bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrawide field, distortion-corrected ocular shape estimation with MHz optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Authors: Tan Bingyao , McNabb Ryan P. , Zheng Feihui , Sim Yin CI , Yao Xinwen , Chua Jacqueline , Ang Marcus , Hoang Quan V. , Kuo Anthony N. , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: July 2021

Ocular deformation may be associated with biomechanical alterations in the structures of the eye, especially the cornea and sclera in conditions such as keratoconus, congenital glaucoma, and pathological myopia. Here, we propose a method to estimate ocular shape using an ultra-wide field MHz swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) with a Fourier Domain Mode-Locked (FDML) laser and distortion correction of the images. The ocular biometrics for distortion correction was collected by an IOLMaster 700, and localized Gaussian curvature was proposed to quantify the ocular curvature covering a field-of-view up to 65°×62°. We achieved repeatable curvature shape measurements (intraclass coefficient = 0.88 ± 0.06) and demonstrated its applicability in a pilot study with individuals (N = 11) with various degrees of myopia.
Laser properties of Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped glass fiber around 1  µm
Authors: Lin Zhiquan , Yu Chunlei , Hu Lili
Published: July 2021

The interest in

N
d

3
+

/

Y
b

3
+

co-doping was initially motivated by the discovery of

N
d

3
+

→

Y
b

3
+

energy transfer in 1964, which profoundly influenced the motivation for subsequent research. Here, however, we propose a new mechanism based on an 808 nm and 975 nm dual-pumping scheme, in which the effect of

N
d

3
+

→

Y
b

3
+

energy transfer process is negligible. Gain spectrum modulation and its application in tunable dual-wavelength lasers around 1 µm were demonstrated in a 30-cm-long

N
d

3
+

/

Y
b

3
+

co-doped silica glass fiber. In addition, interesting laser efficiency improvements, thermal performance improvements, and even photodarkening resistance behavior were observed. This work broadens the knowledge of

N
d

3
+

/

Y
b

3
+

co-doping and may provide useful insights for exploring co-doping with rare-earth ions.
Multiband tunable perfect metamaterial absorber realized by different graphene patterns
Authors: Lv Yisong , Tian Jinping , Yang Rongcao
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the absorption performance of a proposed metamaterial (MM) absorber based on a three-layer graphene structure working in the terahertz (THz) frequency band is studied. By using different types of combined graphene patterns, dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band absorption can be achieved. In the case of tri-band absorption, three absorption peaks with absorption rates of 99.7%, 99.9%, and 99.9% can be found at frequencies of 4.64 THz, 6.45 THz, and 9.71 THz, respectively. In addition, the proposed structure is polarization independent and has the absorption characteristic of wide incident angles. The frequency and the intensity of the absorption peaks can be adjusted by changing the chemical potential and the relaxation time of the graphene and the structural parameters. Therefore, we believe that the proposed graphene MM absorber structure provides flexible design ideas for a multibandwidth MM perfect absorber, and the proposed absorber also can be applied to subwavelength integrated sensors and optoelectronic devices in the terahertz range.
Discovering nonlinear resonances through physics-informed machine learning
Authors: Barmparis G. D. , Tsironis G. P.
Published: July 2021

For an ensemble of nonlinear systems that model, for instance, molecules or photonic systems, we propose a method that finds efficiently the configuration that has prescribed transfer properties. Specifically, we use physics-informed machine learning (PIML) techniques to find the parameters for the efficient transfer of an electron (or photon) to a targeted state in a nonlinear dimer. We create a machine learning model containing two variables,

χ
D

and

χ
A

, representing the nonlinear terms in the donor and acceptor target system states. We then introduce a data-free physics-informed loss function as

1.0
−

P
j

, where

P
j

is the probability, the electron being in the targeted state,

j

. By minimizing the loss function, we maximize the occupation probability to the targeted state. The method recovers known results in the targeted energy transfer (TET) model, and it is then applied to a more complex system with an additional intermediate state. In this trimer configuration, the PIML approach discovers desired resonant paths from the donor to acceptor units. The proposed PIML method is general and may be used in the chemical design of molecular complexes or engineering design of quantum or photonic systems.
Increase in terahertz-wave generation by difference frequency mixing by the overlap of exciton states in different GaAs/AlAs quantum wells and spectroscopic measurements
Authors: Sakaue Kanta , Kojima Osamu , Kita Takashi , Steer Matthew J. , Hogg Richard A.
Published: July 2021

Intense terahertz-wave emission in the higher frequency region can result in various applications such as terahertz spectroscopy and ultrafast data communication. In this study, an increase in terahertz waves by the overlap of exciton states in different quantum wells and spectroscopic demonstration are reported. The excitation energy dependence of signal intensity shows the effect of the overlap. The signals measured under the condition of square dependence of intensity on the excitation power indicate interference with the periods corresponding to the laser energy difference. Furthermore, the absorption coefficient of the transparent sheet is obtained at specific frequency. These results indicate that the generation of intense terahertz waves at various frequencies using excitons is possible and that difference frequency mixing is a useful terahertz-wave source.
Smart thermal management with near-field thermal radiation [invited]
Authors: Latella Ivan , Biehs Svend-Age , Ben-Abdallah Philippe
Published: July 2021

When two objects at different temperatures are separated by a vacuum gap they can exchange heat by radiation only. At large separation distances (far-field regime), the amount of transferred heat flux is limited by Stefan-Boltzmann’s law (blackbody limit). In contrast, at subwavelength distances (near-field regime), this limit can be exceeded by orders of magnitude thanks to the contributions of evanescent waves. This article reviews the recent progress on the passive and active control of near-field radiative heat exchange in two- and many-body systems.
Super-collimation by axisymmetric diffractive metamirror
Authors: Lymarenko R. A. , Gailevicius D. , Meskelaite I. , Grineviciute L. , Peckus M. , Staliunas K. , Taranenko V. B.
Published: July 2021

We propose and demonstrate experimentally super-collimation of light beams by an axisymmetric diffractive metamirror—an axisymmetric concentric dielectric ring structure positioned in front of a mirror at a distance of several micrometers. By super-collimation, we mean the formation of a well-collimated beam characterized by a substantial enhancement of its axial component in the far-field domain. In the reported experiments, the axial intensity of the field was enhanced by around six times. Such axisymmetric super-collimators could be especially useful for improving the emission spatial quality of micro-lasers, when integrated as one (or both) resonator mirrors.
Three-dimensional reconstruction using variable exponential function regularization for wide-field polarization modulation imaging of surface texture of particles
Authors: Wu Qiong , Gao Kun , Mao Yuxuan , Li Mu , Jin Xiao , Xiong Jichuan , Yu Peilin
Published: July 2021

Shapes from the diffuse polarization method effectively realize the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the object surface by using the polarization information of the diffuse reflection light. However, due to the nonconvexity of the particle surface, the reconstruction often falls into a local optimal solution. Indeed, the depth image obtained by the scanning electron microscope has serious stripe noise, which distorts the surface texture of the particle. In this Letter, a variable exponential function regularization method is proposed to realize 3D reconstruction for the nonconvexity of the surface and inclination of the particles. We focus on the gradient unintegrability caused by the skew and surface undulation of the specimen. An adaptive 3D reconstruction method is proposed based on variable exponential function regularization to fit the surface function of the particle. Experimental results of finite-difference time-domain simulations and actual imaging demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Broadband achromatic metalens design based on deep neural networks
Authors: An Xipeng , Cao Yue , Wei Yunxuan , Zhou Zhihao , Hu Tie , Feng Xing , He Guangqiang , Zhao Ming , Yang Zhenyu
Published: July 2021

For the design of achromatic metalenses, one key challenge is to accurately realize the wavelength dependent phase profile. Because of the demand of tremendous simulations, traditional methods are laborious and time consuming. Here, a novel deep neural network (DNN) is proposed and applied to the achromatic metalens design, which turns complex design processes into regression tasks through fitting the target phase curves. During training,

x
−
y

projection pairs are put forward to solve the phase jump problem, and some additional phase curves are manually generated to optimize the DNN performance. To demonstrate the validity of our DNN, two achromatic metalenses in the near-infrared region are designed and simulated. Their average focal length shifts are 2.6% and 1.7%, while their average relative focusing efficiencies reach 59.18% and 77.88%.
High stability ultra-narrow band self-activated KGaSiO4 long-persistent phosphors for optical anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Zhao Jinxing , Li Xu , Li Shengnan , Zhao Xinru , Wang Fenghe , Wang Dawei , Dong Guoyi , Guan Li
Published: July 2021

Optical anti-counterfeiting has been developed as a promising optical-sensing technique. A self-activated

K
G
a
S
i
O

4

phosphor was successfully prepared using the traditional solid-state method. The photoluminescence spectra of the as-synthesized phosphors indicate that the ultra-narrow band emission with green light peak at 503 nm is obtained when phosphors are excited by 254 nm UV light. Additionally, the measured afterglow curve shows that the emission of this phosphor can last more than 1200 s after UV excitation stops, which indicates that

K
G
a
S
i
O

4

is a potential candidate for anti-counterfeiting materials. The luminescent and decay mechanism are discussed by theoretical calculation and thermo-luminescent spectra in detail. The theoretical model can provide support for explaining the mechanism of narrow band or persistent phosphor.
From near-UV to long-wave infrared waveguides inscribed in barium fluoride using a femtosecond laser
Authors: Dupont Albert , Lapointe Jerome , Pouliot Samuel , Vallée Réal
Published: July 2021

Depressed-cladding waveguides (DCWs) of various sizes were inscribed in barium fluoride, allowing single-mode operation in the entirety of its transmission window (

λ
=

0.2
−
12

µ

m

). Using femtosecond laser pulses at 515 nm, type I laser modified tracks were overlapped to form circular waveguides, whose cross-sectional geometry and numerical aperture were tailored to accommodate 0.405, 2.85, and 10.6 µm light. The mode profile, propagation loss, refractive index profile, and numerical aperture of the optimized waveguides were analyzed and compared with theory. We particularly demonstrate the challenging inscription of a large DCW for single-mode operation at 10.6 µm with propagation loss of

<

0.63

d
B

/

c
m

.
Strong Purcell effect in deep subwavelength coaxial cavity with GeSn active medium
Authors: Ren Tianhua , Dong Yiyao , Xu Shengqiang , Gong Xiao
Published: July 2021

We propose a deep subwavelength plasmonic cavity based on a metal-coated coaxial structure with

G
e

0.9

S
n

0.1

as the active medium. A fundamental surface plasmon polariton mode is strongly confined on the sidewall of the metal core, with the quality factor up to

5

×

10

3

at 10 K. By reducing the cavity dimension to a few nanometers, this cavity mode shows a strong plasmon binding with the mode volume down to

8

×

10

−
10

(

λ

/

n

)
3

, and significant size-dependent damping caused by the non-local optical response. The Purcell factor is achieved as high as

2

×

10

9

at 10 K and

7

×

10

8

at 300 K. This cavity design provides a systematic guideline of scaling down the cavity size and enhancing the Purcell factor. Our theoretical demonstration and understanding of the subwavelength plasmonic cavity represent a significant step toward the large-scale integration of on-chip lasers with a low threshold.
Time-correlated single photon Raman spectroscopy at megahertz repetition rates
Authors: Finlayson Neil , Usai Andrea , Brown Gillian E. , McEwan Heather , Erdogan Ahmet T. , Campbell Colin J. , Henderson Robert K.
Published: July 2021

Significant improvements in time-correlated single photon counting
(TCSPC) Raman spectroscopy acquisition times can be achieved through
exploitation of megahertz (MHz) laser repetition rates. We have
developed a TCSPC Raman spectroscopy system based on a high peak power (

>

40

W

) pulsed laser, a high pulse
repetition rate (40 MHz), a custom

f

/

1.5

spectrometer, and a 512 spectral
channel × 16 time bin single photon avalanche diode line sensor. We
report millisecond Raman spectrum acquisition times, a peak Raman
count rate of 104 kcps, and a linewidth aggregated count rate of
440 kcps with a diamond sample. This represents a
three-order-of-magnitude increase in measured Raman count rate in
comparison with a 104 kHz pulsed laser operating at 300 W and a
four-order-of-magnitude increase over a 0.1 W pulsed laser operating
at 40 MHz. A Raman-to-fluorescence ratio of 4.76 is achieved with a
sesame oil sample at a 20 MHz repetition rate. Achieving high count
rates and Raman-to-fluorescence ratios unlocks the potential of
combined Raman/fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy for imaging and
other short acquisition time applications.
Femtosecond-laser-excited luminescence of the A-band in natural diamond and its thermal control
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Danilov Pavel , Smirnov Nikita , Levchenko Alexey , Kovalev Michael , Gulina Yulia , Kovalchuk Oleg , Ionin Andrey
Published: July 2021

Ultrafast visible-range excitation in natural diamond produces UV-VIS A-band photoluminescence with marginal zero-phonon line and intense regular multi-peak optical-phonon progression. The A-band photoexcitation can occur via band-center, center-center and band-band transitions, being related to two-photon (center-terminated), or interband three-photon and impact-ionization processes. Minor thermal pre-heating of the diamond (< 55 °C) demonstrates strong damping of A-band progression intensities with two different activation energies.
Modelling-informed cell-seeded nerve repair construct designs for treating peripheral nerve injuries
Authors: Coy Rachel , Berg Maxime , Phillips James B. , Shipley Rebecca J.
Published: July 2021

Millions of people worldwide are affected by peripheral nerve injuries (PNI), involving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Common outcomes for patients include paralysis and loss of sensation, often leading to lifelong pain and disability. Engineered Neural Tissue (EngNT) is being developed as an alternative to the current treatments for large-gap PNIs that show underwhelming functional recovery in many cases. EngNT repair constructs are composed of a stabilised hydrogel cylinder, surrounded by a sheath of material, to mimic the properties of nerve tissue. The technology also enables the spatial seeding of therapeutic cells in the hydrogel to promote nerve regeneration. The identification of mechanisms leading to maximal nerve regeneration and to functional recovery is a central challenge in the design of EngNT repair constructs. Using in vivo experiments in isolation is costly and time-consuming, offering a limited insight on the mechanisms underlying the performance of a given repair construct. To bridge this gap, we derive a cell-solute model and apply it to the case of EngNT repair constructs seeded with therapeutic cells which produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under low oxygen conditions to promote vascularisation in the construct. The model comprises a set of coupled non-linear diffusion-reaction equations describing the evolving cell population along with its interactions with oxygen and VEGF fields during the first 24h after transplant into the nerve injury site. This model allows us to evaluate a wide range of repair construct designs (e.g. cell-seeding strategy, sheath material, culture conditions), the idea being that designs performing well over a short timescale could be shortlisted for in vivo trials. In particular, our results suggest that seeding cells beyond a certain density threshold is detrimental regardless of the situation considered, opening new avenues for future nerve tissue engineering.
Prevalence and incidence of possible vascular dementia among Mexican older adults: Analysis of the Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Yeverino-Castro Sara G. , Mejía-Arango Silvia , Mimenza-Alvarado Alberto J. , Cantú-Brito Carlos , Avila-Funes José A. , Aguilar-Navarro Sara G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia. Physical disability and cognitive impairment due to stroke are conditions that considerably affect quality of life. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of possible vascular dementia (PVD) in older adults using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS 2012 and 2015 waves).

Methods

The MHAS is a representative longitudinal cohort study of Mexican adults aged ≥50 years. Data from 14, 893 participants from the 2012 cohort and 14,154 from the 2015 cohort were analyzed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of PVD. Self-respondents with history of stroke were classified as PVD if scores in two or more cognitive domains in the Cross-Cultural Cognitive Examination were ≥ 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on reference norms and if limitations in ≥ 1 instrumental activities of daily living were present. For proxy respondents with history of stroke, we used a score ≥3.4 on the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly. Crude and standardized rates of prevalent and incident PVD were estimated.

Results

Prevalence of PVD was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.5–0.8) (0.5 with age and sex- standardization). Rates increased with age reaching 2.0% among those aged 80 and older and decreased with educational attainment. After 3.0 years of follow-up, 87 new cases of PVD represented an overall incident rate of 2.2 (95% CI, 1.7–2.6) per 1,000 person-years (2.0 with age and sex- standardization). Incidence also increased with advancing age reaching an overall rate of 9.4 (95% CI, 6.3–13.6) per 1,000 person-years for participants aged >80 years. Hypertension and depressive symptoms were strong predictors of incident PVD.

Conclusion

These data provide new estimates of PVD prevalence and incidence in the Mexican population. We found that PVD incidence increased with age. Males aged 80 years or older showed a greater incidence rate when compared to females, which is comparable to previous estimates from other studies.
Electroacupuncture for post-thoracotomy pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Park Sohyeon , Lyu Yee Ran , Park So Jung , Oh Min Seok , Jung In Chul , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: July 2021

Background

Thoracotomy is an invasive surgical procedure that produces intense postoperative pain. Electroacupuncture has been used to induce analgesia in various situations, including after surgery. The aim of the following systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on post-thoracotomy pain.

Methods

The studies for the systematic review were searched using the following 9 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE Complete, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Korean Medical Database (KMBASE), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), and OASIS, without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. The review protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42019142157.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis was performed for two outcome measures: pain score 24 hours after surgery and total dose of opioid analgesics. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the control group: sham acupuncture and conventional analgesia group. Pain score 24 hours after surgery of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference of -0.98 (95% CI: -1.62 to -0.35) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -0.94 (95% CI: -1.33 to -0.55) compared to conventional analgesia. The total dose of opioid analgesics of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference values of -0.95 (95% CI: -1.42 to -0.47) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -1.96 (95% CI: -2.82 to -1.10) compared to conventional analgesia.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that electroacupuncture might provide useful pain relieving effect on post-thoracotomy patients. However, due to low quality and high heterogeneity of existing data, further rigorously designed studies should be performed to confirm the safety and efficacy.
Declining well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals US social inequities
Authors: Bathina Krishna C. , ten Thij Marijn , Valdez Danny , Rutter Lauren A. , Bollen Johan
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to mental health fallout in the US; yet research about mental health and COVID-19 primarily rely on samples that may overlook variance in regional mental health. Indeed, between-city comparisons of mental health decline in the US may provide further insight into how the pandemic is disproportionately affecting at-risk groups.

Purpose

This study leverages social media and COVID-19-city infection data to measure the longitudinal (January 22- July 31, 2020) mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 20 metropolitan areas.

Methods

We used longitudinal VADER sentiment analysis of Twitter timelines (January-July 2020) for cohorts in 20 metropolitan areas to examine mood changes over time. We then conducted simple and multivariate Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions to examine the relationship between COVID-19 infection city data, population, population density, and city demographics on sentiment across those 20 cities.

Results

Longitudinal sentiment tracking showed mood declines over time. The univariate OLS regression highlighted a negative linear relationship between COVID-19 city data and online sentiment (β = -.017). Residing in predominantly white cities had a protective effect against COVID-19 driven negative mood (β = .0629, p < .001).

Discussion

Our results reveal that metropolitan areas with larger communities of color experienced a greater subjective well-being decline than predominantly white cities, which we attribute to clinical and socioeconomic correlates that place communities of color at greater risk of COVID-19.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic is a driver of declining US mood in 20 metropolitan cities. Other factors, including social unrest and local demographics, may compound and exacerbate mental health outlook in racially diverse cities.
NFAT transcription factors are essential and redundant actors for leukemia initiating potential in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Catherinet Claire , Passaro Diana , Gachet Stéphanie , Medyouf Hind , Reynaud Anne , Lasgi Charlène , Ghysdael Jacques , Tran Quang Christine
Published: July 2021

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy with few available targeted therapies. We previously reported that the phosphatase calcineurin (Cn) is required for LIC (leukemia Initiating Capacity) potential of T-ALL pointing to Cn as an interesting therapeutic target. Calcineurin inhibitors have however unwanted side effect. NFAT transcription factors play crucial roles downstream of calcineurin during thymocyte development, T cell differentiation, activation and anergy. Here we elucidate NFAT functional relevance in T-ALL. Using murine T-ALL models in which Nfat genes can be inactivated either singly or in combination, we show that NFATs are required for T-ALL LIC potential and essential to survival, proliferation and migration of T-ALL cells. We also demonstrate that Nfat genes are functionally redundant in T-ALL and identified a node of genes commonly deregulated upon Cn or NFAT inactivation, which may serve as future candidate targets for T-ALL.
Mineralization and nutrient release pattern of vermicast-sawdust mixed media with or without addition of Trichoderma viride
Authors: Lin Suwen , Gunupuru Lokanadha Rao , Ofoe Raphael , Saleh Roksana , Asiedu Samuel Kwaku , Thomas Raymond H. , Abbey Lord
Published: July 2021

A combination of vermicast and sawdust mixed medium is commonly used in horticulture, but the added benefit of microbial inoculation and mechanism of nutrient availability are unknown. This study was done to determine nutrient mineralization and nutrient release patterns of different combinations or a mix of vermicast-sawdust growing media amended with or withoutTrichoderma viride(105spores/g). The mixed-media treatments were (1) 80% vermicast+20% sawdust; (2) 60% vermicast+40% sawdust; (3) 40% vermicast+60% sawdust; (4) 20% vermicast+80% sawdust; and (5) sawdust alone (control). Total dissolved solids, electric conductivity and salinity increased with each sampling time following submergence in deionized. Nutrients released from media withoutT.viridewere significantly higher than the corresponding media with addedT.viride. Overall, the starting total nitrogen of the different media did not change during the incubation period, but nitrate-nitrogen was reduced to a negligible amount by the end of day 30 of incubation. A repeated measures analysis showed a significant effect of Time*T.viride*Treatment on total dissolved solids. Redundancy analysis demonstrated a positive and strong association between media composed of ≥40% vermicast and ≤60% sawdust with or withoutT.virideand mineral nutrients released, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity. These findings suggest that fast-growing plants may benefit from 40% to 60% vermicast added to 40% to 60% sawdust withoutT.viridewhile slow-growing plants can benefit from the same mixed medium combined with the addition ofT.viride. Further investigation is underway to assess microbial dynamics in the mixed media and their influence on plant growth.
Management of maternal depression: Qualitative exploration of perceptions of healthcare professionals from a public tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Jawed Makkiya , Pradhan Nousheen Akber , Mistry Rozina , Nazir Amirah , Shekhani Sualeha , Ali Tazeen Saeed
Published: July 2021

The lack of implementation and routine screening of management techniques at tertiary care hospitals leads to an increased burden of maternal depression. The consequences are borne emotionally, physically, and mentally by the mother, the child, the overall family, and society. Hence, it is vital to contextualize this mental disorder to design and implement effective healthcare interventions. The study is aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals, in a tertiary care setting, who deal with depressive symptoms amongst mothers. It gauges whether a psychological screening criterion is being implemented by the clinical staff during prenatal and postnatal visits to recommend steps that can help develop a service framework. A qualitative, exploratory study design was implemented for this research. With purposive sampling, eight in-depth interviews (three nurses and five doctors) at a single tertiary care hospital were conducted categorically using a semi-structured (open and close-ended questions) interview toolkit. Content Analysis was carried out using information gathered from the unit of analysis. The study provided evidence of the existing gaps in one particular tertiary healthcare system, within Pakistan, concerning diagnosis and management of maternal depression. Results highlighted that providers were well-versed with explanations of maternal depression, the aftermath of it, and the current status of healthcare; however, they were minimally educated about the specifics and levels of treatment. The gathered information assisted in recommending steps to develop a service framework.
Routine health information utilization and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Birye Dessalegn , Gebeyehu Senafekesh Biruk
Published: July 2021

Background

Utilization of routine health information plays a vital role for the effectiveness of routine and programed decisions. A proper utilization of routine health information helps to make decisions based on evidence. Considerable studies have been done on the utilization of routine health information among health workers in Ethiopia, but inconsistent findings were reported. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the pooled utilization of routine health information and to identify associated factors among health workers in Ethiopia.

Methods

Search of PubMed, HINARI, Global Health, Scopus, EMBASE, web of science, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies from October 24, 2020 to November 18, 2020. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Two reviewers extracted the data independently using a standardized data extraction format and exported to STATA software version 11 for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was checked using Cochrane Q and I2test statistics. The pooled estimate of utilization of routine health information was executed using a random effect model.

Results

After reviewing 22924 studies, 10 studies involving 4054 health workers were included for this review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of routine health information utilization among health workers in Ethiopia was 57.42% (95% CI: 41.48, 73.36). Supportive supervision (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.80, 2.82), regular feedback (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.60, 5.12), availability of standard guideline (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.80, 3.58), data management knowledge (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.75, 5.29) and training on health information (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.96, 6.07) were identified factors associated with utilization of routine health information.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than two-fifth of health workers did not use their routine health information. This study suggests the need to conduct regular supportive supervision, provision of training and capacity building, mentoring on competence of routine health information tasks, and strengthening regular feedback at all health facilities. In addition, improving the accessibility and availability of standard set of indicators is important to scale-up information use.
Agonist and antagonist properties of an insect GABA-gated chloride channel (RDL) are influenced by heterologous expression conditions
Authors: Smelt Charles L. C. , Sanders Victoria R. , Puinean Alin M. , Lansdell Stuart J. , Goodchild Jim , Millar Neil S.
Published: July 2021

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) activated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are expressed widely in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. One of the best characterised insect GABA-gated chloride channels is RDL, an abbreviation of ‘resistance to dieldrin’, that was originally identified by genetic screening in Drosophila melanogaster. Here we have cloned the analogous gene from the bumblebee Bombus terrestris audax (BtRDL) and examined its pharmacological properties by functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. Somewhat unexpectedly, the sensitivity of BtRDL to GABA, as measured by its apparent affinity (EC50), was influenced by heterologous expression conditions. This phenomenon was observed in response to alterations in the amount of cRNA injected; the length of time that oocytes were incubated before functional analysis; and by the presence or absence of a 3’ untranslated region. In contrast, similar changes in expression conditions were not associated with changes in apparent affinity with RDL cloned from D. melanogaster (DmRDL). Changes in apparent affinity with BtRDL were also observed following co-expression of a chaperone protein (NACHO). Similar changes in apparent affinity were observed with an allosteric agonist (propofol) and a non-competitive antagonist (picrotoxinin), indicating that expression-depended changes are not restricted to the orthosteric agonist binding site. Interestingly, instances of expression-dependent changes in apparent affinity have been reported previously for vertebrate glycine receptors, which are also members of the pLGIC super-family. Our observations with BtRDL are consistent with previous data obtained with vertebrate glycine receptors and indicates that agonist and antagonist apparent affinity can be influenced by the level of functional expression in a variety of pLGICs.
Major bioactive chemical compounds in Astragali Radix samples from different vendors vary greatly
Authors: Kafle Bijay , Baak Jan P. A. , Brede Cato
Published: July 2021

The worldwide traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs sales figures have increased considerably to 50 billion US$ (2018). Astragali Radix (AR) is amongst the most often sold TCM herbs; sales in the European Union (EU) need European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval. However, comparisons of characteristic bioactive molecules concentrations in AR from different EU vendors are lacking. This study uses liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with standard addition to evaluate the influence of different sample and preparation types and ammonia treatment on bioactive molecules concentrations in AR. We also compare AR samples from different EU-vendors. Astragaloside IV (AG-IV), ononin and calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucoside concentrations were higher in root powder samples when extracted with boiled water than with ultrasonication using 70% methanol. AG-IV content was by far the highest in granulates from vendor 1 (202 ± 35 μg/g) but very low in hydrophilic concentrates from vendor 1 (32 ± 7 μg/g) and granulates from vendor 4 (36 ± 3 μg/g). Ammonia-treatment significantly increased AG-IV concentrations in all samples (e.g., to 536 ± 178 μg/g in vendor 1 granulates). Comparable effects were found for most other bioactive molecules. AG-IV and other bioactive molecules concentrations differed strongly depending on sample types, extraction processes, ammonia treatment-or-not and especially between different vendors samples. Ammonia-treatment is debatable, as it is supposed to convert other astragalosides, to AG-IV. The results indicate that routine quantitative analysis of major bioactive compounds present in AR, helps in quality control of AR and to guarantee the quality of commercial products.
Women empowerment and skilled birth attendance in sub-Saharan Africa: A multi-country analysis
Authors: Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Adde Kenneth Setorwu , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In 2017, the highest global maternal deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The WHO advocates that maternal deaths can be mitigated with the assistance of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) at childbirth. Women empowerment is also acknowledged as an enabling factor to women’s functionality and healthcare utilisation including use of SBAs’ services. Consequently, this study investigated the association between women empowerment and skilled birth attendance in SSA.

Materials and methods

This study involved the analysis of secondary data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 countries conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 3, 2018. For this study, only women who had given birth in the five years prior to the surveys were included, which is 166,022. At 95% confidence interval, Binary Logistic Regression analyses were conducted and findings were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results

The overall prevalence of skilled birth attendance was 63.0%, with the lowest prevalence in Tanzania (13.8%) and highest in Rwanda (91.2%). Women who were empowered with high level of knowledge (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.51, 1.71), high decision-making power (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.23), and low acceptance of wife beating had higher likelihood of skill birth attendance after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Women from rural areas had lesser likelihood (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.51–0.55) of skilled birth attendance compared to women from urban areas. Working women had a lesser likelihood of skilled birth attendance (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.88–0.94) as compared to those not working. Women with secondary (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 2.03–2.22), or higher education (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 3.81–5.07), and women in the richest wealth status (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 3.29–3.73) had higher likelihood of skilled birth attendance.

Conclusion

These findings accentuate that going forward, successful skilled birth attendant interventions are the ones that can prioritise the empowerment of women.
Salmon subsidies predict territory size and habitat selection of an avian insectivore
Authors: Wilcox Kirsten A. , Wagner Marlene A. , Reynolds John D.
Published: July 2021

The annual migration and spawning event of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) can lead to cross-boundary delivery of marine-derived nutrients from their carcasses into adjacent terrestrial ecosystems. The densities of some passerine species, including Pacific wrens (Troglodytes pacificus), have been shown to be positively correlated with salmon abundance along streams in Alaska and British Columbia, but mechanisms maintaining these densities remain poorly understood. Riparian areas near salmon streams could provide higher quality habitat for birds through greater food availability and more suitable vegetation structure for foraging and breeding, resulting in wrens maintaining smaller territories. We examined relationships between salmon biomass and Pacific wren territory size, competition, and habitat selection along 11 streams on the coast of British Columbia, Canada. We show that male wren densities increase and territory sizes decrease as salmon-spawning biomass increases. Higher densities result in higher rates of competition as male wrens countersing more frequently to defend their territories along streams with more salmon. Wrens were also more selective of the habitats they defended along streams with higher salmon biomass; they were 68% less likely to select low-quality habitat on streams with salmon compared with 46% less likely at streams without salmon. This suggests a potential trade-off between available high-quality habitat and the cost of competition that structures habitat selection. Thus, the marine-nutrient subsidies provided by salmon carcasses to forests lead to higher densities of wrens while shifting the economics of territorial defence toward smaller territories being defended more vigorously in higher quality habitats.
Tropilaelaps mercedesae parasitism changes behavior and gene expression in honey bee workers
Authors: Gao Jing , Ma Shilong , Wang Xinling , Yang Yang , Luo Qihua , Wang Xing , Liu Feng , Wang Qiang , Fu Zhongmin , Diao Qingyun , Dai Pingli
Published: July 2021

Tropilaelaps mercedesaeis one of the most problematic honey bee parasites and has become more threatening to the beekeeping industry.Tropilaelapscan easily parasitize immature honey bees (larvae and pupae) and have both lethal and sublethal effects on the individual worker bees. Our study for the first time experimentally assessed the effects ofT.mercedesaeon olfactory learning, flight ability, homing ability as well as transcriptional changes in parasitized adult honey bees.T.mercedesaeinfestation had negative impacts on olfactory associated function, flight ability, and homing rate. The volume of the mushroom body significantly increased in infested honey bees, which may be correlated to the lower sucrose responsiveness as well as lower learning ability in the infested bees. The gene expression involved in immune systems and carbohydrate transport and metabolism were significantly different between infested bees and non-infested bees. Moreover, genes function in cell adhesion play an essential role in olfactory sensory in honey bees. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of European honey bees in response toT.mercedesaeinfestation, and could be used to further investigate the complex molecular mechanisms in honey bees under parasitic stress.
Listeria monocytogenes infection rewires host metabolism with regulatory input from type I interferons
Authors: Demiroz Duygu , Platanitis Ekaterini , Bryant Michael , Fischer Philipp , Prchal-Murphy Michaela , Lercher Alexander , Lassnig Caroline , Baccarini Manuela , Müller Mathias , Bergthaler Andreas , Sexl Veronika , Dolezal Marlies , Decker Thomas
Published: July 2021

Listeria monocytogenes(L.monocytogenes) is a food-borne bacterial pathogen. Innate immunity toL.monocytogenesis profoundly affected by type I interferons (IFN-I). Here we investigated host metabolism inL.monocytogenes-infected mice and its potential control by IFN-I. Accordingly, we used animals lacking either the IFN-I receptor (IFNAR) or IRF9, a subunit of ISGF3, the master regulator of IFN-I-induced genes. Transcriptomes and metabolite profiles showed thatL.monocytogenesinfection induces metabolic rewiring of the liver. This affects various metabolic pathways including fatty acid (FA) metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation and is partially dependent on IFN-I signaling. Livers and macrophages fromIfnar1-/-mice employ increased glutaminolysis in an IRF9-independent manner, possibly to readjust TCA metabolite levels due to reduced FA oxidation. Moreover, FA oxidation inhibition provides protection fromL.monocytogenesinfection, explaining part of the protection ofIrf9-/-andIfnar1-/-mice. Our findings define a role of IFN-I in metabolic regulation duringL.monocytogenesinfection. Metabolic differences betweenIrf9-/-andIfnar1-/-mice may underlie the different susceptibility of these mice against lethal infection withL.monocytogenes.
Transgenic expression of a T cell epitope in Strongyloides ratti reveals that helminth-specific CD4+ T cells constitute both Th2 and Treg populations
Authors: Douglas Bonnie , Wei Yun , Li Xinshe , Ferguson Annabel , Hung Li-Yin , Pastore Christopher , Kurtz Jonathan R , McLachlan James B. , Nolan Thomas J. , Lok James , Herbert De’Broski R.
Published: July 2021

Helminths are distinct from microbial pathogens in both size and complexity, and are the likely evolutionary driving force for type 2 immunity. CD4+ helper T cells can both coordinate worm clearance and prevent immunopathology, but issues of T cell antigen specificity in the context of helminth-induced Th2 and T regulatory cell (Treg) responses have not been addressed. Herein, we generated a novel transgenic line of the gastrointestinal nematode Strongyloides ratti expressing the immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitope 2W1S as a fusion protein with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and FLAG peptide in order to track and study helminth-specific CD4+ T cells. C57BL/6 mice infected with this stable transgenic line (termed Hulk) underwent a dose-dependent expansion of activated CD44hiCD11ahi 2W1S-specific CD4+ T cells, preferentially in the lung parenchyma. Transcriptional profiling of 2W1S-specific CD4+ T cells isolated from mice infected with either Hulk or the enteric bacterial pathogen Salmonella expressing 2W1S revealed that pathogen context exerted a dominant influence over CD4+ T cell phenotype. Interestingly, Hulk-elicited 2W1S-specific CD4+ T cells exhibited both Th2 and Treg phenotypes and expressed high levels of the EGFR ligand amphiregulin, which differed greatly from the phenotype of 2W1S-specific CD4+ T cells elicited by 2W1S-expressing Salmonella. While immunization with 2W1S peptide did not enhance clearance of Hulk infection, immunization did increase total amphiregulin production as well as the number of amphiregulin-expressing CD3+ cells in the lung following Hulk infection. Altogether, this new model system elucidates effector as well as immunosuppressive and wound reparative roles of helminth-specific CD4+ T cells. This report establishes a new resource for studying the nature and function of helminth-specific T cells.
‘Oohing and ahhing’: The power of thin(g)king in art education research
Authors: Hood Emily Jean , Lewis Tyson E.
Published: July 2021

In this article, we seek to explore what new materialist theory and post-intentional phenomenology bring to art education research. Materiality is contextualized politically and historically, and then applied to an emerging research methodology which attempts to centre the material world as a key participant in an art education dissertation research project. The research site, a creative reuse store, serves as both context and participant as the authors explore the powerful collective agency of materiality in processes of art making. Portions of findings from the project are presented here and a new theory of thin(g)king is discussed.
‘Immersed in Art’: Engaged learning in art and design history
Authors: Chandler Lisa , Ward Alistair , Ward Lisa
Published: July 2021

Established approaches to art history pedagogy typically involve a primarily passive form of instruction incorporating the viewing of works projected on screens. While such approaches can convey valuable information, they can also contribute to student disengagement and do not necessarily support deep learning. This article examines three learning initiatives incorporating an immersive teaching space to determine how these forms of technology-enhanced active learning might enhance student comprehension and engagement. The article considers how learning design incorporating the affordances of such immersive environments can provide multimodal learning experiences that stimulate student imaginations and support learning and engagement in a manner that complements rather than replaces traditional modes of instruction.
Objeto de aprendizaje para la formación docente orientado a desarrollar competencias para usar rea
Authors: Lugo López Ahabael , Lozano Martínez Fernando Gustavo , Ramírez Montoya María Soledad
Published: July 2021

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de una investigación relacionada con el diseño y uso de un Objeto de Aprendizaje Abierto (en adelante OA). Se usó una metodología de enfoque cualitativo y la entrevista electrónica aplicada a docentes y a expertos que tuvieron a cargo la validación objetiva del OA, se respondió la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿En qué medida un recurso orientado a desarrollar competencias para usar Recursos Educativos Abiertos para la práctica educativa, cumple con un conjunto de criterios de calidad preestablecidos de acuerdo con aquello que caracteriza a los objetos de aprendizaje abiertos? Los resultados indican que el objeto de aprendizaje cumplió de forma efectiva con los estándares y especificaciones en cuanto al aspecto pedagógico y tecnológico, sin embargo existieron aspectos tales como: errores conceptuales, actividades, evaluación, entre otros, que fueron considerados para revisarse e inclusive modificarse para que el OA en cuestión se considere un objeto de aprendizaje de calidad. Se destaca el hecho que el tema de la presente investigación constituye una innovación y una herramienta útil y necesaria para las actuales demandas del quehacer docente.