bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar Laser Activated Neuronal Scanning (PLANS) System for in vivo Flow Cytometry
Authors: Watson Nicholas , Mondal Sudip , DuPlissis Andrew , Kim Ki Hyun , Ben-Yakar Adela
Published: January 2021

We present a light-sheet flow cytometer for screening of C. elegans. A machine learning approach is utilized to enable real-time analysis of protein aggregation models.
Holographic Flat Panel Display
Authors: Lee Hong-Seok , Choi Chil-Sung , An Jungkwuen , Kim Yunhee , Won Kanghee , Kim Young , Hong Jong-Young , Song Hoon , Song Byonggwon , Kim Hong Suk , Hong Sunghoon
Published: January 2021

We will discuss optical architectures for holographic flat panel displays and present some of our approaches to implement the slim holographic display.
A facile method to control the refractive index of GeO2 based mixture oxides
Authors: Yang Le , Fazio Mariana , Schiettekatte François , Chicoine Martin , Vajente Gabriele , Ananyeva Alena , Billingsley GariLynn , Fejer Martin M , Menoni Carmen
Published: January 2021

The refractive index of GeO2 based mixture oxides can be straightforwardly varied by the addition of TiO2 or ZrO2 during deposition, while low optical absorption losses are maintained.
Unidimensional two-way continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Bian Yiming , Huang Luyu , Zhang Yichen , Yu Song
Published: January 2021

We report a unidimensional two-way continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol, which shows the potential of secure communication with simple modu-lation method in noisy situations.
Highly Sensitive Grapefruit Fiber-Based Multiplex Plasmonic Sensor
Authors: Haider Firoz , Aoni Rifat Ahmmed , Ahmed Rajib , Mahdiraji Ghafour Amouzad , Azman Mohd Fahmi
Published: January 2021

A grapefruit fiber-based mode-multiplex plasmonic sensor is proposed to detect three different analytes simultaneously and improve the detection accuracy. The proposed sensor exhibits the maximum wavelength sensitivity of 18,000 nm/RIU for y-polarized mode.
All-Fiber Wavefront Shaping by Transmission Matrix Engineering
Authors: Resisi Shachar , Popoff Sebastien M. , Bromberg Yaron
Published: January 2021

We present a new all-fiber wavefront shaping method by controlling the transmission matrix of a multimode fiber rather than the incident wavefront.
Shear Plate Interferometer for Complex Angular Momentum Field Generation
Authors: Kerridge-Johns William R. , Jaillot Jean-Benoît , Damzen Michael J.
Published: January 2021

We show that a shear plate interferometer can generate high purity complex angular momentum states and is simple, cheap, compact, and could operate in wavelength regions where optics for conventional techniques are not available.
Near-Diffraction- and Near-Dispersion-Free OAM Pulse Having a Controllable Group Velocity by Coherently Combining Different Bessel Beams Based on Space-Time Correlations
Authors: Pang Kai , Zou Kaiheng , Song Hao , Zhao Zhe , Minoofar Amir , Zhang Runzhou , Liu Cong , Song Haoqian , Zhou Huibin , Su Xinzhou , Hu Nanzhe , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: January 2021

We simulate the generation of a near-diffraction- and dispersion-free OAM pulses with arbitrary group velocities. As the pulse OAM order increases, the group velocity almost remains the same while the temporal pulse width becomes longer.
From picometer comb to picooptics
Authors: Zhou Changhe
Published: January 2021

Picometer comb is a picometer-differential twice exposed element of interference field, Experimental result of 200pm-differential twice exposed element has been fabricated. The picometer comb should be useful for developing picooptics in the future.
Calibration of a Static Stiffness Reference
Authors: Cripe Jonathan , Shaw Gordon
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate the calibration of a static stiffness reference by measuring the deflection of the sensor under the load of a calibrated mass. This method produces repeatable results and traceability to the kilogram.
Using Inverse Design to Design a Space-Compressing Optic
Authors: Pagé Jordan , Reshef Orad , Alhulaymi Ali H. , Boyd Robert W. , Lundeen Jeff S.
Published: January 2021

We use machine learning to design a multilayer spaceplate, a device that can mimic free propagation to replace space in an imaging system.
Interface of a deterministic single photons source with a 2D semiconductor microcavity: pushing polaritonic systems into the quantum regime
Authors: Suárez-Forero D. G. , Ardizzone V. , Pfeiffer L. N. , Rastelli A. , Sanvitto D.
Published: January 2021

By using the photons emitted from a GaAs quantum dot, we inject single hybrid light-matter particles into a 2D GaAs/AlGaAs microcavity-quantum well system, showing the viability of interface these complementary semiconductor photonic platforms.
Retrieving the Coherent Artifact with Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating
Authors: Escoto Esmerando , Jafari Rana , Trebino Rick , Steinmeyer Günter
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a novel algorithm for pulse recovery from FROG traces contaminated with coherent artifacts. It separately retrieves the fields corresponding to the coherent artifact and the average features of unstable pulses from a single trace.
Generation and measurement of isolated attosecond pulses with enhanced flux using a two colour synthesized laser field
Authors: Weaver Bruce , Greening Daniel , Pettipher Allan J. , Walke Daniel J. , Larsen Esben W. , Marangos Jonathan P. , Tisch. John W. G.
Published: January 2021

We have generated isolated attosecond pulses at 90 eV with enhanced flux and performed attosecond streaking using a two-colour synthesized laser field consisting of a near-infrared few-cycle pulse and a weaker multi-cycle pulse centred at 400 nm.
Measuring the quality of boson samplers in the sparse regime
Authors: Renema Jelmer J. , Wang Hui , Qin Jian , You Xiang , Lu Chaoyang , Pan Jianwei
Published: January 2021

We show a method for assessing the quality of photonic quantum interference (boson sampling) in the regime of fewer samples than outcomes. We present an error budget for a state of the art boson sampler.
Rapidly Reconfigurable Pulsed Higher Order Bessel Beams
Authors: Free J. , Morgan K. , Miller J. K. , Dai Kunjian , Watkins R. J. , Johnson E. G.
Published: January 2021

The HOBBIT system is used in conjunction with an acousto-optic deflector and pulsed optical source to generate nanosecond coherently coupled OAM beams with temporal phase control for rapidly changing profiles in excess of MHz frequencies.
Orbital Angular Momentum Detection System Utilizing a Single Detector Mapped to Space and Time
Authors: Dai Kunjian , Miller J. Keith , Watkins Richard J. , Johnson Eric G.
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a real-time OAM mode sorter based on a correlation based acoustooptic system with geometrical optical transforms to map the OAM spectrum in time using a single detector.
Magnetic Resonance Studies in Sodium D1 Fluorescence with Modulated CPT Light Fields
Authors: Tripathi Renu , Grewal Raghwinder , Pulido Mauricio , Pati Gour S.
Published: January 2021

We report on a new technique for generating magnetic resonances in sodium fluorescence from D1 manifold using coherent-population-trapping (CPT) with two resonant amplitude-modulated light fields.
A two-level Atom as a Macroscopic Scatterer for Ultraconfined 2D Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Rituraj  , Orenstein Meir , Fan Shanhui
Published: January 2021

We study the scattering of a single photon in the SPP mode by an atom in the regime where the photon wavelength becomes comparable to the atomic size. The spectral signatures are tunable and significantly differ from the usual Lorentzian response.
Frequency Comb Generation in a Deuterated-SiNx Micro-ring Resonator with Sidewall Bragg Gratings
Authors: Wu Zeru , Zeng Shihao , Chen Yujie , Zhang Yanfeng , Yu Siyuan
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate an 80-μm-radius deuterated silicon nitride Bragg grating microring resonator with intrinsic quality factor of >0.6 million, which enables us to generate modulation-instability (MI) frequency comb spanning over 200 nm.
Enhanced Nonlinearity in a Functionalized Whispering Gallery Mode Microcavity
Authors: Pampel Steven K. , Bae Kyuyoung , Horning Thomas M. , Zohrabi Mo , Grayson Michael , Park Wounjhang , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: January 2021

We report a ~3x increase in third-harmonic generation conversion efficiency using indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles on the surface of a silica microsphere. This establishes ITO-microresonators as a promising tool for applications in nonlinear optics.
Real Estate trifft auf Blockchain: Chancen und Herausforderungen der Tokenisierung von illiquiden Vermögenswerten
Authors: Markheim Marina , Berentsen Aleksander
Published: January 2021

Der vorliegende Artikel analysiert die Chancen und Herausforderungen der Tokenisierung von Immobilien. Zunächst werden die theoretischen Grundlagen (Blockchain und Smart Contracts) sowie die Vor- und Nachteile der Tokenisierung diskutiert. Die Umsetzung der Tokenisierung einer Immobilie wird anschließend anhand eines Praxisbeispiels veranschaulicht. Die Vorteile einer Tokenisierung liegen in dem sofortigen weltweiten Handel der Token rund um die Uhr, dem Eigentumsübertrag der Token in „real time“, der Standardisierung bei gleichzeitiger Flexibilität, der Transparenz und Sicherheit im Handel der Token. Zudem ist die technische Umsetzung der Tokenisierung einer Immobilie sehr einfach. Regulatorische Unsicherheiten beschränken jedoch zurzeit noch eine breite Anwendung der Technologie.
Investigating the mitochondrial genomic landscape of Arabidopsis thaliana by long-read sequencing
Authors: Masutani Bansho , Arimura Shin-ichi , Morishita Shinichi
Published: January 2021

Plant mitochondrial genomes have distinctive features compared to those of animals; namely, they are large and divergent, with sizes ranging from hundreds of thousands of to a few million bases. Recombination among repetitive regions is thought to produce similar structures that differ slightly, known as “multipartite structures,” which contribute to different phenotypes. Although many reference plant mitochondrial genomes represent almost all the genes in mitochondria, the full spectrum of their structures remains largely unknown. The emergence of long-read sequencing technology is expected to yield this landscape; however, many studies aimed to assemble only one representative circular genome, because properly understanding multipartite structures using existing assemblers is not feasible. To elucidate multipartite structures, we leveraged the information in existing reference genomes and classified long reads according to their corresponding structures. We developed a method that exploits two classic algorithms, partial order alignment (POA) and the hidden Markov model (HMM) to construct a sensitive read classifier. This method enables us to represent a set of reads as a POA graph and analyze it using the HMM. We can then calculate the likelihood of a read occurring in a given cluster, resulting in an iterative clustering algorithm. For synthetic data, our proposed method reliably detected one variation site out of 9,000-bp synthetic long reads with a 15% sequencing-error rate and produced accurate clustering. It was also capable of clustering long reads from six very similar sequences containing only slight differences. For real data, we assembled putative multipartite structures of mitochondrial genomes ofArabidopsis thalianafrom nine accessions sequenced using PacBio Sequel. The results indicated that there are recurrent and strain-specific structures inA. thalianamitochondrial genomes.
Evaluation of conventional and four real-time PCR methods for the detection of Leishmania on field-collected samples in Ethiopia
Authors: Merdekios Behailu , Pareyn Myrthe , Tadesse Dagimawie , Eligo Nigatu , Kassa Mekibib , Jacobs Bart K. M. , Leirs Herwig , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , van Griensven Johan , Caljon Guy , Cnops Lieselotte
Published: January 2021

In most low-resource settings, microscopy still is the standard method for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, despite its limited sensitivity. In Ethiopia, the more sensitive molecular methods are not yet routinely used. This study compared five PCR methods with microscopy on two sample types collected from patients with a suspected lesion to advise on optimal diagnosis of Leishmania aethiopica. Between May and July 2018, skin scrapings (SS) and blood exudate from the lesion spotted on filter paper (dry blood spot, DBS) were collected for PCR from 111 patients of four zones in Southern Ethiopia. DNA and RNA were simultaneously extracted from both sample types. DNA was evaluated by a conventional PCR targeting ITS-1 and three probe-based real-time PCRs: one targeting the SSU 18S rRNA and two targeting the kDNA minicircle sequence (the ‘Mary kDNA PCR’ and a newly designed ‘LC kDNA PCR’ for improved L. aethiopica detection). RNAs were tested with a SYBR Green-based RT-PCR targeting spliced leader (SL) RNA. Giemsa-stained SS smears were examined by microscopy. Of the 111 SS, 100 were positive with at least two methods. Sensitivity of microscopy, ITS PCR, SSU PCR, Mary kDNA PCR, LC kDNA PCR and SL RNA PCR were respectively 52%, 22%, 64%, 99%, 100% and 94%. Microscopy-based parasite load correlated well with real-time PCR Ct-values. Despite suboptimal sample storage for RNA detection, the SL RNA PCR resulted in congruent results with low Ct-values. DBS collected from the same lesion showed lower PCR positivity rates compared to SS. The kDNA PCRs showed excellent performance for diagnosis of L. aethiopica on SS. Lower-cost SL RNA detection can be a complementary high-throughput tool. DBS can be used for PCR in case microscopy is negative, the SS sample can be sent to the referral health facility where kDNA PCR method is available.
GABAergic neurons are susceptible to BAX-dependent apoptosis following isoflurane exposure in the neonatal period
Authors: Slupe Andrew M. , Villasana Laura , Wright Kevin M.
Published: January 2021

Exposure to volatile anesthetics during the neonatal period results in acute neuron death. Prior work suggests that apoptosis is the dominant mechanism mediating neuron death. We show thatBaxdeficiency blocks neuronal death following exposure to isoflurane during the neonatal period. Blocking Bax-mediated neuron death attenuated the neuroinflammatory response of microglia following isoflurane exposure. We find that GABAergic interneurons are disproportionately overrepresented among dying neurons. Despite the increase in neuronal apoptosis induced by isoflurane exposure during the neonatal period, seizure susceptibility, spatial memory retention, and contextual fear memory were unaffected later in life. However,Baxdeficiency alone led to mild deficiencies in spatial memory and contextual fear memory, suggesting that normal developmental apoptotic death is important for cognitive function. Collectively, these findings show that while GABAergic neurons in the neonatal brain undergo elevated Bax-dependent apoptotic cell death following exposure to isoflurane, this does not appear to have long-lasting consequences on overall neurological function later in life.
Isolation and characterization of lumpy skin disease virus from cattle in India
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Chander Yogesh , Kumar Ram , Khandelwal Nitin , Riyesh Thachamvally , Chaudhary Khushboo , Shanmugasundaram Karuppusamy , Kumar Sanjit , Kumar Anand , Gupta Madhurendu K. , Pal Yash , Barua Sanjay , Tripathi Bhupendra N.
Published: January 2021

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has devastating economic impact. During the last decade, LSD had spread to climatically new and previously disease-free countries, which also includes its recent emergence in the Indian subcontinent (2019). This study deals with the LSD outbreak(s) from cattle in Ranchi (India). Virus was isolated from the scabs (skin lesions) in the primary goat kidney cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequencing of LSD virus (LSDV) ORF011, ORF012 and ORF036 suggested that the isolated virus (LSDV/Bos taurus-tc/India/2019/Ranchi) is closely related to Kenyan LSDV strains. Further, we adapted the isolated virus in Vero cells. Infection of the isolated LSDV to Vero cells did not produce cytopathic effect (CPE) until the 4th blind passage, but upon adaptation, it produced high viral titres in the cultured cells. The kinetics of viral DNA synthesis and one-step growth curve analysis suggested that Vero cell-adapted LSDV initiates synthesizing its genome at ~24 hours post-infection (hpi) with a peak level at ~96 hpi whereas evidence of progeny virus particles was observed at 36–48 hours (h) with a peak titre at ~120 h. To the best of our knowledge, this study describes the first successful isolation of LSDV in India, besides providing insights into the life cycle Vero cell-adapted LSDV.
Behavioral structure of users in cryptocurrency market
Authors: Aspembitova Ayana T. , Feng Ling , Chew Lock Yue
Published: January 2021

Human behavior as they engaged in financial activities is intimately connected to the observed market dynamics. Despite many existing theories and studies on the fundamental motivations of the behavior of humans in financial systems, there is still limited empirical deduction of the behavioral compositions of the financial agents from a detailed market analysis. Blockchain technology has provided an avenue for the latter investigation with its voluminous data and its transparency of financial transactions. It has enabled us to perform empirical inference on the behavioral patterns of users in the market, which we explore in the bitcoin and ethereum cryptocurrency markets. In our study, we first determine various properties of the bitcoin and ethereum users by a temporal complex network analysis. After which, we develop methodology by combining k-means clustering and Support Vector Machines to derive behavioral types of users in the two cryptocurrency markets. Interestingly, we found four distinct strategies that are common in both markets: optimists, pessimists, positive traders and negative traders. The composition of user behavior is remarkably different between the bitcoin and ethereum market during periods of local price fluctuations and large systemic events. We observe that bitcoin (ethereum) users tend to take a short-term (long-term) view of the market during the local events. For the large systemic events, ethereum (bitcoin) users are found to consistently display a greater sense of pessimism (optimism) towards the future of the market.
Full length genomic sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Nigeria
Authors: Shaibu Joseph Ojonugwa , Onwuamah Chika K. , James Ayorinde Babatunde , Okwuraiwe Azuka Patrick , Amoo Olufemi Samuel , Salu Olumuyiwa B. , Ige Fehintola A. , Liboro Gideon , Odewale Ebenezer , Okoli Leona Chika , Ahmed Rahaman A. , Achanya Dominic , Adesesan Adesegun , Amuda Oyewunmi Abosede , Sokei Judith , Oyefolu Bola A. O. , Salako Babatunde Lawal , Omilabu Sunday Aremu , Audu Rosemary Ajuma
Published: January 2021

In an outbreak, effective detection of the aetiological agent(s) involved using molecular techniques is key to efficient diagnosis, early prevention and management of the spread. However, sequencing is necessary for mutation monitoring and tracking of clusters of transmission, development of diagnostics and for vaccines and drug development. Many sequencing methods are fast evolving to reduce test turn-around-time and to increase through-put compared to Sanger sequencing method; however, Sanger sequencing remains the gold standard for clinical research sequencing with its 99.99% accuracy This study sought to generate sequence data of SARS-CoV-2 using Sanger sequencing method and to characterize them for possible site(s) of mutations. About 30 pairs of primers were designed, synthesized, and optimized using endpoint PCR to generate amplicons for the full length of the virus. Cycle sequencing using BigDye Terminator v.3.1 and capillary gel electrophoresis on ABI 3130xl genetic analyser were performed according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The sequence data generated were assembled and analysed for variations using DNASTAR Lasergene 17 SeqMan Ultra. Total length of 29,760bp of SARS-CoV-2 was assembled from the sample analysed and deposited in GenBank with accession number: MT576584. Blast result of the sequence assembly shows a 99.97% identity with the reference sequence. Variations were noticed at positions: nt201, nt2997, nt14368, nt16535, nt20334, and nt28841-28843, which caused amino acid alterations at the S (aa614) and N (aa203-204) regions. The mutations observed at S and N-gene in this study may be indicative of a gradual changes in the genetic coding of the virus hence, the need for active surveillance of the viral genome.
Modeling Emergency Department crowding: Restoring the balance between demand for and supply of emergency medicine
Authors: Ansah John Pastor , Ahmad Salman , Lee Lin Hui , Shen Yuzeng , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Matchar David Bruce , Schoenenberger Lukas
Published: January 2021

Emergency Departments (EDs) worldwide are confronted with rising patient volumes causing significant strains on both Emergency Medicine and entire healthcare systems. Consequently, many EDs are in a situation where the number of patients in the ED is temporarily beyond the capacity for which the ED is designed and resourced to manage―a phenomenon called Emergency Department (ED) crowding. ED crowding can impair the quality of care delivered to patients and lead to longer patient waiting times for ED doctor’s consult (time to provider) and admission to the hospital ward. In Singapore, total ED attendance at public hospitals has grown significantly, that is, roughly 5.57% per year between 2005 and 2016 and, therefore, emergency physicians have to cope with patient volumes above the safe workload. The purpose of this study is to create a virtual ED that closely maps the processes of a hospital-based ED in Singapore using system dynamics, that is, a computer simulation method, in order to visualize, simulate, and improve patient flows within the ED. Based on the simulation model (virtual ED), we analyze four policies: (i) co-location of primary care services within the ED, (ii) increase in the capacity of doctors, (iii) a more efficient patient transfer to inpatient hospital wards, and (iv) a combination of policies (i) to (iii). Among the tested policies, the co-location of primary care services has the largest impact on patients’ average length of stay (ALOS) in the ED. This implies that decanting non-emergency lower acuity patients from the ED to an adjacent primary care clinic significantly relieves the burden on ED operations. Generally, in Singapore, there is a tendency to strengthen primary care and to educate patients to see their general practitioners first in case of non-life threatening, acute illness.
Revising transcriptome assemblies with phylogenetic information
Authors: Guang August , Howison Mark , Zapata Felipe , Lawrence Charles , Dunn Casey W.
Published: January 2021

A common transcriptome assembly error is to mistake different transcripts of the same gene as transcripts from multiple closely related genes. This error is difficult to identify during assembly, but in a phylogenetic analysis such errors can be diagnosed from gene phylogenies where they appear as clades of tips from the same species with improbably short branch lengths.treeinformis a method that uses phylogenetic information across species to refine transcriptome assemblies within species. It identifies transcripts of the same gene that were incorrectly assigned to multiple genes and reassign them as transcripts of the same gene. Thetreeinformmethod is implemented in Agalma, available athttps://bitbucket.org/caseywdunn/agalma, and the general approach is relevant in a variety of other contexts.
How do city-specific factors affect migrant integration in China? A study based on a hierarchical linear model of migrants and cities
Authors: Zheng Rumin , Mei Lin , Guo Yanhua , Zhen Shuo , Fu Zhanhui
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies indicate that migrant integration is associated with migrants’ characteristics as well as restrictions and opportunities in receiving cities. However, the effect of receiving cities and the relationship between migrants and receiving cities have not been fully explored due to the lack of large samples from cities. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of receiving cities alone and their regulating role in the interaction with individual characteristics.

Methods

Cross-city data on 154,044 Chinese domestic migrants above 15 years old in 289 cities from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey are used. Migrant integration is assessed by a four-dimensional model proposed by Esser, which is slightly adjusted according to the characteristics of Chinese migrants. A hierarchical linear model is used to measure the proportion of effects of city factors in migrant integration as well as the effects when city factors are considered alone and in interaction with individual factors.

Results

The individual-level and city-level factors are responsible for 69.81% and 30.19% of the effect on migrant integration, respectively. City political factors do not affect migrant integration directly, and cities with larger sizes and higher wages can directly and significantly improve integration, while higher housing prices will directly inhibit integration. From the cross-level interaction of city and individual, different social, economic and political factors at the city level have an indirect impact on migrant integration by inhibiting or strengthening the effect of individual-level factors on migrant integration.

Conclusion

This study is one of the first to show the effect of cities and the relationship between receiving cities and migrants on migrant integration by keeping the national context constant. It is necessary to weaken the social and economic privileges associated with a city’s administrative level and reduce the negative impact of cities’ social and economic conditions by implementing city agglomeration, developing advantageous industries and optimizing the industrial structure. It is also essential to improve migrants’ socioeconomic capital through social support, occupation training and contiguous education.
The contributions of focused attention and open monitoring in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for affective disturbances: A 3-armed randomized dismantling trial
Authors: Cullen Brendan , Eichel Kristina , Lindahl Jared R. , Rahrig Hadley , Kini Nisha , Flahive Julie , Britton Willoughby B.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) includes a combination of focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM) meditation practices. The aim of this study was to assess both short- and long-term between- and within-group differences in affective disturbance among FA, OM and their combination (MBCT) in the context of a randomized controlled trial.

Method

One hundred and four participants with mild to severe depression and anxiety were randomized into one of three 8-week interventions: MBCT (n = 32), FA (n = 36) and OM (n = 36). Outcome measures included the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Mixed effects regression models were used to assess differential treatment effects during treatment, post-treatment (8 weeks) and long-term (20 weeks). The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used to translate statistical findings into clinically meaningful improvements or deteriorations.

Results

All treatments demonstrated medium to large improvements (ds= 0.42–1.65) for almost all outcomes. While all treatments were largely comparable in their effects at post-treatment (week 8), the treatments showed meaningful differences in rapidity of response and pattern of deteriorations. FA showed the fastest rate of improvement and the fewest deteriorations on stress, anxiety and depression during treatment, but a loss of treatment-related gains and lasting deteriorations in depression at week 20. OM showed the slowest rate of improvement and lost treatment-related gains for anxiety, resulting in higher anxiety in OM at week 20 than MBCT (d= 0.40) and FA (d= 0.36), though these differences did not reach statistical significance after correcting for multiple comparisons (p’s= .06). MBCT and OM showed deteriorations in stress, anxiety and depression at multiple timepoints during treatment, with lasting deteriorations in stress and depression. MBCT showed the most favorable pattern for long-term treatment of depression.

Conclusions

FA, OM and MBCT show different patterns of response for different dimensions of affective disturbance.

Trial registration

This trial is registered at (vNCT01831362);www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Platelets express adaptor proteins of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and can activate caspase-8
Authors: Goelz Nadine , Eekels Julia J. M. , Pantic Milica , Kamber Christoph T. , Speer Oliver , Franzoso Francesca D. , Schmugge Markus
Published: January 2021

Background

Apoptotic pathways in platelets are important for their survival and function. Platelet apoptosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune-mediated disease. In contrast to the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, not much is known about the extrinsic pathway mechanisms in platelets.

Objectives

To investigate the expression of proteins involved in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, including the death receptors, adaptor and regulator proteins in human platelets. To determine a possible trigger of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in platelets.

Methods

To investigate the expression of key markers of the extrinsic pathway we used targeted immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays. To study their expression and interaction we performed Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation. Treated platelets with different apoptosis triggers were subjected to flow cytometry.

Results

We could identify the protein expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins TRADD (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor type 1- Associated DEATH Domain protein), TRAF2/5, (TNF Associated Factor) and DEDAF (Death Effector Domain- Associated Factor), FADD (Fas-Associated protein with death domain) as well as the anti-apoptotic proteins DJ-1 (Deglycase 1) and c-FLIP in human platelets. ABT-737 treatment induced a disruption in the co-localization of DJ-1 with FADD. Platelets treated with ABT-737 showed an activation in caspase-3 and -8. The exposure to TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), FasL (Fas ligand), and TWEAK or to plasma derived from ITP patients, did not lead to changes in caspase-3 and -8 activation in platelets.

Conclusions

Human platelets express some proteins of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway which can be modulated only by ABT-737 treatment. However so far, no other apoptosis trigger or interaction with an external receptor have been yet identified.
Promoting older women’s mental health: Insights from Baby Boomers
Authors: Kirkman Maggie , Fisher Jane
Published: January 2021

Optimal mental health underpins full social participation. As people age, they confront personal and cultural challenges, the effects of which on mental health are not fully understood. The aim of this research was to learn from women of the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) what contributes to and hinders their mental health and wellbeing. Eighteen women participated in qualitative interviews (in English); data were analysed thematically. Participants were located across Australia in rural and urban areas; not all were born in Australia. They were diverse in education, employment status, and experiences of life and ageing. The women nominated as the main contributors to poor mental health in older women Illness and disability, Financial insecurity, Maltreatment, and Loss and grief. Contributors to good mental health were identified as Social interdependence, Feeling valued, Physical activity, Good nutrition, and Having faith or belief. Women’s accounts supplied other influences on mental health, both associated with the person (Personality and Intimate relationships and sex) and with society (Constructs of ageing, Gender, and Culture). Women also specified what they needed from others in order to improve their mental health as they aged: Public education about ageing, Purposeful roles for older women in society, Adequate services and resources, and Sensitive health care. In sum, older women wanted to be treated with respect and for their lives to have meaning. It is evident from these results that circumstances throughout life can have profound influences on women’s mental health in older age. Anti-discriminatory policies, informed and inclusive health care, and social structures that support and enhance the lives of girls and women at all ages will therefore benefit older women and increase the potential for their continuing contribution to society. These conclusions have implications for policy and practice in well-resourced countries.
Effect of intra-articular dexmedetomidine on experimental osteoarthritis in rats
Authors: Gomes Lyvia Maria Rodrigues de Sousa , Czeczko Nicolau Gregori , Araújo Rayanne Luiza Tajra Mualem , Cartagenes Maria do Socorro de Sousa , Barbosa Neto José Osvaldo , Garcia João Batista Santos
Published: January 2021

Pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis is still inadequate due to the low efficacy of the drugs used. Dexmedetomidine via the intra-articular (i.a.) route might be an option for the treatment of osteoarthritis-associated pain. The present study assessed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of dexmedetomidine administered via the i.a. route in different doses in an experimental model of rat knee osteoarthritis induced with monosodium iodoacetate. Rats were allocated to four groups with 24 animals in each group. The OA (osteoarthritis), DEX-1 (dexmedetomidine in dose of 1μg/kg) and DEX-3 (dexmedetomidine in dose of 3μg/kg) groups were subjected to induction of osteoarthritis through injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) via the i.a. route on the right knee; the control group was not subjected to osteoarthritis induction. Clinical assessment was performed on day 0 (before osteoarthritis induction) and then on days 5, 10, 14, 21 and 28 after induction. Treatment was performed on day 7 via the i.a. route, consisting of dexmedetomidine in doses of 1 and 3 μg/kg, while group OA received 0.9% normal saline. The animals were euthanized on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Samples of the synovial membrane were collected for histopathological analysis, and the popliteal lymph nodes were collected for measurement of cytokines (interleukin [IL] IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]). Dexmedetomidine (1 and 3 μg/kg) significantly reduced the animals’ weight distribution deficit during the chronic-degenerative stage of osteoarthritis and improved the pain threshold throughout the entire experiment. Histological analysis showed that dexmedetomidine did not cause any additional damage to the synovial membrane. The TNF-α levels decreased significantly in the DEX-3 group on day 28 compared with the OA group. Dexmedetomidine reduced pain, as evidenced by clinical parameters of osteoarthritis in rats, but did not have an anti-inflammatory effect on histological evaluation.
Religiosity, neutrality, fairness, skepticism, and societal tranquility: A data science analysis of the World Values Survey
Authors: Allison Leigh , Wang Chun , Kaminsky Jessica
Published: January 2021

Quantitative models of social differences have not only made major contributions to the fields of cross-cultural anthropology, psychology and sociology, but also have allowed for interdisciplinary studies that bring together engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. In this study, the authors use a data science approach to discover a set of quantitative social dimensions based on the World Values Survey, a nationally representative survey covering 60 countries and 90,000 individuals. Five national social dimensions, representing 198 questions and 56 countries are discovered using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). They are (1) Religiosity, (2) Neutrality, (3) Fairness, (4) Skepticism, and (5) Societal Tranquility. This approach is unique from previous quantitative models because it groups responses by country and analyzes binary, nominal, and ordinal survey questions. It is possible today due to recent advancements in computing power and programming. Furthermore, this methodology tests the validity of previous quantitative dimensions and finds that some of the existing social and cultural dimensions are not clearly discernable. Therefore, this model provides not only more a rigorous methodology but also new social dimensions which more accurately quantify underlying differences across countries in the World Values Survey. Like other quantitative cross-cultural models, this model is a deeply simplified representation of national social differences. However, it is a useful tool for modeling national differences and can be used to help us understand the impacts of social preferences and values on different political, economic, and development variables.
Profile of risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in a highly urbanized district of India: Findings from Puducherry district-wide STEPS Survey, 2019–20
Authors: Sivanantham Parthibane , Sahoo Jayaprakash , Lakshminarayanan Subitha , Bobby Zachariah , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Rapid urbanization and industrialization drives the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide that are characterized by uptake of unhealthy lifestyle such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. In India, the prevalence of various NCDs and its risk factors shows wide variations across geographic regions necessitating region-specific evidence for population-based prevention and control of NCDs.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs among adult population (18–69 years) in the Puducherry district located in Southern part of India.

Methodology

We surveyed adults using the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed STEPwise approach to NCD surveillance (STEPS) during February 2019 to February 2020. A total of 2560 individuals were selected from urban and rural areas (50 clusters in each) through multi-stage cluster random sampling method. STEPS instrument was used to assess behavioral and physical measurements. Fasting blood sample was collected to estimate biochemical risk factors (Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia) of NCDs.

Results

Among men, alcohol use 40.4% (95% CI: 37.4–43.4) was almost twice higher compared to tobacco use 24.4% (95% CI: 21.7–26.9). Nearly half of the population was physically inactive 45.8% (95% CI: 43.8–47.8) and obese 46.1% (95% CI: 44–48.1). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were present among one-third 33.6% (95% CI: 31.6–35.5) and one-fourth 26.7% (95% CI: 24.1–29.1) of the population which were significantly higher among men (37.1% vs 30.8% and 31.6% vs 23.2% respectively). Physical inactivity and overweight/obesity increased with increasing education levels. Tobacco and alcohol use was more common among men, whereas physical inactivity with obesity and hypercholesterolemia was higher among women.

Conclusion

We found high prevalence of various NCDs and its risk factors among the adult population of Puducherry district.
Selecting models for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration for irrigation scheduling purposes
Authors: Ferreira Lucas Borges , da Cunha Fernando França , Zanetti Sidney Sara
Published: January 2021

Alternative models for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) are typically assessed using traditional error metrics, such as root mean square error (RMSE), which may not be sufficient to select the best model for irrigation scheduling purposes. Thus, this study analyzes the performance of the original and calibrated Hargreaves-Samani (HS), Romanenko (ROM) and Jensen-Haise (JH) equations, initially assessed using traditional error metrics, for use in irrigation scheduling, considering the simulation of different irrigation intervals/time scales. Irrigation scheduling was simulated using meteorological data collected in Viçosa-MG and Mocambinho-MG, Brazil. The Penman-Monteith FAO-56 equation was used as benchmark. In general, the original equations did not perform well to estimate ETo, except the ROM and HS equations used at Viçosa and Mocambinho, respectively. Calibration and the increase in the time scale provided performance gains. When applied in irrigation scheduling, the calibrated HS and JH equations showed the best performances. Even with greater errors in estimating ETo, the calibrated HS equation performed similarly or better than the calibrated JH equation, as it had errors with greater potential to be canceled during the soil water balance. Finally, in addition to using error metrics, the performance of the models throughout the year should be considered in their assessment. Furthermore, simulating the application of ETo models in irrigation scheduling can provide valuable information for choosing the most suitable model.
Efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A on the lipid layer and meibomian glands after cataract surgery: A randomized, double-masked study
Authors: Kang Min Seung , Shin Jonghoon , Kwon Jeong Min , Huh Jin , Lee Ji Eun
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To quantitatively evaluate the effects of 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) on lipid layer thickness (LLT) and meibomian glands after cataract surgery using the LipiView® ocular surface interferometer.

Methods

This study was a prospective randomized double-masked clinical trial conducted by Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between April 04, 2019, and November 31, 2019. Sixty-two participants were recruited, and 12 of them were not enrolled because they had undergone previous treatments for ocular surface diseases. The participants were adult patients with cataract, exhibiting normal lid position; they did not present any other ocular disease and did not meet the exclusion criteria of the clinical trial. Fifty subjects were enrolled in the study. The randomized subjects received treatment with 0.05% CsA (group A) or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (group B) over the 3 months following the cataract surgery. Subjective and objective assessments were performed at preoperative and postoperative visits. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer’s I test were performed by the same surgeon, and LLT and meiboscore were determined using the LipiView® interferometer.

Results

Fifty subjects subjects enrolled consisted of men (50%) and women (50%), with a mean (SD) age of 65.94 (10.35) years. Four subjects in group A and five in group B were excluded from the analysis as they were lost to follow-up within 1 month after cataract surgery. Thus, the study comprised 41 eyes of 41 subjects; 21 subjects were treated with CsA and 20 subjects with CMC. Comparing the clinical measurements between groups A and B taken at the last visit, while controlling the effects of the preoperative values, TBUT and LLT showed significant differences (p = 0.035 and p = 0.047, respectively, by ANCOVA). The TBUT between the subjects using CsA and those using CMC after cataract surgery showed a significant difference during follow up (p = 0.003 by repeated measures ANOVA). In the multivariate analysis, preoperative LLT and the use of CsA were found to be independent parameters for postoperative LLT (R2 = 0.303; p = 0.008 and p = 0.045, respectively), whereas the follow-up duration exhibited a positive correlation with the difference between the preoperative and postoperative values of LLT in the group treated with CsA (R2 = 0.738 and p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment with 0.05% CsA following cataract surgery is effective in improving TBUT and LLT in comparison with 0.5% CMC. A higher preoperative value of LLT and the postoperative use of CsA could be significant determinants of a higher postoperative LLT value.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry with ISRCTN 10173448.
The geographical maldistribution of obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Kunichika , Seto Kanako , Hayata Eijiro , Fujita Shigeru , Hatakeyama Yosuke , Onishi Ryo , Hasegawa Tomonori
Published: January 2021

Background

In Japan, there is a large geographical maldistribution of obstetricians/gynecologists, with a high proportion of females. This study seeks to clarify how the increase in the proportion of female physicians affects the geographical maldistribution of obstetrics/gynecologists.

Methods

Governmental data of the Survey of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists between 1996 and 2016 were used. The Gini coefficient was used to measure the geographical maldistribution. We divided obstetricians/gynecologists into four groups based on age and gender: males under 40 years, females under 40 years, males aged 40 years and above, and females aged 40 years and above, and the time trend of the maldistribution and contribution of each group was evaluated.

Results

The maldistribution of obstetricians/gynecologists was found to be worse during the study period, with the Gini coefficient exceeding 0.400 in 2016. The contribution ratios of female physicians to the deterioration of geographical maldistribution have been increasing for those under 40 years and those aged 40 years and above. However, there was a continuous decrease in the Gini coefficient of the two groups.

Conclusions

The increase in the contribution ratio of the female physician groups to the Gini coefficient in obstetrics/gynecology may be due to the increased weight of these groups. The Gini coefficients of the female groups were also found to be on a decline. Although this may be because the working environment for female physicians improved or more female physicians established their practice in previously underserved areas, such a notion needs to be investigated in a follow-up study.
Host-specific functional compartmentalization within the oligopeptide transporter during the Borrelia burgdorferi enzootic cycle
Authors: Groshong Ashley M. , McLain Melissa A. , Radolf Justin D.
Published: January 2021

Borrelia burgdorferimust acquire all of its amino acids (AAs) from its arthropod vector and vertebrate host. Previously, we determined that peptide uptake via the oligopeptide (Opp) ABC transporter is essential for spirochete viabilityin vitroand during infection. Our prior study also suggested thatB.burgdorferiemploys temporal regulation in concert with structural variation of oligopeptide-binding proteins (OppAs) to meet its AA requirements in each biological niche. Herein, we evaluated the contributions to theB.burgdorferienzootic cycle of three of the spirochete’s five OppAs (OppA1, OppA2, and OppA5). AnoppA1transposon (tn) mutant lysed in the hyperosmolar environment of the feeding tick, suggesting that OppA1 imports amino acids required for osmoprotection. TheoppA2tnmutant displayed a profound defect in hematogenous dissemination in mice, yet persisted within skin while inducing only a minimal antibody response. These results, along with slightly decreased growth of theoppA2tnmutant within DMCs, suggest that OppA2 serves a minor nutritive role, while its dissemination defect points to an as yet uncharacterized signaling function. Previously, we identified a role for OppA5 in spirochete persistence within the mammalian host. We now show that theoppA5tnmutant displayed no defect during the tick phase of the cycle and could be tick-transmitted to naïve mice. Instead of working in tandem, however, OppA2 and OppA5 appear to function in a hierarchical manner; the ability of OppA5 to promote persistence relies upon the ability of OppA2 to facilitate dissemination. Structural homology models demonstrated variations within the binding pockets of OppA1, 2, and 5 indicative of different peptide repertoires. Rather than being redundant,B.burgdorferi’s multiplicity of Opp binding proteins enables host-specific functional compartmentalization during the spirochete lifecycle.