bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free-Standing Microscale Photonic Lantern Spatial Mode Multiplexer Fabricated using 3D Nanoprinting
Authors: Marom Dan , Dana Yoav , Garcia Yehudith , Kukin Aleksey , Dallachiesa Lauren , Guerrier Sterenn , Fontaine Nicolas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Photonic lantern (PL) spatial multiplexers show great promise for a range of applications, such as future high-capacity mode division multiplexing (MDM) optical communication networks and free space optical communication. They enable efficient conversion between multiple single-mode (SM) sources and a multimode (MM) waveguide of the same dimension. PL multiplexers operate by facilitating adiabatic transitions between the SM arrayed space and the single MM space. However, current fabrication methods are forcing the size of these devices to multi-millimeters, making integration with micro-scale photonic systems quite challenging. The advent of 3D micro and nano printing techniques enables the fabrication of free-standing photonic structures with a high refractive index contrast (photopolymer-air).

In this work we present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a 6-mode, 375μm long PL that enables the conversion between six single-mode inputs and a single six-mode waveguide. The PL was designed using a genetic algorithm based inverse design approach and fabricated directly on a 7-core fiber using a commercial two-photon polymerization based 3D printer and a photopolymer. Although the waveguides exhibit high index contrast, low insertion loss (-2.6 dB), polarization dependent (-0.2 dB) and mode dependent loss (-4.43 dB) were measured.
Genetic and geographic population structure in the malaria vector, Anopheles farauti, provides a candidate model system for pioneering confinable gene-drive releases
Authors: Ambrose Luke , Allen Scott , Iro'ofa Charlie , Butafa Charles , Beebe Nigel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Indoor insecticide applications are the primary tool for reducing malaria transmission in the Solomon Archipelago, a region where Anopheles farauti is the only common malaria vector. Due to the evolution of behavioural resistance in some An. farauti populations, these applications have become less effective. New malaria control interventions are therefore needed in this region, and gene-drives provide a promising new technology. In considering developing a population-specific (local) gene-drive in An. farauti, we detail the species’ population genetic structure using microsatellites and whole mitogenomes, finding many spatially confined populations both within and between landmasses. This strong population structure suggests that An. farauti would be a useful system for developing a population-specific, confinable gene-drive for field release, where private alleles can be used as Cas9 targets. Previous work on Anopheles gambiae has used the Cardinal gene for the development of a global population replacement gene-drive. We therefore also analyse the Cardinal gene to assess whether it may be a suitable target to engineer a gene-drive for the modification of local An. farauti populations. Despite the extensive population structure observed in An. farauti for microsatellites, only one remote island population from Vanuatu contained fixed and private alleles at the Cardinal locus. Nonetheless, this study provides an initial framework for further population genomic investigations to discover high-frequency private allele targets in localized An. farauti populations. This would enable the development of gene-drive strains for modifying localised populations with minimal chance of escape and may provide a low-risk route to field trial evaluations.
Spatial Analysis of Holocene Delta Compound Clinoforms
Authors: Alabdullatif Jana , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ron 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Recent recognition of compound delta clinoforms reveals pillars to understanding delta progradation and uncovers a significant misunderstanding in deltaic architecture. Little effort has been dedicated to spatially delineate subaqueous delta 3-D morphologies at and away the sediment sources, and relate these architectures to stratigraphy. Our assessment of over 35 Holocene deltas allowed a robust geospatial qualitative and quantitative analysis where we consistently observe one main gradient break at tens of meters water depth that display varying delineated geometries. The resulting geospatial framework reflects relatively steep shoreline and subaqueous clinoforms, reaching values of over 1 degree, separated by a gently dipping platform of maximum 0.11 degrees. Unique to this study, geometric variability is captured relative to the river sediment source and basinal energies. In most wave-dominated systems, the platform disappears in front of the sediment source and widens laterally away as a relatively smooth surface and in an arcuate fashion, whereas in tide-dominated systems the platform widens in front of active sediment sources and narrows in front of starved sediment sources while hosting erosional features and prominent tidal channel/bar couplets. As a result, platform width can range between few kilometers (Ebro Delta) to 60 kilometers (Fly Delta), and up to an unusual 200 kilometers (Amazon Delta). Consequently, varying basinal energies can modify the subaqueous clinoform where longitudinal swing is often observed even in tide-dominated systems. Quantitative and qualitative results of our study anchor our understanding of sediment transport in deltas and shallow marine systems, support delta numerical models, and facilitate the reinterpretation of ancient deposits’ stratigraphy.
Cardiometabolic Diseases Prevention Policy Models: A Systematic Review to Inform Conceptual Model Development
Authors: Putri Septiara , Ciminata Giorgio , Lewsey Jim , Kamaruzaman Hanin Farhana Binti , Duan Yuejiao , Geue Claudia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are the leading cause of disability and mortality, as well as contributing to rising healthcare costs worldwide. In order to enhance disease prevention programs, the use of a decision model is beneficial to obtain long-term evidence of interventions, particularly in terms of effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and further policy directions. This study aimed to systematically review the existing published literature on CMD policy models. In particular, we intend to provide (i) a comprehensive overview of CMD policy models, and (ii) conduct a critical appraisal of CMD policy models and their application for primordial prevention programs.
Methods: The search strategy was developed and run on 6th December 2022 in MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Open Grey restricting the publication year from 1st January 2000 to December 2022, applying Medical Subject Heading (MesH) for “cardiovascular”, “diabetes”, “decision model” and “policy model”. The retrieved full-text article was critically appraised by three independent reviewers using Phillips et al., checklist and we followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting the review process.
Results: Forty-one (n=41) articles were identified that met our inclusion criteria and were eligible for critical appraisal. We presented assessments for three distinct categories: structure, data, and consistency. Most policy models (81%) fulfilled the criteria for the ‘model structure’. Modeling input and objectives were mostly consistent with the stated perspective and initial justifications. Less than 60% of studies that clearly reported data and parameters used in the model as well as validation tests reported. There was also a limited amount of information on consistency. Overall, the discussed papers utilize various methodologies and modelling approaches, including parameters incorporation, modelling simulation, analysis, and expected outcomes. The suitability of a policy model depends on the specific research question and data availability.
Conclusion: There are heterogeneous results in terms of model structure, simulation level, type of data used, as well as its overall modelling quality. Based on our systematic review, we provided a list of recommendations to improve CMD policy model conceptualization and development.
Stem base and root anatomy of four young trees of Legume species from Cerrado
Authors: Pereira Thalissa Cagnin , Marrega Julia Oliveira , de Araujo Maycon Anderson , Martins Aline Redondo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fabaceae is among the most representative families of the Cerrado, which is the second largest phytophysiognomy in South America and has the presence of fire. Thus, the anatomy of species present in the Cerrado is intrinsically related to their survival after a fire event. The objective of this study was to carry out an anatomical description of the base of the stem and root of four species of tree legumes present in the Cerrado, at 6 and 18 months of age. For this, the seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and then the base of the stem and the root were fixed and dehydrated. Some samples were cut using a sliding microtome, and others were sectioned using a rotating microtome. The presence of starch was checked using Lugol. The four species showed secondary growth, and in general there are no major differences between the ages of 6 and 18 months. The species have a large number of fibers and parenchymatic rays, which are generally uniseriate. In some organs it was possible to verify the presence of residual cortex and evident vascular cambium. A large amount of starch was found in the species analyzed, especially in the secondary xylem. Buds were observed at the stem base in Albizia niopoides, at both ages, and in Senegalia polyphylla, at 6 months. These characteristics can be advantageous in providing the persistence of these species in the Cerrado, especially after a fire event.
Screening of visuospatial abilities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a pilot study using the Battery for Visuospatial Abilities (BVA)
Authors: Sharbafshaaer Minoo , Siciliano Mattia , Passaniti Carla , Sant'Elia Valeria , Silvestro Marcello , Russo Antonio , Esposito Sabrina , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Trojano Luigi , Trojsi Francesca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background Cognitive deficits related to frontotemporal dysfunction are common in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Visuospatial deficits, related to posterior cerebral regions, are often underestimated in ALS, though they play a crucial role in attending daily living activities. Our pilot study aims at assessing visuospatial abilities using a domain-specific tool in ALS patients compared to healthy controls (HC).Methods Twenty-three patients with early ALS and 23 age- and education-matched HC underwent the Battery for Visuospatial Abilities (BVA), including visuo-perceptual and visuo-representational subtests.Results When compared to HC, ALS scored worse in 2 out of 4 visuo-perceptual subtests (i.e., Line Length Judgment and Line Orientation Judgment) and 1 out of 4 visuo-representational tasks (i.e., Hidden Figure Identification, HFI) (p < 0.01). No correlations arose between ALS clinical features and BVA performance. More than 80% of the ALS cohort obtained abnormal scores in the HFI subtest.Conclusions Our findings revealed that ALS scored worse (compared to HC) on selective tests tapping “perceptual” and “representational” visuospatial abilities, since the early stages of disease. In clinical practice, our findings highlight the need for multi-domain neuropsychological assessment, for monitoring disease courses and properly organizing care management of patients with ALS.
Vitamin B3 Rescues Mandibular Osteoporosis in Bmi-1–Deficient Mice by Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Liu Shuying , Chu Yiting , Yan Lixueer , Chen Hailong , Ge Jiaying , Cai Shuangyu , Wu Jun , Gong Aixiu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Mandible osteoporosis is gaining attention as it causes dental dysfunction and fragility; however, existing anti-osteoporosis therapies do not specifically target mandibular bone and may have negative side effects. Methods Osteoporosis mice were further treated with Vitamin B3(1mg ml-1), compared with a control set of osteoporosis without treatment and a set of wild-type group. Results Here, we demonstrated that Vitamin B3, the precursor of NAD+, significantly rescue osteoporosis inBmi-1deficient mice, a well-known premature induced osteoporosis animal modle. Our research found Vitamin B3 significantly enhanced the bone mineral density and bone volume inBmi-1deficient mice, promoted the osteogenic differentiation of both in human dental follicle precursor cells (DFPCs) andBmi-1deficient mice. Further analysis reveals the level of autophagy and mitophagy is also notably improved in mandible and cells, however the osteogenic effect of Vitamin B3 in hDFPCs was abolished when autophagy inhibition was added. Conclusion Herein, we suggest that Vitamin B3 alleviated the mandible osteoporosis ofBmi-1-deficient mice via enhancing autophagy level, paving the way for using as a potential therapy for aging osteoporosis.
Transesophageal Echocardiography Aids the Surgical Decision-Making and the Surgical Process in a Rare Case of Ascending Aorta Thrombus: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Zhu Bo , Miao Qi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background Embolizing ascending aortic thrombus is a rarely reported condition. Treatment of aortic thrombus remains controversial. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is widely acknowledged as an excellent diagnostic tool in the evaluation of aortic mass.
Case Presentation We report a 61-year-old male patient presented to us with right-sided back pain accompanied with numbness in right arm for 12 hours and a history of poorly controlled hypertension and heavy smoking. Computed tomography angiography of the aorta showed filling defect in the ascending aorta. A heparin drip was initiated and emergency surgical removal was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass with the probable diagnosis of ascending aorta thrombus. TEE was performed upon general anesthesia, and confirmed irregular and mobile mass in the ascending aorta. In addition, TEE guided aortic cannulation and facilitated the surgical team to better understand the location of the thrombus. The thrombus was removed with a minimal incision. The recovery of this patient was complicated with thromboembolic events and he was finally discharged with satisfactory recovery after 56 days of hospital stay.
Conclusion Embolizing ascending aortic thrombus is a rare and dangerous condition. TEE as a real-time imaging tool helps understand the nature and the location of the embolizing entity during treatment plan making and during surgical process.
Multi-environment analysis of nutritional and grain quality traits in relation to grain yield under drought and terminal heat stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: KJ Yashavanthakumar , Navathe Sudhir , Krishnappa Gopalareddy , Ambati Divya , Baviskar Vijendra , Biradar Suma , Magar Nilesh , Mishra Chandra Nath , Mamrutha Harohalli Masthigowda , Govindan Velu , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Singh Gyanendra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Heat and drought stress on wheat genotypes are examined in the study, emphasizing the need to improve grain yield, nutrition, and quality. Sixteen modern wheat cultivars were tested in nine environments, including normal, heat, and drought, in three peninsular Indian locations. Genotype performance in yield, nutrition, and quality parameters is assessed using multi-environment trials like AMMI and GGE Biplot. We discovered intriguing stress dynamics in Zn and Fe. Under heat stress, zinc yield increases but decreases under drought stress, while iron does the opposite. Selecting zinc, starch, and kernel weight under stress can boost yield. Protein content and yield are inversely related, making it difficult for breeders to optimize both traits. G x E interactions and stability indices have found genotypes like G12 (MP 1358) and G5 (HI 1544) with high grain yield and iron content, making them crop improvement sources. G12 (MP 1358) has high protein content. Also notable are zinc-rich G11 (MACS 4058) and G15 (WH 730). Genotype G12 (MP 1358) improved crop yield, nutritional quality, and stability "win-win". This study shows the complexity of nutrient metabolism under different stress conditions and suggests targeted breeding to improve wheat grain quality and micronutrient profiles without yield loss.
Evaluation of image quality on low contrast media with deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography
Authors: Yuan Dian , Wang Luotong , Lyu Peijie , Zhang Yonggao , Gao Jianbo , Liu Jie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose To assess the impact of low-dose contrast medium (CM) injection protocol with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm on image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods and Materials 210 patients undergoing CCTA were prospectively and randomly assigned to three groups with different contrast volume protocols (at 320mgI/mL concentration and constant flow rate of 5ml/s): Group A, 0.7mL/kg (n = 70); Group B, 0.6mL/kg (n = 70); Group C, 0.5mL/kg (n = 70). All patients were examined via a prospective ECG-triggered scan protocol within one heartbeat. A high level DLIR (DLIR-H) algorithm was used for image reconstruction with a thickness and interval of 0.625mm. The CT values of ascending aorta (AA), descending aorta (DA), three main coronary arteries, pulmonary artery (PA), and superior vena cava (SVC) were measured and analyzed for objective assessment. Two radiologists assessed the image quality and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert scale. Results The CM doses were 46.81 ± 6.41mL, 41.96 ± 7.51mL and 34.65 ± 5.38mL for Group A, B and C, respectively. The objective assessments on AA, DA and the three main coronary arteries and the overall subjective scoring showed no difference among the three groups (all p > 0.05). Group A had higher enhancements in PA and SVC than groups B and C (all p < 0.05). Conclusions CCTA reconstructed with DLIR could be realized with adequate enhancement in coronary arteries, excellent image quality and diagnostic confidence at low contrast dose of 0.5mL/kg. The use of lower tube voltages may further reduce the contrast dose requirement.
Self-supervised Pre-training for Joint Optic Disc and Cup Segmentation via Attention-Aware Network
Authors: Zhou Zhiwang , Zheng Yuanchang , Zhou Xiaoyu , Yu Jie , Rong Shangjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Image segmentation is a fundamental task in deep learning, which is able to
analyse the essence of the images for further development. However, for the
supervised learning segmentation method, collecting pixel-level labels is very
time-consuming and labour-intensive. In the medical image processing area for
optic disc and cup segmentation, we consider there are two challenging problems
that remain unsolved. One is how to design an efficient network to capture the
global field of the medical image and execute fast in real applications. The other
is how to train the deep segmentation network using a few training data due to
some medical privacy issues. In this paper, to conquer such issues, we first design
a novel attention-aware segmentation model equipped with the multi-scale
attention module in the pyramid structure-like encoder-decoder network, which
can efficiently learn the global semantics and the long-range dependencies of the
input images. Furthermore, we also inject the prior knowledge that the optic cup
lies inside the optic disc by a novel loss function. Then, we propose a
self-supervised contrastive learning method for optic disc and cup segmentation.
The unsupervised feature representation is learned by matching an encoded query
to a dictionary of encoded keys using a contrastive technique. Finetuning the
pre-trained model using the proposed loss function can help achieve good
performance for the task. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method,
extensive systemic evaluations on different public challenging optic disc and cup
benchmarks including DRISHTI-GS and REFUGE datasets demonstrate the
superiority of the proposed method, which can achieve new state-of-the-art
performance. The code will be made publicly available.
The ignition and evolution of a giant submarine gravity flow
Authors: Böttner Christoph , Stevenson Christopher , Englert Rebecca , Schӧnke Mischa , Geersen Jacob , Pandolpho Bruna , Feldens Peter , Krastel Sebastian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Submarine gravity flows are ubiquitous across the seafloor, occurring in all sizes and are the primary mechanism for transporting sediment from the shelf to the deep ocean. Giant flows are an enigmatic phenomenon because they often do not originate from an appropriately large landslide. Theoretical arguments propose that giant events can ignite from much smaller flows. However, quantifying how much a flow can enlarge is problematic due to their extreme size. Here, we reconstruct the properties and evolution of a giant gravity flow by mapping its traces from source to sink. The initial failure (~ 0.8 km3) entrained ~ 200 times its starting volume: catastrophically evolving into a giant flow with a total volume of ~ 162 km3 with estimated flow speeds between 15–30 m/s, and a run-out of ~ 2000 km. The entrainment of mud was the critical fuel for ignition, which promoted run-away flow growth and extreme levels of erosion.
One Case of Keratoconus with Two Consecutive re-emergences
Authors: Zhang Peicheng , Wu Yanchao , Ma Lixiao , Wang Dong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

A healthy 21-year-old male presented with decreased vision in his left eye. He underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus in his left eye in 2012 and experienced re-emergence 3 years later, followed by a second deep lamellar keratoplasty in the same year. In 2019, the patient experienced re-emergence of keratoconus and underwent a third deep lamellar keratoplasty in the same eye. Genetic testing was performed, and no abnormal genes were identified. Postoperative follow-up emphasized the management of CAC and the correction of eye-rubbing habits. To date, he has not experienced any further re-emergence.
Prognostic value of the platelet, neutrophil, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil to lymphocyte ratios in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP)
Authors: Cui Xiao-Jiao , Xie Bo , Zhu Ke-Wei , Liao Qian-Qian , Zhou Jian-Cheng , Du Shan , Liu Xin-Xia , Chen Zhu-Jun , Yang Yong , Yi Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is a serious respiratory inflammation disease with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), basophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (BLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) in patients with SCAP. The study retrospectively included 554 patients with SCAP, and the clinical data were obtained from the electronic patient record (EMR) system. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), overall survival (OS), admission to ICU, ICU LOS, and ICU mortality. As a result, both increased NLR and BLR were significant but independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality; NLR was negatively correlated with hospital LOS while ELR was positively correlated with hospital LOS; both increased NLR and BLR were associated with reduced OS, while in-creased ELR was associated with improved OS; increased PLR, NLR, MLR, and BLR were all correlated with elevated ICU admission rates, while increased ELR was correlated with reduced ICU admission rates; ELR was positively correlated with ICU LOS; both higher NLR and BLR were associated with elevated ICU mortality. In summary, NLR and BLR were useful biomarkers for clinical outcomes in patients with SCAP.