bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability of Alzheimer’s disease based on common and rare genetic variants
Authors: Escott-Price Valentina , Schmidt Karl Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease, among other neurodegenerative disorders, spans decades in individuals’ life and exhibits complex progression, symptoms and pathophysiology. Early diagnosis is essential for disease prevention and therapeutic intervention. Genetics may help identify individuals at high risk. As thousands of genetic variants may contribute to the genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the polygenic risk score (PRS) approach has been shown to be useful for disease risk prediction. The APOE-ε4 allele is a known common variant associated with high risk to AD, but also associated with earlier onset. Rare variants usually have higher effect sizes than common ones; their impact may not be well captured by the PRS. Instead of standardised PRS, we propose to calculate the disease probability as a measure of disease risk that allows comparison between individuals.

Methods

We estimate AD risk as a probability based on PRS and separately accounting for APOE, AD rare variants and the disease prevalence in age groups. The mathematical framework makes use of genetic variants effect sizes from summary statistics and AD disease prevalence in age groups.

Results

The AD probability varies with respect to age, APOE status and presence of rare variants. In age group 65+, the probability of AD grows from 0.03 to 0.18 (without APOE) and 0.07 to 0.7 (APOE e4e4 carriers) as PRS increases. In 85+, these values are 0.08–0.6 and 0.3–0.85. Presence of rare mutations, e.g. in TREM2, may increase the probability (in 65+) from 0.02 at the negative tail of the PRS to 0.3.

Conclusions

Our approach accounts for the varying disease prevalence in different genotype and age groups when modelling the APOE and rare genetic variants risk in addition to PRS. This approach has potential for use in a clinical setting and can easily be updated for novel rare variants and for other populations or confounding factors when appropriate genome-wide association data become available.
The mutual patterning between the developing nephron and its covering tissues—valid reasons to rethink the search for traces left by impaired nephrogenesis
Authors: Minuth Will W.
Published: August 2021

Background

The impairment of nephrogenesis can cause the termination of nephron formation in preterm and low birth weight babies. This leads to oligonephropathy with severe health consequences in later life. Although many clinical parameters are known, surprisingly little information is available regarding the initial damage on the developing nephron. Equally astounding, the first morphological data regarding the specifics of nephron formation in the nephrogenic zone of the fetal human kidney during late gestation has only been published within the past few years. In this context, it was observed that each stage of nephron anlage is surrounded by a specific set of tissues. Although highly relevant for the normal progress of nephron formation, the mutual patterning has not been systematically described.

Results

To contribute, the different stages of nephron anlage in the nephrogenic zone of the fetal human kidney during late gestation were screened by the optical microscope and documented by images. Following this, magnifications (28 × 18 cm) were produced to trace the contours of the developing nephron and its covering tissues. The resulting sketches, almost true to scale, were scanned, edited, and processed by a design program. As a base, first the individual position, size, and shape of the nephrogenic niche, pretubular aggregate, renal vesicles, comma- and S-shaped bodies are presented. Secondly, their structural relations to the renal capsule, collecting duct ampulla, perforating radiate artery, and expanding interstitium are shown. Third of all, the focus is on less considered configurations, such as site-specific approximation, local distancing, punctual adhesion, integration, separation, delamination, formation of congruent and divergent surfaces, and folding and opening of interstitial clefts.

Conclusions

The present contribution illuminates the mutual patterning between the developing nephron and its covering tissues. It is indispensable to know about the microanatomical relations, in order to identify whether the noxae impairing nephrogenesis targets only the developing nephron or also its covering tissues as interacting and controlling instances.
Understanding a STEM teacher’s emotions and professional identities: a three-year longitudinal case study
Authors: Jiang Haozhe , Wang Ke , Wang Xiaoqin , Lei Xiaohui , Huang Ziyi
Published: August 2021

Background

Teacher emotions are sometimes underplayed in the research field of teaching and teacher education. Also, teachers often undergo transformations in their professional identities during education reforms. However, very few studies explore the connections between teacher emotions and their professional identities against the background of education reforms, especially in Asian contexts. There is an increasing emphasis on STEM as an education reform in China and the world, and a deep understanding of STEM teacher emotions and professional identities is necessary in the fast development of STEM education. This study examined how a STEM teacher emotionally constructed her professional identities under the STEM education reform.

Methods

This is a 3-year longitudinal case study employing a narrative inquiry approach with one STEM teacher in China. Data collection included one in-depth, semi-structured interview, three conversations, personal emotional diaries, and correspondence records. A four-step data analysis was conducted.

Results

Three major themes reflecting the participant’s emotional professional identities emerged, including “an interested but confused learner”, “an enthusiastic but nervous explorer”, and “an excited but unsatisfied mentor”. In the participant’s experiences as a learner, explorer, and mentor, positive and negative emotions were always intertwined. These helped construct and shape her professional identities and encouraged her to be the best STEM teacher that she could be.

Conclusion

This study provides a series of vivid and dynamic pictures of a STEM teacher’s emotions and professional identities against the background of STEM education reform in China from a 3-year longitudinal perspective. It also indicates the personal, social, cultural, and contextual factors that could have strong effects on teachers’ emotional experiences and the construction of professional identities. Furthermore, this study reveals that three processes (i.e., the process of education changes, the process of creating new or multiple professional identities, and the generation process of teacher emotions) could be intertwined and developed together.
Subacromial resurfacing with fascia lata autograft for irreparable cuff tears
Authors: Gomes Nuno , Fonte Helder , Santos Sara , Sousa Duarte
Published: August 2021

Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears remain a major challenge for orthopaedic surgeons and several surgical options have been accepted for different patterns of irreparable cuff tears. However, the high-cost and technical complexity of some surgeries and the inconsistent clinical results of others, leave room for the search for surgical options that can offer a good balance between technical simplicity, a lower cost and an acceptable clinical result.

The rationale behind some available techniques includes lowering the humeral head, which enables a more efficient balance of the force couples around the shoulder during rehabilitation. The interpositional arthroplasty with a biodegradable balloon, the Superior Capsule Reconstruction and, more recently, subacromial resurfacing with a dermal allograft have been presented as valid options to address that purpose.

This technical note presents Subacromial Resurfacing with fascia lata as an option for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears in the elderly population. Its low-cost and reasonable technical demand, along with the need for further elucidation of the ideal indications and technical optimization of other available techniques may open up room for the success of this option.
The role of lymphatics in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Hokari Ryota , Tomioka Akira
Published: August 2021

The lymphatic vasculature returns filtered interstitial arterial fluid and tissue metabolites to the blood circulation. It also plays a major role in lipid absorption and immune cell trafficking. Lymphatic vascular defects have been revealed in inflammatory diseases, Crohn’s disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. In this review, we discuss lymphatic structure and function within the gut, such as dietary lipid absorption, the transport of antigens and immune cells to lymph nodes, peripheral tolerance, and lymphocyte migration from secondary lymphoid tissues to the lymphatics and the immune systems. We also discuss the potential roles of these lymphatics on the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease and as new targets for therapeutic management.
An intersectional gender analysis of familial and socio-cultural drivers of inequitable scientific career progression of researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Liani Millicent L. , Nyamongo Isaac K. , Pulford Justin , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: August 2021

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) suffers from a dearth of concrete information on the causes of women’s under-representation in scientific research workforce particularly at higher levels compared with the wealth of information that exists in the global north. The goal of this study was to illuminate familial and socio-cultural drivers that contribute to intersectional gender inequities in scientific career progression in SSA to inform strategies that could promote career equity for African scientific researchers.

Methods

This study was nested within the context of ‘Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science in Africa’ (DELTAS Africa)—a health-based scientific research capacity strengthening initiative. It adopted an exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study design. In-depth interviews were conducted among 58 (32 Female and 26 Male) trainees/research fellows at various career stages, affiliated to three purposively selected African Research Consortia. The interviews were conducted between May and December 2018 in English. The data were analysed inductively based on emergent themes.

Results

The study participants were nationals of thirteen SSA countries. More female than male participants had young children. Four themes were identified. They illustrate women’s and men’s characterisation of the normative career pathway and progression requirements which calls for significant ‘time’ commitments (theme 1), and how social power relations of gender within the family and wider society shapes their participation in scientific research activities (theme 2). This culminates in researchers'' differential experiences of navigating between the ‘two different lives’—family and career, and the resultant implications for their career progression and personal well-being (theme 3). Women researchers made different and conscious trade-offs for navigating the ‘two different lives’ by utilising various metaphors such as the ‘biological clock and career clock’, the ‘glass ball and rubber ball’, and the concept of ‘sacrifice’ (theme 4).

Conclusions

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate how intersectional gender analysis through use of qualitative research methods may provide novel insights into the hidden familial and socio-cultural drivers of gender inequitable scientific research career progression. It offers important policy and practice measures and approaches for fostering career equity for women and men scientists within research capacity strengthening initiatives in SSA.
Spinosad combined with entomopathogenic nematode for biocontrol of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata [Wiedemann]) on citrus
Authors: Abdel-Razek Atef S. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Cultivation of citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae) crops is continuously expanding in Egypt given the favorable ingredients of citriculture. Notwithstanding the Egyptian rank as the world's largest orange exporter, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the major pests that considerably reduces the quality of citrus crops. Contrary to hazardous organophosphate insecticides that are commonly used to control the Medfly, biologically-based C. capitata control tactics were tried herein. The effect of spinosad as a bacterial fermentation product and the nematode Steinernema riobrave as biological insecticides applied singly or in combination on laboratory and field strains of Medfly were investigated.

Results

A significant difference in LC50 values was observed between laboratory strain (4.78 PPM) and field strain (8.12 PPM) of C. capitata larvae exposed to spinosad. A 1.7 fold decrease in susceptibility of field strain was recorded after treatment with spinosad. In a field experiment, a reduction in Medfly population by 80, 37, and 92% for spinosad, S. riobrave, and spinosad + nematode treatments was recorded, respectively.

Conclusions

Utilization of spinosad-S. riobrave combination in citrus fields, as a novel alternative for unhealthy chemical insecticides to control C. capitata in Egypt can be suggested. Use of this combination should be incorporated into a holistic management package that can be economically feasible and environmentally sustainable for Egyptian agriculture.
A case report of a spontaneous sternocleidomastoid hematoma: a challenging diagnosis in infantile neck swellings
Authors: Ghammam Monia , Chouchane Lobna , Houas Jihene , Bellakhdher Mouna , Miled Heyfa Bel Hadj , Kermani Wassim , Meherzi Abir , Abdelkafi Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Background

Pediatric neck masses are a common complaint in children. The most common etiologies include congenital lesions, lymphadenopathy, vascular malformations, inflammatory, and malignant lesions. Spontaneous sternocleidomastoid hematoma is exceptional in infant.

Case presentation

We describe a case of spontaneous cervical hematoma diagnosed in a 4-month-old child. Past history did not reveal a neck trauma, a history of difficult labor, a bleeding disorder or a pertinent family history. The diagnosis was suspected based on the imaging features and confirmed after surgical removal.

Conclusions

Sternocleidomastoid swelling is commonly encountered in infancy.

Ultrasound still remains the initial modality of choice. The management modalities are controversial.
Improved fired clay brick compressive strength by recycling wastes of blacksmiths’ workshops
Authors: Shaqour Eman N. , Abo Alela Aimen H. , Rsheed Aiman A.
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the effect of using steel filings from the waste of blacksmiths workshops on the clay bricks mixture to improve the bricks’ compressive strength. On the other hand, this process can reduce workshops’ waste by recycling it to preserve the resources and achieve sustainability. Adding steel filings to the mixture of red clay bricks was in different proportions by weight (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) on prototype bricks produced in a lab. Moreover, it aims to increase the effectiveness of clay bricks used in load-bearing walls, which can be used extensively in economical housing to reduce the cost if its strength increases by utilizing it in the load-bearing walls system instead of skeleton. The experimental approach was adopted to reach conclusions, as it is the appropriate approach suitable for this research. Before and after adding steel filings, many properties were tested, such as dimensions, weight, density, water absorption, and compressive strength. It is observed that on increasing the steel filings ratios by the mixture’s weight, the prototypes’ compressive strength also increases. The highest percentage of increased compressive strength occurred for the specimen with 3% steel filings by the mixture’s weight is (84%).
Multiscale nonlinear inversion of gravity data for depth-to-basement estimation via coupled stochastic-deterministic optimization
Authors: Jamasb Ali , Motavalli-Anbaran Seyed-Hani , Entezar-Saadat Vahid , Zeyen Hermann
Published: August 2021

We have developed a multiscale approach for solving 2D and 3D nonlinear inverse problems of gravity data in estimating the basement topography. The inversion is carried out in two stages in which the long-wavelength features of the basement are first estimated from smoothed gravity data via a stochastic optimization algorithm. The solution of this stage is used as the starting model for a deterministic optimization algorithm to reconstruct the short-wavelength features from the full-spectrum gravity data. The forward problem is capable of handling lateral and vertical variations in the density of sediments. Two cases are considered regarding prior knowledge about the density: (1) The density contrast between sediments at the surface and the underlying basement and its vertical variations are a priori known, and (2) only the density contrast at the surface is known with its vertical gradient to be recovered in the inversion. In the former case, the unknowns of the problem are the depths, whereas in the latter case, they are the depths and density gradients defined individually for each prism. Therefore, the inverse problem is ill-posed and has many local minima. The stochastic optimization algorithm uses a random initial model and estimates a coarse model of the basement topography. By repeating the stochastic inversion, an ensemble of solutions is formed defining an equivalent domain in the model space supposed to be within the neighborhood of the global minimum of which several starting solutions are extracted for the secondary deterministic inversion. The presented methodology has been tested successfully in converging to the global minima in 2D and 3D cases with 50 and 2352 total number of prisms, respectively. Finally, the inversion algorithm is used to calculate the thickness of the sediments in the South Caspian Basin using the EIGEN-6c4 global gravity model.
Multiwell 3D distributed acoustic sensing vertical seismic profile imaging with engineered fibers: CO2CRC Otway Project case study
Authors: Yurikov Alexey , Tertyshnikov Konstantin , Isaenkov Roman , Sidenko Evgenii , Yavuz Sinem , Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Barraclough Paul , Shashkin Pavel , Pevzner Roman
Published: August 2021

The 4D surface seismic monitoring is a standard method for reservoir surveillance during the production of hydrocarbons or CO2 injection. However, land 4D seismic acquisition campaigns are often associated with high cost and disruptions to industrial operation or agricultural activities in the area of acquisition. An alternative technique for time-lapse monitoring of the subsurface is the 3D vertical seismic profiling (VSP), which becomes particularly attractive when used with distributed acoustic fiber-optic sensors (DAS) installed in wells. The advantages of 3D DAS VSP include its relatively low cost, minimal footprint on the local area during acquisition, and superior spatial resolution compared to the resolution of geophones. The potential of this technique is explored by processing and analyzing multiwell 3D DAS VSP data acquired at the CO2CRC Otway Project site in Victoria, Australia. The DAS data were recorded using an engineered fiber with enhanced backscattering cemented behind the casing of five wells. The data from each well are processed individually using the same processing flow and then migrated using a 3D migration code tailored to DAS data. Having DAS along the full extent of multiple wells ensures adequate seismic coverage of the area of CO2 injection. The migrated images provide detailed information about the subsurface up to 700 m away from a well and up to 2 km depth. The images are consistent with previously acquired geophone VSP and surface seismic data. The quality of the 3D DAS VSP imaging is comparable or superior to the quality of conventional imaging using geophone data. Therefore, 3D DAS VSP is a demonstrably optimal solution for reservoir monitoring.
ZSWIM7Is Associated With Human Female Meiosis and Familial Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: McGlacken-Byrne Sinéad M , Le Quesne Stabej Polona , Del Valle Ignacio , Ocaka Louise , Gagunashvili Andrey , Crespo Berta , Moreno Nadjeda , James Chela , Bacchelli Chiara , Dattani Mehul T , Williams Hywel J , Kelberman Dan , Achermann John C , Conway Gerard S
Published: August 2021

Background

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% of women and is associated with significant medical consequences. A genetic cause for POI can be found in up to 30% of women, elucidating key roles for these genes in human ovary development.

Objective

We aimed to identify the genetic mechanism underlying early-onset POI in 2 sisters from a consanguineous pedigree.

Methods

Genome sequencing and variant filtering using an autosomal recessive model was performed in the 2 affected sisters and their unaffected family members. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and RNA sequencing were used to study the expression of key genes at critical stages of human fetal gonad development (Carnegie Stage 22/23, 9 weeks post conception (wpc), 11 wpc, 15/16 wpc, 19/20 wpc) and in adult tissue.

Results

Only 1 homozygous variant cosegregating with the POI phenotype was found: a single nucleotide substitution in zinc finger SWIM-type containing 7 (ZSWIM7), NM_001042697.2: c.173C > G; resulting in predicted loss-of-function p.(Ser58*). qRT-PCR demonstrated higher expression of ZSWIM7 in the 15/16 wpc ovary compared with testis, corresponding to peak meiosis in the fetal ovary. RNA sequencing of fetal gonad samples showed that ZSWIM7 has a similar temporal expression profile in the developing ovary to other homologous recombination genes.

Main conclusions

Disruption of ZSWIM7 is associated with POI in humans. ZSWIM7 is likely to be important for human homologous recombination; these findings expand the range of genes associated with POI in women.
Leptin Receptor Expression in GABAergic Cells is Not Sufficient to Normalize Metabolism and Reproduction in Mice
Authors: Quaresma Paula G F , Wasinski Frederick , Mansano Naira S , Furigo Isadora C , Teixeira Pryscila D S , Gusmao Daniela O , Frazao Renata , Donato Jose
Published: August 2021

Previous studies indicate that leptin receptor (LepR) expression in GABAergic neurons is necessary for the biological effects of leptin. However, it is not clear whether LepR expression only in GABAergic neurons is sufficient to prevent the metabolic and neuroendocrine imbalances caused by LepR deficiency. In the present study, we produced mice that express the LepR exclusively in GABAergic cells (LepRVGAT mice) and compared them with wild-type (LepR+/+) and LepR-deficient (LepRNull/Null) mice. Although LepRVGAT mice showed a pronounced reduction in body weight and fat mass, as compared with LepRNull/Null mice, male and female LepRVGAT mice exhibited an obese phenotype relative to LepR+/+ mice. Food intake was normalized in LepRVGAT mice; however, LepRVGAT mice still exhibited lower energy expenditure in both sexes and reduced ambulatory activity in the females, compared with LepR+/+ mice. The acute anorexigenic effect of leptin and hedonic feeding were normalized in LepRVGAT mice despite the hyperleptinemia they present. Although LepRVGAT mice showed improved glucose homeostasis compared with LepRNull/Null mice, both male and female LepRVGAT mice exhibited insulin resistance. In contrast, LepR expression only in GABAergic cells was sufficient to normalize the density of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and α-MSH immunoreactive fibers in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. However, LepRVGAT mice exhibited reproductive dysfunctions, including subfertility in males and alterations in the estrous cycle of females. Taken together, our findings indicate that LepR expression in GABAergic cells, although critical to the physiology of leptin, is insufficient to normalize several metabolic aspects and the reproductive function in mice.
Uterine Epithelial LIF Receptors Contribute to Implantation Chamber Formation in Blastocyst Attachment
Authors: Fukui Yamato , Hirota Yasushi , Saito-Fujita Tomoko , Aikawa Shizu , Hiraoka Takehiro , Kaku Tetsuaki , Hirata Tomoyuki , Akaeda Shun , Matsuo Mitsunori , Shimizu-Hirota Ryoko , Takeda Norihiko , Ikawa Masahito , Osuga Yutaka
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated that the formation of an implantation chamber composed of a uterine crypt, an implantation-competent blastocyst, and uterine glands is a critical step in blastocyst implantation in mice. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) precursors via uterine LIF receptors (LIFRs), allowing successful blastocyst implantation. Our recent study revealed that the role of epithelial STAT3 is different from that of stromal STAT3. However, both are essential for blastocyst attachment, suggesting the different roles of epithelial and stromal LIFR in blastocyst implantation. However, how epithelial and stromal LIFR regulate the blastocyst implantation process remains unclear. To investigate the roles of LIFR in the uterine epithelium and stroma, we generated Lifr-floxed/lactoferrin (Ltf)-iCre (Lifr eKO) and Lifr-floxed/antimüllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre (Lifr sKO) mice with deleted epithelial and stromal LIFR, respectively. Surprisingly, fertility and blastocyst implantation in the Lifr sKO mice were normal despite stromal STAT3 inactivation. In contrast, blastocyst attachment failed, and no implantation chambers were formed in the Lifr eKO mice with epithelial inactivation of STAT3. In addition, normal responsiveness to ovarian hormones was observed in the peri-implantation uteri of the Lifr eKO mice. These results indicate that the epithelial LIFR-STAT3 pathway initiates the formation of implantation chambers, leading to complete blastocyst attachment, and that stromal STAT3 regulates blastocyst attachment without stromal LIFR control. Thus, uterine epithelial LIFR is critical to implantation chamber formation and blastocyst attachment.
Mitochondrial responses towards intermittent heat shocks in the eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Hraoui Georges , Breton Sophie , Miron Gilles , Boudreau Luc H. , Hunter-Manseau Florence , Pichaud Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Frequent heat waves caused by climate change can give rise to physiological stress in many animals, particularly in sessile ectotherms such as bivalves. Most studies characterizing thermal stress in bivalves focus on evaluating the responses to a single stress event. This does not accurately reflect the reality faced by bivalves, which are often subject to intermittent heat waves. Here, we investigated the effect of intermittent heat stress on mitochondrial functions of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, which play a key role in setting the thermal tolerance of ectotherms. Specifically, we measured changes in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and H2O2 emission rates before, during and after intermittent 7.5°C heat shocks in oysters acclimated to 15 and 22.5°C. Our results showed that oxygen consumption was impaired following the first heat shock at both acclimation temperatures. After the second heat shock, results for oysters acclimated to 15°C indicated a return to normal. However, oysters acclimated to 22.5°C struggled more with the compounding effects of intermittent heat shocks as denoted by an increased contribution of FAD-linked substrates to mitochondrial respiration as well as high levels of H2O2 emission rates. However, both acclimated populations showed signs of potential recovery 10 days after the second heat shock, reflecting a surprising resilience to heat waves by C. virginica. Thus, this study highlights the important role of acclimation in the oyster's capacity to weather intermittent heat shock.
Densification of Garnet-type Electrolyte Thin Sheets by Cold Sintering
Authors: Hamao Naoki , Yamaguchi Yuki , Mimura Ken-Ichi , Hamamoto Koichi
Published: August 2021

A garnet-type electrolyte sheet for all-solid-state batteries was fabricated by modified cold sintering method. The pores in the electrolyte sheet were closed during the cold sintering process, and the grain-boundary resistance was reduced. The impurity phase formed after cold sintering was removed by annealing treatment at higher temperatures.
Parallel Lives of Spiritual Leaders
Authors: Wood Gabrielle M
Published: August 2021

Leadership studies refer to the discipline which seeks to understand how leaders emerge; traits, behaviors, and processes of effective leaders; and the interactions among leaders, followers, and their contexts. Leadership scholars have studied a wide variety of religious leaders through research on well-known figures (e.g. Jesus Christ). For example, The Journal of Religious Leadership publishes scholarly articles on leadership practices of specific religions such as the Quakers, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and many others. Gurus, monks, priests, rabbis, and ulema are all recognized as religious leaders. While religious leaders have received a lot of attention in leadership studies, the role of spiritual leader in mystical traditions in largely ignored. Perhaps the emphasis on spiritual aspirants' direct experience of the divine shadows the role of leaders in these traditions. In this paper, I suggest that spiritual leaders serve as role models and symbols; they provide practical approaches and guidance that empower aspirants in their quests.
Aristotle’s Metaphysics as Mysticism
Authors: Dudley John A J
Published: August 2021

In this paper I shall argue that there are two reasons for thinking that the current widespread understanding of Aristotle's metaphysical thought is in need of revision. In part one, I shall attempt to show that Aristotle's metaphysics belong to a mystical tradition in ancient philosophy both in regard to its principles and its method; and in part two, I shall make use of Aristotle's own principles in order to attempt to demystify his metaphysics.
THE LANGUAGE OF CORRUPTION IN ENGLISH BUSINESS DISCOURSE
Authors: NIKITINA IRINA
Published: August 2021

This article is devoted to identifying the patterns of the use of the language of corruption in English business discourse. In the course of the research, the author analyzes functional features of the language of corruption in English business discourse and describes in detail the various techniques underlying the replacement of the direct naming of “bribe, to give a bribe” to the euphemistic one in English. The analysis allows identifying language strategies characteristic of the modern English business communication.
Westward Dissemination of Pre-modern Chinese Book Collections to Europe
Authors: Yueshan Zhou
Published: August 2021

One of the most magnificent collections of pre-modern Chinese books kept in Europe, was brought to France by Joachim Bouvet, a French missionary, in the 17th century. It is widely accepted that these 49 volumes of Chinese books were a gift from the Chinese emperor Kangxi to Louis XIV, the King of France, with Bouvet, the person who brought the books, believed to have been appointed as the Kangxi Emperor’s special envoy. However, as I intend to show here, it may be that neither was Bouvet a special envoy, nor were the books a gift from the Chinese emperor.
Women's Liberation in Meiji Japan: Ruptures in Cultural Conceptions of Female Education, Social Roles, and Political Rights
Authors: De Melo Do Nascimento Marina Teresinha
Published: August 2021

In 1872, the Meiji government issued the Education Act aiming to provide basic public education for boys and girls. The clash between Confucian ideals of women and the recently introduced Western literature on female liberation divided opinions among scholars. Having been influenced by the writings of British thinkers such as John Stuart Mill or Herbert Spencer, Japanese male and female thinkers proceeded to enlist various arguments in favor of female schooling and equal rights. Despite their advocating the right of women to attend schools, as well as their general agreement regarding the favorable results that girls’ education could bring to the nation, it is possible to identify key differences among scholars concerning the content of girls’ education and the nature of women’s rights. This paper focuses on Kishida Toshiko, an important female figure in Meiji politics who fought not only for female education but emerged at the forefront of activism in her advocacy of women’s political rights and universal suffrage, showing the clear influence of British suffragette Millicent Garret Fawcett.
Taking Your Team Behind the Curtain: The Effects of Leader Feedback-Sharing and Feedback-Seeking on Team Psychological Safety
Authors: Coutifaris Constantinos G. V. , Grant Adam M.
Published: August 2021

Although scholars have highlighted the benefits of psychological safety, relatively few studies have examined how leaders establish it. Whereas existing research points to the importance of seeking feedback, we draw on theories of self-disclosure, trust, and implicit voice to propose that leaders can also promote psychological safety by sharing feedback—openly discussing criticisms and suggestions they have already received about their own performance. In Study 1, naturally-occurring feedback-seeking and feedback-sharing by CEOs independently predicted board member ratings of top management team psychological safety. In Study 2, a longitudinal field experiment, randomly assigning leaders to share feedback had a positive effect on team psychological safety one year later, whereas assigning leaders to seek feedback did not. In Study 3, to explore the processes through which feedback-sharing had an enduring effect but feedback-seeking did not, we conducted qualitative interviews with participating leaders and employees two years later. We found that leaders initiated vulnerability through seeking feedback, but it dissolved due to defensiveness and inaction. In contrast, sharing feedback normalized and crystallized vulnerability as leaders made a public commitment to keep sharing and employees reciprocated, which opened the door for more actionable feedback, greater accountability, and ongoing practices that allowed psychological safety to endure. Our research suggests that to achieve enduring improvements in psychological safety, it may be particularly effective for leaders to share criticism they have received—and that doing so does not jeopardize their reputations as effective and competent.
D-dimers: a most misunderstood test
Authors: Carter-Brzezinski Luke , Houston Scott , Thachil Jecko
Published: August 2021

The role of D-dimers in the management of venous thromboembolism is well established and testing for D-dimers has become common in most acute settings. Although it has been validated for the purpose of excluding venous thromboembolism, the test is increasingly ordered to ‘diagnose’ venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, in the COVID-19 pandemic, heavy reliance has been put on this test with the inclusion of D-dimers to guide treatment pathways. This review summarises the appropriateness of D-dimer tests in these different clinical settings.
A guide to Group B strep in mothers and babies
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: August 2021

Group B strep can be harmful to newborns. Most babies who come into contact with the bacteria during labour or birth experience no problems, but a small number may become seriously ill if they are infected, as Amy Noakes explains
Families of south Asian heritage and food allergy: A missed opportunity for health visitors
Authors: Peckover Sue , Jay Nicola , Chowbey Punita , Rehman Naheeda , Javed Farhat
Published: August 2021

The incidence of food allergy in children of south Asian heritage in the UK is increasing, but little is known about families' understanding or help-seeking. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mothers from the south Asian community with regard to recognising and seeking help for their child's food allergy. The study method comprised semi-structured interviews with 10 mothers with a child under 5 years with known or suspected food allergy. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed and thematically analysed. The study found that there was uncertainty about the cause of the child's symptoms and delays in seeking medical advice. Few parents had talked to health visitors about allergy, although recognised their preventive role. In conclusion, infants from south Asian backgrounds with food allergies face inequalities in health and access to specialist services, and health visitors are missing opportunities to intervene early and promote the delivery of evidence-based care.
Optical Nanosensors in the Near-Infrared Spectral Window
Authors: Bisker Gili
Published: August 2021

We report the discovery of tailored functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes, which renders them near-infrared optical sensors for proteins. Our results open new avenues for synthetic recognition of macromolecules with optical signal transduction.
Suppression of Efficiency Droop by Inserting a Thin Undoped AlGaN Layer into Each Quantum Barrier in AlGaN-Based Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Jia Hongfeng , Yu Huabin , Ren Zhongjie , Xing Chong , Liu Zhongling , Kang Yang , Sun Haiding
Published: August 2021

We propose a DUV LED device architecture with band-engineered quantum barriers (QBs) to “serve” as an alternative approach to suppress the electron leakage and facilitate the electron and hole injection efficiency for efficient radiative recombination.
Multi-plane Encoded Light-sheet Microscopy for Fast Volumetric Imaging
Authors: Zunino Alessandro , Garzella Francesco , Trianni Alberta , Saggau Peter , Bianchini Paolo , Diaspro Alberto , Duocastella Martí
Published: August 2021

We propose a novel light-sheet microscope, capable of high-speed volumetric imaging with high contrast and signal-to-noise ratio. The working principle is founded on extending the depth-of-field and enconding the illumination with multiple light-sheets.
Remote Methane Sensing System with Retroreflecting Target Tracking
Authors: Soskind Michael G. , Li Nathan P. , Moore Daniel P. , Patrick Charles L. , Chen Yifeng , Wendt Lars , McSpiritt James , Zondlo Mark , Wysocki Gerard
Published: August 2021

We present a methane sensing system based on chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy. The system is capable of actively tracking a drone-based retroreflector at up to 40m distance. The system has also shown sensitivities of 2.3 ppm-m.
A New Assessment of the Performance of Low-noise Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Chou Wen-Fang , Rodriguez-Toro Victor A. , Park Youngrak , Chang Yi-Chien , Larrain Felipe A. , Kippelen Bernard
Published: August 2021

An improved characterization of organic photodiode performance enables a reassessment of electronic noise and optimization of large-area organic photodetectors that at visible wavelengths are comparable to low-noise silicon photodiodes in all metrics except response time.
Complete space-time metrology of ultrashort laser pulses with INSIGHT
Authors: Quéré F. , Sylla F.
Published: August 2021

Spatio Temporal Couplings (STC) are ubiquitous in ultrafast optics. Chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) systems rely massively on using well controlled STC. INSIGHT is a new technique commercially available that enables to measure accurately these couplings.
Protocols Beyond Just QKD on an Eight-User Quantum Network
Authors: Joshi Siddarth Koduru , Huang Zixin , Fletcher Alasdair , Solomons Naomi , Puthoor Ittoop Vergheese , Pelet Yoann , Aktas Djeylan , Lupo Cosmo , Quintavalle Armanda O. , Wengerowsky Sören , Lončarić Martin , Neumann Sebastian Philipp , Liu Bo , Scheidl Thomas , Samec Željko , Kling Laurent , Qiu Alex , Andersson Erika , Pirandola Stefano , Ursin Rupert , Stipčević Mario , Rarity John G.
Published: August 2021

Quantum networks have been limited to QKD. Here we present an 8 user quantum network running 5 different anonymity protocols, digital signatures, authentication transfer (sharing initial authentication keys) and flooding (optimally utilization of resources).
A low-noise telecom interface for silicon-vacancy quantum network nodes
Authors: Bersin Eric , Wan Noel , Bhaskar Mihir , Levonian David , Riedinger Ralf , Langrock Carsten , Fejer M. M. , Lukin Mikhail , Ben Dixon P. , Hamilton Scott , Englund Dirk
Published: August 2021

Fiber-based quantum networks employing atomic memories require an interface between visible and infrared photons. We demonstrate low-noise conversion between silicon vacancy wavelengths and the telecom O-band for use in a deployed quantum network.
Stitching-free 3D printing of millimeter-sized highly transparent spherical and aspherical optical components
Authors: Ristok Simon , Thiele Simon , Toulouse Andrea , Herkommer Alois M. , Giessen Harald
Published: August 2021

We fabricate and characterize spherical and aspherical polymer lenses on the millimeter scale by stitching-free 3D printing via two-photon polymerization. The imaging quality is excellent, being comparable to commercially available glass lenses.
Optical Fiber Photonic Crystal Hydrophone for Acoustic Bio-Sensing
Authors: Lorenzo Simón , Wong Yu-Po , Solgaard Olav
Published: August 2021

We fabricate, assemble, and characterize a compact, robust, and scalably-fabricated photonic crystal hydrophone capable of measuring acoustic signals from single cardiomyocytes with a minimum detectable pressure of 3 µPa/√Hz and a 19 kHz band-width.
Active Optical Fiber Sensors Enabled By Femtosecond Laser Induced Nano-Scattering Centers
Authors: Zhao Kehao , Wang Mohan , Huang Sheng , Peng Zhaoqiang , Chen Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

Intrinsic Fabry-Pérot cavity was induced in SMF-28e+ optical fiber using a femtosecond laser. In-fiber light scattered from laser-induced nanograting were used to heat fiber sensors for active sensing applications.
Optical frequency combs from semiconductor lasers: characterization, stabilization, and applications
Authors: Südmeyer Thomas
Published: August 2021

Semiconductor disk lasers and quantum cascade lasers are two of the most promising technologies for cost-efficient, reliable, and mass-producible optical frequency combs. We discuss and compare their current status for comb operation, characterization, and stabilization.
Complete System Integration of Chip-Based Quantum Key Distribution Devices
Authors: Paraïso Taofiq K. , Roger Thomas , Marangon Davide G. , De Marco Innocenzo , Sanzaro Mirko , Woodward Robert I. , Dynes James F. , Yuan Zhiliang L. , Shields Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Solutions for a practical, wide-scale deployment of quantum secure communication devices have long been awaited for. Recent reports of quantum key distribution (QKD) chips, yet promising, were restricted to proof-of-concepts of individual components. We now demonstrate a complete QKD system, entirely based on photonic chips and distributing quantum secure encryption keys at high bit rate. This establishes photonic integration as a viable solution for a low-cost, scalable deployment of QKD.
Terahertz Quantum Cascade Amplifier with Optical Threshold
Authors: Kainz M.A , Jaidl M. , Limbacher B. , Theiner D. , Giparakis M. , Beiser M. , Andrews A.M. , Strasser G. , Unterrainer K.
Published: August 2021

A Terahertz optical amplifier based on a Quantum Cascade laser structure with a lossy double-metal cavity is demonstrated. Amplification appears only above a certain threshold and an amplification of ~17 dB is achieved.
Neural network-based single-shot autofocusing of microscopy images
Authors: Huang Luzhe , Luo Yilin , Rivenson Yair , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: August 2021

Using fluorescence and brightfield microscopy modalities, we demonstrate a deep learning-based offline autofocusing method to blindly autofocus an image that is captured at an unknown out-of-focus distance or on a tilted sample plane.
Infrared Laser-Induced Fluorescence with a Continuous-Wave Optical Parametric Oscillator
Authors: Mathews Garrett C. , Stiborek Joshua W. , Goldenstein Christopher S.
Published: August 2021

A continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator was used to produce spectrally resolved, infrared laser-induced fluorescence (IR-LIF) signals of CO2 in a heated jet. Spatially resolved temperature measurements were obtained by spectral fitting to the IR-LIF signals.
Classifying Breast Cancer Cell Lines of Different Metastasis Potentials using Visible Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Binlin , Zhang Lin , Jimenez Kenneth , Boydston-White Susie , Wang Eric , Liu Cheng-hui , Alfano Robert R
Published: August 2021

We classified breast cancer cell lines of different metastatic potentials using visible resonance Raman spectroscopy, principal component analysis, and support vector machines. Cross validated classification accuracies of over 78% were achieved.
Optical Processing for Artificial Neural Vision
Authors: Brady David J.
Published: August 2021

Convolutional neural networks have become established as the primary mechanisms for image processing over the past decade. While general purpose optical neural networks remain a long term project, in the near term optical prefilters act as the first layers of electronic deep convolutional networks and enable 10-100x reduction in system power per reconstructed voxel.
A compact spectroscopic laser sensor for time-resolved breath oxygen monitoring towards clinical use
Authors: Patrick Link , Westberg Jonas , Wysocki Gerard
Published: August 2021

A compact laser-based optical sensor for continuous in-airway monitoring of oxygen at high sampling rate is designed and tested for future use in a clinical setting.
A Colorimetric Assay with Optoelectronic Readout for High-Sensitivity and Rapid Detection of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Chen Xiahui , Kang Shoukai , Zhao Zhi , Ikbal Ashif , Zuo Jiawei , Yao Yu , Gu Liangcai , Wang Chao
Published: August 2021

Using Ebola protein as a target antigen biomarker, a plasmonic nanoparticle based colorimetric assay is designed with a portable optoelectronic readout, showing ~40 pM limit of detection within minutes and at a high specificity.
Spatially-chirped modulation microscopy at 2 μm
Authors: Cui Xiaomeng , Shi Jiawei , Wong Kenneth K.Y.
Published: August 2021

We report the first demonstration of the spatially chirped microscopy with a narrow linewidth optical parametric oscillator at 2 μm. We realized the multipixel imaging with a single-pixel photodetector and achieved 79-μm lateral resolution.
An efficient nanophotonic source of ultra-broadband entangled photons
Authors: Javid Usman A. , Ling Jingwei , Staffa Jeremy , Li Mingxiao , He Yang , Lin Qiang
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate ultra-broadband spontaneous parametric down-conversion over a 100 THz bandwidth using an on-chip dispersion-engineered periodically-poled lithium niobate waveguide. The source produces photon-pairs with an unprecedented 13 GHz/mW efficiency and a coincidence-to-accidental ratio exceeding 105.
Integrated Contra-directional Pump-reject Filters for Photon-pair Sources in Silicon
Authors: Afifi Abdelrahman E. , Shekhar Sudip , Young Jeff F. , Chrostowski Lukas
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate a micro-ring resonator photon-pair source integrated with a pump-reject filter using cascaded contra-directional couplers from their through-port, achieving coincidence-to-accidental ratio (CAR) of 125 at an on-chip pair generation rate of 0.4MHz.
Hyperchromatic Structural Color for Perceptually Enhanced Colorimetric Sensing by the Naked Eye
Authors: Talukdar Tahmid H. , McCoy Bria , Timmins Sarah K. , Khan Taufiquar , Ryckman Judson D.
Published: August 2021

We report a novel colorimetric sensing paradigm using multi-chromatic light from an RGB laser combined with a structural color sensor for fast, ultra-sensitive, and spatio-temporally resolved detection of surface biomolecules by human eye or smartphone.