bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-narrowband near-infrared tunable two-dimensional perfect absorber for refractive index sensing
Authors: Huang Xing , Wang Tao , Yan Ruoqin , Jiang Xiaoyun , Yue Xinzhao , Wang Lu
Published: April 2021

An ultra-narrow-bandwidth near-infrared perfect plasmonic absorber with
a periodic structure composed of metal–insulator–metal configuration
is numerically designed and analyzed for a refractive index sensor. A
perfect absorptivity of 99.99% and a rather narrow bandwidth of 2 nm
are observed in the near-infrared wave band when the light is
vertically incident in the structure. The ultra-high absorption and
ultra-narrow bandwidth are explained as local surface plasmon
resonance stimulated in the structure. The absorber is put into use as
a plasmonic refractive index sensor with wavelength sensitivity as
high as 1500 nm/RIU and figure of merit as high as 750, which
significantly surpass those of many plasmonic sensors proposed in the
past few decades. The designed absorber is tunable by changing
geometry parameters. Because of the excellent sensing properties
mentioned above, the proposed structure can be widely
applied in fields such as photodetectors, biosensors, and chemical
molecule detection.
Phosphor-in-glass (PIG) converter sintered by a fast Joule heating process for high-power laser-driven white lighting
Authors: Liang Yifu , Ding Xinrui , Yan Caiman , Bai Shigen , Liang Guanwei , Yang Shu , Liu Bin , Tang Yong
Published: April 2021

Currently, laser-driven lighting based on phosphor-in-glass (PIG) has drawn much interest in solid state lighting due to its high electro-optical efficiency and high-power density. However, the fabrication of PIG requires expensive equipment, long sintering time, and high cost. In this work, we utilized a simple, fast, and high temperature Joule heating process to make phosphor-in-glass bulk sintered in less than 20 s, which greatly improved the production efficiency. The PIG converters sintered under different sintering temperatures were investigated experimentally. The optimized PIG converter exhibited high and robust luminous efficacy (164.24 lm/W), a high radiant flux, and a small CCT deviation at 3.00 W. Moreover, the optimized sample also showed high temperature resistance at 3.00 W, robust temperature management during normal working. These results indicated that the optimized PIG converter sintered by the Joule heating process could offer great potential for the application in high-power laser-driven white lighting.
Sub-100-nW-threshold Raman silicon laser designed by a machine-learning method that optimizes the product of the cavity Q-factors
Authors: Kawakatsu Taro , Asano Takashi , Noda Susumu , Takahashi Yasushi
Published: April 2021

Raman silicon lasers based on photonic crystal nanocavities with a threshold of several hundred microwatts for continuous-wave lasing have been realized. In particular, the threshold depends on the degree of confinement of the excitation light and the Raman scattering light in the two nanocavity modes. Here, we report lower threshold values for Raman silicon nanocavity lasers achieved by increasing the quality (Q) factors of the two cavity modes. By using an optimization method based on machine learning, we first increase the product of the two theoretical Q values by a factor of 17.0 compared to the conventional cavity. The experimental evaluation demonstrates that, on average, the actually achieved product is more than 2.5 times larger than that of the conventional cavity. The input–output characteristic of a Raman laser with a threshold of 90 nW is presented and the lowest threshold obtained in our experiments is 40 nW.
Meta-grating outcouplers for optimized beam shaping in the visible
Authors: Ropp Chad , Yulaev Alexander , Westly Daron , Simelgor Gregory , Aksyuk Vladimir
Published: April 2021

Accurate coupling between optical modes at the interface between photonic chips and free space is required for the development of many on-chip devices. This control is critical in quantum technologies where large-diameter beams with designed mode profiles are required. Yet, these designs are often difficult to achieve at shorter wavelengths where fabrication limits the resolution of designed devices. In this work we demonstrate optimized outcoupling of free-space beams at 461 nm using a meta-grating approach that achieves a 16 dB improvement in the apodized outcoupling strength. We design and fabricate devices, demonstrating accurate reproduction of beams with widths greater than 100 µm.
Vector spatiotemporal solitons in cold atomic gases with linear and nonlinear PT symmetric potentials
Authors: Li Gan-Ming , Li Ao , Su Sheng-Jie , Zhao Yuan , Huang Kai-Yu , Zhou Guo-Peng , Xue Li , Xu Si-Liu
Published: April 2021

Realizing vector spatiotemporal solitons that are stable in high dimensions is a long-standing goal in the study of nonlinear optical physics. Here, a scheme is proposed to generate three-dimensional (3D) vector spatiotemporal solitons in a cold atomic system with linear and nonlinear parity-time (PT) potentials by utilizing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We investigate the existence and stability of these vector 3D semilunar solitons (SSs) and vortex solitons (VSs) supported by the linear and nonlinear PT potentials. The results show that these solitons have extremely low generation power and very slow propagation velocity and can stably propagate with constant total energy in this system. The frontal head-on collisions of two vector solitons feature quasi-elastic collisions. The dynamics characteristics of these solitons depend on the linear and nonlinear PT-symmetric potential parameters, in particular, the imaginary part of PT potentials. Our study provides a new route for manipulating high-dimensional nonlinear vector optical signals via the controlled optical linear and nonlinear potentials in cold atomic gases.
Self-referential encoding of source information in recollection memory
Authors: Lawrence Ross , Chai Xiaoqian J.
Published: April 2021

Information that is encoded in relation to the self has been shown to be better remembered, yet reports have disagreed on whether the memory benefit from self-referential encoding extends to source memory (the context in which information was learned). In this study, we investigated the self-referential effect on source memory in recollection and familiarity-based memory. Using a Remember/Know paradigm, we compared source memory accuracy under self-referential encoding and semantic encoding. Two types of source information were included, a “peripheral” source which was not inherent to the encoding activity, and a source information about the encoding context. We observed the facilitation in item memory from self-referential encoding compared to semantic encoding in recollection but not in familiarity-based memory. The self-referential benefit to source accuracy was observed in recollection memory, with source memory for the encoding context being stronger in the self-referential condition. No significant self-referential effect was observed with regards to peripheral source information (information not required for the participant to focus on), suggesting not all source information benefit from self-referential encoding. Self-referential encoding also resulted in a higher ratio of “Remember/Know” responses rate than semantically encoded items, denoting stronger recollection. These results suggest self-referential encoding creates a richer, more detailed memory trace which can be recollected later on.
Structure of human ORP3 ORD reveals conservation of a key function and ligand specificity in OSBP-related proteins
Authors: Tong Junsen , Tan Lingchen , Im Young Jun
Published: April 2021

Human ORP3 belongs to the oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) family of lipid transfer proteins and is involved in lipid trafficking and cell signaling. ORP3 localizes to the ER-PM interfaces and is implicated in lipid transport and focal adhesion dynamics. Here, we report the 2.6–2.7 Å structures of the ORD (OSBP-related domain) of human ORP3 in apo-form and in complex with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate. The ORP3 ORD displays a helix grip β-barrel fold with a deep hydrophobic pocket which is conserved in the OSBP gene family. ORP3 binds PI(4)P by the residues around tunnel entrance and in the hydrophobic pocket, whereas it lacks sterol binding due to the narrow hydrophobic tunnel. The heterologous expression of the ORDs of human ORP3 or OSBP1 rescued the lethality of seven ORP (yeastOSH1-OSH7) knockout in yeast. In contrast, the PI(4)P-binding site mutant of ORP3 did not complement theOSHknockout cells. The N-terminal PH domain and FFAT motif of ORP3 are involved in protein targeting but are not essential in yeast complementation. This observation suggests that the essential function conserved in the ORPs of yeast and human is mediated by PI(4)P-binding of the ORD domain. This study suggests that the non-vesicular PI(4)P transport is a conserved function of all ORPs in eukaryotes.
Inferring the function performed by a recurrent neural network
Authors: Chalk Matthew , Tkacik Gasper , Marre Olivier
Published: April 2021

A central goal in systems neuroscience is to understand the functions performed by neural circuits. Previous top-down models addressed this question by comparing the behaviour of an ideal model circuit, optimised to perform a given function, with neural recordings. However, this requires guessing in advance what function is being performed, which may not be possible for many neural systems. To address this, we propose an inverse reinforcement learning (RL) framework for inferring the function performed by a neural network from data. We assume that the responses of each neuron in a network are optimised so as to drive the network towards ‘rewarded’ states, that are desirable for performing a given function. We then show how one can use inverse RL to infer the reward function optimised by the network from observing its responses. This inferred reward function can be used to predict how the neural network should adapt its dynamics to perform the same function when the external environment or network structure changes. This could lead to theoretical predictions about how neural network dynamics adapt to deal with cell death and/or varying sensory stimulus statistics.
Lymphatic endothelial-cell expressed ACKR3 is dispensable for postnatal lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage function in mice
Authors: Sigmund Elena C. , Baur Lilian , Schineis Philipp , Arasa Jorge , Collado-Diaz Victor , Vranova Martina , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Thelen Marcus , Halin Cornelia
Published: April 2021

Atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3 (formerly CXCR7) is a scavenging receptor that has recently been implicated in murine lymphatic development. Specifically, ACKR3-deficiency was shown to result in lymphatic hyperplasia and lymphedema, in addition to cardiac hyperplasia and cardiac valve defects leading to embryonic lethality. The lymphatic phenotype was attributed to a lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-intrinsic scavenging function of ACKR3 for the vascular peptide hormone adrenomedullin (AM), which is also important during postnatal lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression of ACKR3 in the lymphatic vasculature of adult mice and its function in postnatal lymphatic development and function. We show that ACKR3 is widely expressed in mature lymphatics and that it exerts chemokine-scavenging activity in cultured murine skin-derived LECs. To investigate the role of LEC-expressed ACKR3 in postnatal lymphangiogenesis and function during adulthood, we generated and validated a lymphatic-specific, inducible ACKR3 knockout mouse. Surprisingly, in contrast to the reported involvement of ACKR3 in lymphatic development, our analyses revealed no contribution of LEC-expressed ACKR3 to postnatal lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic morphology and drainage function.
Characteristics and expression profiles of circRNAs during abdominal adipose tissue development in Chinese Gushi chickens
Authors: Jin Wenjiao , Zhao Yinli , Zhai Bin , Li Yuanfang , Fan Shengxin , Yuan Pengtao , Sun Guirong , Jiang Ruirui , Wang Yanbin , Liu Xiaojun , Tian Yadong , Kang Xiangtao , Li Guoxi
Published: April 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in adipogenesis. However, studies on circRNA expression profiles associated with the development of abdominal adipose tissue are lacking in chickens. In this study, 12 cDNA libraries were constructed from the abdominal adipose tissue of Chinese domestic Gushi chickens at 6, 14, 22, and 30 weeks. A total of 1,766 circRNAs were identified by Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. These circRNAs were primarily distributed on chr1 through chr10 and sex chromosomes, and 84.95% of the circRNAs were from gene exons. Bioinformatic analysis showed that each circRNA has 35 miRNA binding sites on average, and 62.71% have internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements. Meanwhile, these circRNAs were primarily concentrated in TPM < 0.1 and TPM > 60, and their numbers accounted for 18.90% and 80.51%, respectively, exhibiting specific expression patterns in chicken abdominal adipose tissue. In addition, 275 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were identified by comparison analysis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the parental genes of DE circRNAs were primarily involved in biological processes and pathways related to lipid metabolism, such as regulation of fat cell differentiation, fatty acid homeostasis, and triglyceride homeostasis, as well as fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. Furthermore, ceRNA regulatory networks related to abdominal adipose development were constructed. The results of this study indicated that circRNAs can regulate lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, and cell junctions during abdominal adipose tissue development in chickens through complex ceRNA networks between circRNAs, miRNAs, genes, and pathways. The results of this study may help to expand the number of known circRNAs in abdominal adipose tissue and provide a valuable resource for further research on the function of circRNAs in chicken abdominal adipose tissue.
D-(+)-Galactose-induced aging: A novel experimental model of erectile dysfunction
Authors: de Almeida Rezende Mathania Silva , Oliveira de Almeida Arthur José Pontes , Gonçalves Tays Amanda Felisberto , de Azevedo Fátima de Lourdes Assunção Araújo , Dantas Sabine Helena , Silva Sonaly de Lima , Soares Evyllen Myllena Cardoso , Alves Hayaly Felinto , Lima Thais Trajano , de Souza Júnior Javanyr Frederico , Guerra Ricardo Romão , Araújo Islania Giselia Albuquerque , de Medeiros Isac Almeida
Published: April 2021

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual relations, and aging is one of the main risk factors involved. The D-(+)-Galactose aging model is a consolidated methodology for studies of cardiovascular aging; however, its potential for use with ED remain unexplored. The present study proposed to characterize a new experimental model for ED, using the D-(+)-Galactose aging model. For the experiments, the animals were randomly divided into three groups receiving: vehicle (CTL), D-galactose 150 mg/kg (DGAL), and D-(+)-galactose 150 mg/Kg + sildenafil 1.5 mg/Kg (DGAL+SD1.5) being administered daily for a period of eight weeks. All of the experimental protocols were previously approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals at the Federal University of Paraíba n° 9706070319. During the treatment, we analyzed physical, molecular, and physiological aspects related to the aging process and implicated in the development of ED. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that D-(+)-Galactose-induced aging represents a suitable experimental model for ED assessment. This was evidenced by an observed hyper-contractility in corpora cavernosa, significant endothelial dysfunction, increased ROS levels, an increase in cavernous tissue senescence, and the loss of essential penile erectile components.
Fishing for food: Values and benefits associated with coastal infrastructure
Authors: Nieman Cassandra M. , Rudman Alexie N. , Chory Margaret L. , Murray Grant D. , Fairbanks Luke , Campbell Lisa M.
Published: April 2021

While there is substantial literature about the socio-cultural characteristics and values associated with recreational and commercial fisheries in the U.S., studies directed at those who ‘fish for food’—those who depend on consuming their catch to various degrees—are relatively sparse. Using qualitative data collected through 80 semi-structured interviews with fishers in the summer and fall of 2018 in Carteret County, North Carolina, this study aims to better understand the group of recreational fishers who consume their catch by describing social and cultural dimensions and values associated with fishing for food, examining the role of infrastructure in facilitating access to benefits associated with this activity, and considering how knowledge of existing licensing regulations surrounding subsistence license waivers affect this fishing community. Interviews conducted at free public fishing structures in the region revealed that fishers derive a variety of values and benefits from fishing at these sites, including access to recreation, nutrition, a social community, and mental health benefits, which were found to be negatively impacted by Hurricane Florence in September 2018. We also found an informal economy of sharing catch on- and off-site that extends the reach and benefits facilitated by public infrastructure to people beyond those using it directly. Overall, we call for conceptualizations of ‘fishing for food’ that include aspects that go beyond traditional definitions of ‘subsistence’ or ‘recreational’ fishing such as food security, access, and less obvious social and cultural motivations behind the activity. These findings are a compelling rationalization for the creation and maintenance of formal and informal fishing places locally and, by extension, in other coastal areas, given the array of benefits provided by access to these types of locations.
Analysis of mobility data to build contact networks for COVID-19
Authors: Klise Katherine , Beyeler Walt , Finley Patrick , Makvandi Monear
Published: April 2021

As social distancing policies and recommendations went into effect in response to COVID-19, people made rapid changes to the places they visit. These changes are clearly seen in mobility data, which records foot traffic using location trackers in cell phones. While mobility data is often used to extract the number of customers that visit a particular business or business type, it is the frequency and duration of concurrent occupancy at those sites that governs transmission. Understanding the way people interact at different locations can help target policies and inform contact tracing and prevention strategies. This paper outlines methods to extract interactions from mobility data and build networks that can be used in epidemiological models. Several measures of interaction are extracted: interactions between people, the cumulative interactions for a single person, and cumulative interactions that occur at particular businesses. Network metrics are computed to identify structural trends which show clear changes based on the timing of stay-at-home orders. Measures of interaction and structural trends in the resulting networks can be used to better understand potential spreading events, the percent of interactions that can be classified as close contacts, and the impact of policy choices to control transmission.
Demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic characteristics of persons under investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019—United States, January 17–February 29, 2020
Authors: McGovern Olivia L. , Stenger Mark , Oliver Sara E. , Anderson Tara C. , Isenhour Cheryl , Mauldin Matthew R. , Williams Nia , Griggs Eric , Bogere Tonny , Edens Chris , Curns Aaron T. , Lively Joana Y. , Zhou Yingtao , Xu Songli , Diaz Maureen H. , Waller Jessica L. , Clarke Kevin R. , Evans Mary E. , Hesse Elisabeth M. , Morris Sapna Bamrah , McClung Robert P. , Cooley Laura A. , Logan Naeemah , Boyd Andrew T. , Taylor Allan W. , Bajema Kristina L. , Lindstrom Stephen , Elkins Christopher A. , Jones Christopher , Hall Aron J. , Graitcer Samuel , Oster Alexandra M. , Fry Alicia M. , Fischer Marc , Conklin Laura , Gokhale Runa H.
Published: April 2021

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evolved rapidly in the United States. This report describes the demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic characteristics of 544 U.S. persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 with complete SARS-CoV-2 testing in the beginning stages of the pandemic from January 17 through February 29, 2020.

Methods

In this surveillance cohort, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided consultation to public health and healthcare professionals to identify PUI for SARS-CoV-2 testing by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic characteristics of PUI were reported by public health and healthcare professionals during consultation with on-call CDC clinicians and subsequent submission of a CDC PUI Report Form. Characteristics of laboratory-negative and laboratory-positive persons were summarized as proportions for the period of January 17−February 29, and characteristics of all PUI were compared before and after February 12 using prevalence ratios.

Results

A total of 36 PUI tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were classified as confirmed cases. Confirmed cases and PUI testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 had similar demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic characteristics. Consistent with changes in PUI evaluation criteria, 88% (13/15) of confirmed cases detected before February 12, 2020, reported travel from China. After February 12, 57% (12/21) of confirmed cases reported no known travel- or contact-related exposures.

Conclusions

These findings can inform preparedness for future pandemics, including capacity for rapid expansion of novel diagnostic tests to accommodate broad surveillance strategies to assess community transmission, including potential contributions from asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections.
Balance dynamics are related to age and levels of expertise. Application in young and adult tennis players
Authors: Caballero Carla , Barbado David , Hérnandez-Davó Héctor , Hernández-Davó José Luis , Moreno Francisco J.
Published: April 2021

In tennis, coaches consider balance fundamental for the acquisition of skilled motor performance. However, the potential relationship between balance and tennis expertise and performance has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between balance and tennis performance using linear and non-linear parameters through 1) the comparison of tennis players of different ages and levels of expertise, and 2) analyzing the relationship between balance and tennis serving speed and accuracy. One hundred and six recreational and expert male tennis players took part in the study (age range 10–35 years old). Temporal dynamics of postural control during a balance task on an unstable surface were analyzed through the mean velocity and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAV) of center of pressure (COP). Tennis serve performance was quantified by measuring accuracy and speed. Traditional variables measuring balance performance only showed differences according to age but not to sport performance. COP showed a reduction of auto-correlated variability (reflected by DFAV) with age but mainly in expert players. COP dynamics was the only balance parameter discriminating sport expertise and it was related to age. Balance dynamics exhibited by expert tennis players DFAV results support the idea that, along the years, sport experience induces balance adaptations characterized by a higher ability to perform postural adjustments. These results also reinforce the use of non-linear analysis to reveal subtle balance adaptations produced by sport practice. Finally, the lack of correlations suggests that balance, measured with scattering variables, in a non-specific task is not a main determinant of sport performance in tennis serve.
Modeling impacts of faster productivity growth to inform the CGIAR initiative on Crops to End Hunger
Authors: Wiebe Keith , Sulser Timothy B. , Dunston Shahnila , Rosegrant Mark W. , Fuglie Keith , Willenbockel Dirk , Nelson Gerald C.
Published: April 2021

In 2017–2018, a group of international development funding agencies launched the Crops to End Hunger initiative to modernize public plant breeding in lower-income countries. To inform that initiative, USAID asked the International Food Policy Research Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service to estimate the impacts of faster productivity growth for 20 food crops on income and other indicators in 106 countries in developing regions in 2030. We first estimated the value of production in 2015 for each crop using data from FAO. We then used the IMPACT and GLOBE economic models to estimate changes in the value of production and changes in economy-wide income under scenarios of faster crop productivity growth, assuming that increased investment will raise annual rates of yield growth by 25% above baseline growth rates over the period 2015–2030. We found that faster productivity growth in rice, wheat and maize increased economy-wide income in the selected countries in 2030 by 59 billion USD, 27 billion USD and 21 billion USD respectively, followed by banana and yams with increases of 9 billion USD each. While these amounts represent small shares of total GDP, they are 2–15 times current public R&D spending on food crops in developing countries. Income increased most in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Faster productivity growth in rice and wheat reduced the population at risk of hunger by 11 million people and 6 million people respectively, followed by plantain and cassava with reductions of about 2 million people each. Changes in adequacy ratios were relatively large for carbohydrates (already in surplus) and relatively small for micronutrients. In general, we found that impacts of faster productivity growth vary widely across crops, regions and outcome indicators, highlighting the importance of identifying the potentially diverse objectives of different decision makers and recognizing possible tradeoffs between objectives.
Impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on laboratory-confirmed pneumococcal meningitis and purulent meningitis among children ˂5 years in Cameroon, 2011–2018
Authors: Njuma Libwea John , A. Fletcher Mark , Koki Ndombo Paul , Boula Angeline , Ashukem Nadesh Taku , Ngo Baleba Madeleine , Kingue Bebey Rachel Sandrine , Nkolo Mviena Eric Gaston , Tageube Jean , Kobela Mbollo Marie , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Madhi Shabir , Njanpop-Lafourcade Berthe-Marie , Mohammad Ali , Begier Elizabeth , Southern Joanna , Beavon Rohini , Gessner Bradford
Published: April 2021

Background

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) entered Cameroon’s childhood national immunization programme (NIP) in July 2011 under a 3-dose schedule (6, 10, 14 weeks of age) without any catch-up. We described the impact of PCV13 onserotype distribution among pneumococcal meningitis cases over time.

Methods

We used laboratory-based sentinel surveillance data to identify meningitis cases among 2- to 59-month-old children with clinically-suspected bacterial meningitis (CSBM) admitted to hospitals in Yaoundé (August 2011-December 2018). Purulent meningitis cases had a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count ≥20 per mm3. Pneumococcal meningitis cases had S. pneumoniae identified from CSF, with serotyping by polymerase chain reaction. Years 2011-2014 were described as early PCV13 era (EPE) and years 2015-2018 as late PCV13 era (LPE) impact periods.

Results

Among children hospitalized with CSBM who had a lumbar puncture obtained, there was no significant change from the EPE versus the LPE in the percentage identified with purulent meningitis: 7.5% (112/1486) versus 9.4% (154/1645), p = 0.0846. The percentage of pneumococcal meningitis cases due to PCV13 vaccine-serotype (VST) decreased from 62.0% (31/50) during the EPE to 35.8% (19/53) in the LPE, p = 0.0081. The most frequent pneumococcal meningitis VSTs during the EPE were 6A/6B (30%) and 5 (6%), and during the LPE were 14 (13.2%), 3 (7.6%), 4 (5.6%) and 18C (5.6%).

Conclusion

Four to seven years after PCV13 introduction, the proportion of pneumococcal meningitis due to vaccine serotypes has declined, mainly due to reductions of serotypes 6A/6B, 1, 19A, and 23F; nevertheless, PCV13 VSTs remain common. Because the analyzed surveillance system was not consistent or population based, we could not estimate incidence or overall impact; this emphasizes the need for improved surveillance to document further the utility of PCV13 immunization in Cameroon.
Epidemiology of tobacco use in Qatar: Prevalence and its associated factors
Authors: AlMulla Ahmad , Mamtani Ravinder , Cheema Sohaila , Maisonneuve Patrick , Abdullah BaSuhai Jamal , Mahmoud Gafar , Kouyoumjian Silva
Published: April 2021

Tobacco use is a serious public health concern as it causes various deleterious health problems. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and various types of tobacco used among a population-based sample of adults 18 years and above in Qatar (residents and expatriates). The study also attempted to assess tobacco use initiation age, tobacco dependency, and to identify factors associated with current tobacco use. This 2019 cross-sectional study was conducted among governmental employees and University students in Qatar using cluster sampling methodology. Study participants completed a self-administered, country-adapted summarized version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. 25.2% (n = 1741; N = 6904) of the surveyed sample reported current tobacco use. 21.5% (n = 1481) smoked tobacco (cigarettes, waterpipe, medwakh and cigar) concomitant with other forms of tobacco and only 1.0% (n = 69) were using other forms of tobacco (electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and heat-not-burn tobacco products) and 2.7% (n = 191) did not mention the type of tobacco products used by them. Of the 1550 tobacco users, 42.8% were cigarette smokers, 20.9% waterpipe, 3.2% medwakh (Arabic traditional pipe) and 0.7% cigar. Moreover, 1.9% reported smokeless tobacco use (sweika), 2.0% electronic cigarette use, and 0.3% heat-not-burn tobacco use. The mean age for smoking initiation was 19.7±5.3 (Qataris 18.6±4.8 and non-Qataris 20.3±5.6). Using multivariable logistic regression, significant association was observed between tobacco use and gender, nationality, age, monthly income, living with a smoker, and self-rated health. This large population-based cross-sectional survey provides the first evidence for the prevalence of different types of tobacco use including medwakh smoking among adults (Qataris and non-Qataris) 18 years and above in Qatar. This can serve as a baseline for future research studies on the topic. Based on the review of previous and current tobacco survey findings, it is evident that the prevalence of tobacco use (current) in Qatar has declined suggesting that tobacco control measures implemented by the country have been effective in reducing tobacco consumption.
Relationship between peripheral vasospasm and visual field progression rates in patients with normal-tension glaucoma with low-teen intraocular pressure
Authors: Park Do Young , Han Jong Chul , Lee Eun Jung , Kee Changwon
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association between peripheral vasospasm and the visual field (VF) progression rate in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) with low-teen intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods

The finger temperature of 113 NTG patients was measured before and after exposure to ice water using a Temperature gun (cold pressor test). These patients had confirmed VF progression, despite a low-teen IOP during a follow-up period of >5 years. VF progression rates were calculated as the slope of the visual field index (VFI) and mean deviation (MD) over time. Demographic, systemic, and ocular factors and VF progression rates were compared, based on the cold pressor test results. A regression analysis was used to investigate the factors affecting VF progression rates.

Results

Mean age, initial IOP, mean IOP during the follow-up period, and initial VF MD were 57.1 years, 15.8 mmHg, 12.0 mmHg, and -5.2 dB, respectively. When patients were divided into two groups (less vasospasm and more vasospasm) according to changes in temperature after exposure to ice water, the VF progression rate was significantly faster in the group with more vasospasm. In a multiple regression analysis, older age, worse initial VF MD, and greater decrease in finger temperature after ice water exposure were significantly associated with faster VF progression rates.

Conclusion

An excessive drop in finger temperature after exposure to ice water was significantly associated with faster VF progression in patients with low-teen NTG. This suggests that the blood flow in the optic nerve head may also be disturbed by peripheral vasospasm, accelerating glaucomatous damage regardless of IOP.
Contribution of the peroneus longus neuromuscular compartments to eversion and plantarflexion of the ankle
Authors: Mendez-Rebolledo Guillermo , Guzmán-Venegas Rodrigo , Valencia Oscar , Watanabe Kohei
Published: April 2021

Compartmentalization of animal and human skeletal muscle by multiple motor nerve branches known as the neuromuscular compartment (NMC) has been observed primarily in muscles that participate in a plane of motion. In this context, the peroneus longus muscle contributes to eversion and plantarflexion of the ankle and the presence of NMCs has been reported. However, no research has reported the selective activation of the compartments of the peroneus longus during the performance of different ankle movements. The purpose of this research was to determine the contribution of peroneus longus NMCs, through multi-channel surface electromyography (sEMG), to eversion and plantarflexion movements. Multi-channel sEMG was recorded from the peroneus longus muscle by using an electrode grid during eversion and plantarflexion of the ankle at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The root mean square and displacement of the center of mass position in the X (COMx) and Y (COMy) components were calculated. The primary finding was that eversion showed significantly higher sEMG amplitude than plantarflexion in the posterior compartment in low, moderate, and high percentages of MVIC. However, no significant difference in sEMG amplitude was observed in the anterior compartment between eversion and plantarflexion. In addition, a posterior displacement of the COMx in eversion compared to plantarflexion in all MVIC percentages, with greater topographic distancing of the COMx at higher levels of activation. In conclusion, the peroneus longus muscle presented NMCs; the anterior compartment contributed to both eversion and plantarflexion movements, whereas the posterior compartment mainly contributed to the eversion movement of the ankle in low, moderate, and high percentages of MVIC.
Musical improvisation enhances interpersonal coordination in subsequent conversation: Motor and speech evidence
Authors: Robledo Juan Pablo , Hawkins Sarah , Cornejo Carlos , Cross Ian , Party Daniel , Hurtado Esteban
Published: April 2021

This study explored the effects of musical improvisation between dyads of same-sex strangers on subsequent behavioural alignment. Participants–all non-musicians–conversed before and after either improvising music together (Musical Improvisation—MI—group) or doing a motoric non-rhythmic cooperative task (building a tower together using wooden blocks; the Hands-Busy—HB—group). Conversations were free, but initially guided by an adaptation of the Fast Friends Questionnaire for inducing talk among students who are strangers and meeting for the first time. Throughout, participants’ motion was recorded with an optical motion-capture system (Mocap) and analysed in terms of speed cross-correlations. Their conversations were also recorded on separate channels using headset microphones and were analysed in terms of the periodicity displayed by rhythmic peaks in the turn transitions across question and answer pairs (Q+A pairs). Compared with their first conversations, the MI group in the second conversations showed: (a) a very rapid, partially simultaneous anatomical coordination between 0 and 0.4 s; (b) delayed mirror motoric coordination between 0.8 and 1.5 s; and (c) a higher proportion of Periodic Q+A pairs. In contrast, the HB group’s motoric coordination changed slightly in timing but not in degree of coordination between the first and second conversations, and there was no significant change in the proportion of periodic Q+A pairs they produced. These results show a convergent effect of prior musical interaction on joint body movement and use of shared periodicity across speech turn-transitions in conversations, suggesting that interaction in music and speech may be mediated by common processes.
Influence of the shared epitope on the elicitation of experimental autoimmune arthritis biomarkers
Authors: Karydis Anastasios , Sandal Indra , Luo Jiwen , Prislovsky Amanda , Gamboa Amanda , Rosloniec Edward F. , Brand David D.
Published: April 2021

Our previous studies have shown that inoculation of the oral cavity of “humanized” B6.DR1/4 mice with the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis results in an increase in the percentage of circulating Th17 cells, loss of bone and an exacerbation of experimental autoimmune arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the role played by the human HLA-DRβ molecule containing the shared epitope supplied as a transgene to I-A˚ (murine class II null) C57BL/6 (B6) mice in driving these findings. We compared various immune response parameters as well as alveolar and peri-articular bone loss between humanized B6.DR1 (or B6.DR4) mice and their WT (B6) counterparts. We found that the presence of the shared epitope in the context of inoculation with P. gingivalis enhanced the percentage of Th17 cells generated, dramatically enhanced bone loss and importantly allowed for the generation of CCP2⁺ ACPAs that are not found in C57BL/6 or DBA/1 arthritic mouse serum. Due to the exceedingly complex nature of environmental factors impacting on genetic elements, it has been difficult to unravel mechanisms that drive autoimmune arthritis in susceptible individuals. The findings in this study may provide one small piece of this puzzle that can help us to better understand part of this complexity.
Isomerization of Asp is essential for assembly of amyloid-like fibrils of αA-crystallin-derived peptide
Authors: Magami Kosuke , Hachiya Naomi , Morikawa Kazuo , Fujii Noriko , Takata Takumi
Published: April 2021

Post-translational modifications are often detected in age-related diseases associated with protein misfolding such as cataracts from aged lenses. One of the major post-translational modifications is the isomerization of aspartate residues (L-isoAsp), which could be non-enzymatically and spontaneously occurring in proteins, resulting in various effects on the structure and function of proteins including short peptides. We have reported that the structure and function of an αA66–80 peptide, corresponding to the 66–80 (66SDRDKFVIFLDVKHF80) fragment of human lens αA-crystallin, was dramatically altered by the isomerization of aspartate residue (Asp) at position 76. In the current study, we observed amyloid-like fibrils of L-isoAsp containing αA66–80 using electron microscopy. The contribution of each amino acid for the peptide structure was further evaluated by circular dichroism (CD), bis-ANS, and thioflavin T fluorescence using 14 alanine substituents of αA66–80, including L-isoAsp at position 76. CD of 14 alanine substituents demonstrated random coiled structures except for the substituents of positively charged residues. Bis-ANS fluorescence of peptide with substitution of hydrophobic residue with alanine revealed decreased hydrophobicity of the peptide. Thioflavin T fluorescence also showed that the hydrophobicity around Asp76 of the peptide is important for the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. One of the substitutes, H79A (SDRDKFVIFL(L-isoD)VKAF) demonstrated an exact β-sheet structure in CD and highly increased Thioflavin T fluorescence. This phenomenon was inhibited by the addition of protein-L-isoaspartate O-methyltransferase (PIMT), which is an enzyme that changes L-isoAsp into Asp. These interactions were observed even after the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Thus, isomerization of Asp in peptide is key to form fibrils of αA-crystallin-derived peptide, and L-isoAsp on fibrils can be a candidate for disassembling amyloid-like fibrils of αA-crystallin-derived peptides.
Attuning to the environment through media: Escape and incorporation through fire, plague and video game development software
Authors: Binns Daniel
Published: April 2021

This article proposes the possibility of an attunement to the environment through media. The aim of this work is to observe how one might attune and re-tune their consideration of the environment, and environmental issues, through the media they make and consume. It does so by examining the short video Memories of Australia, made by Andrew Svanberg Hamilton. The video was crafted in the digital game development software Unreal Engine 4, and this is addressed in part via a discussion of Jean Baudrillard’s work on simulation, considering the idea of a lack of real-world referentials. This lack of geographic specificity is latterly considered through Timothy Morton’s notion of nonlocality, and Marc Augé’s concept of non-places. Primarily, though, a formal analysis of Hamilton’s piece is considered alongside digital game studies research, specifically models of player involvement and the concept of embodied textuality as means of measuring and modelling engagement not just with videogames, but with media more broadly. Hamilton’s video uses elements captured using photogrammetry, but he has replicated these pieces multiple times in order to craft a three-dimensional world. The idea of attunement is drawn from Kathleen Stewart’s work, and is re-offered here as a means of engaging with media and surviving the uncertain times to come. The article considers how a digitally constructed environment might be attuned to by the viewer, through Hamilton’s creation of a world based on memory and sensation, rather than any real-world geographical elements; this emotional resonance is proffered not only as an example of incorporation, but also as a tool for communicating other environmental attunements and issues.
Indeterminate: Flora, 3D scanning and the instability of data
Authors: Najdowski Rebecca
Published: April 2021

This article discusses Echo, an environmental media project that explores the possibility of defamiliarizing representational structures of nature through creative practice techniques. Through a reflective, critical analysis of Echo, this article examines how the 3D scanning process, used at the threshold of viability, can illuminate the fragile conditions of data and the complexities of photographic representation. I argue that movements from the plane of environmental forces and forms into a digital materiality carries meaning in addition to signifying practices. This article suggests that viewing environmental photomedia through the lens of posthumanism and materialist philosophy offers the possibility of opening up more-than-representational meanings within materialities, processes, practices and art encounters.
Permaculture’s YouTube moment: Learning how to smash the pieces of everyday life in the wake of ecological crises
Authors: Morris Brian
Published: April 2021

This article examines ongoing responses to natural disasters such as bushfires, climate change and COVID-19 as articulated in various videos produced for, and distributed via, YouTube. It focuses on channels and content creators that promote ecologically mindful alternative everyday practices explicitly driven by permaculture principles and accompanying notions of resilience as well as individual and community self-reliance. While many of these videos are ostensibly concerned with instructing viewers in small-scale practical food production at a household or small business level, they also mark a renewed critical interest in everyday practices and domestic space as a site of social and cultural change through alternative ways of living. The research employs analytical approaches and frameworks drawn from the disciplines of cultural and media studies, specifically the former’s interest in the notion of ‘everyday life’ and the latter’s engagement with digital platforms such as YouTube. I argue that the permaculture movement’s success on YouTube is indicative of the ways in which the environmental concerns of pre-digital social movements might be adapted to the unique affordances and modes of address of platform media like YouTube and, in particular, its signature form of the vlog. Platform media like YouTube accordingly deserve further scholarly research and a similar level of attention as given to more traditional media forms such as print, film and television in terms of how they might positively enable conceptual and practical responses to ecological crisis at both personal and community levels.
Radiant Infrastructures: Media, Environment, and Cultures of Uncertainty, Rahul Mukherjee (2020)
Authors: Guha Suryansu
Published: April 2021

Review of: Radiant Infrastructures: Media, Environment, and Cultures of Uncertainty, Rahul Mukherjee (2020)

Durham and London: Duke University Press, 276 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47800-806-4, p/bk, $26.95
Possibility of long-term survival of African swine fever virus in natural conditions
Authors: Arzumanyan Hranush , Hakobyan Sona , Avagyan Hranush , Izmailyan Roza , Nersisyan Narek , Karalyan Zaven
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: In modern scientific literature presents an understanding that African swine fever (ASF) ASF virus (ASFV) is remarkably stable in the environment, and carcasses of the pigs which were died after ASF, play a key role as ASFV reservoir. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the ASFV (different isolates) survival in bodies of dead animals, bones, remnants of bone marrow, residual organ matrix in natural conditions.

Materials and Methods: Skeletons of ASFV infected pigs which were died and left/abandoned in forests or buried in Armenia at diverse time points and locations had been excavated and examined for the presence of ASFV genome by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and for infection abilities through in vitro (hemadsorption test and infection in porcine lung macrophages) as well as by intramuscular infection in healthy pigs.

Results: Current exploration showed that in several samples (with different times of exposure) of excavated skeletons had been detected the presence of the virus gene (p72) using real-time PCR. However, in none of these porcine samples, infectious ASFV could be isolated. Data obtained by real-time PCR at frequent intervals indicated the presence of the virus gene (p72), especially within the case of the acute form of the disease. This can be explained by the highest levels of the virus during the latter case mentioned above.

Conclusion: ASFV seems to be very sensitive to environmental temperature. The best place for ASFV long-term survival in the natural environment is bone marrow from intact big tubular bones (like femur or tibia) of buried carcasses. In artificial "graves," complete bones with not destructed bone marrow can preserve the virus gene (p72) for a very long time (more than 2 years). Infectious particles in underground conditions survive not so long: In complete bones with not affected bone marrow, possible presence of the virus for several months.