bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamophobia, Chinese Style: Total Internment of Uyghur Muslims by the People's Republic of China
Authors: Çaksu Ali
Published: December 2020

Since 2016 the mistreatment of Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim minority living in their homeland in northwest China, by the People's Republic of China has been taken to extreme levels. Uyghurs now are clearly victims of genocidal policies through internment of all types. The total internment of Uyghurs involves physical, psychological and virtual internments. In this article, I discuss the issue in three parts, namely internment camps for Uyghurs, urban internment and virtual internment. While all of them have both physical and psychological aspects, the last two are based on an Orwelian use of surveillance technologies for the purpose of large-scale persecution and suppression of Uyghurs with the intention of achieving a China with one homogenous culture. The total internment which is currently being carried out has two main motives: Islamophobia and the crucial geo-strategical position of the Uyghur homeland.
Using phase-corrected Bessel beams to cut glass substrates with a chamfered edge
Authors: Ungaro Craig , Kaliteevskiy Nikolay , Sterlingov Petr , Ivanov Viacheslav V. , Boh Ruffin A. , Terbrueggen Ralf J. , Savidis Nickolaos
Published: December 2020

Ultrafast laser cutting of a glass substrate at an oblique angle is demonstrated using a phase-corrected Bessel beam. Simulations are used to predetermine the ideal phase of the incident Bessel beam such that an unaberrated Bessel beam is formed inside the tilted substrate. Additional corrections to the beam such as shortening, moving the intensity of the beam within the substrate, and the formation of an elliptical focal spot were necessary to ensure consistent chamfering of the substrate and are discussed herein. Three cuts are combined to create a damage tract in the glass substrate in the shape of a chamfer, and then the glass is separated using a

C
O

2

laser resulting in a chamfered edge.
Brillouin mirror with an inverted acoustic profile in the presence of strong acoustic dispersion
Authors: Montes Antonio , Montes Carlos , Picholle Éric
Published: December 2020

While usually negligible in standard optical fibers, the group velocity dispersion of acoustic waves may in some cases play a significant role in the dynamics of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in propagation media with more complex structures, such as microstructured fibers. The usual three-wave coherent model of SBS can be adapted to take perturbative acoustic dispersion into account, but the slowly varying envelope approximation does not hold for stronger values of the acoustic dispersion, which call for a more sophisticated inertial model of SBS. A new regime of SBS mirrors with a spatially inverted acoustic profile is predicted in this limit. In the presence of strong acoustic dispersion, this regime exhibits a higher conversion efficiency than the usual mirror in the dispersionless case, as well as nonlinear self-stabilization of the phase of the acoustic wave when the pump is strongly depleted. Formal calculations allow the identification of regions of strong dynamic dispersion.
Spectral signatures of transverse optical modes in semiconductor nanowires
Authors: Wang Maoji , Richey-Simonsen Lauren R. , Gerton Jordan M.
Published: December 2020

In order to build nanophotonic devices, it is important to understand and ultimately control the optical mode structure within potential components such as nanoscale waveguides. However, experimental characterization of such modes in the optical regime is difficult due to the nanoscale dimensions of such components and the perturbations that would be induced by a near-field probe. Here, we demonstrate a probe-free, far-field method to characterize the optical modes within GaN nanowires (NWs) based on a novel off-axis scanning confocal microscope system. Using this microscope, we observe spectral signatures resulting from lateral leakage of waveguide modes when they exceed their respective cutoff limits. We identify these modes within hyperspectral images using an analytical model coupled with finite element simulations. The model can also be used to predict the spectral signatures for given geometrical and dielectric parameters, which enabled us to deduce the transverse dimension of the NW from hyperspectral images with an accuracy of

∼

30

nm

.
Super-resolution imaging for sub-IR frequencies based on total internal reflection
Authors: Barr Lauren E. , Karlsen Peter , Hornett Samuel M. , Hooper Ian R. , Mrnka Michal , Lawrence Christopher R. , Phillips David B. , Hendry Euan
Published: December 2020

For measurements designed to accurately determine layer thickness, there is a natural trade-off between sensitivity to optical thickness and lateral resolution due to the angular ray distribution required for a focused beam. We demonstrate a near-field imaging approach that enables subwavelength lateral resolution in images with contrast dependent on optical thickness. We illuminate a sample in a total internal reflection geometry, with a photoactivated spatial modulator in the near field, which allows optical thickness images to be computationally reconstructed in a few seconds. We demonstrate our approach at 140 GHz (wavelength 2.15 mm), where images are normally severely limited in spatial resolution, and demonstrate mapping of optical thickness variation in inhomogeneous biological tissues.
GaN lasers for quantum information science and technology (QIST) applications
Authors: Najda S.P. , Perlin P. , Leszczyński M. , Stanczyk S. , Clark C.C. , Slight T. J. , Macarthur J. , Prade L. , McKnight L. , Watson S. , Kelly. A.E.
Published: December 2020

We report on GaN lasers with extremely narrow linewidth (~1MHz) at ‘magic wavelengths’ for cold-atom interferometry quantum sensors, using extended cavity GaN laser diodes and DFB GaN laser diodes.
Alteration in the Culex pipiens transcriptome reveals diverse mechanisms of the mosquito immune system implicated upon Rift Valley fever phlebovirus exposure
Authors: Núñez Ana I. , Esteve-Codina Anna , Gómez-Garrido Jèssica , Brustolin Marco , Talavera Sandra , Berdugo Miguel , Dabad Marc , Alioto Tyler , Bensaid Albert , Busquets Núria
Published: December 2020

Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) causes an emerging zoonotic disease and is mainly transmitted byCulexandAedesmosquitoes. WhileAedes aegypti-dengue virus (DENV) is the most studied model, less is known about the genes involved in infection-responses in other mosquito-arboviruses pairing. The main objective was to investigate the molecular responses ofCx.pipiensto RVFV exposure focusing mainly on genes implicated in innate immune responses. Mosquitoes were fed with blood spiked with RVFV. The fully-engorged females were pooled at 3 different time points: 2 hours post-exposure (hpe), 3- and 14-days post-exposure (dpe). Pools of mosquitoes fed with non-infected blood were also collected for comparisons. Total RNA from each mosquito pool was subjected to RNA-seq analysis and ade novotranscriptome was constructed. A total of 451 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified. Most of the transcriptomic alterations were found at an early infection stage after RVFV exposure. Forty-eight DEG related to immune infection-response were characterized. Most of them were related with the RNAi system, Toll and IMD pathways, ubiquitination pathway and apoptosis. Our findings provide for the first time a comprehensive view onCx.pipiens-RVFV interactions at the molecular level. The early depletion of RNAi pathway genes at the onset of the RVFV infection would allow viral replication in mosquitoes. While genes from the Toll and IMD immune pathways were altered in response to RVFV none of the DEG were related to the JAK/STAT pathway. The fact that most of the DEG involved in the Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) or apoptosis were found at an early stage of infection would suggest that apoptosis plays a regulatory role in infectedCx.pipiensmidguts. This study provides a number of target genes that could be used to identify new molecular targets for vector control.
Universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women at Elmhurst Hospital Center, Queens, New York
Authors: Maru Sheela , Patil Uday , Carroll-Bennett Rachel , Baum Aaron , Bohn-Hemmerdinger Tracy , Ditchik Andrew , Scanlon Michael L. , Krishnan Parvathy , Bogaert Kelly , Woodbury Carson , Maru Duncan , Noble Lawrence , Wasserman Randi , Brown Barry , Vreeman Rachel , Masci Joseph
Published: December 2020

Background

Universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection on Labor and Delivery (L&D) units is a critical strategy to manage patient and health worker safety, especially in a vulnerable high-prevalence community. We describe the results of a SARS-CoV-2 universal screening program at the L&D Unit at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, NY, a 545-bed public hospital serving a diverse, largely immigrant and low-income patient population and an epicenter of the global pandemic.

Methods and findings

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. All pregnant women admitted to the L&D Unit of Elmhurst Hospital from March 29, 2020 to April 22, 2020 were included for analysis. The primary outcomes of the study were: (1) SARS-CoV-2 positivity among universally screened pregnant women, stratified by demographic characteristics, maternal comorbidities, and delivery outcomes; and (2) Symptomatic or asymptomatic presentation at the time of testing among SARS-CoV-2 positive women.

A total of 126 obstetric patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 between March 29 and April 22. Of these, 37% were positive. Of the women who tested positive, 72% were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to be of Hispanic ethnicity (unadjusted difference 24.4 percentage points, CI 7.9, 41.0) and report their primary language as Spanish (unadjusted difference 32.9 percentage points, CI 15.8, 49.9) than patients who tested negative.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cross-sectional study of data from a universal SARS-Cov-2 screening program implemented in the L&D unit of a safety-net hospital in Queens, New York, we found over one-third of pregnant women testing positive, the majority of those asymptomatic. The rationale for universal screening at the L&D Unit at Elmhurst Hospital was to ensure safety of patients and staff during an acute surge in SARS-Cov-2 infections through appropriate identification and isolation of pregnant women with positive test results. Women were roomed by their SARS-CoV-2 status given increasing space limitations. In addition, postpartum counseling was tailored to infection status. We quickly established discharge counseling and follow-up protocols tailored to their specific social needs. The experience at Elmhurst Hospital is instructive for other L&D units serving vulnerable populations and for pandemic preparedness.
An integrative approach reveals five new species of highland papayas (Caricaceae, Vasconcellea) from northern Peru
Authors: Tineo Daniel , Bustamante Danilo E. , Calderon Martha S. , Mendoza Jani E. , Huaman Eyner , Oliva Manuel
Published: December 2020

The assignment of accurate species names is crucial, especially for those with confirmed agronomic potential such as highland papayas. The use of additional methodologies and data sets is recommended to establish well-supported boundaries among species ofVasconcellea. Accordingly, six chloroplast (trnL-trnF,rpl20-rps12,psbA-trnHintergenic spacers,matKandrbcLgenes) and nuclear (ITS) markers were used to delimit species in the genusVasconcelleausing phylogeny and four DNA-based methods. Our results demonstrated congruence among different methodologies applied in this integrative study (i.e., morphology, multilocus phylogeny, genetic distance, coalescence methods). Genetic distance (ABGD, SPN), a coalescence method (BPP), and the multilocus phylogeny supported 22–25 different species ofVasconcellea, including the following five new species from northern Peru:V.badilloisp. nov.,V.carvalhoaesp. nov.,V.chachapoyensissp. nov.,V.pentalobissp. nov., andV.peruviensissp. nov. Genetic markers that gave better resolution for distinguishing species were ITS andtrnL-trnF. Phylogenetic diversity and DNA-species delimitation methods could be used to discover taxa within traditionally defined species.
In vivo tracking of transplanted macrophages with near infrared fluorescent dye reveals temporal distribution and specific homing in the liver that can be perturbed by clodronate liposomes
Authors: Nishiwaki Satoshi , Saito Shigeki , Takeshita Kyosuke , Kato Hidefumi , Ueda Ryuzo , Takami Akiyoshi , Naoe Tomoki , Ogawa Mika , Nakayama Takayuki
Published: December 2020

Macrophages play an indispensable role in both innate and acquired immunity, while the persistence of activated macrophages can sometimes be harmful to the host, resulting in multi-organ damage. Macrophages develop from monocytes in the circulation. However, little is known about the organ affinity of macrophages in the normal state. Using in vivo imaging with XenoLight DiR®, we observed that macrophages showed strong affinity for the liver, spleen and lung, and weak affinity for the gut and bone marrow, but little or no affinity for the kidney and skin. We also found that administered macrophages were still alive 168 hours after injection. On the other hand, treatment with clodronate liposomes, which are readily taken up by macrophages via phagocytosis, strongly reduced the number of macrophages in the liver, spleen and lung.
Pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and fear-avoidance in non-specific work-related low-back pain as predictors of sickness absence
Authors: Macías-Toronjo Israel , Rojas-Ocaña María Jesús , Sánchez-Ramos José Luis , García-Navarro E. Begoña
Published: December 2020

The influence of pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and fear-avoidance attitudes towards non-specific low-back pain has been scarcely studied in an occupational insurance provider context. The objective of this work is to ascertain the relationship between these psychosocial variables with work absence, its duration and the disability of subjects with work-related low back pain. This is a descriptive observational methodological strategy. All patients with work-related non-specific low back pain who attended to an occupational health hospital during the study period were included consecutively. Clinical variables of kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance attitudes, disability and pain were collected; sociodemographic variables of sex, age, type of work, educational level, occupational status and duration in days of work absence were recorded. Kinesiophobia (b = 1.43, P = 0.011, r = 0.333), fear-avoidance beliefs in its global dimension (b = 0.910, P = 0.014, r = 0.321), fear-avoidance beliefs in its work dimension (b = 1.255, P = 0.016, r = 0.321) and pain catastrophizing (b = 0.997, P = 0.013, r = 0.340) show individual association with the duration of sickness absence. Kinesiophobia (b = 0.821, P = 0.011, r = 0.30) and fear-avoidance beliefs (b = 1.760, P = 0.016, r = 0.28) are associated with disability (Kinesiophobia, b = 0.880, P = 0.045, r = 0.26; Fear-avoidance beliefs, b = 0.724, P = 0.010, r = 0.34). Kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing are related to an increase in the duration of work absence and disability in patients with back pain in an occupational insurance provider context.
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS)
Authors: de Andrade Carla Lourenço Tavares , Pereira Claudia Cristina de Aguiar , Martins Mônica , Lima Sheyla Maria Lemos , Portela Margareth Crisóstomo
Published: December 2020

Objective

To study the profile of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil and to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality related to the disease.

Methods

Cross-sectional study, based on secondary data on COVID-19 hospitalizations that occurred in the SUS between late February through June. Patients aged 18 years or older with primary or secondary diagnoses indicative of COVID-19 were included. Bivariate analyses were performed and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were estimated with random effects intercept. The modeling followed three steps, including: attributes of the patients; elements of the care process; and characteristics of the hospital and place of hospitalization.

Results

89,405 hospitalizations were observed, of which 24.4% resulted in death. COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the SUS were predominantly male (56.5%) with a mean age of 58.9 years. The length of stay ranged from less than 24 hours to 114 days, with a mean of 6.9 (±6.5) days. Of the total number of hospitalizations, 22.6% reported ICU use. The odds on in-hospital death were 16.8% higher among men than among women and increased with age. Black individuals had a higher likelihood of death. The behavior of the Charlson and Elixhauser indices was consistent with the hypothesis of a higher risk of death among patients with comorbidities, and obesity had an independent effect on increasing this risk. Some states, such as Amazonas and Rio de Janeiro, had a higher risk of in-hospital death from COVID-19. The odds on in-hospital death were 72.1% higher in municipalities with at least 100,000 inhabitants, though being hospitalized in the municipality of residence was a protective factor.

Conclusion

There was broad variation in COVID-19 in-hospital mortality in the SUS, associated with demographic and clinical factors, social inequality, and differences in the structure of services and quality of health care.
Early life ecology of the invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) in the western Atlantic
Authors: Mostowy Jason , Malca Estrella , Rasmuson Leif , Vásquez-Yeomans Lourdes , Gerard Trika , Sosa Cordero Eloy , Carrillo Laura , Lamkin John T.
Published: December 2020

The invasion of the western Atlantic by the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) is a serious threat to the ecological stability of the region. The early life history of the lionfish remains poorly understood despite the important role that larval supply plays reef fish population dynamics. In this study, we characterized patterns in the horizontal and vertical distributions of larval lionfish collected in the western Caribbean, US Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico from 19 ichthyoplankton surveys conducted from 2009–2016. Using generalized additive models (GAMs), we assessed the relative effects of spatiotemporal and environmental variation on the distribution of lionfish larvae. We also examined otoliths to determine larval ages and report the first larval growth rate estimates for this species. Lionfish larvae were present at 7.8% of all stations sampled and our model suggests that lionfish presence is related to sea surface temperature and the lunar cycle. Year and location also strongly affected the larval distribution, likely reflecting the ongoing expansion of the species during our sampling timeframe. Much of the variation in larval lionfish presence remained unexplained, and future studies should incorporate additional environmental factors to improve model predictions. This study improves our understanding of the lionfish life cycle and accentuates the need for further research into the early life history of this invasive species. The design and implementation of effective long-term lionfish control mechanisms will require an understanding of their entire life history.
Composition and origin of lung fluid proteome in premature infants and relationship to respiratory outcome
Authors: Ballard Philip L. , Oses-Prieto Juan , Chapin Cheryl , Segal Mark R. , Ballard Roberta A. , Burlingame Alma L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Infants born at extremely low gestational age are at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia and continuing lung disease. There are no early clinical biomarkers for pulmonary outcome and limited therapeutic interventions.

Objectives

We performed global proteomics of premature infant tracheal aspirate (TA) and plasma to determine the composition and source of lung fluid proteins and to identify potential biomarkers of respiratory outcome.

Methods

TA samples were collected from intubated infants in the TOLSURF cohort before and after nitric oxide treatment, and plasma was collected from NO CLD infants. Protein abundance was assayed by HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry and Protein Prospector software. mRNA abundance in mid-gestation fetal lung was assessed by RNA sequencing. Pulmonary morbidity was defined as a need for ventilatory support at term and during the first year.

Results

Abundant TA proteins included albumin, hemoglobin, and actin-related proteins. 96 of 137 detected plasma proteins were present in TA (r = 0.69, p<0.00001). Based on lung RNAseq data, ~88% of detected TA proteins in injured infant lung are derived at least in part from lung epithelium with overrepresentation in categories of cell membrane/secretion and stress/inflammation. Comparing 37 infants at study enrollment (7–14 days) who did or did not develop persistent pulmonary morbidity, candidate biomarkers of both lung (eg., annexin A5) and plasma (eg., vitamin D-binding protein) origin were identified. Notably, levels of free hemoglobin were 2.9-fold (p = 0.03) higher in infants with pulmonary morbidity. In time course studies, hemoglobin decreased markedly in most infants after enrollment coincident with initiation of inhaled nitric oxide treatment.

Conclusions

We conclude that both lung epithelium and plasma contribute to the lung fluid proteome in premature infants with lung injury. Early postnatal elevation of free hemoglobin and heme, which are both pro-oxidants, may contribute to persistent lung disease by depleting nitric oxide and increasing oxidative/nitrative stress.
Alcohol-related mortality and all-cause mortality following bereavement in two successive generations
Authors: Doku David Teye , Neupane Subas , Dobewall Henrik , Rimpelä Arja
Published: December 2020

Background and aim

Bereavement affects the health of the bereaved both emotionally and physically. Bereavement resulting from alcohol-related death of the previous generation (parents-first generation) may increase the risk of alcohol abuse and consequently alcohol-related mortality as well as all-cause mortality in the next generation (offspring-second generation). Furthermore, these associations can be bi-directional. However, there is no conclusive evidence of these effects, and studies exploring these intergenerational effects are rare. This study investigates these associations.

Methods

A longitudinal data were constructed by linking participants from the Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Surveys (AHLS) from 1979 to 1997 with census and registry-based data from Statistics Finland containing the socioeconomic status of the survey participants and their parents (N = 78610) to investigate these associations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals to determine the effect of bereavement with alcohol-related mortality and all-cause mortality.

Results

The findings suggest that bereavement following the death of an offspring increases the risk of both alcohol-related and all-cause mortality among both parents. The magnitude of the risk of mortality following the death of an offspring is higher for mothers than for fathers. There were no clear associations of a parent’s death with an offspring’s alcohol-related or all-cause mortality. However, generally, a father’s death seems to be protective of the risk of mortality among the offspring while a mother’s alcohol-related death slightly increased the risk of alcohol-related mortality among their offspring.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the role of bereavement, particularly resulting from the death of an offspring, on alcohol-related and all-cause mortality and therefore inequalities in mortality. Furthermore, the findings highlighting the need for alcohol abuse intervention and emotional support for bereaved persons following the death of an offspring.
Genomic analysis of the meningococcal ST-4821 complex–Western clade, potential sexual transmission and predicted antibiotic susceptibility and vaccine coverage
Authors: Lucidarme Jay , Zhu Bingqing , Xu Li , Bai Xilian , Gao Yuan , González-López Juan José , Mulhall Robert , Scott Kevin J. , Smith Andrew , Stefanelli Paola , Stenmark Bianca , Torpiano Paul , Tzanakaki Georgina , Borrow Ray , Shao Zhujun
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The ST-4821 complex (cc4821) is a leading cause of serogroup C and serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease in China where diverse strains in two phylogenetic groups (groups 1 and 2) have acquired fluoroquinolone resistance. cc4821 was recently prevalent among carriage isolates in men who have sex with men in New York City (USA). Genome-level population studies have thus far been limited to Chinese isolates. The aim of the present study was to build upon these with an extended panel of international cc4821 isolates.

Methods

Genomes of isolates from Asia (1972 to 2017), Europe (2011 to 2018), North America (2007), and South America (2014) were sequenced or obtained from the PubMLSTNeisseriadatabase. Core genome comparisons were performed in PubMLST.

Results

Four lineages were identified. Western isolates formed a distinct, mainly serogroup B sublineage with alleles associated with fluoroquinolone susceptibility (MIC <0.03 mg/L) and reduced penicillin susceptibility (MIC 0.094 to 1 mg/L). A third of these were from anogenital sites in men who have sex with men and had unique denitrification gene alleles. Generally 4CMenB vaccine strain coverage was reliant on strain-specific NHBA peptides.

Discussion

The previously identified cc4821 group 2 was resolved into three separate lineages. Clustering of western isolates was surprising given the overall diversity of cc4821. Possible association of this cluster with the anogenital niche is worthy of monitoring given concerns surrounding antibiotic resistance and potential subcapsular vaccine escape.
Spatial analysis, coupling coordination, and efficiency evaluation of green innovation: A case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Tian Ye , Huang Peng , Zhao Xu
Published: December 2020

Green innovation is an important driving force to promote the sustainable development of urban society and economy. This paper constructs an evaluation index system containing social undesirable outputs, and uses the Super-SBM model and the Malmquist-Luenberger index to evaluate green innovation efficiency in 42 cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2013 to 2017. Additionally, spatial autocorrelation analysis is used to study the spatial correlation of green innovation efficiency. Finally, the coupling coordination degree model is used to study the coupling coordination degree between green innovation efficiency and high-tech industries. The following results were obtained. (1) The average value of green innovation efficiency increased from 1.0446 to 1.0987, and the annual average growth rate of total factor productivity of green innovation was 1.1%. (2) Green innovation efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt had a significant spatial positive correlation, but the types of agglomeration among cities in different sections of the Yangtze River were quite different. (3) The coupling coordination degree between green innovation efficiency and the development level of high-tech industries in the cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt was in the basic coordination stage. Based on the research results, we suggest that cities in this belt further enhance the interactive relationship between green innovation and economic development and promote the coordinated development of economy and society.
Unobtrusive monitoring: Statistical dissemination latency estimation in Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer network
Authors: Mödinger David , Lorenz Jan-Hendrik , van der Heijden Rens W. , Hauck Franz J.
Published: December 2020

The cryptocurrency system Bitcoin uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute new transactions to all participants. For risk estimation and usability aspects of Bitcoin applications, it is necessary to know the time required to disseminate a transaction within the network. Unfortunately, this time is not immediately obvious and hard to acquire. Measuring the dissemination latency requires many connections into the Bitcoin network, wasting network resources. Some third parties operate that way and publish large scale measurements. Relying on these measurements introduces a dependency and requires additional trust. This work describes how to unobtrusively acquire reliable estimates of the dissemination latencies for transactions without involving a third party. The dissemination latency is modelled with a lognormal distribution, and we estimate their parameters using a Bayesian model that can be updated dynamically. Our approach provides reliable estimates even when using only eight connections, the minimum connection number used by the default Bitcoin client. We provide an implementation of our approach as well as datasets for modelling and evaluation. Our approach, while slightly underestimating the latency distribution, is largely congruent with observed dissemination latencies.
Preparation of nanoliposomes containing HER2/neu (P5+435) peptide and evaluation of their immune responses and anti-tumoral effects as a prophylactic vaccine against breast cancer
Authors: Naghibi Laleh , Yazdani Mona , Momtazi-Borojeni Amir Abbas , Razazan Atefeh , Shariat Sheida , Mansourian Mercedeh , Arab Atefeh , Barati Nastaran , Arabsalmani Mahdieh , Abbasi Azam , Saberi Zahra , Badiee Ali , Jalali Seyed Amir , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: December 2020

HER2/neu is an immunogenic protein inducing both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are the main effector immune cells in the anti-tumor immunity. To induce an effective CTL specific response against P5+435 single peptide derived from rat HER2/neu oncogene, we used a liposome delivery vehicle.In vivoenhancement of liposome stability and intracytoplasmic delivery of peptides are the main strategies which elevate the liposome-mediated drug delivery. Liposomes containing high transition temperature phospholipids, such as DSPC, are stable with prolongedin vivocirculation and more accessibility to the immune system. Incorporation of DOPE phospholipid results in the effective delivery of peptide into the cytoplasmviathe endocytotic pathway. To this end, the P5+435 peptide was linked to Maleimide-PEG2000-DSPE and coupled on the surface of nanoliposomes containing DSPC: DSPG: Cholesterol with/without DOPE. We observed that mice vaccinated with Lip-DOPE-P5+435 formulation had the highest number of IFN-γ- producing CTLs with the highest cytotoxic activity that consequently led to significantly smallest tumor size and prolonged survival rate in the TUBO mice model. In conclusion, our study indicated that the liposomal form of P5+435 peptide containing DOPE can be regarded as a promising prophylactic anti-cancer vaccine to generate potent antigen-specific immunity.
Naming racism in the public health classroom
Authors: Abuelezam Nadia N. , Castro Samayoa Andrés , Dinelli Alana , Fitzgerald Brenna
Published: December 2020

Objective

The discussion of racism within undergraduate public health classrooms can be highly influenced by local and national conversations about race. We explored the impact of local and national events on students’ ability to name racism on a public health exam highlighting the impact of racism on maternal and infant health disparities for Black mothers.

Methods

We undertook this research within the context of an undergraduate introductory public health course at a primarily white institution in the Northeastern part of the United States. A qualitative content analysis of undergraduate student responses to a final exam question soliciting the importance of racism to health outcomes among Black mothers in the United States was undertaken. ANOVA tests were run to assess differences on naming racism, using semantic alternatives, and providing alternative explanations during three main time periods: prior to the election of the 45th president of the United States (pre-Trump), after the election (post-Trump), and after a nationally recognized racist campus incident.

Results

Between the pre- and post-Trump periods we see no differences in naming racism or providing alternative explanations. We do see a reduction in the proportion of students providing semantic alternatives for racism in the post-Trump period (32.2 vs. 25.2%, p = 0.034). After the racist campus incident, we see increases in the proportion of students naming race (53.6 vs. 73.8%, p = 0.021) and decreases in the proportion providing an alternative explanation (43.1 vs. 12.9%, p = 0.004), but no differences in the proportion of students who used semantic alternatives.

Discussion

This work lends itself to our understanding of how local climate affects public health teaching and may also influence students’ learning about important social and structural determinants of health. National and local climate should frame and guide public health teaching.
Project OPUS: Development and evaluation of an electronic platform for pain management education of medical undergraduates in resource-limited settings
Authors: Onyeka Tonia C. , Iloanusi Nneka , Namisango Eve , Onu Justus U. , Okunade Kehinde S. , Mohammed Alhassan Datti , Gadanya Muktar A. , Nagoma Abubakar U. , Ojiakor Samuel , Ilo Chukwudi , Okuzu Okey , Oduche Chinelo , Ugwu Ngozi , Allsop Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Pain is a very frequent symptom that is reported by patients when they present to health professionals but remains undertreated or untreated, particularly in low-resource settings including Nigeria. Lack of training in pain management remains the most significant obstacle to pain treatment alongside an inadequate emphasis on pain education in undergraduate medical curricula, negatively impacting on subsequent care of patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of a 12-week structured e-Learning course on the knowledge of pain management among Nigerian undergraduate medical students.

Methods

Prospective, multisite, pre-post study conducted across five medical colleges in Nigeria. Structured modules covering aspects of pain management were delivered on an e-Learning platform. Pre- and post-test self-assessments were carried out in the 12-week duration of the study. User experience questionnaires and qualitative interviews were conducted via instant messaging to evaluate user experiences of the platform. User experience data was analysed using the UEQ Data Analysis Tool and Framework Analysis.

Results

A total of 216 of 659 eligible students completed all sections of the e-Learning course. Participant mean age was 23.52 years, with a slight female predominance (55.3%). Across all participants, an increase in median pre- and post-test scores occurred, from 40 to 60 (Z = 11.3, p<0.001, effect size = 1.3), suggestive of increased knowledge acquisition relating to pain management. Participants suggested e-Learning is a valuable approach to delivering pain education alongside identifying factors to address in future iterations.

Conclusion

e-Learning approaches to pain management education can enhance traditional learning methods and may increase students’ knowledge. Future iterations of e-Learning approaches will need to consider facilitating the download of data and content for the platform to increase user uptake and engagement. The platform was piloted as an optional adjunct to existing curricula. Future efforts to advocate and support integration of e-Learning for pain education should be two-fold; both to include pain education in the curricula of medical colleges across Nigeria and the use of e-Learning approaches to enhance teaching where feasible.
Association between the course of hypnotics treatment for insomnia and work functioning impairment in Japanese workers
Authors: Okawara Makoto , Nagata Tomohisa , Nagata Masako , Otani Makoto , Mori Koji , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: December 2020

Study objectives

This cross-sectional study analyzed the effect of treatment with hypnotics for sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, on daytime work functioning by phase of treatment in Japanese workers.

Methods

Subjects were respondents (n = 36,375) to a questionnaire survey conducted in 2015 to assess work functioning impairment in 15 companies in Japan. The questionnaire results were analyzed together with the respondents’ healthcare data extracted from public health insurance claims. Work functioning impairment was measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). The status of treatment for insomnia was determined using data on diseases and prescribed drugs extracted from health insurance claims from the past 16 months. The odds ratio of severe work functioning impairment according to on-treatment duration and off-treatment duration was estimated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The risk of severe work functioning impairment was significantly higher in subjects with insomnia who were being treated with hypnotics for 1 month or longer compared to non-insomnia subjects. This increased risk tended to be reduced with longer on-treatment duration. For subjects who had previously received hypnotics treatment for insomnia, the risk of severe work functioning impairment was significantly increased in all subgroups stratified by time from discontinuation of the prescription. This increased risk tended to be reduced with longer off-treatment duration.

Conclusions

Workers who are or were receiving hypnotics to treat insomnia may have a higher risk of daytime functioning impairment. Those with protracted insomnia require careful assessment of the risks and benefits of prescription hypnotics.
Targeting connexins with Gap27 during cold storage of the human donor uterus protects against cell death
Authors: Szymanska Katarzyna J. , Göker Menekse , Bol Melissa , Van Dorpe Jo , Weyers Steven , Leybaert Luc
Published: December 2020

Uterus transplantation is an experimental infertility treatment for women with uterine factor infertility. During donor uterus retrieval and subsequent storage, ischemia and other stressors are likely to occur, resulting in the delayed restoration of organ function and increased graft rejection. The uterus expresses connexin-based hemichannels, the opening of which can promote ischemic cell death, as well as gap junctions that may expand cell death by bystander signaling. We investigated if connexin channel inhibition with connexin channel inhibitor Gap27 could protect the uterus against cell death during the storage period. The study involved 9 female patients undergoing gender-change surgery. Before uterus removal, it was exposed to in situ warm ischemia with or without reperfusion. Uterus biopsies were taken before, during, and after ischemia, with or without reperfusion, and were subsequently stored under cold (4ᵒC) or warm (37ᵒC) conditions. TUNEL cell death assay was done at various time points along the combined in vivo/ex vivo experimental timeline. We found that Gap27 protected against storage-related cell death under cold but not warm conditions when the uterus had experienced in situ ischemia/reperfusion. For in situ brief ischemia without reperfusion, Gap27 reduction of cell death was delayed and significantly less, suggesting that protection critically depends on processes initiated when the organ was still in the donor. Thus, the inclusion of the connexin channel inhibitor Gap27 during cold storage protects the uterus against cell death, and the degree of protection depends on the history of exposure to warm ischemia. Gap27 protection may be indicated for uteri from deceased donors, in which ischemia is likely because life-saving organs have retrieval priority.
Prognostic value of plasma pentraxin 3 levels in patients with septic shock admitted to intensive care
Authors: Perez-San Martin S. , Suberviola B. , Garcia-Unzueta M. T. , Lavin B. A. , Campos S. , Santibañez M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of a new marker, pentraxin, as a prognostic marker in septic shock patients.

Materials and methods

Single-centre prospective observational study that included all consecutive patients 18 years or older who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock. Serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin (PTX3) were measured on ICU admission.

Results

Seventy-five septic shock patients were included in the study. The best predictors of in-hospital mortality were the severity scores: SAPS II (AUC = 0.81), SOFA (AUC = 0.79) and APACHE II (AUC = 0.73). The ROC curve for PTX3 (ng/mL) yielded an AUC of 0.70, higher than the AUC for PCT (0.43) and CRP (0.48), but lower than lactate (0.79). Adding PTX3 to the logistic model increased the predictive capacity in relation to SAPS II, SOFA and APACHE II for in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.814, 0.795, and 0.741, respectively). In crude regression models, significant associations were found between in-hospital mortality and PTX3. This positive association increased after adjusting for age, sex and immunosuppression: adjusted OR T3 for PTX3 = 7.83, 95% CI 1.35–45.49, linearP trend = 0.024.

Conclusion

Our results support the prognostic value of a single determination of plasma PTX3 as a predictor of hospital mortality in septic shock patients.
Catalytic Efficacy of 2,2′-Bipyridine Cobalt(II) Complex: Hydrothermal
Synthesis, X-Ray Structure and Aerobic Epoxidation of Alkenes
Authors: BERA RAJESH
Published: December 2020

A mononuclear cobalt(II) complex, [Co(bpy)2(NO3)](NO3)·3H2O (1) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) has been synthesized hydrothermally and
the crystal structure was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is capable of activating aerobic oxygen at atmospheric
pressure. [Co(bpy)2(NO3)](NO3)·3H2O (1) was used as an active catalyst for the aerobic epoxidaion of various alkenes with isobutyraldehyde
as co-reductant in acetonitrile medium. Complex 1 catalyzes the epoxidaion reaction efficiently, which reflected in high yield of products
with desired selectivity.
Surfactant Catalyzed Oxidation of Ethanolamines by Cerium(IV)
Authors: PADHY RANJAN KUMAR , BHATTAMISRA SREELEKHA DAS
Published: December 2020

Effect of surfactant medium on the kinetics of oxidation of amino alcohol by cerium(IV) has been reported. Two amino alcohols namely,
monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are chosen for kinetic study. Sizeable changes in reaction rate are noted only in
presence of sodium lauryl sulphate (NaLS) as surfactant. Both the amino alcohols exhibit rate maxima at around the cmc of NaLS, beyond
which the kψ-[NaLS] profile shows slow increase in rate constant with increasing NaLS concentration. Suitable model has been used to
explain the kinetic pattern post CMC and from this the micelle-reactant binding constant values have been evaluated. From the temperature
dependence study, the activation parameters for the oxidation reactions have been computed and these are compared against those obtained
for aqueous medium. Based on all information, plausible mechanism for micellar catalysis has been presented.
Extraction of Uranium from Aqueous Solution of Nitric
Acid and Organic Solvent Using Ionic Liquid
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Khanna Ashok
Published: December 2020

In present study, tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), a classical complexing agent for metallic cations, has
been studied for the extraction of uranium into ionic liquids (ILs): 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(
tri-fluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMIM][TF2N]) and trihexyl-tetradecylphosphonium-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)
imide ([P(14)666][TF2N]). Increasing HNO3 acidity of aqueous solution from 0.01
to 1 M the distribution ratio, DU decreases from 16 to 1.2 for 1.1 M TBP in [BMIM][TF2N] and the
corresponding extraction efficiency (% E) varies from ~94 to 55. In the acidic range of 1 to 8 M DU
and % E shows reversal trend of giving a local maximum at 8 M. This behaviour is compared and
validates by literature. In contrast, on increasing in aqueous acidity from 0.01 to 8 M the extraction of
uranium into [P(14)666][TF2N] ionic liquid, DU enhances from 2 to 39 and (%E) goes up from ~ 51 to 95.
Since, [P(14)666][TF2N] works better than [BMIM][TF2N] in the acidic range > 0.1. This ionic liquid
has been used for selective separation of uranium from strontium giving a DU of 63 and DSr of 2 with
98% E of uranium at 8 M acidity. To confirm the various species and groups in the formed complex,
FTIR studies have been conducted.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Mini Tablet Filled Capsules to Treat Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Naik S.B. Thirumalesh , Purushothaman M. , Chandrasekhar K.B.
Published: December 2020

In this work, mini tablets filled hard gelatin capsules were fabricated for a fixed-dose therapy for
transient ischemic attack (TIA). Clopidogrel besylate (CB)-75 mg and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)-75
mg were utilized in this work. Among the mini-tablets (MTs) clopidogrel besylate, was uncoated
conventional mini-tablets, whereas acetyl salicylic acid was enteric-coated. Acetyl salicylic acid gastric
irritation was overcome by using Plantago ovata seed mucilage as a binder in all mini-tablets. Both
types of mini-tablets were filled in hard gelatin capsules. Clopidogrel besylate and acetyl salicylic
acid compatibility with excipients used were evaluated, all the mini-tablets were judged for
post-compression constraints. The prepared mini-tablets confirmed no interaction by FTIR and DSC
studies. All the mini-tablets passed the physico-chemical constraints. Clopidogrel besylate was released
from the dosage form within 45 min, whereas enteric-coated acetyl salicylic acid mini-tablets resist to
release in an acidic environment and released within 45 min in an alkaline buffer. Even the filled
capsules were also passed all the parameters evaluated. The study concludes that by using P. ovata as
a binder in making tablets will resolve the issues related to gastric irritation.
Optimization of the Ring Opening of Epoxidized Palm Oil using D-Optimal Design
Authors: Nor Nurazira Mohd , Salih Nadia , Salimon Jumat
Published: December 2020

In the presence of a catalyst, p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), the ring of epoxidized palm oil (EPO)
was opened using oleic acid (OA). The optimization effects of different process variables including
the mol ratio of EPO/OA, reaction temperature, PTSA percentage and reaction time was performed by
response surface methodology (RSM). To assess the effects of process variables and interactions among
them, a D-optimal design was used as an RSM tool to acquire the maximum response value. The following
are the optimum conditions achieved at the reaction time of 4.73 h in the RSM study: 1.02% PTSA, 3
EPO/OA mol ratio and 119.14 ºC reaction temperature. These conditions resulted in 84% yield, 0.041%
oxirane oxygen content (OOC), 59.4 mg/g iodine value (IV), and118.7 mg/g hydroxyl value (HV). The
results are in a excellent agreement with the values predicted using a regression model.