bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Kepler, S.A. Rehner and Humber isolates against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and their extracellular enzymatic activities
Authors: Grewal Gurmehar Kaur , Joshi Neelam , Suneja Yadhu
Published: April 2021

Background

Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious agricultural pest that infests many commercially important crops of Southeast Asian countries. Indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has led to various health hazards as well as insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) provide an important alternative as biological control agents. Metarhizium rileyi is an EPF with a specific host range for lepidopteran pests. The present study aimed to identify virulent M. rileyi isolate against S. litura larvae and analyse their extracellular cuticle-degrading enzyme activities.

Results

Three M. rileyi isolates viz M. rileyi NIPHM, M. rileyi MTCC 4254 and M. rileyi MTCC 10395 formulations were evaluated at different concentrations against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura. A maximum percent mortality of 63.33% was recorded in M. rileyi NIPHM (12 g/l), followed by M. rileyi MTCC 4254 (58.33%) at the same concentration, 10 days post-treatment. Maximum means of chitinase, protease and lipase activities (0.44, 1.58 and 2.95 U/ml, respectively) were recorded in the case of M. rileyi NIPHM. Correlation analysis was positive between enzyme activity and larval mortality.

Conclusions

Metarhizium rileyi NIPHM recorded the highest enzymatic activity and exhibited the maximum mortality rate against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura, suggesting the possible role of these enzymes in the pathogenicity of the fungus. Further knowledge in this regard may help in the development of enzyme-based screening methods for selecting virulent fungal isolates for the eco-friendly management of crop pests.
Mental health symptoms among the nurses of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chowdhury Saifur Rahman , Sunna Tachlima Chowdhury , Das Dipak Chandra , Kabir Humayun , Hossain Ahmed , Mahmud Sabbir , Ahmed Shakil
Published: April 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has wreaked havoc on healthcare staff and caused serious psychological distress. We aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Bangladeshi nurses, as well as the relationship between occupational factors and mental health symptoms. We conducted a cross-sectional study among registered nurses in Bangladesh. We used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to assess mental health symptoms.

Results

Among the 547 nurses included in the study, the prevalence of mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was 50.5%, 51.8%, and 41.7% respectively, and 61.9% of the respondents reported mild to severe psychological impact for COVID-19. Psychological symptoms were more prevalent among female nurses than male nurses (p <0.05). Linear regression revealed that having complete personal protective equipment (PPE) during working was significantly associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.05). Facing any emotional abuse working in the COVID-19 pandemic situation was significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and greater psychological impact of the outbreak (p <0.05).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of mental health symptoms was observed in nurses. We recommend the implementation of mental well-being interventions and ensuring a proper work environment for nurses during the pandemic.
A Tale of Two Institutions: Analyzing the Impact of Gamified Student Response Systems on Student Anxiety in Two Different Introductory Biology Courses
Authors: Adkins-Jablonsky Sarah J. , Shaffer Justin F. , Morris J. Jeffrey , England Ben , Raut Samiksha
Published: April 2021

Students in two large-enrollment introductory biology classes were surveyed about their perceptions of how a gamified student response system, Kahoot!, affected their anxiety. Kahoot! was less anxiety inducing than most other classroom techniques, and this difference was more pronounced for lower-achieving students.
Fostering Metacognition to Support Student Learning and Performance
Authors: Stanton Julie Dangremond , Sebesta Amanda J. , Dunlosky John
Published: April 2021

This essay highlights the key features of an evidence-based teaching guide on student metacognition that was created by an interdisciplinary team ( https://lse.ascb.org/evidence-based-teaching-guides/student-metacognition ). The guide focuses on ways instructors can support student learning strategies, encourage students to monitor and control their learning, and promote social metacognition during group work.
Mobile Application to Identify Cancer Treatment–Related Financial Assistance: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tarnasky Aaron M. , Tran George N. , Nicolla Jonathan , Friedman Fred A. P. , Wolf Steven , Troy Jesse D. , Sung Anthony D. , Shah Kanan , Oury Jakob , Thompson Jillian C. , Gagosian Ben , Pollak Kathryn I. , Manners Ian , Zafar S. Yousuf
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Insured patients with cancer face high treatment-related, out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and often cannot access financial assistance. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of Bridge, a patient-facing app designed to identify eligible financial resources for patients. We hypothesized that patients using Bridge would experience greater OOP cost reduction than controls.

METHODS:

We enrolled patients with cancer who had OOP expenses from January 2018 to March 2019. We randomly assigned patients 1:1 to intervention (Bridge) versus control (financial assistance educational websites). Primary and secondary outcomes were self-reported OOP costs and subjective financial distress 3 months postenrollment. In post hoc analyses, we analyzed application for and receipt of financial assistance at 3 months postenrollment. We used chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, and logistic regression to compare study arms.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 200 patients. The median age was 57 years (IQR, 47.0-63.0). Most patients had private insurance (71%), and the median household income was $62,000 in US dollars (USD) (IQR, $36,000-$100,000 [USD]). Substantial missing data precluded assessment of primary and secondary outcomes. In post hoc analyses, patients in the Bridge arm were more likely than controls to both apply for and receive financial assistance.

CONCLUSION:

We were unable to test our primary outcome because of excessive missing follow-up survey data. In exploratory post hoc analyses, patients who received a financial assistance app were more likely to apply for and receive financial assistance. Ultimately, our study highlights challenges faced in identifying measurable outcomes and retaining participants in a randomized, controlled trial of a mobile app to alleviate financial toxicity.
“People like You and Me”: The Korean War, Humanitarian Aid, and Creating Compassion
Authors: Cha Paul S.
Published: April 2021

During the 1950s a number of private and voluntary aid organizations (PVOs) in the United States mobilized to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Korean War. However, the activities and roles PVOs played in both providing humanitarian relief in South Korea and shaping American perceptions of the country are poorly understood. This article examines the strategies PVOs employed in their campaigns to convince Americans to contribute aid. The existence of need was a necessary but not sufficient condition. As scholars of humanitarian aid have argued, potential donors might view images of suffering with pity and sympathy but then quickly turn away. Donors must feel a sense of solidarity to move beyond sympathy and act in compassion. This work demonstrates that PVOs tried to create narratives of commonality between Americans and South Koreans. However, a reliance on images of poverty—which were critical to raise money—conflicted with the message that South Koreans were, like Americans, independent and hardworking people. The aid groups’ strategic attempts to mitigate this dissonance by focusing on the supposedly weak (elderly, women, children, and amputees) had the unintended consequence of casting South Korea as an emasculated nation needing to be “saved.”
Health anxiety to COVID-19 virus infection and its relationship to quality of life in a sample of health care workers in Egypt: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdelghani Mohamed , Mahdy Rehab , El-Gohari Hayam
Published: April 2021

Aim of the study

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more prone to extraordinary fears of COVID -19 virus infection. This study aimed to explore the frequency and predictors of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus infection among HCWs and identify its relationship to their quality of life (QOL).

Subject or material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of HCWs in hospitals of Sharkia Province, Egypt from June 30 to July 16, 2020. A total of 218 HCWs were interviewed using the short health anxiety inventory (SHAI), Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results

The frequency of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus among HCWs was 28%. Symptoms of depression, hostility, phobia and somatization, and history of chronic medical illnesses showed greater odds of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus (OR: 6.7, 9.1, 7.3, 7.7, and 12.6, respectively). Being physicians and the increased number of sleeping hours were less likely associated with health anxiety to COVID-19 virus (OR: 0.1 and 0.5, respectively). Health anxiety to COVID-19 virus was inversely correlated with all domains of QOL among HCWs.

Discussion

The study findings were consistent with other previously conducted similar studies.

Conclusions

Health anxiety to Covid-19 virus infection is common among HCWs, and it negatively affects their QOL.
Impact of anxiety, stress, and burnout symptoms in Brazilian health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Salvador Ana Paula , Jaloto Alexandre , Zuanazzi Ana Carolina , Pereira Gonçalves André , Machado Gisele , Carvalho Lucas
Published: April 2021

Aim of the study

Our study aimed to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian healthcare workers who work directly with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Subject or material and methods

634 individuals divided into three groups. Non-health workers (n = 372) with a mean age of 36.6 years (SD = 9.14) and 85.5% female; Health Workers (n = 94) with a mean age of 37 years (SD = 7.97) and 90% female; COVID-19 Health Workers (n = 168) with a mean age of 36.23 years (SD = 7.97) and 90% female. We administer the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, and Burnout Inventory. We conduct data collection via Google Forms.

Results

Health workers working in the front line in the fight against COVID-19 showed higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress when compared to health professionals who do not deal directly with COVID-19 and professionals who are not in the area of health.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that health professionals who work on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 tend to have higher levels of concern and anguish about the future, a high level of stress, mental tiredness, irritation, and fatigue.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that these public demands psychological and psychiatric support to face the pandemic's challenges
How Business Models Evolve in Weak Institutional Environments: The Case of Jumia, the Amazon.Com of Africa
Authors: Peprah Augustine Awuah , Giachetti Claudio , Larsen Marcus M. , Rajwani Tazeeb S.
Published: April 2021

We advance research on the antecedents of business model design by integrating institutional and imitation theories to explore how the business model of new ventures evolves in a weak institutional environment. Based on a case study of Jumia—an online retailing company in Africa established with the aim to emulate the success of Amazon.com—we propose a process model entitled “imitate-but-modify” that explains how business models evolve through four distinct phases (i.e., clarification, legitimacy, localization, and consolidation). In essence, this model explains how new ventures surrounded by considerable uncertainty deliberately seek to learn vicariously by imitating the business model template of successful firms. However, because of significant institutional voids, the ventures’ intentional imitation is progressively replaced by experiential learning that blends business model imitation with innovation.
Touch: knowledge and considerations for nursing practice
Authors: While Alison
Published: April 2021

Social distancing has reduced the amount of touch in everyday life. This article summarises the current state of knowledge regarding the biological underpinnings of touch, varied preferences for touch, including cultural norms, and its potential psychological and physical benefits for recipients. The lack of nursing research and related evidence are noted, and suggestions are made regarding the use of consensual touch as part of non-verbal communication within community nursing practice to express compassion and help build authentic relationships between nurses and their clients.
Rethinking decongestive lymphoedema treatment during the pandemic
Authors: Everett Jeanne , Lawrance Sue , Phillips Natalie
Published: April 2021

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, lymphoedema and community clinicians have had to modify how they implement intensive treatments for patients with lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Using novel approaches to treat and move patients towards self-management regimes has enabled patients to be in control of their condition, particularly if they are unable to attend normal clinic appointments. This article explores how using Haddenham easywrap instead of time- and resource-intensive bandaging regimes, alongside the Haddenham LymphFlow Advance, as part of self-management programmes, can benefit patients' quality of life, reduce costs and resource use and enable patients to self-manage this long-term chronic condition more effectively.
Lymphoedema and oedema in palliative care patients
Authors: Cobbe Sinéad
Published: April 2021

Oedema and lymphoedema commonly occur in patients receiving palliative care. Community nurses frequently manage both in the home or must decide to refer for medical or specialist lymphoedema assessment. This article describes the types of oedema seen in palliative care and assists in clinical reasoning around the type of oedema presented and when to refer onwards. The treatments for palliative care oedema and lymphoedema are described, including how to adapt for complex cases and for patient comfort. Genital swelling, abdominal swelling, head and neck oedema and lymphorrhoea are also discussed.
Gestational diabetes
Authors: Winter George F
Published: April 2021

Revisiting the risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy during COVID-19
Reforming the paramedic profession? Two weeks with paramedics in Germany
Authors: Dittmar Esther
Published: April 2021

While paramedics in Anglo-American emergency medical services enjoy relative autonomy, paramedic practice in the Franco-German model deployed in Germany depends heavily on emergency physician input. Increasing demand, especially from low-acuity incidents, causes challenges in these countries. To address this, German politicians plan to implement extensive emergency care reforms and consider an update of regulations around paramedic practice. A 2-week placement allowed for practice observation, discussions with stakeholders and a review of various resources to identify current issues in Germany. These include legal discrepancies, significant local differences in scope of practice, limited career opportunities and influence on clinical guidelines. Although the update and reforms are intended to resolve some of these problems, a groundbreaking evolution of the profession from its current restrictions is not expected. Possible development of the emergency physician role and associated specialities as a response to emergency care challenges is less debated.
Making marks as a woman in paramedicine
Authors: Reynolds Louise
Published: April 2021

After becoming Australia's first woman to achieve a doctorate in paramedicine, Louise Reynolds reflects on her journey, the challenges she was faced with and the sometimes tough decisions along the way
Appropriateness of oral clopidogrel for prehospital STEMI management
Authors: Sealy Madison , Hollier Rachelle
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Clopidogrel is an anticoagulant commonly used in the prehospital environment for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Some ambulance services have incorporated this into their treatment regimens; however, others hold a variety of alternative pharmacological interventions.

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to examine and determine the pharmacological efficacy and safety of clopidogrel in the management of patients with STEMI and assess whether ambulance services should use the drug as part of standard practice.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted to identify articles relating to the administration of clopidogrel in the prehospital setting. Fourteen peer-reviewed journal articles and eight clinical practice guidelines from international ambulance services were included in this review.

Results:

According to this literature review, clopidogrel has been deemed safe, effective and practical for widespread use in the prehospital environment for the management of STEMI. However, some disagreement has arisen over whether clopidogrel is a more favourable anticoagulant than ticagrelor and prasugrel.

Conclusion:

Anticoagulants such as clopidogrel should be strongly considered as a standard treatment regimen in the prehospital management of STEMI across international jurisdictions.
Hormone replacement therapy: update and practical prescribing
Authors: Noble Nikki
Published: April 2021

Peri-menopause and menopause are a normal part of ageing. Nikki Noble gives an overview of hormone replacement therapy and practical prescribing tips

Menopause is a physiological event of ovarian failure due to a loss of ovarian follicular activity. This leads to a lack of oestrogen, resulting in the cessation of menstruation and loss of reproductive function. This article discusses the symptoms of menopause and treatment with hormone replacement therapy. This includes practical prescribing, side effects and long-term benefits and risks. The current shortages of hormone replacement therapy are also addressed. The aim of this article is to enable health professionals to define menopause and gain an understanding of the symptoms associated with it. After reading this article you should be able to: describe when peri-menopause and menopause occur, describe the common symptoms that may be experienced during peri-menopause and menopause, understand of the hormones used in hormone replacement therapy, and understand the practical prescribing of hormone replacement therapy and the benefits, risks, contraindications and side-effects.
Unseen, unheard, undervalued: advancing research on registered nurses in primary care
Authors: Lukewich Julia , Poitras Marie-Eve , Mathews Maria
Published: April 2021

Julia Lukewich, Marie-Eve Poitras and Maria Mathews describe the current state of family practice nursing in Canada and explore the reasons for the lack of research on this topic

Funding model reforms have led to an increase in the number of nurses in primary care in Canada. Family practice nurses work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers, and are key members of primary care teams. Despite this, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the contributions of this unique role, as well as the absence of coordinated leadership and efforts to advance knowledge in this area. We describe the current state of family practice nursing in Canada and discuss challenges to generating evidence on roles, activities, and outcomes. We also provide recommendations to facilitate the advancement of nursing research that addresses primary care provision. Challenges include the absence of standardised terms for this role, a lack of distinction surrounding different regulated nursing designations in primary care, and the need for greater visibility. High-quality research will strengthen the evidentiary base from which to educate providers, inform administrators/policy-makers, and improve primary care outcomes.
Optical needles with arbitrary three-dimensional spin angular momentum
Authors: Li Hang , Wang Yalan , Yang Feng , Yang Fan , Tao Gang , Rong Kepeng , Wang Yipeng , Jia Kai
Published: April 2021

Based on our previous research on optical needles with arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) polarization, we investigate the relationship between the electric field and spin angular momentum (SAM). We have realized optical needles with arbitrary 3D spin-orientation and SAM per photon. To our best knowledge, it is the first time to obtain optical needles whose SAM can be customized on both direction and size. The relative error between the obtained spin and customized spin is always less than 5% even if SAM per photon is very small.
Observation of square- and h-shaped pulse from a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser
Authors: Xu Zhen , Jia Dongfang , Wang Zhaoying , Ge Chunfeng , Yang Tianxin
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate the generation of a type of square-shaped pulse in a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser based on the nonlinear optical loop mirror technique. Through adjusting the pump power and polarization state, square-shaped pulses are generated. Furthermore, we investigate the pulse profile in relation to the optical spectrum. By filtering out short-wavelength spectrum components gradually, pulse shaping is achieved, and the top of the square-shaped pulse becomes flat. Subsequently, by filtering out long-wavelength spectrum components, a type of h-shaped pulse is obtained and the formation reason is also investigated.
Non-reciprocity in optical fiber links: experimental evidence
Authors: Xu Dan , Lopez Olivier , Amy-Klein Anne , Pottie Paul-Eric
Published: April 2021

Fundamental limits of fiber link are set by non-reciprocal effects that violate the hypothesis of equality between forward and backward path. Non-reciprocal noise arises technically from the set-up asymmetry, and fundamentally by the Sagnac effect when the fiber link encloses a non-zero area. As a pre-requisite for observation of Sagnac effect in fiber links, we present a study on phase noise and frequency stability contributions affecting coherent optical frequency transfer in bi-directional fiber links. Both technical and fundamental limitations of Two-Way optical frequency transfer are discussed. Our model predicts and our experiments substantially verify that the dominant noise mechanism at low Fourier frequencies is the polarization asymmetry induced by the temperature and relative humidity variations impacted on fiber links. The flicker noise floor due to the non-reciprocal noise arising from polarization mode dispersion is evidenced for the first time. We perform a post-processing approach which enables us to remove this polarization noise, improve the long-term stability and remove a frequency bias. We evaluate the uncertainty contributions of all the effects discussed for our 50 km spooled fiber link, dominated by its non-reciprocal noise induced by polarization mode dispersion with uncertainty of 1.9( ± 0.8)( ± 1.2) × 10−20. After correction, the linear drift of the residual phase is as low as 27 yoctosecond/s, leading to an uncertainty of the frequency transfer of 2.6 ( ± 39) × 10−22, confirming its potential for searching for more fundamental effects such as Sagnac effect or transient frequency variation due to dark matter.
Virtual depth-scan multi-slice ptychography for improved three-dimensional imaging
Authors: Xing Zhenjiang , Xu Zijian , Zhang Xiangzhi , Chen Bo , Guo Zhi , Wang Jian , Wang Yong , Tai Renzhong
Published: April 2021

Multi-slice ptychography (MSP) is a fast three-dimensional ptychography technology developed on the basis of conventional ptychography. With this method, three-dimensional imaging can be achieved without rotating the sample. The prototype multi-slice algorithm can only reconstruct three-dimensional samples with a limited number of slices, which greatly limits the depth range and resolution of sample imaging. Here we reported a virtual depth-scan scheme of MSP in which a thick sample is scanned virtually in the depth direction across its whole thickness range within the reconstruction process, thereby eliminating the restriction on slice number and potentially improving the depth resolution of MSP. This new approach also improves the flexibility of multi-slice ptychography. Both the simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of our new approach.
Tunable and polarization-sensitive perfect absorber with a phase-gradient heterojunction metasurface in the mid-infrared
Authors: Peng Chuanyan , Ou Kai , Li Guanhai , Zhao Zengyue , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Changlong , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei
Published: April 2021

Inspired by the growing family of Van der Waals materials, hBN supported phonon polaritons have attracted much attention due to their inherent hyperbolic dispersion properties in the mid-infrared. However, the lack of tunability imposes a severe restriction on the diversified, functional and integrated applications. Here, we propose a phase-gradient heterostructure metasurface to realize a dynamically tunable and polarization-sensitive perfect absorber in the mid-infrared through combining hBN and phase change VO2. Narrow-band perfect absorption at 7.2 µm can be switched to broadband around 11.2 µm through controlling the temperature of VO2. The governed physics of the bandwidth and absorption differences are demonstrated. Phonon polaritons in hBN phase-gradient configurations and plasmon polaritons in periodic VO2 blocks are respectively excited. We also investigate the absorption dependence on the polarization states of designed absorber. The method of engineering the absorption through controlling the temperature and polarization states opens up a new avenue for tunable applications such as data storage and integrated optical circuits.
Multifunctional ultrathin reflective metasurface via polarization-decoupled phase for arbitrary circularly or elliptically polarized waves
Authors: He Xiaoyuan , Deng Li , Yang Yang , Feng Botao
Published: April 2021

Metasurface offers a promising platform in the design of multifunctional devices owing to its unique ability for EMWs manipulation. However, wave-manipulation capabilities for metasurfaces face challenges in manipulating orthogonal EMWs with arbitrary circularly or elliptically polarized EMWs in the microwave region. Herein, single-layer reflective metasurfaces are proposed for independent manipulation of an arbitrary set of orthogonal circularly or elliptically polarized EMWs via polarization-decoupled phase. Taking advantage of single-layer anisotropic meta-atoms, the proposed metasurface can act as a tandem phase modulator, which introduces polarization-decoupled phase profiles for arbitrary circularly and elliptically polarized EMWs based on the Jones matrix. In this way, the proposed metasurface can distinguish a set of orthogonal EMWs with circular or elliptical polarization states and impose arbitrary phase profiles on them independently and simultaneously. For proof-of-concept, bifunctional metasurfaces operating in the microwave region are presented for independent manipulation of three different sets of orthogonal circularly or elliptically polarized EMWs. They create dual independent channels associated with a pair of orthogonal polarization states, performing functions including polarization beam splitting and orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. Measured and simulated results show a good agreement, confirming that the proposed single-layer reflective metasurfaces are efficient devices that enable meta-devices to independently control arbitrary circular and elliptical polarized EMWs, achieving arbitrary functionalities.
Trading off security and practicability to explore high-speed and long-haul chaotic optical communication
Authors: Jiang Lin , Pan Yan , Yi Anlin , Feng Jiacheng , Pan Wei , Yi Lilin , Hu Weisheng , Wang Anbang , Wang Yuncai , Qin Yuwen , Yan Lianshan
Published: April 2021

Recent demonstrations of chaos-based secure communication have proven the feasibility of secured transmission of high-speed (tens of Gbit/s) signals over certain distances (∼100-km), which bring hope for secure communication from theoretical analysis to practical applications. So far, the chaos-based secure communication system with chaos-masking (CMS) encryption is considered as one of the most important and feasible schemes. In this paper, an optical chaotic carrier generated by an opto-electronic oscillator is used to encrypt 112-Gbit/s message by CMS encryption for data transmission over a 1040-km single-mode-fiber. The message is successfully decrypted by combining coherent detection and our proposed blind decryption algorithms, which can successfully separate the chaotic carrier and the message with the bit-error-rate (BER) below the forward error correction (FEC) threshold. Experimental results show that the coherent detection combined digital signal processing algorithms may be a possible way to promote the practical applications of chaotic optical communication in the future. In addition, this paper reveals that the security of the CMS encryption may be not high enough for those systems requiring rigorous confidentiality. Subsequently, we further discuss the bottlenecks encountered in current high-speed chaotic optical communication systems and analyze how to improve and weight the security and practicability.
Spatial coherence of hybrid surface plasmon-phonon-polaritons in shallow n-GaN surface-relief gratings
Authors: Janonis Vytautas , Balagula Roman M. , Grigelionis Ignas , Prystawko Pawel , Kašalynas Irmantas
Published: April 2021

Dispersion characteristics of hybrid surface plasmon-phonon-polaritons (SPPhPs) on the air/polar semiconductor interface were investigated by means of shallow surface relief grating using emission spectroscopy methods. A set of grating structures with optimal 1 µm depth and periods from 8 to 22 µm was developed on a heavily-doped GaN crystal. The SPPhPs were excited by thermal heating or electrical biasing of the samples which radiated directive polarized features in an extremely narrowband spectrum range. Detailed analysis of damping factors and propagation losses revealed maximum values of quality factor and spatial coherence of hybrid SPPhPs modes. Highest quality factor was found to be practically independent on the period of the shallow grating, as it was always detected near the frequency of transverse optical phonon, demonstrating values as high as 88 and 200 in experiment and theory, respectively. Meanwhile, the largest values of coherence length strongly depended on the grating as the propagation losses of hybrid SPPhP modes showed a tendency to accumulate with the wavevector increase. The sample with 22 µm grating period demonstrated the highest coherence of hybrid polaritons with the experimental (theoretical) coherence length values as high as 1.6 mm (2.3 mm).
Accelerated electrowetting-based tunable fluidic lenses
Authors: Zhao Pengpeng , Li Yang , Zappe Hans
Published: April 2021

One of the limitations in the application of electrowetting-based tunable fluidic lenses is their slow response time. We consider here two approaches for enhancing the response speed of tunable fluidic lenses: optimization of the properties of the fluids employed and modification of the time-dependent actuation voltages. Using a tubular optofluidic configuration, it is shown through simulations how one may take advantage of the interplay between liquid viscosities and surface tension to reduce the actuation time. In addition, by careful designing the actuation pulses, the response speed of both overdamped and underdamped systems may be increased by over an order of magnitude, leading to response times of several ten milliseconds. These performance improvements may significantly enhance the applicability of tunable optofluidic-based components and systems.
Time-domain single photon-excited autofluorescence lifetime for label-free detection of T cell activation
Authors: Samimi Kayvan , Contreras Guzman Emmanuel , Trier Steven M. , Pham Dan L. , Qian Tongcheng , Skala Melissa C.
Published: April 2021

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful technique, capable of label-free assessment of the metabolic state and function within single cells. The FLIM measurements of autofluorescence were recently shown to be sensitive to the functional state and subtype of T cells. Therefore, autofluorescence FLIM could improve cell manufacturing technologies for adoptive immunotherapy, which currently require a time-intensive process of cell labeling with fluorescent antibodies. However, current autofluorescence FLIM implementations are typically too slow, bulky, and prohibitively expensive for use in cell manufacturing pipelines. Here we report a single photon-excited confocal whole-cell autofluorescence system that uses fast field-programmable gate array-based time tagging electronics to achieve time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) of single-cell autofluorescence. The system includes simultaneous near-infrared bright-field imaging and is sensitive to variations in the fluorescence decay profile of the metabolic coenzyme NAD(P)H in human T cells due to the activation state. The classification of activated and quiescent T cells achieved high accuracy and precision (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC = 0.92). The lower-cost, higher acquisition speed, and resistance to pile-up effects at high photon flux compared to traditional multiphoton-excited FLIM and TCSPC implementations with similar SNR make this system attractive for integration into flow cytometry, sorting, and quality control in cell manufacturing.
Racetrack microresonator based electro-optic phase shifters on a 3C silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform
Authors: Fan Tianren , Wu Xi , Vangapandu Sai R. M. , Hosseinnia Amir H. , Eftekhar Ali A. , Adibi Ali
Published: April 2021

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of integrated electro-optic (EO) phase shifters based on racetrack microresonators on a 3C silicon-carbide-on-insulator (SiCOI) platform working at near-infrared wavelengths. By applying DC voltage in the crystalline axis perpendicular to the waveguide plane, we have observed optical phase shifts from the racetrack microresonators whose loaded quality (

Q

) factors are

∼

30
,

000

. We show voltage-length product (

V

π

⋅

L

π

) of

118

V

⋅

c
m

, which corresponds to an EO coefficient

r

41

of 2.6 pm/V. The SiCOI platform can be used to realize tunable silicon carbide integrated photonic devices that are desirable for applications in nonlinear and quantum photonics over a wide bandwidth that covers visible and infrared wavelengths.
Topological solitons in arrays of modelocked lasers
Authors: Zykin A. Y. , Skryabin D. V. , Kartashov Y. V.
Published: April 2021

We report spatiotemporal topological solitons in an array of modelocked lasers. In its conservative limit, our model reduces to the famous Su–Schrieffer–Heeger system possessing topological states inside the gap of its linear spectrum. We report one-dimensional spatial and two-dimensional spatiotemporal topological solitons, i.e., bullets, with the operational frequencies locked to the values inside the topological gap.
Extracellular spreading of Wingless is required for Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Wang Xiaoxi , LaFever Kimberly S. , Waghmare Indrayani , Page-McCaw Andrea
Published: April 2021

Recent studies have investigated whether the Wnt family of extracellular ligands can signal at long range, spreading from their source and acting as morphogens, or whether they signal only in a juxtacrine manner to neighboring cells. The original evidence for long-range Wnt signaling arose from studies of Wg, aDrosophilaWnt protein, which patterns the wing disc over several cell diameters from a central source of Wg ligand. However, the requirement of long-range Wg for patterning was called into question when it was reported that replacing the secreted protein Wg with a membrane-tethered version, NRT-Wg, results in flies with normally patterned wings. We and others previously reported that Wg spreads in the ovary about 50 μm or 5 cell diameters, from the cap cells to the follicle stem cells (FSCs) and that Wg stimulates FSC proliferation. We used theNRT-wgflies to analyze the consequence of tethering Wg to the cap cells.NRT-wghomozygous flies are sickly, but we found that hemizygousNRT-wg/nullflies, carrying only one copy of tethered Wingless, were significantly healthier. Despite their overall improved health, these hemizygous flies displayed dramatic reductions in fertility and in FSC proliferation. Further, FSC proliferation was nearly undetectable when thewglocus was converted toNRT-wgonly in adults, and the resulting germarium phenotype was consistent with a previously reportedwgloss-of-function phenotype. We conclude that Wg protein spreads from its source cells in the germarium to promote FSC proliferation.
Epitope-based universal vaccine for Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1)
Authors: Raza Md. Thosif , Mizan Shagufta , Yasmin Farhana , Akash Al-Shahriar , Shahik Shah Md.
Published: April 2021

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first oncogenic human retrovirus identified in humans which infects at least 10–15 million people worldwide. Large HTLV-1 endemic areas exist in Southern Japan, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Middle East, Melanesia, and equatorial regions of Africa. HTLV-1 TAX viral protein is thought to play a critical role in HTLV-1 associated diseases. We have used numerous bio-informatics and immuno-informatics implements comprising sequence and construction tools for the construction of a 3D model and epitope prediction for HTLV-1 Tax viral protein. The conformational linear B-cell and T-cell epitopes for HTLV-1 TAX viral protein have been predicted for their possible collective use as vaccine candidates. Based on in silico investigation two B cell epitopes, KEADDNDHEPQISPGGLEPPSEKHFR and DGTPMISGPCPKDGQPS spanning from 324–349 and 252–268 respectively; and T cell epitopes, LLFGYPVYV, ITWPLLPHV and GLLPFHSTL ranging from 11–19, 163–171 and 233–241 were found most antigenic and immunogenic epitopes. Among different vaccine constructs generated by different combinations of these epitopes our predicted vaccine construct was found to be most antigenic with a score of 0.57. T cell epitopes interacted strongly with HLA-A*0201 suggesting a significant immune response evoked by these epitopes. Molecular docking study also showed a high binding affinity of the vaccine construct for TLR4. The study was carried out to predict antigenic determinants of the Tax protein along with the 3D protein modeling. The study revealed a potential multi epitope vaccine that can raise the desired immune response against HTLV-1 and be useful in developing effective vaccines against Human T-lymphotropic virus.
Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is common in primary care patients: Retrospective cohort study of 221,803 adults
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Lethebe Brendan Cord , Leung Alexander A. , Padwal Rajdeep S. , Williamson Tyler
Published: April 2021

Objective

Although high visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, the frequency of high BPV is unknown. We conducted this study to define the frequency of high BPV in primary care patients, clinical correlates, and association with antihypertensive therapies.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using electronic medical record data (with previously validated case definitions based on billing codes, free text analysis of progress notes, and prescribing data) from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network of 221,803 adults with multiple clinic visits over a 2-year period. We a priori defined a standard deviation>13.0 mm Hg in visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure (SBP) as “high BPV” based on prior literature.

Results

Overall, 85,455 (38.5%) patients had hypertension (mean 6.56 visits with SBP measurement, mean SBP 134.4 with Standard Deviation [SD] 11.3, 33.2% exhibited high BPV) and 136,348 did not (mean 3.96 visits with SBP measurement, mean SBP 120.9 with SD 8.2, 16.5% had high BPV). BPV increased with age regardless of whether individuals had hypertension or not; at all ages BPV varied across antihypertensive treatment regimens and was greater in those receiving renin angiotensin blockers or beta-blockers (p<0.001). High BPV was more frequent in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dementia, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusions

High visit-to-visit BPV is present in one sixth of non-hypertensive adults and one third of hypertensive individuals and is more common in those with comorbidities. The frequency of high BPV varies across antihypertensive treatment regimens.
The last frontier for global non-communicable disease action: The emergency department—A cross-sectional study from East Africa
Authors: Ngaruiya Christine , Wambua Mbatha , Mutua Thomas Kedera , Owambo Daniel , Muchemi Morgan , Rop Kipkoech , Maciejewski Kaitlin R. , Leff Rebecca , Mutua Mugane , Wachira Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have surpassed those due to communicable diseases globally and are projected to do so in Africa by 2030. Despite demonstrated effectiveness in high-income country (HIC) settings, the ED is a primary source of NCD care that has been under-prioritized in Africa. In this study, we assess the burden of leading NCDs and NCD risk factors in Kenyan Casualty Department patients to inform interventions targeting patients with NCDs in emergency care settings.

Materials and methods

Using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) tool and the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), we conducted a survey of 923 adults aged 18 and over at Kenyatta National Hospital Emergency Department (KNH ED) between May-October 2018. Age, income, household size(t-test), sex, education, marital status, work status, and poverty status (chi-squared test or fisher’s exact test) were assessed using descriptive statistics and analyzed using covariate-adjusted logistic analysis.

Results

Over a third of respondents had hypertension (35.8%, n = 225/628), 18.3% had raised blood sugar or diabetes (18.3%, n = 61/333), and 11.7% reported having cardiovascular disease (11.7%, n = 90/769). Having lower levels of education was associated with tobacco use (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.808–12.618, p < 0.0001), while those with higher levels of education reported increased alcohol use (OR 0.620 (95% CI 0.386–0.994, p = 0. 0472). While a predominant proportion of respondents had had some form of screening for either hypertension (80.3%, n = 630/772), blood sugar (42.6%, n = 334/767) or cholesterol (13.9%, n = 109/766), the proportion of those on treatment was low, with the highest proportion being half of those diagnosed with hypertension reporting taking medication (51.6%, n = 116/225).

Conclusions

This study establishes the ED as a high-risk population with potential for high impact in East Africa, should targeted interventions be implemented. Comprehension of the unique epidemiology and characteristics of patients presenting to the ED is key to guide care in African populations.
Better educational signage could reduce disturbance of resting dolphins
Authors: Donnelly Roarke E. , Prots Alex , Donnelly Christl A.
Published: April 2021

Spinner dolphins on Hawai‘i Island’s west coast (Stenella longirostris longirostris) rest by day in protected bays that are increasingly popular for recreation. Because more frequent interactions of people with these dolphins is likely to reduce rest for dolphins and to explain recent decline in dolphin abundance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed stricter rules regarding interactions with spinner dolphins near the main Hawaiian Islands and plans to increase enforcement. Simultaneous investment in public education about both interaction rules and their biological rationale has been and is likely to be relatively low. To test the hypothesis that more educational signage will reduce human-generated disturbance of dolphins, a paper questionnaire was distributed to 351 land-based, mostly unguided visitors at three dolphin resting bays on Hawai‘i Island’s west coast. Responses indicated that visitors wanted to see dolphins, were ignorant of interaction rules, were likely to read signs explaining rules and their biological rationales, and were likely to follow known rules. Therefore, investment in effective educational signage at dolphin resting bays is recommended as one way to support conservation of spinner dolphins on Hawai‘i Island’s west coast and similar sites in the Hawaiian archipelago.
Comparison of diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and total lung capacity (TLC) between Indigenous Australians and Australian Caucasian adults
Authors: Howarth Timothy , Saad Helmi Ben , Perez Ara J. , Atos Charmain B. , White Elisha , Heraganahally Subash S.
Published: April 2021

Background and objective

Currently there is paucity of evidence in the literature in relation to normative values for diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and total lung capacity (TLC) among Indigenous Australians. Hence, in this study we assessed the DLCO and TLC parameters among Indigenous Australians in comparison to Australian Caucasian counterparts.

Methods

DLCO and TLC values were assessed and compared between Indigenous Australians and Australian Caucasians matched for age, sex and body mass index, with normal chest radiology.

Results

Of the 1350 and 5634 pulmonary function tests assessed in Indigenous Australian and Australian Caucasian adults respectively, a total of 129 Indigenous Australians and 197 Australian Caucasians met the inclusion criteria. Absolute DLCO and TLC values for Indigenous Australians were a mean 4.3 ml/min/mmHg (95% CI 2.86, 5.74) and 1.03 L (95% CI 0.78, 1.27) lower than Australian Caucasians (p<0.01). Percentage predicted values were 15.38 (95% CI 11.59, 19.17) and 16.63 (95% CI 13.59, 19.68) points lower for DLCO and TLC, respectively. Lower limit of normal (LLN) values did not significantly differ between groups, however a significantly greater proportion of Indigenous Australians recorded values below the LLN in comparison to Australian Caucasians for DLCO (64 vs. 25%, p<0.01) and TLC (66 vs. 21%, p<0.01). Significant differences for the interaction of sex on DLCO and TLC were noted in Australian Caucasians, with reduced or absent sex differentiation among Indigenous Australians.

Conclusions

There are significant differences in DLCO and TLC parameters between Indigenous Australian compared to Australian Caucasians. Appropriate DLCO and TLC norms need to be established for Indigenous Australians.