bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sarcocystidae-Specific striated fiber assemblin protein SFA5 is required for parasite division in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Li Yuebao , Tang Xiaoyan , He Kai , Dong Hui , Ding Hui-Yong , Wu Xi-Ting , Chen Xiao-Wei , Wu Rui-Bin , Wang Qiang-Qiang , Aleem Muhammad Tahir , Long Shaojun
Published: May 2024

Apicomplexan encompass a variety of intracellular parasites responsible for significant diseases in humans and animals, such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. Among these, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) serves as an exemplary organism for understanding the intricate biological characteristics of the phylum. At the parasite's apical tip, a striated fiber was discovered and proposed to be evotionarily derived from the algal flagellum. However, the protein composition (the striated fiber assemblin, SFA) of this fiber remains poorly understood. Here, we took advantage of a proximity biotin labeling approach to identify potential SFA proteins by fusion of an engeneered biotin ligase TurboID with SFA2, from which we identified several novel components of the fiber. Evolutionary analysis suggested that SFA4 is conserved in the Apicomplexa phylum with the exception of piroplasmida, while SFA5 is specific to species of Sarcocystidae. Confocal imaging analysis showed that SFA4 and SFA5 are substantially co-localized with the bait SFA2. Using a new version (OsTIR1F74G) of the plant auxin-inducible degron system that we adapted in this study, we found that SFA4 and SFA5 were efficiently depleted by addition of a much lower concentration of inducer (5-Ph-IAA, instead of IAA). Detailed phenotypical analyses demonstrated that SFA5 is essential for daughter parasite formation and separation of parasite nuclei during division, supporting the localization of SFA5 at the striated fiber that connects the centriole and the apical conoid. The mouse assay suggested the essentiality of SFA5 in the parasites. Thus, this study provided a new repertoile of the stiated fiber, and new data supporting association of the fiber with parasite division.
Comparison of the recovery characteristics for canine corneal ulcer treated with corneoconjunctival transposition or conjunctival autografts
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Guo Long , Zhu Chengcheng , Li Jun , Yuan Changning , Li Jianji , Cui Luying , Dong Junsheng , Meng Xia , Zhu Guoqiang , Wang Heng
Published: May 2024

Corneal ulceration induced by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius) is a common clinical eye disease. Antibiotics combined with corneoconjunctival transposition (CCT) or conjunctival autografts (CA) are often used, but the recovery characteristics are still unknown. In this experiment, canine corneal ulcer models induced by S. pseudintermedius and treated with levofloxacin eye drops (LED) were created. The models were used to compare the recovery characteristics of CCT and CA, combined with LED, by clinical observation, histopathology, and cytokine expression detected by qRT-PCR analysis. The results showed that the ulcerative cornea with only LED treatment perforated after 48 h. The mRNA expression of TLR2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α genes was significantly elevated on 14, 28, and 35 days after the surgery compared to normal (p < 0.01). On day 42, the inflammatory damage had resolved, but the corneal transparency and arrangement of collagen fibrils in the CCT group were higher than those in the CA group. The mRNA expression of EGF, FGF, TGF-β1 and VEGF genes increased significantly (p < 0.01), mostly until day 42, proving that CCT and CA surgery contributed to the corneal recovery, and relieved the inflammatory reaction, with the elimination of corneal cicatrices needing a period of reconstruction. Therefore, this study has provided, for the first time, the method for establishing a canine corneal ulcer model induced by S. pseudintermedius. More importantly, the recovery of canine ulcerative corneas with CCT or CA surgery is reported for the first time.
Trajectories of symptoms of depression, distress, and resilience in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and toward its end in Czechia
Authors: Brennan Kearns Pavla , Csajbók Zsófia , Janoušková Miroslava , Kučera Matěj , Novák David , Fryčová Barbora , Kuklová Marie , Pekara Jaroslav , Šeblová Jana , Seblova Dominika
Published: May 2024

Background and objectives

The mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) may have improved after the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to model the trajectories of psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and toward its end in HCWs in Czechia and investigate, which COVID-19 work stressors were associated with these trajectories.

Methods

The study included 322 HCWs from the Czech arm of the international HEROES Study who participated in an online questionnaire in two waves during the pandemic and one wave toward its end. Growth mixture modeling identified trajectory patterns of depressive symptoms (measured with Patient Health Questionnaire), distress (General Health Questionnaire), and resilience (Brief Resilience Scale). Logistic regression was applied to estimate the association of COVID-19 stressors with mental health trajectories, adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Results

Trajectory classes revealed both high and low depressive symptoms (high in 61% of participants), distress (high in 82% of participants), and resilience (low in 32% of participants). Depressive symptoms and distress trajectories demonstrated the same shape, first increasing during the pandemic and decreasing toward its end, while resilience remained constant. Exposure to COVID-19 stressors, in particular, the experience of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence, was associated with high depressive symptoms and distress trajectories, but not with resilience.

Conclusions

Interventions provided to HCWs during crises such as pandemic should target distress and depressive symptoms and need to address stigmatization, discrimination, and violence.
Spatial structure could explain the maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics in tree cricket males
Authors: Sadiq Mohammed Aamir , Bhat Ananda Shikhara , Guttal Vishwesha , Balakrishnan Rohini
Published: May 2024

Trait polymorphisms are widespread in nature, and explaining their stable co-existence is a central problem in ecology and evolution. Alternative reproductive tactics, in which individuals of one or more sex exhibit discrete, discontinuous traits in response to reproductive competition, represent a special case of trait polymorphism in which the traits are often complex, behavioural, and dynamic. Thus, studying how alternative reproductive tactics are maintained may provide general insights into how complex trait polymorphisms are maintained in populations. We construct a spatially explicit individual-based model inspired from extensively collected empirical data to address the mechanisms behind the co-existence of three behavioural alternative reproductive tactics in males of a tree cricket (Oecanthus henryi). Our results show that the co-existence of these tactics over ecological time scales is facilitated by the spatial structure of the landscape they inhabit, which serves to equalise the otherwise unequal mating benefits of the three tactics. We also show that this co-existence is unlikely if spatial aspects of the system are not considered. Our findings highlight the importance of spatial dynamics in understanding ecological and evolutionary processes and underscore the power of integrative approaches that combine models with empirical data.
Single target acuity for moving targets in the common sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)
Authors: Hoppe Marius , Spratte Caroline , Hanke Frederike D. , Sørensen Kenneth
Published: May 2024

The common sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) likely relies on vision for many vital behaviors that require the perception of small objects such as detection of prey items or body marks of conspecifics. A previous study documented the single target acuity (STA) for stationary targets. Under many, if not most, circumstances, however, objects of interest are moving, which is why the current study tested the effect of the ecologically relevant parameter motion on sunfish STA. The STA was determined in two sunfish for targets moving randomly at a velocity of 3.4 deg/s. The STA for moving targets (0.144±0.002 deg) was equal to the STA for stationary targets obtained from the same fish individuals under the experimental conditions of this/the previous study. Our results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of fish vision, extending the large data set available on grating acuity.
Neuronal LRP4 directs the development, maturation and cytoskeletal organization of Drosophila peripheral synapses
Authors: DePew Alison T. , Bruckner Joseph J. , O'Connor-Giles Kate M. , Mosca Timothy J.
Published: May 2024

Synaptic development requires multiple signaling pathways to ensure successful connections. Transmembrane receptors are optimally positioned to connect the synapse and the rest of the neuron, often acting as synaptic organizers to synchronize downstream events. One such organizer, the LDL receptor-related protein LRP4, is a cell surface receptor that has been most well-studied postsynaptically at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Recent work, however, identified emerging roles, but how LRP4 acts as a presynaptic organizer and the downstream mechanisms of LRP4 are not well understood. Here, we show that LRP4 functions presynaptically at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses, acting in motoneurons to instruct pre- and postsynaptic development. Loss of presynaptic LRP4 results in multiple defects, impairing active zone organization, synapse growth, physiological function, microtubule organization, synaptic ultrastructure and synapse maturation. We further demonstrate that LRP4 promotes most aspects of presynaptic development via a downstream SR-protein kinase, SRPK79D. These data demonstrate a function for presynaptic LRP4 as a peripheral synaptic organizer, highlight a downstream mechanism conserved with its CNS function in Drosophila, and underscore previously unappreciated but important developmental roles for LRP4 in cytoskeletal organization, synapse maturation and active zone organization.
Multiscale chromatin dynamics and high entropy in plant iPSC ancestors
Authors: Rutowicz Kinga , Lüthi Joel , de Groot Reinoud , Holtackers René , Yakimovich Yauhen , Pazmiño Diana M. , Gandrillon Olivier , Pelkmans Lucas , Baroux Célia
Published: May 2024

Plant protoplasts provide starting material for of inducing pluripotent cell masses that are competent for tissue regeneration in vitro, analogous to animal induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Dedifferentiation is associated with large-scale chromatin reorganisation and massive transcriptome reprogramming, characterised by stochastic gene expression. How this cellular variability reflects on chromatin organisation in individual cells and what factors influence chromatin transitions during culturing are largely unknown. Here, we used high-throughput imaging and a custom supervised image analysis protocol extracting over 100 chromatin features of cultured protoplasts. The analysis revealed rapid, multiscale dynamics of chromatin patterns with a trajectory that strongly depended on nutrient availability. Decreased abundance in H1 (linker histones) is hallmark of chromatin transitions. We measured a high heterogeneity of chromatin patterns indicating intrinsic entropy as a hallmark of the initial cultures. We further measured an entropy decline over time, and an antagonistic influence by external and intrinsic factors, such as phytohormones and epigenetic modifiers, respectively. Collectively, our study benchmarks an approach to understand the variability and evolution of chromatin patterns underlying plant cell reprogramming in vitro.
Transcriptional control of a metabolic switch regulating cellular methylation reactions is part of a common response to stress in divergent bee species
Authors: Kogan Helen V. , Macleod Shannon G. , Rondeau Nicole C. , Raup-Collado Joanna , Cordero Victoria A. , Rovnyak David , Marshalleck Corey A. , Mallapan Meghna , Flores Melissa E. , Snow Jonathan W.
Published: May 2024

Recent global declines in bee health have elevated the need for a more complete understanding of the cellular stress mechanisms employed by diverse bee species. We recently uncovered the biomarker lethal (2) essential for life [l(2)efl] genes as part of a shared transcriptional program in response to a number of cell stressors in the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Here, we describe another shared stress-responsive gene, glycine N-methyltransferase (Gnmt), which is known as a key metabolic switch controlling cellular methylation reactions. We observed Gnmt induction by both abiotic and biotic stressors. We also found increased levels of the GNMT reaction product sarcosine in the midgut after stress, linking metabolic changes with the observed changes in gene regulation. Prior to this study, Gnmt upregulation had not been associated with cellular stress responses in other organisms. To determine whether this novel stress-responsive gene would behave similarly in other bee species, we first characterized the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in lab-reared adults of the solitary alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) and compared this with age-matched honey bees. The novel stress gene Gnmt was induced in addition to a number of canonical gene targets induced in both bee species upon unfolded protein response (UPR) activation, suggesting that stress-induced regulation of cellular methylation reactions is a common feature of bees. Therefore, this study suggests that the honey bee can serve as an important model for bee biology more broadly, although studies on diverse bee species will be required to fully understand global declines in bee populations.
The Role of Emphysema on Postoperative Prognosis in Early-Stage Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ishida Masayuki , Mimae Takahiro , Kamigaichi Atsushi , Kawamoto Nobutaka , Tsubokawa Norifumi , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito
Published: May 2024

Background

Emphysema is generally considered a poor prognostic factor for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer; however, whether the poor prognosis is due to highly malignant tumors or emphysema itself remains unclear. This study was designed to determine the prognostic value of emphysema in patients with early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Methods

A total of 721 patients with clinical stage IA nonsmall cell lung cancer who underwent complete resection between April 2007 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed regarding clinicopathological findings and prognosis related to emphysema.

Results

The emphysematous and normal lung groups comprised 197 and 524 patients, respectively. Compared with the normal lung group, lymphatic invasion (23.9% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.003), vascular invasion (37.6% vs. 17.2%, P < 0.001), and pleural invasion (18.8% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.006) were observed more frequently in the emphysema group. Additionally, the 5-year overall survival rate was lower (77.1% vs. 91.4%, P < 0.001), and the cumulative incidence of other causes of death was higher in the emphysema group (14.0% vs. 3.50%, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis of overall survival revealed that emphysema (vs. normal lung, hazard ratio 2.02, P = 0.0052), age > 70 years (vs. < 70 years, hazard ratio 4.03, P < 0.001), and SUVmax > 1.8 (vs. ≤ 1.8, hazard ratio 2.20, P = 0.0043) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer with emphysema has a tendency for the development of highly malignant tumors. Additionally, emphysema itself may have an impact on poor prognosis.
Online marketing and brand awareness for HEI: A review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bohara Sailaja , Bisht Vashali , Suri Pradeep , Panwar Diksha , Sharma Jyoti
Published: May 2024

Background This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify the gaps in the existing literature related to Online marketing and brand awareness strategies for HEI. It has evaluated the current state of the literature on the given topic showing the pivotal role of online marketing and brand awareness in higher education for enrollment. Methods The study used a web-based application, Biblioshiny, which comes in the bibliometrix package. The study used the Scopus database to create the data set, given its conventional construction and quality of the sources. The analysis done is descriptive. By using the bibliometrix software, the study showed the authors name, articles, sources, citations, relevant journals and co-citation from the year 2017 to 2022. The time period selected by the study was five years which means that articles published from 2017 to 2022 have been taken for the study. Results We found that HEI online marketing and brand awareness have not been explored much as it has not reached the stage of maturity. Most of the publication was done during the time of Covid-19. Also, the role of brand awareness in student enrollment decisions for HEI requires more investigation. Top most publications their sources and top authors are identified. Conclusions Bibliometric analysis has provided valuable insights into the seminal work, emerging trends, and the gap in the study. This area of study has been explored but not as much as challenges, and the effectiveness of online marketing tools like seo, sem,ppc and more has not been measured. Further, this paper allows researchers to study by examining the pattern of publications by seeing the different authorships, co-authors, collaborations, relevant sources, and citations. The insights of this paper will help education policymakers devise more creative strategies to increase enrollment, ensuring sustained relevance and competitive advantage in higher education institutions .
Ormianie w literaturze Polskiej: Szkice
Authors: Pełczyński Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

This is a book about Armenians in Polish literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, the characters in various fictional works (to a lesser extent in other genres), as well as about their authors, often of Armenian descent. The author attempts to make readers aware of the presence of Armenians in various discourses of Polish people, and also highlights numerous issues connecting both groups. The book consists of twelve essays, most of which were published in journals, including Armenian ones. They have undergone standardization processes to create a coherent whole. However, uneven treatment of the discussed topics is inevitable – some of them are detailed, others generalized, and some omitted. Repetitions may also occur.
Dynamic Home Care Routing and Scheduling with Uncertain Number of Visits per Referral
Authors: Khorasanian Danial , Patrick Jonathan , Sauré Antoine
Published: May 2024

Despite the rapid growth of the home care industry, research on the scheduling and routing of home care visits in the presence of uncertainty is still limited. This paper investigates a dynamic version of this problem in which the number of referrals and their required number of visits are uncertain. We develop a Markov decision process (MDP) model for the single-nurse problem to minimize the expected weighted sum of the rejection, diversion, overtime, and travel time costs. Because optimally solving the MDP is intractable, we employ an approximate linear program (ALP) to obtain a feasible policy. The typical ALP approach can only solve very small-scale instances of the problem. We derive an intuitively explainable closed-form solution for the optimal ALP parameters in a special case of the problem. Inspired by this form, we provide two heuristic reduction techniques for the ALP model in the general problem to solve large-scale instances in an acceptable time. Numerical results show that the ALP policy outperforms a myopic policy that reflects current practice, and is better than a scenario-based policy in most instances considered.

Funding: This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grants RGPIN-2018-05225 and RGPIN-2020-210524] and by the Telfer School of Management SMRG Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Support [Grant 2020].

Supplemental Material: The electronic companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0120 .
AVALIAÇÃO DO CONTROLE GLICÊMICO DE PACIENTES COM DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2
Authors: Da Silva Santos Maria Eduarda , Albuquerque Viol Livia , Rodrigues Beatriz , Roque Obreli Neto Paulo , Resende da Silva Luanna Gabriella , Oliveira Baldoni Andre , Rodrigues Coimbra Juliano
Published: May 2024

Introdução: O controle rígido da concentração sanguínea de glicose previne o surgimento e a progressão de complicações microvasculares relacionadas ao diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de pacientes com DM2 atendidos na atenção primária à saúde (APS) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) que apresentam controle glicêmico adequado. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com duração de cinco meses, na APS do SUS dos municípios de Bernardino de Campos e Salto Grande, SP. Os critérios de inclusão foram: diagnóstico médico de DM2, idade > 18 anos, ter realizado exames de glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) há menos de 12 meses da coleta de dados, ser atendido nas unidades de saúde do estudo. Resultados:1313 pacientes possuíam idade > 18 anos, e diagnóstico médico de DM2; entretanto, 547 destes pacientes tinha realizado exame de glicemia de jejum e HbA1c há mais de 12 meses da coleta de dados, e consequentemente, não atenderam a todos os critérios de inclusão. Seiscentos e três pacientes atenderam a todos os critérios de inclusão e aceitaram participar do estudo. Foi verificado que 190 pacientes (31,5%) apresentaram glicemia de jejum e HbA1c dentro da meta recomendada pelas diretrizes da Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes (SBD). Conslusões: Os resultados mostraram que número elevado de pacientes com DM2 não alcança controle glicêmico adequado, e não realiza exames de glicemia de jejum e HbA1c na frequência recomendada pela SBD, sendo necessário a adoção de novas estratégias para mudar este cenário.
LETRAMENTO NUTRICIONAL DE PROFISSIONAIS DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: A REALIDADE DE DOIS MUNICIPÍOS CEARENSES
Authors: Lima de Moura Abraão Bruno , De Lima Cavalcante Iara Maria , De Oliveira Nunes Thayná , Da Costa Silva Bruna Yhang
Published: May 2024

Resumo
Introdução: O Letramento Nutricional (LN) dos profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) reflete nas ações de alimentação e nutrição, com vistas à promoção da saúde, prevenção e controle de doenças. Objetivo: Diagnosticar a situação de letramento nutricional de profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde de dois municípios cearenses. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo e analítico. Participaram do estudo 240 profissionais, correspondente aos trabalhadores das Unidade Saúde da Família (USF) que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Coletou-se dados socioeconômicos, demográficos e de formação profissional e aplicou-se a ferramenta Newest Vital Sign (NVS) para avaliação do LN. Os dados foram comparados em cada município com o grau de LN. Resultados: Predominaram participantes com alta probabilidade de limitação de LN em ambos os municípios. Não houve diferença significante entre os dois municípios, uma vez que, São João do Jaguaribe apresentou média de 2,38 (DP = 1,571) e Limoeiro do Norte, de 2,33 (DP = 2,256), com p=0,264. Conclusão: Predominou limitado LN, que sugere a necessidade de uma agenda de educação continuada sobre alimentação e nutrição para os profissionais de saúde desses municípios..
Palavras-chave: Letramento em Saúde; Saúde da Família; Ciências da Nutrição
Imaging the temporal profile of structured optical modes
Authors: Morland Imogen , Scholes Stirling , Zhu Feng , Damyanov Martin , Leach Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Spatially structured optical modes exhibit a group velocity lower than c, resulting in a measurable temporal delay with respect to plane waves. Here, we develop a technique to image this temporal delay and measure it across a set of optical modes. An inevitable consequence of spatially varying delay is temporal broadening of the mode. As such, for a focused Gaussian, we observe an ≈ 1 % increase in the temporal profile, corresponding to a narrowing of the optical spectrum by ≈ 0.03 nm. This work shows that imaging is essential to fully understanding the changes to the group velocity for structured modes.
Event-based depth estimation with dense occlusion
Authors: Zhou Kangrui , Lei Taihang , Guan Banglei , Yu Qifeng
Published: May 2024

Occlusions pose a significant challenge to depth estimation in various fields, including automatic driving, remote sensing observation, and video surveillance. In this Letter, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, depth estimation method for dense occlusion to estimate the depth behind occlusions. We design a comprehensive procedure using an event camera that consists of two steps: rough estimation and precise estimation. In the rough estimation, we reconstruct two segments of the event stream to remove occlusions and subsequently employ a binocular intersection measurement to estimate the rough depth. In the precise estimation, we propose a criterion that the maximum total length of edges of reconstructed images corresponds to the actual depth and search for the precise depth around the rough depth. The experimental results demonstrate that our method is implemented with relative errors of depth estimation below 1.05%.
Secure optical communication system based on polarization regulation of the data fragmentation multipath transmission technology
Authors: Zhai Kun Peng , Zhang Xin Yan , Zhu Sha , Liu Yu , Wen Hua Shun , Zhu Ning Hua
Published: May 2024

We propose and demonstrate a data fragment multipath transmission scheme to achieve a secure optical communication based on polarization regulation. A dual-polarization Mach–Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) is driven by digital signals which are scattered by field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and transmitted in multiple paths. By utilizing two orthogonal polarization states, we have achieved a signal transmission under different optical parameters, and the transmission rate of the two paths can reach over 10 Gbps through a 20 km fiber with 2.5 Gbps hopping rate. In addition, we establish a theoretical model to analyze the security of the system and simulate brute force cracking; the probability of cracking the minimum information unit is 1.53 × 10−53. This proves that it is difficult to obtain a user data even using the fastest computers. Our scheme has provided, to our knowledge, a new approach for physical layer security.
Realizing highly efficient vertical coupling with dielectric deflective metasurfaces
Authors: Xie Minjun , Xiong Bo , Chu Tao
Published: May 2024

Using dielectric deflective metasurfaces, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, out-of-plane modulation scheme to realize vertical coupling on a 220 nm silicon-on-insulator platform. The metasurface is used to deflect vertical incident light to an oblique angle with high efficiency in the cladding layer. This deflection introduces a lateral wave vector component, thus preventing bi-directional transmission of traditional vertical coupling due to the second-order Bragg reflection of the grating. Additionally, an apodized design is employed for the subwavelength grating to improve mode matching with a deflection angle incident. The integration of the metasurface and subwavelength grating enables a new vertical coupling scheme with high efficiency. After global optimization, we achieved a simulation coupling efficiency of −2.19 dB. The measured coupling efficiency is −3.36 dB with a center wavelength of 1545.6 nm and a 1-dB bandwidth of 32 nm. The results confirm the feasibility of the proposed new architecture.
Phytoplankton communities quantified from hyperspectral ocean reflectance correspond to pigment-based communities
Authors: Kramer Sasha , Maritorena Stephane , Cetinic Ivona , Werdell Paul Jeremy , Siegel David
Published: May 2024

Community detection analysis is a powerful tool to separate groups of samples that are similar based on their composition. Here, we use a paired global dataset of in-water hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) spectra and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment concentrations to investigate the similarity in phytoplankton composition of the communities detected from each method. Samples were separated into optical communities using network-based community detection analysis applied to the Rrs residual (dRrs), which is calculated by subtracting a modeled hyperspectral Rrs spectrum from a measured hyperspectral Rrs spectrum. The dRrs spectrum accentuates short spectral scale features (<=10nm) that are correlated with phytoplankton pigment composition and therefore relate to phytoplankton community composition. To test the similarity of these optical communities to communities assessed from phytoplankton pigments, we also used network-based community detection analysis to separate HPLC pigment-based communities from twelve accessory pigment ratios to total chlorophyll-a. The results of these two community detection analyses were directly compared to identify similarities and differences in reflectance-based vs. pigment-based phytoplankton communities. A majority of samples (74%) were assigned to the same phytoplankton community between optical and pigment-based methods. Our results demonstrate that three distinct phytoplankton communities can be separated from hyperspectral Rrs data even after removing the dominant optical signals associated with total chlorophyll-a, non-algal particles, and CDOM. Notably, the optical communities assigned here offer a new tool for assessing phytoplankton community composition on global scales using the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on NASA’s new Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite.
High-performance and ultra-wide bandwidth silicon TM polarizer with suppressed reflection utilizing tailored contra-mode conversion Bragg grating
Authors: Yao X Steve , Wu Shengbao , Yu Qianli , Zhang Lei , Guo Zhenzhao , Xiao Jinbiao
Published: May 2024

We present a compact TM polarizer with high polarization extinction ratio (PER), low loss and suppressed reflection over an ultra-wide bandwidth on a 220-nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The device utilizes a contra-mode conversion Bragg grating with strong polarization-dependence embedded in a multimode waveguide. Through a sophisticated grating design incorporating tailored chirping and apodization profiles to match modal properties, we have achieved, by simulation, an ultra-wide bandwidth of 346 nm with PER>40dB and IL<1dB, a 5-fold increase over our previous design, as well as an ultra-high PER>55dB and low insertion loss (IL<0.35dB) at 1550nm. Particularly notable is the polarizer's ability to suppress reflection to <-15dB across an extended bandwidth exceeding 450nm. Experimental measurements confirm excellent performance of the fabricated TE polarizer, with IL<1.2dB (0.5dB) and PER>30dB over a bandwidth of 336nm (268nm).
Empirische Untersuchung der Nutzerakzeptanz einer Demand-Side-Plattform für Programmatisches Marketing
Authors: von Zastrow Yelka , Yetim Fahri
Published: May 2024

Unternehmen setzen zunehmend auf programmatische Softwareplattformen, um die Performance ihrer Werbekampagnen zu optimieren. Demand-Side-Plattformen (DSPs) helfen Werbetreibenden dabei, passende Werbeplätze auf Basis der individuellen Ziele, des Budgets und der Nutzerdaten zu finden. Obwohl die Relevanz der Benutzerakzeptanz für die erfolgreiche Nutzung von Systemen im Allgemeinen unterstrichen wird, mangelt es an empirischen Studien, die sich spezifisch mit der Akzeptanz von DSPs beschäftigen. Diese Fallstudie füllt die Forschungslücke dahingehend, dass sie eine bereits in der Praxis eingesetzte DSP aus Nutzerperspektive analysiert, um ein tiefgehendes Verständnis der Einflussfaktoren der Akzeptanz und Nutzung dieser Technologie zu erlangen. Zu diesem Zweck wird eine qualitative empirische Vorgehensweise gewählt, die sich an Akzeptanztheorien orientiert, um die Einflussfaktoren theoriegeleitet verstehen und erklären zu können. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie können sowohl für werbetreibenden Unternehmen als auch für Anbieter und Entwickler einer DSP von großer Bedeutung sein, da sie Erkenntnisse darüber liefern, wie die Funktionalitäten einer DSP von den Nutzenden wahrgenommen werden, welche als besonders nützlich erachtet werden, und wo es Potenzial zur Verbesserung gibt. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen unter anderem die besondere Rolle der Leistungserwartung und Aufwandserwartung sowie auch die der Gewohnheit für die Nutzerakzeptanz. Die Implikationen der Ergebnisse für weitere Forschung und Praxis im Sinne von Handlungsempfehlungen für die Optimierung des Systems werden ebenfalls vorgestellt.
Evolution and genetic characterization of Seoul virus in wild rats Rattus norvegicus from an urban park in Lyon, France 2020–2022
Authors: Alburkat Hussein , Smura Teemu , Bouilloud Marie , Pradel Julien , Anfray Gwendoline , Berthier Karine , Dutra Lara , Loiseau Anne , Niamsap Thanakorn , Olander Viktor , Sepulveda Diana , Venkat Vinaya , Charbonnel Nathalie , Castel Guillaume , Sironen Tarja
Published: May 2024

Background

Seoul virus (SEOV) is an orthohantavirus primarily carried by rats. In humans, it may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Its incidence is likely underestimated and given the expansion of urban areas, a better knowledge of SEOV circulation in rat populations is called for. Beyond the need to improve human case detection, we need to deepen our comprehension of the ecological, epidemiological, and evolutionary processes involved in the transmission of SEOV.

Methodology / Principal findings

We performed a comprehensive serological and molecular characterization of SEOV in Rattus norvegicus in a popular urban park within a large city (Lyon, France) to provide essential information to design surveillance strategies regarding SEOV. We sampled rats within the urban park of ‘La Tête d’Or’ in Lyon city from 2020 to 2022. We combined rat population genetics, immunofluorescence assays, SEOV high-throughput sequencing (S, M, and L segments), and phylogenetic analyses. We found low structuring of wild rat populations within Lyon city. Only one sampling site within the park (building created in 2021) showed high genetic differentiation and deserves further attention. We confirmed the circulation of SEOV in rats from the park with high seroprevalence (17.2%) and high genetic similarity with the strain previously described in 2011 in Lyon city.

Conclusion/Significance

This study confirms the continuous circulation of SEOV in a popular urban park where the risk for SEOV transmission to humans is present. Implementing a surveillance of this virus could provide an efficient early warning system and help prepare risk-based interventions. As we reveal high gene flow between rat populations from the park and the rest of the city, we advocate for SEOV surveillance to be conducted at the scale of the entire city.
Comparison of cardiac output estimates obtained from the Antares oscillometric pulse wave analysis algorithm and from Doppler transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Stäuber Alexander , Hoppe Matthias Wilhelm , Lapp Harald , Richter Stefan , Ohlow Marc-Alexander , Dörr Marcus , Piper Cornelia , Eckert Siegfried , Coll- Barroso Michael Thomas , Stäuber Franziska , Abanador-Kamper Nadine , Baulmann Johannes
Published: May 2024

Background

In cardiology, cardiac output (CO) is an important parameter for assessing cardiac function. While invasive thermodilution procedures are the gold standard for CO assessment, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) has become the established method for routine CO assessment in daily clinical practice. However, a demand persists for non-invasive approaches, including oscillometric pulse wave analysis (PWA), to enhance the accuracy of CO estimation, reduce complications associated with invasive procedures, and facilitate its application in non-intensive care settings. Here, we aimed to compare the TTE and oscillometric PWA algorithm Antares for a non-invasive estimation of CO.

Methods

Non-invasive CO data obtained by two-dimensional TTE were compared with those from an oscillometric blood pressure device (custo med GmbH, Ottobrunn, Germany) using the integrated algorithm Antares (Redwave Medical GmbH, Jena, Germany). In total, 59 patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization for clinical reasons (71±10 years old, 76% males) were included. Agreement between both CO measures were assessed by Bland-Altman analysis, Student’s t-test, and Pearson correlations.

Results

The mean difference in CO was 0.04 ± 1.03 l/min (95% confidence interval for the mean difference: -0.23 to 0.30 l/min) for the overall group, with lower and upper limits of agreement at -1.98 and 2.05 l/min, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in means between both CO measures (P = 0.785). Statistically significant correlations between TTE and Antares CO were observed in the entire cohort (r = 0.705, P<0.001) as well as in female (r = 0.802, P<0.001) and male patients (r = 0.669, P<0.001).

Conclusions

The oscillometric PWA algorithm Antares and established TTE for a non-invasive estimation of CO are highly correlated in male and female patients, with no statistically significant difference between both approaches. Future validation studies of the Antares CO are necessary before a clinical application can be considered.
Characterizing medical patients with delirium: A cohort study comparing ICD-10 codes and a validated chart review method
Authors: Sheehan Kathleen A. , Shin Saeha , Hall Elise , Mak Denise Y. F. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Tang Terence , Marwaha Seema , Gandell Dov , Rawal Shail , Inouye Sharon , Verma Amol A. , Razak Fahad
Published: May 2024

Background

Delirium is a major cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in hospitalized adults, but accurately determining rates of delirium remains a challenge.

Objective

To characterize and compare medical inpatients identified as having delirium using two common methods, administrative data and retrospective chart review.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 3881 randomly selected internal medicine hospital admissions from six acute care hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Delirium status was determined using ICD-10-CA codes from hospital administrative data and through a previously validated chart review method. Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, processes of care and outcomes were compared across those without delirium in hospital and those with delirium as determined by administrative data and chart review.

Results

Delirium was identified in 6.3% of admissions by ICD-10-CA codes compared to 25.7% by chart review. Using chart review as the reference standard, ICD-10-CA codes for delirium had sensitivity 24.1% (95%CI: 21.5–26.8%), specificity 99.8% (95%CI: 99.5–99.9%), positive predictive value 97.6% (95%CI: 94.6–98.9%), and negative predictive value 79.2% (95%CI: 78.6–79.7%). Age over 80, male gender, and Charlson comorbidity index greater than 2 were associated with misclassification of delirium. Inpatient mortality and median costs of care were greater in patients determined to have delirium by ICD-10-CA codes (5.8% greater mortality, 95% CI: 2.0–9.5 and $6824 greater cost, 95%CI: 4713–9264) and by chart review (11.9% greater mortality, 95%CI: 9.5–14.2% and $4967 greater cost, 95%CI: 4415–5701), compared to patients without delirium.

Conclusions

Administrative data are specific but highly insensitive, missing most cases of delirium in hospital. Mortality and costs of care were greater for both the delirium cases that were detected and missed by administrative data. Better methods of routinely measuring delirium in hospital are needed.
Are the shoulder joint function, stability, and mobility tests predictive of handstand execution?
Authors: Malíř Roman , Chrudimský Jan , Provazník Adam , Třebický Vít
Published: May 2024

Handstand is a basic element common across gymnastic disciplines and physical education classes that is frequently evaluated for quality in competition or skill acquisition. The correct handstand execution relies on maintaining balance, for which the shoulders seem particularly important. This study explores the relationship between shoulder joint function and the quality of handstand execution in novice college athletes (n = 111; aged 19–23 years). We assessed the shoulder joint function using standardized field tests (Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and evaluated handstand execution on official rating scale. Ordinal logistic regression models showed no relationship between the quality of handstand execution (E-score) and measures of shoulder joint stability or mobility in our sample (POR = 0.97 [0.91, 1.03] and 1.00 [0.91, 1.09] for E-score). Two major factors may have caused an observed pattern of results. Firstly, the standardized tests assess shoulder joints in different loads and ranges of motion compared to handstands. Secondly, our novice sample was not able to perform the handstand sufficiently well. In our sample of novice college athletes, shoulder function seems not related to handstand execution as other latent factors hindered their performance.
Bond performance between hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete and BFRP bars under freeze-thaw cycle
Authors: Su Yanming
Published: May 2024

This study applied the pull-out test to examine the influence of freeze-thaw cycles and hybrid fiber incorporation on the bond performance between BFRP bars and hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete. The bond-slip curves were fitted by the existing bond-slip constitutive model, and then the bond strength was predicted by a BP neural network. The results indicated that the failure mode changed from pull-out to splitting for the BFRP bar ordinary concrete specimens when the freeze-thaw cycles exceeded 50, while only pull-out failure occurred for all BFRP bar hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete specimens. An increasing trend was shown on the peak slip, but a decreasing trend was shown on the bond stiffness and bond strength when freeze-thaw cycles increased. The bond strength could be increased significantly by the incorporation of basalt fiber (BF) and cellulose fiber (CF) under the same freezing and thawing conditions as compared to concrete specimens without fibers. The Malvar model and the Continuous Curve model performed best in fitting the ascending and descending sections of the bond-slip curves, respectively. The BP neural network also accurately predicted the bond strength, with relative errors of predicted bond strengths ranging from 3.75% to 13.7%, and 86% of them being less than 10%.
In flux: Associations of substance use with instability in housing, employment, and income among young adults experiencing homelessness
Authors: Jose Rupa , D’Amico Elizabeth J. , Klein David J. , Rodriguez Anthony , Pedersen Eric R. , Tucker Joan S.
Published: May 2024

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are faced with instabilities in many areas of their lives, including their living situation, employment, and income. Little is known about how the experience of instability in these different domains might be associated with substance use. Leveraging data collected on 276 YAEH in Los Angeles County, regression analyses examine associations between three distinct types of instability (housing, employment, income) and participants’ self-reported alcohol use, alcohol consequences, non-cannabis drug use, and substance use symptoms. Results indicated that recent instability in income, employment, and secure housing for those with access to it (but not housing in general or non-secure housing) were significantly associated with greater alcohol/drug use or substance use symptoms. Depression was also found to moderate the association between employment instability and alcohol use. Our findings suggest that efforts to reduce instability in income, employment, and secure housing may have positive benefits for substance using YAEH, especially those with depressive symptoms.
Protective role of RIPK1 scaffolding against HDV-induced hepatocyte cell death and the significance of cytokines in mice
Authors: Camps Gracián , Maestro Sheila , Torella Laura , Herrero Diego , Usai Carla , Bilbao-Arribas Martin , Aldaz Ana , Olagüe Cristina , Vales Africa , Suárez-Amarán Lester , Aldabe Rafael , Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza Gloria
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection represents the most severe form of human viral hepatitis; however, the mechanisms underlying its pathology remain incompletely understood. We recently developed an HDV mouse model by injecting adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) containing replication-competent HBV and HDV genomes. This model replicates many features of human infection, including liver injury. Notably, the extent of liver damage can be diminished with anti-TNF-α treatment. Here, we found that TNF-α is mainly produced by macrophages. Downstream of the TNF-α receptor (TNFR), the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) serves as a cell fate regulator, playing roles in both cell survival and death pathways. In this study, we explored the function of RIPK1 and other host factors in HDV-induced cell death. We determined that the scaffolding function of RIPK1, and not its kinase activity, offers partial protection against HDV-induced apoptosis. A reduction in RIPK1 expression in hepatocytes through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing significantly intensifies HDV-induced damage. Contrary to our expectations, the protective effect of RIPK1 was not linked to TNF-α or macrophage activation, as their absence did not alter the extent of damage. Intriguingly, in the absence of RIPK1, macrophages confer a protective role. However, in animals unresponsive to type-I IFNs, RIPK1 downregulation did not exacerbate the damage, suggesting RIPK1’s role in shielding hepatocytes from type-I IFN-induced cell death. Interestingly, while the damage extent is similar between IFNα/βR KO and wild type mice in terms of transaminase elevation, their cell death mechanisms differ. In conclusion, our findings reveal that HDV-induced type-I IFN production is central to inducing hepatocyte death, and RIPK1’s scaffolding function offers protective benefits. Thus, type-I IFN together with TNF-α, contribute to HDV-induced liver damage. These insights may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate HDV-induced liver damage and halt disease progression.
Wnt target gene Ascl4 is dispensable for skin appendage development
Authors: Papagno Verdiana , Sulic Ana-Marija , Satta Jyoti P. , Hoshiar Aida Kaffash , Kumar Vinod , Jernvall Jukka , Mikkola Marja L.
Published: May 2024

The development of skin appendages, including hair follicles, teeth and mammary glands is initiated through the formation of the placode, a local thickening of the epithelium. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade is an evolutionary conserved pathway with an essential role in placode morphogenesis, but its downstream targets and their exact functions remain ill defined. In this study, we identify Achaete-scute complex-like 4 (Ascl4) as a novel target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and demonstrate its expression pattern in the signaling centers of developing hair follicles and teeth. Ascl transcription factors belong to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix transcriptional regulators involved in cell fate determination in many tissues. However, their specific role in the developing skin remains largely unknown. We report that Ascl4 null mice have no overt phenotype. Absence of Ascl4 did not impair hair follicle morphogenesis or hair shaft formation suggesting that it is non-essential for hair follicle development. No tooth or mammary gland abnormalities were detected either. We suggest that other transcription factors may functionally compensate for the absence of Ascl4, but further research is warranted to assess this possibility.