bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widespread and tissue-specific expression of endogenous retroelements in human somatic tissues
Authors: Larouche Jean-David , Trofimov Assya , Hesnard Leslie , Ehx Gregory , Zhao Qingchuan , Vincent Krystel , Durette Chantal , Gendron Patrick , Laverdure Jean-Philippe , Bonneil Éric , Côté Caroline , Lemieux Sébastien , Thibault Pierre , Perreault Claude
Published: April 2020

Background

Endogenous retroelements (EREs) constitute about 42% of the human genome and have been implicated in common human diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer. The dominant paradigm holds that EREs are expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and germline cells but are repressed in differentiated somatic cells. Despite evidence that some EREs can be expressed at the RNA and protein levels in specific contexts, a system-level evaluation of their expression in human tissues is lacking.

Methods

Using RNA sequencing data, we analyzed ERE expression in 32 human tissues and cell types, including medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). A tissue specificity index was computed to identify tissue-restricted ERE families. We also analyzed the transcriptome of mTECs in wild-type and autoimmune regulator (AIRE)-deficient mice. Finally, we developed a proteogenomic workflow combining RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry (MS) in order to evaluate whether EREs might be translated and generate MHC I-associated peptides (MAP) in B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL) from 16 individuals.

Results

We report that all human tissues express EREs, but the breadth and magnitude of ERE expression are very heterogeneous from one tissue to another. ERE expression was particularly high in two MHC I-deficient tissues (ESCs and testis) and one MHC I-expressing tissue, mTECs. In mutant mice, we report that the exceptional expression of EREs in mTECs was AIRE-independent. MS analyses identified 103 non-redundant ERE-derived MAPs (ereMAPs) in B-LCLs. These ereMAPs preferentially derived from sense translation of intronic EREs. Notably, detailed analyses of their amino acid composition revealed that ERE-derived MAPs presented homology to viral MAPs.

Conclusions

This study shows that ERE expression in somatic tissues is more pervasive and heterogeneous than anticipated. The high and diversified expression of EREs in mTECs and their ability to generate MAPs suggest that EREs may play an important role in the establishment of self-tolerance. The viral-like properties of ERE-derived MAPs suggest that those not expressed in mTECs can be highly immunogenic.
Tapering of biological antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients is achievable and cost-effective in daily clinical practice: data from the Brussels UCLouvain RA Cohort
Authors: Dierckx Stéphanie , Sokolova Tatiana , Lauwerys Bernard R. , Avramovska Aleksandra , de Bellefon Laurent Meric , Toukap Adrien Nzeusseu , Stoenoiu Maria , Houssiau Frédéric A. , Durez Patrick
Published: April 2020

Background/purpose

Studies have demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who achieve low disease activity or remission are able to taper biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients in whom bDMARDs can be tapered in daily practice and to analyse the characteristics of these patients. Other objectives were to analyse which bDMARDs are more suitable for dose reduction and the cost savings.

Results

Data from 332 eligible RA patients from our Brussels UCLouvain cohort were retrospectively analysed; 140 patients (42.1%) received a tapered regimen, and 192 received stable doses of bDMARDs. The age at diagnosis (43.1 vs 38.7 years, p = 0.04), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score (1.3 vs 1.5, p = 0.048), RF positivity rate (83.3 vs 72.9%, p = 0.04) and disease duration at the time of bDMARD introduction (9.7 vs 12.1 years, p = 0.034) were significantly different between the reduced-dose and stable-dose groups. Interestingly, relatively more patients receiving a tapered dose were treated with a combination of bDMARDs and methotrexate (MTX) (86.7% vs 73.8%, p = 0.005). In our cohort, anti-TNF agents were the most commonly prescribed medications (68%). Only 15 patients experienced a flare during follow-up. Adalimumab, etanercept and rituximab were the most common bDMARDs in the reduced-dose group and were associated with the most important reductions in annual cost.

Conclusion

In daily practice, tapering bDMARDs in RA patients who have achieved low disease activity or remission is an achievable goal in a large proportion of patients, thereby reducing potential side effects and annual drug-associated costs. The combination of bDMARDs with MTX could improve the success of dose reduction attempts.

Trial registration

This retrospective non-interventional study was retrospectively registered with local ethics approval.
Blended learning of radiology improves medical students’ performance, satisfaction, and engagement
Authors: Vavasseur Adrien , Muscari Fabrice , Meyrignac Olivier , Nodot Matthieu , Dedouit Fabrice , Revel-Mouroz Paul , Dercle Louis , Rozenblum Laura , Wang Lucy , Maulat Charlotte , Rousseau Hervé , Otal Philippe , Dercle Laurent , Mokrane Fatima-Zohra
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of blended learning using a combination of educational resources (flipped classroom and short videos) on medical students’ (MSs) for radiology learning.

Material and methods

A cohort of 353 MSs from 2015 to 2018 was prospectively evaluated. MSs were assigned to four groups (high, high-intermediate, low-intermediate, and low achievers) based on their results to a 20-MCQs performance evaluation referred to as the pretest. MSs had then free access to a self-paced course totalizing 61 videos based on abdominal imaging over a period of 3 months. Performance was evaluated using the change between posttest (the same 20 MCQs as pretest) and pretest results. Satisfaction was measured using a satisfaction survey with directed and spontaneous feedbacks. Engagement was graded according to audience retention and attendance on a web content management system.

Results

Performance change between pre and posttest was significantly different between the four categories (ANOVA, P = 10−9): low pretest achievers demonstrated the highest improvement (mean ± SD, + 11.3 ± 22.8 points) while high pretest achievers showed a decrease in their posttest score (mean ± SD, − 3.6 ± 19 points). Directed feedback collected from 73.3% of participants showed a 99% of overall satisfaction. Spontaneous feedback showed that the concept of “pleasure in learning” was the most cited advantage, followed by “flexibility.” Engagement increased over years and the number of views increased of 2.47-fold in 2 years.

Conclusion

Learning formats including new pedagogical concepts as blended learning, and current technologies allow improvement in medical student’s performance, satisfaction, and engagement.
Diagnosis and management of respiratory viruses in critically ill adult patients: an international survey of knowledge and practice among intensivists
Authors: Philippot Quentin , Labbé Vincent , Pichon Jérémie , Djibré Michel , Fartoukh Muriel , Voiriot Guillaume
Published: April 2020

In this survey endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), we aimed to describe the practice patterns of intensivists worldwide, regarding their diagnosis and management of respiratory viruses in lower respiratory tract infections. There were 229 respondents from 53 countries, mainly in Europe (78%). Our main findings are that a majority of intensivists (i) searched for respiratory viruses in case of severe community-acquired LRTI in adults, whatever the season and the medical history and clinical presentation; (ii) had access to large-panel respiratory mPCR; (iii) used them as first-line diagnostic test in routine practice; (iv) had some knowledge about the panel of the mPCR that they use, but markedly less about the cost. However, we observed strong heterogeneity regarding how intensivists took into account mPCR results for infection control (confinement measures) and patient care (antiviral treatment and antibiotics management).
A mathematical theoretical study of a particular system of Caputo–Fabrizio fractional differential equations for the Rubella disease model
Authors: Baleanu Dumitru , Mohammadi Hakimeh , Rezapour Shahram
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we study the rubella disease model with the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative. The mathematical solution of the liver model is presented by a three-step Adams–Bashforth scheme. The existence and uniqueness of the solution are discussed by employing fixed point theory. Finally some numerical simulations are showed to underpin the effectiveness of the used derivative.
Relations between fractional models with three-parameter Mittag-Leffler kernels
Authors: Fernandez Arran , Abdeljawad Thabet , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2020

We consider two models of fractional calculus which are defined using three-parameter Mittag-Leffler functions: the Prabhakar definition and a recently defined extension of the Atangana–Baleanu definition. By examining the relationships between the two, we are able to find some new properties of both, as well as of the original Atangana–Baleanu model and its iterated form.
An early intervention to promote maternal sensitivity in the perinatal period for women with psychosocial vulnerabilities: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aarestrup Anne Kristine , Skovgaard Væver Mette , Petersen Janne , Røhder Katrine , Schiøtz Michaela
Published: April 2020

Background

Maternal mental well-being and social circumstances during pregnancy and early childhood impact the child’s well-being and development. Supportive and sensitive parenting is one of the strongest predictors of positive emotional, social and behavioral outcomes for the child. Knowledge is needed about how to detect and support vulnerable families already during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. The aim of this study is to assemble and evaluate an interdisciplinary cross-sectoral intervention to promote maternal sensitivity among women with psychological or social vulnerabilities.

Methods/design

This randomized controlled trial tests the efficacy of an intervention program in the perinatal period compared to care as usual in enhancing maternal sensitivity in a group of psychologically or socially vulnerable women in the Capital Region of Denmark. The intervention consists of four components: 1) detecting symptoms of mental illness in vulnerable pregnant women and initiating treatment if indicated, 2) strengthening parenting skills using the Circle of Security Parenting program, 3) supporting breastfeeding, and 4) sharing knowledge and organizing treatment pathways for families across sectors. Seventy-six families will be randomly assigned to the intervention or care-as-usual. Data will be obtained at study inclusion at 3–5 months of pregnancy, eight weeks after childbirth, and nine months after childbirth. The primary outcome is maternal sensitivity. Secondary outcomes include infant’s socio-emotional development, parents’ mentalization, parental stress, depressive symptoms, and parental wellbeing. Qualitative data will provide insight into the implementation process.

Discussion

This paper presents the rational and background for developing the intervention. Furthermore, the design and protocol of the randomized controlled trial. It is hypothesized that the intervention will be associated with positive changes in primary and secondary outcomes. If effective, the intervention will provide insights into prenatal risk profiles among an identified group of psychosocial vulnerable women important for early screening and point to effective preventive interventions that can support women in the perinatal period, increase maternal sensitivity and promote positive child development -starting before the child is born.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: ID: NCT03190707. Registered June 16, 2017.
Urbanization has opposite effects on the territory size of two passerine birds
Authors: Juárez Roselvy , Chacón-Madrigal Eduardo , Sandoval Luis
Published: April 2020

Background

Urban expansion has been identified as one of the leading drivers of biodiversity change or loss. For birds, urbanization is specifically related to survival, breeding success, and territory size. Understanding how different birds adjust territory size in response to urbanization is essential for their conservation in urban environments and to better understand why some species are lost and others persist under this condition. We evaluated the effect of urbanization on the territory size of an urban avoider species, White-eared Ground-Sparrow (Melozone leucotis), and an urban adapter species, House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), at five Costa Rican sites.

Methods

We measured the size of 30 ground-sparrow and 28 wren territories using a total of 296 h of observation. We followed each individual for at least 1 h per day for at least 2 days of two consecutive years, and geo-referenced their locations. Territory size was estimated using the minimum convex polygon method. We measured the urban surfaces (roads, buildings, any other paved area, soccer fields, lawns, and gardens with short grass) within territories.

Results

Ground-sparrow territories were larger at the highly urbanized site than at the non-urbanized site. Wren territories were larger at the low urbanized site than at the highly urbanized site. We found a positive relationship between urban surface and territory size for the ground-sparrow, but not for the wren.

Conclusions

Our results showed that not all birds adjust territory size in the same way in response to urbanization. We showed that urban avoiders probably need to defend larger territories in urban environments to find all the resources required to survive because urban environments may provide insufficient resources such as food or shelter. Urban adapters on the other hand defend smaller territories in urban environments because even small territories may provide sufficient resources. These results suggest specific behavioral adaptations developed by Neotropical birds inhabiting urban environments.
Lack of association between three common genetic variations of XPC and susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration, a preliminary study
Authors: Kalteh Sharareh , Saadat Mostafa
Published: April 2020

Background

Numerous association studies have indicated that genetic alterations in genes involved in DNA repair processes are associated with the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). There is no published study on the relationship between common xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC, MIM 613208) polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARMD. The aim of this study is to determine whether three common (Ala499Val, Lys939Gln, and PAT) genetic variants of XPC are associated with the risk of developing ARMD. A total of 120 ARMD patients and 118 healthy controls were included in the study. Genotyping analyses were carried out by PCR-based methods.

Results

Our analysis revealed that there was no relationship between the XPC polymorphisms and susceptibility to ARMD. In both case and control groups, strong linkage disequilibrium existed between three common (Ala499Val, Lys939Gln, and PAT) genetic polymorphisms of XPC. Statistical analysis showed no association between the haplotypes and the risk of ARMD.

Conclusions

The present data indicated that the common polymorphisms of XPC are not susceptible genetic variations for ARMD.
Can the Adoption of Hypofractionation Guidelines Expand Global Radiotherapy Access? An Analysis for Breast and Prostate Radiotherapy
Authors: Irabor Omoruyi Credit , Swanson William , Shaukat Fiza , Wirtz Johanna , Mallum Abba Aji , Ngoma Twalib , Elzawawy Ahmed , Nguyen Paul , Incrocci Luca , Ngwa Wilfred
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

The limited radiotherapy resources for global cancer control have resulted in increased interest in developing time- and cost-saving innovations to expand access to those resources. Hypofractionated regimens could minimize cost and increase access for limited-resource countries. In this investigation, we estimated the percentage cost-savings per radiotherapy course and increased radiotherapy access in African countries after adopting hypofractionation for breast and prostate radiotherapy. For perspective, results were compared with high-income countries.

METHODS

The cost and course of breast and prostate radiotherapy for conventional and hypofractionated regimens in low-resource facilities were calculated using the Radiotherapy Cost Estimator tool developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and then compared with another activity-based costing model. The potential maximum cost savings in each country over 7 years for breast and prostate radiotherapy were then estimated using cancer incidence data from the Global Cancer Observatory database with use rates applied. The increase in radiotherapy access was estimated by current national capacities from the IAEA directory.

RESULTS

The estimated cost per course of conventional and hypofractionated regimens were US$2,232 and $1,339 for breast treatment, and $3,389 and $1,699 for prostate treatment, respectively. The projected potential maximum cost savings with full hypofractionation implementation were $1.1 billion and $606 million for breast and prostate treatment, respectively. The projected increase of radiotherapy access due to implementing hypofractionation varied between +0.3% to 25% and +0.4% to 36.0% for breast and prostate treatments, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This investigation demonstrates that adopting hypofractionated regimens as standard treatment of breast and prostate cancers can result in substantial savings and increase radiotherapy access in developing countries. Given reduced delivery cost and treatment times, we anticipate a substantial increase in radiotherapy access with additional innovations that will allow progressive hypofractionation without compromising quality.
Remapping the American Left
Authors: Gregory James N.
Published: April 2020

Is the Left reemerging as a political force? If we are indeed seeing a new phase of American radicalism, it would not be the first time. Based on insights from the online Mapping American Social Movements Project, this essay reframes the history of American radicalism by paying close attention to the singular fact that for the last century the Left has consisted solely of shifting constellations of social movements without the anchoring presence of a competitive left-wing electoral party. As a result, the American Left has been uniquely unstable. Its organizations come and go, flourishing for a time then withering, only to be replaced at some later point by a new Left based in different organizations, often with different demography, geography, and ideological agendas. This article maps five distinct left constellations over the past century and explores the question of how American radicalism has repeatedly reconstituted itself absent the supportive institutional apparatus of an electoral party.
Survival of Drosophila germline stem cells requires the chromatin binding protein Barrier-to-autointegration factor
Authors: Duan Tingting , Kitzman S. Cole , Geyer Pamela K.
Published: April 2020

The nuclear lamina (NL) is an extensive protein network that underlies the inner nuclear envelope. This network includes LAP2-emerin-MAN1-domain (LEM-D) proteins that associate with the chromatin and DNA binding protein Barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF). Here, we investigate the partnership between three NL Drosophila LEM-D proteins and BAF. In most tissues, only D-emerin/Otefin is required for NL enrichment of BAF, revealing an unexpected dependence on a single LEM-D protein. Prompted by these observations, we studied BAF contributions in the ovary, a tissue where D-emerin/Otefin function is essential. We show that germ cell-specific BAF knockdown causes phenotypes that mirror d-emerin/otefin mutants. Loss of BAF disrupts NL structure, blocks differentiation and promotes germ cell loss, phenotypes that are partially rescued by inactivation of the ATR and Chk2 kinases. These data suggest that similar to d-emerin/otefin mutants, BAF depletion activates the NL checkpoint that causes germ cell loss. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for a prominent NL partnership between the LEM-D protein D-emerin/Otefin and BAF, revealing that BAF functions with this partner in the maintenance of an adult stem cell population.
Developmental arrest of Drosophila larvae elicits presynaptic depression and enables prolonged studies of neurodegeneration
Authors: Perry Sarah , Goel Pragya , Tran Nancy L. , Pinales Cristian , Buser Christopher , Miller Daniel L. , Ganetzky Barry , Dickman Dion
Published: April 2020

Synapses exhibit an astonishing degree of adaptive plasticity in healthy and disease states. We have investigated whether synapses also adjust to life stages imposed by novel developmental programs for which they were never molded by evolution. Under conditions where Drosophila larvae are terminally arrested, we have characterized synaptic growth, structure and function at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). While wild-type larvae transition to pupae after 5 days, arrested third instar (ATI) larvae persist for 35 days, during which NMJs exhibit extensive overgrowth in muscle size, presynaptic release sites, and postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Remarkably, despite this exuberant growth, stable neurotransmission is maintained throughout the ATI lifespan through a potent homeostatic reduction in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Arrest of the larval stage in stathmin mutants also reveals a degree of progressive instability and neurodegeneration that was not apparent during the typical larval period. Hence, an adaptive form of presynaptic depression stabilizes neurotransmission during an extended developmental period of unconstrained synaptic growth. More generally, the ATI manipulation provides a powerful system for studying neurodegeneration and plasticity across prolonged developmental timescales.
A rapid intrinsic heart rate resetting response with thermal acclimation in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Sutcliffe Rachel L. , Li Shaorong , Gilbert Matthew J. H. , Schulte Patricia M. , Miller Kristi M. , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: April 2020

We examined cardiac pacemaker rate resetting in rainbow trout following a reciprocal temperature transfer. In the original experiment, performed in winter, 4°C-acclimated fish transferred to 12°C reset intrinsic heart rate after just 1 h (from 56.8±1.2 to 50.8±1.5 bpm); 12°C-acclimated fish transferred to 4°C reset intrinsic heart rate after 8 h (from 33.4±0.7 to 37.7±1.2 bpm). However, in a replicate experiment, performed in the summer using a different brood year, intrinsic heart rate was not reset, even after 10 weeks at a new temperature. Using this serendipitous opportunity, we compared mRNA expression changes of a suite of proteins in sinoatrial node (SAN), atrial and ventricular tissues after both 1 h and longer than 3 weeks for both experimental acclimation groups to identify those changes only associated with pacemaker rate resetting. Of the changes in mRNA expression occurring after more than 3 weeks of warm acclimation and associated with pacemaker rate resetting, we observed downregulation of NKA α1c in the atrium and ventricle, and upregulation of HCN1 in the ventricle. However, in the SAN there were no mRNA expression changes unique to the fish with pacemaker rate resetting after either 1 h or 3 weeks of warm acclimation. Thus, despite identifying changes in mRNA expression of contractile cardiac tissues, there was absence of changes in mRNA expression directly involved with the initial, rapid pacemaker rate resetting with warm acclimation. Importantly, pacemaker rate resetting with thermal acclimation does not always occur in rainbow trout.
A Model of Complex Contracts
Authors: Jakobsen Alexander M.
Published: April 2020

I study a mechanism design problem involving a principal and a single, boundedly rational agent. The agent transitions among belief states by combining current beliefs with up to K pieces of information at a time. By expressing a mechanism as a complex contract—a collection of clauses, each providing limited information about the mechanism—the principal manipulates the agent into believing truthful reporting is optimal. I show that such bounded rationality expands the set of implementable functions and that optimal contracts are robust not only to variation in K, but to several plausible variations on the agent’s cognitive procedure. (JEL D82, D86)
Real-world Independent Testing of e-ASPECTS Software (RITeS): statistical analysis plan
Authors: Mair Grant , Chappell Francesca , Martin Chloe , Dye David , Bath Philip M. , Muir Keith W. , von Kummer Rüdiger , Al-Shahi  Salman Rustam , Sandercock Peter A. G. , Macleod Malcolm , Sprigg Nikola , White Philip , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: April 2020

Background: Artificial intelligence-based software may automatically detect ischaemic stroke lesions and provide an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) on CT, and identify arterial occlusion and provide a collateral score on CTA. Large-scale independent testing will inform clinical use, but is lacking. We aim to test e-ASPECTS and e-CTA (Brainomix, Oxford UK) using CT scans obtained from a range of clinical studies.

Methods: Using prospectively collected baseline CT and CTA scans from 10 national/international clinical stroke trials or registries (total >6600 patients), we will select a large clinically representative sample for testing e-ASPECTS and e-CTA compared to previously acquired independent expert human interpretation (reference standard). Our primary aims are to test agreement between software-derived and masked human expert ASPECTS, and the diagnostic accuracy of e-ASPECTS for identifying all causes of stroke symptoms using follow-up imaging and final clinical opinion as diagnostic ground truth. Our secondary aims are to test when and why e-ASPECTS is more or less accurate, or succeeds/fails to produce results, agreement between e-CTA and human expert CTA interpretation, and repeatability of e-ASPECTS/e-CTA results. All testing will be conducted on an intention-to-analyse basis. We will assess agreement between software and expert-human ratings and test the diagnostic accuracy of software. 

Conclusions: RITeS will provide comprehensive, robust and representative testing of e-ASPECTS and e-CTA against the current gold-standard, expert-human interpretation.
Characterisation of baseline microbiological and host factors in an inception cohort of people with surgical wounds healing by secondary intention reveals circulating IL-6 levels as a potential predictive biomarker of healing
Authors: Buckley Hannah , Dumville Jo , Hodgkinson Michael , Wearmouth Debbie , Barlow Gavin , van der Woude Marjan , Cullum Nicky , Chetter Ian , Lagos Dimitris
Published: April 2020

Background: More than 2 million people per year are treated for surgical wounds in the UK.  Over a quarter of these wounds are estimated to heal by secondary intention (from the “bottom up”) resulting in further complications and requiring increased healthcare resources. Identification of microbiological or host biomarkers that can predict healing outcomes may help to optimize the management of surgical wounds healing by secondary intention. However, the microbial and host factor heterogeneity amongst this diverse population is completely unexplored.

Methods: We demonstrate feasibility of determining presence and levels of wound microbes and systemic host factors in an inception cohort of 54 people presenting with surgical wounds healing by secondary intention, who were subsequently followed-up for a period of 12-21 months. We present descriptive statistics for plasma levels of inflammatory, angiogenic cytokines and microRNAs, and we identify a range of wound colonizing microbes. We tentatively explore association with healing aiming to generate hypotheses for future research.

Results: We report a potential correlation between poor healing outcomes and elevated interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels at presentation (ρ=0.13) which requires confirmation.  

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the degree of biological heterogeneity amongst people with surgical wounds healing by secondary intention and proves the feasibility of embedding a biomarker discovery study in a cohort study in surgical wounds. Our results are essential for designing large biomarker discovery studies to further investigate the potential validity of circulating IL-6 or other factors as novel predictive biomarkers of healing for surgical wounds healing by secondary intention.
A systematic review of burnout and its relation to work-life balance and scheduling among United States physicians
Authors: McGrade Patrick , Reinhart Evan , Reely Kelsey , Dowdy Kristen , Seth Nikhil , Jones Clinton , Horan M. Jensen , Provenzano Noelle , Ramirez Patrick , Hammonds Kendall , Khan Shamyal
Published: April 2020

Physician burnout has increasingly been recognized as a multifactorial issue leading to detrimental outcomes for both the physician and patients being treated. Burnout is defined as “a pathological syndrome in which emotional depletion and maladaptive detachment develop in response to prolonged occupational stress”.  It has been proven that poor work-life balance (WBL), a state in which personal and professional life are in a state of imbalance, is  connected to burnout. Upwards of 61% of all U.S. physicians are dissatisfied with their WBL. Burnout rates among physicians are correlated with frequency of work-home conflicts leading to greater dissatisfaction of their WLB. With the prevalence of burnout among US physicians ranging between 34-76%, addressing modifiable causes such as optimizing WLB should be a priority for administrators. In this systematic review, we explore the importance of creating schedules that prioritize protecting physicians’ WLB as a means to decrease burnout and the associated sequelae including medical errors, alcohol abuse, and depression. After identifying 202 studies through PubMed; data from 21 articles published between 2011-2017 were analyzed. We found that schedules that emphasize the following were protective of physician WBL: <70-hour work week goals, a maximum of one on-call night per five consecutive days, providing physicians with schedule information one month in advance, limiting the consecutive work days to five and providing vacation time. As the importance of mental health, and wellness within the health care setting are being regarded as a cause of concern, it is apparent that positive changes need to be made.
Could therapeutic diaries support recovery in psychiatric intensive care?
Authors: Üzar-Özçetin Yeter Sinem , Trenoweth Steve , Clark Louise L , Hext Greg , Tee Stephen
Published: April 2020

Despite growing literature surrounding the use of patient diaries in intensive care units within general health care and the positive effects these may have on a patient's psychological recovery from such an admission, no studies exist examining the effects of similar patient diaries in psychiatric intensive care units when used with people experiencing an acute exacerbation of psychosis. This article hypothesises the potential positive effects of diaries kept for patients in psychiatric intensive care units. In the development of strategies to help people in psychiatric crisis understand and manage their own distress and psychological trauma, diaries may be helpful for the prevention of further psychological problems and aid recovery post discharge. Research is required to consider the possible effects of therapeutic diaries and the role of the multidisciplinary team in keeping these within psychiatric intensive care settings.
Design considerations of grating couplers in directionally coupled waveguides
Authors: Ura Shogo , Tsujimoto Ryo , Inoue Junichi
Published: April 2020

The far-field pattern of an optical wave radiating from a grating coupler integrated in a directional coupler is discussed based on the coupled mode theory. It is shown that there are two types of intensity distributions with respect to the radiation angle. One type shows a simple single lobe, while the other has a deformed lobe or two lobes. Far-field patterns are discussed along with near-field patterns. They are determined by directional coupling strength as well as radiation decay strength. A parameter is introduced to indicate the type. The indicator is useful as a key parameter for device design.
Surface plasmon resonance temperature sensor based on a photonic crystal fiber filled with silver nanowires
Authors: Cheng Tonglei , Li Xudong , Li Shuguang , Yan Xin , Zhang Xuenan , Wang Fang
Published: April 2020

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) temperature sensor based on a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) filled with silver nanowires is proposed in this paper. We inject ethanol solution filled with silver nanowires into the grapefruit PCF to realize temperature sensing. The sensitivity of the sensor can reach

−
433

p
m

/

∘

C

by numerical simulation, and the experimental result is

−
160

p
m

/

∘

C

. Simulations and experiments show that the wavelength of the resonance peak will blueshift with the invalidity of silver nanowires, and the resonance effect of the sensor will weaken. It can provide reference for the realization and application of other SPR sensors based on PCF.
Tunable terahertz hyperbolic metamaterial slabs and super-resolving hyperlenses
Authors: Zhang Hui , Jiao Zhiyong , Mcleod Euan
Published: April 2020

Terahertz (THz) optics offer the potential to image through objects that are opaque for visible wavelengths and provide unique spectroscopic signatures for a variety of materials and quantum processes. However, the resolution of THz images suffers from the long wavelength of THz light compared to visible. Hyperbolic metamaterials provide a possible solution through the creation of super-resolving lenses and offer greater flexibility in effective refractive index than can be provided by natural materials. Most hyperbolic metamaterials function in a narrow bandwidth due to their resonant nature. In search of a broadband material, we simulate a temperature-tunable hyperbolic metamaterial composed of a multilayer stack of alternating layers of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and indium antimonide (InSb). At a single temperature, negative effective medium permittivity is found over a small bandwidth of 0.09 THz, but by tuning over a 40°C temperature range the bandwidth is increased dramatically to 1.0 THz. Furthermore, we compute the transmission and negative refraction through the multilayer stack and simulate the imaging properties of curved hyperlens stacks using slits as test objects, achieving resolutions as small as 20 µm at 130 µm wavelength, far below the half-wavelength diffraction limit.
Design and fabrication of an off-axis four-mirror system for head-up displays
Authors: Gu Luo , Cheng Dewen , Liu Yue , Ni Junhao , Yang Tong , Wang Yongtian
Published: April 2020

Head-up displays (HUDs), as one kind of the augmented reality (AR) applications, enable users to enhance the situational awareness. In this paper, we propose a design of a HUD employing the freeform off-axis four-mirror construction, in which the eyebox and eye relief as large as

120

m
m

×

80

m
m

and 400 mm, respectively, are derived. In the part of system design, the biocular parallax is evaluated and corrected. An optimization strategy in forward ray-tracing mode is presented to directly govern the biocular parallax, and the convergence, divergence, and dipvergence are finally constrained within 3.5 mrad, 1.5 mrad, and 2.0 mrad, respectively. An overall design procedure of a HUD, including initial configuration, structure constraints, optimization method, and parallax correction, is illustrated in detail. After analyzing the tolerance, a proof-of-concept prototype with the field of

24

∘

×

15

∘

is developed to demonstrate the image quality.
Nonlinear optical characteristics of ZrSe2 and its application for designing multi-wavelength mode-locked operations
Authors: Zhao Rui , Li Dengwang , Wang Mengxiao , Zheng Yue , Xu Nannan , Liu Danhua
Published: April 2020

In our work, a

Z
r
S
e

2

–polyvinyl alcohol film-type saturable
absorber (SA) with a modulation depth of 4.99% and a saturable
intensity of

12.42

M
W

/

c
m

2

was successfully prepared and
employed in mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser. The fiber laser can
generate stable multi-wavelength mode-locked operations with a
threshold power of 224 mW and a maximum average output power of
3.272 mW at the repetition rate of 3.38 MHz for the first time, to the
best of our knowledge. Our experimental results fully prove that

Z
r
S
e

2

nanosheets were efficient SA
candidates for demonstrating multi-wavelength mode-locked operation
fiber lasers due to their tunable absorption peak and excellent
saturable absorption properties.
Near-resonant light transmission in two-dimensional dense cold atomic media with short-range positional correlations
Authors: Wang B. X. , Zhao C. Y.
Published: April 2020

Light–matter interaction in cold atomic ensembles is one of the central topics in modern quantum and atomic optics with important applications in various quantum technologies. The collective response of dense atomic gases under light excitation depends crucially on the spatial distribution of atoms and the geometry of the ensemble. We analyze near-resonant light transmission in two-dimensional dense ultracold atomic ensembles with short-range positional correlations. Based on coupled-dipole simulations, we show that the collective effects, manifested as notable shifts of transmission resonance frequency and considerable modification of optical depths, are influenced strongly by positional correlations. Mean-field theories such as the Lorentz–Lorenz relation are not capable of describing such collective effects. We also investigate the statistical distribution of eigenstates and provide a connection between the transmission spectra and eigenstate distribution by utilizing the population weighted detuning and decay rate of all eigenstates. We further demonstrate the intricate interplay between dipole–dipole interactions and positional correlations by increasing the number densities of atoms.
High-speed chemical imaging of dynamic and histological samples with stimulated Raman micro-spectroscopy
Authors: Audier Xavier , Forget Nicolas , Rigneault Hervé
Published: April 2020

We report a shot noise limited high-speed stimulated Raman microscopy platform allowing to acquire molecular vibrational spectra over 200 cm−1 in 12 µs at a scan rate of 40kHz. Using spectral focusing together with optimized acousto-optics programmable dispersive filters, the designed low noise imaging platform performs chemical imaging of dynamical processes such as Mannitol crystal hydration and reaches a signal to noise ratio sufficient to perform label free histological imaging on frozen human colon tissue slides.
Determination of complex optical constants and photovoltaic device design of all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite thin films
Authors: Yan Wensheng , Mao Lingyun , Zhao Peiyang , Mertens Adrian , Dottermusch Stephan , Hu Hang , Jin Zhong , Richards Bryce S.
Published: April 2020

All-inorganic perovskites exhibit interesting properties and unprecedented stability compared to organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites. This work focuses on depositing and characterizing cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) thin films and determining their complex optical constants, which is a key requirement for photovoltaic device design. CsPbBr3 thin films are synthesized via the solution method followed by a hot-embossing step to reduce surface roughness. Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements are then conducted at three angles (45°, 55°, and 65°) to obtain the ellipsometric parameters psi (Ψ) and delta (Δ). For the present model, bulk planar CsPbBr3 layer is described by a one-dimensional graded index model combined with the mixture of one Tauc-Lorentz oscillator and two Gaussian oscillators, while an effective medium approximation with 50% air void is adopted to describe surface roughness layer. The experimental complex optical constants are finally determined in the wavelength range of 300 to 1100 nm. Furthermore, as a design example demonstration, the simulations of single-junction CsPbBr3 solar cells are conducted via the finite-difference time-domain method to investigate the properties of light absorption and photocurrent density.
Impact of the pitch angle on the spin Hall effect of light weak measurement
Authors: Bai Xiangxing , Liu Yang , Tang Linlong , Zang Qing , Li Jialu , Lu Wenqiang , Shi Haofei , Sun Xiudong , Lu Yueguang
Published: April 2020

The spin Hall effect of light (SHEL), as a photonic analogue of the spin Hall effect, has been widely studied for manipulating spin-polarized photons and precision metrology. In this work, a physical model is established to reveal the impact of the interface pitch angle on the SHEL accompanied by the Imbert-Fedorov angular shift simultaneously. Then, a modified weak measurement technique is proposed in this case to amplify the spin shift experimentally, and the results agree well with the theoretical prediction. Interestingly, the amplified transverse shift is quite sensitive to the variation of the interface pitch angle, and the performance provides a simple and effective method for precise pitch angle sensing with a minimum observable angle of 6.6 × 10−5°.
Potential for nocturnal satellite detection of suspended matter concentrations in coastal waters using a panchromatic band: a feasibility study based on VIIRS (NASA/NOAA) spectral and radiometric specifications
Authors: Chami Malik , Larnicol Morgane , Migeon Sebastien , Minghelli Audrey , Mathieu Sandrine
Published: April 2020

Satellite remote sensing of coastal waters is important for understanding the functioning of these complex ecosystems. High satellite revisit frequency is required to permit a relevant monitoring of the strong dynamical processes involved in such areas, for example rivers discharge or tidal currents. One key parameter that is derived from satellite data is the suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration. Knowledge of the variability of SPM could be used by sediment transport models for providing accurate predictions. Most of the current satellites that are dedicated to ocean color observations have a sun-synchronous orbit that performs a single daytime observation. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) ocean color sensor (NASA/NOAA) is the only one that is equipped with a panchromatic spectral band, so-called Day-Night Band, which is able to measure extremely low level signals, typically of the order of magnitude of 10−5 W m−2 sr−1µm−1. The objective of this paper is to investigate the potential of the panchromatic and radiometric specifications of the VIIRS sensor to detect SPM concentrations from nighttime satellite observations. Realistic radiative transfer simulations are performed to quantitatively determine the amplitude of the top of atmosphere radiances under various conditions such as various moon incident illuminations, observation geometries, atmospheric and oceanic turbidities. The simulations are compared with the minimum detectable radiance as specified for the VIIRS sensor. The results show that the detection of SPM is systematically feasible, including in clear waters, for any observation geometries in the case of a full moon illumination. The sensitivity of the results to the lunar phase (i.e., out of the full moon conditions), which is one of the originalities of the study, shows that the detection should also be feasible for a significant number of nights over the entire lunar cycle, typically from 5 to 15 nights depending on the water turbidity. Therefore, nighttime ocean color panchromatic measurements performed using a VIIRS-like sensor are a highly promising approach, especially if it is combined with daytime observations, for improving the monitoring of ocean dynamics.
Quantitative objective-based ring TIRFM system calibration through back focal plane imaging
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Yuan Yifan , Zhang Chengfeng , Han Yubing , Zhang Zhimin , Xu Liang , Hao Xiang , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: April 2020

Being the established imaging tool for cell membrane-associated studies, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) still has some limitations. The most important one is the inhomogeneous evanescent excitation field mainly caused by the large-angle and fixed-azimuth illumination scheme, which can be eliminated by using ring-shaped illumination (ring TIRFM). However, it is challenging in assembling a ring TIRFM system with precise parameter control that works well. Here we emphasize the quantification of the ring TIRFM system and introduce a robust calibration routine to simultaneously rectify the asymmetry of the spinning light beam and determine the crucial experimental parameter, i.e., the incident angle. The calibration routine requires no specific sample preparation and is entirely based on the automatic back focal plane manipulation, avoiding possible errors caused by the sample difference and manual measurement. Its effectiveness is experimentally demonstrated by both the qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the images acquired using different samples, illumination schemes, and calibration approaches. These characteristics should enable our approach to greatly improve the practicability of TIRFM in life sciences.
Fenntarthatóság és műszaki innováció
Authors: Barczi Attila , Szalai Dániel , Nagy Valéria
Published: April 2020

A bennünket körülvevő világ rendkívüli alkalmazkodó képességet feltételez (és kíván meg), amelynek azonban akkor és csakis akkor lehetünk birtokában, ha hajlandóságot mutatunk a folyamatos megújulásra. Ugyanakkor egy mégoly modernnek tűnő problémahalmaz vizsgálata sem nélkülözheti a nagy múltra visszatekintő előzmények feltárását. Illetve érdemes elgondolkodni azon is, hogyan kapcsolódhatnak össze az egyes tudományterületek a bonyolult problémák feltárása során, a problémák jellegének megismerésében, végső esetben pedig azok megoldásakor.A fenntarthatóság témakörében a (műszaki) innováció és a környezeti elemek, illetőleg a táj vonatkozásában az egyik meghatározó kapcsolódási pont az energetika: mégpedig a megújulókra alapozott energiarendszer kihívásait (környezeti, technológiai és társadalmi) illetően. A kihívásokra adandó válaszok technikától, technológiától, digitális kommunikációtól, felhőinformatikától való erős függése egész társadalmunkra kihatással van: alapvető (természet)tudományos tények birtokában lehetünk döntéshozói és felelős tagjai a társadalomnak (példának okáért a biztonságos és hatékony energiaelőállítás, vagy akár az integrált közlekedési rendszer kialakítása stb. területén).Holisztikus szemlélettel, de a teljesség igénye nélkül, gondolattérképre rendeztük a témakörben felmerülő gondolatmorzsákat, és kijelöltük a dinamikus egyensúlyhoz vezető utat néhány „cselekedet” formájában, ilyen módon rámutatva az ember és a természet szükségszerű szimbiózisára.Nincs feltétlen alap vagy abszolút érvényű elv, ugyanakkor van a már említett holisztikus szemlélettel áthatott mérnöki tevékenység. Jelen közlemény tehát elsősorban inkább gondolatébresztő, kitekintő, semmi esetre sem asszertorikus.
Kritikus nyersanyag stratégia
Authors: Horváth Ágnes
Published: April 2020

Az Európai Unióban 2002-ben megjelent WEEE (az elektromos és elektronikus berendezések hulladékairól szóló) irányelv, valamint az azt követően megjelent stratégiák, a Kritikus Nyersanyagok és a Körforgásos Gazdaság Stratégiái a másodnyersanyagok növekvő használatát célozták meg, ezáltal erősítve Európa nyersanyag politikai helyzetét. A cikk a kritikus nyersanyag stratégiát foglalja össze, ad rálátást a kritikusnak ítélt nyersanyagok módszerére, hátterére.