bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transverse Roughness Effect on Fundamental Mode Confinement Loss and Modal Content of Hollow-Core Inhibited Coupling Tube Lattice Fibers
Authors: Melli F. , Vasko K. , Rosa L. , Vincetti L. , Benabid F.
Published: November 2022

The effects of the transverse surface roughness on fiber loss and modal content in hollow-core inhibited coupling tube lattice fibers is numerically investigated. Relationship between roughness spectrum and loss of core modes is assessed.
Progress in Ultrafast Optics Using Hollow-Core Fibres
Authors: Lekosiotis Athanasios , Belli Federico , Brahms Christian , Grigorova Teodora , Sakr Hesham , Davidson Ian A. , Poletti Francesco , Travers John C.
Published: November 2022

We report recent advances in pulse compression, frequency upconversion to the ultraviolet, polarisation control, and flexible pulse delivery experiments in the ultrafast regime, using different types of hollow-core fibres.
Dispersion Engineered Tapered Photonic Crystal Fiber for Broadband and Tuned 2 µm Emission Using Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing
Authors: Ahmedou Sidi-Ely , Dauliat Romain , Février Sébastien , Walter Guillaume , Delagnes Jean-Christophe , Labonte Laurent , Tanzilli Sébastien , Gérôme Frédéric , Debord Benoît , Benabid Fetah , Millot Guy , Roy Philippe , Jamier Raphael
Published: November 2022

We numerically demonstrate a broadband parametric gain around 2 µm using a tapered photonic crystal fiber.
Experimental Validation of Sequence-Wise Predistorter for Evaluation of Geometrically Shaped 128-QAM
Authors: van den Hout Menno , van der Heide Sjoerd , Goossens Sebastiaan , Okonkwo Chigo
Published: November 2022

A predistorter for transmitter nonlinearities is applied to the evaluation of a geometrically shaped constellation, such that constellation points are transmitted correctly during the evaluation of the geometrically shaped constellation.
Advances in Optical Fibers for SDM Transmission Systems
Authors: Makovejs Sergejs
Published: November 2022

Both evolutionary and revolutionary pathways for future SDM fibers are reviewed. These include fibers with lower coating diameter, fibers with lower glass cladding diameter, few-mode and multi-core fibers.
High Capacity Transmission in Low-Core Count MCFs
Authors: Luis Ruben S. , Puttnam Benjamin J. , Rademacher Georg , Awaji Yoshinari , Furukawa Hideaki
Published: November 2022

We review the achievable throughput of S+C+L band systems using standard cladding diameter MCFs. We show that the throughput gain with respect to C+L band systems decreases with the transmission distance.
Digital Signal Processing for 1.6Tb/s Ethernet
Authors: Rahman Talha , Calabro Stefano , Stojanovic Nebojsa , Youxi Lin , Kuschnerov Maxim
Published: November 2022

We discuss several DSP options for the next generation datacenter transceivers targeting data rates up to 1.6Tb/s. Limitations of critical components as well as the optical fiber channel are discussed and DSP requirements are analyzed.
Independent Component Analysis Equalizer for Direct Detection in Presence of Modal and Temporal Crosstalk
Authors: Bnyamin Mario V. , Jiang Xin , Feuer Mark D.
Published: November 2022

A novel adaptation of independent component analysis controls both cross-polarization and inter-symbol interference in a direct-detection link using Stokes vector modulation. 30-Gb/s experiments confirm polarization de-rotation and near-error-free transmission.
128 GSa/s SiGe Analog Multiplexer Enabling PDM-DSCM-PCS-256QAM Transmission over 80 km SSMF
Authors: Hu Qian , Schuh Karsten , Aref Vahid , Buchali Fred , Tannert Tobias , Grözing Markus , Berroth Manfred , Schmidt Christian , Schostak Jonathan , Caspar Christoph , Choi Jung Han , Jungnickel Volker , Freund Ronald
Published: November 2022

We report on a SiGe analog multiplexer operating at 128-GSa/s, supporting generation of 63.36-GHz-broad DSCM-PCS-256QAM signal. We successfully achieve net information rate normalized per electrical lane of 2.85-bit/sym/lane back-to-back and 2.81-bit/sym/lane after transmission over 80-km SSMF in a coherent system.
Far-end Receiver DSP-based Transmitter Imbalance for Digital Subcarrier Multiplexing Systems
Authors: Ng Wing Chau , Qin Huabao , Wang Yongfu , Tang Xuefeng , Li Chuandong
Published: November 2022

An accurate in-service receiver DSP-based transmitter imbalance monitoring is proposed and experimentally verified for 800Gb/s DSCM systems for the first time. The error of skew measurement is ± 0.2ps.
Demonstration of 92 Gbps/λ PAM4 with Free running Fabry-Pérot Laser for DCI Applications
Authors: Venkatasubramani Lakshmi Narayanan , Chaudhuri Rangana Banerjee , Barry Liam P
Published: November 2022

We report the highest transmission rate of 92 Gbps/λ PAM4 signal over 1 km SMF using a low cost, free-running multi-wavelength FP-laser and show the performance within the standard FEC limit.
Reservoir-computing and neural-network-based equalization for short reach communication
Authors: Da Ros Francesco , Ranzini Stenio M. , Osadchuk Yevhenii , Cem Ali , Giron Castro Bernard J. , Zibar Darko
Published: November 2022

We review the use of neural-network-based equalizers for mitigating the power fading effect in intensity-modulated directly detected links, and compare the different approaches reported in the literature.
Thermal Source-based BPSK Signaling over Free-space Optical Communication Link with Improvements from Adaptive Optics
Authors: Nafria Vijay , Han Xiao , Djordjevic Ivan B.
Published: November 2022

In this paper we present BER results for thermal source-based BPSK signaling over an 800m long free-space optical (FSO) communication link established at the University of Arizona. By applying the adaptive optics, to compensate for wavefront distortions, we demonstrate improvements in the BERs in a weak atmospheric turbulence regime.
Serial Convolution-Based Optical Accelerator for ECG Arrhythmia Classifier
Authors: Catuneanu Mircea-Traian , Fathi Mohammad Taghi , Hamerly Ryan , Jamshidi Kambiz
Published: November 2022

This study focuses on the design of photonic hardware for an ECG arrythmia classifier based on convolutional neural network using optical delay lines for the implementation of “multiply and accumulate” (MAC) operations.
All-fiber based High-speed Linear Passive NOT Gate
Authors: Kaushal Saket , Roberge Anthony , Kashyap Raman , Azaña José
Published: November 2022

We propose a phase-only modulation based fiber Bragg grating (FBG) design for the implementation of a fully-passive and linear NOT gate. Inversion of a 40 Gbps NRZ-OOK data signal using a cm-long FBG with a 5-GHz spectral resolution is experimentally demonstrated.
Protein prediction models support widespread post-transcriptional regulation of protein abundance by interacting partners
Authors: Srivastava Himangi , Lippincott Michael J. , Currie Jordan , Canfield Robert , Lam Maggie P. Y. , Lau Edward
Published: November 2022

Protein and mRNA levels correlate only moderately. The availability of proteogenomics data sets with protein and transcript measurements from matching samples is providing new opportunities to assess the degree to which protein levels in a system can be predicted from mRNA information. Here we examined the contributions of input features in protein abundance prediction models. Using large proteogenomics data from 8 cancer types within the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) data set, we trained models to predict the abundance of over 13,000 proteins using matching transcriptome data from up to 958 tumor or normal adjacent tissue samples each, and compared predictive performances across algorithms, data set sizes, and input features. Over one-third of proteins (4,648) showed relatively poor predictability (elastic net r ≤ 0.3) from their cognate transcripts. Moreover, we found widespread occurrences where the abundance of a protein is considerably less well explained by its own cognate transcript level than that of one or more trans locus transcripts. The incorporation of additional trans-locus transcript abundance data as input features increasingly improved the ability to predict sample protein abundance. Transcripts that contribute to non-cognate protein abundance primarily involve those encoding known or predicted interaction partners of the protein of interest, including not only large multi-protein complexes as previously shown, but also small stable complexes in the proteome with only one or few stable interacting partners. Network analysis further shows a complex proteome-wide interdependency of protein abundance on the transcript levels of multiple interacting partners. The predictive model analysis here therefore supports that protein-protein interaction including in small protein complexes exert post-transcriptional influence on proteome compositions more broadly than previously recognized. Moreover, the results suggest mRNA and protein co-expression analysis may have utility for finding gene interactions and predicting expression changes in biological systems.
Colorectal cancer trends in Chile: A Latin-American country with marked socioeconomic inequities
Authors: Mondschein Susana , Subiabre Felipe , Yankovic Natalia , Estay Camila , Von Mühlenbrock Christian , Berger Zoltan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignant disease in the world. In some countries with established screening programs, its incidence and mortality have decreased, and survival has improved.

Aims

To obtain reliable data about the epidemiology of CRC in Chile, we analyzed the trends in the last ten years and the influence of observable factors on survival, including a nationwide health program for CRC treatment access (GES program).

Methods

Publicly available data published by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Statistics were used. Data were obtained from registries of mortality and hospital discharges, making follow-up of the individuals possible. Crude and age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated, and individual survival was studied by constructing Kaplan–Meier curves. Finally, a Cox statistical model was established to estimate the impact of the observable factors.

Results

We found 37,217 newly identified CRC patients between 2008 and 2019 in Chile, corresponding to 103,239 hospital discharges. In the same period, 24,217 people died of CRC. A nearly linear, steady increase in crude incidence, mortality and prevalence was observed. CRC incidence was the lowest in the North of the country, increasing toward the South and reaching a maximum value of 34.6/100,000 inhabitants/year in terms of crude incidence and 20.7/100,000 inhabitants/year in terms of crude mortality in the XII region in 2018. We found that older patients had lower survival rates, as well as men compared to women. Survival was significantly better for patients with private insurance than those under the public insurance system, and the treating hospital also played a significant role in the survival of patients. Patients in the capital region survived longer than those in almost every other part of the country. We found no significant effect on survival associated with the GES program.

Conclusions

We found important inequalities in the survival probabilities for CRC patients in Chile. Survival depends mainly on the type of insurance, access to more complex hospitals, and geographical location; all three factors correlated with socioeconomic status of the population. Our work emphasized the need to create specific programs addressing primary causes to decrease the differences in CRC survival.
Prognostic value of syntax score, intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy to identify low-risk patients with coronary artery disease 5-year results from the ATHEROREMO and IBIS-3 cohorts
Authors: Vlieger Selina , Oemrawsingh Rohit M. , Cheng Jin M. , Schuurman Anne-Sophie , Vroegindewey Maxime , Kardys Isabella , Van Geuns Robert-Jan , Daemen Joost , Van Mieghem Nicolaas M. , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Boersma Eric
Published: November 2022

The prognostic value of SYNTAX score (SS), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived plaque burden (PB) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived lipid core burden index(LCBI) for identification of high-risk patients for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has been proven in previous studies. The majority of patients presenting in the cathlab however do not endure MACE over time, and identification of low-risk groups has remained underexposed. This study evaluates the combined prognostic value of SS, PB and LCBI in identifying patients with low MACE risk. This post-hoc analysis combines the ATHEROREMO and IBIS-3 studies and included 798 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Anatomical SS was calculated (N = 617) and ≥40mm non-stenotic segment of a non-target vessel was investigated with IVUS (N = 645) and NIRS (N = 273) to determine PB and maximum 4mm LCBI (LCBI4mm). During five-year follow-up, 191 MACE were observed. Patients with PB ≤70%, LCBI4mm ≤227 (median), or SS ≤8 (median) had lower MACE incidence than their counterparts with higher values. Combined into one model, LCBI4mm ≤227 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.78; p-value = 0.003) and SS ≤8 (aHR 0.67, 95%CI 0.48–0.96, p-value = 0.027) were independently associated with (lower) MACE rate, but PB was not. Additionally, negative predictive value (NPV) of this model was high (SS<8: 0.80, PB<70%: 0.77, LCBI4mm<227: 0.79). In this cohort, SS and LCBI4mm proved to be independent predictors of MACE-free survival during five-year follow-up. Combination of SS and LCBI4mm is useful to identify a low-risk population. Furthermore, NPV of SS, PB and LCBI4mm for prediction of MACE is high.
Adaptation of a short and universal learning self-efficacy scale for clinical skills in Turkish
Authors: Bayazit Alper , Gonullu Ipek , Dogan Celal Deha
Published: November 2022

Background

The performance of a clinical task depends on an individual’s skills, knowledge, and beliefs. However, there is no reliable and valid tool for measuring self-efficacy beliefs toward clinical skills in the Turkish language. This research work aims to study the linguistic equivalence, validity, and reliability of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Clinical Skills (L-SES).

Materials and methods

After reaching the original item pool of the scale, applying both forward and backward translation processes, and collecting responses of 11 experts from health professional sciences and educational sciences, the translation and adoption processes were completed. We randomly divided 651 medical students’ responses to a 15-item questionnaire into two datasets and conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) analyses.

Results

CFA validated the three-factor model, and the model fit indexes were found to have acceptable values. The item factor loads ranged from .34 to .84, and items in the scale explained 47% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha (.91), Spearman-Brown (.88), and Guttman Split-Half (.88) coefficients obtained within the scope of internal consistency reliability demonstrated that the scale had the desired internal consistency.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the short and universal learning self-efficacy scale for clinical skills questionnaire is a valid and reliable scale for measuring medical students’ self-efficacy for clinical skills. Adopted questionnaires may have different factor structures when applied to two different cultures. We also discussed this issue as a hidden pattern in our study.
Machine learning based skin lesion segmentation method with novel borders and hair removal techniques
Authors: Rehman Mohibur , Ali Mushtaq , Obayya Marwa , Asghar Junaid , Hussain Lal , K. Nour Mohamed , Negm Noha , Mustafa Hilal Anwer
Published: November 2022

The effective segmentation of lesion(s) from dermoscopic skin images assists the Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems in improving the diagnosing rate of skin cancer. The results of the existing skin lesion segmentation techniques are not up to the mark for dermoscopic images with artifacts like varying size corner borders with color similar to lesion(s) and/or hairs having low contrast with surrounding background. To improve the results of the existing skin lesion segmentation techniques for such kinds of dermoscopic images, an effective skin lesion segmentation method is proposed in this research work. The proposed method searches for the presence of corner borders in the given dermoscopc image and removes them if found otherwise it starts searching for the presence of hairs on it and eliminate them if present. Next, it enhances the resultant image using state-of-the-art image enhancement method and segments lesion from it using machine learning technique namely, GrabCut method. The proposed method was tested on PH2 and ISIC 2018 datasets containing 200 images each and its accuracy was measured with two evaluation metrics, i.e., Jaccard index, and Dice index. The evaluation results show that our proposed skin lesion segmentation method obtained Jaccard Index of 0.77, 0.80 and Dice index of 0.87, 0.82 values on PH2, and ISIC2018 datasets, respectively, which are better than state-of-the-art skin lesion segmentation techniques.
A modular and reusable model of epithelial transport in the proximal convoluted tubule
Authors: Noroozbabaee Leyla , Blanco Pablo J. , Safaei Soroush , Nickerson David P.
Published: November 2022

We review a collection of published renal epithelial transport models, from which we build a consistent and reusable mathematical model able to reproduce many observations and predictions from the literature. The flexible modular model we present here can be adapted to specific configurations of epithelial transport, and in this work we focus on transport in the proximal convoluted tubule of the renal nephron. Our mathematical model of the epithelial proximal convoluted tubule describes the cellular and subcellular mechanisms of the transporters, intracellular buffering, solute fluxes, and other processes. We provide free and open access to the Python implementation to ensure our multiscale proximal tubule model is accessible; enabling the reader to explore the model through setting their own simulations, reproducibility tests, and sensitivity analyses.
Clinical characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in people living with HIV/AIDS in South Korea: A multi-center, retrospective study
Authors: Lee Eun Hwa , Chin BumSik , Kim Young Keun , Yoo Jin Sae , Choi Young-Hwa , Kim Subin , Lee Ki Hyun , Lee Se Ju , Kim Jinnam , Baek Yae Jee , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Yeom Joon-Sup , Choi Jun Yong
Published: November 2022

With the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease has declined. However, NTM diseases still occur in people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). We analysed the clinical and microbiological features of NTM diseases in PLWHA in South Korea. PLWHA who were diagnosed with NTM diseases between January 2000 and March 2021 were retrospectively enrolled from five different hospitals in South Korea. Data on baseline demographics, HIV status, CD4+ T cell counts, viral load, past and current cART regimens, isolated NTM species, results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected by reviewing medical records. A total of 34 cases of NTM in PLWHA were included. Pulmonary and extrapulmonary NTM diseases accounted for 58.8% (n = 20) and 41.2% (n = 14), respectively. The lymph node was the most common site of extrapulmonary NTM disease (64.3%). The age at the time of NTM disease diagnosis was younger in the extrapulmonary NTM group than in the pulmonary NTM group (37.0 vs. 49.0 years). Mean CD4+ T cell counts at the time of NTM disease diagnosis was 186.6 cells/μL (range: 1–1394). Nine patients (26.5%) had fully suppressed viral loads at the time of NTM disease diagnosis. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was the most common species found, followed by M. intracellulare and M. kansasii. MAC isolates were all susceptible to clarithromycin, but the rates of non-susceptibility to moxifloxacin, linezolid, ethambutol, and rifampin were 75%, 37.5%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. The average duration of treatment was 17 months and the mortality rate was 8.8%. NTM diseases may occur in PLWHA, even with completely suppressed viral loads. The identified clinical features of NTM diseases are essential for its clinical management in South Korea.
Determinants of hydroxyurea use among doctors, nurses and sickle cell disease patients in Nigeria
Authors: Isa Hezekiah Alkali , Nnebe-Agumadu Uche , Nwegbu Maxwell M. , Okocha Emmanuel C. , Chianumba Reuben I. , Brown Biobele J. , Asala Samuel A. , Peprah Emmanuel , Nnodu Obiageli E.
Published: November 2022

Background

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an evidence-based therapy that is currently the most effective drug for sickle cell disease (SCD). HU is widely used in high-income countries with consequent reduction of morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, HU is prescribed by physicians while nurses are mainly involved in counseling the patients to ensure adherence. The extent of utilization and the determinant factors have not been sufficiently evaluated in Nigeria.

Objective

To assess the frequency of use of HU and factors affecting utilization among healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers for SCD.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered online and in- person to assess the frequency of HU use and the factors that promote and limit its use. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS software version 23 and the result was presented in frequency tables and percentages.

Result

A total of 137 physicians, 137 nurses, and 237 patients/caregivers responded to the survey. The rate of prescription of HU by doctors in the past 6 months was 64 (46.7%), 43 (31.4%) nurses provided counseling and 36 (15.6%) patients were on HU. Among doctors, adequate knowledge (91.3%), clinical benefits and safety (94.8%), and inclusion of HU in management guidelines (86.9%) were motivators for prescribing it while inadequate knowledge (60.9%) and unawareness of treatment guidelines (68.6%) constituted barriers. Among nurses, reduction of crisis (91.6%) and safety (64.8%) were the major motivators while barriers were high cost (79.1%) and intensive monitoring (63.1%) of HU treatment. Among the patients, the major motivator was the reduction of crises (80.3%) while poor knowledge (93.2%), high cost of the drug (92.2%) while monitoring (91.2%), non-availability (87.7%) and side effects (83.9%) were the major barriers for the utilization of HU.

Conclusion

HU prescription and utilization are still poor among healthcare providers and patients. Inadequate knowledge, non-availability and high cost of HU as well as unawareness of treatment guidelines constitute major barriers to prescription and utilization.
Transformational leaders’ approach to overcapacity: A study in correctional institutions
Authors: Yuwono Heni , Gunawan Desynta Rahmawati , Eliyana Anis , Anggraini Rachmawati Dewi , Herlambang Pandhu , Jalil Nurul Iman Abdul
Published: November 2022

This research attempts to examine the effect of transformational leadership (TL) on job satisfaction (JS) and job performance (JP) mediated by leader-member exchange (LMX) at all correctional officers in West Java. The quantitative method is adopted by conducting a questionnaire survey on all officers in the West Java area, with a total of 215 respondents. The questionnaire was done through the Google Forms platform and distributed in a time-lagged method. The sample of respondents who were interviewed was obtained through a purposive sampling technique, namely taking samples with certain considerations. The data in this study was then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), which was assisted by the AMOS program. The findings revealed that TL has a large impact on JS, JP, and LMX, whereas LMX has a significant impact on JS and JP. This study contributes to the literature by linking TL, LMX, JS, and JP. It examines and analyzes how and why TL and LMX can affect JS and JP.
Development and validation of a novel cosmetics safety assessment scale (CSAS): Factual understanding of cosmetic safety and fostering international awareness
Authors: Jairoun Ammar Abdulrahman , Al-Hemyari Sabaa Saleh , Shahwan Moyad , Jamshed Shazia , Bisgwa Justyna
Published: November 2022

Background

Falsified cosmetics are increasingly common especially online through social media networks and mobile applications.

Objectives

This study developed and validated a novel tool to evaluate the safety of cosmetics and personal care products in the United Araba Emirates (UAE).

Method

This is methodological validation study and the data were derived from a cross-sectional study conducted on students and staff at Ajman University (AU) in the UAE. The study sample was selected via simple random sampling. The link to the survey was sent to potential respondents via email, and the responses were analysed using SPSS version 26. Content validity, factor analysis, and known group validity were employed to construct and validate an instrument that will enable the identification of cosmetics safety. The instrument’s reliability was evaluated using test-retest reliability, internal consistency, item internal consistency (IIC), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

The study sample included 978 participants. The content validity index for the final 24-item scale was 0.84. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.959 with a statistically significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p <0.001). Factor analysis presented a three-component model. PCFA analysis found good fit values with 0.960 for the normed fit index, 0.977 for the comparative fit index, and 0.987 for the Tucker Lewis Index. All values were in excess of 0.95, and the root mean square error of approximation was below 0.06 (0.03); thus, the model had a good fit. Cronbach’s alpha also showed good consistency of the overall instrument (0.963), and all factors had a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70. Each item on the instrument met the IIC correlation standard of ≥ 0.40, and there were good overall ICC statistics of 0.963 (0.959–0.966) for the instrument as a whole with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The instrument’s test-retest reliability was assessed by correlating the respondents’ identification scores at two time points with a four-week gap revealing a correlation coefficient of 0.870 (p-value <0.01). Participants holding a bachelor’s degree were more likely to be able to identify safe and authentic cosmetics than those with a high-school educational level (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

This study developed a novel validated instrument to determine the safety of cosmetics. The final questionnaire uses 24 items on three dimensions (13 items on hazard information, eight items on product identity, and three items on product handling and storage). The tool is concise and easy to complete, and it is suitable for use among the general population. The use of this instrument can promote greater collaboration between the consumer health regulatory authorities and inspection authorities thus increasing consumer satisfaction and public participation.
IgG antibody responses to Anopheles gambiae gSG6-P1 salivary peptide are induced in human populations exposed to secondary malaria vectors in forest areas in Cameroon
Authors: Ndo Cyrille , Elanga-Ndille Emmanuel , Cheteug Glwadys , Metitsi Rosine Danale , Wanji Samuel , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou
Published: November 2022

Human IgG antibody response to Anopheles gambiae gSG6-P1 salivary peptide was reported to be a pertinent indicator for assessing human exposure to mosquito bites and evaluating the risk of malaria transmission as well as the effectiveness of vector control strategies. However, the applicability of this marker to measure malaria transmission risk where human populations are mostly bitten by secondary vectors in Africa has not yet been evaluated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether anti-gSG6-P1 antibodies response could be induced in humans living in forest areas in Cameroon where An. gambiae s.l is not predominant. In October 2019 at the pick of the rainy season, blood samples were collected from people living in the Nyabessang in the forest area in the South region of Cameroon. Malaria infection was determined using thick blood smear microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test. The level of IgG Anti-gSG6-P1 response as a biomarker of human exposure to Anopheles bite, was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mosquitoes were collected using the human landing catches to assess Anopheles density and for the identification of Anopheles species present in that area. IgG antibody response to the gSG6-P1 salivary peptide was detected in inhabitants of Nyabessang with high inter-individual heterogeneity. No significant variation in the level of this immune response was observed according to age and gender. The concentration of gSG6-P1 antibodies was significantly correlated with the malaria infection status and, Plasmodium falciparum-infected individuals presented a significantly higher level of IgG response than uninfected individuals (p = 0.0087). No significant difference was observed according to the use of insecticide treated nets. Out of the 1,442 Anopheles mosquitoes species collected, 849 (58.9%) were identified as An. paludis, 489 (33.91%) as An. moucheti, 28 (4.44%) as An. nili, 22 (2.08%) as An. gambiae s.l and 10 (0.69%) as An. marshallii. Our findings show that IgG response to An. gambiae gSG6-P1 peptide could be detected in humans exposed predominantly to An. moucheti and An. paludis bites. Taken together, the data revealed the potential of the Anti-gSG6-P1 IgG antibody response to serve as a universal marker to assess human exposure to any Anopheles species.
Hydroclimatic record from an Altiplano cushion peatland (24°S) indicates large-scale reorganisation of atmospheric circulation for the late Holocene
Authors: Lücke Andreas , Kock Sebastian , Wissel Holger , Kulemeyer Julio J. , Lupo Liliana C. , Schäbitz Frank , Schittek Karsten
Published: November 2022

The hydroclimate of South America is characterized by the South American summer monsoon (SASM), a tropical atmospheric circulation that induces a summer precipitation regime, and the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies (SHW), an extratropical atmospheric circulation that induces a winter precipitation regime. Stretched between these two systems is a NW-SE-oriented region dominated by descending air masses, resulting in the South American subtropical dry zone (SASDZ), also known as the arid diagonal. We investigated the Cerro Tuzgle cushion peatland (CTP) located on the Argentine Altiplano, north of the present-day SASDZ. Previous work revealed that the CTP was consistently in the SASM regime during the last 2900 cal yr BP. Here, we extend the CTP record to the middle Holocene covering the last 7200 cal yr BP to gain further knowledge of the Holocene development of the SASM and potential modulations of the SASDZ. The prominent feature of the entire record is a distinct and lasting transition centred around 3100 cal yr BP characterized by declining minerogenic content, increasing organic carbon content, rising stable carbon isotope values of organic matter and cellulose, and increasing stable oxygen isotope values of cellulose. We interpret this specific proxy pattern as a hydroclimatic transition towards less arid conditions at the CTP after 3100 cal yr BP. The transition corresponds with the end of the continuous Holocene strengthening of the SASM between 3500 cal yr BP and 3000 cal yr BP indicated by proxy records from north and east of the CTP. The CTP does not reflect this strengthening of the SASM and rather exhibits a threshold response indicating the effective establishment of the SASM summer precipitation regime at 24°S. This suggests that moisture supply during a more arid middle Holocene was provided by isotopically depleted precipitation, while moisture supply after the transition originated from isotopically enriched SASM summer precipitation. Concurrent hydroclimatic changes in the SHW winter precipitation regime south of the SASDZ are documented in a distinct lake level rise of Laguna Aculeo (33°50´S) around 3200 cal yr BP. These coinciding hydrological changes of the SASM and the SHW precipitation regimes indicate larger scale reorganisations of atmospheric circulation components, potentially connected to major modulations of the SASDZ. Thus, our CTP record sheds light on the middle to late Holocene development of the SASM at its southern limit and corroborates connections between the tropical and extratropical hydroclimate of South America.
Metabolites produced by inoculated Vigna radiata during bacterial assisted phytoremediation of Pb, Ni and Cr polluted soil
Authors: Zulfiqar Uzma , Yasmin Azra , Fariq Anila
Published: November 2022

Phytoremediation assisted with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) is a green technology to remediate metal contaminated soils. Plants usually produce secondary metabolites to tolerate metal toxicity. Present study was designed to explore the phytoremediation potential of Vigna radiata var. NM-II in the presence of metal resistant PGPB and comparison of metabolites produced under heavy metal stresses (Pb, Ni, Cr). Three PGPB selected for present study include Bacillus pumilus MB246, Serratia nematodiphila MB307 and Delftia Lacustris MB322. Pot experiments were conducted with inoculated V. radiata NM-II seeds grown in soil artificially contaminated with lead (Pb), Nickle (Ni) and chromium (Cr) at a concentration of 300, 200 and 100 mg/kg respectively. After harvesting various growth parameters were studied (root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight). Bacterial colonization on root surfaces of harvested plants was observed through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Elemental composition was recorded through Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) attached with SEM. Metabolic response of harvested plants was studied through Gas chromatography Mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. Metal accumulation in roots, shoots and soil was analysed by acid digestion method from which Bioaccumulation factor (BF) and Translocation factor (TF) of metal from soil to plant was calculated. Results revealed stimulatory effect of PGPB on growth and phytoextraction ability of V. radiata. Soil metal removal efficiency was in the order Pb>Ni>Cr, whereas metal distribution in each part of plant was root>stem>leaf. The BF and TF values suggested V. radiata as Pb and Ni excluder while moderate accumulator for Cr. Elemental analysis through Energy Dispersive X- ray spectroscopy (EDX) found potassium (K+)and calcium (Ca+)as highly abundant nutrients with least accumulation of sulphur (S). Metabolites study through GC-MS revealed variety of compounds (carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, steroids etc) detected differentially under each metal treatment and their concentration was influenced by different bacterial inoculations. Overall 9-Octadecenamide was found as commonly present lipid compound in most of the treatments which is required for detoxification in plants. The study concluded beneficial role of PGPB for successful phytoremediation of heavy metals and differential response of metabolites towards each metal stress that is related to metal tolerance ability of V. radiata.
Variation in aorta attenuation in contrast-enhanced CT and its implications for calcification thresholds
Authors: Holcombe Sven A. , Horbal Steven R. , Ross Brian E. , Brown Edward , Derstine Brian A. , Wang Stewart C.
Published: November 2022

Background

CT contrast media improves vessel visualization but can also confound calcification measurements. We evaluated variance in aorta attenuation from varied contrast-enhancement scans, and quantified expected plaque detection errors when thresholding for calcification.

Methods

We measured aorta attenuation (AoHU) in central vessel regions from 10K abdominal CT scans and report AoHU relationships to contrast phase (non-contrast, arterial, venous, delayed), demographic variables (age, sex, weight), body location, and scan slice thickness. We also report expected plaque segmentation false-negative errors (plaque pixels misidentified as non-plaque pixels) and false-positive errors (vessel pixels falsely identified as plaque), comparing a uniform thresholding approach and a dynamic approach based on local mean/SD aorta attenuation.

Results

Females had higher AoHU than males in contrast-enhanced scans by 65/22/20 HU for arterial/venous/delayed phases (p < 0.001) but not in non-contrast scans (p > 0.05). Weight was negatively correlated with AoHU by 2.3HU/10kg but other predictors explained only small portions of intra-cohort variance (R2 < 0.1 in contrast-enhanced scans). Average AoHU differed by contrast phase, but considerable overlap was seen between distributions. Increasing uniform plaque thresholds from 130HU to 200HU/300HU/400HU produces respective false-negative plaque content losses of 35%/60%/75% from all scans with corresponding false-positive errors in arterial-phase scans of 95%/60%/15%. Dynamic segmentation at 3SD above mean AoHU reduces false-positive errors to 0.13% and false-negative errors to 8%, 25%, and 70% in delayed, venous, and arterial scans, respectively.

Conclusion

CT contrast produces heterogeneous aortic enhancements not readily determined by demographic or scan protocol factors. Uniform CT thresholds for calcified plaques incur high rates of pixel classification errors in contrast-enhanced scans which can be minimized using dynamic thresholds based on local aorta attenuation. Care should be taken to address these errors and sex-based biases in baseline attenuation when designing automatic calcification detection algorithms intended for broad use in contrast-enhanced CTs.
Transposed-word effects when reading serially
Authors: Mirault Jonathan , Vandendaele Aaron , Pegado Felipe , Grainger Jonathan
Published: November 2022

When asked to decide if an ungrammatical sequence of words is grammatically correct or not readers find it more difficult to do so (longer response times (RTs) and more errors) if the ungrammatical sequence is created by transposing two words from a correct sentence (e.g.,the white was cat big) compared with a set of matched ungrammatical sequences for which transposing any two words could not produce a correct sentence (e.g.,the white was cat slowly). Here, we provide a further exploration of transposed-word effects while imposing serial reading by using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) in Experiments 1 (respond at the end of the sequence) and 2 (respond as soon as possible—which could be during the sequence). Crucially, in Experiment 3 we compared performance under serial RSVP conditions with parallel presentation of the same stimuli for the same total duration and with the same group of participants. We found robust transposed-word effects in the RSVP conditions tested in all experiments, but only in error rates and not in RTs. This contrasts with the effects found in both errors and RTs in our prior work using parallel presentation, as well as the parallel presentation conditions tested in Experiment 3. We provide a tentative account of why, under conditions that impose a serial word-by-word reading strategy, transposed-word effects are only seen in error rates and not in RTs.
Explaining predictive factors in patient pathways using autoencoders
Authors: De Oliveira Hugo , Martin Prodel , Ludovic Lamarsalle , Vincent Augusto , Xiaolan Xie
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces an end-to-end methodology to predict a pathway-related outcome and identifying predictive factors using autoencoders. A formal description of autoencoders for explainable binary predictions is presented, along with two objective functions that allows for filtering and inverting negative examples during training. A methodology to model and transform complex medical event logs is also proposed, which keeps the pathway information in terms of events and time, as well as the hierarchy information carried in medical codes. A case study is presented, in which the short-term mortality after the implementation of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator is predicted. Proposed methodologies have been tested and compared to other predictive methods, both explainable and not explainable. Results show the competitiveness of the method in terms of performances, particularly the use of a Variational Auto Encoder with an inverse objective function. Finally, the explainability of the method has been demonstrated, allowing for the identification of interesting predictive factors validated using relative risks.
The potential of novel bacterial isolates from healthy ginseng for the control of ginseng root rot disease (Fusarium oxysporum)
Authors: Li Qiong , Yan Ning , Miao Xinyue , Zhan Yu , Chen Changbao
Published: November 2022

Ginseng root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum is serious disease that impacts ginseng production. In the present study, 145 strains of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy ginseng plants. Three strains with inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum (accession number AF077393) were identified using the dual culture tests and designated as YN-42(L), YN-43(L), and YN-59(L). Morphological, physiological, biochemical, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were used to identify the strains as Bacillus subtilis [YN-42(L)] (accession number ON545980), Delftia acidovorans [YN-43(L)] (accession number ON545981), and Bacillus polymyxae [YN-59(L)] (accession number ON545982). All three isolates effectively inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum in vitro and the antagonistic mechanism used by the three strains involved the secretion of multiple bioactive metabolites responsible for the hydrolysis of the fungal cell wall. All three biocontrol bacteria produce indoleacetic acid, which has a beneficial effect on plant growth. From our findings, all three antagonistic strains can be excellent candidates for ginseng root rot caused by the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. These bacteria have laid the foundation for the biological control of ginseng root rot and for further research on the field control of ginseng pathogens.
The Goldilocks principle: Finding the balance between water volume and nutrients for ovipositing Culex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Weidig Noah C. , Miller Amber L. , Parker Allison T.
Published: November 2022

Females of container-breeding mosquito species use visual and chemical cues to determine suitable habitats to oviposit their eggs. FemaleCulexmosquitoes oviposit single egg rafts containing hundreds of eggs on the surface of water in container habitats. In this project, the effects of water volume and nutrient concentration were studied using three semi-controlled field assays to determine the role these parameters play on femaleCulexmosquito oviposition preference. The results of this study suggest femaleCulexprefer to oviposit in larger volumes of water and higher concentrations of nutrients separately, but chose intermediate conditions when presented with a combination of these two variables, which follows the Goldilocks principle. This choice may provide their offspring with optimal conditions for development by reducing intraspecific competition, thereby maximizing the biological fitness of the ovipositingCulexfemales.
The longitudinal association between patient empowerment and patient-reported outcomes: What is the direction of effect?
Authors: Acuña Mora Mariela , Sparud-Lundin Carina , Fernlund Eva , Fadl Shalan , Kalliopi Kazamia , Rydberg Annika , Burström Åsa , Hanseus Katarina , Moons Philip , Bratt Ewa-Lena
Published: November 2022

Background

Theoretical literature and cross-sectional studies suggest empowerment is associated with other patient-reported outcomes (PROs). However, it is not known if patient empowerment is leading to improvements in other PROs or vice versa.

Aims

The present study aimed to examine the direction of effects between patient empowerment and PROs in young persons with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

As part of the STEPSTONES-CHD trial, adolescents with CHD from seven pediatric cardiology centers in Sweden were included in a longitudinal observational study (n = 132). Data were collected when patients were 16 (T0), 17 (T1) and 18 ½ years old (T2). The Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES) was used to measure patient empowerment. Random intercepts cross-lagged panel models between patient empowerment and PROs (communication skills; patient-reported health; quality of life; and transition readiness) were undertaken.

Results

We found a significant cross-lagged effect of transition readiness over patient empowerment between T1 and T2, signifying that a higher level of transition readiness predicted a higher level of patient empowerment. No other significant cross-lagged relationships were found.

Conclusion

Feeling confident before the transition to adult care is necessary before young persons with CHD can feel in control to manage their health and their lives. Clinicians interested in improving patient empowerment during the transitional period should consider targeting transition readiness.
Determinants of financial poverty alleviation efficiency: Evidence from Henan, China
Authors: Liu Qitao
Published: November 2022

Poverty alleviation is a common cause for all human beings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation in 18 cities in Henan, China, and to explore the factors affecting the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation, so as to contribute new knowledge to the cause of poverty alleviation. Based on the relevant data of 18 cities in Henan, using output-oriented DEA model and Tobit regression model with bootstrap method, this study evaluates the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation in various cities in Henan, and explores the determinants of the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation. The results show that the overall poverty alleviation efficiency of Henan is high, and the financial poverty alleviation efficiencies of different cities show distinct heterogeneities. The efficiencies of financial poverty alleviation in Zhengzhou and Luoyang are 1, and there are different spaces for improvement in the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation in other cities. Financial subsidies are the most important positive factors affecting the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation. For every 1% increase in the value of financial subsidies, the poverty alleviation efficiency will increase by 0.213%. The urban-rural dualistic economic structure is negatively correlated with the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation. Every 1% increase in the value of the urban-rural dualistic economic structure will reduce the poverty alleviation efficiency by 0.11%. Industrial structure is positively related to the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation. For every 1% increase in the value of the industrial structure, the poverty alleviation efficiency will increase by 0.072%. The formulation of financial poverty alleviation policies in various regions should be combined with their own characteristics, and promote the efficiency of financial poverty alleviation by strengthening the advantages and making up for the deficiencies.