bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating parallel data processing using optically tightly coupled FPGAs
Authors: Mizutani Kenji , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Urino Yutaka , Koibuchi Michihiro
Published: December 2021

A cutting-edge field programmable gate array (FPGA) card can be equipped with high-bandwidth inputs and outputs by high-density optical integration, e.g., onboard Si-photonics transceivers or co-packaged optics. It is possible to implement highly parallel data processing by using tightly coupled FPGAs. We previously proposed a lightweight, fully connected inter-FPGA network called OPTWEB for efficient collective communications. OPTWEB discards the traditional packet communication mechanism and introduces dedicated memory processing to minimize communication overhead. In this paper, we provide the design guidelines for a parallel data application on FPGAs connected by OPTWEB. We then present a generalized diameter-two hypercube network topology for connecting multiple FPGAs, which enables larger applications. In the guidelines, data to be exchanged should be directly processed by the dedicated memory on each FPGA, and parallelism should be implemented to match the collective communications provided by OPTWEB. We illustrate two case studies, one on parallel counting sort and the other on sharing averaged parameters, on eight custom Stratix10 MX2100 FPGA cards with 800 Gbps network bandwidth. The parallel counting sort operates up to 5.3 times faster than a comparable CPU cluster with the conventional InfiniBand network, and with sharing averaged parameters, up to 250 times faster operation is achieved. The two applications utilize a total of 80.1% and 60.6% of the adaptive logic modules of the FPGA, respectively.
Aluminum nitride integration on silicon nitride photonic circuits: a hybrid approach towards on-chip nonlinear optics
Authors: Terrasanta Giulio , Sommer Timo , Müller Manuel , Althammer Matthias , Gross Rudolf , Poot Menno
Published: December 2021

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is an emerging material for integrated quantum photonics due to its large χ(2) nonlinearity. Here we demonstrate the hybrid integration of AlN on silicon nitride (SiN) photonic chips. Composite microrings are fabricated by reactive DC sputtering of c-axis oriented AlN on top of pre-patterned SiN. This new approach does not require any patterning of AlN and depends only on reliable SiN nanofabrication. This simplifies the nanofabrication process drastically. Optical characteristics, such as the quality factor, propagation losses and group index, are obtained. Our hybrid resonators can have a one order of magnitude increase in quality factor after the AlN integration, with propagation losses down to 0.7 dB/cm. Using finite-element simulations, phase matching in these waveguides is explored.
Analytical theory of frequency-modulated combs: generalized mean-field theory, complex cavities, and harmonic states
Authors: Humbard Levi , Burghoff David
Published: December 2021

Frequency-modulated (FM) combs with a linearly-chirped frequency and nearly constant intensity occur naturally in certain laser systems; they can be most succinctly described by a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a phase potential. In this work, we perform a comprehensive analytical study of FM combs in order to calculate their salient properties. We develop a general procedure that allows mean-field theories to be constructed for arbitrary sets of master equations, and as an example consider the case of reflective defects. We derive an expression for the FM chirp of arbitrary Fabry-Perot cavities—important for most realistic lasers—and use perturbation theory to show how they are affected by finite gain bandwidth and linewidth enhancment in fast gain media. Lastly, we show that an eigenvalue formulation of the laser’s dynamics can be useful for characterizing all of the stable states of the laser: the fundamental comb, the continuous-wave solution, and the harmonic states.
Block-based spectral image reconstruction for compressive spectral imaging using smoothness on graphs
Authors: Florez-Ospina Juan F. , Alrushud Abdullah K. M. , Lau Daniel L. , Arce Gonzalo R.
Published: December 2021

A novel reconstruction method for compressive spectral imaging is designed by assuming that the spectral image of interest is sufficiently smooth on a collection of graphs. Since the graphs are not known in advance, we propose to infer them from a panchromatic image using a state-of-the-art graph learning method. Our approach leads to solutions with closed-form that can be found efficiently by solving multiple sparse systems of linear equations in parallel. Extensive simulations and an experimental demonstration show the merits of our method in comparison with traditional methods based on sparsity and total variation and more recent methods based on low-rank minimization and deep-based plug-and-play priors. Our approach may be instrumental in designing efficient methods based on deep neural networks and covariance estimation.
Efficient integrated tri-modal coupler for few-mode fibers
Authors: Pita Ruiz Julian L. , Rocha Lucas G. , Yang Jun , Kocabaş Şükrü Ekin , Li Ming-Jun , Aldaya Ivan , Dainese Paulo , Gabrielli Lucas H.
Published: December 2021

This paper demonstrates a high-efficiency vertical grating coupler for the LP01x, LP11ax, and LP11bx modes of a graded-index few-mode fiber. The coupler is composed of a non-uniform straight bidirectional grating that was inverse-designed to address the desired fiber modes, combined with two mode-selective directional couplers and two tapers. The device was fabricated by e-beam lithography with a minimum feature size of 100 nm and presented coupling efficiencies of −3.0 dB, −3.6 dB, and −3.4 dB for the LP01x, LP11ax, and LP11bx modes, respectively. The high efficiency of the proposed CMOS-compatible coupler demonstrates its potential as a key device for high-capacity networks exploiting space division multiplexing on few-mode fibers.
Enhancing the nonlinearity of optomechanical system via multiple mechanical modes
Authors: Zhang Deng-Wei , Bin Shang-Wu , You Cai , Hu Chang-Sheng
Published: December 2021

We theoretically investigate the nonlinear dynamics of an optomechanical system, where the system consists of N identical mechanical oscillators individually coupled to a common cavity field. We find that the optomechanical nonlinearity can be enhanced N times through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation in such a system. This leads to the power thresholds to observe the nonlinear behaviors (bistable, period-doubling, and chaotic dynamics) being reduced to 1/N. In addition, we find that changing the sign (positive or negative) of the coupling strength partly does not affect the threshold of driving power for generating corresponding nonlinear phenomena. Our work may provide a way to engineer optomechanical devices with a lower threshold, which has potential applications in implementing secret information processing and optical sensing.
High-power terahertz pulse generation from bias-free nanoantennas on graded composition InGaAs structures
Authors: Lu Ping-Keng , Turan Deniz , Jarrahi Mona
Published: December 2021

We present a bias-free photoconductive emitter that uses an array of nanoantennas on an InGaAs layer with a linearly graded Indium composition. The graded InGaAs structure creates a built-in electric field that extends through the entire photoconductive active region, enabling the efficient drift of the photo-generated electrons to the nanoantennas. The nanoantenna geometry is chosen so that surface plasmon waves are excited in response to a 1550 nm optical pump to maximize photo-generated carrier concentration near the nanoantennas, where the built-in electric field strength is maximized. With the combination of the plasmonic enhancement and built-in electric field, high-power terahertz pulses are generated without using any external bias voltage. We demonstrate the generation of terahertz pulses with 860 µW average power at an average optical pump power of 900 mW, exhibiting the highest radiation power compared to previously demonstrated telecommunication-compatible terahertz pulse emitters.
3D printed mounts for microdroplet resonators
Authors: Awerkamp Parker A. , Fish Davin , King Madison , Hill David , Nordin Gregory P. , Camacho Ryan M.
Published: December 2021

Liquid microdroplet resonators provide an excellent tool for optical studies due to their innate smoothness and high quality factors, but precise control over their geometries can be difficult. In contrast, three dimensional (3D) printed components are highly customizable but suffer from roughness and pixelation. We present 3D printed structures which leverage the versatility of 3D printing with the smoothness of microdroplets. Our devices enable the reliable creation of microdroplet resonators of varying shapes and sizes in an ambient environment, and our coupling scheme allows for high control over droplet position.
Increasing calling accuracy, coverage, and read-depth in sequence data by the use of haplotype blocks
Authors: Pook Torsten , Nemri Adnane , Gonzalez Segovia Eric Gerardo , Valle Torres Daniel , Simianer Henner , Schoen Chris-Carolin
Published: December 2021

High-throughput genotyping of large numbers of lines remains a key challenge in plant genetics, requiring geneticists and breeders to find a balance between data quality and the number of genotyped lines under a variety of different existing genotyping technologies when resources are limited. In this work, we are proposing a new imputation pipeline (“HBimpute”) that can be used to generate high-quality genomic data from low read-depth whole-genome-sequence data. The key idea of the pipeline is the use of haplotype blocks from the software HaploBlocker to identify locally similar lines and subsequently use the reads of all locally similar lines in the variant calling for a specific line. The effectiveness of the pipeline is showcased on a dataset of 321 doubled haploid lines of a European maize landrace, which were sequenced at 0.5X read-depth. The overall imputing error rates are cut in half compared to state-of-the-art software like BEAGLE and STITCH, while the average read-depth is increased to 83X, thus enabling the calling of copy number variation. The usefulness of the obtained imputed data panel is further evaluated by comparing the performance of sequence data in common breeding applications to that of genomic data generated with a genotyping array. For both genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction, results are on par or even slightly better than results obtained with high-density array data (600k). In particular for genomic prediction, we observe slightly higher data quality for the sequence data compared to the 600k array in the form of higher prediction accuracies. This occurred specifically when reducing the data panel to the set of overlapping markers between sequence and array, indicating that sequencing data can benefit from the same marker ascertainment as used in the array process to increase the quality and usability of genomic data.
Alteration of the corpus callosum in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Deep learning-based assessment
Authors: Kamal Sadia , Park Ingyu , Kim Yeo Jin , Kim Yun Joong , Lee Unjoo
Published: December 2021

Background

Several studies have reported changes in the corpus callosum (CC) in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the involved region differed according to the study population and study group. Using deep learning technology, we ensured accurate analysis of the CC in Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

We used the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) dataset to investigate changes in the CC. The individuals were divided into three groups using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR); 94 normal controls (NC) were not demented (NC group, CDR = 0), 56 individuals had very mild dementia (VMD group, CDR = 0.5), and 17 individuals were defined as having mild and moderate dementia (MD group, CDR = 1 or 2). Deep learning technology using a convolutional neural network organized in a U-net architecture was used to segment the CC in the midsagittal plane. Total CC length and regional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the CC were made.

Results

The total CC length was negatively associated with cognitive function. (beta = -0.139, p = 0.022) Among MRI measurements of the CC, the height of the anterior third (beta = 0.038, p <0.0001) and width of the body (beta = 0.077, p = 0.001) and the height (beta = 0.065, p = 0.001) and area of the splenium (beta = 0.059, p = 0.027) were associated with cognitive function. To distinguish MD from NC and VMD, the receiver operating characteristic analyses of these MRI measurements showed areas under the curves of 0.65–0.74. (total CC length = 0.705, height of the anterior third = 0.735, width of the body = 0.714, height of the splenium = 0.703, area of the splenium = 0.649).

Conclusions

Among MRI measurements, total CC length, the height of the anterior third and width of the body, and the height and area of the splenium were associated with cognitive decline. They had fair diagnostic validity in distinguishing MD from NC and VMD.
Hepatic transcriptome analysis identifies genes, polymorphisms and pathways involved in the fatty acids metabolism in sheep
Authors: Gunawan Asep , Listyarini Kasita , Harahap Ratna Sholatia , Jakaria  , Roosita Katrin , Sumantri Cece , Inounu Ismeth , Akter Syeda Hasina , Islam Md. Aminul , Uddin Muhammad Jasim
Published: December 2021

Fatty acids (FA) in ruminants, especially unsaturated FA (USFA) have important impact in meat quality, nutritional value, and flavour quality of meat, and on consumer’s health. Identification of the genetic factors controlling the FA composition and metabolism is pivotal to select sheep that produce higher USFA and lower saturated (SFA) for the benefit of sheep industry and consumers. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the transcriptome profiling in the liver tissues collected from sheep with divergent USFA content in longissimus muscle using RNA deep-sequencing. From sheep (n = 100) population, liver tissues with higher (n = 3) and lower (n = 3) USFA content were analysed using Illumina HiSeq 2500. The total number of reads produced for each liver sample were ranged from 21.28 to 28.51 million with a median of 23.90 million. Approximately, 198 genes were differentially regulated with significance level of p-adjusted value <0.05. Among them, 100 genes were up-regulated, and 98 were down-regulated (p<0.01, FC>1.5) in the higher USFA group. A large proportion of key genes involved in FA biosynthesis, adipogenesis, fat deposition, and lipid metabolism were identified, such as APOA5, SLC25A30, GFPT1, LEPR, TGFBR2, FABP7, GSTCD, and CYP17A. Pathway analysis revealed that glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis- keratan sulfate, adipokine signaling, galactose metabolism, endocrine and other factors-regulating calcium metabolism, mineral metabolism, and PPAR signaling pathway were playing important regulatory roles in FA metabolism. Importantly, polymorphism and association analyses showed that mutation in APOA5, CFHR5, TGFBR2 and LEPR genes could be potential markers for the FA composition in sheep. These polymorphisms and transcriptome networks controlling the FA variation could be used as genetic markers for FA composition-related traits improvement. However, functional validation is required to confirm the effect of these SNPs in other sheep population in order to incorporate them in the sheep breeding program.
Optimised CO2-containing medium for in vitro culture and transportation of mouse preimplantation embryos without CO2 incubator
Authors: Kikuchi Yasuyuki , Wakayama Sayaka , Ito Daiyu , Ooga Masatoshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: December 2021

Conventional in vitro culture and manipulation of mouse embryos require a CO2 incubator, which not only increases the cost of performing experiments but also hampers the transport of embryos to the other laboratories. In this study, we established and tested a new CO2 incubator-free embryo culture system and transported embryos using this system. Using an Anaero pouch, which is a CO2 gas-generating agent, to increase the CO2 partial pressure of CZB medium to 4%–5%, 2-cell embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage in a sealed tube without a CO2 incubator at 37°C. Further, the developmental rate to blastocyst and full-term development after embryo transfer were comparable with those of usual culture method using a CO2 incubator (blastocyst rate: 97% versus 95%, respectively; offspring rate: 30% versus 35%, respectively). Furthermore, using a thermal bottle, embryos were reliably cultured using this system for up to 2 days at room temperature, and live offspring were obtained from embryos transported in this simple and very low-cost manner without reducing the offspring rate (thermal bottle: 26.2% versus CO2 incubator: 34.3%). This study demonstrates that CO2 incubators are not essential for embryo culture and transportation and that this system provides a useful, low-cost alternative for mouse embryo culture and manipulation.
Learning to sense from events via semantic variational autoencoder
Authors: Gôlo Marcos Paulo Silva , Rossi Rafael Geraldeli , Marcacini Ricardo Marcondes
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce the concept of learning to sense, which aims to emulate a complex characteristic of human reasoning: the ability to monitor and understand a set of interdependent events for decision-making processes. Event datasets are composed of textual data and spatio-temporal features that determine where and when a given phenomenon occurred. In learning to sense, related events are mapped closely to each other in a semantic vector space, thereby identifying that they contain similar contextual meaning. However, learning a semantic vector space that satisfies both textual similarities and spatio-temporal constraints is a crucial challenge for event analysis and sensing. This paper investigates a Semantic Variational Autoencoder (SVAE) to fine-tune pre-trained embeddings according to both textual and spatio-temporal events of the class of interest. Experiments involving more than one hundred sensors show that our SVAE outperforms a competitive one-class classification baseline. Moreover, our proposal provides desirable learning requirements to sense scenarios, such as visualization of the sensor decision function and heat maps with the sensor’s geographic impact.
Heat source and sink effects on periodic mixed convection flow along the electrically conducting cone inserted in porous medium
Authors: Ilya Asifa , Ashraf Muhammad , Ali Aamir , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: December 2021

The system of partial differential equations governing the unsteady hydromagnetic boundary-layer flow along an electrically conducting cone embedded in porous medium in the presence of thermal buoyancy, magnetic field, heat source and sink effects are formulated. These equations are solved numerically by using an implicit Finite-Difference Method. The effects of the various parameters that are source/sink parameter, porous medium parameter, Prandtl number, mixed convection parameter and magnetic Prandtl number on the velocity, temperature profiles, transverse magnetic field are predicted. The effects of heat source and sink parameter on the time-mean value as well as on transient skin friction; heat transfer and current density rate are delineated especially in each plot. The extensive results reveal the existence of periodicity and show that periodicity becomes more distinctive for source and sink in the case of the electrically conducting cone. As the source and sink contrast increases, the periodic convective motion is invigorated to the amplitude and phase angle as reflect in the each plot. The dimensionless forms of the set of partial differential equations is transform into primitive form by using primitive variable formulation and then are solved numerically by using Finite Difference Scheme which has given in literature frequently. Physical interpretations of the overall flow and heat transfer along with current density are highlighted with detail in results and discussion section. The main novelty of the obtained numerical results is that first we retain numerical results for steady part and then used in unsteady part to obtain transient skin friction, rate of heat transfer and current density. The intensity of velocity profile is increased for increasing values of porosity parameter Ω, the temperature and mass concentration intensities are reduced due heat source effects.
Hopeless tooth and less posterior occlusion is related to a greater risk of low handgrip strength: A population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Sul-Hee , Che Xianhua , Park Hee-Jung , Kim Tae-Il
Published: December 2021

The effect of severely compromised teeth on masticatory function has not been properly evaluated in previous studies, as they were often considered equivalent to the healthy tooth or excluded as if absent in the dentition. Hopeless teeth, which refer to non-salvageable teeth that require extraction, can interfere with masticatory function. As posterior occlusion is directly related to the masticatory function, we evaluated pairs opposing posterior teeth (POPs) that reflect the arrangement as well as the number of remaining posterior teeth. This study investigated the relationship of a hopeless tooth to handgrip strength according to POPs in the elderly. This cross-sectional study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Among the data of 23,466 participants from 2015 to 2018, participants aged 60 years or older (n = 4,729) were included. In males with POPs scores of 0–7, considered poor posterior occlusion, the association with low handgrip strength persisted in the multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for all confounding variables. The odds ratio (OR) in the absence of hopeless teeth (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.02–3.59) increased in the presence of a hopeless tooth (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.42–5.47). Even with POPs scores of 8–11, considered good posterior occlusion, the association was significantly high in the presence of a hopeless tooth (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.06–7.52). In females, the association disappeared in adjusted models. The fewer pairs of natural posterior teeth with occlusion, the greater the risk of low handgrip strength. Dentition containing hopeless teeth increases the risk of low handgrip strength, even in dentition with sufficient posterior occlusion. Preserving the posterior teeth in a healthy condition through personal oral hygiene and regular dental management is essential for maintaining components of physical function such as handgrip strength.
Child stature, maternal education, and early childhood development in Nigeria
Authors: Skoufias Emmanuel , Vinha Katja
Published: December 2021

Data from the 2016–17 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey from Nigeria are used to study the relationship between child stature, mother’s years of education, and indicators of early childhood development (ECD). The relationships are contrasted between two empirical approaches: the conventional approach whereby control variables are selected in an ad-hoc manner, and the double machine-learning (DML) approach that employs data-driven methods to select controls from a much wider set of variables and thus reducing potential omitted variable bias. Overall, the analysis confirms that maternal education and the incidence of chronic malnutrition have a significant direct effect on measures of early childhood development. The point estimates based on the ad-hoc specification tend to be larger in absolute value than those based on the DML specification. Frequently, the point estimates based on the ad-hoc specification fall inside the confidence interval of the DML point estimates, suggesting that in these cases the omitted variable bias is not serious enough to prevent making causal inferences based on the ad-hoc specification. However, there are instances where the omitted variable bias is sufficiently large for the ad hoc specification to yield a statistically significant relationship when in fact the more robust DML specification suggests there is none. The DML approach also reveals a more complex picture that highlights the role of context. In rural areas, mother’s education affects early childhood development both directly and indirectly through its impact on the nutritional status of both older and younger children. In contrast, in urban areas, where the average level of maternal education is much higher, increases in a mother’s education have only a direct effect on child ECD measures but no indirect effect through child nutrition. Thus, DML provides a practical and feasible approach to reducing threats to internal validity for robust inferences and policy design based on observational data.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus attenuates Thai chili extracts induced gut inflammation and dysbiosis despite capsaicin bactericidal effect against the probiotics, a possible toxicity of high dose capsaicin
Authors: Panpetch Wimonrat , Visitchanakun Peerapat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Sawatpanich Ajcharaporn , Chatthanathon Piraya , Somboonna Naraporn , Tumwasorn Somying , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: December 2021

Because of a possible impact of capsaicin in the high concentrations on enterocyte injury (cytotoxicity) and bactericidal activity on probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 (L34) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), the probiotics derived from Thai and Caucasian population, respectively, were tested in the chili-extract administered C57BL/6 mice and in vitro experiments. In comparison with placebo, 2 weeks administration of the extract from Thai chili in mice caused loose feces and induced intestinal permeability defect as indicated by FITC-dextran assay and the reduction in tight junction molecules (occludin and zona occludens-1) using fluorescent staining and gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, the chili extracts also induced the translocation of gut pathogen molecules; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and (1→3)-β-d-glucan (BG) and fecal dysbiosis (microbiome analysis), including reduced Firmicutes, increased Bacteroides, and enhanced total Gram-negative bacteria in feces. Both L34 and LGG attenuated gut barrier defect (FITC-dextran, the fluorescent staining and gene expression of tight junction molecules) but not improved fecal consistency. Additionally, high concentrations of capsaicin (0.02–2 mM) damage enterocytes (Caco-2 and HT-29) as indicated by cell viability test, supernatant cytokine (IL-8), transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and transepithelial FITC-dextran (4.4 kDa) but were attenuated by Lactobacillus condition media (LCM) from both probiotic-strains. The 24 h incubation with 2 mM capsaicin (but not the lower concentrations) reduced the abundance of LGG (but not L34) implying a higher capsaicin tolerance of L34. However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus fecal abundance, using qRT-PCR, of L34 or LGG after 3, 7, and 20 days of the administration in the Thai healthy volunteers demonstrated the similarity between both strains. In conclusion, high dose chili extracts impaired gut permeability and induced gut dysbiosis but were attenuated by probiotics. Despite a better capsaicin tolerance of L34 compared with LGG in vitro, L34 abundance in feces was not different to LGG in the healthy volunteers. More studies on probiotics with a higher intake of chili in human are interesting.
Experimental reproduction of White Feces Syndrome in whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Aranguren Caro Luis Fernando , Mai Hung N. , Cruz-Florez Roberto , Marcos Frances Laureen Agcalao , Alenton Rod Russel R. , Dhar Arun K.
Published: December 2021

White Feces Syndrome (WFS) is an emergent disease of penaeid shrimp (Penaeus monodon and P. vannamei) that is identified by the presence of floating white fecal strings on pond water in grow-out ponds. Although the clinical manifestations of WFS are well defined, the underling etiology remains obscure. WFS has been associated with several enteric pathogens, including Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). The association is based on studies that found areas where WFS has been reported, the prevalence and severity of EHP infection are high. In this study, we describe an experimental reproduction of WFS in P. vannamei pre-infected with EHP and challenged with a unique isolate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of a shrimp displaying WFS. Upon laboratory challenge, shrimp displaying white fecal strings and white discoloration of the gastrointestinal tract were analyzed by histopathology, in-situ hybridization and quantitative PCR. Histological analysis confirmed the lesions of EHP and septic hepatopancreatic necrosis in the hepatopancreas of shrimp exposed to both pathogens. Quantitative PCR showed shrimp infected with both EHP and V. parahaemolyticus had a significantly higher load of EHP compared to shrimp infected with EHP alone. This is the first demonstration of experimental reproduction of WFS under laboratory conditions when animals are infected with EHP and V. parahaemolyticus concurrently. The data revealed a synergistic relation between EHP and V. parahaemolyticus isolate that led to the manifestation of WFS. We propose the gross signs of WFS can be used as an indicator of the presence of EHP infection in association with a particular strain of an enteric Vibrio spp. in countries where EHP is endemic.
Effects of sequential feeding with adjustments to dietary amino acid concentration according to the circadian rhythm on the performance, body composition, and nutrient balance of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Veira Alini Mari , dos Santos Luan Sousa , Campos Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado , Marçal Danilo Alves , Fraga Alícia Zem , Hauschild Luciano
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a sequential feeding program (SEQ) with diets varying in amino acid (AA) concentrations in the first and last 12 h of the day on the performance, body composition, and nutrient balance of growing-finishing pigs. Sixty-eight castrated male pigs were distributed in four treatments: a daily feeding program (DP) and three SEQs. In the DP, dietary requirements of AA were adjusted daily. In the SEQ, dietary daily requirements of AA were adjusted every 12 h, providing a low AA concentration in period 1 (P1; 00:00–11:59 h) and a high AA concentration in period 2 (P2; 12:00–23:59 h). In the SEQ, three different levels of low and high AA concentrations were evaluated: ±20%, ±30%, and ±40%. The experiment lasted 82 days and was divided into phase 1 (25–50 kg body weight; BW), phase 2 (50–70 kg BW), and phase 3 (70–100 kg BW). During phase 1, irrespective of dietary AA concentration, SEQ pigs had higher lysine intake, protein gain, and phosphorus efficiency than DP pigs (P ≤ 0.05). Pigs in the SEQ showed a tendency for greater average daily gain, body protein, and body lipids compared to the DP pigs (P ≤ 0.10). During phase 2, SEQ pigs showed a tendency for higher average feed intake in P2 compared to DP pigs (P = 0.07); consequently, average daily gain, body protein, and phosphorus retention tended to increase (P ≤ 0.10). During phase 3, SEQ pigs had a higher average feed intake in P2 than DP pigs (P = 0.03). However, they had a similar body composition (P > 0.05) and a tendency for higher nitrogen excretion (P = 0.06) than DP pigs. Our results suggest that SEQ is an effective approach for improving the performance and body composition of growing pigs.
Molecular subtyping for source tracking of Escherichia coli using core genome multilocus sequence typing at a food manufacturing plant
Authors: Nakamura Ayaka , Takahashi Hajime , Arai Maki , Tsuchiya Tomoki , Wada Shohei , Fujimoto Yuki , Shimabara Yoshiomi , Kuda Takashi , Kimura Bon
Published: December 2021

When harmful bacteria are detected in the final product at a food manufacturing plant, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the source of contamination so that it does not occur again. In the current study, the source of contamination was tracked using core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis in cases where Escherichia coli was detected in the final product at a food manufacturing plant. cgMLST analysis was performed on 40 strains of E. coli collected from the environment [floor (26 strains), drainage ditch (5 strains), container (4 strains), post-heating production line (1 strain)] and products [final product (3 strains) and intermediate product (1 strain)]. In total, 40 E. coli isolates were classified into 17 genogroups by cgMLST analysis. The 4 E. coli strains isolated from the intermediate and final products were classified into two genogroups (I and II). Certain isolates collected from the environment also belonged to those genogroups, it was possible to estimate the transmission of E. coli in the manufacturing plant. Thus, the dynamics of E. coli in the food manufacturing location were clarified by using cgMLST analysis. In conclusion, our results indicate that cgMLST analysis can be effectively used for hygiene management at food manufacturing locations.
Place-based approaches to improve health and development outcomes in young children: A scoping review
Authors: Burgemeister Fiona C. , Crawford Sharinne B. , Hackworth Naomi J. , Hokke Stacey , Nicholson Jan M.
Published: December 2021

This scoping review examines the strength of evidence for the effectiveness of public policy-led place-based initiatives designed to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, their families and the communities in which they live. Study designs and methods for evaluating such place-based initiatives were assessed, along with the contexts in which initiatives were implemented and evaluated. Thirty-two reports relating to 12 initiatives were included. Eleven initiatives used a quasi-experimental evaluation to assess impact, although there were considerable design variations within this. The remaining initiative used a pre- and post- evaluation design. Place-based initiatives by definition aim to improve multiple and interrelated outcomes. We examined initiatives to determine what outcomes were measured and coded them within the five domains of pregnancy and birth, child, parent, family and community. Across the 83 outcomes reported in the 11 studies with a comparison group, 30 (36.4%) demonstrated a positive outcome, and all but one initiative demonstrated a positive outcome in at least one outcome measure. Of the six studies that examined outcomes more than once post baseline, 10 from 38 outcomes (26.3%) demonstrated positive sustained results. Many initiatives were affected by external factors such as policy and funding changes, with unknown impact on their effectiveness. Despite the growth of place-based initiatives to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, the evidence for their effectiveness remains inconclusive.
Effects of low-dose pirfenidone on survival and lung function decline in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Results from a real-world study
Authors: Lee Eung Gu , Lee Tae-Hee , Hong Yujin , Ryoo Jiwon , Heo Jung Won , Gil Bo Mi , Kang Hye Seon , Kwon Soon Seog , Kim Yong Hyun
Published: December 2021

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology. In several randomized clinical trials, and in the clinical practice, pirfenidone is used to effectively and safely treat IPF. However, sometimes it is difficult to use the dose of pirfenidone used in clinical trials. This study evaluated the effects of low-dose pirfenidone on IPF disease progression and patient survival in the real-world.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study enrolled IPF patients seen at the time of diagnosis at a single center from 2008 to 2018. Longitudinal clinical and laboratory data were prospectively collected. We compared the clinical characteristics, survival, and pulmonary function decline between patients treated and untreated with various dose of pirfenidone.

Results

Of 295 IPF patients, 100 (33.9%) received pirfenidone and 195 (66.1%) received no antifibrotic agent. Of the 100 patients who received pirfenidone, 24 (24%), 50 (50%), and 26 (26%), respectively, were given 600, 1200, and 1800 mg pirfenidone daily. The mean survival time was 57.03 ± 3.90 months in the no-antifibrotic drug group and 73.26 ± 7.87 months in the pirfenidone-treated group (p = 0.027). In the unadjusted analysis, the survival of the patients given pirfenidone was significantly better (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48–0.99, p = 0.04). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and the GAP score [based on gender (G), age (A), and two physiological lung parameters (P)], survival remained better in the patients given pirfenidone (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.85, p = 0.006). In terms of pulmonary function, the decreases in forced vital capacity (%), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%) and the diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (%) were significantly smaller (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, and p = 0.007, respectively) in patients given pirfenidone.

Conclusions

Low-dose pirfenidone provided beneficial effects on survival and pulmonary function decline in the real-world practice.
Instructor facilitation mediates students’ negative perceptions of active learning instruction
Authors: Park Elizabeth S. , Harlow Ashley , AghaKouchak Amir , Baldi Brigette , Burley Nancy , Buswell Natascha , Crooks Roderic , Denenberg Darren , Ditto Peter , Edwards Kimberley , Junqueira Mariana Garcia , Geragotelis Andrew , Holton Amanda , Lanning Joel , Lehman Rachel , Chen Audrey , Pantano Alessandra , Rinehart Jenny , Walter Mark , Williams Adrienne , Wong-Ma Jennifer , Yassa Michael , Sato Brian
Published: December 2021

Studies have demonstrated students’ resistance to active learning, despite evidence illustrating that their learning is improved relative to students in lectures. Specifically, while active learning and group work are effective at engaging students in their learning process, studies report that students’ perceptions of active learning approaches are not always positive. What remains underexplored is whether students’ perceptions of active learning improve with effective instructor facilitation and whether there exists differential perceptions between racially minoritized students and represented students. Here, we estimate students’ perceptions of effective instructor facilitation as the mediator in the relationship between active learning and perceptions of learning and perceived utility for class activities (task value). Then, we examine differences by racial identification. We collected classroom observation data to empirically categorize courses as active learning or lecture-based and surveyed 4,257 college students across 25 STEM classrooms at a research-intensive university. We first examined the relationship between active learning on student perceptions and found a negative relationship between active learning and perceptions of learning and task value for both racially minoritized students and represented students. Next, we assessed whether students’ perceptions of instructor effectiveness in facilitating group activities mediate these negative relationships. We found that, on average, students of all races were more likely to positively perceive instructor facilitation in active learning classes relative to lectures. In turn, the positive perceptions of instructor facilitation partially suppressed the negative relationship between active learning and perceptions of learning and task value. These results demonstrate that effective instructor facilitation can influence both students’ self-assessment of learning and perceived utility of the learning activities, and underscores the importance of developing pedagogical competence among college instructors.
Assessing changes in mood state in university students following short-term study abroad
Authors: Yamanaka Tsukasa , Yamagishi Noriko , Nawa Norberto Eiji , Anderson Stephen J.
Published: December 2021

Short-term study-abroad (STSA) programs provide a more accessible alternative for students who would otherwise not consider engaging in academic activities overseas. Though improvements in the levels of intercultural sensitivity and general academic aspects attained by STSA programs have been previously examined, much less is known regarding the impact such programs have in the mood of students. Here, we examined changes in mood state associated with participation in an STSA program in a group of Japanese university students. Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6). Results indicated that the POMS mean scores of Vigor-Activity and SWLS peaked at the time immediately following participation in the STSA program; moreover, the same scores were found to be at comparable levels even one month after the end of the program. These results indicate that participation in STSA programs can positively influence the mood state of university students, suggesting that the benefits associated with participation in such programs extend beyond typically reported improvements in the academic domain.
A comparison of traditional and quantitative analysis of acid-base and electrolyte imbalance in 87 cats
Authors: Chun Daseul , Yu DoHyeon
Published: December 2021

Acid–base disorder is a common problem in veterinary emergency and critical care. Traditional methods, as well as the Stewart method based on strong ion difference concepts and the Fencl–Stewart method, can be used to analyze the underlying causes. On the other hand, there are insufficient comparative study data on these methods in cats. From 2018 to 2020, 327 acid–base analysis data were collected from 69 sick and 18 healthy cats. The three most well-known methods (traditional method, Stewart method, and Fencl–Stewart method) were used to analyze the acid–base status. The frequency of acid–base imbalances and the degree of variation according to the disease were also evaluated. In traditional acid–base analysis, 5/69 cats (7.2%) showed a normal acid–base status and 23.2% and 40.6% of the mixed and straightforward disorders, respectively. The Fencl–Stewart method showed changes in both the acidotic and alkalotic processes in 64/69 (92.8%), whereas all cats showed an abnormal status in the Fencl–Stewart method (semiquantitative approach). Different acid–base imbalances were identified according to the analysis method. These findings from the disease categories are anticipated to assist in analyzing the underlying causes of acid–base imbalance and developing the appropriate treatment.
Política de lo residual. Sobre Magnetizado y los Diarios del odio
Authors: Cortes Rocca Paola
Published: December 2021

En el recorrido que va desde Magnetizado de Carlos Busqued a los Diarios del odio —creados por el grupo ORGIE, con dirección de Silvio Lang—, este ensayo aborda una transformación fluida: la de la escritura acercándose a lo visual para volcarse juntas hacia las artes performáticas. Ya sea que se intente expandir el soporte del libro incorporando imágenes y diseños tipográficos o transformando un poemario en instalación y luego en indagación escénica, estos artefactos comparten dos cuestiones centrales para la estética contemporánea. En primer lugar, el hecho de que ya no piensan en la «realidad» como efecto de la representación sino en lo real como «material en bruto» para ofrecerse a la exhibición «activa» y, en segundo lugar, el énfasis puesto no tanto en la producción de un objeto sino de una experiencia (de escritura, de puesta en escena, de participación del público y en lo público). Ambas cuestiones constituyen el gran legado de las vanguardias de fin del siglo pasado y, en el presente, se articulan con un particular interés por lo residual. En estos casos, se trata de residuos lingüísticos que vienen de la lengua de los márgenes o del murmullo de relatos colectivos y que encuentran su soporte en los cuerpos y en una reflexión sobre lo viviente. La potencia de esa residualidad verbal también nos habla de lo real como resto, repetición e insistencia traumática y del afán de ciertas estéticas contemporáneas de hurgar allí, en busca de una particular politicidad.
A Novel Model for Implementing Internet of Things (IoT) in Iranian Hospitals
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Ayani Shirin , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Bayat Rafat , Fatehi Farhad , Sadoughi Farahnaz
Published: December 2021

The Internet of Things (IOT) has led to ground-breaking changes in the healthcare industry as a promising technological solution. Yet, despite its many benefits, its application has always proven to be challenging. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify the challenges of using the IOT with the intention of proposing a model for implementing Internet of Things in Iranian hospitals. This study was performed in three phases. In the first phase, the challenges of using the IoT were outlined and introduced. In the second phase the challenges of using the Internet of Things in Iranian hospitals (according to experts) was established during the completion of a two-round Delphi. In the last phase, a novel model for implementing the IoT in Iranian hospitals was proposed. The identified primary model consisted of six groups, namely privacy and security, Big data, hardware, network, software, and organizational-cultural and environmental issues with 78 challenges. Out of the 78 identified challenges, 46 were approved by experts as essential elements for providing IoT patterns in Iranian hospitals. The highest and lowest averages were related to the subgroups "Failure to provide regular IoT rules and programs by governments" and "Absence of single, integrated and efficient platforms with high data transfer capacity and fast processing", respectively. The final model for implementing IoT in Iranian hospitals was designed and presented using Edraw Max10.0.4+Portable software. Providing this model can provide a sufficient basis, information and knowledge for policymakers, government authorities and managers of organizations to use the IoT in hospitals of Iran and other countries. Also, the application of the proposed model can result in the improved special capabilities in the realm of system design, and offer grounds for saving time and money as well as reducing failures in the initial design of IoT projects.