bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals PDGFRα+ stromal cell subpopulations that promote proacinar cell differentiation in embryonic salivary gland organoids
Authors: Moskwa Nicholas , Mahmood Ayma , Nelson Deirdre A. , Altrieth Amber L. , Forni Paolo E. , Larsen Melinda
Published: February 2022

Stromal cells can direct the differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells during organ development. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for submandibular salivary gland development. Through stromal fibroblast cells, FGF2 can indirectly regulate proacinar cell differentiation in organoids, but the mechanisms are not understood. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing and identified multiple stromal cell subsets, including Pdgfra+ stromal subsets expressing both Fgf2 and Fgf10. When combined with epithelial progenitor cells in organoids, magnetic-activated cell-sorted PDGFRα+ cells promoted proacinar cell differentiation similarly to total stroma. Gene expression analysis revealed that FGF2 increased the expression of multiple stromal genes, including Bmp2 and Bmp7. Both BMP2 and BMP7 synergized with FGF2, stimulating proacinar cell differentiation but not branching. However, stromal cells grown without FGF2 did not support proacinar organoid differentiation and instead differentiated into myofibroblasts. In organoids, TGFβ1 treatment stimulated myofibroblast differentiation and inhibited the proacinar cell differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells. Conversely, FGF2 reversed the effects of TGFβ1. We also demonstrated that adult salivary stromal cells were FGF2 responsive and could promote proacinar cell differentiation. These FGF2 signaling pathways may have applications in future regenerative therapies.
Requirement of phosphatidic acid binding for distribution of the bacterial protein Lpg1137 targeting syntaxin 17
Authors: Murata Misaki , Kanamori Riku , Kitao Tomoe , Kubori Tomoko , Nagai Hiroki , Tagaya Mitsuo , Arasaki Kohei
Published: February 2022

The gram-negative bacterium, Legionella pneumophila is known to manipulate the host cellular functions. L. pneumophila secretes bacterial proteins called Legionella effectors into the host cytosol that are necessary for these manipulations. The Legionella effector Lpg1137 was identified as a serine protease responsible for the degradation of syntaxin 17 (Stx17). However, how Lpg1137 specifically recognizes and degrades Stx17 remained unknown. Given that Stx17 is localized in the ER, mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), and mitochondria, Lpg1137 likely distributes to these compartments to recognize Stx17. Here, we show that the C-terminal region of Lpg1137 binds to phosphatidic acid (PA), a MAM and mitochondria-enriched phospholipid, and that this binding is required for the correct intracellular distribution of Lpg1137. Two basic residues in the C-terminal region of Lpg1137 are required for PA binding and their mutation causes mislocalization of Lpg1137. This mutant also fails to degrade Stx17 while retaining protease activity. Taken together, our data reveal that Lpg1137 utilizes PA for its distribution to the membranous compartments in which Stx17 is localized.
Colour vision in stomatopod crustaceans: more questions than answers
Authors: Streets Amy , England Hayley , Marshall Justin
Published: February 2022

Stomatopod crustaceans, or mantis shrimps, are known for their extensive range of spectral sensitivity but relatively poor spectral discrimination. Instead of the colour-opponent mechanism of other colour vision systems, the 12 narrow-band colour channels they possess may underlie a different method of colour processing. We investigated one hypothesis in which the photoreceptors are proposed to act as individual wave-band detectors, interpreting colour as a parallel pattern of photoreceptor activation, rather than a ratiometric comparison of individual signals. This different form of colour detection has been used to explain previous behavioural tests in which low-saturation blue was not discriminated from grey, potentially because of similar activation patterns. Results here, however, indicate that the stomatopod Haptosquilla trispinosa was able to easily distinguish several colours, including blue of both high and low saturation, from greys. The animals did show a decrease in performance over time in an artificially lit environment, indicating plasticity in colour discrimination ability. This rapid plasticity, most likely the result of a change in opsin (visual pigment) expression, has now been noted in several animal lineages (both invertebrate and vertebrate) and is a factor we suggest needs attention and potential re-examination in any colour-based behavioural tests. As for stomatopods, it remains unclear why they achieve poor colour discrimination using the most comprehensive set of spectral sensitivities in the animal kingdom and also what form of colour processing they may utilise.
Ανίχνευση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης σε οστεοσαρκώματα και συσχέτιση με τα βιολογικά χαρακτηριστικά αυτών
Authors: Ιωάννου Μάρκος
Published: February 2022

Εισαγωγή: Η μέγιστη επίπτωση του οστεοσαρκώματος με την φάση ταχείας σκελετικής ανάπτυξης και η ανάπτυξη του στις περιοχές των οστών που αναπτύσσονται σε μήκος και πάχος, οδηγούν στην υποψία ότι παράγοντες που σχετίζονται με την φάση ταχείας οστικής ανάπτυξης μπορεί να εμπλέκονται στην παθογένεια του οστεοσαρκώματος. Επίσης είναι γνωστή πιθανή συσχέτιση της χορήγησης αυξητικής ορμόνης για θεραπευτικούς σκοπούς με υψηλή επίπτωση οστεοσαρκώματος. Έτσι, είναι εύλογος ο συλλογισμός, ότι στο ανθρώπινο οστεοσάρκωμα μπορεί να εκφράζονται υποδοχείς αυξητικής ορμόνης. Η ανεύρεση τέτοιων υποδοχέων μπορεί να έχει προγνωστική, ερευνητική και θεραπευτική χρησιμότητα. Σκοπός: Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η ανίχνευση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης σε ανθρώπινο οστεοσάρκωμα και η συσχέτιση των πιθανών ευρημάτων με την βιολογική συμπεριφορά του όγκου.Υλικό και Μέθοδος: Έγινε ανοσοϊστοχημική ανάλυση (Polyclonal Rabbit Anti-Human SST, Dako®, Denmark) για ανίχνευση τυχόν υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης επί των υπαρχόντων ιστολογικών παρασκευασμάτων 32 περιπτώσεων οστεοσαρκώματος που νοσηλεύτηκαν μεταξύ 1997 έως 2011. Ο ελάχιστος χρόνο παρακολούθησης ήταν τα 7 έτη. Καταγράφηκαν οι θάνατοι εκ νόσου, η συνολική επιβίωση, η επιβίωση χωρίς ένδειξη νόσου, η εμφάνιση τοπικής υποτροπής και πνευμονικών μεταστάσεων. Ο σχετικός κίνδυνο θανάτου στην 5ετία συγκρίθηκε μεταξύ των ομάδων με ή χωρίς έκφραση υποδοχέων και αναλύθηκε στατιστικά με STATA/SE15.1 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA).Αποτελέσματα: Ανιχνεύτηκαν 5 περιπτώσεις οστεοσαρκωμάτων με έκφραση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης. Η συνολική 5ετής επιβίωση των περιπτώσεων αυτών ήταν 0% σε σύγκριση με 74% των περιπτώσεων χωρίς έκφραση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης. Ο σχετικός κίνδυνος θανάτου στην 5ετία υπολογίστηκε σημαντικά αυξημένος κατά 3,86 95% CI (2,04/7,30) στην ομάδα έκφρασης υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης.Συμπεράσματα: Σε αυτή τη μελέτη εντοπίσαμε υποδοχείς αυξητικής ορμόνης σε ανθρώπινα οστεοσαρκώματα. Το εύρημα αυτό βοηθά στην κατανόηση της παθογένεσης του όγκου και στην αποκρυπτογράφηση της μοριακής του δομής. Η ανίχνευση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης σε οστεοσαρκώματα φαίνεται να έχει προγνωστική αξία, πιθανολογώντας μια επιθετική βιολογική συμπεριφορά του όγκου. Ο σχετικός κίνδυνος θανάτου στην 5ετία σε περιστατικά με έκφραση τέτοιων υποδοχέων υπολογίστηκε 3,86 φορές υψηλότερος σε σύγκριση με περιστατικά χωρίς έκφραση υποδοχέων αυξητικής ορμόνης. Το εύρημα αυτό πιθανώς να έχει μελλοντική θεραπευτική αξία.
Σύνθεση χαρακτηρισμός και μελέτη ιδιοτήτων νέων μεταλλο-οργανικών κατασκευών που βασίζονται σε μεταλλο-υποκαταστάτες
Authors: Μουτζούρης Νικόλαος
Published: February 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στη σύνθεση νέων Μεταλλο-Οργανικών Κατασκευών (Metal-Organic Frameworks, MOFs) που βασίζονται σε μεταλλο-υποκαταστάτες, τον χαρακτηρισμό τους και τη μελέτη των ιδιοτήτων τους.Η σύνθεση των νέων αυτών υλικών βασίζεται σε δύο νέους οργανικούς υποκαταστάτες, τους: H6L1 και H6L2. Με βάση αυτούς τους δύο οργανικούς υποκαταστάτες συντέθηκαν 6 νέοι μεταλλο-υποκαταστάτες κατάλληλοι για τη σύνθεση νέων MOFs. Χρησιμοποιώντας αυτούς τους μεταλλο-υποκαταστάτες με διάφορα μεταλλικά ιόντα καταφέραμε να απομονώσουμε 18 νέα προϊόντα, 4 εκ των οποίων προέρχονται από την αντίδραση των μεταλλο-υποκαταστατών με 3d ιόντα του περιοδικού πίνακα, 2 από την αντίδραση των μεταλλο-υποκαταστατών με ιόντα των αλκαλικών γαιών και 13 από την αντίδραση των μεταλλο-υποκαταστατών με ιόντα των λανθανιδίων. Όλα τα παραπάνω προϊόντα έχουν χαρακτηριστεί πλήρως με φασματοσκοπία υπερύθρου και κρυσταλλογραφικές μεθόδους, όπως κρυσταλλογραφία ακτίνων Χ επί μονοκρυστάλλου και επί κόνεως.Στα προϊόντα που έφεραν περισσότερα από ένα παραμαγνητικά ιόντα έγινε μελέτη των μαγνητικών τους ιδιοτήτων. Στα περισσότερα από αυτά επικρατούν αντισιδηρομαγνητικές αλληλεπιδράσεις, εκτός των ενώσεων που αποτελούνται από ιόντα Gd3+ και Dy3+ επικρατούν σιδηρομαγνητικές αλληλεπιδράσεις. Ειδικά για την ένωση του Dy3+, βρέθηκε ότι μπορεί να έχει χαρακτήρα μαγνήτη μοναδικού μορίου, καθώς εμφανίζει ισχυρό φαινόμενο σήραγγος της μαγνήτισης.
Nothing to Cheer About: Endorsing Imaginary Economic Evaluations and Value Claims with CHEERS 22
Authors: Langley Paul
Published: February 2022

One of the more unfortunate features of health technology assessment is the tenacity with which leaders in the field and organizations such as the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) cling to an evaluation framework that fails to meet the standards of normal science. Believers subscribe to a meme that is clearly non-science (metaphysics and pseudoscience) and one that should have been discarded over 30 years ago. Certainly, subscribing to an impossible belief is not unusual; indeed it may make the belief that much stronger. Yet the meme is non-sustainable; it is also pointless as the economic evaluation claims are non-evaluable. There is no acknowledgement of the standards of normal science or the limitations imposed by the axioms of fundamental measurement. The purpose of this commentary is to make the case that the recent release of the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 (CHEERS 22) checklist is misleading; CHEERS 22 fails to address the manifest deficiencies in the approach to economic evaluations endorsed by ISPOR and ICER. Instead, it continues to promote economic evaluations in healthcare that invent evidence and non-empirically evaluable value claims. Given the widespread publicity that has accompanied the release of CHEERS 22, the purpose of this commentary is to detail the deficiencies in CHEERS 22 and propose an alternative framework for economic evaluation in health care to meet the information needs of formulary committees. This means abandoning the standards for economic evaluations that have dominated health technology assessment for 30 years, notably the key role assigned to the mathematically impossible quality adjusted life year (QALY). The proposed new start recommends single attribute evaluable value claims that meet ratio or interval measurement standards and are supported by evaluation protocols.
Case Report: High-grade anterior prostate cancer previously undetected by transrectal biopsy, diagnosed with MRI-US fusion transperineal robotic prostate biopsy
Authors: Harsanto Andrian , Satjakoesoemah Adistra Imam , Sumardi Rochani , Matondang Sahat B.R.E , Saraswati Meilania
Published: February 2022

Seventy percent of anterior prostate cancer cases are diagnosed during rebiopsy. MRI-US fusion transperineal robotic prostate biopsy is an emerging diagnostic method and might be an effective one in diagnosing prostate cancers in difficult sites such as the anterior zone. We report a case of a high grade anterior prostate cancer previously undetected by transrectal biopsy, diagnosed with MRI-US fusion transperineal robotic prostate biopsy. This case report suggests that MRI-US fusion transperineal robotic prostate biopsy might be valuable in diagnosing prostate cancer especially in difficult sites – the anterior region in this case – and might be an imperative diagnostic method in suspicious cases with prior negative biopsy.
Duration of dry and humidified incubation of single-step embryo culture medium and oxygen tension during sham culture do not alter metabolomics signature
Authors: Cheredath Aswathi , Uppangala Shubhashree , Asampille Gitanjali , Lakshmi R. Vani , Joseph David , Raval Keyur , Gowda G. A. Nagana , Kalthur Guruprasad , Adiga Satish Kumar
Published: February 2022

Background: The extended embryo culture using single-step medium gained popularity in clinical in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, there are concerns about the degradation of unstable medium components and their negative effects on the developing embryos. Further, dry-incubation can increase osmolality, which can in-turn enhance the concentration of constituents of the media and their stability. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the immediate changes in the culture media metabolites in relation to clinically comparable situations such as single-step extended embryo culture and use of dry and humidified-incubation in two-different gaseous conditions.

Methods: Commercially available single-step medium was sham-cultured in droplets under oil in two different conditions viz. dry (37°C; 6%CO2; 5%O2) and humidified (37°C; 6% CO2; atmospheric O2) for 0h, 72h, and 120h intervals. Droplets were subjected to the sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based profiling using 800 MHz NMR equipped with a cryogenically cooled micro-coil (1.7mm) probe. Metabolomic signatures between the two groups were comprehensively assessed.

Results: A total of ten amino acids and four energy substrates were identified from the culture medium. Metabolite levels showed a non-significant increase in the dry-incubation group at 72h and then declined at 120h. Humidified incubation had no effects on the level of the metabolite until 120h. No significant differences in the levels of metabolites were observed between the dry and humidified-groups at various time-points tested.

Conclusions: A non-significant variation in the levels of metabolites observed in the dry-incubation of single-step medium most unlikely to influence a clinical outcome. However, the impact of these subtle changes on the (epi)genetic integrity of the embryos in a clinical set-up to be addressed.
The role of newspapers published in North Sumatra during Indonesia's independence struggle between 1916-1925: A discourse analysis
Authors: Azhari Ichwan , Sidiq Ricu , Purnamasari Ika
Published: February 2022

Background: In the history of Indonesian independence, newspapers not only functioned as a medium of information but also as a tool for the struggle for independence. This is because of the role of newspapers in bringing out the spirit of nationalism and the concept of “nation” to the Indonesian people through various writings and reports in each edition. This study aims to describe the form of Indonesia's struggle for independence in newspapers published in North Sumatra in 1916-1925.

Methods: This research uses the critical discourse analysis method. The research data are in the form of texts published in thirteen indigenous newspapers published in North Sumatra in 1916-1925. Data analysis used three structures of Teun A. van Dijk's discourse analysis model, namely: macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure.

Results: From 1910-1925 there were 24 indigenous newspapers published in North Sumatra. Of these, there were 13 newspapers demanding Indonesian independence: Soeara Djawa, Pewarta Deli, Benih Merdeka, Perempoean Bergerak, Soeara Bondjol, Sinar Zaman, Orgaan Bataksche Studiefonds, Andalas, Mandailing, Warta Timur, Al Moektabas, Tjermin Karo, Soeara Batak. These newspapers published articles that fought for Indonesian independence by demanding Indonesian independence openly, criticizing various policies of the Dutch Colonial Government, and building awareness of Indonesian nationalism.

Conclusion: The role of newspapers in the struggle for Indonesian independence in North Sumatra in 1916-1925 can be seen from the findings of 51 articles demanding Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonialism, criticizing the policies of the Dutch colonial government, and building the spirit of nationalism to encourage the Indonesian people to fight for their independence.
Modified recurrent equation-based cubic spline interpolation for missing data recovery in phasor measurement unit (PMU)
Authors: Thangaraj Shruthi , Goh Vik Tor , Yap Timothy Tzen Vun
Published: February 2022

Background: Smart grid systems require high-quality phasor measurement unit (PMU) data for proper operation, control, and decision-making. Missing PMU data may lead to improper actions or even blackouts. While the conventional cubic interpolation methods based on the solution of a set of linear equations to solve for the cubic spline coefficients have been applied by many researchers for interpolation of missing data, the computational complexity increases non-linearly with increasing data size.

Methods: In this work, a modified recurrent equation-based cubic spline interpolation procedure for recovering missing PMU data is proposed. The recurrent equation-based method  makes the computations of spline constants simpler. Using PMU data from the State Load Despatch Center (SLDC) in Madhya Pradesh, India, a comparison of the root mean square error (RMSE) values and time of calculation (ToC) is calculated for both methods.

Results: The modified recurrent relation method could retrieve missing values 10 times faster when compared to the conventional cubic interpolation method based on the solution of a set of linear equations.  The RMSE values have shown the proposed method is effective even for special cases of missing values (edges, continuous missing values).

Conclusions: The proposed method can retrieve any number of missing values at any location using observed data with a minimal number of calculations.
Identifying entrepreneurial discovery processes with weak and strong technology signals: a text mining approach
Authors: Bzhalava Levan , Kaivo-oja Jari , Hassan Sohaib S.
Published: February 2022

This study aims to propose methods for identifying entrepreneurial discovery processes with weak/strong signals of technological changes and incorporating technology foresight in the design and planning of the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3). For this purpose, we first analyse patent abstracts from 2000 to 2009, obtained from the European Patent Office and use a keyword-based text mining approach to collect weak and strong technology signals; the word2vec algorithm is also employed to group weak signal keywords. We then utilize Correlation Explanation (CorEx) topic modelling to link technology weak/strong signals to invention activities for the period 2010-2018 and use the ANOVA statistical method to examine the relationship between technology weak/strong signals and patent values. The results suggest that patents related to weak rather than strong signals are more likely to be high-impact innovations and to serve as a basis for future technological developments. Furthermore, we use latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modelling to analyse patent activities related to weak/strong technology signals and compute regional topic weights. Finally, we present implications of the research.
A comparison of the population pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide between hospitalized and non-hospitalized tuberculosis patients with or without HIV
Authors: Abdelgawad Noha , Chirehwa Maxwell , Schutz Charlotte , Barr David , Ward Amy , Janssen Saskia , Burton Rosie , Wilkinson Robert J. , Shey Muki , Wiesner Lubbe , McIlleron Helen , Maartens Gary , Meintjes Graeme , Denti Paolo
Published: February 2022

Background.

Early mortality among hospitalized HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB/HIV) patients is high despite treatment. The pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide were investigated in hospitalized TB/HIV patients and a cohort of outpatients with TB (with or without HIV) to determine whether drug exposures differed between groups.

Methods.

Standard first-line TB treatment was given daily as per national guidelines, which consisted of oral 4-drug fixed-dose combination tablets containing 150 mg rifampicin, 75 mg isoniazid, 400 mg pyrazinamide, and 275 mg ethambutol. Plasma samples were drawn on the 3rd day of treatment over eight hours post-dose. Rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide in plasma were quantified and NONMEM® was used to analyze the data.

Results.

Data from 60 hospitalized patients (11 of whom died within 12 weeks of starting treatment) and 48 outpatients were available. Median (range) weight and age were 56 (35 - 88) kg, and 37 (19 - 77) years, respectively. Bioavailability and clearance of the three drugs were similar between TB/HIV hospitalized and TB outpatients. However, rifampicin’s absorption was slower in hospitalized patients than in outpatients; mean absorption time was 49.9% and 154% more in hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than in outpatients. Higher levels of conjugated bilirubin correlated with lower rifampicin clearance. Isoniazid’s clearance estimates were 25.5 L/h for fast metabolizers and 9.76 L/h for slow metabolizers. Pyrazinamide’s clearance was more variable among hospitalized patients. The variability in clearance among patients  was 1.70 and 3.56 times more for hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than outpatients.  

Conclusion.

We showed that the pharmacokinetics of first-line TB drugs are not substantially different between hospitalized TB/HIV patients and TB (with or without HIV) outpatients. Hospitalized patients do not seem to be underexposed compared to their outpatient counterparts.
MODEL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MICRO FOUNDATIONS OF CSR IN CZECH BREWERY
Authors: Simona Činčalová  , Veronika Toporová
Published: February 2022

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a term that is being defined very diversely. The goal of this research is to show how corporate social responsibility (CSR) is actually implemented and managed in business practice by the Czech brewery. The special emphasis is placed on employees, because they are the key to the company. The method chosen for the research is the micro-level analysis of employee perceptions, reactions, and attitudes towards the company’s CSR together with their determinants. The Model of psychological micro-foundations of CSR is used and, furthermore, the level of administrative employee CSR engagement in the CSR of a Czech brewing company is analyzed. The results show the determinants of this engagement or disengagement, the respondents’ perceptions and evaluation of the company’s CSR and finally, what are the outcomes of their reactions to the CSR of the company.
RISK PROFILING OF SECONDARY EQUITY INVESTORS FROM THE CHENNAI CITY OF INDIA BASED ON THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY MODEL
Authors: Renu Isidore  , C. Joe Arun
Published: February 2022

The risk taken by the investor depends on several independent variables like: personality, biological age, investment experience and income. The main aim of this article is to combine all these variables in order to build an exhaustive risk profile on the basis of the Big Five Personality dimensions. The research method applied is exploratory in nature and questionnaire survey method was employed to gather data from 436 secondary equity market investors residing in the Chennai city of India. ANOVA was employed to develop the risk profile. The outcome of the research was an exhaustive risk profile combining all the related variables and a regression model predicting the equity returns. The main conclusions of the study are that the investors with the more of the conscientiousness personality tend to take less risk. This finding was also consistent among the senior investors, high income investors and those with mediocre/ high investment experience. The study also concluded that the agreeable investors with high income/high investment experience, tend to take less risk. Only the young investors with more of the conscientiousness personality tend to take more risk and with more of the extraversion personality tend to take less risk. This study serves as a guidance for advisors to provide appropriate recommendations on the basis of the risk appetite and personality of the investors.
Picosecond laser microwelding of AlSi–YAG for laser system assembly
Authors: Hann Samuel N. , Sanwell Jake , Carter Richard M. , Elder Ian , Lamb Robert , Esser M. J. Daniel , Hand Duncan P.
Published: February 2022

We report the successful picosecond laser welding of AlSi and YAG. This material combination is of significant interest to the field of laser design and construction. Parameter maps are presented that demonstrate the impact of pulse energy and focal position on the resultant weld. Weld performance relevant to industrial applications is measured, i.e., shear strength, process yield, and absolute thermal resistance are presented.
High-precision four-dimensional hyperspectral imager integrating fluorescence spectral detection and 3D surface shape measurement
Authors: Luo Jing , Forsberg Erik , Fu Shuai , He Sailing
Published: February 2022

A four-dimensional hyperspectral imager (FDHI) that combines fluorescence spectral detection and 3D surface morphology measurement is proposed. The FDHI consists of a hyperspectral line-scanner, a line structured light stereo vision system, and a line laser. The line laser is used as both the excitation light for the fluorescence and the scanning light line for the 3D profiling. At each scanning step, the system collects both fluorescent and 3D spatial data of the irradiated line region, which are fused to 4D data points based on a line mapping relationship between the datasets, and by scanning across the measurement object, a complete 4D dataset is obtained. The FDHI shows excellent performance with spatial and spectral resolution of 26.0 µm and 3 nm, respectively. The reported FDHI system and its applications provide a solution for 4D detection and analysis of fluorescent objects in meters measurement range, with advantage of high integration as two imaging modules sharing a same laser source.
Comprehensive design method of a soft multifocal contact lens with
NURBS
Authors: Thi Lien Vu , Ngoc Pi Vu , Dung Nguyen Thi Quoc , A-Chen Chao Chang , Tien Dat Hoang , Nga Nguyen Thi Thanh , Thi Oanh Phung
Published: February 2022

This study presents a comprehensive method for designing a multifocal contact lens
(MCL) with Snell’s law and non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS)
curves. Instead of using thin lens approximation, general mathematical
formulas have been developed to achieve the accurate coordinates of
points on the anterior lens surface profile of the MCL to meet various
given optical power distributions. Then the NURBS curve is adjusted to
fit these data points to obtain the smooth front lens surface profile.
This method not only improves the accuracy of the optical power
profiles of MCLs but also reduces the spherical aberration in
near/distance optical zones. The experimental results show that the
power profiles of soft MCLs agree with those of the simulation results
and original design requirements. The proposed method has been proven
for the MCL design, and it can be feasibly applied in complex optical
lens designs.
Modeling and analysis of narrow-linewidth distributed feedback lasers based on apodized laterally coupled gratings
Authors: Zhao Yingming , Li Yu , Huang Weiping
Published: February 2022

A physical model is demonstrated to optimize narrow-linewidth distributed feedback lasers based on apodized laterally coupled gratings (AG-DFB). The structure can effectively suppress the longitudinal spatial hole burning as well as remove the regrowth process during fabrication by using the apodized grating geometry. The studies include numerical simulations of the AG-DFB laser for its static and dynamic behaviors at different cavity lengths and facet coating conditions. The results show that the proposed device can achieve narrow linewidth, high slope efficiency, and broad modulation bandwidth, as compared to

λ

/

4

phase-shifted DFB lasers.
High-performance temperature and pressure dual-parameter sensor based on a polymer-coated tapered optical fiber
Authors: Lu Junyang , Yu Yang , Qin Shangpeng , Li Minwei , Bian Qiang , Lu Yang , Hu Xiaoyang , Yang Junbo , Meng Zhou , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: February 2022

Based on the polymer encapsulation method, a compact structure and high-sensitivity temperature and pressure dual parametric sensor was developed in this paper by wrapping an optical microfiber coupler (OMC) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Benefiting from the stable chemical properties and good optical field control ability of PDMS, the sensor showed good stability and repeatability. The dependence of the sensor sensitivity on wavelength, temperature, and pressure was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the temperature and pressure sensitivity could reach −2.283 nm/°C and 3.301 nm/Mpa in the C-band range. To overcome the cross-sensitivity of sensor temperature and pressure, a sensitivity matrix was established to realize dual-parameter simultaneous demodulation. In addition, the pressure repeatability of the sensor was tested. Based on this, the sensitivity matrix was further calibrated to reduce the error and improve the accuracy of demodulation. Finally, we also designed a protective shell for the sensor to meet the requirements of practical marine applications. Compared with other existing types of optical fiber sensors, this sensor has the advantages of simple fabrication, high sensitivity, and environmental adaptability, and has great potential for application in the field of marine environmental monitoring.
Mitigating indistinguishability issues in photon pair sources by delayed-pump intermodal four wave mixing
Authors: Borghi Massimo , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Large arrays of independent, pure and identical heralded single photon sources are an important resource for linear optical quantum computing protocols. In the race towards the development of increasingly ideal sources, delayed-pump intermodal four wave mixing (IFWM) in multimode waveguides has recently emerged as one of the most promising approaches. Despite this, fabrication imperfections still spoil the spectral indistinguishability of photon pairs from independent sources. Here we show that by tapering the width of the waveguide and by controlling the delay between the pump pulses, we add additional spectral tunability to the source while still inheriting all the distinctive metrics of the IFWM scheme. This feature is used to recover spectral indistinuishability in presence of fabrication errors. Under realistic tolerances on the waveguide dimensions, we predict >99.5% indistinguishability between independent sources on the same chip, and a maximum degradation of the heralded Hong-Ou-Mandel visibility <0.35%.
Detecting spatial chirp signals by Luneburg lens based transformation medium
Authors: Dong Wen-xiu , Lai Yun-yun , Hu Jin
Published: February 2022

Gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens-based chirp signal chirpiness detection usually relies on the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) functionality of a quadratic GRIN lens and is limited by paraxial conditions. In this paper, a non-FRFT mechanism-based chirpiness detection GRIN lens is proposed that converts the Luneburg lens’ focus capacity of input plane waves to the designed lens’ focusing of input chirp waves using transformation optics, and the source chirpiness can be obtained by sweeping the illumination wavelength rather than locating the focusing pulse, consequently greatly increasing the upper limit of the chirpiness detection range. The feasibility and robustness of the method are verified through numerical simulations.
Real-time dynamics of noise-like vector pulses in a figure-eight fiber laser
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Wang Zhenhong , Song Yufeng , Fan Dianyuan , Liu Jun
Published: February 2022

The vector nature of noise-like pulses (NLPs) in a figure-eight erbium-doped fiber laser based on the nonlinear amplifier loop mirror (NALM) configuration is experimentally investigated. After achieving the operation regime of NLPs, both the group velocity locked noise-like vector pulses (GVL-NLVPs) and the polarization locked noise-like vector pulses (PL-NLVPs) are observed in the cavity. By virtue of the dispersive Fourier transform (DFT) technique, their spectral evolution and the energy vibration are measured and analyzed in real time. We also obtain another state of noise-like vector pulses (NLVPs) with combined characteristics of GVL-NLVPs and PL-NLVPs. It is shown that the NLVPs are sensitive to the cavity birefringence. Our results would be beneficial to complement the understanding of vector dynamics of NLPs in ultrafast fiber lasers.
Motivations, barriers and exercise preferences among female undergraduates: A need assessment analysis
Authors: Othman Mohd Sham , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Chen Lew Leong , Hossain Hanisah , Abdul Halim Ida Irwani , Sameeha Mohd Jamil , Tahir Ahmad Rashidi Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The decreasing level of physical activity among female undergraduates is worrying as it is associated with the increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Thus, this study aimed to identify the motivations, barriers and preferences towards exercise among female undergraduates in Malaysia.

Methods

A non-probability purposive sampling was used for the recruitment process. The inclusion criteria of the participants were registered female undergraduates and aged between 18–30 years old. A semi-structured in-depth interview was used to collect topic-related information from the participants and signed consents were obtained prior to the interview. The interview questions were on respondents’ understanding of exercise, motivation and barriers to exercise, and exercise preferences. The recruitment process was conducted until the data was saturated. All interviews were audio recorded and manually transcribed verbatim. NVivo 11 was used to conduct the inductive analysis of the data to develop themes for motivation and barriers to exercise. For exercise preferences, four predetermined themes were used.

Findings

A total of 26 respondents participated in this study. Eight themes were found for motivation to exercise, with the most common themes being maintaining or improving appearance, health benefits and togetherness. For barriers of exercising, five themes were found, and the most common ones were disliking exercise and no motivation. For exercise preferences, most respondents preferred a structured exercise program with flexibility in terms of when and where the exercise could be conducted. Light or moderate intensity exercise for 10–30 minutes with a frequency of 1–2 times a week was desired the most among the respondents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, personal and environmental factors play important roles in motivating or hampering female undergraduates to exercise, and a structured program was the preferred mode of exercise of these respondents. A new exercise module was designed based on this needs assessment with a 70% acceptance rate among the participants. These findings can help the future development of more exercise modules tailored to female university students.
Modeling human migration driven by changing mindset, agglomeration, social ties, and the environment
Authors: Suarez Gonzalo , Muneepeerakul Rachata
Published: February 2022

Migration is an adaptation strategy to unfavorable conditions and is governed by a complex set of socio-economic and environmental drivers. Here we identified important drivers relatively underrepresented in many migration models—CHanging mindset, Agglomeration, Social ties, and the Environment (CHASE)—and asked: How does the interplay between these drivers influence transient dynamics and long-term outcomes of migration? We addressed this question by developing and analyzing a parsimonious Markov chain model. Our findings suggest that these drivers interact in nonlinear and complex ways. The system exhibits legacy effects, highlighting the importance of including migrants’ changing priorities. The increased characteristic population size of the system counter-intuitively leads to fewer surviving cities, and this effect is mediated by how fast migrants change their mindsets and how strong the social ties are. Strong social ties result in less diverse populations across cities, but this effect is influenced by how many cities remain. To our knowledge, this is the first time that these drivers are incorporated in one coherent, mechanistic, parsimonious model and the effects of their interplay on migration systematically studied. The complex interplay underscores the need to incorporate these drivers into mechanistic migration models and implement such models for real-world cases.
Deciphering the influence of Bacillus subtilis strain Ydj3 colonization on the vitamin C contents and rhizosphere microbiomes of sweet peppers
Authors: Liang Ying-Ru , Liao Fang-Chin , Huang Tzu-Pi
Published: February 2022

Bacillus subtilis strain Ydj3 was applied to sweet peppers to understand the influence of this bacterium on the growth, fruit quality, and rhizosphere microbial composition of sweet pepper. The promotion of seed germination was observed for sweet pepper seeds treated with the Ydj3 strain, indicating that Ydj3 promoted seed germination and daily germination speed (131.5 ± 10.8 seeds/day) compared with the control (73.8 ± 2.5 seeds/day). Strain Ydj3 displayed chemotaxis toward root exudates from sweet pepper and could colonize the roots, which enhanced root hair growth. Following the one-per-month application of strain Ydj3 to sweet pepper grown in a commercial greenhouse, the yield, fruit weight, and vitamin C content significantly increased compared with those of the control. Additionally, the composition of the rhizosphere bacterial community of sweet pepper changed considerably, with the Bacillus genus becoming the most dominant bacterial genus in the treated group. These results suggested that B. subtilis Ydj3 promotes seed germination and enhances fruit quality, particularly the vitamin C content, of sweet pepper. These effects may be partly attributed to the B. subtilis Ydj3 colonization of sweet pepper roots due to Ydj3 chemotaxis toward root exudates, resulting in the modulation of the rhizosphere bacterial community.
Risk of revision arthroplasty surgery after exposure to physically demanding occupational or leisure activities: A systematic review
Authors: Zaballa Elena , Harris E. Clare , Cooper Cyrus , Linaker Catherine H. , Walker-Bone Karen
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Lower limb arthroplasty is successful at relieving symptoms associated with joint failure. However, physically-demanding activities can cause primary osteoarthritis and accordingly such exposure post-operatively might increase the risk of prosthetic failure. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to investigate whether there was any evidence of increased risk of revision arthroplasty after exposure to intensive, physically-demanding activities at work or during leisure-time.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase and Scopus databases (1985—July 2021) for original studies including primary lower limb arthroplasty recipients that gathered information on physically-demanding occupational and/or leisure activities and rates of revision arthroplasty. Methodological assessment was performed independently by two assessors using SIGN, AQUILA and STROBE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO [CRD42017067728].

Results

Thirteen eligible studies were identified: 9 (4,432 participants) after hip arthroplasty and 4 (7,137participants) after knee arthroplasty. Narrative synthesis was performed due to considerable heterogeneity in quantifying exposures. We found limited evidence that post-operative activities (work or leisure) did not increase the risk of knee revision and could even be protective. We found insufficient high-quality evidence to indicate that exposure to physically-demanding occupations increased the risk of hip revision although “heavy work”, agricultural work and, in women, health services work, may be implicated. We found conflicting evidence about risk of revision hip arthroplasty associated with either leisure-time or total physical activities (occupational or leisure-time).

Conclusion

There is currently a limited evidence base to address this important question. There is weak evidence that the risk of revision hip arthroplasty may be increased by exposure to physically-demanding occupational activities but insufficient evidence about the impact on knee revision and about exposure to leisure-time activities after both procedures. More evidence is urgently needed to advise lower limb arthroplasty recipients, particularly people expecting to return to jobs in some sectors (e.g., construction, agriculture, military).
Traumatic stress, depression, and non-bereavement grief following non-fatal traffic accidents: Symptom patterns and correlates
Authors: Boelen Paul A. , Eisma Maarten C. , de Keijser Jos , Lenferink Lonneke I. M.
Published: February 2022

Non-fatal traffic accidents may give rise to mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depression. Clinical evidence suggests that victims may also experience grief reactions associated with the sudden changes and losses caused by such accidents. The aim of this study was to examine whether there are unique patterns of symptoms of PTS, depression, and grief among victims of non-fatal traffic accidents. We also investigated associations of emerging symptom patterns with sociodemographic variables and characteristics of the accident, and with transdiagnostic variables, including self-efficacy, difficulties in emotion regulation, and trauma rumination. Participants (N = 328, Mage = 32.6, SDage = 17.5 years, 66% female) completed self-report measures tapping the study variables. Using latent class analysis (including symptoms of PTS, depression, and grief), three classes were identified: a no symptoms class (Class 1; 59.1%), a moderate PTS and grief class (Class 2; 23.1%), and a severe symptoms class (Class 3; 17.7%). Summed symptom scores and functional impairment were lowest in Class 1, higher in Class 2, and highest in Class 3. Psychological variables were similarly ordered with the healthiest scores in Class 1, poorer scores in Class 2, and the worst scores in Class 3. Different sociodemographic and accident related variables differentiated between classes, including age, education, and time since the accident. In a regression including all significant univariate predictors, trauma rumination differentiated Class 2 from Class 1, all three psychological variables differentiated Class 3 from Class 1, and difficulties with emotion regulation and trauma rumination differentiated Class 3 from Class 2. This study demonstrates that most people respond resiliently to non-fatal traffic accident. Yet, approximately one in three victims experiences moderate to severe mental health symptoms. Increasing PTS coincided with similarly increasing grief, indicating that grief may be considered in interventions for victims of traffic accidents. Trauma rumination strongly predicted class membership and appears a critical treatment target to alleviate distress.
Severe mental illness and pregnancy outcomes in Australia. A population-based study of 595 792 singleton births 2009–2016
Authors: Edvardsson Kristina , Hughes Elizabeth , Copnell Beverley , Mogren Ingrid , Vicendese Don , Gray Richard
Published: February 2022

Background

Women with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) may have more complex pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes that require different care and management, but this has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to explore associations between SMI and adverse maternal and infant outcomes in the state of Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Our sample included all reported live singleton births in Victoria 2009–2016 (N = 595 792). Associations between SMI and adverse pregnancy outcomes were explored using Odds Ratios (OR), adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and co-morbidities, including any other mental illness.

Results

Of all singleton births, 2046 (0.34%) were to a mother diagnosed with a SMI. We found evidence of an association between SMI and a range of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Compared to women without SMI, women with a SMI had higher adjusted odds of being admitted to a High Dependency Unit or Intensive Care Unit (aOR 1.83, 1.37–2.43), having gestational diabetes mellitus (1.57, 1.34–1.84), undergoing an unplanned caesarean section (1.17, 1.02–1.33), induction of labour (1.17, 1.05–1.30) and postpartum haemorrhage (1.15, 1.03–1.29). Newborns of women with SMI had higher adjusted odds of being admitted to Special Care Nursery (aOR 1.61, 1.43–1.80), a low Apgar score at 5 minutes (1.50, 1.19–1.90), preterm birth (1.40, 1.20–1.63), and low birthweight (1.26, 1.06–1.49).

Conclusion

Women with SMI are at higher risk for a range of adverse maternal and infant outcomes and are a population that may benefit from targeted early identification and enhanced antenatal care.
Impoliteness among slaves - An epigraphic evidence for insults from a Graeco-Roman bilingual context of Southern Italy
Authors: Poccetti Paolo
Published: February 2022

A threefold inscription scratched on a tile found in the surroundings of Reggio Calabria, dating back to late 2nd century BCE, evidences for insults addressed to slaves employed in a local pottery. Both context and abusive terms point to a controversy broken out among colleagues within the place of work. The offensive words reveal a Greek-Latin bilingualism, in which Latin plays the role of language first learned and used in everyday speeches, as well as the high degree of literacy of slaves, confirmed by similar manufactures with Latin and Oscan inscriptions. Nevertheless the threefold inscription raises some questions about text cohesiveness and, more importantly, the number of the addressees implied by the sequence of appellatives in vocative case, which is the key point for understanding the text as a whole.
PRODUKSI BESI DAN TERAK TITANIUM KADAR TINGGI DARI KONSENTRAT PASIR BESI ATAU TITANOMAGNETIT: ULASAN LITERATUR [PRODUCTION OF IRON AND HIGH PURITY TITANIUM SLAG FROM IRON SAND OR TITANOMAGNETITE CONCENTRATE: LITERATURE REVIEW]
Authors: Fitri Safira , Zulhan Zulfiadi , Santoso Imam
Published: February 2022

Pasir besi atau titanomagnetit ditemukan di wilayah pesisir pantai Indonesia yang tersebar dari Aceh hingga pantai utara Papua. Kandungan logam berharga seperti besi, titanium, dan vanadium belum dimanfaatkan dengan baik karena hingga saat ini belum ada pabrik pengolahan dan pemurnian (smelter) di dalam negeri yang mampu mengolah pasir besi hingga menjadi produk akhir dengan nilai tambah yang tinggi. Perusahaan di dalam negeri hanya mampu mengolah pasir besi hingga menjadi konsentrat. Ulasan literatur ini disusun dengan harapan dapat menjadi salah satu langkah awal perkembangan teknologi pengolahan dan pemurnian pasir besi di Indonesia. Hasil ulasan literatur menunjukkan bahwa pasir besi atau titanomagnetit telah diproses baik menggunakan teknologi rotary kiln – electric furnace maupun tanur tiup (blast furnace). Penelitian terus berkembang ke arah teknologi reduksi langsung karena kemungkinannya untuk menghasilkan terak titanium dengan kadar tinggi. Artikel ini juga membandingkan parameter yang berpengaruh dalam proses reduksi langsung konsentrat pasir besi atau titanomagnetit yang terdiri dari pengaruh reaktor, reduktor, temperatur proses, dan penambahan bahan imbuh. Rekomendasi juga diberikan sebagai saran untuk perkembangan penelitian selanjutnya dalam reduksi konsentrat pasir besi atau titanomagnetit.