bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of coating uniformity in a simple rotation system by using
a rotating shadow mask
Authors: Long Guoyun , Zhang Yaoping , Fan Junqi , Guan Chunlin
Published: November 2021

A theoretically designed rotating shadow mask is proposed to optimize the uniformity of a simple rotation system, which makes full use of the width of the coating chamber. This method can fabricate a large-aperture optical component, the diameter of which is more than half the width of the coating machine. The rotating shadow mask is applied to correct the film thickness uniformity near the center point of simple plane substrate. The factors influencing the effect of the rotating shadow mask are simulated and discussed. Then the shape of the rotating shadow mask is theoretically designed, and the uniformity within a corresponding radius is well corrected. After determining the shape of the rotating shadow mask, an additional fixed shadow mask is calculated and used to improve the uniformity of the entire substrate. Through the application of the two shadow masks together, uniformity about 99.5% is obtained in the diameter of 640 mm on a 1100 mm coating machine.
Error analysis of a ruled grating and mechanism optimization of a grating ruling machine
Authors: Yang Chao , Guo Jie , Yue Liu
Published: November 2021

To improve the quality and success rate of grating ruling, we theoretically analyze the factors that affect the grating performance according to the Fraunhofer far-field diffraction method. The analysis shows that the yaw angle error of the grating line has a greater impact on the performance index. Based on this result, we simulate and analyze the angle error by the principle of mechanical simulation. Then we determine the thickness of the spring sheet, the number of connecting steel sheets, and the initial closing force of the tension spring. We use the optimized workbench structure of the grating ruling machine to rule three gratings. The diffracted wavefronts are all better than

λ

/

3

, and the success rate is 100%, which means that the experiments verify the effectiveness of the modified workbench structure.
Virtual optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy using the k-Wave method
Authors: Song Xianlin , Chen Ganyu , Zhao Aojie , Liu Xueyan , Zeng Jiahao
Published: November 2021

Deep learning has been widely used in image processing, quantitative analysis, and other applications in optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM). It requires a large amount of photoacoustic data for training and testing. However, due to the complex structure, high cost, slow imaging speed, and other factors of OR-PAM, it is difficult to obtain enough data required by deep learning, which limits the research of deep learning in OR-PAM to a certain extent. To solve this problem, a virtual OR-PAM based on k-Wave is proposed. The virtual photoacoustic microscopy mainly includes the setting of excitation light source and ultrasonic probe, scanning and signal processing, which can realize the common Gaussian-beam and Bessel-beam OR-PAMs. The system performance (lateral resolution, axial resolution, and depth of field) was tested by imaging a vertically tilted fiber, and the effectiveness and feasibility of the virtual simulation platform were verified by 3D imaging of the virtual vascular network. The ability to the generation of the dataset for deep learning was also verified. The construction of the virtual OR-PAM can promote the research of OR-PAM and the application of deep learning in OR-PAM.
Compact and broadband silicon-based polarization beam splitter using asymmetric directional couplers embedded with subwavelength gratings and slots
Authors: Dai Sijie , Xiao Jinbiao
Published: November 2021

A compact and broadband silicon-based polarization beam splitter (PBS) is proposed and investigated in detail, where the two arms of the directional coupler (DC) are, respectively, embedded with subwavelength gratings (SWGs) and vertical slots so that field distributions for the TE mode are significantly changed, effectively weakening coupling strength, whereas those for the TM mode are almost unaffected, nearly analogous to the DC with strip waveguides. By carefully optimizing structural parameters, efficient coupling will emerge between the two waveguides for the TM mode, while TE mode will be confined in the SWG-assisted strip waveguide. Consequently, the two modes can be effectively separated, and thus the realization of a PBS is accomplished. Results show that a compact PBS with a coupling length of 6.45 µm is achieved, together with the extinction ratio (ER) of 27.54/31.88 dB, the insertion loss of 0.12/0.14 dB, and the reflection loss of

−

43.67

/

−

30.50

d
B

, respectively, for TE/TM mode at the wavelength of 1.55 µm. The bandwidth, for both modes, is up to 230/100 nm when ER is larger than 15/20 dB. In addition, fabrication tolerances to the critical structural parameters and field evolution through the proposed device are analyzed.
Potential failure cause identification for optical networks using deep learning with an attention mechanism
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Wang Danshi , Jia Jinwei , Wang Lingling , Chen Kun , Guan Luyao , Liu Zhuo , Zhang Zhiguo , Chen Xue , Zhang Min
Published: November 2021

With a focus on failure management in optical networks, we propose a potential failure cause identification scheme using an attention mechanism for optical transport network boards, leveraging actual datasets from a network operator. The attention mechanism allows the model to dynamically pay attention to only certain input information that is closely related to the target task (failure prediction), which can be effectively applied to identify the potential cause of the failure. In this paper, two typical attention mechanisms are comparatively studied to obtain the attention weights, which are additive attention and dot-product attention. A bi-directional long short-term memory network is selected as the failure prediction model due to its superior performance in time-series processing cases, which can capture bi-directional input information. Experimental results show that the average accuracy, F1 score, and false negative and false positive rates of the proposed scheme are 98.73%, 97.19%, 2.6%, and 0.91%, respectively. Moreover, based on the attention weight, it is confirmed that the highest-relevance input feature for equipment failure is the average value of input optical power, which may be caused by disconnection of the receiving port of the board or fiber cut of the adjacent link; the next most relevant feature is the minimum value of the environmental temperature, which may be caused by a broken fan or overheated chip. It is proven that the proposed scheme can not only find potential failure causes but also improve the performance of the failure prediction model, which is significant for optical networks realizing failure diagnosis and recovery.
On establishing and task scheduling of data-oriented vNF-SCs in an optical DCI
Authors: Xu Zichen , Zhu Zuqing
Published: November 2021

The development of network function virtualization (NFV) enables service providers to provision various network services with virtual network function service chains (vNF-SCs). However, most of the existing studies on the service provisioning of vNF-SCs address only the flow-oriented ones, while the provisioning schemes of data-oriented vNF-SCs, each of which needs to process and transfer bulk data through a series of vNFs before a preset deadline, have not been fully explored yet. Therefore, this paper studies how to jointly optimize the establishing and task scheduling of data-oriented vNF-SCs in an optical datacenter interconnection (DCI), such that the probability of scheduling data-oriented vNF-SCs to satisfy their deadlines can be maximized. To make the best use of the resources in the optical DCI for meeting each vNF-SC’s deadline, we leverage dynamic programming (DP) to propose two time-efficient algorithms with deadline-prioritized and conflict-aware approaches. Extensive simulations evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithms in different network scenarios, and confirm their effectiveness. Specifically, compared with a greedy-based benchmark, our DP-based algorithms can reduce the blocking probability of data-oriented vNF-SCs by up to two magnitudes and maintain similar service completion time.
Dual backgrounds and their stability during frequency comb and second harmonic generation in χ(2) microresonators
Authors: Sturman Boris , Podivilov Evgeny , Szabados Jan , Breunig Ingo
Published: November 2021

Light states relevant to the

χ

(
2
)

comb generation in optical microresonators possess typically dual backgrounds for coupled first-harmonic (FH) and second-harmonic (SH) envelopes. Stability and/or instability of these backgrounds is crucial for realization of stable

χ

(
2
)

combs and also for efficient SH generation. We explore the properties of the dual backgrounds and their instability for the cases of FH and SH pumping of the resonator. In contrast to optical parameteric oscillation, the instability is controlled by a fourth-degree characteristic equation for the increment. Coefficients of this equation depend not only on wavenumbers of the perturbations, pump power, and dispersion parameters, but also on FH-SH group velocity difference (temporal walk-off). Our results include characterization of the regions and conditions of stability for the FH and SH pumping cases and different spectral ranges.
Three-dimensional direct current invisibility cloak produced with bulk materials
Authors: Chen Tianhang , Gong Pengyu , Song Ruyi , Zhu Rongrong , Jing Liqiao , Cai Tong , Zheng Bin
Published: November 2021

By virtue of eliminating the characteristic signals of physical objects, invisibility cloaks can also prevent the objects from being detected by instruments using electrical current. However, most existing designs of direct current cloaks cannot be directly applied in the natural environment. In this paper, we present a three-dimensional direct current cloak by solving Laplace equation in electric conduction. The cloak is composed of a bilayer structure with homogeneous and isotropic bulk materials. The designed structure, having withstood both conventional electrical potential measurements and tests by a commercially-available detector, is highly effective in suppressing current characteristic signals in close simulation of natural environmental conditions. The cloak is expected to facilitate the study of characteristic signal control in medical and geological research in the field of current detection, such as tumor diagnosis and mineral exploration.
Fairness-aware hybrid NOMA/OFDMA for bandlimited multi-user VLC systems
Authors: Chen Chen , Tang Yuru , Cai Yueping , Liu Min
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we for the first time propose and experimentally demonstrate a fairness-aware hybrid non-orthogonal multiple access/orthogonal frequency division multiple access (NOMA/OFDMA) scheme for practical bandlimited multi-user visible light communication (VLC) systems. The proposed fairness-aware hybrid NOMA/OFDMA scheme using discrete Fourier transform-spread-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM) modulation can efficiently guarantee both the fairness of users within each user pair and the fairness of different user pairs. Specifically, an interleaved subcarrier multiplexing approach is proposed to mitigate user pair unfairness caused by the low-pass frequency response of bandlimited VLC systems, and a two-dimension (2D) power allocation strategy is further proposed to ensure both the fairness of users within each user pair and the fairness of user pairs with different channel conditions. Experimental results show that, in a bandlimited four-user VLC system applying the proposed fairness-aware hybrid NOMA/OFDMA scheme, the transmission distance at a target bit error rate (BER) of 3.8 × 10−3 can be extended by 12.3% in comparison to that employing the conventional hybrid NOMA/OFDMA scheme.
Avidity observed between a bivalent inhibitor and an enzyme monomer with a single active site
Authors: Lacham-Hartman Shiran , Shmidov Yulia , Radisky Evette S. , Bitton Ronit , Lukatsky David B. , Papo Niv
Published: November 2021

Although myriad protein–protein interactions in nature use polyvalent binding, in which multiple ligands on one entity bind to multiple receptors on another, to date an affinity advantage of polyvalent binding has been demonstrated experimentally only in cases where the target receptor molecules are clustered prior to complex formation. Here, we demonstrate cooperativity in binding affinity (i.e., avidity) for a protein complex in which an engineered dimer of the amyloid precursor protein inhibitor (APPI), possessing two fully functional inhibitory loops, interacts with mesotrypsin, a soluble monomeric protein that does not self-associate or cluster spontaneously. We found that each inhibitory loop of the purified APPI homodimer was over three-fold more potent than the corresponding loop in the monovalent APPI inhibitor. This observation is consistent with a suggested mechanism whereby the two APPI loops in the homodimer simultaneously and reversibly bind two corresponding mesotrypsin monomers to mediate mesotrypsin dimerization. We propose a simple model for such dimerization that quantitatively explains the observed cooperativity in binding affinity. Binding cooperativity in this system reveals that the valency of ligands may affect avidity in protein–protein interactions including those of targets that are not surface-anchored and do not self-associate spontaneously. In this scenario, avidity may be explained by the enhanced concentration of ligand binding sites in proximity to the monomeric target, which may favor rebinding of the multiple ligand binding sites with the receptor molecules upon dissociation of the protein complex.
Comparative effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at castration and tail-docking in neonatal piglets
Authors: Nixon Emma , Carlson Alexandra R. , Routh Patricia A. , Hernandez Liliana , Almond Glen W. , Baynes Ronald E. , Messenger Kristen M.
Published: November 2021

This study assessed the efficacy of meloxicam, flunixin, and ketoprofen in piglets undergoing routine castration and tail-docking. Six-day-old male piglets (8/group) received one of five randomized treatments: intramuscular saline (SAL PROC), meloxicam (MEL; 0.4 mg/kg), flunixin (FLU; 2.2 mg/kg), ketoprofen (KETO; 3.0 mg/kg) or sham (SAL SHAM; saline injection, no processing). Two hours post-dose, piglets were castrated and tail-docked. Plasma cortisol, interstitial fluid (ISF) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and activity levels via Actical® monitoring were used to estimate pain. SAL SHAM and FLU exhibited lower cortisol concentrations than SAL PROC at the time of processing (p = 0.003 and p = 0.049, respectively), and all NSAIDs exhibited lower PGE2 than SAL PROC at 3.69 hours (MEL p = 0.050; FLU p = 0.043 and KETO p = 0.031). While not statistically significant, PGE2 was higher in SAL PROC piglets vs. other treatment groups at most time points. There was also a high degree of variability between piglets, especially for SAL PROC. Activity levels were significantly decreased at multiple time points in SAL PROC and MEL piglets following processing. However, FLU and KETO piglets had increased activity levels closer to that of the SAL SHAM group, suggesting that these NSAIDs are more effective than MEL in providing analgesia. These results demonstrate that management strategies including administration of intramuscular flunixin or ketoprofen to reduce pain associated with processing will likely improve piglet health and welfare in the United States.
From pandemic response to portable population health: A formative evaluation of the Detroit mobile health unit program
Authors: Levy Phillip , McGlynn Erin , Hill Alex B. , Zhang Liying , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Foster Bethany , Criswell Jasmine , O’Brien Caitlin , Dawood Katee , Baird Lauren , Shanley Charles J.
Published: November 2021

This article describes our experience developing a novel mobile health unit (MHU) program in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area. Our main objectives were to improve healthcare accessibility, quality and equity in our community during the novel coronavirus pandemic. While initially focused on SARS-CoV-2 testing, our program quickly evolved to include preventive health services. The MHU program began as a location-based SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy coordinated with local and state public health agencies. Community needs motivated further program expansion to include additional preventive healthcare and social services. MHU deployment was targeted to disease “hotspots” based on publicly available SARS-CoV-2 testing data and community-level information about social vulnerability. This formative evaluation explores whether our MHU deployment strategy enabled us to reach patients from communities with heightened social vulnerability as intended. From 3/20/20-3/24/21, the Detroit MHU program reached a total of 32,523 people. The proportion of patients who resided in communities with top quartile Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index rankings increased from 25% during location-based “drive-through” SARS-CoV-2 testing (3/20/20-4/13/20) to 27% after pivoting to a mobile platform (4/13/20-to-8/31/20; p = 0.01). The adoption of a data-driven deployment strategy resulted in further improvement; 41% of the patients who sought MHU services from 9/1/20-to-3/24/21 lived in vulnerable communities (Cochrane Armitage test for trend, p<0.001). Since 10/1/21, 1,837 people received social service referrals and, as of 3/15/21, 4,603 were administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Our MHU program demonstrates the capacity to provide needed healthcare and social services to difficult-to-reach populations from areas with heightened social vulnerability. This model can be expanded to meet emerging pandemic needs, but it is also uniquely capable of improving health equity by addressing longstanding gaps in primary care and social services in vulnerable communities.
Genome-wide analysis of bZIP, BBR, and BZR transcription factors in Triticum aestivum
Authors: Ahad Arzoo , Aslam Roohi , Gul Alvina , Amir Rabia , Munir Faiza , Batool Tuba Sharf , Ilyas Mahnoor , Sarwar Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad Azhar , Baloch Faheem Shehzad , Fiaz Sajid , Zia Muhammad Abu Bakar
Published: November 2021

Transcription factors are regulatory proteins known to modulate gene expression. These are the critical component of signaling pathways and help in mitigating various developmental and stress responses. Among them, bZIP, BBR, and BZR transcription factor families are well known to play a crucial role in regulating growth, development, and defense responses. However, limited data is available on these transcription factors in Triticum aestivum. In this study, bZIP, BBR, and BZR sequences from Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa, Oryza barthii, Oryza brachyantha, T. aestivum, Triticum urartu, Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays were retrieved, and dendrograms were constructed to analyze the evolutionary relatedness among them. The sequences clustered into one group indicated a degree of evolutionary correlation highlighting the common lineage of cereal grains. This analysis also exhibited that these genes were highly conserved among studied monocots emphasizing their common ancestry. Furthermore, these transcription factor genes were evaluated for envisaging conserved motifs, gene structure, and subcellular localization in T. aestivum. This comprehensive computational analysis has provided an insight into transcription factor evolution that can also be useful in developing approaches for future functional characterization of these genes in T. aestivum. Furthermore, the data generated can be beneficial in future for genetic manipulation of economically important plants.
Using Theory of Change to inform the design of the HIV+D intervention for integrating the management of depression in routine HIV care in Uganda
Authors: Ssebunnya Joshua , Mugisha James , Mpango Richard , Kyohangirwe Leticia , Taasi Geofrey , Ssentongo Hafsa , Kaleebu Pontiano , Patel Vikram , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: November 2021

There is growing recognition of the burden of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), associated with negative behavioural and clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, most HIV care providers in sub-Saharan Africa do not routinely provide mental health services to address this problem. This article describes the process of developing a model for integrating the management of depression in HIV care in Uganda. Theory of Change (ToC) methodology was used to guide the process of developing the model. Three successive ToC workshops were held with a multi-disciplinary group of 38 stakeholders within Wakiso district, in the Central region of Uganda. The first 2 workshops were for generating practical ideas for a feasible and acceptable model of integrating the management of depression in HIV care at all levels of care within the district healthcare system; while the third and final workshop was for consensus building. Following meaningful brainstorming and discussions, the stakeholders suggested improved mental wellbeing among PLWHA as the ultimate outcome of the program. This would be preceded by short-term and intermediate outcomes including reduced morbidity among persons with HIV attributable to depression, allocation of more resources towards management of depression, increased help-seeking among depressed PLWHA and more health workers detecting and managing depression. These would be achieved following several interventions undertaken at all levels of care. The participants further identified some indicators of successful implementation such as emphasis of depression management in the district healthcare plans, increased demand for anti-depressants etc; as well as various assumptions underlying the intervention. All these were graphically aligned in a causal pathway, leading to a ToC map, contextualizing and summarizing the intervention model. The ToC was a valuable methodology that brought together stakeholders to identify key strategies for development of a comprehensible contextualized intervention model for managing depression within HIV care in Uganda; allowing greater stakeholder engagement and buy-in.
Birds with multiple homes. The annual cycle of the pallid swift (Apus pallidus brehmorum)
Authors: Finlayson Stewart , Holmes Tyson Lee , Finlayson Geraldine , Guillem Rhian , Perez Charles , Bensusan Keith , Finlayson Clive
Published: November 2021

We tracked pallid swifts (Apus pallidus brehmorum) from a single breeding colony in Gibraltar over two years. Our results show movement of birds between specific regions within the non-breeding geographical area at specific times of the year. The tracking of a single individual showed remarkable fidelity to the areas visited between years. Furthermore, two pallid swifts tracked over the entire eight-month non-breeding period, while in Africa, gave no indication of coming to land, supporting previous findings of an airborne existence in swifts outside the breeding season. In addition, the crossing of the Sahara Desert to and from breeding grounds is remarkably fast, with one individual crossing it in just over a day. We discuss our findings in the context of bird migration evolutionary strategies.
U.S. regional differences in physical distancing: Evaluating racial and socioeconomic divides during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zang Emma , West Jessica , Kim Nathan , Pao Christina
Published: November 2021

Health varies by U.S. region of residence. Despite regional heterogeneity in the outbreak of COVID-19, regional differences in physical distancing behaviors over time are relatively unknown. This study examines regional variation in physical distancing trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigates variation by race and socioeconomic status (SES) within regions. Data from the 2015–2019 five-year American Community Survey were matched with anonymized location pings data from over 20 million mobile devices (SafeGraph, Inc.) at the Census block group level. We visually present trends in the stay-at-home proportion by Census region, race, and SES throughout 2020 and conduct regression analyses to examine these patterns. From March to December, the stay-at-home proportion was highest in the Northeast (0.25 in March to 0.35 in December) and lowest in the South (0.24 to 0.30). Across all regions, the stay-at-home proportion was higher in block groups with a higher percentage of Blacks, as Blacks disproportionately live in urban areas where stay-at-home rates were higher (0.009 [CI: 0.008, 0.009]). In the South, West, and Midwest, higher-SES block groups stayed home at the lowest rates pre-pandemic; however, this trend reversed throughout March before converging in the months following. In the Northeast, lower-SES block groups stayed home at comparable rates to higher-SES block groups during the height of the pandemic but diverged in the months following. Differences in physical distancing behaviors exist across U.S. regions, with a pronounced Southern and rural disadvantage. Results can be used to guide reopening and COVID-19 mitigation plans.
A model for the size distribution of marine microplastics: A statistical mechanics approach
Authors: Aoki Kunihiro , Furue Ryo
Published: November 2021

The size distribution of marine microplastics provides a fundamental data source for understanding the dispersal, break down, and biotic impacts of the microplastics in the ocean. The observed size distribution at the sea surface generally shows, from large to small sizes, a gradual increase followed by a rapid decrease. This decrease has led to the hypothesis that the smallest fragments are selectively removed by sinking or biological uptake. Here we propose a new model of size distribution, focusing on the fragmentation of marine plastics. The model is inspired by ideas from statistical mechanics. In this model, the original large plastic piece is broken into smaller pieces once by the application of “energy” or work by waves or other processes, under two assumptions, one that fragmentation into smaller pieces requires larger energy and the other that the occurrence probability of the “energy” exponentially decreases toward larger energy values. Our formula well reproduces observed size distributions over wide size ranges from micro- to mesoplastics. According to this model, the smallest fragments are fewer because large “energy” required to produce such small fragments occurs more rarely.
Temporal and spatial isotopic variability of marine prey species in south-eastern Australia: Potential implications for predator diet studies
Authors: Rodríguez-Malagón Marlenne A. , Speakman Cassie N. , Sutton Grace J. , Angel Lauren P. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: November 2021

Stable isotope analyses, particularly of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), are used to investigate ecological relationships among species. For marine predators, research has shown the main factors influencing their intra-specific and intra-individual isotopic variation are geographical movements and changes in the composition of diet over time. However, as the differences seen may be the result of changes in the prey items consumed, a change in feeding location or the combination of both, knowledge of the temporal and spatial consistency in the isotopic values of prey becomes crucial for making accurate inferences about predator diets. This study used an abundant marine predator, the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator), as prey sampler to investigate the annual variation in fish and squid prey isotope values over a four-year period (2012–2015) and the geographic variation between two sites with contrasting oceanographic conditions. Significant inter-annual variation was observed in δ13C and/or δ15N values of five of the eight prey species analysed. The strongest inter-annual variation in both δ13C and δ15N values occurred in 2015, which coincided with a strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This may suggest a temporal fluctuation in the geographic source of prey or the origin of their nutrients. These results suggest that it is important to consider the potential significant differences in isotopic values within the prey assemblages that predators consume. This is important to improve the interpretation of marine predator isotope results when determining the influence of environmental variability on their diets.
Tetraspanin Cd9b and Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b have a synergistic effect on the control of collective cell migration
Authors: Marsay Katherine S. , Greaves Sarah , Mahabaleshwar Harsha , Ho Charmaine Min , Roehl Henry , Monk Peter N. , Carney Tom J. , Partridge Lynda J.
Published: November 2021

Collective cell migration is essential for embryonic development and homeostatic processes. During zebrafish development, the posterior lateral line primordium (pLLP) navigates along the embryo flank by collective cell migration. The chemokine receptors, Cxcr4b and Cxcr7b, as well as their cognate ligand, Cxcl12a, are essential for this process. We corroborate that knockdown of the zebrafish cd9 tetraspanin orthologue, cd9b, results in mild pLL abnormalities. Through generation of CRISPR and TALEN mutants, we show that cd9a and cd9b function partially redundantly in pLLP migration, which is delayed in the cd9b single and cd9a; cd9b double mutants. This delay led to a transient reduction in neuromast numbers. Loss of both Cd9a and Cd9b sensitized embryos to reduced Cxcr4b and Cxcl12a levels. Together these results provide evidence that Cd9 modulates collective cell migration of the pLLP during zebrafish development. One interpretation of these observations is that Cd9 contributes to more effective chemokine signalling.
Actinomadura graeca sp. nov.: A novel producer of the macrocyclic antibiotic zelkovamycin
Authors: Tarantini Francesco Saverio , Brunati Mara , Taravella Anna , Carrano Lucia , Parenti Francesco , Hong Kar Wai , Williams Paul , Chan Kok Gan , Heeb Stephan , Chan Weng C.
Published: November 2021

As part of a screening programme for antibiotic-producing bacteria, a novel Actinomadura species was discovered from a soil sample collected in Santorini, Greece. Preliminary 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons highlighted Actinomadura macra as the most similar characterised species. However, whole-genome sequencing revealed an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 89% with A. macra, the highest among related species. Further phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses confirmed that the isolate represents a previously uncharacterised species in the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura graeca sp. nov. is proposed (type strain 32-07T). The G+C content of A. graeca 32–07 is 72.36%. The cell wall contains DL-diaminopimelic acid, intracellular sugars are glucose, ribose and galactose, the predominant menaquinone is MK-9(H6), the major cellular lipid is phosphatidylinositol and fatty acids consist mainly of hexadecanoic acid. No mycolic acid was detected. Furthermore, A. graeca 32–07 has been confirmed as a novel producer of the non-ribosomal peptide antibiotic zelkovamycin and we report herein a provisional description of the unique biosynthetic gene cluster.
Risk and protective factors of neurocognitive disorders in older adults in Central and Eastern Europe: A systematic review of population-based studies
Authors: Wolfova Katrin , Kucera Matej , Cermakova Pavla
Published: November 2021

Background

A wide range of potentially modifiable risk factors, indicating that the onset of neurocognitive disorders can be delayed or prevented, have been identified. The region of Central and Eastern Europe has cultural, political and economic specifics that may influence the occurrence of risk factors and their link to the cognitive health of the population.

Objective

We aimed to systematically review population-based studies from Central and Eastern Europe to gather evidence on risk and protective factors for neurocognitive disorders.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase. The search was performed on 26th of February 2020 and repeated at the end of the review process on 20th May 2021.

Results

We included 25 papers in a narrative synthesis of the evidence describing cardiovascular risk factors (n = 7), social factors (n = 5), oxidative stress (n = 2), vitamins (n = 2), genetic factors (n = 2) and other areas (n = 7). We found that there was a good body of evidence on the association between neurocognitive disorders and the history of cardiovascular disease while there were gaps in research of genetic and social risk factors.

Conclusion

We conclude that the epidemiological evidence from this region is insufficient and population-based prospectively followed cohorts should be established to allow the development of preventive strategies at national levels.
The association between metabolic syndrome and successful aging- using an extended definition of successful aging
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsuan , Chiou Jeng-Min , Chen Ta-Fu , Lai Liang-Chuan , Chen Jen-Hau , Chen Yen-Ching
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To examine the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and successful aging among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Adults aged ≥ 65 years who participated in the senior health checkup program at National Taiwan University Hospital during 2011–2013 were recruited (N = 467 at baseline). The participants were followed after 4 years and 6 years. MetS was assessed at baseline. Successful aging was evaluated at baseline, 4-year follow-up, and 6-year follow-up. We adopted an extended definition of successful aging, which was defined as three major domains: physiological, psychological, and sociological and economic domains. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the association between MetS and successful aging adjusting for time (follow-up years), age, sex, years of education, alcohol consumption and MetS×time interaction term.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 72.9 (SD 5.5) years. The absence of baseline MetS had a positive effect on the probability of successful aging over six years. The absences of abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertension were associated with the physiological successful aging. The absence of hypertension was the most significant predictor of physiological successful aging [aOR (95% CI) = 2.76 (1.67–4.58), p<0.001]. Significant increased trend was found in the overall and physiological successful aging across MetS status (No MetS, pre MetS, MetS; Ptrend <0.001).

Conclusions

We found that MetS is a risk factor of successful aging among community-dwelling older adults. Public health policy should aim at avoidance of MetS in order to facilitate successful aging in older population.
Reproductive barriers in cassava: Factors and implications for genetic improvement
Authors: Bandeira e Sousa Massaine , Andrade Luciano Rogerio Braatz de , Souza Everton Hilo de , Alves Alfredo Augusto Cunha , de Oliveira Eder Jorge
Published: November 2021

Cassava breeding is hampered by high flower abortion rates that prevent efficient recombination among promising clones. To better understand the factors causing flower abortion and propose strategies to overcome them, we 1) analyzed the reproductive barriers to intraspecific crossing, 2) evaluated pollen-pistil interactions to maximize hand pollination efficiency, and 3) identified the population structure of elite parental clones. From 2016 to 2018, the abortion and fertilization rates of 5,748 hand crossings involving 91 parents and 157 progenies were estimated. We used 16,300 single nucleotide polymorphism markers to study the parents’ population structure via discriminant analysis of principal components, and three clusters were identified. To test for male and female effects, we used a mixed model in which the environment (month and year) was fixed, while female and male (nested to female) were random effects. Regardless of the population structure, significant parental effects were identified for abortion and fertilization rates, suggesting the existence of reproductive barriers among certain cassava clones. Matching ability between cassava parents was significant for pollen grains that adhered to the stigma surface, germinated pollen grains, and the number of fertilized ovules. Non-additive genetic effects were important to the inheritance of these traits. Pollen viability and pollen-pistil interactions in cross- and self-pollination were also investigated to characterize pollen-stigma compatibility. Various events related to pollen tube growth dynamics indicated fertilization abnormalities. These abnormalities included the reticulated deposition of callose in the pollen tube, pollen tube growth cessation in a specific region of the stylet, and low pollen grain germination rate. Generally, pollen viability and stigma receptivity varied depending on the clone and flowering stage and were lost during flowering. This study provides novel insights into cassava reproduction that can assist in practical crossing and maximize the recombination of contrasting clones.
Countering the advert effects of lung cancer on the anticancer potential of dendritic cell populations reinstates sensitivity to anti-PD-1 therapy
Authors: Brassard Julyanne , Gill Meredith Elizabeth , Bernatchez Emilie , Desjardins Véronique , Roy Joanny , Joubert Philippe , Marsolais David , Blanchet Marie-Renée
Published: November 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While the recent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly improves patient outcomes, responsiveness remains restricted to a small proportion of patients. Conventional dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in anticancer immunity. In mice, two subpopulations of DCs are found in the lung: DC2s (CD11b+Sirpα+) and DC1s (CD103+XCR1+), the latest specializing in the promotion of anticancer immune responses. However, the impact of lung cancer on DC populations and the consequent influence on the anticancer immune response remain poorly understood. To address this, DC populations were studied in murine models of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) and melanoma-induced lung metastasis (B16F10). We report that direct exposure to live or dead cancer cells impacts the capacity of DCs to differentiate into CD103+ DC1s, leading to profound alterations in CD103+ DC1 proportions in the lung. In addition, we observed the accumulation of CD103loCD11b+ DCs, which express DC2 markers IRF4 and Sirpα, high levels of T-cell inhibitory molecules PD-L1/2 and the regulatory molecule CD200. Finally, DC1s were injected in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) in the B16F10 model of resistance to the anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy; the co-injection restored sensitivity to immunotherapy. Thus, we demonstrate that lung tumor development leads to the accumulation of CD103loCD11b+ DCs with a regulatory potential combined with a reduced proportion of highly-specialized antitumor CD103+ DC1s, which could promote cancer growth. Additionally, promoting an anticancer DC signature could be an interesting therapeutic avenue to increase the efficacy of existing immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The analysis of F-actin structure of mesenchymal stem cells by quantification of fractal dimension
Authors: Revittser Alla , Selin Ivan , Negulyaev Yuri , Chubinskiy-Nadezhdin Vladislav
Published: November 2021

The actin cytoskeleton is indispensable for the motility and migration of all types of cells; therefore, it plays a crucial role in the ability of the tissues to repair. Mesenchymal stem cells are intensively used in regenerative medicine, but usually relatively low percent of transplanted cells reaches the injury. To overcome this evident limitation, researchers try to enhance the motility and migration rate of the cells. As one of the approaches, co-cultivation and preconditioning of stem cells with biologically active compounds, which can cause actin cytoskeleton rearrangements followed by an increase of migratory properties of the cells, could be applied. The observed changes in F-actin structure induced by the compounds require quantitative estimation, and measurement of fluorescence intensity of the F-actin image captured by various microscopic techniques is commonly used nowadays. However, this approach could not always accurately detect the observed changes in the shape and structure of actin cytoskeleton. At this time, the image of F-actin has an irregular geometric pattern, and thus could be considered and characterized as a fractal object. To quantify the re-organization of cellular F-actin in terms of fractal geometry Minkovsky’s box-counting method is suitable, but it is not widely used nowadays. We modified and improved the previously described method for fractal dimension measurement, and successfully applied it for the quantification of the F-actin structures of human mesenchymal stem cells.
The Monster and the Mob: A Critical Analysis of Fritz Lang’s Fury (1936) and James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931)
Authors: Cieslik Emma
Published: November 2021

Both released during the 1930s, Fritz Lang’s film Fury (1936) and James Whale’s film Frankenstein (1931) shed light on the threat of mob violence during a decade shaken by economic depression and social turmoil. Considered together in this film analysis, Lang’s Fury and Whale’s Frankenstein reveal the ways lynch violence infiltrated American cultural output during the 1930s. In turn, both directors can be seen as shedding a much-needed light on the social scourges of racism, antisemitism, and homophobia in the 1930s America by including scenes with mobs attempting to kill an innocent who is nevertheless presumed guilty without due process.
Another Round (Druk, 2020)
Authors: O’Connell Dylan
Published: November 2021

Denmark

Director Thomas Vinterberg

Runtime 117 minutes
Effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells cultured under hypoxia to increase the fertility rate in rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Safitri Erma , Purnobasuki Hery
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplanted into the testes of rats with testicular failure can help rescue fertility. However, the low viability of transplanted MSCs limits the success of this treatment. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of MSCs cultured under hypoxia to increase the fertility rate in rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Materials and Methods: Bone marrow-derived MSCs (200 million cells/rat) were transplanted into male rat models with induced infertility (10 rats/treatment group) after 4 days of culture in 21% O2 (normoxia) and 1% O2 (hypoxia). Ten fertile and 10 untreated infertile rats served as controls. In the infertile male rats that had been fasted from food for 5 days, the fasting condition induced malnutrition and then resulted in testicular failure.

Results: The results indicated that the MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions were more effective than those cultured in normoxic conditions as a treatment for testicular failure in infertile male rats based on the increased number of cells expressing p63 as a quiescent cell marker and ETV5 as a transcription factor expressed in Sertoli and germ cells. Furthermore, the structure of the seminiferous tubules, which contain spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and spermatid, Sertoli, and Leydig cells, was improved in infertile male rats treated with the MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions.

Conclusion: The testicular transplantation of MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions was an effective treatment for testicular failure in rats.
In vitro experiments of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) resistance to permethrin and 6-paradol in East Jakarta: Detoxification enzyme activity and electron microscopic changes in lice
Authors: Subahar Rizal , Susanto Lisawati , Aidilla Rachmanin , Aulia Annisa Putri , Yulhasri Yulhasri , Winita Rawina , Lubis Nadar S. , Sari Ika Puspa
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: Pediculus humanus capitis, the human head louse, remains a global health problem. This study evaluated the resistance of head lice to permethrin and 6-paradol mediated by in vitro detoxification enzyme activity experiments and to describe physical changes in the lice using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Materials and Methods: The adult stages of P. h. capitis were collected from patients exposed to 1% permethrin and three different concentrations of 6-paradol (0.00005%, 0.0001%, and 0.00015%) using a filter paper diffusion bioassay. Healthy P. h. capitis adults served as the control. The in vitro bioassays were conducted after 10, 20, 30, and 60 min of exposure. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and oxidase were analyzed. Physical changes in the lice were analyzed using SEM.

Results: Permethrin and 6-paradol exhibited low toxicity against the lice. At 60 min, 1% permethrin had killed 36.7% of the lice present, while 6-paradol had killed 66.7-86.7%. Permethrin induced significantly elevated AChE, GST, and oxidase activity; 6-paradol also caused significantly elevated AChE, GST, and oxidase activity. Permethrin did not cause any ultrastructural morphological changes on the lice, while 6-paradol severely damaged the head, thorax, respiratory spiracles, and abdomen of the dead lice.

Conclusion: This in vitro experimental of P. h. capitis is the first study to report P. h. capitis in East Jakarta shows complete resistance to permethrin and 6-paradol, and to describe the associated increase in AChE, GST, and oxidase activity. It was observed that 6-paradol severely damaged the head, thorax, respiratory spiracles, and abdomen of the dead lice.
Together or separate? Contributions from neuroeducation to the debate on sex segregation in schools
Authors: Reverter Sonia
Published: November 2021

This article analyses the debate on the desirability of separating children by sex in schools. The study reviews the neuroscientific arguments that can inform decisions on this issue. The author starts from the understanding that the education debate should centre its decision not on neuroscientific findings, which are still inconclusive, but on a proposal that evaluates the aim of education. As a new field of study, neuroeducation has the opportunity to draw into the dialogue all the disciplines participating to that end.
Eradicating xenophobia and aporophobia: Compassion as a key capacity of moral neuroeducation
Authors: Javier Gracia Calandín
Published: November 2021

Drawing on the contributions of some of the most recent and relevant studies on neuroethics and moral neuroeducation, this paper undertakes an analysis of compassion. In order to focus on the results of this neuroscientific research a reductionist naturalist framework is set aside in order to embrace the broader outlook of a moral neuroeducation that, firstly, refuses to reduce its normative character to the human capacity for evolutionary adaptation; and, secondly, seeks to locate within the brain the neuronal foundations for the development of a capacity for compassion towards those of one’s own community, and also those from outside it. Thereby, this capacity for compassion moves beyond empathic tribalism.
Cognition as a process in dynamic systems
Authors: Arenas-Dolz Francisco
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this article is to show the importance of the neurophenomenological approach for education, specifically in the digital society, where, more than ever, learning requires the co-development of our observation and analysis skills in conjunction with our abilities to design and implement actions in our surroundings in order to reduce complexity and increase our capacity for action. To this end, the connections between neurophenomenology and related theories will be firstly addressed. These theories provide us with the hermeneutical framework to introduce then some of the most relevant cognitive approaches to learning, with emphasis on new literacies related to advances in information technologies. Finally, the most relevant conclusions of the study are summarized, stressing the importance of promoting pedagogical innovations in the age of digital technologies that can facilitate inclusive education and learning environments.