bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying and controlling bond multivalency for advanced nanoparticle targeting to cells
Authors: Makhani Elliot Y. , Zhang Ailin , Haun Jered B.
Published: November 2021

Nanoparticles have drawn intense interest as delivery agents for diagnosing and treating various cancers. Much of the early success was driven by passive targeting mechanisms such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, but this has failed to lead to the expected clinical successes. Active targeting involves binding interactions between the nanoparticle and cancer cells, which promotes tumor cell-specific accumulation and internalization. Furthermore, nanoparticles are large enough to facilitate multiple bond formation, which can improve adhesive properties substantially in comparison to the single bond case. While multivalent binding is universally believed to be an attribute of nanoparticles, it is a complex process that is still poorly understood and difficult to control. In this review, we will first discuss experimental studies that have elucidated roles for parameters such as nanoparticle size and shape, targeting ligand and target receptor densities, and monovalent binding kinetics on multivalent nanoparticle adhesion efficiency and cellular internalization. Although such experimental studies are very insightful, information is limited and confounded by numerous differences across experimental systems. Thus, we focus the second part of the review on theoretical aspects of binding, including kinetics, biomechanics, and transport physics. Finally, we discuss various computational and simulation studies of nanoparticle adhesion, including advanced treatments that compare directly to experimental results. Future work will ideally continue to combine experimental data and advanced computational studies to extend our knowledge of multivalent adhesion, as well as design the most powerful nanoparticle-based agents to treat cancer.
Engineering Escherichia coli biofilm to increase contact surface for shikimate and L-malate production
Authors: Ding Qiang , Liu Yadi , Hu Guipeng , Guo Liang , Gao Cong , Chen Xiulai , Chen Wei , Chen Jian , Liu Liming
Published: November 2021

Microbial organelles are a promising model to promote cellular functions for the production of high-value chemicals. However, the concentrations of enzymes and nanoparticles are limited by the contact surface in single Escherichia coli cells. Herein, the definition of contact surface is to improve the amylase and CdS nanoparticles concentration for enhancing the substrate starch and cofactor NADH utilization. In this study, two biofilm-based strategies were developed to improve the contact surface for the production of shikimate and L-malate. First, the contact surface of E. coli was improved by amylase self-assembly with a blue light-inducible biofilm-based SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. This system increased the glucose concentration by 20.7% and the starch-based shikimate titer to 50.96 g L−1, which showed the highest titer with starch as substrate. Then, the contact surface of E. coli was improved using a biofilm-based CdS-biohybrid system by light-driven system, which improved the NADH concentration by 83.3% and increased the NADH-dependent L-malate titer to 45.93 g L−1. Thus, the biofilm-based strategies can regulate cellular functions to increase the efficiency of microbial cell factories based on the optogenetics, light-driven, and metabolic engineering.

Graphical Abstract
Design, analysis, and reporting of pilot studies in HIV: a systematic review and methodological study
Authors: El-Khechen Hussein Ali , Khan Mohammed Inam Ullah , Leenus Selvin , Olaiya Oluwatobi , Durrani Zoha , Masood Zaryan , Leenus Alvin , Akhter Shakib , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: November 2021

Background

Pilot studies are essential in determining if a larger study is feasible. This is especially true when targeting populations that experience stigma and may be difficult to include in research, such as people with HIV. We sought to describe how pilot studies have been used to inform HIV clinical trials.

Methods

We conducted a methodological study of pilot studies of interventions in people living with HIV published until November 25, 2020, using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL). We extracted data on their nomenclature, primary objective, use of progression criteria, sample size, use of qualitative methods, and other contextual information (region, income, level, type of intervention, study design).

Results

Our search retrieved 10,597 studies, of which 248 were eligible. The number of pilot studies increased steadily over time. We found that 179 studies (72.2%) used the terms “pilot” or “feasibility” in their title, 65.3% tested feasibility as a primary objective, only 2% used progression criteria, 23.9% provided a sample size estimation and only 30.2% used qualitative methods.

Conclusions

Pilot studies are increasingly being used to inform HIV research. However, the titles and objectives are not always consistent with piloting. The design and reporting of pilot studies in HIV could be improved.
The effect of intradialytic exercise on inflammatory markers in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Elshinnawy Howaida Abdelhameed , Fayez Mahmoud Mohamed , Farrag Dina Abou Bakr , AbdElgawad Moustafa Abd Elnassier
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a feature of chronic kidney disease associated with increased risk of multiple morbidities and mortalities. Hemodialysis (HD) patients lead a sedentary life style which may aggravate their inflammatory state and practicing exercise may improve this condition. The aim of this work was to study the effect of intradialytic exercise (IDE) on inflammatory markers in HD patients.

Results

This prospective cohort study included 40 HD patients, divided into 2 groups: exercise group completed IDE for 3 months and non-exercise group matched in age and sex as controls. At baseline, there was no difference between both groups regarding physical performance assessed using short physical performance battery test (SPBT) or inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) P > 0.05. After 3 months, SPBT significantly improved in exercise group (P < 0.001). Also, both serum CRP and IL-6 levels showed significant decrease in exercise group compared to baseline (P < 0.001), while no similar change was noticed in non-exercise group.

Conclusions

Regular intradialytic aerobic exercise program can improve physical function and inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Further studies on larger number of patients are warranted.
Tax Administration versus Tax Rates: Evidence from Corporate Taxation in Indonesia
Authors: Basri M. Chatib , Felix Mayara , Hanna Rema , Olken Benjamin A.
Published: November 2021

We compare two approaches to increasing tax revenue: tax administration and tax rates. We show that when Indonesia moved top regional firms into “medium taxpayer offices,” with high staff-to-taxpayer ratios, tax revenue more than doubled. Examining nonlinear changes to corporate income tax rates, we estimate an elasticity of taxable income of 0.579. Combining these estimates, improved tax administration is equivalent to raising top rates on all firms by 8 percentage points. On net, improved tax administration can have significant returns for developing countries. (JEL H25, H26, K34, O17)
Descoordenação e desigualdades federativas no Brasil com a Covid-19: Análise da situação fiscal dos estados em 2020
Authors: Peres Ursula Dias , Pereira dos Santos Fábio
Published: November 2021

O Brasil é um país federativo marcado por desigualdades econômicas e sociais históricas, mesmo com os esforços institucionais e políticos do governo central, notadamente após a redemocratização e a Constituição de 1988. Essas desigualdades estruturais têm momentos de maior acirramento, em função de conjunturas críticas econômicas e fiscais. A pandemia da Covid-19 trouxe, desde o início de 2020, enormes desafios sanitários, sociais, econômicos e políticos para os governos estaduais, debilitados economicamente pela recessão iniciada em 2014 e pela política federal de austeridade fiscal permanente constitucionalizada por meio do teto de gastos aprovado em 2016. Este artigo busca mostrar que o enfrentamento da Covid-19 durante o exercício de 2020 foi marcado pela descoordenação federativa vertical e horizontal, levando a resultados desiguais, insuficientes e ineficientes nas políticas de socorro fiscal federal aos governos estaduais.
Comportamento sedentário de adultos e idosos durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Ferreira Joel Saraiva , Cruz Rafael Presotto Vicente , De Assis Tayla Campagna , Dellagrana Rodolfo André
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre indicadores de comportamento sedentário e variáveis sociodemográficas em adultos e idosos de Campo Grande/MS, durante o período de vigência das medidas de distanciamento social para conter a pandemia de COVID-19 no ano de 2020. Métodos: a coleta de dados ocorreu com uso de formulário online distribuído via aplicativo de mensagem aos adultos e idosos, de ambos os sexos, cadastrados no programa de promoção de atividades físicas da Fundação Municipal de Esportes do Município de Campo Grande-MS. Utilizou-se amostragem não probabilística por julgamento, com distribuição e recebimento do formulário online entre os dias 7 e 14 de abril de 2020. Resultados: foram obtidos 1907 formulários com respostas válidas. A maioria dos participantes excedeu o valor considerado adequado à saúde para o tempo de tela (86,7%), mas, simultaneamente, a maioria do grupo se manteve com valores recomendados para o tempo sentado (61,4%). Os idosos diferiram dos adultos (p<0,01), com menor frequência de tempo de tela e maior proporção de tempo sentado. Conclusões: durante o período de distanciamento social, o tempo de tela foi o comportamento sedentário com frequência mais elevada na população geral, mas os idosos foram mais expostos ao excessivo tempo sentado.
Διοίκηση και οργάνωση της πολιτισμικής κληρονομιάς
Authors: Σύρου Μαγδαληνή
Published: November 2021

Η διδακτορική διατριβή εντάσσεται στη μεγάλη και πλούσια συζήτηση για την διοίκηση και οργάνωση της πολιτιστικής κληρονομίας σε έξι πεδία προσέγγισης που ανταποκρίνονται σε αντίστοιχα κεφάλαια. Το κεντρικό θέμα είναι ότι η «πολιτιστική διαχείριση» συνιστά μόνον έναν τρόπο στη προσέγγιση της σύγχρονης και σημαντικής πρόκλησης την οποία γνωρίζουμε ως «οικονομικοποίηση» των πολιτιστικών αγαθών. Η υπόθεση ότι η «πολιτιστική διοίκηση» συνιστά έννοια η οποία περιορίζει την μακρά πορεία και τη θέση του πολιτισμού μέσα και έξω από το «σύνορο» δημιουργίας του πολιτισμού, δημιουργικότητας και ευθύνης «δημιουργών» και «διαχειριστών». Στο «σύνορο» αυτό αναζητήσαμε φάσεις ειρήνης και αναταραχών, κάμψης και ανάκαμψης, βίαιων ανατροπών και προβληματικών μεταβάσεων, από τις οποίες δεν απουσιάζουν και οι «ατομικές» ευθύνες που διαμορφώνουν στη συγκυρία ενός κράτους την πολιτισμική δημιουργία, όπως συμβαίνει στην περίπτωση του Ελληνικού πολιτισμού. Με τον τρόπο αυτό αντιμετωπίζουμε έναν νέου «σχολαστικισμό» που εμπνέεται από την οικονομική ορθοδοξία και που με αντανακλαστικό τρόπο διαπερνά τις πολιτισμικές αμφισβητήσεις και καλλιεργεί την πολιτική άποψη η οποία ενισχύεται από μια στερεοτυπική και αναγνωρίσιμη διάλεκτο σε και έναν ιδιότυπο εξισωτισμό (ή αδυναμία αναγνώρισης και άγνοια ιεραρχιών σε αυτό το πεδίο) «αγαθών» και «προϊόντων», άλλοτε σε συνθήκες πολιτισμικής σύγκρουσης και άλλοτε πολιτιστικού ανταγωνισμού. Στον ιδιότυπο αυτόν εξισωτισμό συμμετέχει η στάθμιση, ως στατιστική η οποία απομυθοποιεί το «πολιτιστικό αγαθό» ως προϊόν και η γνώση αυτής της λειτουργίας βοηθά να κατανοήσουμε που οδηγεί η εμμονή στον σχολαστικισμό και η ανανέωση της σχέσης της «πολιτιστικής διαχείρισης» με τον επανακαθορισμό των ιεραρχιών και τη σχέση της πολιτισμικής δημιουργίας με τον πολιτισμό της ψυχαγωγίας και το μετασχηματισμό σε αποχυμωμένο, του διαιώνιου περιεχομένου θέμα, σε οικονομικό πόρο.
A new species of Aididae (Lepidoptera, Zygaenoidea) and the first record of the family for the Northern Region of Brazil
Authors: Lourido Gilcélia Melo
Published: November 2021

A new species of Aididae is described and illustrated based on adults (male and female) and immature (last instar larvae). The larvae were found infesting leaves of Inga edulis Martius (Fabaceae) in the municipality of Autazes, State of Amazonas, representing the first record of Aididae in the northern region of Brazil. The new species is further compared with its closest species, Aidos amanda (Stoll, 1782).
A Dynamic Holding Approach to Stabilizing a Bus Line Based on the Q-Learning Algorithm with Multistage Look-Ahead
Authors: He Sheng-Xue , He Jian-Jia , Liang Shi-Dong , Dong June Qiong , Yuan Peng-Cheng
Published: November 2021

The unreliable service and the unstable operation of a high-frequency bus line are shown as bus bunching and the uneven distribution of headways along the bus line. Although many control strategies, such as the static and dynamic holding strategies, have been proposed to solve the above problems, many of them take on some oversimplified assumptions about the real bus line operation. So it is hard for them to continuously adapt to the evolving complex system. In view of this dynamic setting, we present an adaptive holding method that combines the classic approximate dynamic programming (ADP) with the multistage look-ahead mechanism. The holding time, the only control means used in this study, will be determined by estimating its impact on the operation stability of the bus line system in the remaining observation period. The multistage look-ahead mechanism introduced into the classic Q-learning algorithm of the ADP model makes it easy that the algorithm gets through its earlier unstable phase more quickly and easily. During the implementation of the new holding approach, the past experiences of holding operations can be cumulated effectively into an artificial neural network used to approximate the unavailable Q-factor. The use of a detailed simulation system in the new approach makes it possible to take into account most of the possible causes of instability. The numerical experiments show that the new holding approach can stabilize the system by producing evenly distributed headway and removing bus bunching thoroughly. Compared with the terminal station holding strategies, the new method brings a more reliable bus line with shorter waiting times for passengers.
Compliance Issues in Managing 21 Hydroxylase Deficiency and their Short/Long-Term Consequences
Authors: Lin Jack , Khoo Teck K , Voelschow Erin R , Viets Zachary J
Published: November 2021

Objective: To report a case of untreated classic 21 hydroxylase (OH) deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in a transgender patient resulting in pulmonary embolisms (PEs) and bilateral adrenal masses. Methods: A 36-year-old male (birth sex: female) presenting with bilateral PEs in the setting of long-standing, untreated classic 21OH CAH was also found to have bilateral adrenal masses (unconfirmed myelolipomas). Results: Further history revealed a known diagnosis of CAH. The patient had been treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement in childhood but stopped taking these medications against medical advice. During his hospital admission, he was noted to have elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone, low cortisol with elevated ACTH levels, and male-level testosterone measurements. CT of the abdomen/ pelvis revealed a 23 cm mass in the left renal fossa and a 2.5 cm mass in the right renal fossa consistent with bilateral adrenal myelolipomas. The patient attended follow-up in clinic, but declined any further hormonal treatment as he identified as male and felt further treatment was unnecessary. Conclusion: This case demonstrated the unique long-term effects of untreated classic CAH due to 21OH deficiency, including bilateral adrenal myelolipoma, adrenal compensation to the point of producing male-level androgens, and possibly PEs. Treatment with hydrocortisone was recommended to suppress ACTH and it was planned that the patient would eventually start on testosterone (although this would have been complicated by his bilateral PEs). Potential aetiologies for the PEs included vascular compression of the renal artery (which could explain the elevated EPO/erythrocytosis contributing to hypercoagulability) or the renal vein by the adrenal mass.
Development of the Spirituality in Palliative Care Scale for nursing students in the context of Thai culture
Authors: Sukcharoen Pilaiporn , Sakunpong Nanchatsan
Published: November 2021

Background:

Nursing students form part of the healthcare team who care for patients who are living with a terminal illness and facing physical and spiritual suffering. However, there is a lack of suitable indicators to measure a nurse's spirituality when they are providing palliative care.

Aim:

To develop a way of measuring the spirituality of nurses who provide palliative care.

Method:

The participants consisted of 312 third-and fourth-year nursing students of two nursing colleges from southern and central Thailand.

Finding:

The 12-item Spirituality in Palliative Care Scale had the reliability of .804. The measurement model was consistent with the empirical data and had unidimensional quality (X2=50.94, df=45, p-value=0.25, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.044, Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation (SRMR)=0.044, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI)=0.95, Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)=0.97, goodness of fit (GFI)=0.97). The items' factor loadings were in between .48 and .84.

Conclusion:

The spirituality in palliative care scale can measure nursing students' spirituality in palliative care and nursing educators can use the measurement to support nursing students to develop greater awareness of spirituality in palliative care.
A coaching approach to practice management
Authors: Leech Darren
Published: November 2021

Darren Leech at NHS Elect explains how a coaching approach is likely to help get the best from teams and from colleagues in the wider health system
Social Parasite Ants in the Alps: a New Site of the Vulnerable Myrmica myrmicoxena and New Uppermost Altitudinal Limit for M. microrubra
Authors: Schifani Enrico , Castracani Cristina , Spotti Fiorenza Augusta , Giannetti Daniele , Ghizzoni Martina , Gobbi Mauro , Lencioni Valeria , Pedrotti Luca , Grasso Donato Antonio , Mori Alessandra
Published: November 2021

We conducted a survey on the Alpine fauna of one of the largest Natural Park of the Italian Alps (Stelvio National Park) in the framework of a broad ecological monitoring of Alpine biodiversity. A two-years standardized sampling employing pitfall traps along a 1200 m altitudinal gradient led to the discovery of two interesting inquiline social parasite ants of the genus Myrmica: M. myrmicoxena Forel, 1895 and M. microrubra Seifert, 1993. Myrmica myrmicoxena, which is classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List, was so far known from only three sites across a narrow geographic range between Italy and Switzerland. Our data support the previous hypothesis over its ecology and host association. Myrmica microrubra is considered an incipient species of high evolutionary interest, sometimes regarded as an intraspecific form of M. rubra. While having a wide distribution in Europe, its presence in Italy was hitherto known only from a single site, and our record extends its altitudinal distribution limit in Europe upwards by about 600 m.
Creating a sustainable future? the working life of creative workers in Vienna
Authors: Sybille Reidl  , Helene Schiffbänker  , Hubert Eichmann
Published: November 2021

This article looks at the sustainability of work arrangements in Vienna's creative industries. Based on a survey of over 900 people who work in five sub-sectors (advertising, architecture, graphics/design/fashion, film/video/broadcasting and multimedia), it finds that there is significant pressure on those working in these industries. This results mainly from the fact that most are self-employed and consequently their guarantee of future work is insecure and they lack strategies to develop their own micro-businesses. The respondents have, however, developed coping strategies to deal with these pressures. In general, therefore, those with a high risk strategy in combination with high levels of work autonomy are more satisfied than creative workers who are employed and have a steady income but little decision-making freedom. Despite this, issues such as social security raise doubts about the future sustainability of their work. Further information about the project can be found on www.forba.at/kreativbranchen-wien.
Super-resolution imaging of plasmonic nanostructures by microsphere-assisted microscopy
Authors: Cao Yurong , Wang Xiaoqing , Yang Songlin , Pei Yong , Zang Jiaojiao , Wang Jianguo , Ye Yong-Hong
Published: November 2021

We fabricate both triangularly and circularly shaped Au, Ag, and Cr nanoparticle arrays and observe the imaging properties of these plasmonic nanostructures by

B
a
T
i
O

3

glass (BTG) microsphere-assisted microscopy. We experimentally find that the resolution of triangularly shaped Ag nanoparticle arrays is higher than that of Au and Cr ones, and a gap resolution of

∼

λ

/

7.7

is demonstrated for the circularly shaped Au, Ag, and Cr nanostructures. Numerical simulations show that when a fully immersed BTG microsphere is dispersed on the surface of a plasmonic nanostructure sample, an enhanced electric field is generated in the vicinity of the sample, especially at the gap of the microsphere and the sample, due to the focusing effect of the microsphere and the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonance in the plasmonic nanostructure. The enhanced electric field in Ag nanostructures is significantly stronger than that in Au and Cr ones. Besides, the microsphere collects, amplifies, and propagates the enhanced near-field information to the far field, resulting in the improvement of imaging resolution.
Mirror-backed dielectric metasurface sensor with ultrahigh figure of merit based on a super-narrow Rayleigh anomaly
Authors: Wang Yonghang , Xiong Lei , Tian Ming , Li Guangyuan
Published: November 2021

Plasmonic nanostructures with large local field enhancement have been extensively investigated for sensing applications. However, the quality factor and thus the sensing figure of merit are limited due to relatively high ohmic loss. Here we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, plasmonic sensor with an ultrahigh figure of merit based on a super-narrow Rayleigh anomaly (RA) in a mirror-backed dielectric metasurface. Simulation results show that the RA in such a metasurface can have a super-high quality factor of 16,000 in the visible regime, which is an order of magnitude larger than the highest value of reported plasmonic nanostructures. We attribute this striking performance to the enhanced electric fields far away from the metal film. The super-high quality factor and the greatly enhanced field confined to the superstrate region make the mirror-backed dielectric metasurface an ideal platform for sensing. We show that the figure of merit of this RA-based metasurface sensor can be as high as 15,930/refractive index units. Additionally, we reveal that RA-based plasmonic sensors share some typical characteristics, providing guidance for the structure design. We expect this work to advance the development of high-performance plasmonic metasurface sensors.
Real-time calibrating polarization-sensitive diffuse reflectance handheld probe characterizes clinically relevant anatomical locations of oral tissue in vivo
Authors: Wang Jianfeng
Published: November 2021

We report on the development of a unique real-time calibrating polarization-sensitive diffuse reflectance (rcPS-DR) handheld probe, and demonstrate its diagnostic potential through in-depth characterization and differentiation of clinically relevant anatomical locations of the oral cavity (i.e., alveolar process, lateral tongue and floor of mouth that account for 80% of all cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma) in vivo. With an embedded calibrating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) optical diffuser, the PS-DR spectra bias arising from instrument response, time-dependent intensity fluctuation and fiber bending is calibrated through real-time measurement of the PS-DR system response function. A total of 554 in vivo rcPS-DR spectra were acquired from different oral tissue sites (alveolar process, n = 226, lateral tongue, n = 150 and floor of mouth, n = 178) of 14 normal subjects. Significantly (P<0.05, unpaired 2-sided Student’s t-test) different spectral ratio (I540/I575) representing oxygenated hemoglobin contents were found among the alveolar process, lateral tongue and floor of mouth. Further partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and leave-one-out, cross validation (LOOCV) show that, synergizing the complementary information of the two real-time calibrated orthogonal-polarized PS-DR spectra, the rcPS-DR technique is found to better differentiate alveolar process, lateral tongue, and the floor of mouth (accuracies of 88.2%, 83.9%, 84.4%, sensitivities of 80.5%, 75.8%, 78% and specificities of 93.5%, 87.7%, 86.8%) than standard DR (accuracies of 80.8%, 72.9%, 68.5%, sensitivities of 63.2%, 41.5%, 81.3% and specificities of 92.9%, 87.7%, 63.8%) without PS detection. This work showed the feasibility of the rcPS-DR probe as a tool for studying oral cavity lesions in real clinical applications.
Scalability of integer linear programming path computation for functional block-based disaggregation supporting a flexible grid mechanism [Invited]
Authors: Ishii Kiyo , Namiki Shu
Published: November 2021

A functional block-based disaggregation approach that handles optical component devices as a management unit is essential for supporting various optical node structures suitable for diverse network applications in the future. Furthermore, precise path computation considering detailed intra-node structures is enabled by the functional block-based disaggregation approach, which is important not only for online use cases, such as optical path establishment/removal operations, but also for offline use cases, such as node functionality analysis or generation of node-setting tables. This study developed an optical path computation prototype, based on an open-source solution, that employs a functional block-based disaggregation approach and supports a computationally intensive flexible grid mechanism. To realize universal path computation that is applicable to any node structure without algorithm modification, integer linear programming was employed as a generic computational method. The computation time of the developed prototype was evaluated over multiple node structures, providing different functionalities and node scales. Approaches for reducing the computation time were also investigated. The developed path computation system achieved reasonable computation times for the offline use cases and online use cases with limited scales.
Phase calibration for integrated optical phased arrays using artificial neural network with resolved phase ambiguity
Authors: Leng Lemeng , Zeng Zhaobang , Wu Guihan , Lin Zhongzhi , Ji Xiang , Shi Zhiyuan , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2021

Phase calibration for optical phased arrays (OPAs) is a key process to compensate for the phase deviation and retrieve the initial working state. Conventional calibration approaches based on iterative optimization algorithms are tedious and time-consuming. The essential difficulty of such a problem is to inversely solve for the phase error distribution among OPA elements from the far-field pattern of an OPA. Deep-learning-based technology might offer an alternative approach without explicitly knowing the inverse solution. However, we find that the phase ambiguities, including conjugate ambiguity and periodic ambiguity, severely deter the accuracy and efficacy of deep-learning-based calibration. Device-physics-based analysis reveals the causes of the phase ambiguities, which can be resolved by creating a tailored artificial neural network with phase-masked far-field patterns in a conjugate pair and constructing a periodic continuity-preserving loss function. Through the ambiguity-resolved neural network, we can extract phase error distribution in an OPA and calibrate the device in a rapid, noniterative manner from the measured far-field patterns. The proposed approach is experimentally verified. Pure main-beam profiles with>12  dBsidelobe suppression ratios are observed. This approach can help overcome a crucial bottleneck for the further advance of OPAs in a variety of applications such as lidar.
Wafer-level hermetically sealed silicon photonic MEMS
Authors: Jo Gaehun , Edinger Pierre , Bleiker Simon J. , Wang Xiaojing , Takabayashi Alain Yuji , Sattari Hamed , Quack Niels , Jezzini Moises , Lee Jun Su , Verheyen Peter , Zand Iman , Khan Umar , Bogaerts Wim , Stemme Göran , Gylfason Kristinn B. , Niklaus Frank
Published: November 2021

The emerging fields of silicon (Si) photonic micro–electromechanical systems (MEMS) and optomechanics enable a wide range of novel high-performance photonic devices with ultra-low power consumption, such as integrated optical MEMS phase shifters, tunable couplers, switches, and optomechanical resonators. In contrast to conventional

SiO

2

-clad Si photonics, photonic MEMS and optomechanics have suspended and movable parts that need to be protected from environmental influence and contamination during operation. Wafer-level hermetic sealing can be a cost-efficient solution, but Si photonic MEMS that are hermetically sealed inside cavities with optical and electrical feedthroughs have not been demonstrated to date, to our knowledge. Here, we demonstrate wafer-level vacuum sealing of Si photonic MEMS inside cavities with ultra-thin caps featuring optical and electrical feedthroughs that connect the photonic MEMS on the inside to optical grating couplers and electrical bond pads on the outside. We used Si photonic MEMS devices built on foundry wafers from the iSiPP50G Si photonics platform of IMEC, Belgium. Vacuum confinement inside the sealed cavities was confirmed by an observed increase of the cutoff frequency of the electro-mechanical response of the encapsulated photonic MEMS phase shifters, due to reduction of air damping. The sealing caps are extremely thin, have a small footprint, and are compatible with subsequent flip-chip bonding onto interposers or printed circuit boards. Thus, our approach for sealing of integrated Si photonic MEMS clears a significant hurdle for their application in high-performance Si photonic circuits.
Synchronization of an optical frequency comb and a microwave oscillator with 53  zs/Hz1/2 resolution and 10-20-level stability
Authors: Ahn Changmin , Na Yongjin , Hyun Minji , Bae Jinho , Kim Jungwon
Published: November 2021

Precise and stable synchronization between an optical frequency comb (femtosecond mode-locked laser oscillator or microresonator-based comb) and a microwave oscillator is important for various fields including telecommunication, radio astronomy, metrology, and ultrafast X-ray and electron science. Timing detection and synchronization using electro-optic sampling with an interferometer has been actively used for low-noise microwave generation, long-distance timing transfer, comb stabilization, time-of-flight sensing, and laser-microwave synchronization for ultrafast science facilities. Despite its outstanding performance, there has been a discrepancy in synchronization performance of more than 10 dB between the projected shot-noise-limited noise floor and the measured residual noise floor. In this work, we demonstrate the shot-noise-limited performance of an electro-optic timing detector-based comb-microwave synchronization, which enabled an unprecedented residual phase noise floor of

−
174.5
  
dBc
/
Hz

at 8 GHz carrier frequency (i.e.,

53
  
zs
/

Hz

1
/
2

timing noise floor), integrated rms timing jitter of 88 as (

1
  
Hz
  
to
  
1
  
MHz

), rms timing drift of 319 as over 12 h, and frequency instability of

3.6
×

10

−
20

over 10,000 s averaging time. We identified that bandpass filtering of the microwave signal and optical pulse repetition-rate multiplication are critical for achieving this performance.
Quantum non-demolition measurement based on an SU(1,1)-SU(2)-concatenated atom-light hybrid interferometer
Authors: Jiao Gao-Feng , Zhang Keye , Chen L. Q. , Yuan Chun-Hua , Zhang Weiping
Published: November 2021

Quantum non-demolition (QND) measurement is an important tool in the fields of quantum information processing and quantum optics. The atom-light hybrid interferometer is of great interest due to its combination of an atomic spin wave and an optical wave, which can be utilized for photon number QND measurement via the AC-Stark effect. In this paper, we present an SU(1,1)-SU(2)-concatenated atom-light hybrid interferometer, and theoretically study QND measurement of the photon number. Compared to the traditional SU(2) interferometer, the signal-to-noise ratio in a balanced case is improved by a gain factor of the nonlinear Raman process (NRP) in this proposed interferometer. Furthermore, the condition of high-quality QND measurement is analyzed. In the presence of losses, the measurement quality is reduced. We can adjust the gain parameter of the NRP in the readout stage to reduce the impact due to losses. Moreover, this scheme is a multiarm interferometer, which has the potential of multiparameter estimation with many important applications in the detection of vector fields, quantum imaging, and so on.
Psychological predictors of vaccination intentions among U.S. undergraduates and online panel workers during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gupta Suryaa , Watanabe Shoko , Laurent Sean M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Availability of safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 is critical for controlling the pandemic, but herd immunity can only be achieved with high vaccination coverage. The present research examined psychological factors associated with intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccination and whether reluctance towards novel pandemic vaccines are similar to vaccine hesitancy captured by a hypothetical measure used in previous research.

Method

Study 1 was administered to undergraduate students when COVID-19 was spreading exponentially (February-April 2020). Study 2 was conducted with online panel workers toward the end of the first U.S. wave (July 2020) as a pre-registered replication and extension of Study 1. In both studies, participants (total N = 1,022) rated their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and to vaccinate a hypothetical child for a fictitious disease, and then responded to various psychological measures.

Results

In both studies, vaccination intentions were positively associated with past flu vaccine uptake, self-reported vaccine knowledge, vaccine confidence, and sense of collective responsibility. Complacency (not perceiving disease as high-risk), anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs, perceived vaccine danger, and mistrust in science/scientists were negative correlates of vaccination intentions. Constraints (psychological barriers), calculation (extensive information-searching), analytical thinking, perceived disease vulnerability, self-other overlap, and conservatism were weakly associated with vaccination intentions but not consistently across both studies or vaccine types. Additionally, similar factors were associated with both real and hypothetical vaccination intentions, suggesting that conclusions from pre-COVID vaccine hesitancy research mostly generalize to the current pandemic situation.

Conclusion

Encouraging flu vaccine uptake, enhancing confidence in a novel vaccine, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility are particularly important as they uniquely predict COVID-19 vaccination intentions. By including both actual pandemic-related hesitancy measures and hypothetical hesitancy measures from past research in the same study, this work provides key context for the generalizability of earlier non-pandemic research.
A comparison of three different methods of eliciting rapid activity-dependent synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila NMJ
Authors: Maldonado-Díaz Carolina , Vazquez Mariam , Marie Bruno
Published: November 2021

The Drosophila NMJ is a system of choice for investigating the mechanisms underlying the structural and functional modifications evoked during activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Because fly genetics allows considerable versatility, many strategies can be employed to elicit this activity. Here, we compare three different stimulation methods for eliciting activity-dependent changes in structure and function at the Drosophila NMJ. We find that the method using patterned stimulations driven by a K+-rich solution creates robust structural modifications but reduces muscle viability, as assessed by resting potential and membrane resistance. We argue that, using this method, electrophysiological studies that consider the frequency of events, rather than their amplitude, are the only reliable studies. We contrast these results with the expression of CsChrimson channels and red-light stimulation at the NMJ, as well as with the expression of TRPA channels and temperature stimulation. With both these methods we observed reliable modifications of synaptic structures and consistent changes in electrophysiological properties. Indeed, we observed a rapid appearance of immature boutons that lack postsynaptic differentiation, and a potentiation of spontaneous neurotransmission frequency. Surprisingly, a patterned application of temperature changes alone is sufficient to provoke both structural and functional plasticity. In this context, temperature-dependent TRPA channel activation induces additional structural plasticity but no further increase in the frequency of spontaneous neurotransmission, suggesting an uncoupling of these mechanisms.
Long-term retention and predictors of attrition for key populations receiving antiretroviral treatment through community-based ART in Benue State Nigeria: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ibiloye Olujuwon , Jwanle Plang , Masquillier Caroline , Van Belle Sara , Jaachi Ekere , Amoo Olubunmi , Isah Ahmed , Omole Temiwoluwa , Samuel Jay Osi , van Olmen Josefien , Lynen Lutgarde , Okonkwo Prosper , Decroo Tom
Published: November 2021

Background

Key populations (KP) are disproportionately infected with HIV and experience barriers to HIV care. KP include men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), persons who inject drugs (PWID) and transgender people (TG). We implemented three different approaches to the delivery of community-based antiretroviral therapy for KP (KP-CBART) in Benue State Nigeria, including One Stop Shop clinics (OSS), community drop-in-centres (DIC), and outreach venues. OSS are community-based health facilities serving KP only. DIC are small facilities led by lay healthcare providers and supported by an outreach team. Outreach venues are places in the community served by the outreach team. We studied long-term attrition of KP and virological non-suppression.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort study of KP living with HIV (KPLHIV) starting ART between 2016 and 2019 in 3 0SS, 2 DIC and 8 outreach venues. Attrition included lost to follow-up (LTFU) and death. A viral load >1000 copies/mL showed viral non-suppression. Survival analysis was used to assess retention on ART. Cox regression and Firth logistic regression were used to assess risk factors for attrition and virological non-suppression respectively.

Result

Of 3495 KPLHIV initiated on ART in KP-CBART, 51.8% (n = 1812) were enrolled in OSS, 28.1% (n = 982) in DIC, and 20.1% (n = 701) through outreach venues. The majority of participants were FSW—54.2% (n = 1896), while 29.8% (n = 1040), 15.8% (n = 551) and 0.2% (n = 8) were MSM, PWID, and TG respectively. The overall retention in the programme was 63.5%, 55.4%, 51.2%, and 46.7% at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years on ART. Of 1650 with attrition, 2.5% (n = 41) died and others were LTFU. Once adjusted for other factors (age, sex, place of residence, year of ART enrollment, WHO clinical stage, type of KP group, and KP-CBART approach), KP-CBART approach did not predict attrition. MSM were at a higher risk of attrition (vs FSW; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.27; 95%CI: 1.14–1.42). Of 3495 patients, 48.4% (n = 1691) had a viral load test. Of those, 97.8% (n = 1654) were virally suppressed.

Conclusion

Although long-term retention in care is low, the virological suppression was optimal for KP on ART and retained in community-based ART care. However, viral load testing coverage was sub-optimal. Future research should explore the perspectives of clients on reasons for LTFU and how to adapt approach to CBART to meet individual client needs.
Real men don’t eat quiche, do they?: Food, fitness and masculinity crisis in 1980s America
Authors: Contois Emily J. H.
Published: November 2021

Written for laughs in 1982, Bruce Feirstein’s Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche: A Guidebook to All that Is Truly Masculine hit a real and raw nerve among American men. Beneath its jokes, the book documented a moment of 1980s gender crisis that pitted older constellations of masculinity against ‘the new man’. This article analyses how Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche and its cookbook sequel communicated this gender anxiety through food and the body specifically, considering the context of the Cold War, notable transitions in nutrition science and policy, and period food and fitness trends. Although many readers today may not know the origin of Feirstein’s book’s titular phrase, notions of ‘real men’ and gendered food still have cultural endurance, often deployed as a shorthand for hegemonic gender norms that pose destructive consequences 40 years later.
The “Eagle Scout Film”: David Lynch as Auteur and Genre Filmmaker
Authors: Monovich Jonathan
Published: November 2021

Knowing David Lynch’s background as an Eagle Scout, this article explores that many of Lynch’s films and their protagonists, particularly Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) inBlue Velvet(1986), embody Eagle Scout-like heroes and serve as genre-like “Eagle Scout films.” These films and their protagonists have similarities with the film noir and western genres and their detective/cowboy heroes through their dealings with ethics, morality, and justice in sadistic worlds. In his genre-hybrid films, Lynch acts as an auteur in using recurring thematic preoccupations/stylistic tendencies, while exemplifying hostile environments offset by a central protagonist with an Eagle Scout-like set of morals.
Bond Girls: Body, Fashion and Gender, Monica Germanà (2020)
Authors: Arden Caroline
Published: November 2021

Review of: Bond Girls: Body, Fashion and Gender, Monica Germanà (2020)

London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 264pp.,

ISBN-10: 0857855328 (pbk), $34.95,

ISBN-10: 085785643X (hbk), $76.22
Town Bloody Hall (1979)
Authors: Caron Isabella
Published: November 2021

USA

Directed by D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus

Runtime 85 minutes

Blu-ray

USA, 2020

Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)
Comercio internacional, trabajo y derechos humanos
Authors: Sanguineti Raymond Wilfredo
Published: November 2021

Los once estudios reunidos en este volumen forman parte de las labores del Grupo de Investigación sobre Comercio Internacional y Trabajo, cuya coordinación fue encomendada por la Sociedad Internacional de Derecho del Trabajo al Profesor Wilfredo Sanguineti con el propósito de dar lugar a un amplio proceso de reﬂexión sobre este tema de cara a su XXIII Congreso Mundial, a celebrarse en Lima en septiembre de 2021. Más allá de sus distintas perspectivas, a todos ellos subyace una convicción común, que constituye la conclusión más relevante de nuestro trabajo. Esta viene dada por la conciencia de que estamos asistiendo a la construcción de una disciplina supranacional –o de un Derecho Transnacional del Trabajo– aplicable a las cadenas mundiales de producción lideradas por las empresas multinacionales, de la que son expresión una variedad de iniciativas y herramientas, todas encaminadas a promover la garantía de un núcleo de condiciones laborales justas al interior de las mismas, sin importar dónde se ubiquen sus eslabones o quién ocupe la posición de empleador. Una expresión más de ese Derecho Global que emerge como resultado de la acción combinada de una variedad de agentes, privados y públicos, empresariales, sindicales y de la sociedad civil.
ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF THE MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN IBADAN,OYO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Omilani Aanuoluwa
Published: November 2021

Plants have been used locally and traditionally in the treatment and management of some ailments. The use of medicinal plants is in combination with the several cultural beliefs and traditional practices and has a long history in therapeutic success because many drugs used clinically today are developed directly or indirectly from plants. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are sets of venerable diseases that are rampant in Nigeria contributing to its high morbidity and mortality rate. Ethnobotanical studies of the available local medicinal plants used for the management of STDs will lead to the discovery of better antimicrobials to treat STDs.

The ethnobotanical survey of plants used in treatment of Sexually transmitted diseases was carried out in Ibadan city. The study was aimed at documenting the use of traditional medicines in treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the people of Ibadan. The specific areas of study were Bode Market in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Oje Market in Ibadan North East Local Government Area and Olunde area in Oluyole Local Government Area. The respondents interviewed included herb sellers, herbalist and herbal therapists. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from them and communication was done verbally in Yoruba. Medicinal plants recommended were collected and taken to Forestry Research institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in Jericho, Ibadan for proper Identification.

From the survey, 52 Species of plants representing 34 families were reported by 80 traditional medicine practitioners as remedies for treating Sexually transmitted diseases. The families that were highly used include Anacardiaceae, Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae. The plants commonly used were Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad, Plumbago zeylanica L., Citrus aurantifolia Christm., Mangifera indica L., Senna alata L. Roxb, Erythropleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan and Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel. The plant Citrullus colocynthis had the highest frequency of use.

The high frequency of use of these plants suggests their efficacy and potency against Sexually transmitted disease. The further analysis of these plants can help to develop new, effective therapeutic medicinal drugs (antimicrobials) that would be useful to control Sexually transmitted diseases thereby reducing their morbidity and mortality impact on Global health.
Structural empowerment and mental health in healthcare professionals: The role of civility
Authors: Ribeiro Luísa , Brites Rute , Laneiro Tito , Lai Amanda
Published: November 2021

Quality of the work environment is a factor that promotes workers’ mental health and it’s a present concern for the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. There is a need to understand the factors that can promote better mental health at work and under which circumstances structural empowerment represents a working environment that allows workers’ development, low rates of incivility and positive effects on mental health. The present study aims to verify in which conditions structural empowerment has a positive effect on workers’ mental health, through the mediating role of civility. To that purpose, we have applied the Portuguese versions of WCS, CWEQ-II and the mental health scale from MOS SF-36v2 to a sample of 303 health care professionals in a public-private hospital located in the Greater Lisbon. The results of this study reveal that structural empowerment has a direct positive effect both on workers’ mental health and on workplace civility. However, the indirect effect of structural empowerment on mental health through civility is only effective for health professionals with longer tenure.