bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Vordergründig war ich für die gar nicht frau": Zur sprachlichen Repräsentation von Geschlecht
Authors: Fetzer Anita
Published: August 2021

This contribution argues for an investigation of gender in an interactive multicausal framework with multiple social identities. Depending on the participants' communicative goals, these social identities are highlighted or attributed to the background. Part I analyses the linguistic means the German language offers for the linguistic representation of gender and occupation and illustrates how these means are employed to reconstruct the corresponding identities. In German, speakers can represent their gender identity explicitly by (1) gender-specific lexical items and gender-specific collocations, and (2) adding the gender-specific morpheme -in to occupation. Part II adapts the results obtained to a discursive frame of reference based on the communication act plus/minus-validity claim, i.e. speakers postulating validity claims which are ratified by hearers. Thus, coparticipants negotiate the communicative status of validity claims. Interlocutors have a dual function: firstly, they represent the discourse-inherent category of discourse identity, and secondly, the discourse-creating category of coparticipant. Here, the social indexes of gender and occupation represent valdity claims and therefore require ratification. If they are accepted they are assigned a presuppositional status and do not have to be made explicit any longer. If they are rejected they initiate a negotiation-of-validity sequence. For this reason, the explication of social indexes at a later stage in discourse indicates that the corresponding communicative status is at stake.
Réflexion sur l'autonomie de la morphologie linguistique
Authors: Owoeye Samuel Tuesday
Published: August 2021

Sous les auspices de la grammaire traditionnelle, l'étude des mots que l'on appelle contemporainement la morphologie jouissait incontestablement d'analyse autonome. Or, depuis l'inauguration de la linguistique moderne issue du structuralisme saussurien, le sort de la morphologie n'a cessé de subir des suppressions réductionnistes. Par conséquent, la morphologie est aujourd'hui traitée de deux perspectives plus ou moins opposées: analyse autonome versus analyse dépendante. Après avoir survolé les instanciations linguistiques cherchant à établir le statut scientifique de la morphologie l'article confirme modestement le statut autonome scientifique de la morphologie et postule également qu'aucune branche de la linguistique, la morphologie y comprise, ne jouit d'un statut autonome total.
Ein Beitrag zur Partikelanalyse - Beispiel: doch
Authors: Graefen Gabriele
Published: August 2021

Der deutsche Ausdruck doch dient als Beispiel, an dem Probleme der Wortart-Klassifikation verdeutlicht werden, die besonders die Ausdr*cke ohne lexikalische Bedeutung und ohne morphologische Merkmale betreffen. Die Partikel doch wird meist zumindest als Konjunktion, Adverb und Modalpartikel eingestuft, einige weitere Wortklassen werden diskutiert. Die aktuellen Tendenzen, solche Partikeln aufzuspalten und dadurch ihre Einheit zu zerstören, werden kritisiert.
Ich gebe eine kurze Erklärung der grundlegenden Funktion von doch und zeige an authentischen Daten, wie konkrete Verwendungsfälle auch ohne Wortartzuweisung verstanden werden können. Darüber hinaus empfehle ich, auch Sprachlernern den Umgang mit abstrakten Grundbedeutungen der Partikeln zu vermitteln.
The German expression doch serves as an example of the problems in word classification, specifically for words without lexical meaning(s) and without morphological features. The particle is commonly treated at least as a conjunction, an adverb, and a modal particle. Some other word classes are discussed. Recent tendencies to split up particles like doch and to thereby destroy their unity are criticised.
I will present a short explanation of the basic function of doch and show how to interpret different applications of the word, using authentic examples. In addition, I recommend that one not confuse language learners by telling them to distinguish different word classes, but to show them how to work with abstract semantic functions.
Simulation and measurement of systematic errors of stitching interferometry for high precision X-ray mirrors with large radius of curvature
Authors: Wu Qiaoyu , Huang Qiushi , Yu Jun , Xu Xudong , Qi Runze , Zhang Zhong , Wang Zhanshan
Published: August 2021

To accurately measure the surface figure of curved mirrors with large radius of curvature (RoC) using stitching interferometry methods, three types of measurement errors are systematically studied, including retrace error, defocusing error within a single subaperture, and stitching angle error among different subapertures. It was found that part of the retrace error caused by the mismatch between the reference wavefront and reflected wavefront has little effect, while the overall retrace error, including the influence of the imperfect optical elements, will cause an error of 1–2 nm RMS within a single subaperture. Defocusing error will enlarge the error due to amplification of optical path error caused by the deviation of the position of the CCD. Because the error is mainly in the edge area, a slope threshold, which controls the maximum surface slope of each subaperture, can be optimized to reduce the effect of the defocus on stitching measurement error. Constant angle error among neighboring subapertures has the biggest accumulation effect on the final stitched figure. For the spherical mirror with RoC of 100 m of

80

m
m

×

40

m
m

, the error of the one-dimensional residual profile is 4.67 nm PV, assuming a constant angle error of

2

×

10

−
7

r
a
d

. For the elliptical mirror with RoC of 60–140 m, it is more than 15 nm peak-to-valley (PV). It is because the profile difference caused by constant angle error is closer to a circle, which can be mostly removed after subtraction of a best-fit sphere. Based on the above error analysis, the developed algorithm-based stitching method was used to measure an elliptical cylindrical mirror of

74

m
m

×

40

m
m

with RoC of 60–140 m, and the result was compared with a slope measurement instrument from the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. After removing the best fitting ellipse profile, the one-dimensional difference between the two results is only 0.77 nm RMS, which demonstrated good measurement accuracy.
High-precision 3D shape measurement of rigid moving objects based on the Hilbert transform
Authors: Wu Haitao , Cao Yiping , An Haihua , Li Yang , Li Hongmei , Xu Cai , Yang Na
Published: August 2021

Phase-shifting profilometry (PSP) is a three-dimensional (3D) measurement method of point-to-point calculation. The consistency of object position is the prerequisite to ensure the successful application of PSP in moving objects. The position information of an object can be well characterized by the modulation patterns, and hence a high-quality modulation pattern is the guarantee of pixel-matching accuracy. In this paper, a generic modulation pattern enhancement method for rigid moving objects based on the Hilbert transform is proposed. First, the Hilbert transform is employed to suppress the zero-frequency components of the fringe pattern, and a hybrid digital filter window is applied to filter out the positive fundamental frequency components for a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Then the grid-based motion statistics for fast, ultra-robust feature correspondence algorithm is used to match the high-quality modulation patterns between two adjacent frames, and the object positions in the three deformed patterns are made consistent by image clipping. Finally, the three-step PSP is used to reconstruct the 3D shape of the measured object. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can substantially improve the quality of the modulation pattern, achieve high-precision pixel matching, and ultimately reduce the motion-introduced phase error.
Photopolymerization strategy for the preparation of small-diameter artificial blood vessels with micro-nano structures on the inner wall
Authors: Liu Yonghao , Zhang Jiawei , Li Shunxin , Xia Hong
Published: August 2021

Although large diameter vessels made of polyurethane materials have been widely used in clinical practice, the biocompatibility and long-term patency of small diameter artificial vessels have not been well addressed. Any technological innovation and advancement in small-diameter artificial blood vessels is of great interest to the biomedical field. Here a novel technique is used to produce artificial blood vessels with a caliber of less than 6 mm and a wall thickness of less than 0.5 mm by rotational exposure, and to form a bionic inner wall with a periodically micro-nano structure inside the tube by laser double-beam interference. The polyethylene glycol diacrylate used is a widely recognized versatile biomaterial with good hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. The effect of the bionic structure on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells was investigated, and it was demonstrated that the prepared vessels with the bionic structure could largely promote the endothelialization process of the cells inside them.
Silicon slotted photonic crystal cavities fabricated by deep-ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Hoang Thi Hong Cam , van Nguyen Thuy , Pham Thanh Binh , Pham Van Dai , Pham Van Hoi , Le Roux Xavier , Monfray Stephane , Boeuf Frédéric , Vivien Laurent , Cassan Eric , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: August 2021

Slotted photonic crystal (SPC) cavities provide strong evanescent fields, high quality factors, and small mode volumes. Hence, SPC cavities have been identified as promising candidates for the implementation of high-performance sensors and the development of hybrid devices combining silicon with other active materials. Nevertheless, most state-of-the-art demonstrations rely on electron beam lithography and operate in the telecommunications band near the 1550 nm wavelength. Here, we report the experimental demonstration of SPC cavities operating in the datacom O-band, near 1340 nm wavelength, fabricated using deep-ultraviolet (DUV) lithography. The O-band provides very interesting properties for sensing, communications, and hybrid integration: namely, lower optical absorption of water, lower dispersion in standard optical fibers, and the emission of active materials like carbon nanotubes. On the other hand, DUV fabrication opens interesting opportunities for large volume production. The proposed cavities exhibit a high quality factor exceeding 20,000 and a small mode volume of

0.023

(
λ

/

n

)
3

. These results open interesting perspectives to exploit enhanced light–matter interaction in SPC cavities harnessing industrial-like fabrication processes.
Theoretical and experimental studies of output coupling ratio tunable double-corner-cube-retroreflector ring cavity
Authors: Zhang Zhenguo , Ju Youlun
Published: August 2021

The polarization state in a double-corner-cube-retroreflector (DCCR) ring cavity is analyzed using Jones matrix. Based on the analysis results, an output coupling ratio tunable DCCR ring cavity created by employing a polarization beam splitter, and wave plates (including

λ

/

2

plate and

λ

/

4

plate) is studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical output coupling ratio tuning ranges are calculated as

0.01

%

∼

80.86

%

by rotating the

λ

/

2

plate,

0

∼

89.32

%

by rotating the

λ

/

4

plate, and

2.71

%

∼

81.37

%

by rotating corner-cube retroreflector (CCR). The experimental measurement results are consistent with theoretical expectations. An output coupling ratio tunable Er:YAG laser with a DCCR ring cavity is also set up to verify the beneficial effect of output coupling ratio tuning. At given pump power, by tuning the output coupling ratio, the laser obtains optimum operation efficiency and realizes wavelength conversion between 1645 and 1617 nm.
Robust exceptional point of arbitrary order in coupled spinning cylinders
Authors: Shi Hongkang , Yang Zheng , Zhang Chengzhi , Cheng Yuqiong , Chen Yuntian , Wang Shubo
Published: August 2021

Exceptional points (EPs), i.e., non-Hermitian degeneracies at which eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce, can be realized by tuning the gain/loss contrast of different modes in non-Hermitian systems or by engineering the asymmetric coupling of modes. Here we demonstrate a mechanism that can achieve EPs of arbitrary order by employing the non-reciprocal coupling of spinning cylinders sitting on a dielectric waveguide. The spinning motion breaks the time-reversal symmetry and removes the degeneracy of opposite chiral modes of the cylinders. Under the excitation of a linearly polarized plane wave, the chiral mode of one cylinder can unidirectionally couple to the same mode of the other cylinder via the spin-orbit interaction associated with the evanescent wave of the waveguide. The structure can give rise to arbitrary-order EPs that are robust against spin-flipping perturbations, in contrast to conventional systems relying on spin-selective excitations. In addition, we show that higher-order EPs in the proposed system are accompanied by enhanced optical isolation, which may find applications in designing novel optical isolators, nonreciprocal optical devices, and topological photonics.
Magnetic field and temperature two-parameter sensor based on optical microfiber coupler interference (OMCI) wrapped with magnetic fluid and PDMS
Authors: Qin Shangpeng , Lu Junyang , Yu Yang , Li Minwei , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhenrong , Lu Yang , Meng Zhou
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an optical fiber magnetic field and temperature sensor based on an optical microfiber coupler (OMC), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and magnetic fluid (MF) is proposed, and its magnetic field and temperature sensing characteristics are analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally. Based on the OMC and using MF as the sensing medium, the sensor can respond to the magnetic field and temperature respectively after encapsulated by PDMS. The experimental results show that the maximum magnetic field sensitivity is 96.8 pm/Oe, and the maximum temperature sensitivity is 919.1 pm/°C. To overcome the cross-sensitivity of the magnetic field and temperature of the sensor, the sensitivity matrix is established and demodulated. In addition, we discuss the optimization of the sensitivity demodulation matrix by the size design of the PDMS package and the OMC structure. The proposed two-parameter sensor in this article has the advantages of high sensitivity, low cost, small volume and high integration, which is of great significance for the multi-parameter sensing of basic physical parameters such as magnetic field and temperature.
Phase-matching control of high-order harmonics with circular Airy-Gaussian beams
Authors: Pang Zeyue , Wang Zhe , Shen Fengbei , Hong Weiyi
Published: August 2021

We investigate the phase-matching of the high harmonics (HHG) driven by the circular Airy-Gaussian beams (CAiGB), which abruptly auto-focus and subsequently propagate without diffraction. The results show that the harmonics corresponding to both short and long quantum paths can be well phase-matched after the focusing point of the CAiGB. Therefore, the effective interaction length of HHG for CAiGB is much longer than that for the conventional Gaussian beams with the same size of the waist. Our numerical simulations reveal that the harmonics continuously gain up to 1 cm of the propagation distance. This work provides a route to enhance the conversion efficiency of HHG by the coherent control of abrupt auto-focusing beams.
Spectral filtering of high-order harmonics via optics-free focusing
Authors: Veyrinas K. , Vábek J. , Valentin C. , Descamps D. , Péjot C. , Burgy F. , Constant E. , Mével E. , Catoire F.
Published: August 2021

Controlling the wavefront of an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) high-order harmonic beam during the generation process offers the capability of modifying the beam properties without resorting to any XUV optics. By characterizing the XUV intensity profile and wavefront, we quantitatively retrieve both the size and the position of the waist of each harmonic generated in an argon jet. We show that optics-free focusing can occur under specific generating conditions leading to XUV focii of micrometer size. We also demonstrate that each focus is located at distinct longitudinal positions. Using this remarkable XUV wavefront control combined with near focus spatial selection, we experimentally demonstrate efficient and adjustable spectral filtering of the XUV beam, along with a strong rejection of the fundamental beam, without using any XUV optics. The experimental results are compared with simulations providing the impact of the filtering on the temporal profile of the XUV field. It shows that the attosecond structure is preserved and that the beam is more homogeneous after the filtering, thereby reducing the longitudinal focii shift. This is a major step to achieve high XUV intensity and probing ultrafast processes with an improved resolution.
Direct acceleration of collimated monoenergetic sub-femtosecond electron bunches driven by a radially polarized laser pulse
Authors: Cao Y. , Hu L. X. , Hu Y. T. , Zhao J. , Zou D. B. , Yang X. H. , Zhang F. P. , Shao F. Q. , Yu T. P.
Published: August 2021

High-quality ultrashort electron beams have diverse applications in a variety of areas, such as 4D electron diffraction and microscopy, relativistic electron mirrors and ultrashort radiation sources. Direct laser acceleration (DLA) mechanism can produce electron beams with a large amount of charge (several to hundreds of nC), but the generated electron beams usually have large divergence and wide energy spread. Here, we propose a novel DLA scheme to generate high-quality ultrashort electron beams by irradiating a radially polarized laser pulse on a nanofiber. Since electrons are continuously squeezed transversely by the inward radial electric field force, the divergence angle gradually decreases as electrons transport stably with the laser pulse. The well-collimated electron bunches are effectively accelerated by the circularly-symmetric longitudinal electric field and the relative energy spread also gradually decreases. It is demonstrated by three-dimensional (3D) simulations that collimated monoenergetic electron bunches with 0.75° center divergence angle and 14% energy spread can be generated. An analytical model of electron acceleration is presented which interprets well by the 3D simulation results.
Pixel MTF response effect on non-null interferometry
Authors: Tangari Larrategui Martin , Zhang Yanqi , Brown Thomas G. , Ellis Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

The pixel modulation transfer function response degrades the contrast of non-null interferometric surface figure measurements. We experimentally quantify this effect for spatial frequencies ranging from 0 to 363 lp/mm (

≈

3.33

times the Nyquist limit). Our results show a low SNR spatial frequency band that behaves like a low-pass filter for sub-Nyquist interferometry and a stop-band filter for multiple-wavelength phase-shifting interferometry. We also introduce a multiple-mode, multiple-wavelength interferometry approach to measure optical surfaces with slope departure angles mapping to spatial frequencies in this low SNR band. The extended measurement range of this approach is achieved without using a sparse-array detector.
Generalized rainbow patterns of oblate drops simulated by a ray model in three dimensions
Authors: Duan Qingwei , Onofri Fabrice R. A. , Han Xiang’e , Ren Kuan Fang
Published: August 2021

The scattering patterns near the primary rainbow of oblate drops are simulated by extending the vectorial complex ray model (VCRM) [Opt. Lett. 36, 370 (2011)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.36.000370] to three-dimensional (3D) calculations. With the curvature of a wavefront as an intrinsic property of a ray, this advanced ray model permits, in principle, to predict the amplitudes and phases of all emergent rays with a rigorous algebraic formalism. This Letter reports a breakthrough of VCRM for 3D scattering with a line-by-line triangulation interpolation algorithm allowing to calculate the total complex amplitude of a scattered field. This makes possible to simulate not only the skeleton (geometrical rainbow angles, hyperbolic–umbilic caustics), but also the coarse (Airy bows, lattice) and fine (ripple fringes) structures of the generalized rainbow patterns (GRPs) of oblate drops. The simulated results are found qualitatively and quantitatively in good agreement with experimental scattering patterns for drops of different aspect ratios. The physical interpretation of the GRPs is also given. This work opens up prominent perspectives for simulating and understanding the 3D scattering of large particles of any shape with a smooth surface by VCRM.
Fast size estimation of single-levitated nanoparticles in a vacuum optomechanical system
Authors: Li Cui-Hong , Jing Jiang , Zhou Lei-Ming , Fu Zhen-Hai , Gao Xiao-Wen , Li Nan , Chen Xing-Fan , Hu Hui-Zhu
Published: August 2021

Optical trapping of single nanoparticles in vacuum has various applications in both precise measurements and fundamental physics. However, to date, the number and size of randomly loaded nanoparticles in an optical trap is difficult to determine unless in vacuum. In this Letter, an efficient method for nanoparticle size estimation in an optical tweezer system before the evacuation of air was proposed and demonstrated experimentally, using scattering light from levitated particles. The particle radii deduced from the scattering light power in our proposal and from the kinetic theory of particles in gas match well (with the differences of less than

10
%

). For sample particles with radii ranging within 50–100 nm, we also provide a preselection rule based on this method, where over half of the trapped particles are verified as single particles. Such a particle analysis method is applicable also for the size estimation of levitated diamond particles, gold particles, and other plasmonic particles and can be applied to discovering novel scattering effects.
Virtual histopathology with ultraviolet scattering and photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy
Authors: Haven Nathaniel J. M. , Martell Matthew T. , Cikaluk Brendyn D. , Restall Brendon S. , McAlister Ewan , Silverman Sveta , Peiris Lashan , Deschenes Jean , Li Xingyu , Zemp Roger J.
Published: August 2021

Realistic label-free virtual histopathology has been a long sought-after goal not yet achieved with current methods. Here, we introduce high-resolution hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-like virtual histology of unstained human breast lumpectomy specimen sections using ultraviolet scattering-augmented photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy. Together with a colormap-matching algorithm based on blind stain separation from a reference true H&E image, we are able to produce virtual H&E images of unstained tissues with close concordance to true H&E-stained sections, with promising diagnostic utility.
Resonance-enhanced second harmonic generation via quantum dots integrated with Ag nanoarrays
Authors: Ren Sheng , Chen Zhenjiang , Li Shaowei , Wang Shiqi , Zhao Zewei , Zhao Yihua , Hu Rui , Qu Junle , Liu Liwei
Published: August 2021

The metal nanoarray can couple the excitation light energy to the surface, resulting in local electromagnetic field enhancement due to the resonance effect. This is beneficial to the generation of nonlinear optical processes which depend on electromagnetic resonance enhancement, taking advantage of the field enhancement properties of metal nanoarray. Here, silver nanoperiodic arrays are integrated with AgInS2 quantum dots (QDs) to enhance the second harmonic generation (SHG) process of QDs. The experimental results show that the enhancement factor of SHG is 8.8-fold in the condition of surface plasmon resonance. In contrast, the second harmonic emission from pure quantum dots is very weak. The simulation reveals that the second harmonic enhancement is caused by the resonance between the incident laser and the Ag nanoarray. The experimental results show that it is feasible to generate a highly efficient nonlinear optical process of QDs assisted by metal nanoarray. This is beneficial for extending the nonlinear applications of quantum dots.
Estimating the conditional probability of developing human papilloma virus related oropharyngeal cancer by combining machine learning and inverse Bayesian modelling
Authors: Tewari Prerna , Kashdan Eugene , Walsh Cathal , Martin Cara M. , Parnell Andrew C. , O’Leary John J.
Published: August 2021

The epidemic increase in the incidence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OPSCCs) in several countries worldwide represents a significant public health concern. Although gender neutral HPV vaccination programmes are expected to cause a reduction in the incidence rates of OPSCCs, these effects will not be evident in the foreseeable future. Secondary prevention strategies are currently not feasible due to an incomplete understanding of the natural history of oral HPV infections in OPSCCs. The key parameters that govern natural history models remain largely ill-defined for HPV related OPSCCs and cannot be easily inferred from experimental data. Mathematical models have been used to estimate some of these ill-defined parameters in cervical cancer, another HPV related cancer leading to successful implementation of cancer prevention strategies. We outline a “double-Bayesian” mathematical modelling approach, whereby, a Bayesian machine learning model first estimates the probability of an individual having an oral HPV infection, given OPSCC and other covariate information. The model is then inverted using Bayes’ theorem to reverse the probability relationship. We use data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry, SEER Head and Neck with HPV Database and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), representing the adult population in the United States to derive our model. The model contains 8,106 OPSCC patients of which 73.0% had an oral HPV infection. When stratified by age, sex, marital status and race/ethnicity, the model estimated a higher conditional probability for developing OPSCCs given an oral HPV infection in non-Hispanic White males and females compared to other races/ethnicities. The proposed Bayesian model represents a proof-of-concept of a natural history model of HPV driven OPSCCs and outlines a strategy for estimating the conditional probability of an individual’s risk of developing OPSCC following an oral HPV infection.
Genomic islands targeting dusA in Vibrio species are distantly related to Salmonella Genomic Island 1 and mobilizable by IncC conjugative plasmids
Authors: Durand Romain , Deschênes Florence , Burrus Vincent
Published: August 2021

Salmonella Genomic Island 1 (SGI1) and its variants are significant contributors to the spread of antibiotic resistance among Gammaproteobacteria. All known SGI1 variants integrate at the 3’ end of trmE, a gene coding for a tRNA modification enzyme. SGI1 variants are mobilized specifically by conjugative plasmids of the incompatibility groups A and C (IncA and IncC). Using a comparative genomics approach based on genes conserved among members of the SGI1 group, we identified diverse integrative elements distantly related to SGI1 in several species of Vibrio, Aeromonas, Salmonella, Pokkaliibacter, and Escherichia. Unlike SGI1, these elements target two alternative chromosomal loci, the 5’ end of dusA and the 3’ end of yicC. Although they share many features with SGI1, they lack antibiotic resistance genes and carry alternative integration/excision modules. Functional characterization of IMEVchUSA3, a dusA-specific integrative element, revealed promoters that respond to AcaCD, the master activator of IncC plasmid transfer genes. Quantitative PCR and mating assays confirmed that IMEVchUSA3 excises from the chromosome and is mobilized by an IncC helper plasmid from Vibrio cholerae to Escherichia coli. IMEVchUSA3 encodes the AcaC homolog SgaC that associates with AcaD to form a hybrid activator complex AcaD/SgaC essential for its excision and mobilization. We identified the dusA-specific recombination directionality factor RdfN required for the integrase-mediated excision of dusA-specific elements from the chromosome. Like xis in SGI1, rdfN is under the control of an AcaCD-responsive promoter. Although the integration of IMEVchUSA3 disrupts dusA, it provides a new promoter sequence and restores the reading frame of dusA for proper expression of the tRNA-dihydrouridine synthase A. Phylogenetic analysis of the conserved proteins encoded by SGI1-like elements targeting dusA, yicC, and trmE gives a fresh perspective on the possible origin of SGI1 and its variants.
The efficacy of topical, oral and surgical interventions for the treatment of tungiasis: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Tardin Martins Ana Carolina , de Brito Amanda Ramos , Kurizky Patrícia Shu , Gonçalves Rodrigo Gurgel , Santana Yago Ranniere Teixeira , de Carvalho Fabiola Christian Almeida , Gomes Ciro Martins
Published: August 2021

Background

Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by Tunga penetrans that can be complicated by secondary infections and local tissue destruction. Adequate treatment is important, especially in vulnerable populations; potential treatment options proposed range from surgical extraction to the use of oral and topical medications. We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the efficacy of topical, oral and surgical interventions for the treatment of tungiasis.

Methodology/Principal findings

The present review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021234741). On September 1, 2020, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo and LILACS BVS. We included clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies that evaluated any topical, systemic or mechanical treatment for tungiasis. We used the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) Tool for Randomized Trials for clinical trial analysis. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive syntheses were performed. Our search strategy resulted in 3376 references. Subsequently, 2568 titles/abstracts and 114 full texts were screened. We finally included 19 articles; 9 were classified as clinical trials. Two and 3 articles presented low and some RoB, respectively, according to the tool. Only two articles tested the efficacy of oral medications (niridazole, ivermectin), with discouraging results. Six clinical trials evaluated topical products for the treatment of tungiasis; 2 evaluated dimeticone-based compounds and reported positive results in lesion reduction and cure. None reported significant adverse reactions. Surgical extraction was evaluated only in observational studies.

Conclusions/Significance

We conclude that, although surgical extraction is the most commonly used treatment, there is sufficient evidence supporting the use of occlusive agents, especially manufactured dimeticone-based products.
The impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Hillyard Medbh , Sinclair Marlene , Murphy Marie , Casson Karen , Mulligan Ciara
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to understand how physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the UK have been affected by COVID-19.

Methods

An online survey exploring physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes during COVID-19 was distributed through social media platforms. Women who had been pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak and had gestational diabetes, were resident in the UK, were 18 years old or over and could understand written English were invited to take part.

Results

A total of 724 women accessed the survey, 553 of these met the eligibility criteria and took part in the survey. Sedentary time increased for 79% of the women during the pandemic. Almost half of the women (47%) were meeting the physical activity guidelines pre COVID-19 during their pregnancy, this dropped to 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of leaving the house due to COVID-19 was the most commonly reported reason for the decline. Significant associations were found between meeting the physical activity guidelines during COVID-19 and educational attainment, fitness equipment ownership and knowledge of how to exercise safely in pregnancy.

Conclusions and implications

These results show the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels and highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives as the pandemic continues and for future lockdowns. Women with gestational diabetes need to know how it is safe and beneficial to them to engage in physical activity and ways to do this from their homes if fear of leaving the house due to COVID-19 is a barrier for them. Online physical activity classes provided by certified trainers in physical activity for pregnant women may help them remain active when face-to-face appointments are reduced and limited additional resources are available.
Attitudes of nursing degree students towards end of life processes. A cultural approach (Spain-Senegal)
Authors: García-Navarro E. Begoña , Araujo-Hernández Miriam , Rigabert Alina , Rojas-Ocaña María Jesús
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The concept of death is abstract, complex and has a number of meanings. Thus, its understanding and the approach taken to it depend, to a large extent, on aspects such as age, culture, training and religion. Nursing students have regular contact with the process of death and so it is of great interest to understand the attitudes they have towards it. As we live in a plural society it is even more interesting to not only understand the attitudes of Spanish students but, also, those of students coming from other countries. In the present article, we seek to identify and compare the attitudes held by nursing degree students at Hekima-Santé University (Senegal) and the University of Huelva (Spain) about end of life processes. The study identifies elements that condition attitudes and coping with death, whilst considering curricular differences with regards to specific end of life training.

Method

A descriptive, cross-sectional and multi-center study was conducted. The overall sample (N = 142) was divided into groups: Hekima-Santé University (Dakar, Senegal) and the University of Huelva (Huelva, Spain). The measurement instruments used were an ad-hoc questionnaire and Bugen´s Coping with Death Scale.

Results

Statistically significant differences (p = 0.005, 95%CI) were found in relation to overall Bugen Scale scores. We can confirm that specialized end of life training (University of Huelva, Spain) did not lead to better coping when compared with a population whose academic curriculum did not provide specific training and who engaged in more religious practices (Hekima-Santé University, Senegal).

Conclusions

In cultures where religion not only influences the spiritual dimension of the individual, but acts in the ethical and moral system and consequently in the economic, educational and family sphere, the accompaniment at the end of life transcends the formative plane. Considering the plural society in which we live, the training that integrates the Degree in Nursing with regard to the care of the final process, must be multidimensional in which spirituality and faith are integrated, working emotional and attentional skills, as well as cultural competence strategies in this process.
Re-description of seven predatory mite species of family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) sourced from Florida citrus groves
Authors: Demard Emilie P. , Döker Ismail , Qureshi Jawwad A.
Published: August 2021

Predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) are of great importance as biological control agents of pest mites and other arthropods. Correct identification of species is crucial to implement effective biological control of target pests. Here, we provide re-descriptions of seven phytoseiid mite species collected from citrus orchards in Florida. The several important morphological features including dorsal setae lengths, dorsal solenostomes, shape of calyx of spermatheca, chelicera dentition, measurements, and shape of macrosetae on legs currently used to discriminate phytoseiid species were missing in the original descriptions and re-descriptions of these species. Additionally, we observed the presence of a previously unnoted taxonomically important character on Proprioseius meridionalis Chant. Therefore, the re-description was essential for further diagnosis of this species. Accordingly, the validity of the presence/absence of this structure as a diagnostic character to separate species groups in the genus Proprioseius should be re-considered. Furthermore, Typhlodromalus peregrinus, a species for which a series of morphological variations are reported in previous descriptions, is re-described and illustrated from Clermont, Florida, a location very close (10 km) to its type location (Minneola), and the leaves of type host citrus. The macrosetae StIV was knobbed apically in all our specimens of T. peregrinus indicating invalidity of sharp-pointed or knobbed StIV to separate this species from a closely related species, T. aripo De Leon. These re-descriptions and species are important to utilizing authentic and promising candidates for biological control.
Physician perceived barriers and facilitators for self-measured blood pressure monitoring- a qualitative study
Authors: Gondi Saahith , Ellis Shellie , Gupta Mallika , Ellerbeck Edward , Richter Kimber , Burns Jeffrey , Gupta Aditi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Improving hypertension management is a national priority that can decrease morbidity and mortality. Evidence-based hypertension management guidelines advocate self-measured BP (SMBP), but widespread implementation of SMBP is lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the perspective of primary care physicians (PCPs) on SMBP to identify the barriers and facilitators for implementing SMBP.

Methods

We collected data from PCPs from a large health system using semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Responses were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed into three overarching TDF domains based on the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW): 1) Motivation 2) Opportunity and 3) Capabilities. The sample size was based on theme saturation.

Results

All 17 participating PCPs believed that SMBP is a useful, but underutilized tool. Although individual practices varied, most physicians felt that the increased data points from SMBP allowed for better hypertension management. Most felt that overcoming existing barriers would be difficult, but identified several facilitators: physician support of SMBP, the possibility of having other trained health professionals to assist with SMBP and patient education; improving patient engagement and empowerment with SMBP, and the interest of the health system in using technology to improve hypertension management.

Conclusion

PCPs believe that SMBP can improve hypertension management. There are numerous barriers and facilitators for implementing SMBP. Successful implementation in clinical practice will require implementation strategies targeted at increasing patient acceptability and reducing physician workload. This may need a radical change in the current methods of managing hypertension.
Determination of variable region sequences from hybridoma immunoglobulins that target Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence factors
Authors: Foreman Hui-Chen Chang , Frank Andrew , Stedman Timothy T.
Published: August 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infects one-quarter of the world’s population. Mtb and HIV coinfections enhance the comorbidity of tuberculosis (TB) and AIDS, accounting for one-third of all AIDS-associated mortalities. Humoral antibody to Mtb correlates with TB susceptibility, and engineering of Mtb antibodies may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics. The characterization and validation of functional immunoglobulin (Ig) variable chain (IgV) sequences provide a necessary first step towards developing therapeutic antibodies against pathogens. The virulence-associated Mtb antigens SodA (Superoxide Dismutase), KatG (Catalase), PhoS1/PstS1 (regulatory factor), and GroES (heat shock protein) are potential therapeutic targets but lacked IgV sequence characterization. Putative IgV sequences were identified from the mRNA of hybridomas targeting these antigens and isotype-switched into a common immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) backbone, subclass IgG2aκ. Antibodies were validated by demonstrating recombinant Ig assembly and secretion, followed by the determination of antigen-binding specificity using ELISA and immunoblot assay.
Willingness of corneal donation and its associated factors among adult patients attending Gondar University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital
Authors: Gesesse Eyerus , Fekadu Sofonias Addis , Belete Gizachew Tilahun
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Corneal transplantation is the only treatment option for corneal blindness to restore sight. However, there is a disproportionate imbalance between the demand and supply of corneal tissue in Ethiopia. This is because accessing corneal tissue is reliant on people who are willing to donate corneas after death.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the proportion of willingness to donate cornea and associated factors among adult patients attending at University of Gondar comprehensive and specialized hospital.

Method

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 13 to July 28, 2020, through a face-to-face interview. A total of 451 samples were selected using systematic random sampling. The data were entered into Epidemiological information version 7 and exported to statistical package for social science version 20 for formal analysis. Variables with a P-value of < 0.20 in a bi-variable logistic regression were entered into the multivariable logistic regression and those variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. The strength of association was shown using the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

Result

A total of 408 adults participated in this study with a response rate of 90% and the proportion of willingness to donate cornea was 179(43.90%). Participants who had a religious belief in Christianity (AOR = 3.23 (95% CI: 1.09–9.57)) and good knowledge about corneal donation (AOR = 5.45(95%CI: 2.69–11.18)) were positively associated with the willingness of corneal donation. On the other side, the age group above 43 years (AOR = 0.31(95% CI: 0.11–0.89) was negatively associated with the willingness of corneal donation.

Conclusion

The proportion of willingness to donate cornea 43.9% among participants attending Gondar University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital. Age group greater than 43 years, religion of Christianity and good knowledge were associated with the willingness of corneal donation.
Association of neck circumference and hypertension among adults in a rural community Thailand: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Soitong Panuwat , Jangjaicharoen Saowaluck , Kaewsanit Apisit , Mali Parinya , Viriyakhaikul Yada , Boonnumma Supakarn , Tipmabutr Suphat , Chalermchuang Paratakorn , Maneechot Warunporn , Numnoi Chanunchida , Phungmali Kitwiwat , Meksong Thana , Ponpadermyod Benjapon , Jirachairattanasin Wachara , Sakboonyarat Boonsub , Rangsin Ram , Mungthin Mathirut , Piyaraj Phunlerd
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hypertension (HT) is a major non-communicable disease worldwide and a growing global public health problem. Although several studies have investigated the independent associations of neck circumference (NC) and hypertension, no such studies have been conducted among the Thai population.

Aim

This study aims to identify risk factors associated with hypertension, which may be used to predict HT among asymptomatic adults residing in a remote rural community in central Thailand.

Method

1,084 adults were included in this community-based cross-sectional study by a population-based total survey. The participants were included those who had been living in 6 villages in the rural community in the central area of Thailand. Anthropometric information, NC, body composition indexes such as waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. Logistic regression models were fitted to calculate the multi-variable adjusted prevalence and the association of NC with HT.

Result

The prevalence of HT among adults in the rural community was 27.7% (95% CI: 25.0–30.3). Of the 300 adults with HT, 164 participants (54.7%) were found within the unawareness HT category. We found that associated factors with HT were included larger neck circumference both continuous and categorical (≥ 37.5 in male, ≥ 32.5 in female), pre-existing diabetes mellitus, male, and higher body mass index.

Conclusion

Almost one-third of participants in the remote rural areas presented hypertension. NC was associated with HT independent from other risk factors. NC is a simple and useful anthropometric index to identify HT in rural Thai adults.
Research on the speed thresholds of trucks in a sharp turn based on dynamic rollover risk levels
Authors: Xin Tian , Xu Jinliang , Gao Chao , Sun Zhenhua
Published: August 2021

Truck rollover is a problem that seriously endangers the safety of human life. Under special conditions, when the driver takes a sharp turn, the truck is most prone to rollover. Speed seriously affects the driving stability of the truck in a sharp turn, but the calculation of the safe speed is not accurate enough at present. The aim of this paper is to develop a more accurate safe speed calculation method to avoid the truck rollover in a sharp turn. Firstly, the calculation formula of the rollover threshold was derived based on a theoretical model, then, the simulation tests were carried out. We selected a 4-axle truck with a total weight of 30t as the subject, simulated the dynamic process of the truck rollover in a sharp turn with TruckSim, evaluated the dynamic rollover risk levels of the truck during this process, and verified the accuracy of the simulation results by results of the theoretical model. Finally, by analyzing the steering principle of the vehicle, the safe speed threshold and the limit speed threshold of the truck in a sharp turn were calculated according to the lateral acceleration corresponding to the rollover risk levels. The results show that no matter what the loading condition of the truck is, when the rollover margin is reduced to about 0.15g, the truck just reaches the risk level of critical rollover; the result provides an accurate algorithm for speed thresholds of the truck when turning radius is less than 250 m. The research provides a calculation method for safe speed of trucks from a dynamic perspective. The research results can be applied to the speed warning system of trucks, which can make drivers better control the rollover risk of trucks in the process of driving and improve driving safety.