022, 35 adolescents took part in five online focus groups to validate themes generated from the adult interviews. After duplicate coding of the transcripts, the research team adopted a deductive approach to identify levels of mental health stigmatization before mapping them on to a socio-ecological model. Participants described multiple levels of mental health stigma an adolescent struggling with mental health challenges in American Samoa may encounter. Although there is progress in mobilizing services and educational resources to address various mental health needs, the perceived structural, social, interpersonal, and self-stigma of mental illness may prevent an adolescent in American Samoa from seeking social support and utilizing mental health services. Current and future interventions promoting adolescent mental wellness in American Samoa should focus on addressing the multi-level aspects of mental health stigma.
Metaphorical framing of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan: A corpus driven critical analysis of war metaphors in news media
Authors: Rana Arooj , Ayoub Tahir , Ghilzai Shazia Akbar , Shehzad Wasima
Published: October 2024

Metaphors are an essential part of how humans process and understand the world. Cognitive linguistics does not view metaphors as merely linguistic or rhetorical devices; rather, they are conceptual in nature and are central to the thought process. Therefore, the present research investigates the metaphorical depiction of the Covid-19 health emergency through the conceptual metaphor of WAR in three renowned Pakistani English Newspapers i.e. Dawn, The Express Tribune, and The News. Critical Metaphor Analysis (CMA) is specifically selected to uncover the covert and possibly unconscious intentions of language users in Newspaper discourse. Fifty (50) editorials on the subject of Covid-19 are specifically chosen and their language is meticulously observed by making a specialized Corpus PakNCovid-19. The size of the corpus is 17621 words. Moreover, Monoconc Corpus Tool is utilized to analyze the metaphorical depiction of Covid-19 as a WAR in Pakistani Newspaper discourse. The study highlights the explicit deployment of military concepts like BATTLE, ENEMY, WAR, SOLDIERS, FIGHT, and VICTORY to create the conception of WAR and to create SELF Vs OTHER distinctions between the Pakistani people and the medical illness of Covid-19. The inquiry demonstrates that to create a sense of urgency and to mobilize masses against the deadly virus, the metaphors of War have been used deliberately. The military concepts have been purposely employed to present Covid-19 as an ‘alien’, ‘outsider’, as well as an ‘enemy’ entity.
Nurses’ continuance intention to use electronic health record systems: The antecedent role of personality and organisation support
Authors: Alsyouf Adi , Alsubahi Nizar , Alali Haitham , Lutfi Abdalwali , Al-Mugheed Khalid Anwer , Alrawad Mahmaod , Almaiah Mohammed Amin , Anshasi Rami J. , Alhazmi Fahad N. , Sawhney Disha
Published: October 2024

Nurses play a crucial role in the adoption and continued use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), especially in developing countries. Existing literature scarcely addresses how personality traits and organisational support influence nurses’ decision to persist with EHR use in these regions. This study developed a model combining the Five-Factor Model (FFM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to explore the impact of personality traits and organisational support on nurses’ continuance intention to use EHR systems. Data were collected via a self-reported survey from 472 nurses across 10 public hospitals in Jordan and analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach (Smart PLS-SEM 4). The analysis revealed that personality traits, specifically Openness, Experience, and Conscientiousness, significantly influence nurses’ decisions to continue using EHR systems. Furthermore, organisational support, enhanced by Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions, positively affected their ongoing commitment to EHR use. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual personality traits and providing robust organisational support in promoting sustained EHR usage among nurses. These insights are vital for healthcare organisations aiming to foster a conducive environment for EHR system adoption, thereby enhancing patient care outcomes.
Impact of mindfulness on football coaches: A mixed design
Authors: Gibert Aleix , Planas Antoni , Torrents Carlota
Published: October 2024

Mindfulness is an increasingly popular practice among elite athletes to improve performance and well-being, but its application for coaches is still very limited. Therefore, a new program (M×E; Mindfulness para Entrenadores) was designed and implemented online for 6 weeks for coaches, support staff, and technical directors. Participants were 58 (57 men), aged between 23 and 58 (M = 31.8). The between-subject analysis (RM ANOVA 2×2) included experimental (n = 26) and wait-list control group (n = 21). A total of 29 completed the within-subject analysis (RM ANOVA) completing follow-up measurements until six months. The analysis was complemented with 21 individual semi-structured interviews. The experimental group showed significant improvements in mindfulness trait (p < .001), interpersonal mindfulness (p = .010), and a significant improvement in emotional regulation (p = .010) in comparison to the wait-list control group. The experimental group’s positive trend in all variables’ levels was maintained until six months after the program. The qualitative analysis showed a positive impact on professional, personal, and social areas with improvements related to performance and well-being. Several participants considered the program as “fundamental” for their professional role. This study provides information on best practices in implementing mindfulness-based programs, highlighting their practical orientation, the training plan, and the safe space. These results offer initial validation of the potential of the M×E and invite sports organizations to incorporate mindfulness-based programs specially designed for coaches, support staff and technical directors.
Multivariable modeling: A retrospective cohort study exploring the impact of socioeconomic status and distance to a rural academic center on all-cause preterm delivery
Authors: Darivemula Shilpa , Kouassi-Brou Marilyn , Pollack Catherine , Paris Amy , Goodman Daisy , Fisher Timothy
Published: October 2024

Objective

Hospital-based labor and delivery units are closing at increasing rates in the rural US, significantly impacting maternal and newborn health. The objective of this study to determine if rurality—measured as distance from the hospital—and socioeconomic status—measured as insurance payor—impact both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth incidence at a single rural academic institution.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records of patients with singleton pregnancies delivering at a single rural academic institution between 2016–2018. The primary outcome was preterm delivery (PTD) and secondary outcomes included low birth weight (LBW) and intensive care nursery (ICN) admission. The primary exposures included (1) travel time from a patient’s address to the hospital and (2) insurance carrier as a proxy for socioeconomic status. Bivariate analyses indicated that travel time, insurance status, race, ethnicity, marital status, number of prenatal visits, gravida and para, and smoking status were significant predictors of all outcomes (LBW, ICN admission, and PTD). Therefore, these predictors were included in the multivariable logistic models.

Results

Within the multivariable logistic model, patients traveling 1–1.5 hours had approximately twice the odds of PTD (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.08, 95% Confidence Interval CI, 1.32, 3.29, p = .002), birth of a LBW neonate (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.29–3.58, p = .005), and infant admission to the ICN (OR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.22–2.76, p = .004) compared to patients traveling under 30 minutes,. Insurance carrier status was not associated with increased odds of PTD, LBW, or ICN admission.

Conclusion

Patients living 1-to-1.5 hours from the hospital had an increased risk for LBW, ICN admission, and PTD, despite living in zip codes with less social deprivation than zip codes further away from the hospital.
Respiratory virus behavior: Results of laboratory-based epidemiological surveillance
Authors: Hernández Bautista Porfirio Felipe , Cabrera Gaytán David Alejandro , Vallejos Parás Alfonso , Moctezuma Paz Alejandro , Santacruz Tinoco Clara Esperanza , Alvarado Yaah Julio Elias , Anguiano Hernández Yu Mei , Martínez Miguel Bernardo , Arriaga Nieto Lumumba , Jaimes Betancourt Leticia , Sandoval Gutiérrez Nancy
Published: October 2024

Background

Respiratory viruses have clinical and epidemiological importance. With the COVID-19 pandemic, interest has focused on SARS-CoV-2, but as a result, the number of samples available for the differential diagnosis of other respiratory viruses has increased.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Objective

To describe the epidemiological behavior of respiratory viruses based on a laboratory-based epidemiological surveillance system using data from 2017 to 2023.

Methods

Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses of data from a laboratory database of respiratory viruses detected by multiplex RT‒qPCR were performed.

Results

A total of 4,632 samples with positive results for at least 1 respiratory virus, not including influenza or SARS-CoV-2, were analyzed. The most common virus detected was respiratory syncytial virus in 1,467 (26.3%) samples, followed by rhinovirus in 1,384 (24.8%) samples. Most of the samples were from children under 5 years of age. The age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of death for patients infected with parainfluenza virus 4 was 4.1 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.0–8.2).

Conclusion

Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus had the highest frequency and proportion of coinfections, whereas parainfluenza virus 4 was associated with an increased risk of death.
Video-audio neural network ensemble for comprehensive screening of autism spectrum disorder in young children
Authors: Natraj Shreyasvi , Kojovic Nada , Maillart Thomas , Schaer Marie
Published: October 2024

A timely diagnosis of autism is paramount to allow early therapeutic intervention in preschoolers. Deep Learning tools have been increasingly used to identify specific autistic symptoms. But they also offer opportunities for broad automated detection of autism at an early age. Here, we leverage a multi-modal approach by combining two neural networks trained on video and audio features of semi-standardized social interactions in a sample of 160 children aged 1 to 5 years old. Our ensemble model performs with an accuracy of 82.5% (F1 score: 0.816, Precision: 0.775, Recall: 0.861) for screening Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Additional combinations of our model were developed to achieve higher specificity (92.5%, i.e., few false negatives) or sensitivity (90%, i.e. few false positives). Finally, we found a relationship between the neural network modalities and specific audio versus video ASD characteristics, bringing evidence that our neural network implementation was effective in taking into account different features that are currently standardized under the gold standard ASD assessment.
Pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gao Qian , Wang Mingbo , Zhang Jie , Qing Yangzhe , Yang Ziyi , Wang Xin , Xu Xujuan , Ye Qing , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2024

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a disease of weakened pelvic floor support tissues, leading to changes in the pelvic organ position and function of pelvic organs, with long-term effects on women. This study aimed to assess pelvic floor function using electrophysiology and clinical symptoms, exploring the risk factors for PFD one month postpartum.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 845 women from postpartum outpatient clinic of Nantong Affiliated Hospital from August 2019 to October 2021. Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated via pelvic floor surface electromyography. Clinical symptoms (urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse) were diagnosed by gynecologists. Sociodemographic, pregnancy, and obstetrical data were obtained from self-reported questionnaires and electronic records.

Results

The study identified maternal age, parity, immigrant status, and economic income as factors were related to PFD. Gestational constipation increased the risk of abnormal resting muscle strength (OR:1.553, 95%CI: 1.022–2.359). Cesarean delivery was associated with higher rates of abnormal resting muscle strength than vaginal delivery (post-resting stage: OR, 2.712; 95% CI, 1.189–6.185), but a decreased incidence of UI (OR: 0.302; 95% CI, 0.117–0.782). Increased gestational weight gain was correlated with a greater risk of developing UI (OR:1.030, 95%CI: 1.002–1.058). Women with vaginal inflammation faced a higher risk of abnormal fast-twitch muscle (OR: 2.311, 95%CI: 1.125–4.748).

Conclusions

In addition to uncontrollable factors like mode of delivery, age, and parity, interventions targeting weight gain and constipation during pregnancy and vaginal flora could mitigate the risks of PFD. Educational programs for pregnant women should emphasize a proper diet and lifestyle. For women with vaginal inflammation, clinical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid further aggravating the damage to the pelvic floor muscles.
Platelet activation near point-like source of agonist: Experimental insights and computational model
Authors: Starodubtseva Ezhena S. , Karogodina Tatyana Yu. , Moskalensky Alexander E.
Published: October 2024

Disorders of hemostasis resulting in bleeding or thrombosis are leading cause of mortality in the world. Blood platelets are main players in hemostasis, providing the primary response to the vessel wall injury. In this case, they rapidly switch to the activated state in reaction to the exposed chemical substances such as ADP, collagen and thrombin. Molecular mechanisms of platelet activation are known, and detailed computational models are available. However, they are too complicated for large-scale problems (e.g. simulation of the thrombus growth) where less detailed models are required, which still should take into account the variation of agonist concentration and heterogeneity of platelets. In this paper, we present a simple model of the platelet population response to a spatially inhomogeneous stimulus. First, computational nodes modeling platelets are placed randomly in space. Each platelet is assigned the specific threshold for agonist, which determines whether it becomes activated at a given time. The distribution of the threshold value in a population is assumed to be log-normal. The model was validated against experimental data in a specially designed system, where the photorelease of ADP was caused by localized laser stimulus. In this system, a concentration of ADP obeys 2-dimensional Gaussian distribution which broadens due to the diffusion. The response of platelets to the point-like source of ADP is successfully described by the presented model. Our results advance the understanding of platelet function during hemostatic response. The simulation approach can be incorporated into larger computational models of thrombus formation.
Heavy water inhibits DNA double-strand break repairs and disturbs cellular transcription, presumably via quantum-level mechanisms of kinetic isotope effects on hydrolytic enzyme reactions
Authors: Yasuda Takeshi , Nakajima Nakako , Ogi Tomoo , Yanaka Tomoko , Tanaka Izumi , Gotoh Takaya , Kagawa Wataru , Sugasawa Kaoru , Tajima Katsushi
Published: October 2024

Heavy water, containing the heavy hydrogen isotope, is toxic to cells, although the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. In addition, certain enzymatic proton transfer reactions exhibit kinetic isotope effects attributed to hydrogen isotopes and their temperature dependencies, indicative of quantum tunneling phenomena. However, the correlation between the biological effects of heavy water and the kinetic isotope effects mediated by hydrogen isotopes remains elusive. In this study, we elucidated the kinetic isotope effects arising from hydrogen isotopes of water and their temperature dependencies in vitro, focusing on deacetylation, DNA cleavage, and protein cleavage, which are crucial enzymatic reactions mediated by hydrolysis. Intriguingly, the intracellular isotope effects of heavy water, related to the in vitro kinetic isotope effects, significantly impeded multiple DNA double-strand break repair mechanisms crucial for cell survival. Additionally, heavy water exposure enhanced histone acetylation and associated transcriptional activation in cells, consistent with the in vitro kinetic isotope effects observed in histone deacetylation reactions. Moreover, as observed for the in vitro kinetic isotope effects, the cytotoxic effect on cell proliferation induced by heavy water exhibited temperature-dependency. These findings reveal the substantial impact of heavy water-induced isotope effects on cellular functions governed by hydrolytic enzymatic reactions, potentially mediated by quantum-level mechanisms underlying kinetic isotope effects.
Cardiac prehabilitation, rehabilitation and education in first-time atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation (CREED AF): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chandan Nakul , Matthews Violet , He Hejie , Lachlan Thomas , Lim Ven Gee , Joshi Shivam , Hee Siew Wan , Noufaily Angela , Parkes Edward , Patel Shilpa , Andronis Lazaros , Shakespeare Joanna , Eftekhari Helen , Ali Asad , McGregor Gordon , Osman Faizel
Published: October 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with significant morbidity/mortality. AF-ablation is an increasingly used treatment. Currently, first-time AF-ablation success is 40–80% at 1-year, depending on individual factors. There is growing evidence for improved outcomes through management of AF risk-factors/comorbidities via patient education/exercise-rehabilitation. There are no studies assessing combined prehabilitation/rehabilitation in this cohort. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to assess efficacy of comprehensive prehabilitation/rehabilitation and combining supervised exercise-training with AF risk-factor modification/education compared with standard care in people undergoing first-time AF ablation.

Methods

This single-centre pragmatic randomised controlled trial will recruit 106 adults with paroxysmal/persistent AF listed for first-time AF-ablation. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to cardiac prehabilitation/rehabilitation/education (CREED AF) intervention or standard care. Both groups will undergo AF-ablation at 8-weeks post-randomisation as per usual care. The CREED AF intervention will involve 6-weeks of prehabilitation (before AF-ablation) followed by 6-weeks rehabilitation (after AF-ablation) consisting of risk factor education/modification and supervised exercise training. Standard care will include a single 30-minute session of risk-factor education. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 10-weeks and 12-months post AF-ablation, by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. The primary outcome is cardiorespiratory-fitness (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at 10-weeks post-ablation. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, AF recurrence/burden assessed by 7-day Holter-monitor, requirement for repeat AF-ablation, study defined major adverse cardiovascular events, and cost-effectiveness (incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY)).

Conclusions

This study will assess clinical-efficacy/cost-effectiveness of comprehensive prehabilitation/rehabilitation/patient-education for people undergoing first time AF-ablation. Results will inform clinical care and design of future multi-centre clinical trials.

Trial registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT06042231.Date registered: September 18, 2023.
Functional comparison of human and murine equilibrative nucleobase transporter 1
Authors: Kim Chan S. , Sayler Aaron L. , Dean Hannah , Ruel Nicholas M. , Hammond James R.
Published: October 2024

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) maintenance therapy is the mainstay for various types of leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. 6-MP is associated with numerous adverse effects including gastrointestinal intolerance, myelotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. This can lead to therapy discontinuation which is associated with a higher risk of relapse. Drug transporter expression is a known factor contributing to patient variability in drug response and toxicity. We have established that the SLC43A3-encoded equilibrative nucleobase transporter 1 (ENBT1) mediates the transport of 6-MP into human lymphocytes and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell lines transfected with SLC43A3. ENBT1 is known to be expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and the liver. However, the relationship between ENBT1 and 6-MP-associated adverse events, and its pharmacokinetics, is unknown. To validate the use of mouse models (e.g. slc43a3-null mice) for exploring this relationship, we assessed the functional similarities between human and murine ENBT1 using HEK293 cells transfected with the respective SLC43A3/slc43a3 constructs, and the leukemia cell lines MOLT-4 (human) and L1210 (murine). Based on in silico analyses of structural similarities between transporters, we hypothesized that human and murine ENBT1 will have similar 6-MP transport/inhibition kinetics and a similar impact on 6-MP-induced cytotoxicity. We show herein that mslc43a3-encoded mouse ENBT1 transports both [3H]6-MP and [3H]adenine with kinetics similar to those of hSLC43A3-encoded human ENBT1. Both are also similarly distributed in mouse and human tissues. Therefore, data obtained from mouse models where ENBT1 is disrupted or modified may provide clinically relevant insights on its roles in modulating the actions of 6-MP.
How strong is strong? The challenge of interpreting network edge weights
Authors: Neal Zachary P.
Published: October 2024

Weighted networks are information-rich and highly-flexible, but they can be difficult to analyze because the interpretation of edges weights is often ambiguous. Specifically, the meaning of a given edge’s weight is locally contingent, so that a given weight may be strong for one dyad, but weak for other dyad, even in the same network. I use backbone models to distinguish strong and weak edges in a corpus of 110 weighted networks, and used the results to examine the magnitude of this ambiguity. Although strong edges have larger weights than weak edges on average, a large fraction of edges’ weights provide ambiguous information about whether it is strong or weak. Based on these results, I recommend that strong edges should be identified by applying an appropriate backbone model, and that once strong edges have been identified using a backbone model, their original weights should not be directly interpreted or used in subsequent analysis.
Estética y teoría de las artes de Miguel de Unamuno
Authors: Rivero Gómez Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2024

Este trabajo se centra en la estética de Miguel de Unamuno a partir de tres claves fundamentales: su noción de «estilo», que aborda tanto a propósito de la creación plástica como literaria; su «estética de la expresión», fuertemente vinculada con Benedetto Croce y desde la que se despliega la propia obra de Unamuno; y su concepción de la «belleza» desde su relación con la idea de «eternidad», entendiendo la experiencia estética ante la belleza como «eternización de la momentaneidad». Desde ahí cobra forma lo que podríamos denominar la estética trágica unamuniana, estrechamente vinculada a dos aspectos centrales en su filosofía: el problema de la personalidad y el anhelo de inmortalidad. A lo largo del trabajo, se articulan sus reflexiones filosóficas sobre estas tres categorías estéticas con sus notas e impresiones en torno al arte español, desde el barroco al arte de comienzos del siglo xx.
Lateral-torsional buckling of welded stainless steel slender i_section beams
Authors:   , Šorf Marek
Published: October 2024

This thesis shows a numerical parametric study and experimental research of welded slender stainless steel I-section beams. Difference in behaviour of stainless steel and common carbon steel members is generally known, but design of stainless steel members has been established mainly for hollow sections (CHS, SHS/RHS) as these are the typical stainless steel profiles. Currently, open stainless steel sections are also being used in structures and the design rules for both local buckling of very slender sections as well as lateral-torsional buckling reduction factors are based on very limited experimental and numerical research. For this reason, new research covering these phenomena was carried out at the Czech Technical University in Prague. The experimental part of this work consists of six tested beams. For all beams, the same doubly symmetric welded I section of Class 4 was chosen. The beams were fabricated from austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. Before each test, the measurements of initial geometric and global imperfections were carried out as well as the material coupon tests. All the measured data were subsequently used in a following numerical model. A geometrically and materially non-linear numerical model with imperfections was created in software Abaqus and validated on the tests carried out at the CTU Prague as well as tests from literature. Then, these numerical models were extended into a comprehensive parametric study focused on cross-section resistance in bending and lateral-torsional buckling resistance covering different section geometries, material grades and load conditions. The comparisons to current design methods were also carried out in the fourth part of the thesis. Firstly, cross-section resistance simulation results were compared to Eurocode design rules, as well as CSM and DSM procedures including their modifications. A modified proposal was developed and successfully tested for welded open I/H cross-sections in bending and compression. Secondly, comparisons were performed for lateral-torsional buckling resistance of slender open section members. The numerical results were compared to Eurocode design rules and a proposal of Taras. Based on a reliability study results, some improvements of design methods were recommended based on this research. Moreover, the study was also extended by including limited number of numerical models of beams with non-uniform bending moment distribution along the member length.
Testing Antibacterial Activity of Daun Kentut (Paederia foetida L.) Leaf Extract against Escherichia coli in Vitro
Authors: Savitri Lisa , Tiyas Eka Wahyuning , Krissanjaya Rochmad
Published: October 2024

Escherichia coli is a pathogenic bacterium that causes infectious diseases in the digestive tract and can produce Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), including lipid A. Exposure to endotoxins in lipid A, can cause systemic effects, such as sepsis, which can lead to clinical manifestations and even death. Daun Kentut (Paederia foetida L.) is one of the herbal plants containing bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of E. coli bacteria. The aim of this research is to determine the effective concentration of daun kentut leaf extract to inhibit E. coli growth. This study is an experimental research using maceration extraction method and antibacterial disc diffusion method with 3 repetitions at concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, negative control (aquadest), and positive control (ciprofloxacin) conducted from March to April 2023 in the Microbiology Laboratory of Kadiri University. The observation results of inhibition zones in each treatment varied. The presence of these inhibition zones is due to the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in daun kentut leaf extract that have antibacterial activity, such as inhibiting protein synthesis mechanisms, causing damage to cell wall permeability, and ultimately leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. The statistical analysis using the One Way Anova test with a P-value of 0.05 shows that each variable has significant differences and effects. Thus, it can be concluded that the effective extract variation is the 100% concentration because, in this study, the 100% concentration has an inhibition zone of 26.72 mm and is classified as very strong in inhibiting E. coli bacteria.