bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ability of comorbidity indices to predict mortality in an orthopedic setting: a systematic review
Authors: Gundtoft Per Hviid , Jørstad Mari , Erichsen Julie Ladeby , Schmal Hagen , Viberg Bjarke
Published: August 2021

Background

Several comorbidity indices have been created to estimate and adjust for the burden of comorbidity. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the ability of different comorbidity indices to predict mortality in an orthopedic setting.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. The search were constructed around two primary focal points: a comorbidity index and orthopedics. The last search were performed on 13 June 2019. Eligibility criteria were participants with orthopedic conditions or who underwent an orthopedic procedure, a comparison between comorbidity indices that used administrative data, and reported mortality as outcome. Two independent reviewers screened the studies using Covidence. The area under the curve (AUC) was chosen as the primary effect estimate.

Results

Of the 5338 studies identified, 16 met the eligibility criteria. The predictive ability of the different comorbidity indices ranged from poor (AUC < 0.70) to excellent (AUC ≥ 0.90). The majority of the included studies compared the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). In-hospital mortality was reported in eight studies reporting AUC values ranging from 0.70 to 0.92 for ECI and 0.68 to 0.89 for CCI. AUC values were generally lower for all other time points ranging from 0.67 to 0.78. For 1-year mortality the overall effect size ranging from 0.67 to 0.77 for ECI and 0.69 to 0.77 for CCI.

Conclusion

The results of this review indicate that the ECI and CCI can equally be used to adjust for comorbidities when analyzing mortality in an orthopedic setting.

Trial registration

The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on 13 June 2019 and can be accessed through record ID 133,871.
Extended elliptic-type integrals with associated properties and Turán-type inequalities
Authors: Parmar Rakesh K. , Agarwal Ritu , Kumar Naveen , Purohit S. D.
Published: August 2021

Our aim is to study and investigate the family of$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended (incomplete and complete) elliptic-type integrals for which the usual properties and representations of various known results of the (classical) elliptic integrals are extended in a simple manner. This family of elliptic-type integrals involves a number of special cases and has a connection with$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended Gauss’ hypergeometric function and$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended Appell’s double hypergeometric function$F_{1}$F1. Turán-type inequalities including log-convexity properties are proved for these$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended complete elliptic-type integrals. Further, we establish various Mellin transform formulas and obtain certain infinite series representations containing Laguerre polynomials. We also obtain some relationship between these$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended elliptic-type integrals and MeijerG-function of two variables. Moreover, we obtain several connections with$(p, q)$(p,q)-extended beta function as special values and deduce numerous differential and integral formulas. In conclusion, we introduce$(p, q)$(p,q)-extension of the Epstein–Hubbell (E-H) elliptic-type integral.
Solutions of fractional order differential equations modeling temperature distribution in convective straight fins design
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Sulaiman Muhammad , Kumam Poom
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the problem of temperature distribution for convective straight fins with constant and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity is solved by using artificial neural networks trained by the biogeography-based heterogeneous cuckoo search (BHCS) algorithm. We have solved the integer and noninteger order energy balance equation in order to analyse the temperature distribution in convective straight fins. We have compared our results with homotopy perturbation method (HPM), variational iteration method (VIM), and homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method (HPSTM). The results show that the ANN–BHCS algorithm gives better results than other analytical techniques. We have further checked the efficiency of the ANN–BHCS algorithm by using the performance metrics MAD, TIC, and ENSE. We have calculated the values of MAD, TIC, and ENSE for case 1 of the problem, and histograms of these metrics show the efficiency of our algorithm.
Aquatic habitat use in a semi-aquatic mammal: the Eurasian beaver
Authors: Mortensen Rasmus Mohr , Reinhardt Stefanie , Hjønnevåg Marina Eraker , Wilson Rory Paul , Rosell Frank
Published: August 2021

Background

Semi-aquatic mammals exploit resources both on land and in water and may require both to meet their habitat requirements including food- and building resources, refuges, and for social interactions with conspecifics. Within this, the specific availability of both terrestrial and aquatic resources is expected to impact individual fitness. Beavers are highly dependent on water for movement and protection from predators. They are central place foragers and mostly forage on woody vegetation near water although aquatic vegetation may also be an important food resource. However, little is known about their use of aquatic habitats. We aimed to address this knowledge gap by dead-reckoning fine-scale movement tracks and classifying fine-scale diving events, which we then related to the spatial distribution of aquatic vegetation and habitat components within the territory.

Results

Overall, there was a statistically clear decrease in probability that diving would occur at dawn and with increasing distance from territory borders. In addition, the distance from the lodge at which animals dived decreased through the night and during the spring/early summer. There was strong selection for diving habitats located closer to the riverbank, with stronger selection for these areas being observed in individuals with larger home ranges. We saw a higher selection for diving above clay sediment, and within 150 m from the lodge, presumably because mud and clay sediment tended to be located closer to the lodge than sand and rock sediment. Furthermore, we found a clear selection for diving in the presence of quillwort (Isoetesspp.), shoreweed (Littorella uniflora), and stonewort (Nitellaspp.). Selection for these focal species was stronger among subordinate individuals. Individuals with lower body condition dived closer to the beaver lodge, and dives located further from the lodge were associated with high densities of aquatic vegetation.

Conclusion

We provide new knowledge on the aquatic habitat use in a semi-aquatic mammal and show how energetic constraints may shape how beavers spatially use the aquatic environment, whereby short and shallow dives appear most beneficial. We show how aquatic habitats may have great importance for both foraging, building materials and safety, and discuss to how they may affect the fitness of individuals.
Characterization of Korean handmade papers collected in a Hanji reference book
Authors: Han Bin , Vilmont Léon-Bavi , Kim Hyoung-Jin , Lavédrine Bertrand , Sakamoto Shouji , Sablier Michel
Published: August 2021

Korean hand papermaking is a renowned cultural tradition in the Korean peninsula. It is still practiced while scientific analysis of paper itself from a large data set is rare. In this study, a set of more than three hundred Korean handmade papers, collected in a reference collection book Hanji: Korean handmade paper, were chemically investigated, and their property data such as colour, pH, grammage, thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance were statistically analysed in order to determine general features for Korean papers. The influence of different paper sheet formation methods (Heullimtteugi vs Gadumtteugi) were revealed by multivariate data analysis and the chemical profiles of raw materials were studied by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The Korean handmade paper samples display colour gamut in the colour space L* (69.9–95.9), a* [(−3)-3], b* (0–20), most have neutral/alkaline pH values. Paper density, fiber orientation and physical properties are influenced by the sheet formation techniques. For instance, Gadumtteugi tends to produce papers with strong fiber orientation while Heullimtteugi produces papers with more evenly distribution of fibers. In addition, Py-GC/MS analysis results show that paper mulberry fibers contain less intensity lignin monomers and more terpenic compounds in comparison with gampi and mitsumata fibers. This study provides paper analysis from large sample set, statistics reveal that the material preparing and making craft determined the paper structure which reflected in their physical properties. These properties influenced paper performance and applications in art creations as well as relics conservation and restoration. The characterized paper sample database could be used for handmade paper studies in East Asian region. Consequently, this study contributes to a better understanding of contemporary Hanji properties as well as improves knowledge on handmade papers from the Korean peninsula.
Dosimetric impact of Ac-227 in accelerator-produced Ac-225 for alpha-emitter radiopharmaceutical therapy of patients with hematological malignancies: a pharmacokinetic modeling analysis
Authors: Sgouros George , He Bin , Ray Nitya , Ludwig Dale L. , Frey Eric C.
Published: August 2021

Background

Actinium-225 is an alpha-particle emitter under investigation for use in radiopharmaceutical therapy. To address limited supply, accelerator-produced 225Ac has been recently made available. Accelerator-produced 225Ac via 232Th irradiation (denoted 225/7Ac) contains a low percentage (0.1–0.3%) of 227Ac (21.77-year half-life) activity at end of bombardment. Using pharmacokinetic modeling, we have examined the dosimetric impact of 227Ac on the use of accelerator-produced 225Ac for radiopharmaceutical therapy. We examine the contribution of 227Ac and its daughters to tissue absorbed doses. The dosimetric analysis was performed for antibody-conjugated 225/7Ac administered intravenously to treat patients with hematological cancers. Published pharmacokinetic models are used to obtain the distribution of 225/7Ac-labeled antibody and also the distribution of either free or antibody-conjugated 227Th.

Results

Based on our modeling, the tissue specific absorbed dose from 227Ac would be negligible in the context of therapy, less than 0.02 mGy/MBq for the top 6 highest absorbed tissues and less than 0.007 mGy/MBq for all other tissues. Compared to that from 225Ac, the absorbed dose from 227Ac makes up a very small component (less than 0.04%) of the total absorbed dose delivered to the 6 highest dose tissues: red marrow, spleen, endosteal cells, liver, lungs and kidneys when accelerator produced 225/7Ac-conjugated anti-CD33 antibody is used to treat leukemia patients. For all tissues, the dominant contributor to the absorbed dose arising from the 227Ac is 227Th, the first daughter of 227Ac which has the potential to deliver absorbed dose both while it is antibody-bound and while it is free. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the absorbed dose arising from 227Ac to normal organs would be negligible for an 225/7Ac-labeled antibody that targets hematological cancer.
Customizable Natural Language Processing Biomarker Extraction Tool
Authors: Holmes Benjamin , Chitale Dhananjay , Loving Joshua , Tran Mary , Subramanian Vinod , Berry Anna , Rioth Matthew , Warrier Raghu , Brown Thomas
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Natural language processing (NLP) in pathology reports to extract biomarker information is an ongoing area of research. MetaMap is a natural language processing tool developed and funded by the National Library of Medicine to map biomedical text to the Unified Medical Language System Metathesaurus by applying specific tags to clinically relevant terms. Although results are useful without additional postprocessing, these tags lack important contextual information.

METHODS

Our novel method takes terminology-driven semantic tags and incorporates those into a semantic frame that is task-specific to add necessary context to MetaMap. We use important contextual information to capture biomarker results to support Community Health System's use of Precision Medicine treatments for patients with cancer. For each biomarker, the name, type, numeric quantifiers, non-numeric qualifiers, and the time frame are extracted. These fields then associate biomarkers with their context in the pathology report such as test type, probe intensity, copy-number changes, and even failed results. A selection of 6,713 relevant reports contained the following standard-of-care biomarkers for metastatic breast cancer: breast cancer gene 1 and 2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and programmed death-ligand 1.

RESULTS

The method was tested on pathology reports from the internal pathology laboratory at Henry Ford Health System. A certified tumor registrar reviewed 400 tests, which showed > 95% accuracy for all extracted biomarker types.

CONCLUSION

Using this new method, it is possible to extract high-quality, contextual biomarker information, and this represents a significant advance in biomarker extraction.
Targeting Depressive Symptoms in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors: The Pathways to Wellness Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation and Survivorship Education
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Partridge Ann H. , Wolff Antonio C. , Thorner Elissa D. , Irwin Michael R. , Joffe Hadine , Petersen Laura , Crespi Catherine M. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Younger women are at risk for depression and related symptoms following breast cancer. The Pathways to Wellness study, a randomized, multi-institution, three-arm trial, tested the efficacy of two behavioral interventions for younger breast cancer survivors with elevated depressive symptoms: mindful awareness practices (MAPs) and survivorship education (SE) (Clincaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03025139 ).

METHODS

Women diagnosed with breast cancer at or before 50 years of age who had completed treatment and had elevated depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of MAPs, SE, or wait-list control (WLC). Assessments were conducted preintervention and postintervention and at 3-month and 6-month postintervention follow-ups. Analyses compared each intervention to WLC using linear mixed models. The primary outcome was change in depressive symptoms from preintervention to postintervention on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale; secondary outcomes included change in fatigue, insomnia, and vasomotor symptoms.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-seven women (median age = 46 years) were randomly assigned to MAPs (n = 85), SE (n = 81), or WLC (n = 81). MAPs and SE led to significant decreases in depressive symptoms from preintervention to postintervention relative to WLC (mean change relative to WLC [95% CI]: MAPs, –4.7 [–7.5 to –1.9]; SE, –4.0 [–6.9 to –1.1]), which persisted at 6-month follow-up for MAPs (mean change relative to WLC [95% CI]: MAPs, –3.7 [–6.6 to –0.8]; SE, –2.8 [–5.9 to 0.2]). MAPs, but not SE, also had beneficial effects on fatigue, insomnia, and vasomotor symptoms that persisted at 6-month follow-up ( P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness meditation and SE reduced depressive symptoms in younger breast cancer survivors. These interventions can be widely disseminated over virtual platforms and have significant potential benefit for quality of life and overall survivorship in this vulnerable group.
Secret Sauce—How Diverse Practices Succeed in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oncology Care Model
Authors: Kline Ronald M. , Blau Sibel , Buescher Nikolas R. , Ellis Amy R. , Hoverman J. Russell , Oyer Randall A. , Wilfong Lalan S. , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

CMS' Oncology Care Model (OCM) is an episode-based alternative payment model designed to incent high-value care through the use of monthly payments for enhanced services and performance-based payments on the basis of decreases in spending compared with risk-adjusted historical benchmarks. Transitioning from a fee-for-service model to a value-based, alternative payment model in oncology can be difficult; some practices will perform better than others. We present detailed experiences of four successful OCM practices, each operating under diverse business models and in different geographic areas.

METHODS:

Practices that achieved success in OCM, on the basis of financial metrics, describe pathways to success. The practices represent distinct business models: a medium-sized community oncology practice, a large statewide community oncology practice, a hospital-affiliated practice, and a large academic medical center.

RESULTS:

Practices describe effective changes in practice culture such as new administrative flexibilities, physician champions, improved communication, changes in physician compensation, and increased physician-level transparency. New or improved clinical services include acute care clinics, care coordination, phone triage, end-of-life care programs, and adoption of treatment pathways that identify high-value drug use, including better use of supportive care drugs.

CONCLUSION:

There is no one thing that will ensure success in OCM. Success requires whole practice transformation, encompassing both administrative and clinical changes. Communication between administrative and clinical teams is vital, along with improved data sharing and transparency. Clinical support services must expand to manage problems and symptoms in a timely way to prevent costly emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while constant attention must be paid to making high-value therapeutic choices in both oncolytic and supportive drug categories.
The Emerging Role of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Management of NAFLD
Authors: Patel Chavez Chandani , Cusi Kenneth , Kadiyala Sushma
Published: August 2021

Context

The burden of cirrhosis from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. This calls for greater awareness among endocrinologists, who often see but may miss the diagnosis in adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) who are at the highest risk. At the same time, recent studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are beneficial vs nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in this population. This minireview aims to assist endocrinologists to recognize the condition and recent work on the role of GLP-1RAs in NAFLD/NASH.

Evidence acquisition

Evidence from observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses.

Evidence synthesis

Endocrinologists should lead multidisciplinary teams to implement recent consensus statements on NAFLD that call for screening and treatment of clinically significant fibrosis to prevent cirrhosis, especially in the high-risk groups (ie, people with obesity, prediabetes, or T2D). With no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents, weight loss is central to successful management, with pharmacological treatment options limited today to vitamin E (in people without T2D) and diabetes medications that reverse steatohepatitis, such as pioglitazone or GLP-1RA. Recently, the benefit of GLP-1RAs in NAFLD, suggested from earlier trials, has been confirmed in adults with biopsy-proven NASH. In 2021, the FDA also approved semaglutide for obesity management.

Conclusion

A paradigm change is developing between the endocrinologist’s greater awareness about their critical role to curve the epidemic of NAFLD and new clinical care pathways that include a broader use of GLP-1RAs in the management of these complex patients.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Management of Neonates With Persistent Hypoglycemia and Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Win Myat , Beckett Rowan , Thomson Lynn , Thankamony Ajay , Beardsall Kathryn
Published: August 2021

Background

Persistent hypoglycemia is common in the newborn and is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Adequate monitoring is critical in prevention, but is dependent on frequent, often hourly blood sampling. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly being used in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, but use in neonatology remains limited. We aimed to introduce real-time CGM to provide insights into patterns of dysglycemia and to support the management of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study of real-time CGM use over a 4-year period in babies with persistent hypoglycemia.

Results

CGMs were inserted in 14 babies: 8 term and 6 preterm infants, 9 with evidence of congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). A total of 224 days of data was collected demonstrating marked fluctuations in glucose levels in babies with CHI, with a higher sensor glucose SD (1.52 ± 0.79 mmol/L vs 0.77 ± 0.22 mmol/L) in infants with CHI compared with preterm infants. A total of 1254 paired glucose values (CGM and blood) were compared and gave a mean absolute relative difference of 11%.

Conclusion

CGM highlighted the challenges of preventing hypoglycemia in these babies when using intermittent blood glucose levels alone, and the potential application of CGM as an adjunct to clinical care.
Testicular Microvascular Flow Is Altered in Klinefelter Syndrome and Predicts Circulating Testosterone
Authors: Carlomagno Francesco , Pozza Carlotta , Tenuta Marta , Pofi Riccardo , Tarani Luigi , Sesti Franz , Minnetti Marianna , Gianfrilli Daniele , Isidori Andrea M
Published: August 2021

Context

Experimental studies on Klinefelter syndrome (KS) reported increased intratesticular testosterone (T) levels coexisting with reduced circulating levels. Abnormalities in testicular microcirculation have been claimed; however, no studies investigated in vivo testicular blood flow dynamics in humans with KS.

Objective

To analyze the testicular microcirculation in KS by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and correlate vascular parameters with endocrine function.

Design and Setting

Prospective study. University setting.

Patients

Sixty-eight testicular scans, 34 testes from 19 T-naïve subjects with KS and 34 testes from age-matched eugonadal men (control) who underwent CEUS for incidental nonpalpable testicular lesions.

Main Outcomes

CEUS kinetic parameters.

Results

CEUS revealed slower testicular perfusion kinetics in subjects with KS than in age-matched controls. Specifically, the wash-in time (P = 0.018), mean transit time (P = 0.035), time to peak (P < 0.001), and wash-out time (P = 0.004) were all prolonged. Faster testicular blood flow was associated with higher total T levels. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression analyses confirmed the findings and supported a role for reduced venous blood flow as independent predictor of total T levels.

Conclusions

Testicular venous blood flow is altered in KS and independently predicts T peripheral release.
The Pancreatic ß-cell Response to Secretory Demands and Adaption to Stress
Authors: Kalwat Michael A , Scheuner Donalyn , Rodrigues-dos-Santos Karina , Eizirik Decio L , Cobb Melanie H
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic β cells dedicate much of their protein translation capacity to producing insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis. In response to increased secretory demand, β cells can compensate by increasing insulin production capability even in the face of protracted peripheral insulin resistance. The ability to amplify insulin secretion in response to hyperglycemia is a critical facet of β-cell function, and the exact mechanisms by which this occurs have been studied for decades. To adapt to the constant and fast-changing demands for insulin production, β cells use the unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum. Failure of these compensatory mechanisms contributes to both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Additionally, studies in which β cells are “rested” by reducing endogenous insulin demand have shown promise as a therapeutic strategy that could be applied more broadly. Here, we review recent findings in β cells pertaining to the metabolic amplifying pathway, the unfolded protein response, and potential advances in therapeutics based on β-cell rest.
Induction of apically mistrafficked epiregulin disrupts epithelial polarity via aberrant EGFR signaling
Authors: Singh Bhuminder , Bogatcheva Galina , Krystofiak Evan , McKinley Eliot T. , Hill Salisha , Rose Kristie Lindsey , Higginbotham James N. , Coffey Robert J.
Published: August 2021

In polarized MDCK cells, disruption of the tyrosine-based YXXΦ basolateral trafficking motif (Y156A) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand epiregulin (EREG), results in its apical mistrafficking and transformation in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying these dramatic effects are unknown. Using a doxycycline-inducible system in 3D Matrigel cultures, we now show that induction of Y156A EREG in fully formed MDCK cysts results in direct and complete delivery of mutant EREG to the apical cell surface. Within 3 days of induction, ectopic lumens were detected in mutant, but not wild-type, EREG-expressing cysts. Of note, these structures resembled histological features found in subcutaneous xenografts of mutant EREG-expressing MDCK cells. These ectopic lumens formed de novo rather than budding from the central lumen and depended on metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of EREG and subsequent EGFR activity. Moreover, the most frequent EREG mutation in human cancer (R147stop) resulted in its apical mistrafficking in engineered MDCK cells. Thus, induction of EREG apical mistrafficking is sufficient to disrupt selective aspects of polarity of a preformed polarized epithelium.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The structure and function of centriolar rootlets
Authors: Mahen Robert
Published: August 2021

To gain a holistic understanding of cellular function, we must understand not just the role of individual organelles, but also how multiple macromolecular assemblies function collectively. Centrioles produce fundamental cellular processes through their ability to organise cytoskeletal fibres. In addition to nucleating microtubules, centrioles form lesser-known polymers, termed rootlets. Rootlets were identified over a 100 years ago and have been documented morphologically since by electron microscopy in different eukaryotic organisms. Rootlet-knockout animals have been created in various systems, providing insight into their physiological functions. However, the precise structure and function of rootlets is still enigmatic. Here, I consider common themes of rootlet function and assembly across diverse cellular systems. I suggest that the capability of rootlets to form physical links from centrioles to other cellular structures is a general principle unifying their functions in diverse cells and serves as an example of how cellular function arises from collective organellar activity.
Based on TRIZ Methodology Design and Preparation of a Robust Skeletal Superhydrophobic Perfluoropolysiloxane and Polyaniline/Epoxy Resin Composite Coating with Outstanding Anti-Corrosion Performance
Authors: Xu Haidong , Wang Youliang , Zhao Dan , Chen Nali , Tan Lin , Feng Huixia
Published: August 2021

Corrosion not only causes substantial economic losses, but can also threaten personal safety. Superhydrophobic polyaniline composite anti-corrosion coating (SPANC) has closely received attention due to slowing chemical and electrochemical corrosion simultaneously, but the poor mechanical properties cannot meet actual needs. In this paper, function analysis, substance-field model and standard inventive solutions in TRIZ were used to solve the poor mechanical properties of SPANC, and a robust skeletal superhydrophobic perfluoropolysiloxane and polyaniline/epoxy resin composite coating (EPAMA-NPOS) was designed and prepared. The contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of H-SiO2@POS reach 165.0° ± 1.0 and 1.7° ± 0.03, respectively, the protection efficiency of EPAMA-NPOS reaches 99.94%, in friction test, and the CA is reduced from 165.0° to 147.0° after 310 times. The EPAMA-NPOS has achieved excellent superhydrophobicity, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Impact of COVID-19 on utilization of maternal, newborn and child health services in Nigeria: protocol for a country-level mixed-methods study
Authors: Akaba Godwin , Dirisu Osasuyi , Okunade Kehinde , Adams Eseoghene , Ohioghame Jane , Obikeze Obioma , Izuka Emmanuel , Sulieman Maryam , Edeh Michael
Published: August 2021

Background: Battling with COVID-19 and providing essential services along the continuum of care could be challenging. This study will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on utilization of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services in Nigeria and explore the barriers being experienced by women and their families in getting access to MNCH services, as well as other contextual factors that may have shaped the utilization of MNCH services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and analysis: The study will adopt an observational mixed-methods study design involving 18 health care facilities delivering MNCH services in six selected states across six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We will retrieve longitudinal data on MNCH services from all selected hospitals six months before and after the first recorded case of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Qualitative data will be collected using in-depth interviews conducted via mobile phones or ZOOM meeting platforms among stakeholder participants (users of MNCH services, health workers and policymakers) to ascertain their perceptions on how COVID-19 has shaped the utilization of MNCH services. We will triangulate quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of MNCH services in Nigeria.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approvals have been obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the tertiary hospitals involved in the study. Our findings will provide the first evidence from an African setting on the impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of MNCH services using a mixed-methods study design for policy formulation towards sustained MNCH service delivery.
Global resilience through knowledge-based cooperation: a new Protocol for Science Diplomacy
Authors: Aukes Ewert , Wilsdon James , Ordóñez-Matamoros Gonzalo , Kuhlmann Stefan
Published: August 2021

The world is currently dealing with one of the most severe health, economic and social crises in recent memory, through coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Scholars are converging on the perspective that traditional means of addressing these crises have served their time. On the additional backdrop of a global political landscape in transition, realising a post-pandemic recovery will require new modes of international collaboration with scientific knowledge and expertise figuring more prominently. A smart approach to science diplomacy—to global resilience through knowledge-based cooperation—does not prescribe the content, but rather focuses on the process of science-based international exchange. The new Protocol for Science Diplomacy presented in this policy brief inspires the alignment of shared, cosmopolitan interests and their application to cross-border societal challenges. It comprises a set of 12 procedural and infrastructural principles with which actors can create a space for constructive and productive science diplomacy interactions. These principles are: sensitivity; inclusiveness; transparency; deliberation; reciprocity; complementarity & manoeuvrability; legitimacy; alignment; evaluation; capacities; capabilities; trust. Our Protocol for Science Diplomacy identifies ground rules for international scientific and policy collaboration that enable us, inter alia, to make meaningful steps towards tackling the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by their 2030 deadline. As such, it offers a roadmap for science diplomacy in the next decade and beyond.
The Evolutionary Nature of Breakthrough Innovation: An Empirical Investigation of Firm Search Strategies
Authors: Randle Dominika Kinga , Pisano Gary Paul
Published: August 2021

Breakthrough innovation has been an important topic of study for generations of scholars. Previous research in this domain has focused on exploring the way breakthroughs emerge from cumulative combination and recombination of prior technologies and knowledge components across vast numbers of firms and inventors. However, far less understood are the internal firm-level processes that give rise to breakthrough inventions. How do firms search for and select technologies with which to innovate? Could the trajectory of this search process itself play a role in influencing the likelihood that a developed invention will be a breakthrough? We ask these questions in our research. Our analysis examines three decades of innovation histories of over two and a half thousand firms. Longitudinal firm-level data and a novel measure of search (technological focal proximity) enable us to characterize corporate activity at a detailed level and to examine search strategies that led to breakthrough innovations as well as those that did not. Contrary to the established consensus that breakthroughs are associated with explorative search and less impactful inventions emerge through exploitation, our firm-centric approach reveals that breakthroughs develop from a search process that evolves in phases and involves both exploration (initially) and exploitation (subsequently). In the early phases, firms that successfully develop breakthrough inventions explore unfamiliar terrain. However, as the process unfolds, they progressively shift their search strategies to exploitation of accumulated knowledge. Our findings call into question the strong dichotomy between exploration and exploitation that has played such a prominent role in theories about the origins of breakthrough innovation.
An Exact Algorithm for Heterogeneous Drone-Truck Routing Problem
Authors: Kang Munjeong , Lee Chungmok
Published: August 2021

Recently, there are attempts to utilize drones in the logistic application. We consider the case in which there are multiple drones with different characteristics, such as speed and battery capacity. The truck and drone collaborate the delivery to serve all customers, while the drones are carried by and dispatched from the truck. The multiple drones can be deployed simultaneously; however, the truck must wait until all drones return. Therefore, the goal is to minimize the total sum of truck travel and waiting times for drones to return after deliveries. We call the proposed model a heterogeneous drone-truck routing problem (HDTRP), and a mixed-integer programming formulation for the problem is presented. We develop an exact algorithm based on the logic-based Benders decomposition approach, which outperforms the state-of-the-art solvers.
Perkembangan Yoghurt Susu Kedelai
Authors: Al Falah Sarah Amelia Nur Wahidah , Maharani Shinta
Published: August 2021

Yoghurt merupakan suatu produk susu fermentasi yang dapat dibuat dari bahan nabati tinggi protein salah satunya kedelai. Yoghurt susu kedelai memiliki kandungan gizi cukup tinggi yang sangat bermanfaat bagi tubuh. Dewasa ini, muncul inovasi baru dari perkembangan yoghurt kedelai salah satunya dengan penambahan variasi rasa dari buah-buahan, jagung, serta pemanis alami. Penambahan variasi rasa pada yoghurt kedelai bertujuan untuk menambahkan rasa manis serta lebih meningkatkan kandungan gizinya. Hal tersebut mengakibatkan terjadinya perubahan karakteristik sensorik yoghurt kedelai. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui karakteristik dari yoghurt kedelai dengan berbagai variasi rasa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah literature review. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah penambahan komposisi lain berpengaruh terhadap warna, aroma, pH, dan sineresis yoghurt kedelai.
Catalysts and rationales for reporting staff sexual misconduct to UK higher education institutions
Authors: Bull Anna
Published: August 2021

The majority of research on reporting of sexual violence and harassment has focused on reasons why women don’t report their experiences rather than examining why they do. This article takes this discussion into the higher education setting, drawing on interviews with 16 students and early career researchers in the UK who considered or attempted to report staff sexual misconduct to their institution and analysing their motivations for doing so. The motivations are broken down into two aspects: the immediate catalysts that triggered the report or disclosure, and the deeper rationales for why interviewees made this decision. Separating catalysts and rationales for reporting in this way allows different levels of decision-making over time to become clearer. Interviewees’ catalysts for reporting included leaving their institution, needing an extension on an assignment, protecting their own physical safety, or being validated by a third party. By contrast, the main rationale that interviewees gave for trying to report staff sexual misconduct was to prevent other women being targeted. Further rationales identified were fighting injustice and reporting for academic or career-related reasons. Higher education institutions’ policies and practices in this area need to take into account these different levels of decision-making around disclosure and reporting.
Simultaneous up- and down-frequency mixing based on a cascaded SOA-MZIs link
Authors: Termos Hassan , Mansour Ali , Nasser Abbass
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a simultaneous frequency up- and down-conversion is performed using a cascaded semiconductor optical amplifier Mach–Zehnder interferometers (SOA-MZIs) link for radio-over-fiber (RoF) applications. The intermediate frequency (IF) signal carrying quadratic phase shift keying (QPSK) data at a frequency

f
1

is up-converted at the SOA-MZI1 output at

n

f
s

±

f
1

, where

n

is the harmonic rank of the first sampling signal. In addition, this up-converted signal is concurrently up- and down-converted at the SOA-MZI2 output at

m

f
s

+
n

f
s

±

f
1

and

|

n

f
s

±

f
1

−
m

f
s

|

, respectively, where

m

is the harmonic rank of the second sampling signal. Using the virtual photonics integrated (VPI) simulator, it has been shown that the optical transmission system based on a cascaded SOA-MZIs link has a better efficiency and more endurable quality of the frequency mixing of QPSK signals and the higher frequency range for up- and down-conversions. Positive conversion gains are obtained at the highest mixing frequency of 101.9 and 86.3 GHz for up- and down-conversions, respectively. The best error vector magnitude provided using a cascaded SOA-MZIs link is 15.5% at the mixing frequency of 101.9 GHz for up-conversion and 18% at 86.3 GHz for down-conversion at the bit rate of 40,500 Mbit/s. The maximum bit rates of 40.5, 81, and 121.5 Gbit/s for QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM modulations, respectively, that meet the forward error correction limit is fulfilled by using a cascaded SOA-MZIs link. Another advantage of using the cascaded SOA-MZIs link is the up- and down-conversion simultaneously achieved at the second stage.
Method for controlled tissue theranostics using a single tunable laser source
Authors: Podlipec Rok , Mur Jaka , Petelin Jaka , Štrancar Janez , Petkovšek Rok
Published: August 2021

Tissue diseases and related disorders need to be first recognized using diagnostic methods and then later treated by therapeutic methods–a joint procedure called theranostics. One of the main challenges in the field of retinal therapies remains in the success of the treatment, typically improving the local metabolism, by sparing the surrounding tissue and with the immediate information of the laser effect. In our study, we present a concept for real-time controlled tissue theranostics on a proof-of-concept study capable of using a single tunable ps laser source (in terms of irradiance, fluence, and repetition rate), done on ex-vivo human retinal pigment epithelium. We have found autofluorescence intensity and lifetime imaging diagnostics very promising for the recognition and quantification of laser effects ranging from selective non-destructive molecular tissue modification to complete tissue ablation. The main novelty of our work presents the developed algorithm for optimized theranostics based on the model function used to quantify laser-induced tissue changes through the diagnostics descriptors, fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence intensity parameters. This approach, together with the operation of the single adaptable laser source, can serve as a new theranostics method in personalized medicine in the future not only limited to treat retinal diseases.
Opto-chemical treatment for enhanced high-level disinfection of mature bacterial biofilm in a Teflon-based endoscope model
Authors: Tran Van Nam , Saravana Periaswamy Sivagnanam , Park Suhyun , Truong Van Gia , Chun Byung-Soo , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: August 2021

Medical societies and public health agencies rigorously emphasize the importance of adequate disinfection of flexible endoscopes. The aim of this work was to propose a novel opto-chemical disinfection treatment against Staphylococcus aureus grown in mature biofilm on Teflon-based endoscope channel models. Laser irradiation using near-infrared and blue wavelengths combined with a low concentration of chemical disinfectant induced both irreversible thermal denaturation and intercellular oxidative stress as a combined mechanism for an augmented antimicrobial effect. The opto-chemical method yielded a 6.7–log10 reduction of the mature Staphylococcus aureus biofilms (i.e., approximately 1.0-log10 higher than current requirement of standard treatment). The proposed technique may be a feasible disinfection method for mitigating the risk associated with infection transmission.
Multi-color stimulated Raman scattering with a frame-to-frame wavelength-tunable fiber-based light source
Authors: Würthwein Thomas , Wallmeier Kristin , Brinkmann Maximilian , Hellwig Tim , Lüpken Niklas M. , Lemberger Nick S. , Fallnich Carsten
Published: August 2021

We present multi-color imaging by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) enabled by an ultrafast fiber-based light source with integrated amplitude modulation and frame-to-frame wavelength tuning. With a relative intensity noise level of -153.7 dBc/Hz at 20.25 MHz the light source is well suited for SRS imaging and outperforms other fiber-based light source concepts for SRS imaging. The light source is tunable in under 5 ms per arbitrary wavelength step between 700 cm−1 and 3200 cm−1, which allows for addressing Raman resonances from the fingerprint to the CH-stretch region. Moreover, the compact and environmentally stable system is predestined for fast multi-color assessments of medical or rapidly evolving samples with high chemical specificity, paving the way for diagnostics and sensing outside of specialized laser laboratories.
Freeform beam splitting system design for generating an array of identical sub-beams
Authors: Si Jia , Feng Zexin , Cheng Dewen , Wang Yongtian
Published: August 2021

Laser beam splitting by freeform optics is promising but less studied. Instead of directly forming a target spot array, we propose to first convert the input beam into a closely connected Gaussian sub-beam array. All the Gaussian sub-beams have the same optical field distributions which thus can produce identical discrete spots on the target plane. Such a design concept is very beneficial to ensure the consistency for laser processing. Importantly, the introduction of an intermediate Gaussian sub-beam array can reduce diffraction effects when the size of each Gaussian sub-beam is sufficiently larger than that of the corresponding sub-area within the input beam. The desired transformation can be achieved by two typical systems. The first system consists of two plano-freeform lenses. The second system is composed of a plano-freeform lens and a lens with an entrance freeform surface and an exit surface of freeform lens array. The two freeform beam splitting systems can be determined based on appropriate ray mappings among the input, intermediate and target irradiance distributions and a subsequent double-surface construction. Geometrical and physical simulations verify the effectivenesses of the two beam splitting systems.
Ultrabroadband suppression of mid-infrared reflection losses of a layered semiconductor by nanopatterning with a focused ion beam
Authors: Hagner Matthias , Sulzer Philipp , Liehl Andreas , Cimander Moritz , Kempf Hannes , Bitzer Annika , Herter Alexa , Leitenstorfer Alfred
Published: August 2021

Moth-eye structures are patterned onto gallium selenide surfaces with sub-micrometer precision. In this way, Fresnel reflection losses are suppressed to below one percent within an ultrabroad optical bandwidth from 15 to 65 THz. We tune the geometry by rigorous coupled-wave analysis. Subsequently, ablation with a Ga+ ion beam serves to write optimized structures in areas covering 30 by 30 μm. The benefits are demonstrated via optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses under tight focusing, resulting in emission of phase-stable transients in the mid-infrared. We analyze the performance of antireflection coating directly in the time domain by ultrabroadband electro-optic sampling.
Functional photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy using a stabilized temperature-regulated stimulated Raman scattering light source
Authors: Hosseinaee Zohreh , Ecclestone Benjamin , Pellegrino Nicholas , Khalili Layla , Mukhangaliyeva Lyazzat , Fieguth Paul , Reza Parsin Haji
Published: August 2021

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) has been widely used in functional photoacoustic microscopy to generate multiwavelength light and target multiple chromophores inside tissues. Despite offering a simple, cost-effective technique with a high pulse repetition rate; it suffers from pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuations and power drift that can affect image quality. Here, we propose a new technique to improve the temporal stability of the pulsed SRS multiwavelength source. We achieve this by lowering the temperature of the SRS medium. The results suggest that a decrease in temperature causes an improvement of temporal stability of the output, considerable rise in the intensity of the SRS peaks, and significant increase of SRS cross section. The application of the method is shown for in vivo functional imaging of capillary networks in a chicken embryo chorioallantois membrane using photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy.
Theory analysis of the optical mode localized sensing based on coupled ring resonators
Authors: Feng Yu , Wang Shumeng , Mashanovich Goran , Yan Jize
Published: August 2021

Based on Mason’s signal flow graph analysis, an analytical model of the optical mode localization based on coupled ring resonators is established. The correctness of the theoretical model is proved by simulation. High sensitivity and common-mode rejection can be achieved by evaluating the modal power ratio from resonant peaks as sensing output. Based on the four-port structure, two output spectrum with mode localization (asymmetric mode splitting) and symmetric mode splitting allows the high-sensitivity sensing and dual-channel calibration to be carried out simultaneously, which can reduce the sensing errors. Monte-Carlo analysis showed that fabrication imperfection changes less than 6% of the performance in 90% cases, thus the construction of practical sensors is possible with appropriate tuning. The optical mode localized sensing has advantages in sensitivity, accuracy, anti-aliasing compared with conventional micro-mechanical mode localized sensor. Various types of high-sensitive sensor can be constructed through coupling parametric perturbation with measurands in different physical domains.