bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Battle for Homes: How Does Home Sharing Disrupt Local Residential Markets?
Authors: Chen Wei , Wei Zaiyan , Xie Karen
Published: February 2022

As cities debate how to regulate Airbnb and other home-sharing services, we study the impacts of home sharing on local residential real estate markets. By accommodating transient travelers with short-term rental properties, home-sharing platforms have evolved as a major alternative channel that attracts the growing supply of residential properties. However, on the demand side of local residential markets, home-sharing platforms are not a viable option for residents. To demonstrate this dynamic between home sharing and local residential markets, we leverage a unique quasi-experiment on Airbnb—a platform policy that caps the number of properties a host can manage in a city—and find that the policy reduced rents (in the long-term rental markets) and home values (in the for-sale housing markets) by about 3% and did not affect the price-to-rent ratio. Consistent with the conjecture, we find that the policy impacts can be attributed to increased supply in local residential markets because of the policy. Quantitatively, our estimates suggest that, if the density of affected Airbnb properties is 1% higher in a market, the policy may further decrease rents and home values by about 0.03%–0.06%, which is similar across each policy-affected city. Our empirical findings add to the debate about the impacts of home sharing on local residential markets with a novel data set and a unique identification strategy. Practically speaking, our research is a timely response to the debate on regulating home sharing and has implications for various stakeholders of the residential real estate markets.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.

Funding: K. Xie thanks the University of Denver Faculty Research Fund 2017 for financial support.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4299 .
Modeling the Risk in Mortality Projections
Authors: Zhu Nan , Bauer Daniel
Published: February 2022

Capturing the Uncertainty in Long-Term Mortality Forecasts

The uncertainty in future longevity presents a substantial risk factor for insurance companies, pension funds, and retirement systems. In “Modeling the Risk in Mortality Projections,” Zhu and Bauer present novel stochastic models for analyzing this longevity risk that focus on the uncertainty associated with long-term mortality projections and capture the evolution of mortality forecasts over the past decades. They arrive at their models by analyzing time series of mortality forecasts in a forward modeling framework, which contrasts with conventional stochastic mortality models that are built on age-specific realized mortality rates. The authors showcase their models in exemplifying financial applications in both traditional life insurance markets and the emerging longevity risk transfer market. A key takeaway is that uncertainty in positions that depend on the long-term evolution of mortality is substantially greater under their models than suggested by conventional models.
The root of the cause: a clinical case report of the surgical removal of a retained root via an extra-oral approach
Authors: Loh Melissa , Azam Hamnah , Jones David Carl
Published: February 2022

Retained roots are commonly seen as an incidental finding in general practice following radiographic examination, many being asymptomatic. However, over time they may migrate, develop pathological change and become symptomatic for the patient. This article illustrates root migration using an interesting clinical case to demonstrate how it can present, and the surgical techniques required in its removal. In this particular case, the retained root of a lower right second molar migrated to below the right side of the inferior alveolar nerve.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important to recognize when referral for a specialist opinion is appropriate.
Examining rates of intimate partner violence and support services during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Dobbin Claire , Lusher Joanne
Published: February 2022

Intimate partner violence is a global public health concern, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has identified an increase in incidence worldwide, supported by evidence that natural disasters tend to increase incidents and intensity of intimate partner violence. The aim of this review was to gain knowledge and understanding from current literature pertaining to intimate partner violence and the Covid-19 pandemic. A literature search was carried out using a variety of databases to identify articles relevant to the topic; 13 articles were selected which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search has identified the need for robust qualitative data in order to enhance our understanding of how the pandemic has affected survivors of intimate partner violence, alongside the healthcare staff who support them.
Mode selection in InGaAs/InGaAsP quantum well photonic crystal lasers based on coupled double-heterostructure cavities
Authors: Wang Ling-Fang , Cheng Xiao-Tian , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Yu Jia-Wang , Yan Jun-Yong , Ni Zhi-Bo , Wang Tao , Xia Ming-Jun , Lin Xing , Liu Feng , Jin Chao-Yuan
Published: February 2022

Photonic crystal lasers with a high-Q factor and small mode volume are
ideal light sources for on-chip nano-photonic integration. Due to the
submicron size of their active region, it is usually difficult to
achieve high output power and single-mode lasing at the same time. In
this work, we demonstrate well-selected single-mode lasing in a
line-defect photonic crystal cavity by coupling it to the high-Q modes
of a short double-heterostructure photonic crystal cavity. One of the
FP-like modes of the line-defect cavity can be selected to lase by
thermo-optically tuning the high-Q mode of the short cavity into
resonance. Six FP-like modes are successively tuned into lasing with
side mode suppression ratios all exceeding 15 dB. Furthermore, we show
a continuous wavelength tunability of about 10 nm from all the
selected modes. The coupled cavity system provides a remarkable
platform to explore the rich laser physics through the spatial
modulation of vacuum electromagnetic field at submicron scale.
Imaging 3D molecular orientation by orthogonal-pair polarization IR microscopy
Authors: Xu Shuyu , Rowlette Jeremy , Lee Young Jong
Published: February 2022

Anisotropic molecular alignment occurs ubiquitously and often heterogeneously in three dimensions (3D). However, conventional imaging approaches based on polarization can map only molecular orientation projected onto the 2D polarization plane. Here, an algorithm converts conventional polarization-controlled infrared (IR) hyperspectral data into images of the 3D angles of molecular orientations. The polarization-analysis algorithm processes a pair of orthogonal IR transition-dipole modes concurrently; in contrast, conventional approaches consider individual IR modes separately. The orthogonal-pair polarization IR (OPPIR) method, introduced theoretically but never demonstrated experimentally, was used to map the 3D orientation angles and the order parameter of the local orientational distribution of polymer chains in a poly(ε-caprolactone) film. The OPPIR results show that polymer chains in the semicrystalline film are aligned azimuthally perpendicular to the radial direction of a spherulite and axially tilted from the film normal direction. This newly available information on the local alignments in continuously distributed molecules helps to understand the molecular-level structure of highly anisotropic and spatially heterogeneous materials.
Frequency comb generation in SNAP fiber resonator based on axial-azimuthal mode interactions
Authors: Kolesnikova Alena Yu. , Suchkov Sergey V. , Vatnik Ilya D.
Published: February 2022

We study nonlinear mode interaction in the cylindrical microresonator with nanoscale radius variation. We obtain a model which describes the interplay between azimuthal modes and investigate the nonlinear dynamics of axial-azimuthal modes. We also define regimes of generation depending on the pump parameters. Using a properly designed radius longitudinal profile, we obtain broadband generation of stable low-repetition-rate frequency combs based on axial-azimuthal modes.
Arm locking using laser frequency comb
Authors: Wu Hanzhong , Ke Jun , Wang Pan-Pan , Tan Yu-Jie , Luo Jie , Shao Cheng-Gang
Published: February 2022

The space-borne gravitational wave (GW) detectors, e.g., LISA, TaiJi, and TianQin, will open the window in the low-frequency regime (0.1 mHz to 1 Hz) to study the highly energetic cosmic events, such as coalescences and mergers of binary black holes and neutron stars. For the sake of successful observatory of GWs, the required strain sensitivity of the detector is approximately 10−21/Hz1/2 in the science band, 7 orders of magnitude better than the state of the art of the ultra-stable laser. Arm locking is therefore proposed to reduce the laser phase noise by a few orders of magnitude to relax the burden of time delay interferometry. During the past two decades, various schemes have been demonstrated by using single or dual arms between the spacecraft, with consideration of the gain, the nulls in the science band, and the frequency pulling characteristics, etc. In this work, we describe an updated version of single arm locking, and the noise amplification due to the nulls can be flexibly restricted with the help of optical frequency comb. We show that the laser phase noise can be divided by a specific factor with optical frequency comb as the bridge. The analytical results indicate that, the peaks in the science band have been greatly reduced. The performance of the noise suppression shows that the total noise after arm locking can well satisfy the requirement of time delay interferometry, even with the free-running laser source. When the laser source is pre-stabilized to a Fabry-Perot cavity or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the noise can reach the floor determined by the clock noise, the spacecraft motion, and the shot noise. We also estimate the frequency pulling characteristics of the updated single arm locking, and the results suggest that the pulling rate can be tolerated, without the risk of mode hopping. Arm locking will be a valuable solution for the noise reduction in the space-borne GW detectors. We demonstrate that, with the precise control of the returned laser phase noise, the noise amplification in the science band can be efficiently suppressed based on the updated single arm locking. Not only does our method allow the suppression of the peaks, the high gain, and low pulling rate, it can also serve for full year, without the potential risk of locking failure due to the arm length mismatch. We then discuss the unified demonstration of the updated single arm locking, where both the local and the returned laser phase noises can be tuned to generate the expected arm-locking sensor actually. Finally, the time-series simulations in Simulink have been carried out, and the results indicate a good agreement with the theory, showing that the presented method is reasonable and feasible. Our work could provide a back-up strategy for the arm locking in the future space-borne GW detectors.
Spectral dependence of principal axes in anti-resonant hollow-core fibers with different numbers of capillaries
Authors: Yelistratova Elizaveta , Demidov Vladimir , Frolov Mikhail , Fjodorow Peter , Leonov Stanislav
Published: February 2022

We report on measurements highlighting the spectral dependence of the principal axes’ angular orientation that is present within three hollow-core fibers samples of various geometries. Hollow-core anti-resonant fibers (ARFs) with six, five, and four capillaries are investigated in several transmission windows. It is shown that the six-capillary fiber structure demonstrates a much smaller shift in the principal axes’ orientation, in comparison with five- and four-capillary structures. The four-capillary structure has a 90° shift of its principal axes’ orientation inside even- and odd-numbered transmission windows. These results corroborate the suggestion that the six-capillary ARF structure is a great candidate for polarization-maintaining operation over a wide spectral bandwidth.
Selective terahertz absorber for angle and polarization-independent spectral sensing
Authors: Arose Christopher , Terracciano Anthony C. , Peale Robert E. , Vasu Subith S.
Published: February 2022

Polarization- and incident-angle-independent narrow-band terahertz (THz) absorbers were developed to enable THz imaging, radar, and spectroscopy applications. The design comprises a transparent fused silica (SiO
x
) substrate backed by an optically thick metal layer and topped by a periodic array of metal cross patterns. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulations optimized the geometry of devices fabricated by contact photolithography. Resonances were characterized by Fourier-transform reflectance spectroscopy. The design tunable absorption bands appeared in the range 50–200 cm−1 (1.5–6 THz) with full widths at half maximum of 20–56 cm−1 (0.6–1.68 THz). Maximum absorption was −8.5 to −16.8 dB. The absorption bands are independent of incidence angle and polarization in agreement with simulation.
The cAMP signaling pathway regulates Epe1 protein levels and heterochromatin assembly
Authors: Bao Kehan , Shan Chun-Min , Chen Xiao , Raiymbek Gulzhan , Monroe Jeremy G. , Fang Yimeng , Toda Takenori , Koutmou Kristin S. , Ragunathan Kaushik , Lu Chao , Berchowitz Luke E. , Jia Songtao
Published: February 2022

The epigenetic landscape of a cell frequently changes in response to fluctuations in nutrient levels, but the mechanistic link is not well understood. In fission yeast, the JmjC domain protein Epe1 is critical for maintaining the heterochromatin landscape. While loss of Epe1 results in heterochromatin expansion, overexpression of Epe1 leads to defective heterochromatin. Through a genetic screen, we found that mutations in genes of the cAMP signaling pathway suppress the heterochromatin defects associated with Epe1 overexpression. We further demonstrated that the activation of Pka1, the downstream effector of cAMP signaling, is required for the efficient translation of epe1+ mRNA to maintain Epe1 overexpression. Moreover, inactivation of the cAMP-signaling pathway, either through genetic mutations or glucose deprivation, leads to the reduction of endogenous Epe1 and corresponding heterochromatin changes. These results reveal the mechanism by which the cAMP signaling pathway regulates heterochromatin landscape in fission yeast.
Real time monitoring of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm sensitivity towards antibiotics with isothermal microcalorimetry
Authors: Sultan Andi Rofian , Tavakol Mehri , Lemmens-den Toom Nicole A. , Croughs Peter D. , Verkaik Nelianne J. , Verbon Annelies , van Wamel Willem J. B.
Published: February 2022

Biofilm-associated infections withStaphylococcus aureusare difficult to treat even after administration of antibiotics that according to the standard susceptibility assays are effective. Currently, the assays used in the clinical laboratories to determine the sensitivity ofS.aureustowards antibiotics are not representing the behaviour of biofilm-associatedS.aureus, since these assays are performed on planktonic bacteria. In research settings, microcalorimetry has been used for antibiotic susceptibility studies. Therefore, in this study we investigated if we can use isothermal microcalorimetry to monitor the response of biofilm towards antibiotic treatment in real-time. We developed a reproducible method to generate biofilm in an isothermal microcalorimeter setup. Using this system, the sensitivity of 5 methicillin-sensitiveS.aureus(MSSA) and 5 methicillin-resistantS.aureus(MRSA) strains from different genetic lineages were determined towards: flucloxacillin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, gentamicin, rifampicin, vancomycin, levofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, linezolid, fusidic acid, co-trimoxazole, and doxycycline. In contrast to conventional assays, our calorimetry-based biofilm susceptibility assay showed thatS.aureusbiofilms, regardless MSSA or MRSA, can survive the exposure to the maximum serum concentration of all tested antibiotics. The only treatment with a single antibiotic showing a significant reduction in biofilm survival was rifampicin, yet in 20% of the strains, emerging antibiotic resistance was observed. Furthermore, the combination of rifampicin with flucloxacillin, vancomycin or levofloxacin was able to preventS.aureusbiofilm from becoming resistant to rifampicin. Isothermal microcalorimetry allows real-time monitoring of the sensitivity ofS.aureusbiofilms towards antibiotics in a fast and reliable way.
Infants’ brain activity to cartoon face using functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yamanaka Nanako , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: February 2022

In this study, to investigate whether infants showed face-specific brain activity to a cartoon human face, we conducted a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) experiment and a behavioral experiment. In the fNIRS experiment, we measured the hemodynamic responses of 5- and 6-month-old infants to cartoon female and cartoon character faces using fNIRS. The results showed that the concentration of oxy-Hb increased for cartoon female faces but not for cartoon character faces. This indicates that face-specific brain activity occurred for cartoon female faces but not cartoon character faces, despite the fact that both are faces. In the behavioral experiment, we examined whether the 5- and 6-month-old infants preferred cartoon female faces to cartoon character faces in the upright and inverted conditions. The results showed a preference for cartoon female faces in the upright but not in the inverted condition. This indicates that 5- and 6-month-old infants can perceive cartoon female faces, but not cartoon character faces, as faces. The results of the two experiments indicated that face-specific brain activity occurred for cartoon female faces. This indicates that infants can perceive cartoon female faces as faces.
Comparison of the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tamura Haruka , Kondo Yoshinobu , Ito Kohei , Hasebe Masanori , Satoh Shinobu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: February 2022

Patients with type 2 diabetes who have cardiovascular disease and are receiving empagliflozin have a lower rate of primary composite cardiovascular outcomes. In contrast, glimepiride increases cardiovascular hospitalization when combined with metformin. Here, we assessed the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride on endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). In this prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study, 63 patients with type 2 diabetes received metformin and insulin glargine U100 for 12 weeks. This was followed by additional treatment with empagliflozin or glimepiride for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the FMD measurement (ΔFMDs) at 24 weeks of additional treatment. Secondary outcomes comprised changes in metabolic markers and body composition. The empagliflozin group (n = 33) and glimepiride group (n = 30) showed no significant differences in ΔFMDs (empagliflozin, −0.11 [95%CI: -1.02, 0.80]%; glimepiride, −0.34 [95%CI: -1.28, 0.60]%; P = 0.73). Additionally, changes in glycated hemoglobin were similar between the two groups. However, a significant difference in body weight change was observed (empagliflozin, −0.58 [95%CI: -1.60, 0.43] kg; glimepiride, 1.20 [95%CI: 0.15, 2.26] kg; P = 0.02). Moreover, a body composition analysis revealed that body fluid volume significantly decreased after empagliflozin treatment (baseline, 35.8 ± 6.8 L; after 12 weeks, −0.33 ± 0.72 L; P = 0.03). Hence, although empagliflozin did not improve endothelial function compared with glimepiride for patients with type 2 diabetes, it did decrease body fluid volumes. Thus, the coronary-protective effect of empagliflozin is not derived from endothelial function protection, but rather from heart failure risk reduction.

Trial registration: This trial was registered on September 13, 2016; UMIN000024001.
Variation in regional implantation patterns of cardiac implantable electronic device in Switzerland
Authors: Bolt Lucy , Wertli Maria M. , Haynes Alan G. , Rodondi Nicolas , Chiolero Arnaud , Panczak Radoslaw , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a substantial geographical variation in the rates of pacemaker (PM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation across European countries. We assessed the extent of regional variation and potential determinants of such variation.

Methods

We conducted a population-based analysis using discharge data for PM/ICD/CRT implantations from all Swiss acute care hospitals during 2013–2016. We derived hospital service areas (HSA) by analyzing patient flows. We calculated age- and sex-standardized rates and quantified variation using the extremal quotient (EQ) and the systemic component of variation (SCV). We estimated the reduction in variance of crude implantation rates across HSAs using multilevel regression models, with incremental adjustment for age and sex, language, socioeconomic factors, population health, diabetes mellitus, and the density of cardiologists on the HSA level.

Results

We analyzed implantations of 8129 PM, 1461 ICD, and 1411 CRT from 25 Swiss HSAs. The mean age- and sex-standardized implantation rate was 29 (range 8–57) per 100,000 persons for PM, 5 (1–9) for ICD, and 5 (2–8) for CRT. There was a very high variation in PM (EQ 7.0; SCV 12.6) and ICD (EQ 7.2; SCV 11.3) and a high variation in CRT implantation rates (EQ 3.9; SCV 7.1) across HSAs. Adjustments for age and sex, language, socioeconomic factors, population health, diabetes mellitus, and density of cardiologists explained 94% of the variance in ICD and 87.5% of the variance in CRT implantation rates, but only 36.3% of the variance in PM implantation rates. Women had substantially lower PM/ICD/CRT implantation rates than men.

Conclusion

Switzerland has a very high regional variation in PM/ICD implantation and a high variation in CRT implantation rates. Women had substantially lower implantation rates than men. A large share of the variation in PM procedure rates remained unexplained which might reflect variations in physicians’ preferences and practices.
Prevalence of questionable research practices, research misconduct and their potential explanatory factors: A survey among academic researchers in The Netherlands
Authors: Gopalakrishna Gowri , ter Riet Gerben , Vink Gerko , Stoop Ineke , Wicherts Jelte M. , Bouter Lex M.
Published: February 2022

Prevalence of research misconduct, questionable research practices (QRPs) and their associations with a range of explanatory factors has not been studied sufficiently among academic researchers. The National Survey on Research Integrity targeted all disciplinary fields and academic ranks in the Netherlands. It included questions about engagement in fabrication, falsification and 11 QRPs over the previous three years, and 12 explanatory factor scales. We ensured strict identity protection and used the randomized response method for questions on research misconduct. 6,813 respondents completed the survey. Prevalence of fabrication was 4.3% (95% CI: 2.9, 5.7) and of falsification 4.2% (95% CI: 2.8, 5.6). Prevalence of QRPs ranged from 0.6% (95% CI: 0.5, 0.9) to 17.5% (95% CI: 16.4, 18.7) with 51.3% (95% CI: 50.1, 52.5) of respondents engaging frequently in at least one QRP. Being a PhD candidate or junior researcher increased the odds of frequently engaging in at least one QRP, as did being male. Scientific norm subscription (odds ratio (OR) 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.00) and perceived likelihood of detection by reviewers (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.88) were associated with engaging in less research misconduct. Publication pressure was associated with more often engaging in one or more QRPs frequently (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.30). We found higher prevalence of misconduct than earlier surveys. Our results suggest that greater emphasis on scientific norm subscription, strengthening reviewers in their role as gatekeepers of research quality and curbing the “publish or perish” incentive system promotes research integrity.
Vaginal microbiome of women with adenomyosis: A case-control study
Authors: Kunaseth Jitsupa , Waiyaput Wanwisa , Chanchaem Prangwalai , Sawaswong Vorthon , Permpech Rattana , Payungporn Sunchai , Sophonsritsuk Areepan
Published: February 2022

Immune dysregulation can involve invasion and survival of endometrial glands inside the myometrium of the adenomyosis. There is limited available data concerning alterations of the bacterial microbiome in the reproductive tract of adenomyosis women. The present cross-sectional age-matched study aims to compare vaginal microbiota between women with and without adenomyosis. We recruited women with adenomyosis (N = 40) and age-matched women without adenomyosis (N = 40) from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University, from August 2020 to January 2021. Vaginal swab samples were collected from the participants. DNA isolation and bacterial 16s rDNA gene sequencing and data analyses were then performed. Comparison of the diversity of vaginal microbiota, microbiota composition, and the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) between adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis (control) groups were undertaken. Data from 40 and 38 women with and without adenomyosis, respectively, were analyzed. Alpha-diversity analysis (Chao1 index) at the species level showed higher vaginal microbial richness in the adenomyosis group when compared with the control group (p= 0.006). The linear discriminant analysis effect size technique (LeFSe) indicated an elevated abundance of several vaginal microbial taxa in the adenomyosis group, includingAlloscardovia, Oscillospirales, Ruminoccoccaceae,UCG_002, Oscillospiraceae,Enhydrobacter,Megamonas, Moraxellaceae,Subdoligranulum, Selenomonadaceae, andFaecalibacterium. On the other hand, an increase in the abundance ofMegaspehera,Fastidiosipila, Hungateiclostridiaceae, and Clostridia was identified in the control group. Vaginal community state type (CST)-III and -IV were dominated in adenomyosis, while only CST-IV was dominated in the non-adenomyosis group.Lactobacilluswas the most abundant vaginal microbial in both groups. In this study, the differences in vaginal microbiome profile were noted between adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis group. The increasing of microbial richness was associated with adenomyosis. Nevertheless, further investigations were required to elucidate the mechanisms and apply them for clinical implications.
Variations of the quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mortality rate of non-COVID-19 patients with hip fracture
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Sanmarchi Francesco , Capodici Angelo , Gribaudo Giorgia , Altini Mattia , Rosa Simona , Esposito Francesco , Fantini Maria Pia , Lenzi Jacopo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

As COVID-19 roared through the world, governments worldwide enforced containment measures that affected various treatment pathways, including those for hip fractures (HFs). This study aimed to measure process and outcome indicators related to the quality of care provided to non-COVID-19 elderly patients affected by HF in Emilia-Romagna, a region of Italy severely hit by the pandemic.

Methods

We collected the hospital discharge records of all patients admitted to the hospitals of Emilia-Romagna with a diagnosis of HF from January to May in the years 2019 (pre-pandemic period) and 2020 (pandemic period). We analyzed surgery rate, surgery delays, length of hospital stay, timely rehabilitation, and 30-day mortality for each HF patient. We evaluated monthly data (2020 vs. 2019) with the chi-square and t-test, where appropriate. Logistic regression was used to investigate the differences in 30-day mortality.

Results

Our study included 5379 patients with HF. In April and May 2020, there was a significant increase in the proportion of HF patients that did not undergo timely surgery. In March 2020, we found a significant increase in mortality (OR = 2.22). Male sex (OR = 1.92), age ≥90 years (OR = 4.33), surgery after 48 hours (OR = 3.08) and not receiving surgery (OR = 6.19) were significantly associated with increased mortality. After adjusting for the aforementioned factors, patients hospitalized in March 2020 still suffered higher mortality (OR = 2.21).

Conclusions

There was a reduction in the overall quality of care provided to non-COVID-19 elderly patients affected by HF, whose mortality increased in March 2020. Patients’ characteristics and variations in processes of care partially explained this increase. Policymakers and professionals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients should be aware of the needs of patients with other health needs, which should be carefully investigated and included in future emergency preparedness and response plans.
Prevalence of Newcastle disease and associated risk factors in domestic chickens in the Indian state of Odisha
Authors: Sahoo Niranjana , Bhuyan Kashyap , Panda Biswaranjan , Behura Nrushingha Charan , Biswal Sangram , Samal Lipismita , Chaudhary Deepika , Bansal Nitish , Singh Renu , Joshi Vinay G. , Jindal Naresh , Mahajan Nand K. , Maan Sushila , Ravishankar Chintu , Rajasekhar Ravindran , Radzio-Basu Jessica , Herzog Catherine M. , Kapur Vivek , Mor Sunil K. , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: February 2022

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), is a contagious disease that affects a variety of domestic and wild avian species. Though ND is vaccine-preventable, it is a persistent threat to poultry industry across the globe. The disease represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in chickens. To better understand the epidemiology of NDV among commercial and backyard chickens of Odisha, where chicken farming is being prioritized to assist with poverty alleviation, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two distinct seasons during 2018. Choanal swabs (n = 1361) from live birds (commercial layers, broilers, and backyard chicken) and tracheal tissues from dead birds (n = 10) were collected and tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of matrix (M) and fusion (F) genes of NDV. Risk factors at the flock and individual bird levels (health status, ND vaccination status, geographical zone, management system, and housing) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of the 1371 samples tested, 160 were positive for M gene amplification indicating an overall apparent prevalence of 11.7% (95% CI 10.1–13.5%). Circulation of virulent NDV strains was also evident with apparent prevalence of 8.1% (13/160; 95% CI: 4.8–13.4%). In addition, commercial birds had significantly higher odds (75%) of being infected with NDV as compared to backyard poultry (p = 0.01). This study helps fill a knowledge gap in the prevalence and distribution of NDV in apparently healthy birds in eastern India, and provides a framework for future longitudinal research of NDV risk and mitigation in targeted geographies—a step forward for effective control of ND in Odisha.
Review of the film "Train: Kyiv-War" by Korniy Hrytsiuk
Authors: Smytsniuk Andrii
Published: February 2022

Korniy Hrytsiuk's documentary “Train: Kyiv - War” attempts to rethink the War in Donbas through a journey. The train Kyiv-Kostiantynivka goes from the heart of Ukraine to its far Eastern city Kostiantynivka that is located next to the frontline. Hrytsiuk, a native of the embattled territory, interviews his fellow passengers, recording their reflections about Ukraine, Russia, the war, and the future of Donbas.
Effect of Broiler Litter Based Complete Feed Fermentation Time on Nutrient Content and In vitro Digestibility
Authors: Kilimpares Nikomedes Anndhana Engtian , Firzatullah Raka Zacky , Andara Dhita Indah , Mukodiningsih Sri
Published: February 2022

Broiler litter waste is increasing as the population of broiler chickens increases, on the other hand the need for ruminant feed is increasing so that alternative feeds are needed in the form of complete feed made from litter. This study was aimed to determine the effect of fermentation time on the nutritional content and digestibility of the complete feed. A completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications were applied in this study. Treatment T0 = not fermented; T1 = fermentation for 10 days; T2 = fermentation for 24 days; T3 = fermentation for 38 days. Parameters observed were nutrient content, VFA, NH3, dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility in vitro using cow rumen. Results showed that  fermention of complete feed with 2.5% EM4 starter and 5% probiofeed for 38 days (T3) had a significant effect (P<0.05) on nutrient content, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, VFA and NH3.  The T3 significantly affected ash content, crude fat, crude protein, BETN, TDN, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, VFA, and NH3 but had no significant effect on water content and crude fiber. It is concluded that the complete feed could be used as an alternative feed for ruminants, and it is easy to obtain, cheap and able to reduce environmental pollution.
Cuidados esenciales del recién nacido e infección posnatal por COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2): revisión sistemática.
Authors: Agudelo Pérez Sergio , Federico Molina Carlos , Vargas Quintero Juan , Higuera Carrillo Juanita , Clavijo Moreno Luis , Palomar Domínguez Julián , Mora Pinilla Alicia
Published: February 2022

Objetivo: La incertidumbre de una posible transmisión posnatal por SARS-CoV-2 genera un desafío entre aplicar o evitar los cuidados esenciales del recién nacido para prevenir la transmisión. La revisión sistemática tiene como objetivo describir el impacto de los cuidados esenciales del neonato en la transmisión posnatal del SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en bases de datos electrónicas, se incluyeron estudios observacionales, serie de casos y reporte de casos. Dos investigadores de forma independiente evaluaron los criterios de inclusión, la calidad metodológica y la extracción de datos. Resultados: Se tamizaron 208 estudios para una inclusión final de 9 artículos relevantes. El reporte de transmisión del virus SARS-CoV-2 está centrado en la posibilidad de transferencia por la leche materna y ausencia de información acerca de la transmisión por otros cuidados esenciales, sin embargo, se observa un bajo uso en la práctica clínica de los cuidados esenciales del recién nacido hijo de madre con COVID- 19. Conclusiones: La información es limitada sobre la posible transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 a través de los cuidados esenciales del recién nacido, sin embargo, la pandemia ha impactado de forma importante los mismos. Según los hallazgos en la literatura, es mayor el beneficio de estas intervenciones y las recomendaciones científicas promueven su aplicación empleando las medidas de protección personal para la madre y el personal de salud.
The Chinese Art Song, yishu gequ: Between Tradition and Modernity
Authors: Chaloupková Lenka
Published: February 2022

The Chinese art song, yishu gequ 藝術歌曲, is a typical genre of New Music (Xin yinyue 新音樂) of the May Fourth Movement. Such pieces were primarily composed by Chinese graduates of European and American universities who found inspiration in European Romantic art songs, especially nineteenth-century German lieder. The existing Western literature about this genre emphasizes the connections between the Chinese art songs of the twentieth century and European Romantic songs and does not consider any relationship with the domestic Chinese tradition. Publications by Chinese scholars also do not examine in any detail specific connections to the Chinese tradition at the ideational level. As this paper demonstrates, the Chinese art songs that emerged during the May Fourth Movement were not created solely by following a Western model. Their uniqueness is the result of combining the search for “new culture” with the significant traces of domestic roots in the social role of music and the tradition of joining words and music in a single artistic whole. The paper first explores the emergence of the art song in the context of Chinese musical modernization, and then, through citing theoretical works and analyses of select compositions by three of the most famous art song composers – Xiao Youmei 萧友梅 (1884–1940), Zhao Yuanren 趙 元任 (1892–1982), and Huang Zi 黃自 (1904–38) – it demonstrates the various approaches to creating art songs, especially in terms of how they were related to the domestic tradition. I have chosen examples that allow us to observe the gradual adoption of an originally European genre in the Chinese cultural environment and various factors that influenced how this genre changed. I also examine the changing ways in which this foreign genre interacted with the domestic Chinese environment.
Editor’s note
Authors: Lomová Olga , Hudeček Jiří
Published: February 2022

Editorial
Radiotherapy for the treatment of pulmonary hydatidosis in sheep
Authors: Zhang Yuefen , Lu Pengfei , Qi Hongzhi , Wu Ge , Mao Rui , Bao Yongxing
Published: February 2022

Hydatidosis is an endemic disease causing a severe threat to public health. Drugs and surgery have been utilized for treatment, but their efficiency is not adequate. Therefore, new methods are required for treating such diseases. In this study, we attempt to evaluate the efficiency of radiotherapy for hydatidosis in sheep. The sheep naturally infected with pulmonary hydatid were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group subjected to no irradiation and the other three groups subjected to 30, 45, and 60 Gy irradiation, respectively. Gene expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a and protein expression of BCL-2 and BAX in the lung tissues were evaluated after treatment. Our data showed that the irradiation with a dose of 30, 45, and 60 Gy significantly induced the expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the BCL-2 protein was downregulated after exposure to 45 Gy of irradiation, whereas the BAX expression was downregulated after irradiation at a dose of 45 and 60 Gy, respectively. On this basis, we speculated that 45 Gy might be a safe and effective dose for treating pulmonary hydatidosis in sheep, which induced lower expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a in the cyst and a downregulation of BCL-2 and BAX in the adjacent lung tissues.
Investigation of the effects of pneumatic tube transport system on routine biochemistry, hematology, and coagulation tests in Ankara City Hospital
Authors: Yurt Emine F. , Akbiyik Filiz , Bicer Cemile
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Academics are far from a consensus regarding the effects of pneumatic tube system (PTS) delivery on sample integrity and laboratory test results. As for the reasons for conflicting opinions, each PTS is uniquely designed, sample tubes and patient characteristics differ among studies. This study aims to validate the PTS utilized in Ankara City Hospital for routine chemistry, coagulation, and hematology tests by comparing samples delivered via PTS and porter.

Methods

The study comprises 50 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were drawn into three biochemistry, two coagulation, and two hemogram tubes from each participant. Each of the duplicate samples was transferred to the emergency laboratory via Swiss log PTS (aka PTS-immediately) or by a porter. The last of the biochemistry tubes were delivered via the PTS, upon completion of coagulation of the blood (aka PTS-after). The results of the analysis in these groups were compared with multiple statistical analyses.

Results

The study did not reveal any correlation between the PTS and serum hemolysis index. There were statistically significant differences in several biochemistry tests. However, none of them reached the clinical significance threshold. Basophil and large unidentified cell (LUC) tests had poor correlations (r=0.47 and r=0.60; respectively) and reached clinical significance threshold (the average percentages of bias, 10.2%, and 15.4%, respectively). The remainder of the hematology and coagulation parameters did not reach clinical significance level either.

Conclusions

The modern PTS validated in this study is safe for sample transportation for routine chemistry, coagulation, and hematology tests frequently requested in healthy individuals except for basophil and LUC.
Simplexifying: harnessing the power of enlanguaged cognition
Authors: Cowley Stephen J. , Gahrn-Andersen Rasmus
Published: February 2022

Looking beyond the internalism–externalism debate, we offer a distributed view of how experience can garner linguistic and mental content. To make the case, first, we challenge the idea that cognition is organism-centered and synchronistic. Instead, we use Berthoz’s principle of “simplexity” to open up the multiscalarity of cognitive ecosystems. In exemplifying wide cognition, we track how the eyeball’s neurophysiology is transformed by simplex tricks. As learning was integrated with seeing, looking evolved. Later, we argue, lineages gained social use of gaze. In primates, gaze was integrated with cultural techniques like nut-cracking and termite dipping. Individual perceptual experience thus came to build on enculturated behavior. We then turn to the case of modern humans who make use of things with “meaning attached.” Their cognition, we argue, is not only enculturated but also enlanguaged. In this connection, we show how simplex mechanisms disclose aspects-in-things, thus allowing individuals to attribute practical significance to selected parts of their surroundings. In harnessing articulatory skills, human judgements draw on cultural and practical expectations: as a child perceives, she also learns to observe and say things. In this connection, we argue, people come to act ostensively and give rise to descriptions. In terms proposed here, humans learn to simplexify.
Isolation, characterization, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Morinda officinalis fermented by Bacillus sp. DU-106
Authors: Peng Dong , Luo Zhi-feng , Dai Wen-hao , Du Bing , Li Pan
Published: February 2022

Morinda officinalis (M. officinalis) polysaccharides are valuable ingredients with various bioactive functions. This work aimed to investigate whether fermentation could enhance the bioactivities of M. officinalis polysaccharides. A strain of Bacillus sp. DU-106 was introduced to ferment M. officinalis. Two polysaccharides (namely NMP-1 and FMP-1) were isolated from raw M. officinalis and fermented M. officinalis, respectively. The structure, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities of NMP-1 and FMP-1 were investigated. Bacillus sp. DU-106 fermentation changed the monosaccharide composition and conformation of M. officinalis polysaccharides. After fermentation, FMP-1 dramatically stimulated IL-1β secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vitro, Bacillus sp. DU-106 fermentation of M. officinalis enhanced the DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion scavenging activities. In vivo, FMP-1 extended the lifespan and ameliorated oxidative injury of Caenorhabditis elegans. Collectively, Bacillus sp. DU-106 fermentation significantly enhanced the immunoregulatory and antioxidant activities of M. officinalis polysaccharides.
Determination of the Elastic Modulus of Wear Resistant Coatings by Quantitative Acoustic Microscopy
Authors: Vetters Hermann , Matthaei-Schulz Ellen , Mayr Peter
Published: February 2022

For the quality assessment of coatings there is an increasing need of test methods which are able to fulfil the requirements to a high reliability of the test results. The exact knowledge of the coating properties and their objective assessment helps the coating industry for an optimum coating development as well as the user which will use the coated parts under a specific purpose. As part of an European project four laboratories deal with the determination of elastic moduli of hard coatings by means of quantitative acoustic microscopy. On titanium nitride coatings and C doped chromium coatings on M2 tool steel basic and continuing research studies were accomplished, guidelines have been developed and proofed in round-robin tests.
Comparison of fatigue lives between grain boundaries and component single crystals of copper bicrystals
Authors: Zhang Z. F. , Wang Z. G.
Published: February 2022

Fatigue lives of grain boundaries (GBs) and component crystals were measured by using [123]/[335] and [5 9 13]/ [579] Cu bicrystals with a perpendicular GB at room temperature in air. The results show that the GBs were always the preferential sites for fatigue crack initiation and propagation in the two groups of bicrystals under cyclic tensiontension loading as well as push-pull straining control. When an [123]/[335] bicrystal with reduced section area was tested by cyclic tension-tension loading, the [335] component crystal always had a relatively higher fatigue life than the [123] component crystal. As a result, the fatigue life increased in the order of GB, [123] and [335] component crystals. When the two groups of bicrystals were subjected to cyclic push-pull straining, the GB of the [5 9 13]/[579] bicrystal showed a higher fatigue life than that of the [123]/[335] bicrystal, which was suggested to be partially attributed to the difference in the component crystal orientations in the two bicrystals. By using scanning electron microscopy and electron channeling contrast techniques, the fatigue damage features on the surfaces and fatigue fractography were examined. Based on the present results, the fatigue cracking mechanisms along GBs and persistent slip bands in Cu bicrystals are discussed.
From single to collective dislocation glide instabilities: A hierarchy of scales, embracing the Neumann strain bursts
Authors: Mughrabi Haël
Published: February 2022

Instabilities of dislocation glide in monotonic and in cyclic deformation, ranging in scale from ca. 10 nm to millimetres and from single dislocation to collective dislocation events, are reviewed briefly. Interest is focussed on collective dislocation instabilities, correlated in time and space, which manifest themselves in specific features of the macroscopic stress– strain behaviour. An outstanding example of such collective correlated dislocation behaviour, namely the Neumann strain bursts which occur in cyclically deformed single crystals, when the stress amplitude is increased slowly, is then considered in more detail. All glide instabilities discussed can be ranked in a hierarchy of scales, reflecting the transition from microscopic small-scale single dislocation events to mesoscopic and to macroscopic large-scale collective dislocation events. While most collective large-scale glide instabilities in cyclic deformation are confined to sites of cyclic strain localization, the Neumann strain bursts are singular in the sense that, once triggered, they propagate throughout the whole volume in a strictly correlated synchronized fashion.
Geometry and surface state effects on the mechanical response of Au nanostructures
Authors: Mook William M. , Jungk John M. , Cordill Megan J. , Moody Neville R. , Sun Yugang , Xia Younan , Gerberich William W.
Published: February 2022

A study of ultra-thin gold films and thin-walled nanoboxes has confirmed that length scales in terms of dislocation spacing can predict flow stress. Initial stages of deformation conform to linear hardening with average dislocation spacing controlled by the number of geometrically necessary dislocations in a pile-up. Later stages of deformation exhibit parabolic behavior with Taylor hardening interpreted in terms of a dislocation density described by the total line length of prismatic loops per unit volume. Comparisons of 20 and 40 nm thick planar films could be made to 205 nm high hollow gold nanoboxes with a wall thickness of 24 nm. These highly constrained, ultra-thin planar films demonstrated increased hardness from about 2 to 10 GPa with strains of 20 percent while less constrained nanoboxes increased from 0.8 to 4 GPa for the same strain magnitude.