bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bleeding Risk of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations in Patients on Statin and Antiplatelet Medication: A Cohort Study
Authors: Marques Luca Lee , Jaeggi Christian , Branca Mattia , Raabe Andreas , Bervini David , Goldberg Johannes
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Statin medication has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for stabilizing cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). Although increasing evidence suggests that antiplatelet medication decreases the risk of CCM hemorrhage, data on statin medication in clinical studies are scarce.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the risk of symptomatic CCM-related hemorrhage at presentation and during follow-up in patients on statin and antiplatelet medication.

METHODS:

A single-center database containing patients harboring CCMs was retrospectively analyzed over 41 years and interrogated for symptomatic hemorrhage at diagnosis, during follow-up, and statin and antiplatelet medication.

RESULTS:

In total, 212 of 933 CCMs (22.7%), harbored by 688 patients, presented with hemorrhage at diagnosis. Statin medication was not associated with a decreased risk of hemorrhage at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, CI 0.23-1.69, P = .355); antiplatelet medication (OR 0.26, CI 0.08-0.86, P = .028) and combined statin and antiplatelet medication (OR 0.19, CI 0.05-0.66; P = .009) showed a decreased risk. In the antiplatelet-only group, 2 (4.7%) of 43 CCMs developed follow-up hemorrhage during 137.1 lesion-years compared with 67 (9.5%) of 703 CCMs during 3228.1 lesion-years in the nonmedication group. No follow-up hemorrhages occurred in the statin and the combined statin and antiplatelet medication group. Antiplatelet medication was not associated with follow-up hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR] 0.7, CI 0.16-3.05; P = .634).

CONCLUSION:

Antiplatelet medication alone and its combination with statins were associated with a lower risk of hemorrhage at CCM diagnosis. The risk reduction of combined statin and antiplatelet medication was greater than in patients receiving antiplatelet medication alone, indicating a possible synergistic effect. Antiplatelet medication alone was not associated with follow-up hemorrhage.
Grounded by Gravity: A Well-Behaved Trade Model with Industry-Level Economies of Scale
Authors: Kucheryavyy Konstantin , Lyn Gary , Rodríguez-Clare Andrés
Published: March 2023

We propose a model to study the role of industry-level external economies of scale in open economies. If the elasticity governing the strength of external economies is below the inverse of the trade elasticity in each industry, then specialization under frictionless trade is consistent with comparative advantage, the model is tractable even with trade frictions, and all countries gain from trade. External economies lower gains from trade except if the country specializes in industries with high scale economies, and they amplify the gains from further trade liberalization except if it leads to specialization in industries with low scale economies. (JEL D24, F11, F12, F13)
Persistent Monetary Non-neutrality in an Estimated Menu Cost Model with Partially Costly Information
Authors: Bonomo Marco , Carvalho Carlos , Garcia René , Malta Vivian , Rigato Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

We propose a model that reconciles microeconomic evidence of frequent and large price changes with sizable monetary non-neutrality. Firms incur separate lump-sum costs to change prices and to gather and process some information about marginal costs. Additional relevant information is continuously available and can be factored into pricing decisions at no cost. We estimate the model by Simulated Method of Moments, using price-setting statistics for the US economy. The model with free idiosyncratic and costly aggregate information fits well both targeted and untargeted microeconomic moments and generates almost three times as much monetary non-neutrality as the Calvo model. (JEL D21, D83, E23, E31, L11)
Co-phase separation of Y14 and RNA in vitro and its implication for DNA repair
Authors: Yu Chia-Lin , Chuang Tzu-Wei , Samuel Sabrina Yeo , Lou Yuan-Chao , Tarn Woan-Yuh
Published: March 2023

The multifunctional RNA recognition motif-containing protein Y14/RBM8A participates in mRNA metabolism and is essential for the efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Y14 contains highly charged, low-complexity sequences in both the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains. The feature of charge segregation suggests that Y14 may undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Recombinant Y14 formed phase-separated droplets, which were sensitive to pH and salt concentration. Domain mapping suggested that LLPS of Y14 involves multivalent electrostatic interactions and is partly determined by the net charge of its low-complexity regions. Phospho-mimicry of the carboxy-terminal arginine-serine dipeptides of Y14 suppressed phase separation. Moreover, RNA could phase separate into Y14 droplets and modulate Y14 LLPS in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the capacity of Y14 in LLPS and coacervation with RNA in vitro correlated with its activity in DSB repair. These results reveal a molecular rule for LLPS of Y14 in vitro and an implication for its co-condensation with RNA in genome stability.
Prevalence of common mental health problems and associated factors among university students visiting Supara mental health service: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kirdchok Pantri , Kolkijkovin Varuna , Munsukpol Wanida , Chinvararak Chotiman
Published: March 2023

Background: Early studies found that the mental health problems rate was relatively high in university students. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental problems and associated factors in university students.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at Supara mental health service in the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital between February 2020 to June 2021. The primary outcome was the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis according to the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). The secondary assessments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 8 items from the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to assess suicidal risk (8Q), and the Thai Mental Health Indicator (TMHI-15). The prevalence of mental health problems was presented by frequency and percentage. In addition, multivariable regression analysis was used to identify potential predictors of mental health problems.  

Results: A total of 184 participants (62% female; mean age = 22.49 years (SD 3.93) were recruited. The depressive disorders, adjustment disorders, and anxiety disorders rates were 57.1%, 15.2% and 13.6%, respectively. Grade point averages (GPAs) below 3.0 (OR=3.09, 95%CI: 1.17-8.14) and a family history of mental disorder (OR=3.40, 95%CI: 1.10-10.48) were significant associated factors of moderate to severe mental health problems. Detecting and screening these factors may help the university to provide early detection and treatment for students.

Conclusions: Depressive disorders were the most common mental health disorders. Females, low GPAs and a family history of mental disorder were predictors of moderate to severe mental health problems.
Success rate of repeated cycles of induction in labour in a UK clinical setting: A cohort study
Authors: Alojayli Anas , Haloob Rahim
Published: March 2023

Background: Births are increasingly started artificially using medications such as prostaglandin, oxytocin, or other mechanical methods, a process known as induction of labour (IOL). The aim of the study was to identify the success rate of a repeat cycle of induction of labour (IOL) with prostaglandins, and any association between smoking and patient response to prostaglandin.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study set in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, UK.  IOL data from patients were collected between 1 January 2021 and 30 March 2021.

Data were retrieved from hospital records and categorised by prostaglandin cycle(s), administration of oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes (ARM), spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM), smoking status, patient BMI, age, ethnicity, gestation age, Bishop score, and delivery method (assisted, unassisted, or Caesarean (C-)section). The data were analysed using Chi-square, binomial and multinomial logistic regression. The success rate was interpreted from relative frequencies of delivery method (unassisted, assisted or C-section).

Results: Unassisted vaginal delivery (n =121; 48.0%) was the most common outcome with prostaglandin IOL followed by C-section (n = 105 41.7%). Only 10.3% had an assisted vaginal delivery. Of those who had a repeated IOL cycle, 85.7% had a C-section. There was no difference in prostaglandin administration by smoking status or any association between smoking status and mode of delivery in IOL.

Conclusions: Repeat cycle of IOL does not enhance the vaginal delivery with only 14.3% unassisted vaginal births. There was no evidence that smoking impacted on response to prostaglandins or method of delivery.
Aesthetic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: The corona performance No Problama
Authors: Eidsaa Randi Margrethe
Published: March 2023

This article highlights the artistic project No Problama, which was created during the COVID-19 crisis. The discussion takes its point of departure in revisiting the project, aiming to discover new meanings and more profound understanding when explored one year after completion. The investigation is inspired by international research on the function of art during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article includes references to art and music projects published in 2020 as creative, aesthetic responses, which reflected how people worldwide used artistic expressions to release fear and anxiety during the first months of the lockdown. The No Problama project was developed from August 2020 to May 2021 as a primary school and university collaboration in a small city close to the University of Agder in Kristiansand, Norway. The project exemplifies what was later referred to as "corona-music" or "corona-art". It is discussed as an aesthetic response to the COVID-19 pandemic using approaches from arts-based research. A retrospective exploration made it evident that the No Problama artistic expressions became representations of COVID-19-pandemic aesthetics. Thus, the project illustrates one path of intervention between art and crisis in a specific context where each component was developed and tailored to a situation affected by strict national health regulations.
The genome sequence of a Tiger Cranefly, Nephrotoma flavescens (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Sivell Olga , Sivell Duncan ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Nephrotoma flavescens (a Tiger Cranefly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tipulidae). The genome sequence is 1,051.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into four chromosomal pseudomolecules, including a partial X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.9 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,276 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Red-line Quaker, Agrochola lota (Clerck, 1759)
Authors: Lees David ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Agrochola lota (the Red-line Quaker; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 636.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.5 kilobases in length.
Characterization of entomogenic galls in areas of seasonal deciduous forest in Southwestern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Lima Lúcio Flávio Freire , Silva Junior Juvenal Cordeiro
Published: March 2023

Galls are small structures induced mostly by insects in different plant organs, and have different shapes and colorations. Knowledge on galls is still sparse in the semiarid region of Bahia. Therefore, the goal of this study was to characterize galls in fragments of seasonal deciduous forest. Sampling was performed in the Bahia municipalities of Boa Nova, Jequié, Poções and Vitória da Conquista. In each site, one fragment was chosen, and in each fragment, plots were established to survey galls on vegetation. We sampled 158 gall morphotypes, representing 49 (morpho) species distributed across 15 families of host plants. Myrtaceae and Malphigiaceae had the highest numbers of gall morphotypes. Most galls were collected from leaves, whereas the most common gall morphotypes were globoid and fusiform.
Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Middle Aged Adults: Focused on Gender Differences
Authors: Kim Jaerin , Han Kuem Sun
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study investigated levels of economic stress, depression, existential well-being, and family function, and analyzed their influences on suicidal ideation in middle aged adults.Methods: This study included 217 adults aged of 40~65 years. Data were collected from July to August 2019. Data were analyzed separately according to the genders. Descriptive analysis, t-test, Cronbach’s ⍺, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted using SPSS 23.0 software.Results: The suicidal ideation of the subjects had positive correlations with economic stress and depression but negative correlations with existential well-being and family function. The most significant factor affecting suicidal ideation of middle aged men was depression (β=.68, p<.001), with an overall explanatory power of 46.8%, while the suicidal ideation of middle aged women was substantially affected by depression (β=.53, p<.001), marriage status (β=-.17, p=.028), and presence of chronic diseases (β=.16, p=.030), with an overall explanatory power of 41.6%.Conclusion: The origins of suicidal ideation in middle aged men and women were different. Therefore, suicide prevention plans, nursing interventions, and policies for middle aged adults must consider gender differences.
Factors Influencing Grip Strength of Depressed Patients: Using Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018~2019)
Authors: Gang Moonhee , Han Sukhee
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing hand grip strength of community-dwelling patients with depression.Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018~2019), which utilized a complex, multistage probability sample design. A total of 297 participants were included. Hand grip strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. To evaluate factors influencing hand grip strength, a complex-samples general linear model was used.Results: Factors influencing hand grip strength were demographic factors such as gender (male: t=12.58, p<.001), age (19~44 years: t=7.37, p<.001; 45~64 years: t=5.61, p<.001), and education (≤elementary school: t=-2.36, p=.019; middle school to high school: t=-2.13, p=.034), body mass index (<18.5: t=-3.39, p=.001; 18.5-24.9: t=-2.51, p=.013), sedentary time per day (t=-2.19, p=.030), sleep time per day (t=-1.98, p=.049), and depression (t=-3.31, p=.001).Conclusion: Grip strength can predict the current health status in depressed patients.
Research Roundup
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: March 2023

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
Türk Din Müziği ve Çubuk/Şabanözü merkezli alevi ocaklarının etkin olduğu alan bağlamında Âşık Seyyid Süleyman
Authors: Coşkun Amağan
Published: March 2023

Türk din müziği içerisinde önemli bir yer teşkil eden cem âşık/zâkirliği; göç, kentleşme, teknolojik gelişme, popüler kültür vb. birçok unsur karşısında yeri ve önemini yitirme tehlikesi altındadır. Bu çalışma; Türk din müziğinde önemli bir figür olan Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın eserlerinin edebi ve ezgisel kuruluş analizinin yapılmasında hayatı ile döneminin tarihi kayıtlarının incelenmesi açısından tarihsel araştırma, Alevi- Bektaşi müzik kültürünün kodlarının ortaya çıkarılması açısından etnografik karakterde bir araştırmadır. Araştırmada Çubuk/Şabanözü merkezli Alevi ocaklarının etkin olduğu alanın birikimlerini temsil eden öncü cem âşık/zâkiri Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın Türk din müziğine katkıları ekseninde hayatı ile eserleri, ezgileri tematik ve edebi kuruluş bakımından disiplinlerarası ve çok yönlü incelenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Araştırmanın problemi; Türk din müziği ve ocakların etkin olduğu alan bağlamında Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın disiplinlerarası ve birçok yönden katkısı ne, neler ve nasıldır? Bu araştırma Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın Türk din müziğine katkılarının yaşayan ögelerinin betimlenmesi için belirlenen yörelerdeki kaynak kişilerle görüşmelerin yapılması açısından durum çalışması yöntemi kullanılmış olup; çoklu nitel araştırma tekniklerinin kullanımı ile ilgili müzikofolklorik yapının çözümlenmesini amaçlamıştır. Araştırmada verilerin toplanması için Türk halk bilimi, Türk halk edebiyatı, Türk halk müziği, Türk din müziği alanlarına dair birçok yazılı kaynak incelenmiştir. Bu kaynakların belirlenmesi ve seçiminde alana özgü yöresel ve müzik bağlamı kriterleri gözönünde bulundurulmuştur. Alana ait inceleme sonuçları şu doğrultudadır: alanın kültürel ve inanca ait mirasını şiir ve ezgilerine aktaran Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın eserlerinde inanç olgusu temelinde söz ön planda, müzik yardımcı araç olarak yer almıştır. Hece vezninin 11’li kalıbı ile sade ve anlaşılır bir dil kullanan Âşık Seyyid Süleyman’ın şiirleri tematik olarak oldukça zengindir. Müzikal anlatım biçimleri noktasında duvaz-ı imamları sayıca diğerlerine göre oldukça fazladır. Eserlerinde Karcığar makamının hâkim olduğu görülmekle birlikte bu ezgilerin bir kısmı Çargah perdesini eksen olarak alırken bir kısmı Neva perdesini eksen alır; Rest-Çargah arası atlamalar gözlemlenmektedir. Uşşak ve Hüseyni makamlarında başlayıp biten ezgilerin yanı sıra Hüseyni makamında başlayıp Karcığar makamına geçki yapan ezgiler de yer almaktadır. Sözlü kültür ortamı temelli özgün cem âşık/zâkirliği ve kentteki cem âşık/zâkirliği; Anadolu Aleviliği içerisinde yer alan diğer ocaklara özgü dinî müzik uygulamaları bağlamında halk bilimsel ve müzikolojik açıdan araştırma modeli örnek alınarak incelenebilir.
Acute Oral Toxicity Study of Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Ficus benghalensis Aerial Roots
Authors: Ramasamy Anand , Kathiresan K.
Published: March 2023

The Ficus benghalensis of the family Moraceae, often known as the banyan or "Bargad" in Hindi. In traditional medicine, banyan tree pieces are used to cure several conditions, including ulcers, diabetes, bleeding, diarrhea, dysentery, and burning. The aerial root latex is useful for treating rheumatism, haemorrhoids, wounds, boils, inflammation, and skin disorders. The objective of the current investigation was to determine its potential toxicity. Ethyl acetate extracts of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots were tested for acute oral toxicity in female Wistar rats at a level of 5000 mg/Kg body wt. The rats were evaluated for death, behavioural abnormalities, neuro-motor abnormalities, body weight, and water-feed intake patterns throughout the 14-day trial. The kidney and liver functions were evaluated using blood biochemical indicators, and these organs' histological compositions were also examined. It was discovered that Ficus benghalensis aerial root ethyl acetate extract did not induce any harmful effects or mortality at the provided dose. In comparison to the corresponding control group, there were no abnormalities seen in any specified parameter in the rats. For Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Ficus benghalensis Aerial Roots, the potential oral fatal dose is, therefore, greater than 5000 mg/Kg body wt. Hence, our findings are evidence that the aerial root extract was safe for oral consumption and also suitable for in-vivo biological screening.
Bisphosphonates: From Pharmacology to Treatment
Authors: Ruggiero Antonio , Triarico Silvia , Romano Alberto , Maurizi Palma , Attina Giorgio , Mastrangelo Stefano
Published: March 2023

Bisphosphonates are among the most widely used drugs in the world for their many clinical indications. Their mechanism of action is based on the increase in the level of bone mineralization through the inhibition of osteoclastic activity and the induction of osteoblastic activity. Recent studies also attribute to bisphosphonates an antineoplastic activity, due to the ability of these drugs to inhibit neo angiogenesis, inhibiting the proliferation of endothelial cells. Bisphosphonates have several common properties, including poorly absorbed orally, high affinity for bone mineral, inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption, prolonged bone retention, and elimination in the urine. Bisphosphonates are generally well tolerated but their use can be, however, burdened by serious side effects such as hypocalcaemia, renal impairment, and aseptic osteonecrosis of the jaw.
El aprendizaje-servicio universitario: valor pedagógico y valor social
Authors: Ayuste Ana , Esparza Mireia , Payá Montserrat , Morín Victoria
Published: March 2023

Gracias a la labor y esfuerzos de numerosas personas en diferentes países, entre quienes se encontraba la profesora Laura Rubio Serrano de la Universitat de Barcelona, la presencia del aprendizaje-servicio (ApS) en la docencia universitaria es una constante en la actualidad. El ApS destaca por unir a su valor pedagógico, el social y solidario. Se presentas tres experiencias de implementación, diversas en cuanto a grados, cursos y carácter de las asignaturas, y ofrece indicadores del valor pedagógico y del valor social del ApS en la educación superior, que se extienden a los tres agentes implicados (estudiantes, profesionales de las entidades participantes y profesorado universitario). De esta manera, se consigue cumplir con las tres misiones de las universidades: formación de futuros profesionales, construcción de conocimiento y responsabilidad social. Ofrecer, desde las universidades, una formación situada en la práctica profesional y que intenta dar respuesta a necesidades sentidas por la sociedad quizá no sea posible solamente a través de la participación en proyectos de ApS, pero no cabe duda de que hacerlo mediante esta metodología es garantía de consecución y de calidad
355  nm ultraviolet laser output based on a PPMgLN crystal
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Chen Huaixi , Feng Xinkai , Zhang Xinbin , Liang Wanguo
Published: March 2023

This paper reports the method of generating a 355 nm ultraviolet (UV) quasicontinuous pulse laser by using two periodically poled Mg-doped lithium niobate (PPMgLN) crystals in a single-pass cascade. In the first PPMgLN crystal with a length of 20 mm and a first-order-poled period of 6.97 µm, the second-harmonic light of a 532 nm laser with 780 mW is generated from the 1064 nm laser with an average power of 2 W; After that, in the second PPMgLN crystal with a length of 15 mm and a third-order-poled period of 5.30 µm, the 532 nm laser generated was combined with the 1064 nm laser remaining through the first PPMgLN crystal to obtain a 355 nm UV laser with a maximum output average power of 20 mW, a repetition rate of 40 kHz, a pulse width of 49 ns, and a peak power of 10 W. Compared with existing reports, we have higher peak power and single pulse energy, which is an important application of the PPMgLN crystal. This paper will provide an important case for the realization of a 355 nm UV quasicontinuous or a continuous laser.
High-efficiency dual-layer grating coupler for vertical fiber-chip coupling in two polarizations
Authors: Li Ke , Zhu Jingping , Duan Qihang , Hou Xun
Published: March 2023

Efficient coupling between optical fibers and high-index-contrast silicon waveguides is essential for the development of integrated nanophotonics. Herein, a high-efficiency dual-layer grating coupler is demonstrated for vertical polarization-diversity fiber-chip coupling. The two waveguide layers are orthogonally distributed and designed for y- and x-polarized LP01 fiber modes, respectively. Each layer consists of two 1D stacked gratings, allowing for both perfectly vertical coupling and high coupling directionality. The gratings are optimized using the particle swarm algorithm with a preset varying trend of parameters to thin out the optimization variables. The interlayer thickness is determined to ensure efficient coupling of both polarizations. The optimized results exhibit record highs of 92% (−0.38dB) and 85% (−0.72dB) 3D finite-difference time-domain simulation efficiencies for y and x polarizations, respectively. The polarization-dependent loss (PDL) is below 2 dB in a 160 nm spectral bandwidth with cross talk between the two polarizations less than −24dB. Fabrication imperfections are also investigated. Dimensional offsets of ±10nm in etching width and ±8 nm in lateral shift are tolerated for a 1 dB loss penalty. The proposed structure offers an ultimate solution for polarization diversity coupling schemes in silicon photonics with high directionality, low PDL, and a possibility to vertically couple.
Quasi-planar InGaAsSb p-B-n photodiodes for spectroscopic sensing
Authors: Hanks L. A. , Mamic K. , Kłos K. , Bainbridge A. , Fletcher J. , Gilder L. , Tedstone L. , Castaño F. J. , Marshall A. R. J.
Published: March 2023

An InGaAsSb p-B-n structure has been designed and characterized for zero bias low power detection applications. Devices were grown by molecular beam epitaxy and fabricated into quasi-planar photodiodes with a 2.25 µm cut-off wavelength. Maximum responsivity was measured to be 1.05 A/W at 2.0 µm, achieved at zero bias. D* of 9.4 × 1010 Jones was determined from room temperature spectra of noise power measurements with calculated D* remaining >1 × 1010 Jones up to 380 K. With a view to simple miniaturized detection and measurement of low concentration biomarkers, optical powers down to 40 pW were detected, without temperature stabilization or phase-sensitive detection, indicating the photodiode’s potential.
Multilevel diffractive lens in the MWIR with extended depth-of-focus and wide field-of-view
Authors: Hayward Tina M. , Qadri Syed N. , Brimhall Nicole , Santiago Freddie , Christophersen Marc , Dunay Christopher , Espinola Richard L. , Martin Hector , Cheung C. C. (Teddy) , Menon Rajesh
Published: March 2023

Optics in the mid-wave-infra-red (MWIR) band are generally heavy, thick and expensive. Here, we demonstrate multi-level diffractive lenses; one designed using inverse design and another using the conventional propagation phase (the Fresnel zone plate or FZP) with diameter = 25 mm and focal length = 25 mm operating at λ=4μm. We fabricated the lenses by optical lithography and compared their performance. We show that the inverse-designed MDL achieves larger depth-of-focus and better off-axis performance when compared to the FZP at the expense of larger spot size and reduced focusing efficiency. Both lenses are flat with thickness ≤0.5 mm and weigh ≤3.63 g, which are far smaller than their conventional refractive counterparts.
Plasmonic volcano-like fiber-optic probe for Raman enhancement
Authors: Zhengkun Wang , Haiyang Sha , Yong Zhu , Jie Zhang
Published: March 2023

Light–matter interaction is a fascinating topic extensively studied from classical theory, based on Maxwell’s equations, to quantum optics. In this study, we introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, silver volcano-like fiber-optic probe (sensor 1) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We employ the emerging quasi-normal mode (QNM) method to rigorously calculate the Purcell factor for lossy open system responses, characterized by complex frequencies. This calculation quantifies the modification of the radiation rate from the excited state e to ground state g. Furthermore, we use and extend a quantum mechanical description of the Raman process, based on the Lindblad master equation, to calculate the SERS spectrum for the plasmonic structure. A common and well-established SERS probe, modified by a monolayer silver nanoparticle array, serves as a reference sensor (sensor 2) for quantitatively predicting the SERS performance of sensor 1 using quantum formalism. The predictions show excellent consistency with experimental results. In addition, we employ the FDTD (finite-difference time-domain) solver for a rough estimate of the all-fiber Raman response of both sensors, revealing a reasonable range of SERS performance differences compared to experimental results. This research suggests potential applications in real-time, remote detection of biological species and in vivo diagnostics. Simultaneously, the developed FDTD and quantum optics models pave the way for analyzing the response of emitters near arbitrarily shaped plasmonic structures.
Optical, electrical, and EPR studies of polycrystalline Al:Cr:ZnSe gain elements
Authors: Watkins R. , Fedorov V. V. , Zvanut M. E. , Bhandari S. , Barnakov Y. , Mirov S. B.
Published: March 2023

Transition metal-doped II-VI (TM:II-VI) chalcogenides are well-known laser materials for optically pumped middle-infrared lasers. Cr:ZnSe is a key representative of this class of transition metal doped II-VI gain media and is arguably considered the material of choice for optically pumped middle-infrared lasers. In addition to effective mid-IR lasing under optical excitation, these crystals, being wide-band semiconductors, hold the potential for direct electrical excitation. One way to form n-type conductivity in ZnSe crystals is by annealing them in a melt of Zn-Al alloy. However, this annealing of Cr:ZnSe crystals results in their purification and transfer of chromium to the melt of Zn-Al alloy. In this article, we report on optimizing the doping technique for providing n-type conductivity in Al:Cr:ZnSe crystals while preserving the chromium concentration. Al:Cr:ZnSe samples with resistivities ranging from 10.8 to 992 Ω-cm were fabricated. While the 2 + valence state of Cr is typically dominant in Cr:ZnSe, both Cr2+ and Cr+ were detected in Al:Cr:ZnSe samples. The maximum level of Cr+ concentration was measured to be 4 × 1018 cm-3.
Design of n-CdS/p-CuInTe2/p + -MoS2 thin film solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 34.32%
Authors: Pappu MD. Alamin Hossain , Kuddus Abdul , Mondal Bipanko Kumar , Abir Ahnaf Tahmid , Hossain Jaker
Published: March 2023

Copper indium telluride (CuInTe2)-based n-CdS/p-CuInTe2/p + -MoS2 double-heterostructure solar cell has been investigated numerically by solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). Initially, an adjusted condition among the most influencing parameters e.g. thickness, carrier doping level, and bulk defects of active materials such as CdS window, CuInTe2 absorber, and p + -MoS2 back surface field (BSF) layers has been obtained by a systematic computation. The proposed solar cell exhibits an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 34.32% with VOC =0.927 V, JSC = 42.50 mA/cm2, and FF = 87.14% under the optimized condition. The PCE can be further enhanced to 38.87% introducing sub-bandgap absorption in the MoS2 (300 nm) BSF with Urbach energy, E0 of 0.4 eV. These detailed simulation results reveal a huge potential of CuInTe2 absorber with MoS2 BSF layer for the manufacture of a cost-effective, high-efficiency double-heterojunction thin film solar cell.
Optical spin–orbit interaction in spontaneous parametric downconversion
Authors: Wu Yunkun , Tang Yutao , Hu Zixian , Feng Lantian , Guo Guangcan , Ren Xifeng , Li Guixin
Published: March 2023

Optical spin–orbit interaction (SOI), which can be used to simultaneously control the spin and orbital angular momentum of light, is important for both classical and quantum information applications. In linear and nonlinear optics, the SOI of light has been extensively explored in both artificial structures and conventional optical crystals. However, optical SOI in quantum nonlinear optical processes, such as spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC), has not been studied before. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that optical SOI in the SPDC process can be realized through a nonlinear crystal with threefold rotational symmetry. Two-photon quantum states with controlled angular momentum can be generated through the symmetry selection rules in nonlinear optics and the SOI of the pump wave. The proposed methodology may facilitate the generation and control of spin and orbital angular momentum of entangled photons.
Small area analysis of HIV viral load suppression patterns in a high priority district (2012–2016), South Africa
Authors: Chimoyi Lucy , Kufa Tendesayi , Matsena-Zingoni Zvifadzo , Marx Florian , Otwombe Kennedy , Musenge Eustasius , Charalambous Salome
Published: March 2023

Globally, high viral load (VL) suppression rates are indicators of successful HIV treatment programs. Evaluation of these programmes at lower levels is likely to highlight variations that are masked at the provincial or national levels. This ecological study used routinely collected clinical and surveillance data on the HIV programme from 88 sampled Ekurhuleni wards. Between January 2012 and December 2016, 26 222 HIV VL tests for 2817 patients were conducted. We conducted a secondary analysis to determine the predictors of high VL suppression accounting for space and time random effects and estimate the impact of the national universal test-and-treat roll-out in 2016 and forecast VL suppression rates for five years post-2016.The proportion of VL suppression increased over the years: 2012 (47.8%: 95% confidence interval (CI): 36.7%-67.4%); 2013 (58.2%: 95%CI: 41.4%-79.6%); 2014 (62.7%: 95%CI: 45.2%-84.7%); 2015 (67.2%: 95%CI: 49.0%-89.9%) and 2016 (61.2%: 95%CI: 43.9%-83.0%). For every percentage increase in ART initiation, high VL suppression rates increased by 35% (RR: 1.345; 95% credible interval (Crl) 1.221–1.492) and for every percentage increase in women in the ward, high VL suppression increased by 44% (RR: 1.442; 95%CrI: 1.056–1.962). There was evidence of high and low clusters of viral load suppression observed at ward-level. The VL suppression rates in Ekurhuleni were lower than the 90% UNAIDS target. There was heterogeneity of high VL suppression across wards and study period. Targeted interventions strengthening ART initiation and retention in care are critical to achieving optimal VL suppression in Ekurhuleni and districts with similar profiles.
“You could find a good or a bad provider, I would say you just have to go and see”: A qualitative study of the influence of perceptions of service quality on family planning service use in Burkina Faso
Authors: Castle Sarah , Bazie Fiacre , Maytan-Joneydi Amelia , Boukary Kindo , Calhoun Lisa M. , Onadja Yentema , Guiella Georges , Speizer Ilene S.
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study from Burkina Faso explores community-level perceptions of family planning (FP) service quality among FP users and non-users. It examines how perspectives on service quality may influence women’s motivation to seek modern methods from health facilities. For this study, twenty focus group discussions were undertaken with non-users and current users of modern FP including unmarried, sexually active women ages 15–19 and 20–24 and ever married women ages 15–24 and 25+ in Bobo Dioulasso and Banfora, Burkina Faso. The findings demonstrate that respondents prioritized a welcoming environment, positive provider-client exchanges, the full provision of information (especially about side-effects), a pain-free experience, a short waiting time, and privacy and confidentiality. Poor service quality did not, in general, reduce women’s demand or need to use a FP method. Some women who were reluctant to use formal health services used a non-facility-based method (calendar method, withdrawal, condoms or abstinence). Importantly, many unmarried, younger women and adolescents, who were more likely to be stigmatized by providers, exhibited agency by proactively seeking a method despite the potential for a negative experience. They prioritized their health and wellbeing over and above any interpersonal barriers they were likely to encounter. Incorporating strategies to improve the quality of FP services based on locally defined elements of quality should be a specific programmatic goal. These strategies can be identified through quality assessments employing a woman-centered lens. Women who visit facilities can be encouraged to share their positive experiences with their networks to improve community-level perspectives of facility quality. Improving service quality can attract new users, especially adolescents, and retain those who have already adopted a FP method. Through these multi-pronged actions, women’s (and community) expectations and experience of quality can improve. This, in turn, may lead to greater client satisfaction and associated higher FP prevalence.
Impact of COVID-19 on depression and anxiety among healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Al Zarooni Amal Abdul Rahim , Alghfeli Aljazia Khalfan , Alremeithi Hamda Musabbah , Almadhaani Roqayah Abdulla , Alketbi Latifa Baynouna
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 has affected Healthcare workers in many ways. One of the important areas is the psychological impact. This study aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of Healthcare Professionals (HCP) and associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between April 11th, and July 23rd, 2020. The study was conducted by using an online anonymous Self-administered questionnaire through the survey monkey platform. A convenient sampling method was used to distribute the online survey link through the organization’s email network admin list and smartphone messaging. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multivariant linear regression were used.

Results

Anxiety and depression risk scores were measured in a total of 1268 participants of healthcare providers. More than half of the participants reported symptoms of anxiety (51.5%). Depression symptoms were revealed in 38.3% of participating providers. A mild risk of anxiety was reported in 28.8% of the participants and 12.68% of the participants registered moderate anxiety risk scores and 9.95% reported a severe risk of anxiety. Among all participants, 4.3% and 2.7% reported moderately severe and severe risk of depression, respectively, while 22.5% and 8.8% of the participating healthcare providers documented mild and moderate depression risk. Anxiety and depression risk scores were significantly and negatively associated with age and working in primary health care.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of anxiety and depression recorded among HCP during the pandemic suggests that mental health intervention and support are necessary to ensure the psychological well-being of HCP.
Genomic prediction using information across years with epistatic models and dimension reduction via haplotype blocks
Authors: Vojgani Elaheh , Hölker Armin C. , Mayer Manfred , Schön Chris-Carolin , Simianer Henner , Pook Torsten
Published: March 2023

The importance of accurate genomic prediction of phenotypes in plant breeding is undeniable, as higher prediction accuracy can increase selection responses. In this regard, epistasis models have shown to be capable of increasing the prediction accuracy while their high computational load is challenging. In this study, we investigated the predictive ability obtained in additive and epistasis models when utilizing haplotype blocks versus pruned sets of SNPs by including phenotypic information from the last growing season. This was done by considering a single biological trait in two growing seasons (2017 and 2018) as separate traits in a multi-trait model. Thus, bivariate variants of the Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) as an additive model, Epistatic Random Regression BLUP (ERRBLUP) and selective Epistatic Random Regression BLUP (sERRBLUP) as epistasis models were compared with respect to their prediction accuracies for the second year. The prediction accuracies of bivariate GBLUP, ERRBLUP and sERRBLUP were assessed with eight phenotypic traits for 471/402 doubled haploid lines in the European maize landrace Kemater Landmais Gelb/Petkuser Ferdinand Rot. The results indicate that the obtained prediction accuracies are similar when utilizing a pruned set of SNPs or haplotype blocks, while utilizing haplotype blocks reduces the computational load significantly compared to the pruned sets of SNPs. The number of interactions considered in the model was reduced from 323.5/456.4 million for the pruned SNP panel to 4.4/5.5 million in the haplotype block dataset for Kemater and Petkuser landraces, respectively. Since the computational load scales linearly with the number of parameters in the model, this leads to a reduction in computational time of 98.9% from 13.5 hours for the pruned set of markers to 9 minutes for the haplotype block dataset. We further investigated the impact of genomic correlation, phenotypic correlation and trait heritability as factors affecting the bivariate models’ prediction accuracy, identifying the genomic correlation between years as the most influential one. As computational load is substantially reduced, while the accuracy of genomic prediction is unchanged, the here proposed framework to use haplotype blocks in sERRBLUP provided a solution for the practical implementation of sERRBLUP in real breeding programs. Furthermore, our results indicate that sERRBLUP is not only suitable for prediction across different locations, but also for the prediction across growing seasons.
Mapping EQ5D utilities from forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Wong Alyson W. , Sun Huiying , Cox Ingrid A. , Fisher Jolene H. , Khalil Nasreen , Johannson Kerri A. , Marcoux Veronica , Assayag Deborah , Manganas Helene , Kolb Martin , Palmer Andrew J. , de Graaff Barbara , Walters E. Haydn , Hopkins Peter , Zappala Christopher , Goh Nicole S. , Moodley Yuben , Navaratnam Vidya , Corte Tamera J. , Ryerson Christopher J. , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a large group of conditions that lead to scarring of the lungs. The lack of available 5-level EuroQol 5D (EQ5D) data has limited the ability to conduct economic evaluations in ILD. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a mapping algorithm that predicts EQ5D utilities from commonly collected pulmonary function measurements (forced vital capacity [FVC] and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [DLCO]) in fibrotic ILDs.

Methods

EQ5D utility and pulmonary function measurements from the Canadian Registry for Pulmonary Fibrosis were included. Ordinary least squares (OLS), beta regression, two-part, and tobit models were used to map EQ5D utilities from FVC or DLCO. Model performance was assessed by comparing the predicted and observed utilities. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to test how well models performed across different patient characteristics. The models were then externally validated in the Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry.

Results

The OLS model performed as well as other more complex models (root mean squared error: 0.17 for FVC and 0.16 for DLCO). As with the other models, the OLS algorithm performed well across the different subgroups (except for EQ5D utilities < 0.5) and in the external validation cohort.

Conclusion

We developed a mapping algorithm that predicts EQ5D utilities from FVC and DLCO, with the intent that this algorithm can be applied to clinical trial populations and real-world cohorts that have not prioritized collection of health-related utilities. The mapping algorithm can be used in future economic evaluations of potential ILD therapies.
High signal-to-noise imaging of spontaneous and 5 ns electric pulse-evoked Ca2+ signals in GCaMP6f-expressing adrenal chromaffin cells isolated from transgenic mice
Authors: Viola Ciara , Gould Thomas W. , Procacci Nicole , Leblanc Normand , Zaklit Josette , Craviso Gale L.
Published: March 2023

In studies exploring the potential for nanosecond duration electric pulses to serve as a novel modality for neuromodulation, we found that a 5 ns pulse triggers an immediate rise in [Ca2+]i in isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. To facilitate ongoing efforts to understand underlying mechanisms and to work toward carrying out investigations in cells in situ, we describe the suitability and advantages of using isolated murine adrenal chromaffin cells expressing, in a Cre-dependent manner, the genetically-encoded Ca2+indicator GCaMP6f. Initial experiments confirmed that Ca2+ responses evoked by a 5 ns pulse were similar between fluorescent Ca2+ indicator-loaded murine and bovine chromaffin cells, thereby establishing that 5 ns-elicited excitation of chromaffin cells occurs reproducibly across species. In GCaMP6f-expressing murine chromaffin cells, spontaneous Ca2+ activity as well as nicotinic receptor agonist- and 5 ns evoked-Ca2+ responses consistently displayed similar kinetic characteristics as those in dye-loaded cells but with two-twentyfold greater amplitudes and without photobleaching. The high signal-to-noise ratio of evoked Ca2+ responses as well as spontaneous Ca2+ activity was observed in cells derived from Sox10-Cre, conditional GCaMP6f mice or TH-Cre, conditional GCaMP6f mice, although the number of cells expressing GCaMP6f at sufficiently high levels for achieving high signal-to-noise ratios was greater in Sox10-Cre mice. As in bovine cells, Ca2+ responses elicited in murine GCaMP6f-expressing cells by a 5 ns pulse were mediated by the activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels but not tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated Na+ channels. We conclude that genetically targeting GCaMP6f expression to murine chromaffin cells represents a sensitive and valuable approach to investigate spontaneous, receptor agonist- and nanosecond electric pulse-induced Ca2+ responses in vitro. This approach will also facilitate future studies investigating the effects of ultrashort electric pulses on cells in ex vivo slices of adrenal gland, which will lay the foundation for using nanosecond electric pulses to stimulate neurosecretion in vivo.