bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastics and the microbiome: impacts and solutions
Authors: Lear G. , Kingsbury J. M. , Franchini S. , Gambarini V. , Maday S. D. M. , Wallbank J. A. , Weaver L. , Pantos O.
Published: January 2021

Global plastic production has increased exponentially since manufacturing commenced in the 1950’s, including polymer types infused with diverse additives and fillers. While the negative impacts of plastics are widely reported, particularly on marine vertebrates, impacts on microbial life remain poorly understood. Plastics impact microbiomes directly, exerting toxic effects, providing supplemental carbon sources and acting as rafts for microbial colonisation and dispersal. Indirect consequences include increased environmental shading, altered compositions of host communities and disruption of host organism or community health, hormone balances and immune responses. The isolation and application of plastic-degrading microbes are of substantial interest yet little evidence supports the microbial biodegradation of most high molecular weight synthetic polymers. Over 400 microbial species have been presumptively identified as capable of plastic degradation, but evidence for the degradation of highly prevalent polymers including polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride must be treated with caution; most studies fail to differentiate losses caused by the leaching or degradation of polymer monomers, additives or fillers. Even where polymer degradation is demonstrated, such as for polyethylene terephthalate, the ability of microorganisms to degrade more highly crystalline forms of the polymer used in commercial plastics appears limited. Microbiomes frequently work in conjunction with abiotic factors such as heat and light to impact the structural integrity of polymers and accessibility to enzymatic attack. Consequently, there remains much scope for extremophile microbiomes to be explored as a source of plastic-degrading enzymes and microorganisms. We propose a best-practice workflow for isolating and reporting plastic-degrading taxa from diverse environmental microbiomes, which should include multiple lines of evidence supporting changes in polymer structure, mass loss, and detection of presumed degradation products, along with confirmation of microbial strains and enzymes (and their associated genes) responsible for high molecular weight plastic polymer degradation. Such approaches are necessary for enzymatic degraders of high molecular weight plastic polymers to be differentiated from organisms only capable of degrading the more labile carbon within predominantly amorphous plastics, plastic monomers, additives or fillers.
Estimating health state utilities in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Nafees Beenish , Lloyd Andrew , Dewilde Sarah
Published: January 2021

Background

Hemophagocyti.c lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and severe disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the immune system. Primary HLH causes prolonged fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and organ dysfunction, usually in infancy and early childhood and is fatal if left untreated. As effective treatment options emerge, such as emapalumab-lzsg, Health Technology Assessment bodies around the world will assess them in terms of cost-effectiveness. This study was designed to estimate quality of life weights (utilities) for such analyses.

Methods

Vignettes were developed describing HLH treatment related health states. Health states included active HLH, HLH plus neurological symptoms, receiving chemotherapy, undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT), graft versus host disease (GVHD), cure and end of life care. The vignettes were based on information from in depth interviews with clinical specialists; and qualitative research with four parents of children with primary HLH aged between 1 and 18 years old. The vignettes were then assessed in time trade off (TTO) interviews with members of the UK general public in one on one face to face interviews with trained, experienced interviewers. Preference data were analysed using the generalised estimating equations framework.

Results

Detailed qualitative data captured the substantial burden of this disease for young children. One hundred participants completed the TTO interviews. The utility score for Active HLH was estimated as 0.32 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.39). Values for other states were HLH plus neurological symptoms (0.27, 95%CI 0.18–0.35), receiving chemotherapy (0.26, 95%CI 0.17–0.34), undergoing SCT (0.18, 95%CI 0.07–0.28), GVHD (0.07, 95%CI -0.04-0.17), cure (0.72, 95%CI 0.67–0.77) and end of life care (− 0.17, 95%CI -0.27- -0.07).

Conclusions

This study has estimated utility weights for seven different HLH related states which are based on detailed input from carers and physicians and have good face validity. There are few other options for collecting these data in an ultra-rare setting.
Responses of two plant-derived bioinsecticides as protectants of smoke-dried catfish, Clarias gariepinus [Pisces: Clariidae] against hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) [Coleoptera: Dermestidae]
Authors: Ileke Kayode David
Published: January 2021

Background

Toxicities of Vernonia amygdalina and Tithonia diversifolia leaf powders and extracts on larva and adult mortality of Dermestes maculatus on smoke-dried catfish were evaluated in the laboratory. The leaf powders were admixed at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/100 g of smoked catfish in 500 ml plastic container while plant extracts were tested at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12% concentrations.

Results

The toxicities of the plant products were concentrations and exposure time dependent. Significant difference (P < 0.05) existed between the toxicity of V. amygdalina and T. diversifolia leaf powders and control. Tithonia diversifolia powder evoked 27.5, 40, 52.7, 60 and 82.5% larval mortalities at the various concentrations after 24 h of exposure of the catfishes to the plant powder. Similarly, V. amygdalina leaf powders caused 20, 30, 42.5, 52.5 and 77.5% larval mortalities at varying concentrations of 24 h intervals of exposure to the plant powder. Tithonia diversifolia powder achieved 100% mortality at 9 g dosage after 96 h of treatment. Similar trend was achieved on the response of both plant leaf extracts as protectants of smoke-dried catfish against hide beetle.

Conclusion

Tithonia diversifolia powder and extract were more lethal than bitter leaf (V. amygdalina) and could be integrated as smoked fish protectant against hide beetle (D. maculatus).
Mechanoresponsive Behavior of Rod-like Liquid Crystalline Luminophores on an Alignment Layer
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Yamoto Taku , Tada Motoki , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro
Published: January 2021

Mechanochromic luminescence (MCL) compounds exhibit change of their photoluminescent color in response to mechanical stimuli. The initial molecular alignment of a liquid-crystalline MCL compound was controlled by using an alignment layer. The rubbing method and rubbing direction were successfully determined. Influence of mechanical force on photoluminescent behavior was evaluated.
A Method to Prepare Hollow Spherical Hydroxyapatite Granules for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhu XinWei , Li JinYuan , Zheng ZhaoLi , Liang TongXiang , Yang Hui
Published: January 2021

A suitable microenvironment provided by artificial granule scaffold plays a critical regulatory role in bone repairing progression. Till now, it is still a challenge to prepare large hydroxyapatite granules (millimetre level) which provide beneficial physical and chemical stimulation for bone reconstruction. Herein, we developed a facile synthetic strategy for synthesizing hydroxyapatite granules by a repaid gelling method. Also, the satisfying drug-releasing behavior of these granules further proves their potential prospect for bone tissue engineering as bone filler.
REGULATED PROFESSIONS AND PROFESSIONAL COUNCILS: AN ANALYSIS IN THE LIGHT OF LIBERAL DOCTRINAL TEACHING
Authors: Alves Júnior Luís Carlos Martins , Deus Paulo Ricardo Aguiar de
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Este artigo propõe uma abordagem aprofundada a respeito dos conselhos profissionais e regulamentação profissional, baseada em argumentos políticos, jurídicos e filosóficos-econômicos, buscando demonstrar que menos regulação profissional leva a maior qualidade e segurança na prestação de serviços e não o contrário, como normalmente se prega.Metodologia: O trabalho foi estruturado por meio de pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa, cruzada com análise de dados de sistemas nacionais e internacionais de indexação.  Tudo por meio do raciocínio indutivo sob a perspectiva histórica e contemporânea do tema.Resultados: Foi possível determinar que o padrão de regulação ideal e é o de um mercado levemente regulado e que, através de seu uso cuidadoso, é possível angariar vantagens para a sociedade ao contrário do excesso prejudicial de regulações no país.Contribuições: Dentre os debates mais antigos da civilização ocidental, chamada liberal, está o constante atrito entre liberdade individual e intervenção do Estado. Uma das áreas em que essa fricção é naturalmente mais intensa é no campo profissional. No Brasil, a discussão foi resgatada após a apresentação de emenda à constituição que pretende inibir o excesso regulamentar profissional, bem como retirar do Estado a responsabilidade de coordenar e controlar as atividades de profissionais. Este artigo pretende lançar alguma luz e fornecer fundamentos para o debate deste relevante tema.
Large CRISPR-Cas-induced deletions in the oxamniquine resistance locus of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Geetha , Coghlan Avril , Driguez Patrick , Lotkowska Magda E. , Sanders Mandy , Holroyd Nancy , Tracey Alan , Berriman Matthew , Rinaldi Gabriel
Published: January 2021

Background. At least 250 million people worldwide suffer from schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma worms. Genome sequences for several Schistosoma species are available, including a high-quality annotated reference for Schistosoma mansoni. There is a pressing need to develop a reliable functional toolkit to translate these data into new biological insights and targets for intervention. CRISPR-Cas9 was recently demonstrated for the first time in S. mansoni, to produce somatic mutations in the omega-1 (ω1) gene.

Methods. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce somatic mutations in a second gene, SULT-OR, a sulfotransferase expressed in the parasitic stages of S. mansoni, in which mutations confer resistance to the drug oxamniquine. A 262-bp PCR product spanning the region targeted by the gRNA against SULT-OR was amplified, and mutations identified in it by high-throughput sequencing.

Results. We found that 0.3-2.0% of aligned reads from CRISPR-Cas9-treated adult worms showed deletions spanning the predicted Cas9 cut site, compared to 0.1-0.2% for sporocysts, while deletions were extremely rare in eggs. The most common deletion observed in adults and sporocysts was a 34 bp-deletion directly upstream of the predicted cut site, but rarer deletions reaching as far as 102 bp upstream of the cut site were also detected. The CRISPR-Cas9-induced deletions, if homozygous, are predicted to cause resistance to oxamniquine by producing frameshifts, ablating SULT-OR transcription, or leading to mRNA degradation via the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. However, no SULT-OR knock down at the mRNA level was observed, presumably because the cells in which CRISPR-Cas9 did induce mutations represented a small fraction of all cells expressing SULT-OR.

Conclusions. Further optimisation of CRISPR-Cas protocols for different developmental stages and particular cell types, including germline cells, will contribute to the generation of a homozygous knock-out in any gene of interest, and in particular the SULT-OR gene to derive an oxamniquine-resistant stable transgenic line.
Enquiry into the Conceptual Identity of Wine Tourism– A Theoretical Synthesis
Authors: Kotur Anupama S
Published: January 2021

Many studies focussing on origin, growth and development of wine tourism in various parts of the world have shed light of facets that are unique to wine tourism. Through this research paper, the author aims to understand the variations presented in defining select terminologies in contemporary research in the domain, so as to be able to establish interlinkages with wine tourism. This theoretical synthesis is exploratory in nature and is based on review of extensive literature in the field of food tourism, culinary tourism, gastronomy tourism and wine tourism. The results of this study may be particularly useful to policy makers, industry practitioners of tourism promotion as well as academicians and researchers in the field of food and drink based tourism.
Food Image and Acceptability of Local Cuisine: Exploring Culinary Tourism in Delhi
Authors: Pradeep Chaitanya
Published: January 2021

Culinary tourism has the potential for being an essential source for destination promotion in India. One of the primay assumptions of this concept is the acceptability of local cuisine by tourists.The current paper explores this issue by trying to find the acceptability of new and local cuisine by travellers. The acceptability of local cuisine is tested via a modified Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) that scores the psychological behaviour of rejecting new or unknown food. The second part of the paper explores the ‘Food image’ of Delhi. The food image is ascertained by an empirical study on tourists using a self-administered survey. The results are analysed using descriptive statistics.
Food Image and Acceptability of Local Cuisine: Exploring Culinary Tourism in Delhi
Authors: Chatterjee Sandeep , Suklabaidya Paramita
Published: January 2021

Culinary tourism has the potential for being an essential source for destination promotion in India. One of the primay assumptions of this concept is the acceptability of local cuisine by tourists.The current paper explores this issue by trying to find the acceptability of new and local cuisine by travellers. The acceptability of local cuisine is tested via a modified Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) that scores the psychological behaviour of rejecting new or unknown food. The second part of the paper explores the ‘Food image’ of Delhi. The food image is ascertained by an empirical study on tourists using a self-administered survey. The results are analysed using descriptive statistics.
Effectiveness of two sampling methods for social wasps in different ecosystems
Authors: Clemente Mateus Aparecido , Guevara Roger , Moleiro Hugo Ribeiro , Silveira Orlando Tobias , Souza Marcos Magalhães de , Giannotti Edilberto
Published: January 2021

There are different methodologies used to make an inventory of social wasps. In general, these methods are divided into active search and passive collections. Each method has a different performance, depending on the environment in which the collection is being carried out. Thus, the choice for the proper methodology according to the study area will impact the success of sampled species. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of sampling methodologies for social wasps (active search and bait traps) in different phytophysiognomies (Regenerating Cerrado, “Cerradão”, Restored Forest, Semideciduous Forest and Riparian Forest) in the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. The active search sampled a greater number of species, with the exception of the Regenerating Cerrado. Regarding abundance, the active search was also more efficient, except in “Cerradão”, where there was no difference between the methods, and in Regenerating Cerrado, where the traps sampled a higher number of individuals. The fact that none of the methods collected all the sampled species indicates that it is appropriate to use more than one collection method in order to obtain a sampling closer to the true richness of the studied sites.
Network-Biased Technical Change: How Modern Digital Collaboration Tools Overcome Some Biases but Exacerbate Others
Authors: Wu Lynn , Kane Gerald C.
Published: January 2021

Using three years’ data from more than 1,000 employees at a large professional services firm, we find that adopting an expertise search tool improves employee work performance in billable revenue, which results from improvements in network connections and information diversity. More importantly, we also find that adoption does not benefit all employees equally. Two types of employees benefit more from adoption of digital collaboration tools than others. First, junior employees and women benefit more from the adoption of digital collaboration tools than do senior employees and men, respectively. These tools help employees overcome the institutional barriers to resource access faced by these employees in their searches for expertise. Second, employees with greater social capital at the time of adoption also benefit more than others. The tools eliminate natural barriers associated with traditional offline interpersonal networks, enabling employees to network even more strategically than before. We explore the mechanisms for these differential benefits. Digital collaboration tools increase the volume of communication more for junior employees and women, indicating greater access to knowledge and expertise than they had before adoption. The tools also decrease the volume of communication for people with greater social capital, indicating more efficient access to knowledge and expertise. An important implication of our findings is that digital collaboration tools have the potential to overcome some of the demographic institutional biases that organizations have long sought to change. It does so, however, at the expense of potentially creating new biases toward network-based features—a characteristic we call “network-biased technical change.”
Machinability analysis of quartz during single point diamond turning process based on finite element method: influence of ultrasonic vibration and micro-machining parameters
Authors:   University of Maragheh, Pashmforoush Farzad
Published: January 2021

Quartz is one of the difficult-to-machine materials due to its low fracture toughness and high hardness. In this study, the machinability of this material during single point diamond turning (SPDT) was numerically investigated using finite element method (FEM). First of all, the accuracy of the FE model was verified based on the experimental data available in literature. Then, the machinability of quartz was analysed in terms of cutting force, tool/workpiece temperature and tool wear rate. Also, the influence of tool vibration on cutting force and tool wear rate was investigated. Furthermore, an empirical/mathematical model was developed to express the machining outputs as a function of the micro-machining parameters. The obtained results indicate the good performance of FEM in analysing the machinability of quartz during SPDT process.
Carbonaceous minerals as corrosion products on the surface of bottles
Authors:   SISECAM Glass Research Center, Özcan A. , Arman B. , Demirli S. , Orhon M.
Published: January 2021

During the corrosion process, as the ion exchange between the surface of the glass and the water progresses, the chemical structure of the surface changes and different structural layers are formed. These layers are characterised by various analytical techniques such as EPMA, XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTA and ICP-OES. Three carbonate mineral species namely calcite (CaCO3), shortite (Na2Ca2(CO3)3) and nyerereite (Na2Ca(CO3)2) have been identified at the outermost deposition layer. Critical parameters that affect the formation of the alkali depleted and silica enriched gel layer are investigated using some special test methods. Methylene blue solution reacts with the silanol groups of gel layer leaving a blue tint behind, the intensity of which varies with the extent of corrosion as the amount of silanol groups outcropped due to the increase of the porous structure area. A colour scale is developed to determine the level of corrosion and the results are correlated with the results of other known chemical analysis methods. The effect of annealing conditions on the chemical resistance of the surfaces and the role of the shape of the bottles on the water condensation at humid atmosphere are studied. The results of acid treatment and re-annealing of the corroded surfaces are described.
XAFS studies of glass structure
Authors:   University of Trento, Dalba G.
Published: January 2021

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy has become one of the most important techniques to characterise the local coordination of specific atomic species present in condensed matter. The possibility of investigating the structure of noncrystalline materials has made XAFS very attractive for the study of the short range structure of the glassy state. The XAFS acronym denotes the structure present above the x-ray absorption edges; such a structure is distinguished as x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). XANES carries information on the atomic arrangement around the absorbing species: distances and bonding angles. XANES also provides information on the electronic states in the proximity of the conduction band: different chemical environments may be identified from known features in the spectrum. EXAFS provides information on the average distance and radial distribution function of the nearest neighbours of the absorbing species. In the last decade, the enormous progress of experimental techniques and the excellent quality of experimental spectra, consequent to the development of the synchrotron radiation facilities, have stimulated the evolution of the XAFS theory and analysis procedures. This paper is a survey on the theoretical development of XAFS and on the methods for determining the short range information in disordered materials. Applications of XAFS to some vitreous systems are reported.
En defensa del Trabajo Social Clínico. El giro pragmático y la contribución de la Terapia Familiar Sistémica en la práctica con personas y familias.
Authors: Barria Muñoz Javier Roberto
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo, tiene por finalidad plantear la necesidad de reconocer la psicoterapia como parte del trabajo profesional en el Trabajo Social. La profesión tiene una historia de exclusión en el ámbito de la psicoterapia. Se establece una genealogía que viene desde el casework hasta la introducción de la terapia familiar sistémica y del ejercicio como co-terapeutas o psicoterapeutas informales, sobre todo en las áreas psico-jurídica, hospitalaria y psiquiátrica. Se plantea que la terapia familiar sistémica es un puente en la introducción de la práctica clínica en Trabajo Social. De ello, se desprende la necesidad del reconocimiento y validación del Trabajo Social Clínico como actividad pionera y naciente en Latinoamérica.
De la intervención al acompañamiento. Una propuesta para construir conocimiento desde nuestra experiencia encarnada en Trabajo Social.
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Berenice , Osornio Mora Laura Lizbeth
Published: January 2021

A partir de la revisión bibliográfica de los conceptos Acompañamiento Terapéutico (AT) y Acompañamiento Social (AS), así como de un proceso etnográfico realizado en 2019 en el Centro Femenil de Reinserción Social ubicado en la Ciudad de México, nos proponemos discutir la posibilidad de que la noción de intervención desarrollada en Trabajo Social, se desplace hacia el concepto de acompañamiento. Al inicio del proceso etnográfico nos posicionamos desde la implementación de una estrategia de intervención, pero poco a poco emergieron elementos de un proceso de acompañamiento. A partir de ese momento observamos cambios significativos en todas las personas implicadas. Con esto, resignificamos la noción de intervención como un proceso distante, disciplinador y propio de una ortopedia social, para acercarnos a una experiencia encarnada que significa pensar e interactuar con y desde el cuerpo, porque así se genera sentido y se toma posición a partir de la vulnerabilidad y la intimidad donde se producen nuestras relaciones con los otros y con el mundo (Cortés Severino, 2013). Nuestra propuesta es asumir que la intervención nos afecta porque es una forma de establecer un vínculo en el trabajo con otros y aproximarnos al acompañamiento nos previene de sostener visiones correctivas, normalizantes, salvacionistas y paternalistas.
Masculinidades y Trabajo Social. Una aproximación teórica para nuevas intervenciones sociales y reivindicaciones profesionales.
Authors: Muller Flury Michael
Published: January 2021

Este artículo presenta una exposición teórica dirigida a abrir el camino para vincular la disciplina del Trabajo Social con la investigación y teorización de la masculinidad(es) y las implicaciones que ello puede (y debe) conllevar. Se ha basado la exposición teórica en una investigación del año 2018 sobre hombres que cuestionaban su masculinidad, añadiendo al enfoque inicial la visión de la intervención social, propia de nuestra profesión. Los conceptos tratados son la masculinidad hegemónica, las nuevas masculinidades y la masculinidad alternativa (en singular). Es preciso clarificar el origen y el significado de cada uno de los conceptos, así como explicar su llegada y desarrollo en el Estado español para que el Trabajo Social pueda entender los fenómenos que se dan entre las personas que atendemos y explicar, no justificar, ciertos comportamientos y actitudes, además de poder tomar consciencia de que no podemos reproducir ni validar los preceptos que emanan del sistema patriarcal y los roles de género. Como agentes de cambio, es imperativo que asumamos nuestro rol político para reclamar más formación en perspectiva de género y perspectiva feminista (en los grados universitarios de Trabajo Social), y más coeducación y feminismo en todos los niveles formativos de España. También debemos reclamar y aprovechar las ya existentes políticas de igualdad dirigidas a los hombres, para favorecer su autocuestionamiento y viaje hacia formas de masculinidad que renieguen y condenen firmemente los preceptos de la masculinidad tradicional.
Analysis of tunable Faraday rotation angle produced by 1D photonic crystals doped with InSb in the terahertz regime
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Fen-Ying , Wang Peng-Xiang , Mao Ming-Yu , Ma Yu , Zhang Dan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: January 2021

Simple periodic one-dimensional (1D) common photonic crystals (PCs) doped with InSb are proposed to research the Faraday rotation (FR) effect by applying a

4

×

4

transfer matrix method. Analysis indicates that the given 1D PCs can realize a giant FR angle. The influences of the properties of InSb (magnetic induction intensity, temperature, and the length of the InSb layer) and the repeat number of the structure on the FR are investigated due to the tunability of InSb and the features of the structure. Through calculation, it is found that, by adjusting these parameters, we can clearly observe the movement of the extreme values of the FR angle. In addition, the numerical results show that when the magnetic induction intensity and the repeat number of the structure are changed, the FR angle will be significantly altered at the fixed extreme frequency point. Specifically, if the temperature and the thickness of InSb layer are altered, the extreme value of the FR and the frequency point where it happens also will change. We believe these obtained results can provide ideas to design optical isolators and optical switches.
Integration of alumina-phosphate glass with cobalt-doped magnesium
aluminate structure using a hot embossing technique for microlaser
development
Authors: Karpate Tanvi , Kujawa Ireneusz , Kasztelanic Rafał , Stępień Ryszard , Kisielewski Jarosław , Kopczyński Krzysztof , Młyńczak Jarosław
Published: January 2021

In this work, the technique of hot embossing has been applied for the
bonding of alumina-phosphate (PAL) glass with cobalt-doped magnesium
aluminate (MALO) crystals. The application of the hot embossing
technique for bonding of PAL/MALO is a competitive method, as compared
to the existing thermobonding techniques. The obtained PAL/MALO
interfaces show high quality, similar to what is currently achievable
with other, more expensive traditional methods. The interfaces of the
bonded samples have been successfully tested for strength and damage
thresholds. The damage threshold is estimated to be around

4.5

−

7.9

k
W

/

c

m

2

. Therefore, microlasers can be
developed based on the obtained components.
Simultaneous phase-shifting interferometer with a monitored spatial light modulator flexible reference mirror
Authors: Hao Qun , Ning Yan , Hu Yao , Zhang Yu , Tao Xin , Chang Xu
Published: January 2021

A simultaneous phase-shifting interferometer with a monitored spatial light modulator (SLM) flexible reference mirror is proposed to balance the flexibility and accuracy of aspheric-surface in-process measurements. In this method, polarization simultaneous phase-shifting camera systems are applied to reduce the influence of environmental vibrations on the in-process measurements. An SLM reference mirror is employed to improve the flexibility of in-process measurements. A device is integrated to monitor the SLM surface in order to improve measurement accuracy caused by the spatial phase nonuniformity and modulation instability of the SLM. Thus, the SLM surface is monitored and the aspheric surface is measured simultaneously in only one interferometer, which presents the advantages of a compact structure and simple calibration. A flat acrylic mirror with an unknown surface figure error is measured by the proposed interferometer. Cross tests demonstrate the feasibility of this interferometer.
Single-shot three-dimensional imaging with a scattering layer [Invited]
Authors: Li Guowei , Yang Wanqing , Bian Yaoming , Wang Haichao , Situ Guohai
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose a single-shot three-dimensional imaging technique. This is achieved by simply placing a normal thin scattering layer in front of a two-dimensional image sensor, making it a light-field-like camera. The working principle of the proposed technique is based on the statistical independence and spatial ergodicity of the speckle produced by the scattering layer. Thus, the local point responses of the scattering layer should be measured in advance and are used for image reconstruction. We demonstrate the proposed method with proof-of-concept experiments and analyze the factors that affect its performance.
Distortion compensation in continuous-time photonic time-stretched ADC based on redundancy detection
Authors: Yang Shuna , Wang Jian , Chi Hao , Yang Bo
Published: January 2021

In continuous-time photonic time-stretched analog-to-digital conversion (PTS-ADC), a wavelength-division multiplexer (WDM) is widely used to separate the overlapped stretched signal segments in both the wavelength and time domains. However, the spectrum shape of the WDM is not an ideal rectangle, and signal distortion occurs when we reconstruct the stretched signal by connecting the segments carried by the rising or falling edges of the spectrum. A signal distortion compensation scheme based on redundancy detection is proposed in this paper. Two WDMs with complementary spectrum division are employed; if we properly set the central wavelength of each channel of both WDMs, the signal segments that might be distorted by inter-channel mismatch can be redundantly detected and the distortion can be completely avoided. Moreover, by adjusting the dispersion amount of the first dispersive medium, the optical carrier obtained by connecting the stretched chirped pulses is partly overlapped, which guarantees the redundant modulation of signal segments that might be distorted by inter-pulse mismatch. Accordingly, the signal distortion induced by inter-pulse mismatch can be perfectly removed. In addition, the effective bandwidth of each chirped optical pulse is given. The maximum system stretch factor is also derived in this paper, and experiments based on the proposed signal distortion compensation scheme are carried out. The results obtained provide instructive guidelines for the design of a continuous-time PTS-ADC with the desired performance.
Theoretical modeling of a “giant” colloidal core–shell quantum dot with an alloyed interfacial layer for solar cell applications
Authors: Sahu Anupam , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: January 2021

We proposed a theoretical modeling of a “giant” colloidal core–shell quantum dot with a strain-adapting alloyed interfacial layer between the core and shell materials for solar cell applications. The recently modified detailed balance model [J. Appl. Phys. 125, 174302 (2019)JAPIAU0021-897910.1063/1.5086015] is further modified in this paper to obtain a more realistic conversion efficiency (CE) of the

C
d
S
e

/

C
d
S
e

x

S

1
−
x

/

C
d
S

quantum dot solar cell. This proposed model computes the CE, considering the significant impact of the energy gap and oscillator strength simultaneously. The CE is investigated for different alloying factors “

x

” by considering the strain effect between the heterostructure. The results obtained in terms of CE and photoluminescence peak wavelength nearly approximate the experimental studies of similar dot structure and dimensions.
Impaired host resistance to Salmonella during helminth co-infection is restored by anthelmintic treatment prior to bacterial challenge
Authors: Brosschot Tara P. , Lawrence Katherine M. , Moeller Brandon E. , Kennedy Mia H. E. , FitzPatrick Rachael D. , Gauthier Courtney M. , Shin Dongju , Gatti Dominique M. , Conway Kate M. E. , Reynolds Lisa A.
Published: January 2021

Intestinal helminth infection can impair host resistance to co-infection with enteric bacterial pathogens. However, it is not known whether helminth drug-clearance can restore host resistance to bacterial infection. Using a mouse helminth-Salmonellaco-infection system, we show that anthelmintic treatment prior toSalmonellachallenge is sufficient to restore host resistance toSalmonella. The presence of the small intestine-dwelling helminthHeligmosomoides polygyrusat the point ofSalmonellainfection supports the initial establishment ofSalmonellain the small intestinal lumen. Interestingly, if helminth drug-clearance is delayed untilSalmonellahas already established in the small intestinal lumen, anthelmintic treatment does not result in complete clearance ofSalmonella. This suggests that while the presence of helminths supports initialSalmonellacolonization, helminths are dispensable forSalmonellapersistence in the host small intestine. These data contribute to the mechanistic understanding of how an ongoing or prior helminth infection can affect pathogenic bacterial colonization and persistence in the mammalian intestine.
Structural analysis of rice Os4BGlu18 monolignol β-glucosidase
Authors: Baiya Supaporn , Pengthaisong Salila , Kitjaruwankul Sunan , Ketudat Cairns James R.
Published: January 2021

Monolignol glucosides are storage forms of monolignols, which are polymerized to lignin to strengthen plant cell walls. The conversion of monolignol glucosides to monolignols is catalyzed by monolignol β-glucosidases. Rice Os4BGlu18 β-glucosidase catalyzes hydrolysis of the monolignol glucosides, coniferin, syringin, and p-coumaryl alcohol glucoside more efficiently than other natural substrates. To understand more clearly the basis for substrate specificity of a monolignol β-glucosidase, the structure of Os4BGlu18 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystals of Os4BGlu18 and its complex with δ-gluconolactone diffracted to 1.7 and 2.1 Å resolution, respectively. Two protein molecules were found in the asymmetric unit of the P212121 space group of their isomorphous crystals. The Os4BGlu18 structure exhibited the typical (β/α)8 TIM barrel of glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1), but the four variable loops and two disulfide bonds appeared significantly different from other known structures of GH1 β-glucosidases. Molecular docking studies of the Os4BGlu18 structure with monolignol substrate ligands placed the glycone in a similar position to the δ-gluconolactone in the complex structure and revealed the interactions between protein and ligands. Molecular docking, multiple sequence alignment, and homology modeling identified amino acid residues at the aglycone-binding site involved in substrate specificity for monolignol β-glucosides. Thus, the structural basis of substrate recognition and hydrolysis by monolignol β-glucosidases was elucidated.
Telomere length shortening in hospitalized preterm infants: A pilot study
Authors: Belfort Mandy Brown , Qureshi Farah , Litt Jonathan , Enlow Michelle Bosquet , De Vivo Immaculata , Gregory Katherine , Tiemeier Henning
Published: January 2021

Leukocyte telomere length is a biomarker of aging-related health risks. Hospitalized preterm infants frequently experience elevated oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to telomere shortening. Our aim was to examine changes in telomere length during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization in a cohort of preterm infants <32 weeks’ gestation. We conducted a longitudinal study of 10 infants (mean gestational age 27 weeks, range 23.5 to 29, at birth). We isolated DNA from dried blood spots and used Real Time Quantitative PCR to measure relative leukocyte telomere length in triplicate at three time points for each participant. From birth to discharge, infants experienced an average decline in relative telomere length of 0.021 units per week (95% CI -0.040, -0.0020; p = 0.03), after adjustment for gestational age at birth. Our results suggest a measurable decline in telomere length during NICU hospitalization. We speculate that telomere length change may convey information about NICU exposures that carry short- and long-term health risks.
Sex differences in the development and expression of a preference for familiar vocal signals in songbirds
Authors: Fujii Tomoko G. , Ikebuchi Maki , Okanoya Kazuo
Published: January 2021

Production and perception of birdsong critically depends on early developmental experience. In species where singing is a sexually dimorphic trait, early life song experience may affect later behavior differently between sexes. It is known that both male and female songbirds acquire a life-long memory of early song experience, though its function remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that male and female birds express a preference for their fathers’ song, but do so differently depending on the developmental stage. We measured preference for their father’s song over an unfamiliar one in both male and female Bengalese finches at multiple time points across ontogeny, using phonotaxis and vocal response as indices of preference. We found that in males, selective approach to their father’s song decreased as they developed while in females, it remained stable regardless of age. This may correspond to a higher sensitivity to tutor song in young males while they are learning and a retained sensitivity in females because song is a courtship signal that is used throughout life. In addition, throughout development, males vocalized less frequently during presentation of their father’s song compared to unfamiliar song, whereas females emitted more calls to their father’s song. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of why songbirds acquire and maintain such a robust song memory.
Cabozantinib can block growth of neuroendocrine prostate cancer patient-derived xenografts by disrupting tumor vasculature
Authors: Labrecque Mark P. , Brown Lisha G. , Coleman Ilsa M. , Nguyen Holly M. , Lin Daniel W. , Corey Eva , Nelson Peter S. , Morrissey Colm
Published: January 2021

With the advent of potent second-line anti-androgen therapy, we and others have observed an increased incidence of androgen receptor (AR)-null small cell or neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNPC) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Our study was designed to determine the effect of cabozantinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits VEGFR2, MET and RET on SCNPC. Transcriptome analysis of the University of Washington rapid autopsy and SU2C mCRPC datasets revealed upregulatedMETandRETexpression in SCNPCs relative to adenocarcinomas. Additionally, increasedMETexpression correlated with attenuated AR expression and activity.In vitrotreatment of SCNPC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells with the MET inhibitor AMG-337 had no impact on cell viability in LuCaP 93 (MET+/RET+) and LuCaP 173.1 (MET-/RET-), whereas cabozantinib decreased cell viability of LuCaP 93, but not LuCaP 173.1. Notably, MET+/RET+ LuCaP 93 and MET-/RET- LuCaP 173.1 tumor volumes were significantly decreased with cabozantinib treatmentin vivo, and this activity was independent of MET or RET expression in LuCaP 173.1. Tissue analysis indicated that cabozantinib did not inhibit tumor cell proliferation (Ki67), but significantly decreased microvessel density (CD31) and increased hypoxic stress and glycolysis (HK2) in LuCaP 93 and LuCaP 173.1 tumors. RNA-Seq and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that hypoxia and glycolysis pathways were increased in cabozantinib-treated tumors relative to control tumors. Our data suggest that the most likely mechanism of cabozantinib-mediated tumor growth suppression in SCNPC PDX models is through disruption of the tumor vasculature. Thus, cabozantinib may represent a potential therapy for patients with metastatic disease in tumor phenotypes that have a significant dependence on the tumor vasculature for survival and proliferation.
Long-term outcomes after kidney transplant failure and variables related to risk of death and probability of retransplant: Results from a single-center cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Requião-Moura Lúcio R. , Albino Cássio R. Moreira , Bicalho Paula Rebello , Ferraz Érika de Arruda , Pires Luciana Mello de Mello Barros , da Silva Maurício Fregonesi Rodrigues , Pacheco-Silva Alvaro
Published: January 2021

Background

Returning to dialysis after kidney graft loss (GL) is associated with a high risk of mortality, mainly in the first 3–6 months. The follow-up of patients with GL should be extended to better understand crude patient outcomes, mainly in emerging countries, where the transplantation activity has increased.

Methods

This is a historical single-center cohort study conducted in an emerging country (Brazil) that included 115 transplant patients with kidney allograft failure who were followed for 44.1 (21.4; 72.6) months after GL. The outcomes were death or retransplantation after GL calculated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Proportional hazard ratios for death and retransplantation were assessed by Cox regression.

Results

The 5-year probability of retransplantation was 38.7% (95% CI: 26.1%-51.2%) and that of death was 37.7% (95% CI: 24.9%-50.5%); OR = 1.03 (95% CI: 0.71–1.70) and P = 0.66. The likelihood of retransplantation was higher in patients who resumed dialysis with higher levels of hemoglobin (HR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.04–1.43; P = 0.01) and lower in blood type O patients (HR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.25–0.93; P = 0.03), which was associated with a lower frequency of retransplantation with a subsequent living-donor kidney. On the other hand, the risk of death was significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index (HR for each point = 1.37; 95% CI 1.19–1.50; P<0.001), and residual eGFR at the time when patients had resumed to dialysis (HR for each mL = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.05–1.25; P = 0.002). The trend toward a lower risk of death when patients had resumed to dialysis using AV fistula access was observed (HR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.25–1.02; P = 0.06), while a higher risk seems to be associated with the number of previous engraftment (HR = 2.01; 95% CI 0.99–4.07; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

The 5-year probability of retransplantation was not less than that of death. Variables related to the probability of retransplantation were hemoglobin level before resuming dialysis and ABO blood type, while the risk of death was associated with comorbidities and residual eGFR.
Colonic mucosal and cytobrush sample cytokine mRNA expression in canine inflammatory bowel disease and their correlation with disease activity, endoscopic and histopathologic score
Authors: Konstantinidis Alexandros O. , Adamama-Moraitou Katerina K. , Pardali Dimitra , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Brellou Georgia D. , Papadopoulos Theologos , Jergens Albert E. , Allenspach Karin , Rallis Timoleon S.
Published: January 2021

Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders, the pathogenesis of which remains elusive, but it possibly involves the interaction of the intestinal immune system with luminal microbiota and food-derived antigens. Mucosal cytokines profiles in canine IBD have been investigated mainly in small intestinal disease, while data on cytokine profiles in large intestinal IBD are limited. The objective of this study was to measure colonic mucosal and cytobrush sample messenger (m)RNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-12p40, IL-23p19, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and chemokine C‐C motif ligand (CCL28) in dogs with IBD and healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and assess their correlation with clinical disease activity, endoscopic and histopathologic score. Dogs with IBD had a significantly increased mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-23p19 and CCL28 in the colonic mucosa, compared to healthy controls. None of the selected cytokines had significantly different mRNA expression in the colonic cytobrush samples between the two groups or between the colonic mucosa and cytobrush samples of dogs with IBD. Finally, there was a statistically significant correlation of clinical disease activity with endoscopic activity score and fibrosis and atrophy of the colonic mucosa in dogs with large intestinal IBD. IL-1β, IL-23p19 and CCL28 could play a role in the pathogenesis of canine large intestinal IBD. Colonic cytokine expression does not correlate with clinical disease activity and/or endoscopic score. However, clinical signs reflect the severity of endoscopic lesions.
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of anogenital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) carriage in a cross-sectional, multi-ethnic, community-based Asian male population
Authors: Khoo Su Pei , Shafii Mohd Khairul Anwar , Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala , Yap Siew Hwei , Subramaniam Shridevi , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Lin Zhang , Belinson Jerome , Goh Pik Pin , Qu Xinfeng , Gravitt Patti , Woo Yin Ling
Published: January 2021

Background

Addressing the burden of HPV-associated diseases among men is increasingly becoming a public health issue. The main objective of this study was to determine HPV prevalence among a healthy community-based Malaysian men.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 503 healthy males from 3 community-based clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Genital and anal samples were collected from each participant for 14 high risk and 2 low risk HPV DNA detection and genotyping. All participants responded to a set of detailed sociodemographic and sexual behaviour questionnaire.

Results

The median age at enrolment was 40 years old (IQR: 31–50). The anogenital HPV6/11 prevalence was 3.2% whereas high risk HPV prevalence was 27.1%. The genital HPV prevalence for HPV6/11 was 2.9% while high risk HPV was 18.8%. HPV6/11 prevalence in the anal canal was 1.6% and high risk HPV was 12.7%. HPV 18 was the most prevalent genotype detected in the anogenital area. There was a significant independent association between genital and anal HPV infections.

Conclusion

Anogenital HPV infection is common among Malaysian men. These findings emphasize the ubiquity of HPV infection and thus the value of population-wide access to HPV prevention.