bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeform hyperspectral imager design in a CubeSat format
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Bauer Aaron , Viard Thierry , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: October 2021

A freeform pushbroom hyperspectral imager design was investigated as a combination of a freeform reflective triplet imager and a freeform reflective triplet spectrometer used in double-pass. The design operates at about F/2 with a 15-degree cross-track field-of-view and a 30 mm entrance pupil diameter. The design process led to achieving a small volume of less than 2 liters that fits comfortably within a 3U CubeSat geometry, exemplifying the compactness of this hyperspectral imager. We report the freeform sag departures and maximum slopes of the freeform surfaces, as well as the manufacturing tolerances together with an evaluation of the system stray light, all of which highlight the feasibility of a design in this class to be manufactured. This design uniquely positions itself on the landscape of compact hyperspectral imagers.
Extended aberration analysis in symmetry-free optical systems – part II: evaluation and application
Authors: Tang Ziyao , Gross Herbert
Published: October 2021

In part I [Opt. Express 29, 39967 (2021)10.1364/OE.439862] of this publication, the working principle of a mixed ray-tracing (MRT) method is introduced for surface-decomposed transverse aberration contributions, and the settings and various calculation options are discussed. Following part I, this paper is a supplement with the evaluation of the calculation results and more illustrations of practical applications, which focuses on the support of the MRT method during the symmetry-free optical system design process. The comprehensive analysis of a group of lithography systems as an application example proves that the MRT method is a powerful tool for imaging system performance assessment, as well as for relative sensitivity analysis among the surfaces in the optical system.
Timing and X-ray pulse characterization at the Small Quantum Systems instrument of the European X-ray Free Electron Laser
Authors: Grychtol Patrik , Rivas Daniel E. , Baumann Thomas M. , Boll Rebecca , De Fanis Alberto , Erk Benjamin , Ilchen Markus , Liu Jia , Mazza Tommaso , Montaño Jacobo , Müller Jost , Music Valerija , Ovcharenko Yevheniy , Rennhack Nils , Rouzé Arnaud , Schmidt Philipp , Schulz Sebastian , Usenko Sergey , Wagner René , Ziołkowski Pawel , Schlarb Holger , Grünert Jan , Kabachnik Nikolay , Meyer Michael
Published: October 2021

This contribution presents the initial characterization of the pump-probe performance at the Small Quantum Systems (SQS) instrument of the European X-ray Free Electron Laser. It is demonstrated that time-resolved experiments can be performed by measuring the X-ray/optical cross-correlation exploiting the laser-assisted Auger decay in neon. Applying time-of-arrival corrections based on simultaneous spectral encoding measurements allow us to significantly improve the temporal resolution of this experiment. These results pave the way for ultrafast pump-probe investigations of gaseous media at the SQS instrument combining intense and tunable soft X-rays with versatile optical laser capabilities.
Generating a geometric structure light field from a digital laser by specifying a laser cavity phase boundary with a Gaussian-convoluted target field
Authors: Chu Shu-Chun , Fu Yu-Xian , Chang Kuo-Chih , Huang Cing-Yi
Published: October 2021

This research proposed a simple method to design the projected phase boundary of the SLM (spatial light modulator) of the digital laser for the generation of a structure light field of geometric shape. In the proposed method, the phase boundary of the digital laser was designed to match the convolution field of the specified geometric structure field and Gaussian field instead of matching the specified geometric structure field. The phase boundary design suppressed the light reflected from the SLM of a high-inclination angle that is difficult to achieve stable oscillation in the laser resonator. Using the proposed phase boundary design, the laser output with energy distribution closed to geometric structures such as a quadrangular pyramid, triangular pyramid, cone, and multi-ring was produced through experiments. The geometric structure light field generated in this research will be beneficial to the related applications of photolithography and photopolymerization for making micro-elements.
Optically formed rubbery waveguide interconnects
Authors: Violakis Georgios , Bogris Athanasios , Pispas Stergios , Fytas George , Loppinet Benoit , Pissadakis Stavros
Published: October 2021

Light induced self-written waveguides (LISWs) with unique elongation characteristics and low optical loss are formed in a monodispersed polyisoprene solution using a low-power laser photopolymerization process, while their light transmission characteristics are exemplified in the flexible interconnection of two single-mode optical fibers operating in the visible/near infrared wavelengths. The LISWs formed exhibit rubbery properties, allowing extensibilities upon cases from 400% to 800%, while still retaining significant optical transmission. The rubber elasticity enables sustaining LISWs at stressed lengths longer than 500 µm propagation losses from 1.0 to 2.9 dB/mm.
Reducing temporal pedestal in a Ti:sapphire chirped-pulse amplification system by using a stretcher based on two concave mirrors
Authors: Lu Xiaoming , Zhang Hui , Li Jinfeng , Leng Yuxin
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate the temporal pedestal suppression in a Ti:sapphire chirped-pulse amplification laser system. The far-field spectral phase noise can be avoided by using a stretcher based on two concave mirrors in the system, reducing the intensity and the time range of the amplified pulse’s pedestal. At the amplified energy of 1.7 J, the contrast measurement showed that the pedestal intensity was at a level of about

1

0

−
10

within a 10 ps time window near the main pulse. In the proton acceleration experiment, a 10 nm thickness CH target was irradiated by the high-contrast pulse with the focused intensity of

∼

1.4

×

1

0

20

W

/

c
m

2

, which generated a proton beam with a cutoff energy of 16 MeV.
Low-dispersion mirror with a broad bandwidth and high laser damage resistance
Authors: Chen Ruiyi , Wang Yanzhi , Shao Jianda , Cao Yu , Zhang Yuhui , Wang Zhihao , Shao Yuchuan , Jin Yunxia , Yi Kui , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: October 2021

A low-dispersion mirror (LDM), an important component in ultrafast laser systems, requires both a broad low-dispersion laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). It is difficult for a traditional quarter-wavelength-based dielectric LDM to achieve these characteristics at the same time. We propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, low-dispersion mirror (NLDM) that combines periodic chirped layers at the top and alternating quarter-wavelength layers at the bottom. Low dispersion is achieved by introducing a large same group delay (GD) for different wavelengths, so the bandwidth is broadened greatly. In addition, owing to the staggered electric field intensity peak effect in the structure, the NLDM shows the potential for high laser damage resistance. The experiments demonstrated that the NLDM doubles the low-dispersion bandwidth, while the LIDT is also increased compared with the LDM. This novel concept results in improved performance and paves the way toward a new generation of the LDM for ultrafast bandwidth and a high laser applications.
Rare-earth induced nonlinear structural evolutions in fluorite solid solution crystals
Authors: Tang Qinyu , Ma Fengkai , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Dapeng , Zhang Zhonghan , Strzep Adam , Wang Yangxiao , Kou Huamin , Wang Jingya , Chen Zhenqiang , Leng Yuxin , Su Liangbi
Published: October 2021

The modification of chemical composition to improve desired material parameters is an effective method in materials science and engineering. In this work, Ca1-xSrxF2 solid solution is chosen as the subject. Nd3+ and Y3+ ions are used as dopants. We have found that spectral properties of Nd3+:Ca1-xSrxF2 and Nd3+,Y3+:Ca1-xSrxF2 crystals vary nonlinearly with the ‘x’. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations on Ca1-xSrxF2 solid solutions have ruled out the influence of matrix crystals on spectral properties. The rare-earth monomer centers of C4v or C3v symmetry, and the high order clusters are modeled. The calculated results show, that thermodynamic stabilities of the centers vary nonlinearly. Temperature-dependent dielectric losses and the results of projected density of states (pDOS) calculations also show nonlinear dependency. The nonlinearly evolved local structures from cubic to square antiprism sublattice cause the nonlinear variation of spectral properties. The methodology of rare-earth induced nonlinear structural evolutions is then proposed, which is useful for exploring new materials.
Paranoia, self-deception and overconfidence
Authors: Rossi-Goldthorpe Rosa A. , Leong Yuan Chang , Leptourgos Pantelis , Corlett Philip R.
Published: October 2021

Self-deception, paranoia, and overconfidence involve misbeliefs about the self, others, and world. They are often considered mistaken. Here we explore whether they might be adaptive, and further, whether they might be explicable in Bayesian terms. We administered a difficult perceptual judgment task with and without social influence (suggestions from a cooperating or competing partner). Crucially, the social influence was uninformative. We found that participants heeded the suggestions most under the most uncertain conditions and that they did so with high confidence, particularly if they were more paranoid. Model fitting to participant behavior revealed that their prior beliefs changed depending on whether the partner was a collaborator or competitor, however, those beliefs did not differ as a function of paranoia. Instead, paranoia, self-deception, and overconfidence were associated with participants’ perceived instability of their own performance. These data are consistent with the idea that self-deception, paranoia, and overconfidence flourish under uncertainty, and have their roots in low self-esteem, rather than excessive social concern. The model suggests that spurious beliefs can have value–self-deception is irrational yet can facilitate optimal behavior. This occurs even at the expense of monetary rewards, perhaps explaining why self-deception and paranoia contribute to costly decisions which can spark financial crashes and devastating wars.
Risk factors for scabies, tungiasis, and tinea infections among schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional Bayesian multilevel model
Authors: Amare Hiwot Hailu , Lindtjorn Bernt
Published: October 2021

Background

Skin problems cause significant sickness in communities with poor living conditions, but they have received less attention in national or global health studies because of their low mortality rates. In many developing regions, the prevalence of parasitic skin diseases among schoolchildren is not reported. Previous studies thus have attempted to identify risk factors for these conditions using the frequentist approach. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and risk factors of skin infections among rural schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia by combining a frequentist and a Bayesian approach.

Methodology/Principal findings

Using three-stage random sampling, we assessed 864 schoolchildren aged 7–14 years from the Wonago district in southern Ethiopia. We detected potential risk factors for scabies, tungiasis, and tinea infections and recorded their hygienic practices and socio-demographic information. The frequentist model revealed a clustering effect of 8.8% at the classroom level and an insignificant effect at the school level. The Bayesian model revealed a clustering effect of 16% at the classroom level and 5.3% at the school level. Almost three-fourths of the sample had at least one type of skin problem, and boys were at higher overall risk than girls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.55 [95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] 1.01, 2.28). Risk factors included unclean fingernails (aOR 1.85 [95% BCI 1.08, 2.97]); not washing the body (aOR 1.90 [95% BCI 1.21, 2.85]) and hair (aOR 3.07 [95% BCI 1.98, 4.57]) with soap every week; sharing a bed (aOR 1.97 [95% BCI 1.27, 2.89]), clothes (aOR 5.65 [95% BCI 3.31, 9.21]), or combs (aOR 3.65 [95% BCI 2.28, 5.53]); and living in a poor household (aOR 1.76 [95% BCI 1.03, 2.83]). Washing legs and feet with soap daily was identified as a protective factor for each of the three skin diseases (aOR 0.23 [95% BCI 0.15, 0.33]).

Conclusions/Significance

We observed high variation in skin problems at the classroom level, indicating the presence of shared risk factors in these locations. The findings suggest the need to improve children’s personal hygiene via health education by schoolteachers and health workers.
Molecular characteristics and risk factor analysis of Staphylococcus aureus colonization put insight into CC1 colonization in three nursing homes in Shanghai
Authors: He Wei-Ping , Gu Fei-Fei , Zhang Ji , Li Xin-Xin , Xiao Shu-Zhen , Zeng Qian , Ni Yu-Xing , Han Li-Zhong
Published: October 2021

Research indicates that Staphylococcus aureus colonization in the elderly with predisposing risks is associated with subsequent infection. However, the molecular epidemiology and risk factors for S. aureus colonization among residents and staff in nursing homes (NHs) in China remain unclear. A multicenter study was conducted in three NHs in Shanghai between September 2019 and October 2019. We explored the prevalence, molecular epidemiology, and risk factors for S. aureus colonization. All S. aureus isolates were characterized based on antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcus protein A (spa) typing, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing. NH records were examined for potential risk factors for S. aureus colonization. S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates were detected in 109 (100 residents and 9 staff, 19.8%, 109/551) and 28 (24 residents and 4 staff, 5.1%, 28/551) subjects among 496 residents and 55 staff screened, respectively. Compared to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates, all 30 MRSA isolates had higher resistance rates to most antibiotics except minocycline, rifampicin, linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin. Sequence type (ST) 1 (21.3%) was the most common sequence type, and t127 (20.5%) was the most common spa type among 122 S. aureus isolates. SCCmec type I (70%) was the dominant clone among all MRSA isolates. CC1 (26/122, 21.3%) was the predominant complex clone (CC), followed by CC398 (25/122, 20.5%), CC5 (20/122, 16.4%) and CC188 (18/122, 14.8%). Female sex (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.04–2.79; P = 0.036) and invasive devices (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.26–3.81; P = 0.006) were independently associated with S. aureus colonization.
Murine Type III interferons are functionally redundant and correlate with bacterial burden during influenza/bacterial super-infection
Authors: Rich Helen E. , Antos Danielle , McCourt Collin C. , Zheng Wen Quan , Devito Louis J. , McHugh Kevin J. , Gopal Radha , Wang Jieru , Alcorn John F.
Published: October 2021

Background

Type III interferon, or interferon lambda (IFNλ) is a crucial antiviral cytokine induced by influenza infection. While IFNλ is important for anti-viral host defense, published data demonstrate that IFNλ is pathogenic during influenza/bacterial super-infection. It is known that polymorphisms in specific IFNλ genes affect influenza responses, but the effect of IFNλ subtypes on bacterial super-infection is unknown.

Methods

Using an established model of influenza, Staphylococcus aureus super-infection, we studied IFNλ3-/- and control mice to model a physiologically relevant reduction in IFNλ and to address its role in super-infection.

Results

Surprisingly, IFNλ3-/- mice did not have significantly lower total IFNλ than co-housed controls, and displayed no change in viral or bacterial clearance. Importantly, both control and IFNλ3-/- mice displayed a positive correlation between viral burden and total IFNλ in the bronchoalveolar lavage during influenza/bacterial super-infection, suggesting that higher influenza viral burden drives a similar total IFNλ response regardless of IFNλ3 gene integrity. Interestingly, total IFNλ levels positively correlated with bacterial burden, while viral burden and bronchoalveolar lavage cellularity did not.

Conclusions

These data suggest IFNλ2 can compensate for IFNλ3 to mount an effective antiviral and defense, revealing a functional redundancy in these highly similar IFNλ subtypes. Further, the IFNλ response to influenza, as opposed to changes in cellular inflammation or viral load, significantly correlates with susceptibility to bacterial super-infection. Moreover, the IFNλ response is regulated and involves redundant subtypes, suggesting it is of high importance to pulmonary pathogen defense.
An improved firefly algorithm with dynamic self-adaptive adjustment
Authors: Li Yu , Zhao Yiran , Shang Yue , Liu Jingsen
Published: October 2021

The firefly algorithm (FA) is proposed as a heuristic algorithm, inspired by natural phenomena. The FA has attracted a lot of attention due to its effectiveness in dealing with various global optimization problems. However, it could easily fall into a local optimal value or suffer from low accuracy when solving high-dimensional optimization problems. To improve the performance of the FA, this paper adds the self-adaptive logarithmic inertia weight to the updating formula of the FA, and proposes the introduction of a minimum attractiveness of a firefly, which greatly improves the convergence speed and balances the global exploration and local exploitation capabilities of FA. Additionally, a step-size decreasing factor is introduced to dynamically adjust the random step-size term. When the dimension of a search is high, the random step-size becomes very small. This strategy enables the FA to explore solution more accurately. This improved FA (LWFA) was evaluated with ten benchmark test functions under different dimensions (D = 10, 30, and 100) and with standard IEEE CEC 2010 benchmark functions. Simulation results show that the performance of improved FA is superior comparing to the standard FA and other algorithms, i.e., particle swarm optimization, the cuckoo search algorithm, the flower pollination algorithm, the sine cosine algorithm, and other modified FA. The LWFA also has high performance and optimal efficiency for a number of optimization problems.
Androgen deprivation therapy and excess mortality in men with prostate cancer during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gedeborg Rolf , Styrke Johan , Loeb Stacy , Garmo Hans , Stattin Pär
Published: October 2021

Background

Men have a higher risk of death from COVID-19 than women and androgens facilitate entrance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into respiratory epithelial cells. Thus, androgen deprivation therapy may reduce infection rates and improve outcomes for COVID-19. In the spring of 2020, Sweden was highly affected by COVID-19. The aim was to estimate the impact of androgen deprivation therapy on mortality from COVID-19 in men with prevalent prostate cancer by comparing all-cause mortality in the spring of 2020 to that in previous years.

Patients and methods

Using the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden all men with prostate cancer on March 1 each year in 2015–2020 were followed until June 30 the same year. Exposure to androgen deprivation therapy was ascertained from filled prescriptions for bicalutamide monotherapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH), or bilateral orchidectomy.

Results

A total of 9,822 men died in March-June in the years 2015–2020, of whom 5,034 men were on androgen deprivation therapy. There was an excess mortality in 2020 vs previous years in all men. The crude relative mortality rate ratio for 2020 vs 2015–2019 was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.04) in men on GnRH, and 0.90 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.05) in men on bicalutamide monotherapy. After multivariable adjustment these ratios were attenuated to 1.00 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.12) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.12), respectively. When restricting the analysis to the regions with the highest incidence of COVID-19 or to the time period between 2 April to 10 June when mortality in 2020 was increased >30% compared to previous years, the results were similar to the main analysis.

Conclusions

In this large national population-based cohort of men with prevalent prostate cancer, there was no clear evidence in support for an effect of androgen deprivation therapy on COVID-19 mortality.
Combined application of zinc and silicon alleviates terminal drought stress in wheat by triggering morpho-physiological and antioxidants defense mechanisms
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Wang Xiukang , Abbas Tahira , Sher Ahmad , Ijaz Muhammad , Ul-Allah Sami , Irfan Muhammad , Butt Madiha , Wahid Muhammad Ashfaq , Cheema Mumtaz , Fiaz Sajid , Qayyum Abdul , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Wainwright Milton , Ahmad Furqan , Xie Kui , Zuan Ali Tan Kee
Published: October 2021

Wheat is an important global staple food crop; however, its productivity is severely hampered by changing climate. Erratic rain patterns cause terminal drought stress, which affect reproductive development and crop yield. This study investigates the potential and zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) to ameliorate terminal drought stress in wheat and associated mechanisms. Two different drought stress levels, i.e., control [80% water holding capacity (WHC) was maintained] and terminal drought stress (40% WHC maintained from BBCH growth stage 49 to 83) combined with five foliar-applied Zn-Si combinations (i.e., control, water spray, 4 mM Zn, 40 mM Si, 4 mM Zn + 40 mM Si applied 7 days after the initiation of drought stress). Results revealed that application of Zn and Si improved chlorophyll and relative water contents under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. Foliar application of Si and Zn had significant effect on antioxidant defense mechanism, proline and soluble protein, which showed that application of Si and Zn ameliorated the effects of terminal drought stress mainly by regulating antioxidant defense mechanism, and production of proline and soluble proteins. Combined application of Zn and Si resulted in the highest improvement in growth and antioxidant defense. The application of Zn and Si improved yield and related traits, both under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. The highest yield and related traits were recorded for combined application of Zn and Si. For grain and biological yield differences among sole and combined Zn-Si application were statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, combined application of Zn-Si ameliorated the adverse effects of terminal drought stress by improving yield through regulating antioxidant mechanism and production of proline and soluble proteins. Results provide valuable insights for further cross talk between Zn-Si regulatory pathways to enhance grain biofortification.
A decision tree to identify the combinations of non-communicable diseases that constitute the highest risk for dental caries experience: A hospital records-based study
Authors: Kim Hyun-Joo , Cho Youngseuk , Noh Yunhwan , Joo Ji-Young , Park Hae Ryoun
Published: October 2021

To investigate whether dental status, represented by the DMFT score, was affected by the presence of NCDs and determined the NCDs that had a greater impact on the DMFT score. This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 10,017 individuals. The presence of NCDs was investigated based on self-reported medical history recorded on each patient’s dental hospital record. Individual DMFT score was evaluated on the basis of the dental records and panoramic radiographs. The data were further analyzed using multiple regression analysis and chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis. A total of 5,388 individuals had more than one NCD among hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and osteoporosis. The average DMFT score was 8.62 ± 7.10 in the NCD group, significantly higher than that in those without NCD (5.53 ± 5.48) (P < 0.001). In the regression analysis, age, NCDs, and psychiatric problems were selected as risk factors of DMFT score. In the CHAID decision tree analysis, age was the risk factor that most influenced the DMFT score. HT was the most influential factor in a newly generated decision tree excluding age, and osteoporosis, DM, and CVD were important risk factors acting in the subgroups. Patients with NCD had worse dental conditions than those who did not, and some combinations of NCDs related highest risk for a dental caries-related index. In clinical practice, dentists should provide meticulous care for dental caries in elderly patients with NCDs, especially when certain diseases, such as HT, osteoporosis, DM, and CVD, are present together.
Reduced turnaround times through multi-sectoral community collaboration during the first surge of SARS-CoV-2 and associated effect on patient care and hospital operations
Authors: Christofferson Rebecca C. , O’Neal Hollis R. , Jagneaux Tonya , O’Neal Catherine , Walsh Christine S. , Mayton E. Handly , Vu Luan D. , Fish Abigail I. , Phan Anh , Stoufflet Thaya E. , Schroeder Jonathan R. , Walker Morgan , Turner Erik A. , Pierce Christi , Wester K. Scott , DeLeo Connie , Tenreiro Edgardo , Ogden Beverly , Cormier Stephania A.
Published: October 2021

Background

In March 2020, an influx of admissions in COVID-19 positive patients threatened to overwhelm healthcare facilities in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Exacerbating this problem was an overall shortage of diagnostic testing capability at that time, resulting in a delay in time-to-result return. An improvement in diagnostic testing availability and timeliness was necessary to improve the allocation of resources and ultimate throughput of patients. The management of a COVID-19 positive patient or patient under investigation requires infection control measures that can quickly consume personal protective equipment (PPE) stores and personnel available to treat these patients. Critical shortages of both PPE and personnel also negatively impact care in patients admitted with non-COVID-19 illnesses.

Methods

A multisectoral partnership of healthcare providers, facilities and academicians created a molecular diagnostic lab within an academic research facility dedicated to testing inpatients and healthcare personnel for SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of the laboratory was to provide a temporary solution to the East Baton Rouge Parish healthcare community until individual facilities were self-sustaining in testing capabilities. We describe the partnership and the impacts of this endeavor by developing a model derived from a combination of data sources, including electronic health records, hospital operations, and state and local resources.

Findings

Our model demonstrates two important principles: the impact of reduced turnaround times (TAT) on potential differences in inpatient population numbers for COVID-19 and savings in PPE attributed to the more rapid TAT.
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration and glial activation validated in Alzheimer’s disease assessed in longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid samples of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bartl Michael , Dakna Mohammed , Galasko Douglas , Hutten Samantha J. , Foroud Tatiana , Quan Marian , Marek Kenneth , Siderowf Andrew , Franz Jonas , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mollenhauer Brit ,   on behalf of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative
Published: October 2021

Aim

Several pathophysiological processes are involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and could inform in vivo biomarkers. We assessed an established biomarker panel, validated in Alzheimer’s Disease, in a PD cohort.

Methods

Longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from PPMI (252 PD, 115 healthy controls, HC) were analyzed at six timepoints (baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months follow-up) using Elecsys® electrochemiluminescence immunoassays to quantify neurofilament light chain (NfL), soluble TREM2 receptor (sTREM2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL40), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), S100, and total α-synuclein (αSyn).

Results

αSyn was significantly lower in PD (mean 103 pg/ml vs. HC: 127 pg/ml, p<0.01; area under the curve [AUC]: 0.64), while all other biomarkers were not significantly different (AUC NfL: 0.49, sTREM2: 0.54, YKL40: 0.57, GFAP: 0.55, IL-6: 0.53, S100: 0.54, p>0.05) and none showed a significant difference longitudinally. We found significantly higher levels of all these markers between PD patients who developed cognitive decline during follow-up, except for αSyn and IL-6.

Conclusion

Except for αSyn, the additional biomarkers did not differentiate PD and HC, and none showed longitudinal differences, but most markers predict cognitive decline in PD during follow-up.
Urban development trend analysis and spatial simulation based on time series remote sensing data: A case study of Jinan, China
Authors: Zhang Yanghua , Zhao Liang , Zhao Hu , Gao Xiaofeng
Published: October 2021

Uncontrolled urban growth detracts from healthy urban development. Understanding urban development trends and predicting future urban spatial states is of great practical significance. In order to comprehensively analyze urbanization and its effect on vegetation cover, we extracted urban development trends from time series DMSP/OLS NTL and NDVI data from 2000 to 2015, using a linear model fitting method. Six urban development trend types were identified by clustering the linear model parameters. The identified trend types were found to accurately reflect the on-ground conditions and changes in the Jinan area. For example, a high-density, stable urban type was found in the city center while a stable dense vegetation type was found in the mountains to the south. The SLEUTH model was used for urban growth simulation under three scenarios built on the urban development analysis results. The simulation results project a gentle urban growth trend from 2015 to 2030, demonstrating the prospects for urban growth from the perspective of environmental protection and conservative urban development.
A multiple information model incorporating limited attention and information environment
Authors: Chen Tong , Chen Ziqing , Jin Xuejun
Published: October 2021

Rapid development of intelligent information equipment accelerates the expansion of mobile social network. Speed of information spreading is gradually growing, there are lots of changes in the scale and mode of information spreading. But the basic communication network is not developed and not mature, when online information platforms breakdown sometimes it happens to be when important information appears. Therefore, the research is done to solve these occasion problems, help network information platform filter hot news and discuss the reason that hot news exists longer than other news in the Internet. In this paper, a multiple information propagation model incorporating both local information environment and people’s limited attention is proposed based on Susceptible Infected Recovered (SIR) model. Two new concepts are introduced into the model: heat rate and popular rate, to measure the local information influence power and people’s limited attention to information respectively, which are key factors determining node state transformation instead of fixed probability. In order to analyze the influence from limited attention, a situation is designed that several pieces of information are popular successively. The theoretical analysis shows that the early popular information gets more attention than the later popular information, and more attention makes it easier to spread. Besides, numerical simulation is conducted in both uniform network and scale-free network. The simulation results show that the early popular information is less vulnerable to the increase of information acceptance threshold and more sensitive to the decrease of information rejection threshold than the later popular information. Moreover, the model can also be used in the case of large amount of information transmission without adding too much complexity. Reasons are given in the research that the top hot news exists very much longer than the other ones, and latter news which have same influence as top news are hard to get the same focus. Meanwhile, results in the research can provide some ways for the other researches in the related fields. They also help related information platforms to filter and push news and referable strategies to maintain hot news.
Why we dehumanize illegal immigrants: A US mixed-methods study
Authors: Markowitz David M. , Slovic Paul
Published: October 2021

Dehumanization is a topic of significant interest for academia and society at large. Empirical studies often have people rate the evolved nature of outgroups and prior work suggests immigrants are common victims of less-than-human treatment. Despite existing work that suggests who dehumanizes particular outgroups and who is often dehumanized, the extant literature knows less about why people dehumanize outgroups such as immigrants. The current work takes up this opportunity by examining why people dehumanize immigrants said to be illegal and how measurement format affects dehumanization ratings. Participants (N = 672) dehumanized such immigrants more if their ratings were made on a slider versus clicking images of hominids, an effect most pronounced for Republicans. Dehumanization was negatively associated with warmth toward illegal immigrants and the perceived unhappiness felt by illegal immigrants from U.S. immigration policies. Finally, most dehumanization is not entirely blatant but instead, captured by virtuous violence and affect as well, suggesting the many ways that dehumanization can manifest as predicted by theory. This work offers a mechanistic account for why people dehumanize immigrants and addresses how survey measurement artifacts (e.g., clicking on images of hominids vs. using a slider) affect dehumanization rates. We discuss how these data extend dehumanization theory and inform empirical research.
Recruiting strategic human capital from MNCs—Does hiring MNC managers enable exporting in domestic firms?
Authors: de Faria Pedro , Schubert Torben , Sofka Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Exporting is a central growth strategy for most firms and managers with international experience are instrumental for export decisions. We suggest that such managers can be hired from Multinational Corporations (MNCs). We integrate theory from strategic human capital research into models explaining export decisions. We theorize that hiring managers from MNCs increases the odds of domestic firms to start exporting and this effect depends on the similarities between hiring firms and MNCs. We hypothesize that young firms will benefit comparatively less from hiring MNC managers. In contrast, firms with internationally diverse workforces and with high degrees of hierarchical specialization will benefit the most from hiring MNC managers. We test and support these hypotheses for 474,926 domestic firms in Sweden, which we observe between 2007 and 2015.
Psychosocial stressors predict lower cardiovascular disease risk among Mexican-American adults living in a high-risk community: Findings from the Texas City Stress and Health Study
Authors: Hussain Maryam , Howell Jennifer L. , Peek M. Kristen , Stowe Raymond P. , Zawadzki Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to examine the link between systemic and general psychosocial stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a group of U.S. Latinos as a function of acculturation and education within the blended guiding conceptual framework of the biopsychosocial model of the stress process plus the reserve capacity model. We analyzed data from self-identifying Mexican-origin adults (n= 396, 56.9% female,Mage= 58.2 years, 55.5% < 12 years of education, 79% U.S.-born) from the Texas City Stress and Health Study. We used established measures of perceived stress (general stress), neighborhood stress and discrimination (systemic stress) to capture psychosocial stress, our primary predictor. We used the atherosclerotic CVD calculator to assess 10-year CVD risk, our primary outcome. This calculator uses demographics, cholesterol, blood pressure, and history of hypertension, smoking, and diabetes to compute CVD risk in the next 10 years. We also created an acculturation index using English-language use, childhood interaction, and preservation of cultural values. Participants reported years of education. Contrary to expectations, findings showed that higher levels of all three forms of psychosocial stress, perceived stress, neighborhood stress, and perceived discrimination, predicted lower 10-year CVD risk. Acculturation and education did not moderate the effects of psychosocial stress on 10-year CVD risk. Contextualized within the biopsychosocial and reserve capacity framework, we interpret our findings such that participants who accurately reported their stressors may have turned to their social networks to handle the stress, thereby reducing their risk for CVD. We highlight the importance of examining strengths within the sociocultural environment when considering cardiovascular inequities among Latinos.
Comparative cytogenetics of Serrasalmidae (Teleostei: Characiformes): The relationship between chromosomal evolution and molecular phylogenies
Authors: Favarato Ramon Marin , Ribeiro Leila Braga , Campos Alber , Porto Jorge Ivan Rebelo , Nakayama Celeste Mutuko , Ota Rafaela Priscila , Feldberg Eliana
Published: October 2021

Serrasalmidae has high morphological and chromosomal diversity. Based on molecular hypotheses, the family is currently divided into two subfamilies, Colossomatinae and Serrasalminae, with Serrasalminae composed of two tribes: Myleini (comprising most of pacus species) and Serrasalmini (represented byMetynnis,Catoprion, and remaining piranha’s genera). This study aimed to analyze species of the tribes Myleini (Myloplus asterias,M.lobatus,M.rubripinnis,M.schomburgki, andTometes camunani) and Serrasalmini (Metynnis cuiaba,M.hypsauchen, andM.longipinnis) using classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques in order to understand the chromosomal evolution of the family. The four species of the genusMyloplusandT.camunanipresented 2n = 58 chromosomes, while the species ofMetynnispresented 2n = 62 chromosomes. The distribution of heterochromatin occurred predominantly in pericentromeric regions in all species.Tometes camunaniandMyloplusspp. presented only one site with 5S rDNA. Multiple markers of 18S rDNA were observed inT.camunani,M.asterias,M.lobatus,M.rubripinnis, andM.schomburgkii. ForMetynnis, however, synteny of the 18S and 5S rDNA was observed in the three species, in addition to an additional 5S marker inM.longipinnis. These data, when superimposed on the phylogeny of the family, suggest a tendency to increase the diploid chromosome number from 54 to 62 chromosomes, which occurred in a nonlinear manner and is the result of several chromosomal rearrangements. In addition, the different karyotype formulas and locations of ribosomal sequences can be used as cytotaxonomic markers and assist in the identification of species.
Staphylococcus aureus Lipase 3 (SAL3) is a surface-associated lipase that hydrolyzes short chain fatty acids
Authors: Kumar Naren Gajenthra , Contaifer Daniel , Wijesinghe Dayanjan S. , Jefferson Kimberly K.
Published: October 2021

Bacterial lipases play important roles during infection. The Staphylococcus aureus genome contains several genes that encode well-characterized lipases and several genes predicted to encode lipases or esterases for which the function has not yet been established. In this study, we sought to define the function of an uncharacterized S. aureus protein, and we propose the annotation S. aureus lipase 3 (SAL3) (SAUSA300_0641). We confirmed that SAL3 is a lipase and that it is surface associated and secreted through an unknown mechanism. We determined that SAL3 specifically hydrolyzes short chain (4-carbon and fewer) fatty acids and specifically binds negatively charged lipids including phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, and phosphatidylglycerol, which is the most abundant lipid in the staphylococcal cell membrane. Mutating the catalytic triad S66-A, D167-A, S168-A, and H301-A in the recombinant protein abolished lipase activity without altering binding to host lipid substrates. Taken together we report the discovery of a novel lipase from S. aureus specific to short chain fatty acids with yet to be determined roles in host pathogen interactions.
Response of eelgrass (Zostera marina) to an adjacent Olympia oyster restoration project
Authors: Briley Sara , Ware Rick , Whitcraft Christine , Zacherl Danielle
Published: October 2021

Recent restoration efforts for the native Olympia oyster,Ostrea lurida, are commonly motivated by potential return of oyster-associated ecosystem services, including increased water filtration. The potential impact of such restoration on another species of ecological concern, eelgrass,Zostera marina, is unclear, but has been hypothesized to be positive if oyster filter feeding increases light penetration to eelgrass. For two years after construction of an oyster restoration project, we assessed the response of adjacent eelgrass (impact) compared to control and reference eelgrass beds by monitoring changes in light intensity, eelgrass shoot density, biomass, leaf morphometrics, and epiphyte load. We observed lower light intensity consistently over time, including prior to restoration, near the constructed oyster bed relative to the control and one of the reference locations. We also observed minor variations between control and impact eelgrass morphology and density. However, the changes observed were not outside the range of natural variation expected in this system, based upon comparisons to reference eelgrass beds, nor were they detrimental. This limited impact to eelgrass may be due in part to the incorporation of a buffer distance between the restored oyster bed and the existing eelgrass bed, which may have dampened both positive and negative impacts. These findings provide evidence that Olympia oyster restoration and eelgrass conservation goals can be compatible and occur simultaneously.
Rate and associated factors of refusal to perform immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT) among semi-urban communities
Authors: Syed Soffian Sharifah Saffinas , Safian Nazarudin , Nawi Azmawati Mohammed , Ahmad Shahrul Bariyah , Chan Huan-Keat , Abu Hassan Muhammad Radzi
Published: October 2021

The uptake of the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) in many countries with an opportunistic colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme remains suboptimal. This study aimed to determine the rate, associated factors and reasons of refusal to perform the iFOBT test offered under an opportunistic CRC screening programme in semi-urban communities. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the average-risk individuals living in semi-urban areas, who sought care from public primary care centres across Kedah state, Malaysia. The information regarding the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who were offered the iFOBT between January and April 2019, along with their willingness to perform the test, was gathered. The factors associated with the refusal were further explored using the logistic regression analysis. The individuals offered the iFOBT (n = 920) were mainly female (52.4%) and had a mean age of 58.7±10.6 years. The refusal rate of the iFOBT was 32.2%. Patients who did not have hypertension (adjusted OR: 3.33; 95% CI: 2.44, 4.54), did not have CRC symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.15; 95% CI:1.26, 7.89), had the test offered by either medical assistants (adjusted OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.71, 3.49) or nurses (adjusted OR: 2.41; 95% CI 1.65, 3.51), did not have diabetes (adjusted OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.42, 2.77),and were not active smokers (adjusted OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.47), were more likely to refuse the iFOBT. The common reasons of refusing the test included “feeling not ready for the test” (21.6%) and “feeling healthy” (14.9%). The iFOBT was refused by one-third of the average-risk individuals from semi-urban communities. The associated factors and reasons of refusal found in this study could guide policymakers in developing targeted interventions to boost the uptake of CRC screening in Malaysia.
Factors affecting the follow-up time after a positive result in the fecal occult blood test
Authors: Cheng Yin-Wen , Li Ying-Chun
Published: October 2021

In 2010, Taiwan included the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) under preventive health insurance services. For patients whose test positive, receiving follow-ups is paramount. This study investigated factors affecting the follow-up time of these patients. This retrospective study used data from the colorectal cancer screening archives. The study period was from 2010 to 2013, and the subjects were 50–75-year-old persons who tested positive for FOBT. The t test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression were performed to address the differences in the mean tracking period between variables such as the population’s demographic characteristics. The mean follow-up time for the 98,482 participants whose screening results were positive exhibited significant differences (p < 0.001) according to medical unit region and classification, age, screening location, family history, examination method, and diagnosis. The model predicting the mean follow-up time predicted a period of 10.079 days longer for those whose hospital was on an offshore island than that of those whose hospital was in the eastern regions. The follow-up time was 1.257 days shorter for people who were inpatients than those who were outpatients and was 8.902 days longer for people who underwent double contrast barium enema plus flexible sigmoidoscopy than those who underwent other examination methods. Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and those whose examination results indicated cancer had a follow-up time of 2.562 and 2.476 days shorter than those who did not know their family history and those with other results, respectively. Factors affecting the follow-up time of people whose FOBT results were positive consisted of the location and classification of the follow-up institution, age, screening location, family history, examination method, and diagnosis. This provides valuable references for improving the cancer screening program.
Mathematics teachers’ reflective thinking: Level of understanding and implementation in their professional practices
Authors: Aldahmash Abdulwali H. , Alshalhoub Samar Ab. , Naji Majed A.
Published: October 2021

Mathematics teachers must be able to engage in self-reflection and think constructively about their professional activities to instruct students effectively. This is also important for students’ ability to solve problems in class, as well as the challenges facing them and their societies in the future. This study aimed to examine in-service math teachers’ reflective thinking skills in the context of how they are applied to their understanding of their teaching practices. The sample included 322 mathematics teachers, who responded to a questionnaire designed to elucidate how they were thinking reflectively about their teaching practice. The findings revealed that the teachers’ practices concerning all the themes of reflective thinking addressed by the questionnaire, especially their ability to self-assess, fluctuated around the intermediate, and advanced levels. The implications of our findings are discussed in terms of extensive and continuous professional development centered on supporting ongoing growth in the reflective thinking skills of in-service math teachers.