bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of combined computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography in the management of cervico-facial vascular lesions
Authors: Kassem Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed , Fathy Alaa Mohamed , Alnekidy Abdel Aziz Mohamed , Morsy Mohamed Ahmed , El Shafei Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: March 2021

Background

Cervicofacial vascular lesions are one of the most challenging diseases managed by intervention radiologists and specialized surgeons. These lesions were diagnosed to be vascular in origin by other imaging techniques such as Duplex and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to confirm the diagnosis as well as to decide the most effective choice of management based on multidisciplinary team (MDT). Then, Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done as it is offering an accurate vascular map for the vascular lesions which is inevitable for successful super-selective endovascular embolization which can be done at same sitting. Small cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were sufficiently managed by only embolization, whereas cases of adequately embolized large AVMs as well as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) cases were followed by surgery with the advantage of less blood loss and decreasing operation time as well as complications. This prospective study was done to highlight the role of combined CTA and DSA in cervicofacial vascular lesion management.

Results

Twenty patients were included in our study: 16 patients were males, and 4 were females; 17 of them were under 40 years, and three were above 40 years. Preoperative embolization was done in 12 patients, which were all the cases of JNAs and large AVMs. Four patients were managed by only embolization as a definitive treatment. Complete technical success rate was about 94%, while only 6% (single case) of the partial technical success rate which was due to a very small accessory feeder that could not be catheterized even with repeated trials.

Conclusions

Combined CTA and DSA is the cornerstone for managing vascular lesions in the cervicofacial region, which necessitates a MDT to decide the most beneficial and least complicated way for management.
Erasing a majority-logic bit
Authors: Proesmans Karel , Bechhoefer John
Published: March 2021

We study finite-time bit erasure in the context of majority-logic decoding. In particular, we calculate the minimum amount of work needed to erase a majority-logic bit when one has full control over the system dynamics. We show that although a single unit bit is easier to erase in the slow-driving limit, the majority-logic bit in general outperforms the single unit bit in the fast-erasure limit. Our results also suggest optimal design principles for majority-logic bits under limited control.
Dynamically tunable plasmon-induced transparency in waveguide based on Dirac semimetal
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Shiyu , Ou Yanghong , Lin Qi , Zhai Xiang , Li Hongjian , Liu Huangqing , Wang Lingling
Published: March 2021

We report a numerical and theoretical study of the plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect in bulk Dirac semimetal (BDS) waveguide. This plasmon waveguide system is composed of a bus waveguide side coupled with two stub photoactive silicon resonators. The coupled mode theory (CMT) is introduced to analyze this system, and the theoretical results are perfectly consistent with the numerical calculation results. The numerical results show that the spectral characteristics of the structure depend on the coupling distance between the two stub photoactive silicon resonators. Intriguingly, the resonance characteristics of the transparent window can be actively controlled by adjusting the Fermi energy of the BDS or the intensity of the incident pump light. Finally, the group time delay of the PIT window can reach 3.7 ps, which is more suitable for applications with slow-light devices. Such a simple and multi-functional plasmon system is more conducive to the potential applications of composite high-performance devices.
A continuous family of fully frustrated Heisenberg models on the Kagome lattice
Authors: Li Tao
Published: March 2021

We find that the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the Kagome lattice with nearest-neighboring exchange coupling (NN-KAFH) belongs to a continuous family of fully frustrated Heisenberg model on the Kagome lattice, which has no preferred classical ordering pattern. The model within this family consists of the first-, second- and the third-neighboring exchange coupling J
1, J
2, and J
3, with

. We find that when

, the lowest band of

, namely, the Fourier transform of the exchange coupling, is totally non-dispersive. Exact diagonalization calculation indicates that the ground state of the spin-

NN-KAFH is locally stable under the perturbation of J
2 and J
3 when and only when

. Interestingly, we find that the same flat band physics is also playing an important role in the RVB description of the spin liquid state on the Kagome lattice. In particular, we show that the extensively studied U(1) Dirac spin liquid state on the Kagome lattice can actually be generated from a continuous family of gauge inequivalent RVB mean-field ansatz, which host very different mean-field spinon dispersion.
Population Vitamin D Stores Are Increasing in Tasmania, and This Is Associated With Less BMD Loss Over 10 Years
Authors: Thompson Michael , Aitken Dawn , Balogun Saliu , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme
Published: March 2021

Context

Vitamin D deficiency is a common, modifiable determinant of musculoskeletal health.

Objective

There are limited data that examine the longitudinal change in population 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and none that evaluate the long-term skeletal outcomes of longitudinal vitamin D status.

Methods

A prospective cohort analysis was conducted of community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 80 years who had 25(OH)D assessed by radioimmunoassay and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline (n = 1096), 2.5 (n = 870), and 10 (n = 565) years. Sun exposure was quantified by questionnaire and supplement use at clinic review. 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/L was considered deficient. Participants were provided with their 25(OH)D results.

Results

Over 10 years 25(OH)D increased (52.2 ± 17.0 to 63.5 ± 23.6 nmol/L, P < .001). Participants with baseline deficiency had larger 25(OH)D increases than baseline sufficient participants (19.2 ± 25.3 vs 1.6 ± 23.3 nmol/L, P < .001). Longitudinal change in 25(OH)D was associated with baseline summer (β = 1.46, P < .001) and winter (β = 1.29, P = .003) sun exposure, change in summer (β = 1.27, P = .002) and winter (β = 1.47, P < .001) sun exposure, and vitamin D supplement use (β = 25.0-33.0, P < .001). Persistent vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss at the femoral neck (β = 0.020, P = .027), lumbar spine (β = 0.033, P = .003), and total hip (β = 0.023, P = .021) compared to persistent vitamin D deficiency. Achieving vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss at the lumbar spine (β = 0.045, P < .001) compared to persistent vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusions

Population 25(OH)D concentration increased because of a combination of increased sun exposure and supplement use. Maintaining or achieving vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss over 10 years.
Recurrence-Free Survival Analysis in Locally Advanced Pheochromocytoma: First Appraisal
Authors: Moog Sophie , Castinetti Frédéric , DoCao Christine , Amar Laurence , Hadoux Julien , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Vezzosi Delphine , Drui Delphine , Laboureau Sandrine , Raffin Sanson Marie-Laure , Lamartina Livia , Pierre Peggy , Batisse Ligner Marie , Hescot Ségolène , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Renaudin Karine , Libé Rosella , Laroche Suzanne , Deniziaut Gabrielle , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Jannin Arnaud , Leboulleux Sophie , Guerin Carole , Faron Matthieu , Baudin Eric
Published: March 2021

Context

The behavior of locally advanced pheochromocytoma (LAP) remains unknown.

Objective

We characterized the population with LAP and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Methods

This retrospective multicentric study was run within the ENDOCAN-COMETE network and French Group of Endocrine Tumors (GTE) from 2003 to 2018, including patients from 11 French referral centers with LAP as defined by capsular invasion, vascular invasion, adipose tissue invasion, and/or positive locoregional lymph nodes at diagnosis without evidence of distant metastasis. The main outcome measure was recurrence, defined as tumor reappearance, including local site and/or distant metastasis. The primary endpoint was RFS analysis; secondary endpoints were characterization, overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors of recurrence.

Results

Among 950 patients, 90 (9%) exhibited LAP criteria and 55 met inclusion criteria (median age, 53 years; 61% males; 14% with germline mutation; 84% with catecholamine excess). LAP was defined by 31 (56%) capsular invasions, 27 (49%) fat invasions, 6 (11%) positive lymph nodes, and 22 (40%) vascular invasions. After median follow-up of 54 months (range, 6-180), 12 patients (22%) had recurrences and 3 (5%) died of metastatic disease. Median RFS was 115 months (range, 6-168). Recurrences were local in 2 patients, distant in 2, and both local and distant in 8 patients. Median OS of patients was not reached. Size above 6.5 cm (P = 0.019) and Ki-67 > 2% (P = 0.028) were identified as independent significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

LAP represents 9% of pheochromocytoma’s population and has a metastatic behavior. This study paves the way for future pathological TNM classification.
Diminishing Value from Multiple Serial Bone Densitometry in Women Receiving Antiresorptive Medication for Osteoporosis
Authors: Kline Gregory A , Morin Suzanne N , Feldman Sidney , Lix Lisa M , Leslie William D
Published: March 2021

Context

The value of serial bone mineral density (BMD) monitoring while on osteoporosis therapy is controversial.

Objective

We determined the percentage of women classified as suboptimal responders to therapy with antiresorptive medications according to 2 definitions of serial BMD change.

Methods

This was a cohort study using administrative databases at a single-payer government health system in Manitoba, Canada. Participants were postmenopausal women aged 40 years or older receiving antiresorptive medications and having 3 sequential BMD measures. Women stopping or switching therapies were excluded. The percentage of women whose spine or hip BMD decreased significantly during the first or second interval of monitoring by BMD was determined. Suboptimal responder status was defined as BMD decrease during both monitoring intervals or BMD decreased from baseline to final BMD.

Results

There were 1369 women in the analytic cohort. Mean BMD monitoring intervals were 3.0 (0.8) and 3.2 (0.8) years. In the first interval, 3.2% and 6.5% of women had a decrease in spine or hip BMD; 8.0% and 16.9% had decreases in the second monitoring interval; but only 1.4% showed repeated losses in both intervals. Considering the entire treatment interval, only 3.2% and 7.4% showed BMD loss at spine or hip. Results may not apply to situations of poor adherence to antiresorptive medication or anabolic therapy use.

Conclusion

Among women highly adherent to antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis, a very small percentage sustained BMD losses on repeated measures. The value of multiple serial BMD monitoring to detect persistent suboptimal responders should be questioned.
Cholesterol Contributes to Male Sex Differentiation Through Its Developmental Role in Androgen Synthesis and Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Kothandapani Anbarasi , Jefcoate Colin R , Jorgensen Joan S
Published: March 2021

Two specialized functions of cholesterol during fetal development include serving as a precursor to androgen synthesis and supporting hedgehog (HH) signaling activity. Androgens are produced by the testes to facilitate masculinization of the fetus. Recent evidence shows that intricate interactions between the HH and androgen signaling pathways are required for optimal male sex differentiation and defects of either can cause birth anomalies indicative of 46,XY male variations of sex development (VSD). Further, perturbations in cholesterol synthesis can cause developmental defects, including VSD, that phenocopy those caused by disrupted androgen or HH signaling, highlighting the functional role of cholesterol in promoting male sex differentiation. In this review, we focus on the role of cholesterol in systemic androgen and local HH signaling events during fetal masculinization and their collective contributions to pediatric VSD.
Three functional polymorphisms in CCDC170 were associated with osteoporosis phenotype
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Li Yu-Gang , Tan Fang , Liu Jia , Yi Ruokun , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in regulating bone formation and homeostasis. Genomic variations within miRNA target sites may therefore be important sources of genetic differences in osteoporosis risk. The function of CCDC170 in bone biology is still unclear. To verify the function of CCDC170, we knocked down CCDC170 in cells and mice and searched for miRNA recognition sites within CCDC170 using the TargetScan, miRNASNP, and miRBase databases. In this study, our results demonstrated that CCDC170 plays an important role in the positive regulation of bone formation. MiR-153-3p, miR-374b-3p, miR-4274, miR-572 and miR-2964a-5p inhibited CCDC170 expression in an allele-specific manner by binding GWAS lead SNPs rs6932603, rs3757322 and rs3734806. These findings may improve our understanding of the association between CCDC170, miRNAs, GWAS lead SNPs, and osteoporosis pathogenesis and may provide a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis therapy.
Non-canonical argonaute loading of extracellular vesicle-derived exogenous single-stranded miRNA in recipient cells
Authors: Ghoshal Bartika , Bertrand Edouard , Bhattacharyya Suvendra N.
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the tiny regulators of gene expression, can be transferred between neighbouring cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs) to control the expression of genes in both donor and recipient cells. How the EV-derived miRNAs are internalized and become functional in target cells is an unresolved question. We have expressed a liver-specific miRNA, miR-122, in non-hepatic cells for packaging in released EVs. With these EVs, we have followed the trafficking of miR-122 to recipient HeLa cells that otherwise do not express this miRNA. We found that EV-associated miR-122 is primarily single-stranded and, to become functional, is loaded onto the recipient cell argonaute proteins without requiring host Dicer1. Following endocytosis, EV-associated miR-122 is loaded onto the host cell argonaute proteins on the endosomal membrane, where the release of internalized miRNAs occurs in a pH-dependent manner, facilitating the formation of the exogenous miRNP pool in the recipient cells. Endosome maturation defects affect EV-mediated entry of exogeneous miRNAs in mammalian cells.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A guide to accurate reporting in digital image acquisition – can anyone replicate your microscopy data?
Authors: Heddleston John M. , Aaron Jesse S. , Khuon Satya , Chew Teng-Leong
Published: March 2021

Recent technological advances have made microscopy indispensable in life science research. Its ubiquitous use, in turn, underscores the importance of ensuring that microscopy-based experiments are replicable and that the resulting data comparable. While there has been a wealth of review articles, practical guides and conferences devoted to the topic of maintaining standard instrument operating conditions, the paucity of attention dedicated to properly documenting microscopy experiments is undeniable. This lack of emphasis on accurate reporting extends beyond life science researchers themselves, to the review panels and editorial boards of many journals. Such oversight at the final step of communicating a scientific discovery can unfortunately negate the many valiant efforts made to ensure experimental quality control in the name of scientific reproducibility. This Review aims to enumerate the various parameters that should be reported in an imaging experiment by illustrating how their inconsistent application can lead to irreconcilable results.
Behavioral Constraints on the Design of Subgame-Perfect Implementation Mechanisms
Authors: Fehr Ernst , Powell Michael , Wilkening Tom
Published: March 2021

We study subgame-perfect implementation (SPI) mechanisms that have been proposed as a solution to incomplete contracting problems. We show that these mechanisms, which are based on off-equilibrium arbitration clauses that impose large fines for lying and the inappropriate use of arbitration, have severe behavioral constraints because the fines induce retaliation against legitimate uses of arbitration. Incorporating reciprocity preferences into the theory explains the observed behavioral patterns and helps us develop a new mechanism that is more robust and achieves high rates of truth-telling and efficiency. Our results highlight the importance of tailoring implementation mechanisms to the underlying behavioral environment. (JEL C92, D44, D82, D86, D91)
Myopia and Anchoring
Authors: Angeletos George-Marios , Huo Zhen
Published: March 2021

We develop an equivalence between the equilibrium effects of incomplete information and those of two behavioral distortions: myopia, or extra discounting of the future; and anchoring of current behavior to past behavior, as in models with habit persistence or adjustment costs. We show how these distortions depend on higher-order beliefs and GE mechanisms, and how they can be disciplined by evidence on expectations. We finally illustrate the use of our toolbox with a quantitative application in the context of inflation, a bridge to the HANK literature, and an extension to networks. (JEL C53, D83, D85, E12, E31, E37)
Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability of Handheld Dynamometry for Lower Extremity Strength Testing in Pre-Professional Dancers
Authors: Schaeffer Marissa , Abbruzzese Laurel Daniels , Tawa Zoe , Schultz Kynaston , Binney Joanna , Boyle Jessica , Bronner Shaw
Published: March 2021

Handheld dynamometry (HHD) using external fixation has demonstrated high inter- and intra-rater reliability. Handheld dynamometry offers an objective way to quantify strength; however, setting up external stabilization devices for HHD can be time consuming. This study examined the reliability
of HHD for lower extremity strength in dancers using body weight stabilization. Twenty-six pre-professional dancers (age: 20.64 ± 2.21 years) were recruited and assessed by three testers: an experienced physical therapist (ePT), a novice physical therapist (nPT), and a student physical
therapist (SPT). To avoid testing fatigue, dancers were divided into two testing groups and were evaluated on separate weekends. Testers used HHD to test isometric force production of six muscle groups in the first cohort and seven dif- ferent muscle groups in the second cohort. Testing positions
were standardized and utilized a "make" test protocol. Intra- class correlation coefficients (ICC), 95% confidence interval, and standard error of measurement were calculated for each position. Inter-rater reliability was > 0.75 for all ICC measures except knee extension and ankle eversion.
Intra-rater reliability was > 0.75 for all ICC measures except the ePT (tester A) day 2 for hip extension, internal rotation seated, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion; nPT (tester B) day 1 knee flexion; and SPT (tester C) for day 1 knee extension and ankle eversion and days 1 and 2
for ankle dorsiflexion and inversion. It is concluded that HHD can reliably measure force production of hip, knee, and ankle muscle groups without use of external fixation devices.
Ultrasound Observation of Hip Translational Motion in Adolescent Dancers
Authors: Jackson Sarah , Whitney Kristin E. , Lanois Corey J. , Yen Yi-Meng , Owen Michael , d'Hemecourt Pierre
Published: March 2021

Hip microinstability, characterized by supraphysiologic movement of the femoroacetabular joint, has recently been recognized as a clinically relevant pathology. The potentially detrimental effects of its presence on joint health make identifying microinstability important; however,
due to its multifaceted nature, screening for microinstability presents challenges. Musculoskeletal ultrasound offers an opportunity to visualize the arthrokinematics of the femoroacetabular joint on dynamic evaluation. Dancers may be particularly afflicted by microinstability due to the unique
demands of their discipline. This study describes a method for evaluating femoral translation using dynamic ultrasound in adolescent dancers. One hundred forty-two dancers (117 females and 25 males) were recruited from a northeast high school dance program. Females mean age was 16.02 ±
1.06 years, mean BMI 20.35 ± 2.30 kg/m2, and mean years of dance experience 10.91 ± 2.84 years. Males mean age was 15.84 ± 1.26 years, mean BMI 21.78 ± 2.84 kg/m2, and mean years of dance experience 7.96 ± 2.82 years. Two hundred eighty-four
hips were visualized under ultrasound imaging with the participants in both a neutral position and with the hip extended and externally rotated. The distance (mm) the femoral head was positioned anterior to the acetabulum was recorded for both these positions. The calculated difference in
these values represented anterior translation. For female hips, the total mean anterior translation was 1.23 ± 2.01mm (-4.8 to 9.30 mm); for male hips, the mean of anterior translation was 1.39 ± 2.22 mm (-7.90 to 5.90 mm). This study identified a normative value range for hip
anterior translational motion under dynamic ultrasound among a healthy population of adolescent dancers.
Εμπειρίες και βιώματα μητέρας παιδιού με σύνδρομο Down: μια μελέτη περίπτωσης
Authors: Μαρκοδημητράκη Μαρία , Κυπριωτάκη Μαρία
Published: March 2021

Parents of children with Down syndrome face many challenges and have various needs related to their children’s difficulties. The purpose of this qualitative study is to detect the experiences of a mother of a female child with Down syndrome. More specifically, through semi-structured interviews, the study aims to explore the feelings of the mother, her involvement in the child’s life, as well as her relationships with the familial and social context. The results showed that the mother is significantly involved in her child’s life and faces various difficulties (e.g. acceptance of the child and her intensive care) on a daily basis, which she copes with supported by the intra-family network. By understanding the experiences of the specific mother, as the latter are examined in the present qualitative study, important issues emerge, related to diagnosis and early intervention, school integration of a child with Down syndrome, the role of family members in her education and therapy, as well as concerns regarding her future.
Case Report: Thalamomesencephalic stroke in a patient with HIV
Authors: George Jerry , Joseph Sibi , Tau Mongezi , Ibanez Valdes Lourdes de Fatima , Dubula Thozama , Foyaca-Sibat Humberto
Published: March 2021

We present a 41-year-old HIV-positive female patient complaining of complete right palpebral ptosis, diplopia, and inability to balance herself. On examination, the right eye was able to move laterally and downwards. The motor exam showed left hemiparesis (4/5) on upper and lower limbs, bilateral Babinski sign with left hemiataxia without the sensory disorder.

CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging angiography demonstrated an ischemic infarct on the right paramedian branch of the posterior cerebral artery territory. 

This patient did not present clinical manifestations of the thalamic lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a young patient presenting a unilateral thalamomesencephalic ischemic stroke secondary to HIV vasculitis with bilateral Babinski signs and without thalamic signs in the medical literature.
Attitudes of healthy volunteers to genetic testing in phase 1 clinical trials
Authors: Levesque Sebastian , Polasek Thomas M. , Haan Eric , Shakib Sepehr
Published: March 2021

Background: Genetic testing in clinical trials introduces several ethical and logistical issues to discuss with potential participants when taking informed consent. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of healthy volunteers in phase 1 studies to the topics of genetic security, genetic privacy and incidental genetic findings.

Methods: Healthy volunteers presenting for screening appointments at a phase 1 clinical trial unit (CMAX Clinical Research, Adelaide, Australia) took an anonymous paper survey about genetic testing.

Results: There were 275 respondents to the survey. The mean age was 27 years (range 18-73); 54% were male and 53% were of North/Western European ethnicity. Just over half the healthy volunteers thought genetic security (56%) and genetic privacy (57%) were “important” or “very important”. However, the security of their genetic information was ranked less important than other personal information, including mobile phone number, internet browser search history and email address. Two-thirds of respondents would trade genetic privacy for re-identifiability if information relevant to their health were discovered by genetic testing. Healthy volunteers favoured the return of incidental genetic findings (90% indicated this was “important” or “very important”). A level of risk (10 to 90%) for developing a serious medical condition that would “trigger” the return of incidental genetic findings to participants was not identified.

Conclusions: Healthy volunteers screening for phase 1 clinical trials have mixed views about the importance of genetic security and genetic privacy, but they strongly favour the return of incidental genetic findings that could affect their health. These issues should be discussed with potential participants during informed consent for phase 1 clinical trials with genetic testing.
Contact tracing during the COVID-19 outbreak: a protocol for enabling rapid learning from experiences and exploring the psychological impact on contact tracers
Authors: O'Donovan Róisín , Buckley Claire , Crowley Philip , Fulham-McQuillan Hugh , Gilmore Brynne , Martin Jennifer , McAuliffe Eilish , Moore Gemma , Nicholson Emma , Ní Shé Éidín , O'Hara Mary Clare , Segurado Ricardo , Sweeney Mary Rose , Wall Patrick , De Brún Aoife
Published: March 2021

Background: Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish health system required the redeployment of public sector staff and the recruitment of dedicated contact tracing staff in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. Contact tracing is crucial for effective disease control and is normally carried out by public health teams. Contact tracing staff are provided with rapid intensive training but are operating in a dynamic environment where processes and advice are adapting continuously. Real-time data is essential to inform strategy, coordinate interconnected processes, and respond to needs. Given that many contact tracers have been newly recruited or redeployed, they may not have significant experience in healthcare and may experience difficulties in managing the anxieties and emotional distress of the public.

Aim: (i) identify emerging needs and issues and feed this information back to the Health Service Executive for updates to the COVID-19 Contact Management Programme (CMP); (ii) understand the psychological impact on contact tracers and inform the development of appropriate supports.

Methods: We will use a mixed-methods approach. A brief online survey will be administered at up to three time points during 2021 to measure emotional exhaustion, anxiety, general health, and stress of contact tracing staff, identify tracing systems or processes issues, as well as issues of concern and confusion among the public. Interviews will also be conducted with a subset of participants to achieve a more in-depth understanding of these experiences. Observations may be conducted in contact tracing centres to document processes, practices, and explore any local contextual issues.

Impact: Regular briefs arising from this research with data, analysis, and recommendations will aim to support the work of the CMP to identify problems and implement solutions. We will deliver regular feedback on systems issues; challenges; and the psychological well-being of contact tracing staff.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to antibiotic use and resistance among prescribers from public primary healthcare facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Olaru Ioana D. , Ferrand Rashida A. , Yeung Shunmay , Chingono Rudo , Chonzi Prosper , Masunda Kudzai P.E. , Dixon Justin , Kranzer Katharina
Published: March 2021

Background

Overuse of antibiotics is one of the main drivers for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, most antibiotics are prescribed in the outpatient setting. This survey aimed to explore attitudes and practices with regards to microbiology tests, AMR and antibiotic prescribing among healthcare providers at public primary health clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine primary health clinics located in low-income suburbs of Harare between October and December 2020. In Zimbabwe, primary health clinics provide nurse-led outpatient care for acute and chronic illnesses. Healthcare providers who independently prescribe antibiotics and order diagnostic tests were invited to participate. The survey used self-administered questionnaires. A five-point Likert scale was used to determined attitudes and beliefs.

Results

A total of 91 healthcare providers agreed to participate in the survey. The majority of participants (62/91, 68%) had more than 10 years of work experience. Most participants reported that they consider AMR as a global (75/91, 82%) and/or national (81/91, 89%) problem, while 52/91 (57%) considered AMR to be a problem in their healthcare facilities. A fifth of participants (20/91, 22%) were unsure if AMR was a problem in their clinics. Participants felt that availability of national guidelines (89/89, 100%), training sessions on antibiotic prescribing (89/89, 100%) and regular audit and feedback on prescribing (82/88, 93%) were helpful interventions to improve prescribing.

Conclusions

These findings support the need for increased availability of data on AMR and antibiotic use in primary care. Educational interventions, regular audit and feedback, and access to practice guidelines may be useful to limit overuse of antibiotics.
Comparison between girls and boys lifestyle profile and physical activity
Authors: Tozo Tatiana Affornali , Pereira Beatriz Oliveira , Menezes Júnior Francisco José de , Montenegro Cristianne Morgado , Moreira Carla Marisa Maia , Leite Neiva
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o perfil de estilo de vida e a prática de atividade física entre meninas e meninos. Participaram do estudo 336 escolares, de 11 a 17 anos de de idade (51,5% sexo feminino). Foram avaliados a estatura, massa corporal, maturação sexual e índice de massa corporal escore z (IMC-z). O nível de atividade física (AF) foi analisado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). O estilo de vida foi avaliado por meio do questionário Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual (PEVI), analisando ototal de escores dos cinco componentes, considerando-se como pontos de corte: >30 pontos = PEVI favorável e ≤30 pontos = PEVI desfavorável. Observou-se que 35,1% dos escolares foram considerados acima do peso, 74,78% não cumprem as recomendações de atividade física e 31,5% apresentaram PEVI desfavorável. Existiu diferença entre meninos e meninas para a prática de atividade física moderada e vigorosa (AFMV) (p = 0,048). Os meninos apresentaram melhor estilo de vida (p = 0,06) e praticam em média mais AF leve (p < 0,01), AF moderada (p < 0,01), AF vigorosa (p < 0,01) e AFMV (p < 0,01) do que meninas. Enquanto as meninas com PEVI favorável praticam em média mais AF leve do que aquelas com PEVI desfavorável (p < 0,001). Concluiu-se que meninos praticam mais AF na semana em relação às meninas, entretanto possuem menor preocupação com comportamentos preventivos e relacionamentos. A prática de AF leve foi maior em meninas com perfil de estilo de vida favorável.
Revisiting the Entrepreneurial Commercialization of Academic Science: Evidence from “Twin” Discoveries
Authors: Marx Matt , Hsu David H.
Published: March 2021

Which factors shape the commercialization of academic scientific discoveries via startup formation? Prior literature has identified several contributing factors but does not address the fundamental problem that the commercial potential of a nascent discovery is generally unobserved, which potentially confounds inference. We construct a sample of approximately 20,000 “twin” scientific articles, which allows us to hold constant differences in the nature of the advance and more precisely examine characteristics that predict startup commercialization. In this framework, several commonly accepted factors appear not to influence commercialization. However, we find that teams of academic scientists whose former collaborators include “star” serial entrepreneurs are much more likely to commercialize their own discoveries via startups, as are more interdisciplinary teams of scientists.

This paper was accepted by Sridhar Tayur, entrepreneurship and innovation.
CEO Power and Nonconforming Reference Group Selection
Authors: Audia Pino G. , Rousseau Horacio E. , Brion Sebastien
Published: March 2021

Research shows that reference group selection underpins critical organizational processes, but less is known about publicly disclosed choices of reference groups, such as those for the evaluation of firm performance. Because audiences, such as investors and analysts, prefer reference groups created by independent entities they can trust, they disapprove of choices of custom peer groups created by reporting firms. Nevertheless, firms frequently choose reference groups that do not conform to audiences’ expectations. We seek to explain why firms deviate from these externally held standards even when incurring penalties by developing theory and formulating hypotheses about the influence of chief executive officer (CEO) power. Using data from 10-K filings, we find that firms led by high-power CEOs are more likely to use nonconforming, custom peer groups despite incurring penalties. However, the relationship between CEO power and the use of custom peer groups is weaker when CEOs face greater scrutiny from shareholders and analysts. We also find that low firm performance increases the use of custom peer groups among high-power CEOs. Contrary to our expectations, high CEO compensation attenuates the effect of CEO power on the choice of custom peer groups, arguably because high levels of CEO pay increase scrutiny. Although firms incur costs for using nonconforming reference groups, supplemental analyses reveal that CEOs benefit by receiving higher compensation, especially when performance is low. We conclude by discussing implications for research on publicly disclosed reference groups, the consequences of power, and information disclosure.
Photonic direction-of-arrival estimation based on compressive sensing
Authors: Cai Jingjing , Chang Xueyan , Liu Wei , Shang Tao , Li Chao
Published: March 2021

The optical approach to estimate the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of microwave signals has attracted a lot of attention recently. Most of the existing methods are based on a one-sensor array system, which converts the DOA estimation problem into an optical power estimation problem. Their main disadvantage is that additional work is needed to represent the relationship between the phase shifts and the optical powers before estimation. The algorithm proposed in this paper is based on an

N

-sensor array (

N

>

2

), where the optical power vector is obtained first and then a compressive sensing-based approach is applied to directly estimate the phase shift. As demonstrated by simulation results, the proposed algorithm can achieve much better estimation accuracy and robustness than existing optical DOA estimation algorithms considered.
Pixel dislocation correction method for a laser confocal scanning
microscope through the nonlinear triangular wave driving mode and square
wave index reconstruction
Authors: Huang Fei , Qian Zi Heng , Fang Chen Ting , Xue Meng , Guo Han Ming
Published: March 2021

The reciprocate scanning scheme of two-dimensional galvanometers is widely used in laser confocal scanning microscopes with high speed. However, the equal interval acquisition of an analog digital acquisition card (AD) and the unequal change of the galvanometer’s scanning speed will cause the dislocation of pixels and distortion of the reconstructed image. Meanwhile, the movement properties of the galvanometers in the edge of the scanning area are complex, which will increase the difficulty of segmenting the collected one-dimensional data stream the AD collected into row data of a two-dimensional reconstructed image. Therefore, how to timely and accurately segment the one-dimensional data stream the AD collected into the row data of two-dimensional reconstructed image is not only the key to solve image distortion of a laser confocal scanning microscope with high speed but also the prerequisite to improve the accuracy of row data dislocation correction. A driving mode based on the nonlinear triangular wave and a dislocation-correcting method using a square wave index are proposed. Namely, on the basis of the galvanometer’s scanning analysis, the equation of a nonlinear triangular wave driving voltage is established, and the switching frequency of the Y-galvanometer’s driving voltage is obtained by calculating the collected switching frequency of the X-galvanometer; thus, the uniformity of the galvanometer’s scanning trajectories is secured. Finally, the row segmentation flag pulse is first introduced into the one-dimensional data stream the AD collected, and the square wave index is used to segment the collected data, which means the one-dimensional data stream can be segmented timely and accurately via hardware method. Meanwhile, the pixel dislocation can be corrected. The experimental result shows that, compared with the Nikon A1R

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confocal microscope, the proposed method can effectively correct the pixel dislocation, and the position coincidence error is less than 0.7%. The proposed method will be helpful to improve the image quality of a laser confocal scanning microscope with high speed.
Precise determination of the focal point on a glass sample using spectroscopy analysis
Authors: Wainwright Alexander , Lévesque Luc
Published: March 2021

Laser marking of various materials is commonly used nowadays in commercial products. In the past two decades,

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lasers have been used extensively to mark insulators such as glass and wood during industrial production. Usually, a system of mirrors is used during a marking procedure. Although a laser beam can be characterized accurately using well-known methods, it is desirable to identify where the focal point is after reflecting on the scanning mirrors. The positioning of a motorized stage with a knife-edge and a sensing device to characterize a beam after reflecting through a mirror scanner system is impractical due to limited space. The method described here to determine the focal point accurately requires using only a large numerical aperture fiber connected to a motorized stage. In this paper, we investigate how spectroscopy of typical emission lines can be used to identify the position of the focal point in real time during laser marking procedures.
Dual-wavelength wide area illumination Raman difference spectroscopy for remote detection of chemicals
Authors: Ye Jianfeng , Tian Ziyang , Hu Yuxin , Wei Haoyun , Li Yan , Zhao Yi , Zou Mingqiang
Published: March 2021

Remote Raman instruments have become powerful analytical tools in some special environments. However, ambient daylight is the main limitation in the data acquisition process. To suppress daylight background interference and obtain a high signal-to-background ratio (SBR), we develop a dual-wavelength wide area illumination Raman difference spectroscopy (WAIRDS) system for daytime remote detection. In the WAIRDS system, a wide area illumination scheme and shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy method are used to improve the reliability of collected Raman spectra. Measurements of polystyrene indicate that the WAIRDS system can be operated to obtain background-free Raman spectra under different levels of daylight background interference. The remote results show that the improvement in SBR is about three- to fivefold, and the system can work at distances of up to 9.2 m on a sunny afternoon. Moreover, to be close to the actual detection, the system is used for mineral and explosive raw material detection during daytime measurement. Measurements show that the WAIRDS system will be a useful tool for many remote applications in the future.
Deep learning automated pathology in ex vivo microscopy
Authors: Combalia Marc , Garcia Sergio , Malvehy Josep , Puig Susana , Mülberger Alba Guembe , Browning James , Garcet Sandra , Krueger James G. , Lish Samantha R. , Lax Rivka , Ren Jeannie , Stevenson Mary , Doudican Nicole , Carucci John A. , Jain Manu , White Kevin , Rakos Jaroslav , Gareau Daniel S.
Published: March 2021

Standard histopathology is currently the gold standard for assessment of margin status in Mohs surgical removal of skin cancer. Ex vivo confocal microscopy (XVM) is potentially faster, less costly and inherently 3D/digital compared to standard histopathology. Despite these advantages, XVM use is not widespread due, in part, to the need for pathologists to retrain to interpret XVM images. We developed artificial intelligence (AI)-driven XVM pathology by implementing algorithms that render intuitive XVM pathology images identical to standard histopathology and produce automated tumor positivity maps. XVM images have fluorescence labeling of cellular and nuclear biology on the background of endogenous (unstained) reflectance contrast as a grounding counter-contrast. XVM images of 26 surgical excision specimens discarded after Mohs micrographic surgery were used to develop an XVM data pipeline with 4 stages: flattening, colorizing, enhancement and automated diagnosis. The first two stages were novel, deterministic image processing algorithms, and the second two were AI algorithms. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated for basal cell carcinoma detection as proof of principal for the XVM image processing pipeline. The resulting diagnostic readouts mimicked the appearance of histopathology and found tumor positivity that required first collapsing the confocal stack to a 2D image optimized for cellular fluorescence contrast, then a dark field-to-bright field colorizing transformation, then either an AI image transformation for visual inspection or an AI diagnostic binary image segmentation of tumor obtaining a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 91% respectively. These results show that video-assisted micrographic XVM pathology could feasibly aid margin status determination in micrographic surgery of skin cancer.
Laser-induced injury of the skin: validation of a computer model to predict thresholds
Authors: Jean Mathieu , Schulmeister Karl
Published: March 2021

The exposure and emission limits of ICNIRP, IEC 60825-1 and ANSI Z136.1 to protect the skin are based on a limited number ofin-vivostudies. To broaden the database, a computer model was developed to predict injury thresholds in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 20 µm and was validated by comparison with all applicable experimental threshold data (ED50) in the wavelength range from 488 nm to 10.6 µm and exposure durations between 8 µs and 630 s. The model predictions compare favorably with thein-vivodata with an average ratio of computer prediction to ED50of 1.01 (standard deviation ± 46%) and a maximum deviation of 2.6. This computer model can be used to improve exposure limits or for a quantitative risk analysis of a given exposure of the skin.
Color appearance shift in augmented reality metameric matching
Authors: Zhang Lili , Murdoch Michael J. , Bachy Romain
Published: March 2021

The physical additivity of optical-see-through (OST) augmented reality (AR), where display and the real-world overlay with each other, impacts its color appearance. We explored this unique dynamic by looking at the effect of background correlated color temperature (CCT) on AR color appearance with a color matching experiment between a prototype OST-AR RGB system and daylight spectrum reproduction. Different background CCT, luminance levels, and two stimulus types [simulated two-dimensional (2D) disk and three-dimensional (3D) cube] were examined. We found that when the background color is inconsistent with the stimulus providing conflicted cues, matched colors in AR shifted towards the background. The luminance matched on the 3D cube is higher than the 2D disk, suggesting the impact of context on the AR appearance. A controlled metameric matching group between daylight reproduction and LCD or CRT did not show the shift, indicating that the appearance shift is not due to the RGB-spectrum metameric matching, but due to RGB foreground-spectral background interaction beyond simple additivity. How perceptual weighting on the foreground and background is modified to predict the appearance as a function of additivity is discussed.
Influence of gain or absorption media on transmission of partially coherent vortex beams
Authors: Yang Chen , Guo Xin , Guo Miaojun , Wang Jing , Duan Meiling , Li Jinhong
Published: March 2021

The results show that the larger the real part of the wave number is, the farther the transmission of PCVBs with hollow distribution will be. The expression of partially coherent vortex beams passing through a gain/absorption medium is derived in this paper based on the generalized Huygens–Fresnel principle. The influences of the refractive index (related to the real part of the wave number) and the gain/absorption characteristics (related to the imaginary part of the wave number) on the transmission of partially coherence vortex beams are investigated. The results show that the larger the real part of the wave number is, the farther the transmission of PCVBs with hollow distribution will be. In gain media, the light power keeps increasing; on the other hand, in absorption media, the light power keeps decreasing. The diffraction effect of the media on the intensity distribution also is mentioned. We discover that, during the transmission, the evolutions of the spectral degree of coherence relate to the real and imaginary parts of the wave number, and the coherence vortices can split and generate. We believe the results of this study are important to the fields of singular optics and optical communications.
Realization of general first-order optical systems using nine thin cylindrical lenses of arbitrary focal length and four units of free propagation distance
Authors: Yasir P. A. Ameen
Published: March 2021

General first-order optical systems—represented by a four-dimensional real symplectic group—can be realized using thin lenses and free propagation transformations. It is shown that such systems can be realized using four units of free propagation transformation and nine thin rotated cylindrical lenses (or equivalently, four thin rotated astigmatic lenses and a thin rotated cylindrical lens). If these nine thin lenses placed in five transverse planes can be realized using spatial light modulators (SLMs), then our gadget realizes any general first-order optical system using five SLMs. It is also outlined that any general first-order optical system with finite symplectic matrix entries can always be realized using at least any one of the identities presented here, when a particular decomposition demands thin lenses with impractical focal length.