bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of betel habits on blood glucose levels in the Karo ethnic community, Karo district
Authors: Pane Yunita Sari , Machrina Yetty , Arrasyid Nurfida Khairina , Sari Mutiara Indah
Published: August 2022

Background: Betel habit is a hereditary tradition from the ancestors of the Batak-Karo tribe, Indonesia. Karo people believe that betel habit is their unifier. The betel process begins with concocting a mixture of ingredients such as betel leaf, lime, gambier, areca nut, and with/ without tobacco addition, then chewed slowly. Our previous study showed that gambier extracts (Uncaria gambier Roxb), can reduce blood glucose levels(BGL) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)patients. This study aimed to analyze whether the habit of chewing betel can affect BGL in the Karo ethnic community in the Karo district.

Methods: In total, 48 participants from the Karo community were divided into 4 groups (n=12 per group), namely: I. non-T2DM participants without betel habits; II. non-T2DM participants with betel habit; III. T2DM participants without betel habit and IV. T2DM participants with betel habit. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. Data were collected by interviews and blood sampling (fasting and 2 hours postprandial (2hPP)). The collected data analyzed by paired t-test, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of p-value <0.05.

Results: This study showed that fasting BGL condition in group-I compared to group II (84.33±12.32 vs 81.00±4.84) mg/dl and group-III compared to group-IV (196.25±104.81 vs 150.00±42.45) mg/dl had no significant difference. Also, the BGL of 2hPP condition in group-I compared to group-II (111.25 ±22.62 vs 108.33±18.99) mg/dl, and group-III compared to group-IV (314.92±128.97 vs 229.25±58.26) mg/dl, in statistically there was no difference (p>0.05). Although the data showed that group-III was higher than group-IV.

Conclusions: This study concludes that with/without betel habits affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes subjects (Groups III and IV).
Comparing QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus with QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection among highly TB exposed gold miners in South Africa
Authors: Ntshiqa Thobani , Chihota Violet , Mansukhani Raoul , Nhlangulela Lindiwe , Velen Kavindhran , Charalambous Salome , Maenetje Pholo , Hawn Thomas R. , Wallis Robert , Grant Alison D. , Fielding Katherine , Churchyard Gavin
Published: August 2022

Background: QuantiFERON-TB-Gold-in-tube (QFT-GIT) is an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) used to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection. Limited data exists on performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus (QFT-Plus), a next generation of IGRA that includes an additional antigen tube 2 (TB2) while excluding TB7.7 from antigen tube 1 (TB1), to measure TB specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes responses. We compared agreement between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT among highly TB exposed goldminers in South Africa.

Methods: We enrolled HIV-negative goldminers in South Africa, aged ≥33 years with no prior history of TB disease or evidence of silicosis. Blood samples were collected for QFT-GIT and QFT-Plus. QFT-GIT was considered positive if TB1 tested positive; while QFT-Plus was positive if both or either TB1 or TB2 tested positive, as per manufacturer's recommendations. We compared the agreement between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT using Cohen’s Kappa. To assess the specific contribution of CD8+ T-cells, we used TB2−TB1 differential values as an indirect estimate. A cut-off value was set at 0.6. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with having TB2-TB1>0.6 difference on QFT-Plus.

Results: Of 349 enrolled participants, 304 had QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT results: 205 (68%) were positive on both assays; 83 (27%) were negative on both assays while 16 (5%) had discordant results. Overall, there was 94.7% (288/304) agreement between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT (Kappa = 0.87). 214 had positive QFT-Plus result, of whom 202 [94.4%, median interquartile range (IQR): 3.06 (1.31, 7.00)] were positive on TB1 and 205 [95.8%, median (IQR): 3.25 (1.53, 8.02)] were positive on TB2. A TB2-TB1>0.6 difference was observed in 16.4% (35/214), with some evidence of a difference by BMI; 14.9% (7/47), 9.8% (9/92) and 25.3% (19/75) for BMI of 18.5-24.9, 18.5-25 and >30 kg/m 2, respectively (P=0.03).

Conclusion: In a population of HIV-negative goldminers, QFT-Plus showed high agreement with QFT-GIT, suggesting similar performance.
Developing a core outcome set (COS) for Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Authors: Grycuk Emilia , Eichenholtz Emily , Aarsland Dag , Betzhold Sara , Daly Gillian , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Kalbe Elke , Kane Joseph PM , Kinchin Irina , Saldanha Ian J , Smith Valerie , Taylor John-Paul , Thompson Rachel , Leroi Iracema
Published: August 2022

Background: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an important cause of dementia with a range of clinical manifestations, including motor, neuropsychiatric, and autonomic symptoms. Compared with more common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, DLB has been the focus of significantly fewer treatment studies, often with diverse outcome measures, making comparison and clinical implementation difficult. A core outcome set (COS) can address this by ensuring that data are comparable, relevant, useful, and usable for making the best healthcare decisions.

Methods: Using a multi-stage approach, development of the DLB-COS will include the following stages: (1) A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines to create an initial long list of outcomes; (2) A two-round online Delphi including clinicians, scientists, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience of DLB and their representatives; (3) An online consensus meeting to agree on the final core list of outcomes (the final DLB-COS) for use in research and clinical practice; (4) A literature search to identify appropriate measurement instruments for the DLB-COS outcomes; (5) A final consensus meeting of the professional stakeholders who attended the online consensus meeting to agree on the instruments that should be used to measure the outcomes in the DLB-COS; and (6) Global dissemination.

Discussion: This is a multi-stage project to develop a COS to be used in treatment trials for DLB. A DLB-COS will ensure the selection of relevant outcomes and will identify the instruments to be used to measure DLB globally.
Tumor suppressors inhibit reprogramming of African spiny mouse (Acomys) fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sandoval Aaron Gabriel W. , Maden Malcolm , Bates Lawrence E. , Silva Jose C.R.
Published: August 2022

Background: The African spiny mouse (Acomys) is an emerging mammalian model for scar-free regeneration, and further study of Acomys could advance the field of regenerative medicine. Isolation of pluripotent stem cells from Acomys would allow for development of transgenic or chimeric animals and in vitro study of regeneration; however, the reproductive biology of Acomys is not well characterized, complicating efforts to derive embryonic stem cells. Thus, we sought to generate Acomys induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming somatic cells back to pluripotency.

Methods: To generate Acomys iPSCs, we attempted to adapt established protocols developed in Mus. We utilized a PiggyBac transposon system to genetically modify Acomys fibroblasts to overexpress the Yamanaka reprogramming factors as well as mOrange fluorescent protein under the control of a doxycycline-inducible TetON operon system.

Results: Reprogramming factor overexpression caused Acomys fibroblasts to undergo apoptosis or senescence. When SV40 Large T antigen (SV40 LT) was added to the reprogramming cocktail, Acomys cells were able to dedifferentiate into pre-iPSCs. Although use of 2iL culture conditions induced formation of colonies resembling Mus PSCs, these Acomys iPS-like cells lacked pluripotency marker expression and failed to form embryoid bodies. An EOS-GiP system was unsuccessful in selecting for bona fide Acomys iPSCs; however, inclusion of Nanog in the reprogramming cocktail along with 5-azacytidine in the culture medium allowed for generation of Acomys iPSC-like cells with increased expression of several naïve pluripotency markers.

Conclusions: There are significant roadblocks to reprogramming Acomys cells, necessitating future studies to determine Acomys-specific reprogramming factor and/or culture condition requirements. The requirement for SV40 LT during Acomys dedifferentiation may suggest that tumor suppressor pathways play an important role in Acomys regeneration and that Acomys may possess unreported cancer resistance.
Unexpectedly long progression-free time in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung treated with Nivolumab – a case study.
Authors: Szklener Katarzyna , Piwowar Klaudia , Klas Jakub , Kluz Natalia , Mańdziuk Sławomir
Published: August 2022

Background: In the reported case, our patient with lung cancer diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) achieved eight times longer progression-free time (PFT; 25.3 months) than that obtained in the median of randomized clinical trials (3.5 months).

Case Report: A 61-year-old man presented for treatment due to a long-lasting cough and a type of pain in the chest, in good general condition. The patient had a smoking history when he was young. Computed tomography  (CT) showed a lesion larger than 70 x 60 mm. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the bronchoscopic material. The prognosis was unfavorable and the tumor was inoperable. In the first line of treatment, chemotherapy with cisplatin was started. Due to the progression, second-line immunotherapy with Nivolumab was administered, and was continued for a longer period of time. Treatment was well tolerated and there were no side effects reported. Therapy was however interrupted due to the patient's deteriorating condition and progression in the follow up CT examination. Finally the patient was qualified for palliative treatment with chemotherapy and zoledronic acid. Opioid medications were used to treat pain.

Conclusion: The patient lived for over 4 years, including over 2 years without progression. It therefore seems that there is a group of patients who respond exceptionally well to immunotherapy, but the identification of predictors requires further research.
Kliszczacy – gwara i kultura
Authors: Brytan-Ciepielak Monika
Published: August 2022

Kliszczaki, czyli Górale od Łętowni, osiedli pomniejszą kotlinę rzeki Raby poniżej osad Zagórzan. Siedziby ich są na znacznej przestrzeni oddzielone od siedzib Zagórzan wyłomem Raby, a na północ za jej biegiem przeciągnęły się aż do wsi Stróży. Czternaście tylko wsi należy do tego małego rodu, który dla różnicy w stroju przez szyderstwo Kliszczakami bywa nazywany (nosi bowiem w kliszcz ściągłe spodnie), sam siebie nazywa on jednakowoż Góralem, od zachodu graniczy ten ród z Babigórcami, od południa i wschodu z Zagórzanami, na północ z Lachami, bo wszystkie osady poniżej północnej granicy góralszczyzny położone nazywają się Lackiemi osadami, a granice zewnętrzne Górali zdają się odpowiadać historycznym granicom Starej Chrobacyi. Wsie przez Kliszczaków zamieszkałe legły w małej kępie obok siebie otoczone wyniosłemi działami około, a złączone tylko za biegiem rzeki Raby. Wsie te są następujące: Trzebinia, Stróża, Pścim, Więciórka, Więcierza, Zawada, Bogdanówka, Tokarnia, Krzeczonów, Skomielna Czarna, Lubień, Łętownia, Krzeczów, Tęczyn. Wincenty Pol, Rzut oka na północne stoki Karpat, Kraków 1851, s. 123.
Seeing into the Mind in Early Modern South India
Authors: Shulman David
Published: August 2022

In contrast to the many South Asian texts that explore deep, metaphysically oriented states of mind, introspection of a personal, empirical, everyday kind is relatively rare in the textual archive until the early modern period, beginning roughly in the 16th century. At that time a remarkable richness of personal introspective works is evident in all the major south Indian languages. This article explores some of the features of that literature, with representative examples of literary, musical, and philosophical sources focused on the individual and on her or his sense of self.
Profit Effects of Consumers’ Identity Management: A Dynamic Model
Authors: Laussel Didier , Van Long Ngo , Resende Joana
Published: August 2022

We consider a nondurable good monopolist that collects data on its customers in order to profile them and subsequently practice price discrimination on returning customers. The monopolist’s price discrimination scheme is leaky in the sense that an endogenous fraction of consumers choose to incur a privacy cost to conceal their identity when they return in the following periods. We characterize the Markov perfect equilibrium of the game under two alternative customer profiling regimes: full information acquisition (FIA) and purchase history information (PHI). In both cases, we find that, contrary to what could be expected, the monopolist’s aggregate profit is not monotonically increasing in the level of the privacy cost, but a U-shaped function of it, leading to ambiguous profit effects: a reduction in privacy costs increases the fraction of customers who choose to be anonymous (detrimental profit effect), but it also softens the firm’s introductory price, reducing the pace at which prices targeted to new customers fall over time (positive profit effect). When comparing results under FIA and PHI, we find that market expansion is faster, and more customers conceal their identity under FIA than under PHI. Equilibrium profits are also higher in the FIA case. Although equilibrium profits are U-shaped functions of the privacy cost in both profiling regimes, they tend to be globally decreasing with the privacy cost under PHI and globally increasing under FIA.

This paper was accepted by Eric Anderson, marketing.

Funding: This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [Grants NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-028540 and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006890].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4511 .
İki Yaşındaki Kız Çocuğunda Levetirasetama Bağlı Akut Rabdomiyoliz
Authors: ÖZAYDIN Eda , ATEŞ Sema
Published: August 2022

Levetiracetam is one of the safest drugs which is used for the treatment of focal and generalized seizures during childhood. Until now, few patients have been reported with the diagnosis of acute rhabdomyolysis due to levetiracetam and our case is the youngest patient in the literature. Two-year old girl followed with atypical Rett syndrome (CDKL 5 deficiency) was admitted to our hospital with pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency. She was receiving intravenous antibiotics and levetiracetam therapy. During follow-up, the increase of creatine kinase levels continued, intravenous hydration and alkalinization was added on therapy. As we could not find any etiology explaining the raising creatine kinase levels in our patient, levetiracetam was thought to be the cause of rhabdomyolysis and withdrawn. After discontinuation of levetiracetam, creatine kinase levels began to decline within 24 h and returned to normal levels in one week.
Levetiracetam-induced rhabdomyolysis is quite rare but is a life-threatening condition and should be kept in mind especially during childhood. The creatine kinase levels and renal function tests of all patients should be followed in the first week of levetiracetam therapy. Early diagnosis and supportive therapy is very important in order to prevent acute kidney injury. CDKL 5 deficiency can be a protective factor which might prevent acute kidney injury in our patient but more research is needed about this topic.
Can We Detect Malicious Behaviours in Encrypted DNS Tunnels Using Network Flow Entropy?
Authors: Khodjaeva Yulduz , Zincir-Heywood Nur , Zincir Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

This paper explores the concept of entropy of a flow to augment flow statistical features for encrypted DNS tunnelling detection, specifically DNS over HTTPS traffic. To achieve this, the use of flow exporters, namely Argus, DoHlyzer and Tranalyzer2 are studied. Statistical flow features automatically generated by the aforementioned tools are then augmented with the flow entropy. In this work, flow entropy is calculated using three different techniques: (i) entropy over all packets of a flow, (ii) entropy over the first 96 bytes of a flow, and (iii) entropy over the first n-packets of a flow. These features are provided as input to ML classifiers to detect malicious behaviours over four publicly available datasets. This model is optimized using TPOT-AutoML system, where the Random Forest classifier provided the best performance achieving an average F-measure of 98% over all testing datasets employed.
Optimization of an all-optical three-input universal logic gate with an enhanced contrast ratio by exploiting a T-shaped photonic crystal waveguide
Authors: Rachana Maddala , Swarnakar Sandip , Babu Mallavarapu Rajan , Swetha Paradesi Mary , Rangaiah Yagateela Pandu , Krishna Sabbi Vamshi , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2022

Universal gates (NAND and NOR) are used for any electronic circuit that is affordable and straightforward to build all logic gates (LoG). In this work, the T-shaped 2D photonic crystal (PhC) is exploited to design a three-input universal LoG premised on the beam-interference principle. The design criteria of pitch (

a

), rod radius (

r

), and refractive index (

n

) are employed to obtain a high impact output. The methodologies of plane wave expansion and finite-difference time-domain are employed for examining the framework of universal LoG at 1550 nm wavelengths (

λ

). The suggested universal LoG design has a compact size of

8.4

µ

m

×

4.8

µ

m

. Additionally, the structure yields a high contrast ratio (CR) of 20.37 dB for the NAND LoG and 28.45 dB for the NOR LoG, and maximum transmission efficiency of 50.6% and 70% for the NAND and NOR gates; correspondingly, the best and worst three-input NAND gate response times are 19.5 ps and 21.4 ps. Similarly, the response time of the three-input NOR gate is 26 ps. The proposed universal gate’s primary goal is to offer a high CR and a compact structure while being compatible with any other logic gate.
Multi-modulated frequency domain high density diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Perkins Guy A. , Eggebrecht Adam T. , Dehghani Hamid
Published: August 2022

Frequency domain (FD) high density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) utilising varying or combined modulation frequencies (mFD) has shown to theoretically improve the imaging accuracy as compared to conventional continuous wave (CW) measurements. Using intensity and phase data from a solid inhomogeneous phantom (NEUROPT) with three insertable rods containing different contrast anomalies, at modulation frequencies of 78 MHz, 141 MHz and 203 MHz, HD-DOT is applied and quantitatively evaluated, showing that mFD outperforms FD and CW for both absolute (iterative) and temporal (linear) tomographic imaging. The localization error (LOCA), full width half maximum (FWHM) and effective resolution (ERES) were evaluated. Across all rods, the LOCA of mFD was 61.3% better than FD and 106.1% better than CW. For FWHM, CW was 6.0% better than FD and mFD and for ERES, mFD was 1.20% better than FD and 9.83% better than CW. Using mFD data is shown to minimize the effect of inherently noisier FD phase data whilst maximising its strengths through improved contrast.
Theory of radiation pressure on a diffractive solar sail
Authors: Swartzlander Grover A.
Published: August 2022

Solar sails propelled by radiation pressure enable space missions that cannot be achieved using chemical rockets alone. Significant in-space propulsion for missions such as a solar polar orbiter may be achieved with a sail that deviates sunlight at a large average angular direction. The momentum transfer efficiency of sunlight diffracted from a Sun-facing diffractive sail comprising periodic right prism elements is examined here. The spectrally averaged efficiency, integrated across the solar blackbody spectrum, is found to approach that of a monolithic prism when the grating period is much longer than the peak of the solar spectrum. This idealized diffraction analysis predicts a greater transverse radiation pressure force compared to an idealized reflective sail. With modern optical design and fabrication techniques, optimized diffractive solar sails may one day replace reflective sails.
3.76-Gbps yellow-light visible light communication system over 1.2 m free space transmission utilizing a Si-substrate LED and a cascaded pre-equalizer network
Authors: Shi Jianyang , Xiao Weihuang , Ha Yinaer , Niu Wenqing , Xu Zengyi , Huang Ouhan , Liu Yu , Li Ziwei , Shen Chao , Zhang Junwen , Zhang Jianli , Wang Guangxu , Yu Shaohua , Chi Nan
Published: August 2022

Recently, visible light communication (VLC) has emerged as a promising communication method in 6G. To achieve 6G high-speed transmission, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) based VLC systems are a highly promising candidate. However, the “yellow and green gap” greatly limits the yellow light efficiency of InGaN-based LEDs and also restricts the transmission rate of yellow LEDs. In addition, pre-equalization and post-equalization also have an important impact on high-speed communication. In this paper, we propose to employ a vertical InGaN-based Si-substrate yellow LED with bit-power loading discrete multitone (DMT) modulation and a novel cascaded pre-equalizer network to achieve a high-speed yellow-light VLC system. The proposed cascaded pre-equalizer network is based on a digital Zobel network and a partial nonlinear pre-equalizer (DZNPN). The microscopic time-domain transient response of the high-speed and large-amplitude signal is also investigated to show a severe impairment. Utilizing the DZNPN cascaded pre-equalizer network based on the third-order Volterra series, a record-breaking data rate of 3.764Gbps over 1.2 m free space and 3.808Gbps over 0.7 m are experimentally demonstrated under the hard decision-forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3. The rate can be improved from 2.818Gbps to 3.764Gbps with 650Mbaud compared to the un-preprocessed signal. This is the highest data rate ever reported for yellow-light VLC systems based on a single LED to the best of our knowledge.
Parameter-tuning stochastic resonance as a tool to enhance wavelength modulation spectroscopy using a dense overlapped spot pattern multi-pass cell
Authors: Cao Yanan , Ma Yanying , Cheng Xin , Cheng Gang , Tian Xing , Zha Shenlong , Ma Hongliang , Wang Jingjing , Xu Zong
Published: August 2022

The parameter-tuning stochastic resonance (SR) method can convert part of the noise energy into the signal energy to suppress the noise and amplify the signal, comparing with traditional weak periodic signal detection methods (e.g., time average method, filtering method, and correlation analysis method). In this work, the numerical calculation is conducted to find the optimal resonance parameters for applying the SR method to the wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). Under the stochastic resonance state, the peak value of 2f signal (a constant concentration of CH4∼20 ppm) is effectively amplified to ∼0.0863 V, which is 3.8 times as much as the peak value of 4000-time average signal (∼0.0231 V). Although the standard deviation also increases from ∼0.0015 V(1σ) to ∼0.003 V(1σ), the SNR can be improved by 1.83 times (from ∼25.9 to ∼15.8) correspondingly. A linear spectral response of SR 2f signal peak value to raw 2f signal peak value is obtained. It suggests that the SR method is effective for enhancing photoelectric signal under strong noise background.
Artifacts reduction in high-acutance phase images for X-ray grating interferometry
Authors: Giakoumakis Georges , Primot Jérôme , Jarnac Amélie , Guitard Laureen , Stolidi Adrien
Published: August 2022

X-ray grating-based techniques often lead to artifacts in the phase retrieval process of phase objects presenting very fast spatial transitions or sudden jumps, especially in the field of non-destructive testing and evaluation. In this paper, we present a method that prevents the emergence of artifacts by building an interferogram corrected from any variations of the object intensity and given as input in the phase retrieval process. For illustration, this method is applied to a carbon fiber specimen imaged by a microfocus X-ray tube and a single 2D grating. A significant reduction of artifacts has been obtained, by a factor higher than 10. This evaluation has been performed experimentally thanks to the Confidence Map tool, a recently developed method that estimates the error distribution from the phase gradient information.
Potential hazards and mitigation of X-ray radiation generated by laser-induced plasma from research-grade laser systems
Authors: Mosel Philip , Sankar Pranitha , Zulqarnain  , Appi Elisa , Jusko Christoph , Zuber David , Kleinert Sven , Düsing Jan , Mapa Jose , Dittmar Günter , Püster Thomas , Böhmer-Brinks Petra , Vahlbruch Jan-Willem , Morgner Uwe , Kovacev Milutin
Published: August 2022

A large range of laser-matter applications employ ultrashort pulses and high laser intensity. Such processes can lead to unrequired X-ray generation, which represents a hazardous radiation factor even for common laboratory research-grade laser systems. We present here an analysis of the radiation dose rate and X-ray spectrum emitted during ablation of a rotating copper cylinder with respect to several laser parameters. The results show that focused sub-picosecond pulses with intensity above 1013 W/cm2 can exceed the annual irradiation limit even in one hour, requiring appropriate shielding for the safety of the researchers.
High-repetition-rate, quarter acoustic wave oscillation period pulse compression using transient stimulated Brillouin scattering
Authors: Cao Chen , Wang Yulei , Yue Jianfeng , Meng Zibo , Li Kai , Yu Yu , Bai Zhenxu , Lu Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

In this work we demonstrate the compression of laser pulses at a high repetition rate, using transient stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). Output pulses with pulse durations close to the quarter-acoustic wave oscillation period (τf) was obtained. We find that the primary factors which limit the compression of pulses under high repetition-rate, transient conditions are the inherently low gain in the transient regime, thermal accumulation within the SBS medium and optical breakdown. We show that short phonon lifetimes can suppress the trailing edge amplification of the output pulse, while also reducing the threshold and improve energy efficiency. In this work, we demonstrate the generation of output laser pulses with a repetition-rate of 200 Hz and an average pulse duration of 1.08τf using the electronic-fluorinated liquid FC-43. Due to the fast decay of the acoustic field, compressed pulses with duration <τf were also observed. We also demonstrate efficient output of pulses with repetition-rate of 200 Hz and energy efficiency of up to 40% using the heat transfer fluid HT-230.
Rapid terahertz wave manipulation in a liquid-crystal-integrated metasurface structure
Authors: Yang Jun , Xu Lu , Zhang Guozhen , Li Xianping , Li Ying , Hu Minggang , Li Jian , Lu Hongbo , Deng Guangsheng , Yin Zhiping
Published: August 2022

A terahertz phase shifter based on liquid-crystal-integrated metasurface is proposed, which contains a three-slotted array structure and comb grating. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be completely controlled by the direction of the electric field. From the acquired experimental results, it was demonstrated that the phase shift exceeds 300° in the range of 378.6 - 390.8 GHz, whereas the maximum phase shift reaches 374.1° at 383.1 GHz. The molecular reorientation transient process induced by the external electric field in the liquid crystal was measured and analyzed. Based on the molecular reorientation mechanism, which can be divided into three processes, a rapid modulation mechanism was demonstrated. From the performance of the proposed device, an actively controllable phase delay and reflectance with a cycle switching time of approximately 0.3 s was achieved, which is remarkably faster than the usual cycle time that exceeds 8 s. Our work provides useful ideas for improving the response speed of LC-based terahertz devices, which is considered of great significance for several applications, in terms of terahertz reconfigurable devices.
Step-like beam scanning in a slow-light grating beam scanner for a FMCW LIDAR
Authors: Gondo Jun , Tamanuki Takemasa , Tetsuya Ryo , Kamata Mikiya , Ito Hiroyuki , Baba Toshihiko
Published: August 2022

We have developed a nonmechanical beam scanner equipped with a Si photonics slow-light grating toward an on-chip frequency-modulated continuous-wave light detection and ranging (FMCW LIDAR) device. An optical beam is scanned thermo-optically, but it is also shifted sensitively to the frequency modulation, which is inconvenient for FMCW LIDAR. In this study, we canceled this shift and obtained step-like beam scanning with synchronized thermo-optic signals, which was confirmed in space–time-domain beam observations. The step-like scanning allows finer angular resolution of the range profile.
Niclosamide-loaded nanoparticles disrupt Candida biofilms and protect mice from mucosal candidiasis
Authors: Sutar Yogesh , Nabeela Sunna , Singh Shakti , Alqarihi Abdullah , Solis Norma , Ghebremariam Teklegiorgis , Filler Scott , Ibrahim Ashraf S. , Date Abhijit , Uppuluri Priya
Published: August 2022

Candida albicans biofilms are a complex multilayer community of cells that are resistant to almost all classes of antifungal drugs. The bottommost layers of biofilms experience nutrient limitation where C. albicans cells are required to respire. We previously reported that a protein Ndu1 is essential for Candida mitochondrial respiration; loss of NDU1 causes inability of C. albicans to grow on alternative carbon sources and triggers early biofilm detachment. Here, we screened a repurposed library of FDA-approved small molecule inhibitors to identify those that prevent NDU1-associated functions. We identified an antihelminthic drug, Niclosamide (NCL), which not only prevented growth on acetate, C. albicans hyphenation and early biofilm growth, but also completely disengaged fully grown biofilms of drug-resistant C. albicans and Candida auris from their growth surface. To overcome the suboptimal solubility and permeability of NCL that is well known to affect its in vivo efficacy, we developed NCL-encapsulated Eudragit EPO (an FDA-approved polymer) nanoparticles (NCL-EPO-NPs) with high niclosamide loading, which also provided long-term stability. The developed NCL-EPO-NPs completely penetrated mature biofilms and attained anti-biofilm activity at low microgram concentrations. NCL-EPO-NPs induced ROS activity in C. albicans and drastically reduced oxygen consumption rate in the fungus, similar to that seen in an NDU1 mutant. NCL-EPO-NPs also significantly abrogated mucocutaneous candidiasis by fluconazole-resistant strains of C. albicans, in mice models of oropharyngeal and vulvovaginal candidiasis. To our knowledge, this is the first study that targets biofilm detachment as a target to get rid of drug-resistant Candida biofilms and uses NPs of an FDA-approved nontoxic drug to improve biofilm penetrability and microbial killing.
The use of mobile apps and fitness trackers to promote healthy behaviors during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tong Huong Ly , Maher Carol , Parker Kate , Pham Tien Dung , Neves Ana Luisa , Riordan Benjamin , Chow Clara K. , Laranjo Liliana , Quiroz Juan C.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To examine i) the use of mobile apps and fitness trackers in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic to support health behaviors; ii) the use of COVID-19 apps; iii) associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers, and health behaviors; iv) differences in usage amongst population subgroups.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during June–September 2020. The survey was developed and reviewed independently by co-authors to establish face validity. Associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers and health behaviors were examined using multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were conducted using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Three open-ended questions were included to elicit participants’ views; thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Participants included 552 adults (76.7% women; mean age: 38±13.6 years); 59.9% used mobile apps for health, 38.2% used fitness trackers, and 46.3% used COVID-19 apps. Users of mobile apps or fitness trackers had almost two times the odds of meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines compared to non-users (odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 3.46, P = .03). More women used health apps than men (64.0% vs 46.8%, P = .004). Compared to people aged 18–44 (46.1%), more people aged 60+ (74.5%) and more people aged 45–60 (57.6%) used a COVID-19 related app (P < .001). Qualitative data suggest people viewed technologies (especially social media) as a ‘double-edged sword’: helping with maintaining a sense of normalcy and staying active and socially connected, but also having a negative emotional effect stemming from seeing COVID-related news. People also found that mobile apps did not adapt quickly enough to the circumstances caused by COVID-19.

Conclusions

Use of mobile apps and fitness trackers during the pandemic was associated with higher levels of physical activity, in a sample of educated and likely health-conscious individuals. Future research is needed to understand whether the association between using mobile devices and physical activity is maintained in the long-term.
Automated step detection with 6-minute walk test smartphone sensors signals for fall risk classification in lower limb amputees
Authors: Juneau Pascale , Lemaire Edward D. , Bavec Andrej , Burger Helena , Baddour Natalie
Published: August 2022

Predictive models for fall risk classification are valuable for early identification and intervention. However, lower limb amputees are often neglected in fall risk research despite having increased fall risk compared to age-matched able-bodied individuals. A random forest model was previously shown to be effective for fall risk classification of lower limb amputees, however manual labelling of foot strikes was required. In this paper, fall risk classification is evaluated using the random forest model, using a recently developed automated foot strike detection approach. 80 participants (27 fallers, 53 non-fallers) with lower limb amputations completed a six-minute walk test (6MWT) with a smartphone at the posterior pelvis. Smartphone signals were collected with The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC) Walk Test app. Automated foot strike detection was completed using a novel Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) approach. Step-based features were calculated using manually labelled or automated foot strikes. Manually labelled foot strikes correctly classified fall risk for 64 of 80 participants (accuracy 80%, sensitivity 55.6%, specificity 92.5%). Automated foot strikes correctly classified 58 of 80 participants (accuracy 72.5%, sensitivity 55.6%, specificity 81.1%). Both approaches had equivalent fall risk classification results, but automated foot strikes had 6 more false positives. This research demonstrates that automated foot strikes from a 6MWT can be used to calculate step-based features for fall risk classification in lower limb amputees. Automated foot strike detection and fall risk classification could be integrated into a smartphone app to provide clinical assessment immediately after a 6MWT.
Comparative proteomics of adult Paragonimus kellicotti excretion/secretion products released in vitro or present in the lung cyst nodule
Authors: Di Maggio Lucia S. , Curtis Kurt C. , Erdmann-Gilmore Petra , Sprung Robert S. W. , Townsend R. Reid , Weil Gary J. , Fischer Peter U.
Published: August 2022

Paragonimus kellicotti is a zoonotic lung fluke infection, the agent of North American paragonimiasis, and an excellent model for other Paragonimus infections. The excretory/secretory proteins (ESP) released by parasites and presented at the parasite-host interface are frequently proposed to be useful targets for drugs and/or vaccines In vitro culture conditions may alter ESP compared to those produced in vivo. In order to investigate ESPs produced in vivo we took advantage of the fact that adult P. kellicotti reproduce in the lungs of experimentally infected gerbils in tissue cysts. We performed a mass-spectrometric analysis of adult P. kellicotti soluble somatic protein (SSPs) extracts, excreted/secreted proteins (ESPs) produced by adult worms during in vitro culture, and lung cyst fluid proteins (CFPs) from experimentally infected gerbils. We identified 2,137 P. kellicotti proteins that were present in at least two of three biological replicates and supported by at least two peptides. Among those were 1,914 proteins found in SSP, 947 in ESP and 37 in CFP. In silico analysis predicted that only 141 of the total 2,137 proteins were secreted via classical or non-classical pathways. The most abundant functional categories in SSP were storage and oxidative metabolism. The most abundant categories in ESP were proteins related to metabolism and signal transduction. The 37 parasite-related proteins in CFP belonged to 11 functional categories. The largest groups were proteins with unknown function, cytoskeletal proteins and proteasome machinery. 29 of these 37 proteins were shared among all three sample types. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares in vitro and in vivo ESP for any Paragonimus species. This study has provided new insights into ESPs of food-borne trematodes that are produced and released in vivo. Proteins released at the host-parasite interface may help the parasite evade host immunity and may represent new targets for novel treatments or diagnostic tests for paragonimiasis.
Sights and sounds dolphins, Tursiops truncatus preying on native fish of San Diego Bay and offshore in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ridgway Sam , Dibble Dianna Samuelson , Baird Mark
Published: August 2022

For the first time, dolphins wearing video cameras were observed capturing and eating live native fish. While freely swimming in San Diego Bay, one dolphin caught 69 resident fish, 64 demersal, 5 near surface, while the other caught 40, 36 demersal and 4 near the surface. Two other dolphins were observed capturing 135 live native fish in a sea water pool. Two additional dolphins were observed feeding opportunistically during open water sessions in the Pacific Ocean. Notably, one of these dolphins was observed to consume 8 yellow-bellied sea snakes (Hydrophis platurus). Searching dolphins clicked at intervals of 20 to 50 ms. On approaching prey, click intervals shorten into a terminal buzz and then a squeal. Squeals were bursts of clicks that varied in duration, peak frequency, and amplitude. Squeals continued as the dolphin seized, manipulated and swallowed the prey. If fish escaped, the dolphin continued the chase and sonar clicks were heard less often than the continuous terminal buzz and squeal. During captures, the dolphins’ lips flared to reveal nearly all of the teeth. The throat expanded outward. Fish continued escape swimming even as they entered the dolphins’ mouth, yet the dolphin appeared to suck the fish right down.
What about diversity? The effect of organizational economic inequality on the perceived presence of women and ethnic minority groups
Authors: Moreno-Bella Eva , Kulich Clara , Willis Guillermo B. , Moya Miguel
Published: August 2022

Economic inequality shapes the degree to which people and different social groups are perceived in stereotypical ways. Our research sought to investigate the impact of the perception of economic inequality in an organizational setting on expectations of social diversity in the organization’s workforce, across the dimensions of gender and ethnicity. Combining data from previous experiments, we first explored in one set of studies (Studies 1a and 1b;N= 378) whether the degree of economic inequality in a fictitious organization affected participants’ expectations of the representation of minority vs. majority group employees. We found that when we presented an organization with unequal (vs. equal) distribution of economic wealth amongst its employees to study participants, they expected the presence of men and White majority individuals to be larger than the presence of women and ethnic minorities. Second, we tested our hypotheses and replicated these initial effects in a pre-registered study (Study 2:N= 449). Moreover, we explored the potential mediating role of perceived diversity climate, that is, the perception that the organization promotes and deals well with demographic diversity. Findings revealed that an organizational setting that distributed resources unequally (vs. equally) was associated with a more adverse diversity climate, which, in turn, correlated with expectations of a lower presence of minority group employees in the organization. We concluded that economic inequality creates a context that modulates perceptions of a climate of social exclusion which likely affects the possibilities for members of disadvantaged groups to participate and develop in organizations.
Setting adequate wages for workers: Managers’ work experience, incentive scheme and gender matter
Authors: Huber David , Kühl Leonie , Szech Nora
Published: August 2022

Many societies report an increasingly divergent development of managers’ salaries compared to that of their workforce. Moreover, there is often a lack in diversity amongst managerial boards. We investigate the role of managers’ gender and incentive scheme on wages chosen for workers by conducting two experimental studies. The data reveal male managers respond in more self-oriented ways to their incentive scheme. Further, we find that experience with the workers’ task can increase appreciation of workers. Effects are strongest when the managers’ compensation scheme rules out self-orientation. Overall, female managers display more consistency in choosing adequate wages for workers, i.e. their choices are less affected by incentives. An increase in diversity may thus help reducing salary disparities and foster work atmosphere.
Social and behavioral factors related to blood pressure measurement: A cross-sectional study in Bhutan
Authors: Kohori Segawa Hiromi , Uematsu Hironori , Dorji Nidup , Wangdi Ugyen , Dorjee Chencho , Yangchen Pemba , Kunisawa Susumu , Sakamoto Ryota , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: August 2022

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the Kingdom of Bhutan, and early detection of hypertension is critical for preventing cardiovascular disease. However, health-seeking behavior, including blood pressure measurement, is infrequently investigated in Bhutan. Therefore, this study investigated factors related to blood pressure measurement in Bhutan. We performed a secondary data analysis of a target population of 1,962 individuals using data from the “2014 Bhutan STEPS survey data”as a cross-sectional study. Approximately 26% of those with hypertension who were detected during the STEPS survey had never had their blood pressure measured. Previous blood pressure measurement was significantly associated with age and working status in men (self-employed [odds ratio (OR): 0.219, 95% CI: 0.133–0.361], non-working [OR: 0.114, 95% CI: 0.050–0.263], employee [OR: 1.000]). Previous blood pressure measurement was significantly associated with higher income in women (Quartile-2 [OR: 1.984, 95% CI: 1.209–3.255], Quartile-1 [OR: 2.161, 95% CI: 1.415–3.299], Quartile-4 [OR: 1.000]). A family history of hypertension (OR: 2.019, 95% CI: 1.549–2.243) increased the likelihood of having experienced a blood pressure measurement in both men and women. Multivariate logistic regression showed that people with unhealthy lifestyles (high salt intake [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.247, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.068–0.893], tobacco use [AOR: 0.538, 95% CI: 0.380–0.761]) had a decreased likelihood of previous blood pressure measurement. To promote the early detection of hypertension in Bhutan, we suggest that more attention be paid to low-income women, non-working, self-employed, and low-income men, and a reduction of barriers to blood pressure measurement. Before the STEPS survey, a substantial number of hypertensive people had never had their blood pressure measured or were unconcerned about their health. As a result, we propose that early blood pressure monitoring and treatment for people with hypertension or at higher risk of hypertension be given increased emphasis.
Single housing but not changes in group composition causes stress-related immunomodulations in horses
Authors: Schmucker Sonja , Preisler Vanessa , Marr Isabell , Krüger Konstanze , Stefanski Volker
Published: August 2022

Domestic horses are currently often subject to management practices that can entail social stressors, which in turn can negatively influence immunocompetence and disease susceptibility.

The present study therefore aimed to characterize the number of various blood leukocyte subsets in horses, focusing on two potentially stressful housing environments: changes in group composition and relocation to individual stabling. Immune measurements were conducted before as well as one and eight days after changes were made. They were complemented by an assessment of plasma cortisol concentrations as well as behavioral observations. One and eight days after relocation to single housing, the mean numbers of eosinophils, T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells decreased by up to 31%, 20% and 22% respectively, whereas the mean numbers of neutrophils increased by 25%. In contrast, one and eight days after changes in group composition not only the mean number of neutrophils, but also of monocytes, T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells increased by up to 24%, 17%, 9%, and 15% respectively. In consequence, an increase in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio indicating stress-induced immune modulation was found after relocation to single housing, but not after changes in group composition. The changes in leukocyte numbers after relocation to single housing were accompanied by a transient increase in cortisol concentrations after one day and the occurrence of disturbed behavior patterns one week after change in housing condition. In contrast, changes in group composition did not result in an increase of cortisol concentrations or in an increase of aggressive interactions. The results strongly indicate that individual stabling is an intense stressor leading to acute and lasting alterations in blood counts of various leukocyte types. The study highlights a probable negative impact of single housing on welfare and health of horses and an advantage of group housing systems in view of immunocompetence.
Mentors matter: Association of mentors with project success in the Apache Software Foundation Incubator
Authors: Atkisson Curtis
Published: August 2022

Mentoring has been a subject of study for 50 years. Most studies of mentoring programs evaluate the effect of the program on the participants but do not evaluate if different mentors have different effects on mentees. Open-source software (OSS) is software with a license that allows it to be freely used by other people. Such software has become foundational to the world economy. However, many OSS projects get abandoned by their creators. Various nonprofit organizations have arisen to help OSS projects become sustainable. One of the key services offered by many of these nonprofit organizations is a mentorship program where experienced OSS developers advise nascent projects on how to achieve sustainability. We use data from the Apache Software Foundation Incubator program where 303 mentors have mentored 286 projects, with most mentoring more than one project, to address this question: Is who a project has as a mentor associated with variation in project success? Who a project has as a mentor accounts for 45% of the variation in project outcomes, with some mentors being associated with positive and some with negative outcomes. These mentors could offer insights into how to improve the mentoring program. This result also demonstrates, more broadly, that the nature of specific mentoring relationships may be important to understanding how mentors impact outcomes in other mentoring programs.