bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of First-Generation Cotton Module Technology for Chopped Switchgrass
Authors: Womac Alvin Ray , Bitra Venkata Sambasiva Prasad
Published: March 2022

Highlights

Physical scale models of a first-generation cotton module builder and module loader were used to determine the dry bulk density and module integrity failures for switchgrass modules.

Three switchgrass particle size distributions were created and tested for various moisture contents and module building factors, such as the number of fill layers and the number of tamps per layer.

Mean dry bulk density ranged from 71.5 to 94.7 kg m-3, with slightly increased densities for a reduced knifemill particle size distribution and a narrowed particle size distribution from a forage harvester.

A propensity of module integrity failures was noted among 69% of all 48 modules. Only the modules for one test condition of increased knifemill particle size distribution and six fill layers had no integrity failures among all replications for the 15 test conditions.

Abstract. Physical scale models of a first-generation cotton module builder and a module loader were used to test three different switchgrass particle size distributions using various levels of moisture content, module fill layers, and number of tamps per layer. The objective was to determine mean dry bulk density of the quasi-confined biomass module and the propensity of module integrity failures during emptying from the builder and during loader operations. Model designs resembled prototypes for minimizing inadvertent module upset and reduced the required module contents by a factor of 141. Overall mean dry bulk density was 80.4 kg m-3. Mean dry bulk density increased with increased narrowness of the switchgrass particle size distribution from a forage harvester. Particle size and tamping response appeared to be a unique phenomenon that slightly affected mean bulk density. Results suggested that modules should be constructed using increased numbers of fill layers with uniform tamping of each layer with at least no skips in progressive tamper action. Overall, 33 of the 48 modules exhibited integrity failures at a rate of 69% failures. Keywords: Biomass, Dry bulk density, Logistics, Module failure, Module integrity, Particle size, Processing, Switchgrass.
Impact of Covid-19 on Teaching-Learning Perception of Faculties and Students of Higher Education in Indian Purview
Authors: Dadhich Manish , Hiran Kamal Kant , Rao Shalendra Singh , Sharma Renu
Published: March 2022

The education system has been brought to a halt due to pandemics around the globe. This study outlines the effect of Covid-19 on the teaching-learning perception of faculties and students of higher education in India. The recent pandemic has provided an impetus for the improvements in teaching and implementation of virtual education. Given the lack of information about how long the pandemic will go on, the demand for the current crisis is a steady move to e-education. The authority has introduced several e-platforms with online shops, e-contents, and other online material. Combining conventional technology (radio, TV, landline phone) with mobile/web technologies would improve connectivity and versatility with all tools. The paper employed a quantitative method to examine the perceptions of teachers and students’ perceptions of e-teaching and e-learning methods. It underlined the application practice of online teaching-learning modes by considering 500 respondents. This study aims to give a holistic view of the ongoing online teaching-learning activities during the pandemic lockdown. The study also found no considerable difference between teacher/learner satisfaction during this academic disruption. Soil recommendations, managerial implications, future scope and conclusion can also be helpful for policymakers, academics, and content analytics to draw a plan of action for e-learning.
Implementing Home Health Monitoring for Chronic Disease Management in British Columbia
Authors:   University of Regina, Ma Winnie
Published: March 2022

Home health monitoring (HHM) enables health care providers to monitor a patient’s health status remotely using digital technology. In 2013, the government of British Columbia (BC) partnered with a telecommunications provider and invested $52M in HHM programs for patients with complex care needs. Telehealth has evolved over the past two decades to improve access and delivery of care, with HHM emerging as a strategy for proactive chronic disease management. The goals of the provincial HHM initiative are to reduce acute care utilization, reduce health system costs and improve patient self-management of chronic conditions. Following a series of successful pilot projects, funding for expanded HHM initiatives was made available through a provincial Strategic Investment Fund and continued support from Canada Health Infoway. Evaluations of several HHM programs demonstrated high levels of patient satisfaction, reduced emergency department visits, health system cost savings, and improved patient self-care and quality of life. Optimizing referral rates and expanding HHM programs to include a wider range of chronic conditions are opportunities for future growth, with sustainability dependent on securing long-term funding sources.
El papel de los medios de comunicación en los procesos de normativización lingüística: Ejemplos de lenguas pluricéntricas
Authors: Pöll Bernhard
Published: March 2022

En este artículo se pretende exponer el papel que desempeñan los medios, tanto impresos como electrónicos, en los procesos de normativización lingüística. Lenguas pluricéntricas como el español, el alemán, el francés o el portugués, que se caracterizan por la fuerte incidencia de conflictos normativos, constituyen un terreno particularmente fértil para indagar sobre la manera en que actúan los medios y los sectores donde tienen un papel destacado respecto a las normas lingüísticas. Se abordarán los siguientes aspectos, poniendo especial hincapié en los tres últimos y echando mano de ejemplos de los idiomas arriba mencionados: 1. Los medios como «tribuna» del discurso normativo, 2. los medios como generadores de nuevas demandas normativas, 4. los medios como aceleradores del intercambio entre variedades de una misma lengua y 3. los medios como actores sociales que consolidan nuevas normas, divergentes de las tradicionales.
L’acció conjunta de la premsa i de la radiodifusió en l’ensenyament del català al final del franquisme: "Lliçons de català" (1975), d'El Noticiero Universal i Radio Peninsular de Barcelona
Authors: Casals i Martorell Daniel
Published: March 2022

Aquest article analitza l’espai Lliçons de català, que van difondre El Noticiero Universal i Radio Peninsular de Barcelona el 1975, i que s’emmarca en la tradició dels mitjans de comunicació dels territoris de parla catalana d’estendre la normativa lingüística. La secció esmentada va divulgar coneixements sobre la llengua escrita ⎯ortogràfics, gramaticals i lèxics⎯ i, aprofitant el mitjà radiofònic, va oferir un model ortoèpic basat en el català central. Amb el suport de la Caixa d’Estalvis Provincial de la Diputació de Barcelona, el curs objecte d’estudi va ser elaborat per Joan Badia i Josep Camprubí, respectant els dictàmens de l’Institut d’Estudis Catalans i d’acord amb el mètode desenvolupat per l’Instituto Superior de Idiomas Campo, aplicat també a l’ensenyament d’altres llengües. La versió que en va difondre Radio Peninsular de Barcelona va ser posada en antena per Maria Matilde Almendros i Esteve Bassols a partir dels guions preparats per aquest darrer. Els textos que es radiaven eren publicats el dia abans pel diari vespertí El Noticiero Universal i, posteriorment, van ser emesos per un conjunt d’emissores que cobrien el territori del Principat de Catalunya, les Illes Balears i Andorra. Les noranta-sis lliçons, acompanyades de vint-i-tres proves, van ser compilades en un llibre, que va ser reeditat en diverses ocasions.
Los contratos de maternidad subrogada desde una perspectiva del Análisis Económico del Derecho
Authors: Varsi Rospigliosi Enrique , Mardini Burgos Jalil
Published: March 2022

La microeconomía permite identificar aspectos clave en las decisiones de los agentes económicos, sin embargo, es insuficiente por cuanto las decisiones no sólo se limitan a lo pactado entre las partes sino también se ven afectadas por políticas de gobierno y el desempeño de la industria. Por otro lado, el análisis de la macroeconomía destaca la existencia de políticas que inciden en el desarrollo del mercado tales como: controles de precios, nivel de institucionalidad, barreras internacionales y oportunidades económicas. El acuerdo de maternidad subrogada es un medio que permite la mutua satisfacción de las partes: el aspecto reproductivo / filial de los padres y el aspecto económico de la madre subrogada. Los controles de precios y barreras internacionales afectan a las madres gestantes en múltiples formas, además los efectos de estos controles varían en cada país. El Perú es un destino potencial para el turismo reproductivo dado los bajos costos de sus servicios médicos y los altos estándares de calidad de estos, así como la jurisprudencia uniforme que viabiliza los convenios de maternidad subrogada, siendo el vacío legal un inconveniente para la realización de este tipo de actos. De legalizarse los acuerdos de maternidad subrogada, el precio de la contraprestación dependerá del estado de necesidad de la mujer y su costo de oportunidad. Una regulación permisiva no siempre asegurará un justo intercambio de recursos si no está respaldada por una adecuada institucionalidad que incentive la reproducción asistida como un derecho de la persona.
Una mama es una mama es una mama es una mama
Authors: Borghini Lorenzo Gallego , Quilantán Cabrera José Juan , Garcés Garcés Hugo Alexander
Published: March 2022

Recientemente, el Consorcio Hospitalario de Brighton y Sussex, en Inglaterra, ha editado una guía de lenguaje inclusivo, pensada para los servicios de maternidad, en la que se pide eliminar los términos exclusivamente femeninos, como "leche materna" o "madre", para dar cabida a los hombres transexuales que pueden gestar. La guía, además, va acompañada de un formulario en el que el paciente puede indicar los términos con que desea que el equipo clínico se refiera a sus órganos anatómicos y a los procesos asistenciales. En el presente artículo, hacemos un comentario crítico de la citada guía. A partir de este comentario, reflexionamos sobre las iniciativas de lenguaje inclusivo en determinados contextos. Argumentamos que algunas de estas iniciativas nos parecen contraproducentes y que obedecen más al temor de los estamentos gestores que a una reivindicación real de los colectivos afectados. Asimismo, creemos que la terminología médica no está sujeta al sentir íntimo de una persona, ni a su identidad de género, sino que es el patrimonio científico de una profesión y, en última instancia, de toda la colectividad.
El consentimiento informado como un continuo narrativo
Authors: Serrano Franco Francisco J.
Published: March 2022

El consentimiento informado (CI) suele entenderse como una declaración, comúnmente escrita, con la que una persona acepta, de manera libre e informada, someterse a un cierto procedimiento médico. Recientemente, Tunzi et al. (2021) han propuesto un nuevo modelo de CI para la atención médica primaria, al que llaman “el consentimiento continuo” (CC), el cual ofrece una alternativa al estado actual del modo en que se obtiene el CI. Ellos sostienen que su modelo “honra la autonomía del paciente, satisface las obligaciones legales [del personal médico] y mejora el cuidado del paciente de una manera que es tanto transparente como pragmática” (Tunzi et al. 2021:35). Me propongo hacer una revisión crítica de su propuesta y argumentar que este modelo continuo puede reforzarse enmarcándolo dentro de un enfoque narrativo y concibiendo a la relación médico paciente (RMP) bajo dicho enfoque.
Los economistas españoles y el debate sobre la planificación económica (1931-1939)
Authors: Zabalza Arbizu Juan
Published: March 2022

Las turbulencias económicas que abatieron las economías occidentales en los años treinta dieron lugar a un debate global sobre la viabilidad del capitalismo y los diversos experimentos económicos que pretendían sustituirlo. Este debate tuvo su repercusión en España, donde los grupos de interés, sindicatos, partidos políticos o patronales, pero también los economistas profesionales tomaron posición en el mismo. Este artículo estudia el análisis de la planificación económica por parte de los economistas españoles. Los resultados de la investigación demuestran que estos se comportaron como una comunidad científica consolidada en cuanto que prevaleció el criterio científico sobre sus planteamientos ideológicos, lo que imprimió a su discurso un carácter diferenciado. Además, el artículo evidencia que el juicio de los sistemas económicos es plural y responde, en gran medida, a la multiplicidad de marcos teóricos, signo de que la disciplina económica evolucionaba en la dirección que lo habían hecho otras comunidades científicas más avanzadas.
SciE-Lex report: Building up a Collocational Database to Assist the Production of Biomedical Texts in L2 English
Authors: Laso Martín Natalia Judith
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to describe the building-up of SciE-Lex (http://www.ub.edu/grelic/eng/scielex2/scielex.html), a collocational database of non-specialized terms in biomedical English, which was primarily conceived as a response to the lack of reference tools accounting for the lexicogrammatical patterning associated with non-technical terms frequently used in the health science discourse. SciE-Lex thus serves the purpose of assisting L2 English writers from the health science discourse community in their production of biomedical texts in English. This collocational database is the result of a lexicographic project carried out by the GreLiC research group at the University of Barcelona, and as such it has undergone various developmental stages since its inception. In order to evaluate its adequacy as a writing tool addressed to the Spanish biomedical community and confirm the appropriateness of the combinatorial patterning and phraseological information included in each entry, a group of language experts were asked to assess the dictionary by stressing both its weaknesses and strengths. Their feedback has stressed the suitability of SciE-Lex as a lexicographic resource and yielded significant improvement of the tool. Last but not least, SciE-Lex has also been successfully tested with targeted users in a series of “Writing for publication” workshops held at the University of Barcelona, and taught by the author, the results of which have corroborated the usefulness of this lexical database to enhance Spanish users’ biomedical English published writing.
Creación de contenido digital e investigación sobre el español como lengua extranjera
Authors: Ríos Santana Héctor Rubén
Published: March 2022

Este artículo es fruto de años de investigación en acción sobre programas basados en la creación de contenido digital o prosumirtuación en el contexto del aprendizaje del español como lengua extranjera (ELE). El trabajo se basa, por un lado, en la justificación de un marco teórico basado en el análisis de datos cualitativos (reflexión y actitud crítica, competencia digital, dimensión afectiva y emotiva, servicio, participación y cooperación); por otro, se introducen herramientas o servicios web útiles para el acceso, gestión y creación de contenido digital. Además, y no menos importante, este estudio revela la esencia de ecosistemas de trabajo sustentados en herramientas digitales con el principal objetivo de proporcionar a la comunidad científica un canal de reflexión sobre el lugar que ocupan las tecnologías en la investigación en torno a la enseñanza‑aprendizaje de segundas lenguas y lenguas extranjeras. Finalmente, se muestran ejemplos de las TIC con las que hemos recopilado los datos objeto de estudio en nuestros proyectos de prosumirtuación.
Organization, Implementation and Analysis of Telecollaboration in Two Educational Projects
Authors: Chimeva Yordanka
Published: March 2022

This article aims to describe how technology can help address the methodological challenges that can be found in the organization and collection of data during telecollaboration among foreign language students. The study investigates the interactions of secondary school learners of English as a foreign language during task-based telecollaboration with secondary school learners of English from a different cultural and linguistic background. The research focuses on two telecollaborative projects in which the same participants from Bulgaria and students from two different schools in Spain participated in synchronous videoconferencing sessions on culture-related topics. Various data collection instruments were used to provide the triangulation of the findings, namely, video recordings of the telecollaborative interactions, interviews, questionnaires, and field observations. The data was processed with the help of MAXQDA software (https://www.maxqda.com). The article reveals numerous challenges for the participating students and teachers, as well as for the investigators in the organization and implementation of telecollaboration in educational projects. These findings are valuable and could help students, teachers, and researchers to predict and solve such challenges before starting an online intercultural exchange project in school setting. This article also presents a case study of using MAXQDA data analysis software to assist qualitative analysis of the data from learners’ interactions in a telecollaborative learning environment. We demonstrate that MAXQDA enables comprehensive and in-depth analysis from multiple perspectives when analyzing students’ online interactions in an intercultural setting. Importantly, MAXQDA permits us to code and analyze audio and video files without transcribing them.
Nonlinear optical effects on the atom–field interaction based on the nonlinear coherent states approach
Authors: Momeni-Demneh Mojgan , Mahdifar Ali , Roknizadeh Rasoul
Published: March 2022

In this paper, to study the effects of a nonlinear medium on the atom–field interaction, we use the nonlinear coherent states approach. For this purpose, we choose the two-mode cross-Kerr as our nonlinear optical phenomena, and with the use of its algebra, we show that it can be considered as a deformed oscillator as well as a deformedsu(2)algebra. Then we construct the associated two-mode nonlinear coherent states and investigate their statistical properties. After that, as an example of applicability of the constructed coherent states, we investigate the nonlinear effects of the medium on the dynamics of atom–field interaction within the framework of the coherent states. By using the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, we study the effect of the nonlinear medium on the occupation probabilities of the atomic levels and consider the relation between the revival time of the atomic occupation probabilities and the nonlinear parameter of the medium. Then, to study the nonlinear effects on the dynamical properties of the cavity field, we consider the photon distribution, correlation function, Mandel parameters of the field, von Neumann entropy, and also the squeezing. Particularly, the nonlinearity of the media on the nonclassical properties of the two modes is clarified.
Deep ultra-violet plasmonics: exploiting momentum-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy to probe germanium
Authors: Poursoti Zohreh , Sun Wenbo , Bharadwaj Sathwik , Malac Marek , Iyer Suraj , Khosravi Farhad , Cui Kai , Qi Limei , Nazemifard Neda , Jagannath Ravichandra , Rahman Rajib , Jacob Zubin
Published: March 2022

Germanium is typically used for solid-state electronics, fiber-optics, and infrared applications, due to its semiconducting behavior at optical and infrared wavelengths. In contrast, here we show that the germanium displays metallic nature and supports propagating surface plasmons in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) wavelengths, that is typically not possible to achieve with conventional plasmonic metals such as gold, silver, and aluminum. We measure the photonic band spectrum and distinguish the plasmonic excitation modes: bulk plasmons, surface plasmons, and Cherenkov radiation using a momentum-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy. The observed spectrum is validated through the macroscopic electrodynamic electron energy loss theory and first-principles density functional theory calculations. In the DUV regime, intraband transitions of valence electrons dominate over the interband transitions, resulting in the observed highly dispersive surface plasmons. We further employ these surface plasmons in germanium to design a DUV radiation source based on the Smith-Purcell effect. Our work opens a new frontier of DUV plasmonics to enable the development of DUV devices such as metasurfaces, detectors, and light sources based on plasmonic germanium thin films.
Experimental beam combining stabilization using machine learning trained while phases drift
Authors: Du Qiang , Wang Dan , Zhou Tong , Gilardi Antonio , Kiran Mariam , Mohammed Bashir , Li Derun , Wilcox Russell
Published: March 2022

An 8-beam, diffractive coherent beam combiner is phase controlled by a learning algorithm trained while optical phases drift, using a differential mapping technique. Combined output power is stable to 0.4% with 95% of theoretical maximum efficiency, limited by the diffractive element.
Polarization Raman lidar for atmospheric correction during remote sensing satellite calibration: instrument and test measurements
Authors: Mao Song , Wang Anzhou , Yi Yang , Yin Zhenping , Zhao Yiming , Hu Xiuqing , Wang Xuan
Published: March 2022

A compact polarization Raman lidar has been designed and constructed for using it for atmospheric correction measurements during satellite optical sensor calibration in areas with high altitude and extremely low aerosol loading. The parameters of this lidar, such as laser wavelength, telescope diameter and interference filter bandwidth, were simulated and optimized for the best observation performance. The instrument has low weight, is small in size, and requires air cooling instead of commonly used water-cooling of the laser. Thus, the instrument is suitable for autonomous operation in remote sites. The lidar prototype was installed in Lijiang (26°43’ N, 100°01’ E), China, a potential observation site for calibrations of optical sensors of satellites. This observation site has been shown to be an appropriate place for remote sensing and satellite calibration activities with low aerosol loading, thin air and a comparably high proportion of cloud-free days. A field campaign carried out between November 2019 and April 2020 allowed for thoroughly testing the instruments. The results of test observations show that complete overlap between emitted laser beam and field-of-view of the receiver unit is achieved at relatively low heights above ground. The measurement accuracy is comparably high. Thus, this instrument is suitable for operating in areas with relatively clean atmospheric conditions.
Practical spectral photography II: snapshot spectral imaging using linear retarders and microgrid polarization cameras
Authors: Kudenov Michael W. , Altaqui Ali , Williams Cranos
Published: March 2022

Despite recent advances, customized multispectral cameras can be challenging or costly to deploy in some use cases. Complexities span electronic synchronization, multi-camera calibration, parallax and spatial co-registration, and data acquisition from multiple cameras, all of which can hamper their ease of use. This paper discusses a generalized procedure for multispectral sensing using a pixelated polarization camera and anisotropic polymer film retarders to create multivariate optical filters. We then describe the calibration procedure, which leverages neural networks to convert measured data into calibrated spectra (intensity versus wavelength). Experimental results are presented for a multivariate and channeled optical filter. Finally, imaging results taken using a red, green, and blue microgrid polarization camera and the channeled optical filter are presented. Imaging experiments indicated that the calculated spectra’s root mean square error is highest in the region where the camera’s red, green, and blue filter responses overlap. The average error of the spectral reflectance, measured of our spectralon tiles, was 6.5% for wavelengths spanning 425-675 nm. This technique demonstrates that 12 spectral channels can be obtained with a relatively simple and robust optical setup, and at minimal cost beyond the purchase of the camera.
Unique design approach to realize an O-band laser monolithically integrated on 300 mm Si substrate by nano-ridge engineering
Authors: Colucci Davide , Baryshnikova Marina , Shi Yuting , Mols Yves , Muneeb Muhammad , Koninck Yannick De , Yudistira Didit , Pantouvaki Marianna , Campenhout Joris Van , Langer Robert , Thourhout Dries Van , Kunert Bernardette
Published: March 2022

We introduce a new design space for optimizing III-V devices monolithically grown on Silicon substrates by extending the concept of nano-ridge engineering from binary semiconductors such as GaAs, InAs and GaSb to the ternary alloy InGaAs. This allows controlling the fundamental lattice constant of the fully relaxed ternary nano-ridge which thereby serves as a tunable base for the integration of diverse device hetero-layers. To demonstrate the flexibility of this approach, we realized an O-band nano-ridge laser containing three In0.45Ga0.55As quantum wells, which are pseudomorphically strained to an In0.25Ga0.75As nano-ridge base. The demonstration of an optically pumped nano-ridge laser operating around 1300 nm underlines the potential of this cost-efficient and highly scalable integration approach for silicon photonics.
Pincushion point-spread function for computer-generated holography
Authors: Blinder David , Birnbaum Tobias , Schelkens Peter
Published: March 2022

Point-spread functions (PSFs) are non-stationary signals whose spatial frequency increases with the radius. These signals are only meaningful over a small spatial region when being propagated over short distances and sampled with regular sampling pitch. Otherwise, aliasing at steep incidence angles leads to the computation of spurious frequencies. This is generally addressed by evaluating the PSF in a bounded disk-shaped region, which has the added benefit that it reduces the required number of coefficient updates. This significantly accelerates numerical diffraction calculations in, e.g., wavefront recording planes for high-resolution holograms. However, the use of a disk-shaped PSF is too conservative since it only utilizes about 78.5% of the total bandwidth of the hologram. We therefore derive a novel, to the best of our knowledge, optimally shaped PSF fully utilizing the bandwidth formed by two bounding hyperbola. A number of numerical experiments with the newly proposed pincushion PSF were performed, reporting over three-fold reductions of the signal error and significant improvements to the visual quality of computer-generated holograms at high viewing angles.
Microcavity coupled quantum dot emission with detuning control
Authors: Yang Zhen , Ma Penghua , Bai Guilin , Sun Baoquan , Du Wei , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

Solution processed colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have size-tunable optical transitions and high quantum efficiencies, enabling various applications in opto-electronic devices. To enrich the functionality of QD-based opto-electronic devices, colloidal semiconductor QDs have been frequently coupled with optical cavities to enable emission modulation. However, it remains a challenge to fully understand the interaction between the optical cavity resonance and the QD emission, especially for the planar optical microcavities. Here, we have investigated the light emission of colloidal semiconductor QDs in the planar Fabry–Perot microcavity consisted of two Ag mirrors. With the matched QD and cavity resonance, the microcavity coupled QD samples show a prominently narrower emission linewidth and emission angle range because of the efficient QD-cavity coupling, while with a slightly positive or negative energy detuning, the linewidth and angular distribution of the microcavity coupled QD emission both become broadened. Furthermore, with the standard lithography technique, the microcavity coupled QD sample can be patterned into arbitrary geometries, showing extra features of in-plane mode confinement. Our work highlights the important role of detuning in determining the coupling between colloidal semiconductor QDs and microcavities and paves the way for the future design of microcavity coupled QD devices.
Theoretical studies on nonlinear optical properties of BaGa4Q7 (Q = S, Se) crystals
Authors: Li Rukang
Published: March 2022

The ever-growing power of theoretical calculations has made it possible to accurately predict physical properties of condensed matter systems. In this Letter, using a linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO)-type quantum chemistry calculation package and the coupled perturbed Kohn–Sham (CPKS) method, it is shown that the bandgaps, static refractive indices, and full matrix elements of the nonlinear optical coefficients of recently found chalcogenides, which are potential mid-IR nonlinear optical crystals, can be obtained simultaneously with unprecedented accuracy. The results can serve as the foundation for future applications of those materials with optimum conditions.
Miniaturized structured illumination microscopy with diffractive optics
Authors: Liu Guoxuan , Xu Ning , Yang Huaidong , Tan Qiaofeng , Jin Guofan
Published: March 2022

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is an advanced microscope system that provides superresolution capability with excellent imaging speed, which has become a practical tool for live-cell imaging. However, the bulky size is blocking the application of SIM in wider study fields and scenarios. Here, we developed a miniaturized SIM (Mini SIM) system that provided periodic illumination using a diffractive optical element (DOE) for the first time. This optimized phase-only DOE generated the two-dimensional sinusoidal illumination by optical Fourier transform with an illuminating objective lens, which substantially simplified and miniaturized the illumination system. We built up a Mini SIM prototype and demonstrated lateral superresolution imaging of fluorescence beads and A549 cell slides. The proposed Mini SIM greatly simplifies the experimental setup and may lead to important applications in bio-imaging.
The Modular Isomorphism Problem: A Survey
Authors: Margolis Leo
Published: March 2022

The Modular Isomorphism Problem asks if an isomorphism of group algebras of two finite$p$p-groups$G$Gand$H$Hover a field of characteristic$p$p, implies an isomorphism of the groups$G$Gand$H$H. We survey the history of the problem, explain strategies which were developed to study it and present the recent negative solution of the problem. The problem is also compared to other isomorphism problems for group rings and various question remaining open are included.
Detection of focal source and arrhythmogenic substrate from body surface potentials to guide atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Feng Yingjing , Roney Caroline H. , Bayer Jason D. , Niederer Steven A. , Hocini Mélèze , Vigmond Edward J.
Published: March 2022

Focal sources (FS) are believed to be important triggers and a perpetuation mechanism for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Detecting FS and determining AF sustainability in atrial tissue can help guide ablation targeting. We hypothesized that sustained rotors during FS-driven episodes indicate an arrhythmogenic substrate for sustained AF, and that non-invasive electrical recordings, like electrocardiograms (ECGs) or body surface potential maps (BSPMs), could be used to detect FS and AF sustainability. Computer simulations were performed on five bi-atrial geometries. FS were induced by pacing at cycle lengths of 120–270 ms from 32 atrial sites and four pulmonary veins. Self-sustained reentrant activities were also initiated around the same 32 atrial sites with inexcitable cores of radii of 0, 0.5 and 1 cm. FS fired for two seconds and then AF inducibility was tested by whether activation was sustained for another second. ECGs and BSPMs were simulated. Equivalent atrial sources were extracted using second-order blind source separation, and their cycle length, periodicity and contribution, were used as features for random forest classifiers. Longer rotor duration during FS-driven episodes indicates higher AF inducibility (area under ROC curve = 0.83). Our method had accuracy of 90.6±1.0% and 90.6±0.6% in detecting FS presence, and 93.1±0.6% and 94.2±1.2% in identifying AF sustainability, and 80.0±6.6% and 61.0±5.2% in determining the atrium of the focal site, from BSPMs and ECGs of five atria. The detection of FS presence and AF sustainability were insensitive to vest placement (±9.6%). On pre-operative BSPMs of 52 paroxysmal AF patients, patients classified with initiator-type FS on a single atrium resulted in improved two-to-three-year AF-free likelihoods (p-value < 0.01, logrank tests). Detection of FS and arrhythmogenic substrate can be performed from ECGs and BSPMs, enabling non-invasive mapping towards mechanism-targeted AF treatment, and malignant ectopic beat detection with likely AF progression.
BmPMFBP1 regulates the development of eupyrene sperm in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Yang Dehong , Xu Jun , Chen Kai , Liu Yujia , Yang Xu , Tang Linmeng , Luo Xingyu , Liu Zulian , Li Muwang , Walters James R. , Huang Yongping
Published: March 2022

Sperm deliver the male complement of DNA to the ovum, and thus play a key role in sexual reproduction. Accordingly, spermatogenesis has outstanding significance in fields as disparate as infertility treatments and pest-control, making it a broadly interesting and important focus for molecular genetics research in a wide range of species. Here we investigate spermatogenesis in the model lepidopteran insectBombyx mori(silkworm moth), with particular focus on the genePMFBP1(polyamine modulated factor 1 binding protein 1). In humans and mouse,PMFBP1is essential for spermatogenesis, and mutations of this gene are associated with acephalic spermatozoa, which cause infertility. We identified aB.morigene labeled as “PMFBP1” in GenBank’s RefSeq database and sought to assess its role in spermatogenesis. Like in mammals, the silkworm version of this gene (BmPMFBP1) is specifically expressed in testes. We subsequently generatedBmPMFBP1mutants using a transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system. Mutant males were sterile while the fertility of mutant females was comparable to wildtype females. InB.mori, spermatogenesis yields two types of sperm, the nucleated fertile eupyrene sperm, and anucleated unfertile apyrene sperm. Mutant males produced abnormal eupyrene sperm bundles but normal apyrene sperm bundles. For eupyrene sperm, nuclei were mislocated and disordered inside the bundles. We also found theBmPMFBP1deficiency blocked the release of eupyrene sperm bundles from testes to ejaculatory seminalis. We found no obvious abnormalities in the production of apyrene sperm in mutant males, and double-matings with apyrene-deficientsex-lethalmutants rescued theΔBmPMFBP1infertility phenotype. These results indicateBmPMFBP1functions only in eupyrene spermatogenesis, and highlight that distinct genes underlie the development of the two sperm morphs commonly found in Lepidoptera. Bioinformatic analyses suggestPMFBP1may have evolved independently in lepidoptera and mammals, and that despite the shared name, are likely not homologous genes.
Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever among cattle in Cameroon: Implications from a One Health perspective
Authors: González Gordon Lina , Bessell Paul R. , Nkongho Egbe F. , Ngwa Victor N. , Tanya Vincent N. , Sander Melissa , Ndip Lucy , Morgan Kenton L. , Handel Ian G. , Mazeri Stella , Bronsvoort Barend MdeC , Kelly Robert F.
Published: March 2022

Background

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonotic disease distributed across several continents and recognized as an ongoing health threat. In humans, the infection can progress to a severe disease with high fatality, raising public health concerns due to the limited prophylactic and therapeutic options available. Animal species, clinically unaffected by the virus, serve as viral reservoirs and amplifier hosts, and can be a valuable tool for surveillance. Little is known about the occurrence and prevalence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cameroon. Knowledge on CCHFV exposure and the factors associated with its presence in sentinel species are a valuable resource to better understand transmission dynamics and assess local risks for zoonotic disease emergence.

Methods and findings

We conducted a CCHFV serological survey and risk factor analysis for animal level seropositivity in pastoral and dairy cattle in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VD) of the Adamawa Region in Cameroon. Seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for sampling design-effects and test performance. In addition, explanatory multivariable logistic regression mixed-effects models were fit to estimate the effect of animal characteristics, husbandry practices, risk contacts and ecological features on the serological status of pastoral cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 56.0% (95% CI 53.5–58.6) and 6.7% (95% CI 2.6–16.1) among pastoral and dairy cattle, respectively. Animals going on transhumance had twice the odds of being seropositive (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), indicating that animal movements could be implicated in disease expansion. From an ecological perspective, absolute humidity (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9) and shrub density (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2) were associated with seropositivity, which suggests an underlying viral dynamic connecting vertebrate host and ticks in a complex transmission network.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated high seroprevalence levels of CCHFV antibodies in cattle in Cameroon indicating a potential risk to human populations. However, current understanding of the underlying dynamics of CCHFV locally and the real risk for human populations is incomplete. Further studies designed using a One Health approach are required to improve local knowledge of the disease, host interactions and environmental risk factors. This information is crucial to better project the risks for human populations located in CCHFV-suitable ecological niches.
An inventory of human night-biting mosquitoes and their bionomics in Sumba, Indonesia
Authors: Syahrani Lepa , Permana Dendi H. , Syafruddin Din , Zubaidah Siti , Asih Puji B. S. , Rozi Ismail E. , Hidayati Anggi P. N. , Kosasih Sully , Dewayanti Farahana K. , Rachmawati Nia , Risandi Rifqi , Bangs Michael J. , Bøgh Claus , Davidson Jenna , Hendershot Allison , Burton Timothy , Grieco John P. , Achee Nicole L. , Lobo Neil F.
Published: March 2022

Mosquitoes are important vectors that transmit pathogens to human and other vertebrates. Each mosquito species has specific ecological requirements and bionomic traits that impact human exposure to mosquito bites, and hence disease transmission and vector control. A study of human biting mosquitoes and their bionomic characteristics was conducted in West Sumba and Southwest Sumba Districts, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, Indonesia from May 2015 to April 2018. Biweekly human landing catches (HLC) of night biting mosquitoes both indoors and outdoors caught a total of 73,507 mosquito specimens (59.7% non-Anopheles, 40.3% Anopheles). A minimum of 22 Culicinae species belonging to four genera (Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, Mansonia), and 13 Anophelinae species were identified. Culex quinquefasciatus was the dominant Culicinae species, Anopheles aconitus was the principal Anopheles species inland, while An. sundaicus was dominant closer to the coast. The overall human biting rate (HBR) was 10.548 bites per person per night (bpn) indoors and 10.551 bpn outdoors. Mosquitoes biting rates were slightly higher indoors for all genera with the exception of Anopheles, where biting rates were slightly higher outdoors. Diurnal and crepuscular Aedes and Armigeres demonstrated declining biting rates throughout the night while Culex and Anopheles biting rates peaked before midnight and then declined. Both anopheline and non-anopheline populations did not have a significant association with temperature (p = 0.3 and 0.88 respectively), or rainfall (p = 0.13 and 0.57 respectively). The point distribution of HBR and seasonal variables did not have a linear correlation. Data demonstrated similar mosquito–human interactions occurring outdoors and indoors and during early parts of the night implying both indoor and outdoor disease transmission potential in the area–pointing to the need for interventions in both spaces. Integrated vector analysis frameworks may enable better surveillance, monitoring and evaluation strategies for multiple diseases.
Application of Health Belief Model for the assessment of COVID-19 preventive behavior and its determinants among students: A structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Shitu Kegnie , Adugna Asmamaw , Kassie Ayenew , Handebo Simegnew
Published: March 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a new pandemic that poses a threat to people globally. In Ethiopia, where classrooms are limited, students are at higher risk for COVID-19 unless they take consistent preventative actions. However, there is a lack of evidence in the study area regarding student compliance with COVID-19 preventive behavior (CPB) and its predictors.

Objective

This study aimed to assess CPB and its predictors among students based on the perspective of the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Method and materials

A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2020 to evaluate the determinants of CPB among high school students using a self-administered structured questionnaire. 370 participants were selected using stratified simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses to evaluate the measurement and structural models proposed by the HBM and to identify associations between HBM variables. A T-value of > 1.96 with 95% CI and a P-value of < 0.05 were used to declare the statistical significance of path coefficients.

Result

A total of 370 students participated with a response rate of 92%. The median (interquartile range) age of the participants (51.9% females) was 18 (2) years. Only 97 (26.2%), 121 (32.7%), and 108 (29.2%) of the students had good practice in keeping physical distance, frequent hand washing, and facemask use respectively. The HBM explained 43% of the variance in CPB. Perceived barrier (β = - 0.15, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.51, p <0.001) were significant predictors of student compliance to CPB. Moreover, the measurement model demonstrated that the instrument had acceptable reliability and validity.

Conclusion and recommendations

COVID-19 prevention practice is quite low among students. HBM demonstrated adequate predictive utility in predicting CPBs among students, where perceived barriers and self-efficacy emerged as significant predictors of CPBs. According to the findings of this study, theory-based behavioral change interventions are urgently required for students to improve their prevention practice. Furthermore, these interventions will be effective if they are designed to remove barriers to CPBs and improve students’ self-efficacy in taking preventive measures.
Transcriptomic profiling of blood from autoimmune hepatitis patients reveals potential mechanisms with implications for management
Authors: Tana Michele May-Sien , Klepper Arielle , Lyden Amy , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Phelps Maira , McGee Breann , Green Kelsey , Feng Sandy , DeRisi Joseph , Crawford Emily Dawn , Lammert Craig S.
Published: March 2022

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a poorly understood, chronic disease, for which corticosteroids are still the mainstay of therapy and most patients undergo liver biopsy to obtain a diagnosis. We aimed to determine if there was a transcriptomic signature of AIH in the peripheral blood and investigate underlying biologic pathways revealed by gene expression analysis. Whole blood RNA from 75 AIH patients and 25 healthy volunteers was extracted and sequenced. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 249 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in AIH patients compared to controls. Using a random forest algorithm, we determined that less than 10 genes were sufficient to differentiate the two groups in our cohort. Interferon signaling was more active in AIH samples compared to controls, regardless of treatment status. Pegivirus sequences were detected in five AIH samples and 1 healthy sample. The gene expression data and clinical metadata were used to determine 12 genes that were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis in AIH. AIH patients with a partial response to therapy demonstrated decreased evidence of a CD8+ T cell gene expression signal. These findings represent progress in understanding a disease in need of better tests, therapies, and biomarkers.
Common exacerbation-prone phenotypes across asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Hyodo Kentaro , Masuko Hironori , Oshima Hisayuki , Shigemasa Rie , Kitazawa Haruna , Kanazawa Jun , Iijima Hiroaki , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Kodama Takahide , Nomura Akihiro , Kagohashi Katsunori , Satoh Hiroaki , Saito Takefumi , Sakamoto Tohru , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives

Chronic inflammatory airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are complex syndromes with diverse clinical symptoms due to multiple pathophysiological conditions. In this study, using common and shared risk factors for the exacerbation of asthma and COPD, we sought to clarify the exacerbation-prone phenotypes beyond disease labels, and to specifically investigate the role of the IL4RA gene polymorphism, which is related to type 2 inflammation, in these exacerbation-prone phenotypes.

Methods

The study population comprised patients with asthma (n = 117), asthma-COPD overlap (ACO; n = 37) or COPD (n = 48) and a history of exacerbation within the previous year. Cluster analyses were performed using factors associated with both asthma and COPD exacerbation. The association of the IL4RA gene polymorphism rs8832 with each exacerbation-prone phenotype was evaluated by multinomial logistic analyses using non-asthma non-COPD healthy adults as controls (n = 1,529). In addition, the genetic influence of rs8832 was also examined in asthma patients with allergic rhinitis and no history of exacerbation (n = 130).

Results

Two-step cluster analyses identified five clusters that did not necessarily correspond to the diagnostic disease labels. Cluster 1 was characterized by high eosinophil counts, cluster 2 was characterized by smokers with impaired lung function, cluster 3 was characterized by the presence of gastroesophageal reflux, cluster 4 was characterized by non-allergic females, and cluster 5 was characterized by allergic rhinitis and elevated total immunoglobulin E levels. A significant association with rs8832 was observed for cluster 5 (odds ratio, 3.88 (1.34–11.26), p = 0.013) and also for the type 2 exacerbation-prone phenotypes (clusters 1 and 5: odds ratio, 2.73 (1.45–5.15), p = 1.9 × 10−3).

Discussion

Our results indicated that the clinical heterogeneity of disease exacerbation may reflect the presence of common exacerbation-prone endotypes across asthma and COPD, and may support the use of the treatable traits approach for the prevention of exacerbations in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases.