Browse Articles

Thermal insensitivity of an ENZ-ITO clad, hollow-core micro-ring resonator

Abstract We report on the experimental demonstration of temperature insensitivity in an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) indium-tin-oxide (ITO) cladded, hollow-core micro-ring resonator. The permittivity of the ITO cladding was engineered to a near zero value at 1550 nm wavelength to support index guiding in the air-ITO waveguide around the C band. The air-ITO ring-resonator structure was designed using numerical simulations to support whispering gallery modes. The hollow-core microresonator structure was fabricated using two-photon lithography to 3D print a sacrificial scaffold. Guided resonator modes were observed by coupling tunable laser light to the ring resonator using a tapered fiber. The demonstrated hollow-core microresonator exhibits athermal behavior and has a temperature dependent wavelength shift of 1 pm/°C.

Comparing discriminatory behavior against AI and humans

Abstract Although discrimination is typically believed to occur from well-defined categories like ethnicity, disability, and sex, studies have found that discrimination persists in minimal conditions lacking such categories. Participants have been found to preferentially allocate resources based on seemingly arbitrary shared characteristics such as dot estimation choices. Here, we use a preregistered experiment ( n  = 500) to investigate whether humans discriminate in a similar manner when interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) agents that ostensibly made dot estimations. We hypothesized that because humans harbor prejudice against algorithms relative to other humans (otherwise known as algorithm aversion), the strength of discriminatory behavior may be greater against AI than humans. Surprisingly, we found that participants distributed resources in a similar manner, albeit unequally, to both human and AI agents. Specifically, participants favored the other agent when decisions were aligned. Our findings suggest that discriminatory behavior is less influenced by the recipient’s identity and more shaped by choice congruency.

Autologous glueless simple oral mucosal transplantation for the repair of limbal stem cell deficiency ocular surface in a rabbit model

Endometrial injection of embryo culture supernatant adversely affects assisted reproductive technology outcomes in frozen thawed embryo transfer cycles

The specific contributions of factor H and factor I in controlling fluid phase activation of the alternative complement pathway

Membrane-targeted immunogenic compositions using exosome mimetic approach for vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens

A life cycle assessment approach to minimize environmental impact for sustainable printed sensors

Association of constipation with suicidal ideation among US adults and the partial mediating role of depression

Numerical investigation on different effects of recirculated species on UHC and CO formation during lean homogeneous combustion

Circulatory lipid signature in response to short-term testosterone gel treatment of healthy young females

Abstract The impact of testosterone administration on the circulating lipidome in females remains unexplored, despite its relevance to understanding metabolic disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of testosterone gel on the plasma lipidome of healthy women over three menstrual cycles. A cohort of 14 women aged 22–37 years with regular cycles was analyzed, with plasma samples collected at baseline, during peak testosterone levels (D45), and post-treatment (D59, D80). Testosterone gel treatment lasted 28 days, administered between day 29 and day 57 of the study. Using a deep-targeted lipidomic approach, 597 lipids were quantified to provide a detailed profile of the lipidome and capture subtle changes in lipid species and their associations with testosterone fluctuations. Extensive profiling revealed a significant decrease in 17 lipid species, especially ether- and ester-linked lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), at peak testosterone. These lipid reductions were strongly negatively correlated with free and total testosterone, as well as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and positively correlated with SHBG levels. Notably, intra-individual lipid variability was consistently lower than inter-individual variability, indicating a highly personalized lipidome regulation. Despite testosterone-induced changes, overall plasma lipidome alterations were minimal, suggesting mechanisms that maintain lipid homeostasis. This study highlights the complex interplay between testosterone and lipid metabolism in women. The minimal overall lipidome changes and high inter-individual variability point to the need for further research to assess the clinical relevance of these findings, particularly in hyperandrogenic conditions like PCOS. Clinical Trial Registration number: This study was registered on https://www.isrctn.com/ (ISRCTN10122130) on 09/01/2019.

Evaluating the combined effects of mobile computerized CBT and post-learning oscillatory modulation on self-esteem: a randomized controlled trial

High blood pressure inhibits cardiovascular responsiveness to expressive classical music

Abstract Music lowers hypertensive patients’ blood pressure (BP) in the long-term, but the dynamics of BP during music-listening are not well understood. This study aims to determine: (1) whether individuals with high and normal BP respond to music differently; and, (2) whether music’s loudness or tempo drives these differences. Music with computer-altered tempo and loudness is rendered on a reproducing piano to 40 middle-aged participants, 20 with baseline BP above 140/90 mmHg (H-bBP) and 20 below (N-bBP) but above 90/60 mmHg, paired by playlist. Continuous BP was recorded whilst they listened to playlists of 9 tempo- and loudness-transposed versions of 8 distinct pieces of Western classical music (40 min) after a 5-minute baseline silence. Both participant groups’ mean systolic and diastolic BP rose significantly higher than baseline during music listening, with normotensives’ mean systolic and diastolic BP rising significantly more than hypertensives’. Both groups’ BP variability (indexed by range and standard deviation of continuous BP measurements) reduced during faster tempi, but not during increased loudness. BP variability is significantly higher for both groups during the slowest pieces, which maintain the originally performed tempi. These findings suggest that music’s long-term benefit, like exercise, may come from its power to temporarily physiologically activate listeners.

Aerial manipulation of long objects using adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller under battery variability

Abstract Aerial manipulation provides adaptable solutions for executing tasks in constrained environments, particularly in civil engineering and disaster response. This paper presents a UAV-based aerial manipulation system for the precise handling and transportation of long objects, such as pipes, in uncertain conditions. Compared to single- or dual-arm systems, which are difficult to scale and maintain, the proposed design features a modular two-finger gripper, enhancing scalability and reliability while reducing mechanical complexity. To address challenges such as positional drift, which can compromise mission success, the system employs a SO-BFBEL controller controller to enhance stability and precision and it is compared with DNN-MRFT-based PID and Fuzzy SMC controller. Experimental results demonstrate that the SO-BFBEL controller reduces the position tracking error up to 50% and compensates for wind disturbances and battery discharge fluctuations more effectively than conventional methods. Additionally, the SO-BFBEL controller can help to conserve battery life during manipulation phases which can boost the operational efficiency without incurring any additional costs.

Convolutional neural network analysis of optical texture patterns in liquid-crystal skyrmions

Role of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) as a predictor for severe dengue infection

Noise and sound in the intensive care unit: a cohort study

Abstract Intensive care units (ICUs) are acknowledged for their propensity for noise, often exhibiting higher sound levels on average than other departments. This is mainly ascribed to a high concentration of medical devices and staff, creating an acoustic environment characterised by a high level of staff activity and a concoction of alarms from therapeutic and monitoring devices. Excessive noise in ICUs has been associated with adverse health effects and human factor impacts acknowledged to negatively affect both patients and healthcare providers. This study aimed to evaluate the sound levels of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUH) ICU and compare it against recommended guidelines. Prospective sound level measurements were taken from a six-bedded bay within the RLUH ICU between 15th June and 1st July 2022. This audit focussed on sound data that equal or exceeded 87 dBA, in accordance with levels in the UK Noise Regulations. The data involved 11 patients admitted to the bay within the defined timeframe. A retrospective review of the patients’ records was conducted to identify potential noisy events during the recording period. Results revealed all LAeq and L Amax measurements exceeded the recommended guidelines. Although HSE exposure limit values were not exceeded, the lowest L Amin value recorded was 44.2 dBA and only one hour from 16 days of recording (less than 1% of the time) fell below international daytime guidelines of 45 dBA. The top documented potential causes of noise were patient repositioning/personal care, medication administration and suctioning. Sound levels in the RLUH ICU considerably exceed national and international guidelines. These findings highlight the need to address the issue of noise pollution in the ICU setting. Hospital staff should consider implementing strategies and interventions for noise reduction in ICUs.

Simulator training for enhanced interventional radiology education

Abstract To address the challenges of staff shortages and the need to gain practical experience in interventional radiology by increasing attention in the medical curriculum, especially in combination with the opportunity to successfully gain hands-on experience, can help influence medical students’ career decisions in favor of IR. Regular training on VR simulators can reduce the amount of X-ray radiation needed to adequately care for patients. Ten medical students underwent five angiographic training sessions using an endovascular simulator. Virtual fluoroscopy time was recorded during each session to measure skill development. Pre- and post-training questionnaires were conducted to assess changes in subjective proficiency and career interests. The median virtual fluoroscopy time decreased from 19.3 min initially to 9.3 min ( p  = 0.007), indicating enhanced procedural proficiency. Post-training questionnaires revealed a notable increase in interest in interventional radiology among participants. Additionally, participants reported improvements in practical skills, understanding of interventional radiology, and readiness for real-world interventions. Simulator-based training significantly enhances procedural proficiency and could impact career interests in interventional radiology. Despite the small sample size, the findings support the efficacy of VR training in medical education, highlighting the need for further research to optimize the implementation of simulation technology in medical training.

An automated parallel genetic algorithm with parametric adaptation for distributed data analysis

Heterologous expression and enzymatic properties of lipase from Mucor circinelloides

Sustainable production of osteoinductive Co2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ -substituted apatites particles by one-pot conversion of biogenic calcium carbonate

Abstract Biogenic CaCO3 microparticles obtained from oyster shells Crassostrea gigas were used as starting material for synthesizing Co2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+-doped apatite nano-submicroparticles, through a one-step hydrothermal conversion. The conversion was completed at 200 °C for 7 days, yielding metal-doped apatite and whitlockite in percentages of 5.3 wt% when adding Co2+, 28.7 wt% for Mg2+, and 0 wt% for Mn2+. Samples were cytocompatible with murine pancreatic endothelial cells (MS1), murine mesenchymal stem cells (m17.ASC), and murine osteoblast’s progenitors (mOBPs) cells. The analysis by flow cytometry and TEM–EDX revealed strong particle–cell interactions, sustained internalization across m17.ASC and mOBPs cells, and potential progressive apatite dissolution in the cellular environment. Additionally, incubating these cells with the metal-doped samples promoted their osteogenic differentiation without needing an osteogenic differentiation medium. Indeed, the evaluation of gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR, the detection of alkaline phosphatase activity, and the ability to induce the mineralization in the cellular matrix analyzed by alizarin red staining revealed that all particles (and particularly the carbonated apatite and the Mg-doped sample) encouraged the osteogenic commitment. This approach represents a sustainable way to valorize and transform aquaculture and canning industries’ mineral waste (shells) in highly demanded osteoinductive materials.