bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of two distinct alphasatellites modulating geminivirus pathogenesis
Authors: Kumar Manish , Zarreen Fauzia , Chakraborty Supriya
Published: December 2021

Background

Alphasatellites are small coding DNA satellites frequently associated with a begomovirus/betasatellite complex, where they are known to modulate virulence and symptom development. Two distinct alphasatellites, namely, Cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMuA), and Gossypium darwinii symptomless alphasatellite (GDarSLA) associated with Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-India (CLCuMuV-IN) and Ludwigia leaf distortion betasatellite (LuLDB) were found to be associated with yellow mosaic disease of hollyhock (Alcea rosea) plants. In this study, we show that alphasatellites CLCuMuA and GDarSLA attenuate and delay symptom development in Nicotiana benthamiana. The presence of either alphasatellites reduce the accumulation of the helper virus CLCuMuV-IN. However, the levels of the associated betasatellite, LuLDB, remains unchanged. These results suggest that the alphasatellites could contribute to the host defence and understanding their role in disease development is important for developing resistance strategies.

Methods

Tandem repeat constructs of two distinct alphasatellites, namely, CLCuMuA and GDarSLA associated with CLCuMuV-IN and LuLDB were generated. N. benthamiana plants were co-agroinoculated with CLCuMuV and its associated alphasatellites and betasatellite molecules and samples were collected at 7, 14 and 21 days post inoculation (dpi). The viral DNA molecules were quantified in N. benthamiana plants by qPCR. The sequences were analysed using the MEGA-X tool, and a phylogenetic tree was generated. Genetic diversity among the CLCuMuA and GDarSLA was analysed using the DnaSP tool.

Results

We observed a reduction in symptom severity and accumulation of helper virus in the presence of two alphasatellites isolated from naturally infected hollyhock plants. However, no reduction in the accumulation of betasatellite was observed. The phylogenetic and genetic variability study revealed the evolutionary dynamics of these distinct alphasatellites , which could explain the role of hollyhock-associated alphasatellites in plants.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that alphasatellites have a role in symptom modulation and suppress helper virus replication without any discernible effect on the replication of the associated betasatellite.
Perillaldehyde improves cognitive function in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting neuronal damage via blocking TRPM2/NMDAR pathway
Authors: Qiu Yue , Xue Xian-jun , Liu Geng , Shen Miao-miao , Chao Chun-yan , Zhang Jie , Guo Ya-qi , Niu Qian-qian , Yu Ya-nan , Song Yu-ting , Wang Huan-huan , Wang Shuang-xi , Chen Yu-jing , Jiang Lin-hua , Li Peng , Yin Ya-ling
Published: December 2021

Background

Vascular cognitive dysfunction in patients with vascular dementia (VD) is a kind of severe cognitive dysfunction syndrome caused by cerebrovascular diseases. At present, effective drugs to improve the cognitive function of VD patients still need to be explored. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel is a nonspecific cation channel that plays a key role in the toxic death of neurons. Perillaldehyde (PAE) has the protective effect of epilepsy and insomnia and other central nervous system diseases. The aim of this study is to explore whether PAE improves cognitive function in VD rats and to investigate the potential mechanisms in vivo and vitro.

Methods

VD rats were induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (2-vessel occlusion [2VO]) and treated with PAE for 4 weeks. The neuroprotective effects of PAE was subsequently assessed by the Morris water maze, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, Golgi staining, electron microscopy, Neuron-specific nuclear protein (Neu N) staining, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. After primary hippocampal neurons were isolated, cell viability was detected by MTT assay and intracellular Ca2+ concentration was detected by calcium imaging assay. The content of Nitriteoxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum of rats were observed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and Confocal laser scanning were used to detect the expression levels of N-methyl-d-asprtate receptor-2B (NR2B) and TRPM2.

Results

The results showed that PAE can improve the number and activity of neurons, increase the length and number of dendrites in hippocampus, decrease the Vv value and PE value of neuronal nucleus and mitochondrial structure significantly, increase the s value and L value in nucleus structure, decrease the s value and L value in mitochondrial structure, and improve the learning and memory ability of rats significantly. And PAE can strengthen the ability of antioxidant stress confirmed by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the production of MDA. The results of western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that PAE could reduce the level of TRPM2 and increase the expression of NR2B.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings provide evidence that the neuroprotective effects of PAE in VD rats maybe through TRPM2 inhibition and subsequent activation of NMDAR signaling pathway.
CIDER: an interpretable meta-clustering framework for single-cell RNA-seq data integration and evaluation
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Yau Christopher
Published: December 2021

Clustering of joint single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) data is often challenged by confounding factors, such as batch effects and biologically relevant variability. Existing batch effect removal methods typically require strong assumptions on the composition of cell populations being near identical across samples. Here, we present CIDER, a meta-clustering workflow based on inter-group similarity measures. We demonstrate that CIDER outperforms other scRNA-Seq clustering methods and integration approaches in both simulated and real datasets. Moreover, we show that CIDER can be used to assess the biological correctness of integration in real datasets, while it does not require the existence of prior cellular annotations.
Cadence discovery: study protocol for a dose-finding and mechanism of action clinical trial of sodium benzoate in people with treatment-refractory schizophrenia
Authors: Baker Andrea , Clarke Lachlan , Donovan Peter , P. J. Ungerer Jacobus , Hartel Gunter , Bruxner George , Cocchi Luca , Gordon Anne , Moudgil Vikas , Robinson Gail , Roy Digant , Sohal Ravinder , Whittle Emma , Scott James G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Schizophrenia is a persistent psychotic disorder often accompanied by severe disability and premature mortality. New pharmacological treatments are urgently needed. Sodium benzoate, a common food preservative holds potential to be an effective, accessible treatment for schizophrenia, though the optimal dosing and mechanism of action of the compound requires further investigation.

Methods

Individuals with persistent treatment-refractory schizophrenia (n=52) will be recruited. Patients will be randomised in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive treatment of one of three active doses (1000, 2000 or 4000 mg daily) of sodium benzoate or placebo for 6 weeks duration. The primary outcome measurement is change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. Secondary outcome measurements are PANSS subscales, Global Assessment of Function (GAF), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and Patient Global Impression (PGI-I). Change in concentrations of peripheral amino acids (D-alanine, L-alanine, D-serine, L-serine, glycine and glutamate), plasma sodium benzoate, plasma catalase, 3-nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) will be determined as tertiary measures.

Discussion

This trial seeks to build upon previous research indicating potential efficacy of sodium benzoate for reduction of symptoms in individuals with treatment-refractory schizophrenia. The trial aims to improve the understanding of the mechanism of action of the compound.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12621000327886. Registered on 23 March 2021.
Transcranial direct electrical stimulation for hand function in a stroke patient with severe upper limb paralysis due to lenticulostriate artery occlusion: a case report
Authors: Hirayama Koichiro , Fuchigami Takeshi , Morioka Shu
Published: December 2021

Background

Transcranial direct current stimulation, a therapeutic modality to modulate the excitability of injured and uninjured brain hemispheres in stroke patients, is expected to be effective in treating upper limb paralysis. We describe the use of transcranial direct current stimulation to improve the function and frequency of use of the paralyzed hand of a patient with lenticulostriate artery occlusion.

Case presentation

A Japanese man in his fifties developed a left internal hindfoot perforator branch infarction owing to lenticulostriate artery occlusion, and presented with severe right upper and lower limb paralysis. Multiple interventions for the paralyzed hand, primarily robot therapy, did not noticeably change his hand function or frequency of use in daily life. Therefore, transcranial direct current stimulation was used in combination with upper limb functional exercises for 20 minutes a day, five times a week, for 6 weeks. Consequently, scores for the hand items of the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of the upper extremities improved, and pain and subluxation around the shoulder joint were reduced. Furthermore, the frequency of use and the quality of movement of the paralyzed hand were improved.

Conclusions

Upper limb functional training and transcranial direct current stimulation improved the function and frequency of use of the paralyzed hand in a stroke patient with severe upper limb paralysis, suggesting that this combined intervention could effectively improve hand function in patients with severe upper limb paralysis.
Acute spinal cord compression due to spinal subdural hematoma after spinal anaesthesia in-patient under anticoagulant drug
Authors: Denou Moussa , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Hamama Mustapha , El Fatemi Nizare , El Maaqili Moulay Rachid
Published: December 2021

Background

Subdural spinal cord hematomas are very rare condition. They most often occur in patients with primary or secondary blood haemostasis disorders and following lumbar punctures. Early diagnosis and management preserve functional prognosis.

Case description

We report the case of a female 69-year-old patient on oral anticoagulant, Acenocoumarol 4 mg (SINTROM) for previous aortic prosthesis. The patient had undergone surgery for appendicitis under spinal anaesthesia 2 days before her admission in neurosurgery department. She was admitted in emergency for 1/5 central flaccid paraplegia with sensitive umbilical level. A spinal MRI performed showed a collection intradural in intermediate signal in T1 and hyposignal in T2 with echo gradient of 8 mm thickness extended from D8 to L2 compressing the marrow with anomalies of intramedullary signal extended from D8 to the conus medullaris. We retained indication to operate the patient early in emergency because of acute spinal cord compression. We performed T12-L2 laminectomy, durotomy and evacuated hematoma. Postoperative marked by an immediate recovery of sensitivity and an onset of motor recovery from 1/5 to 2/5 and 4/5 follow up at on year with physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Spinal cord compression due to subdural spinal hematomas not often described especially in patients with haemostasis blood disorders due to anticoagulants drugs. In addition, we should pay attention with lumbar puncture in these patients. Emergency surgery allows a good prognosis about recovery of neurological disorders.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency admission for patients with stroke: a time series study in Japan
Authors: Tani Takuaki , Imai Shinobu , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: December 2021

Background

Appropriate treatment of stroke immediately after its onset contributes to the improved chances, while delay in hospitalisation affects stroke severity and fatality. This study aimed to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on emergency hospitalisation of patients with stroke in Japan.

Methods

This was an observational study that used nationwide administrative data of hospitalised patients diagnosed with stroke. We cross-sectionally observed patients’ background factors during April and May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic-related state of emergency was declared; we also observed these factors in the same period in 2019. We also modelled monthly trends in emergency stroke admissions, stroke admissions at each level of the Japan Coma Scale (JCS), fatalities within 24 h, stroke care unit use, intravenous thrombolysis administration, and mechanical thrombectomy implementation using interrupted time series (ITS) regression.

Results

There was no difference in patients’ pre-hospital baseline characteristics between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. However, ITS regression revealed a significant change in the number of emergency stroke admissions after the beginning of the pandemic (slope: risk ratio [RR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.99, P = 0.027). There was a significant difference in the JCS score for impaired consciousness in emergency stroke, which was more severe during the pandemic than the pre-pandemic (JCS3 in level: RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.33, P < 0.001). There was no change in the total number of fatalities with COVID-19, compared with those without COVID-19, but there were significantly more fatalities within 24 h of admission (fatalities within 24 h: RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.33, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The infection prevalence of COVID-19 increased the number of fatalities within 24 h as well as the severity of illness in Japan. However, there was no difference in baseline characteristics, intravenous thrombolysis administration, and mechanical thrombectomy implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A decrease in the number of patients and fatalities was observed from the time the state of emergency was declared until August, the period of this study.
A hybrid systems biology and systems pharmacology investigation of Zingerone’s effects on reconstructed human epidermal tissues
Authors: Amjad Elham , Sokouti Babak , Asnaashari Solmaz
Published: December 2021

Background

As individuals live longer, elderly populations can be expected to face issues. This pattern urges researchers to investigate the aging concept further to produce successful anti-aging agents. In the current study, the effects of Zingerone (a natural compound) on epidermal tissues were analyzed using a bioinformatics approach.

Methods

For this purpose, we chose the GEO dataset GSE133338 to carry out the systems biology and systems pharmacology approaches, ranging from identifying the differentially expressed genes to analyzing the gene ontology, determining similar structures of Zingerone and their features (i.e., anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin disorders), constructing the gene–chemicals network, analyzing gene–disease relationships, and validating significant genes through the evidence presented in the literature.

Results

The post-processing of the microarray dataset identified thirteen essential genes among control and Zingerone-treated samples. The procedure revealed various structurally similar chemical and herbal compounds with possible skin-related effects. Additionally, we studied the relationships of differentially expressed genes with skin-related diseases and validated their direct connections with skin disorders the evidence available in the literature. Also, the analysis of the microarray profiling dataset revealed the critical role of interleukins as a part of the cytokines family on skin aging progress.

Conclusions

Zingerone, and potentially any constituents of Zingerone (e.g., their similar compound scan functionality), can be used as therapeutic agents in managing skin disorders such as skin aging. However, the beneficial effects of Zingerone should be assessed in other models (i.e., human or animal) in future studies.
Exact solvability and two-frequency Rabi oscillation in cavity-QED setup with moving emitter
Authors: Weng Mingzhu , Wang Zhihai
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate the energy spectrum and coherent dynamical process in a cavity-QED setup with a moving emitter, which is subject to a harmonic potential. We find that the vibration of the emitter will induce the effective Kerr and optomechanical interactions. We generalize the Bogliubov operators approach which dealt with quantum Rabi model, to our cavity-emitter-vibration system and obtain the energy spectrum exactly. Furthermore, we show that the dynamics of the system exhibit a two-frequency Rabi oscillation behavior. We explain such behavior by optomechanical-interaction–induced quantum transition between emitter-cavity dressed states. We hope that the interaction between cavity mode and moving emitter will provide a versatile platform to explore more exotic effects and potential applications in cavity-QED scenario.
Extraordinary optical transmission from a thin microcavity by macroscopic quantum effect
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hui Wu Jiu
Published: December 2021

The macroscopic quantum effect is revealed to elaborate the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) from a subwavelength thin microcavity based on the uncertainty property of the transmitted electromagnetic fields after the aperture. A critical radius is found in the thin microcavity under a certain incident electromagnetic wavelength. With the aperture radius varying, the transmitted field can be divided into three regimes: I) the macroscopic quantum regime when the aperture radius is less than the critical radius, in which the field edge effect occurs and the EOT phenomenon is perfectly manifested; II) the wave-particle duality regime in the vicinity of the critical radius, in which the edge effect and diffraction phenomenon exist simultaneously; III) the wave regime when the aperture radius is greater than the critical radius, in which the near-field diffraction emerges. In addition, the influences of incident wavelength and microcavity thickness on EOT are also investigated. Our research has potential applications in advanced optical devices, such as light switch and optical manipulations.
Concordant Androgen-Regulated Expression of DivergentRhox5Promoters in Sertoli Cells
Authors: Bhardwaj Anjana , Sohni Abhishek , Lou Chih-Hong , De Gendt Karel , Zhang Fanmao , Kim Eunah , Subbarayalu Panneerdoss , Chan Waikin , Kerkhofs Stefanie , Claessens Frank , Kimmins Sarah , Rao Manjeet K , Meistrich Marvin , Wilkinson Miles F
Published: December 2021

Concordant transcriptional regulation can generate multiple gene products that collaborate to achieve a common goal. Here we report a case of concordant transcriptional regulation that instead drives a single protein to be produced in the same cell type from divergent promoters. This gene product—the RHOX5 homeobox transcription factor—is translated from 2 different mRNAs with different 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) transcribed from alternative promoters. Despite the fact that these 2 promoters—the proximal promoter (Pp) and the distal promoter (Pd)—exhibit different patterns of tissue-specific activity, share no obvious sequence identity, and depend on distinct transcription factors for expression, they exhibit a remarkably similar expression pattern in the testes. In particular, both depend on androgen signaling for expression in the testes, where they are specifically expressed in Sertoli cells and have a similar stage-specific expression pattern during the seminiferous epithelial cycle. We report evidence for 3 mechanisms that collaborate to drive concordant Pp/Pd expression. First, both promoters have an intrinsic ability to respond to androgen receptor and androgen. Second, the Pp acts as an enhancer to promote androgen-dependent transcription from the Pd. Third, Pd transcription is positively autoregulated by the RHOX5 protein, which is first produced developmentally from the Pp. Together, our data support a model in which the Rhox5 homeobox gene evolved multiple mechanisms to activate both of its promoters in Sertoli cells to produce Rhox5 in an androgen-dependent manner during different phases of spermatogenesis.
Platform Urbanization and the Impact on Urban Transformation and Citizenship
Authors: Hanakata Naomi C. , Bignami Filippo
Published: December 2021

Many of the defining characteristics of the urban are shifting to virtual platforms. This process imbues all dimensions of urban life, from governance to politics and participation. During the global pandemic and the lockdown in many countries, this shift has gathered speed and is changing the way we communicate and work, challenging the everyday life of our cities. As a result, we are confronted with a new topology of negotiation, participation, governance, and control in a virtual realm. With that, rights and duties of citizens are also being transformed, which creates a new dynamic that needs to be captured to ensure an alternative way to perform and enable citizenship. What we refer to as “platform urbanization” is a planetary phenomenon that needs to be investigated as a new driving force in the transformation of the urban condition and in terms of the impact it has on citizenship and the way cities are produced.
Airbnb Lands in Havana
Authors: Pirone Tommaso
Published: December 2021

Sixty years after Fidel Castro’s revolution overthrew the US’s influence in Cuba, Airbnb has penetrated Havana’s accommodation market, despite strong limitations imposed by the US government. This article analyzes the methods employed by Airbnb to enter the unique Cuban tourist sector, highlighting the adoption of local norms and traditions. For decades, thousands of casas particulares have hosted exchanges between visitors and the local population. Based on ethnographic data collected in Havana, we contend that the “Airbnb model” was present before the gig economy giant arrived in the Cuban capital. On one hand, the arrival of Airbnb may contribute to (re)emerging inequalities in Cuban society, while on the other hand, it has the potential to generate economic opportunities in the island’s bourgeoning private sector. Ultimately, we suggest that the Cuban model of casas particulares should be conceptual-ized as a trailblazer of the international tourist landscape.
Momentum vs. Labour’s Bureaucracy
Authors: Gerbaudo Paolo
Published: December 2021

The creation of Corbynist organization Momentum was the way in which the wave of socialist revival in the UK tried to take an organizational form and work toward the transformation of the Labour party. The first-past-the-post system meant that the only realistic option for socialists was working within the existing mainstream left party, while at the same time developing a parallel structure to mobilize youth supporters suspicious of bureaucratic structures. However, as I argue in this article, ultimately the stubbornness of the Labour party bureaucracy used as a defensive redoubt by party centrists managed to successfully fend off attempts for deep party reforms, and once Corbyn resigned it was easy for centrists to undo the change in the internal balance of forces. The failure of the Corbyn movement in overcoming these difficulties highlights how party organization constitutes a strategic bottleneck for all transformative movements, and that the only way to reclaim existing parties is to radically reshape them as a matter of priority.
Regulation of Hook1-mediated endosomal sorting of clathrin-independent cargo by γ-taxilin
Authors: Higashi Satoru , Makiyama Tomohiko , Sakane Hiroshi , Nogami Satoru , Shirataki Hiromichi
Published: December 2021

In clathrin-independent endocytosis, Hook1, a microtubule- and cargo-tethering protein, participates in sorting of cargo proteins such as CD98 (encoded by SLC3A2) and CD147 (encoded by BSG) into recycling endosomes. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates Hook1-mediated endosomal sorting is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that γ-taxilin is a novel regulator of Hook1-mediated endosomal sorting. γ-Taxilin depletion promoted both CD98-positive tubular formation and CD98 recycling. Conversely, overexpression of γ-taxilin inhibited the CD98-positive tubular formation. Depletion of Hook1, or Rab10 or Rab22a (which are both involved in Hook1-mediated endosomal sorting), attenuated the effect of γ-taxilin depletion on the CD98-positive tubular formation. γ-Taxilin depletion promoted CD147-mediated spreading of HeLa cells, suggesting that γ-taxilin might be a pivotal player in various cellular functions in which Hook1-mediated cargo proteins are involved. γ-Taxilin bound to the C-terminal region of Hook1 and inhibited its interaction with CD98; the latter interaction is necessary for sorting CD98. We suggest that γ-taxilin negatively regulates the sorting of Hook1-mediated cargo proteins into recycling endosomes by interfering with the interactions between Hook1 and the cargo proteins.
Diversity of lateral line patterns and neuromast numbers in the genus Oryzias
Authors: Seleit Ali , Ansai Satoshi , Yamahira Kazunori , Masengi Kawilarang W. A. , Naruse Kiyoshi , Centanin Lázaro
Published: December 2021

A remarkable diversity of lateral line patterns exists in adult teleost fishes, the basis of which is largely unknown. By analysing the lateral line patterns and organ numbers in 29 Oryzias species and strains we report a rapid diversification of the lateral line system within this genus. We show a strong dependence of lateral line elaboration (number of neuromasts per cluster, number of parallel lateral lines) on adult species body size irrespective of phylogenetic relationships. In addition, we report that the degree of elaboration of the anterior lateral line, posterior lateral line and caudal neuromast clusters is tightly linked within species, arguing for a globally coordinated mechanism controlling lateral line organ numbers and patterns. We provide evidence for a polygenic control over neuromast numbers and positioning in the genus Oryzias. Our data also indicate that the diversity in lateral lines can arise as a result of differences in patterning both during embryonic development and post-embryonically, where simpler embryonic patterns generate less complex adult patterns and organ numbers, arguing for a linkage between the two processes.
Wpływ pandemii COVID-19 na funkcjonowanie regionalnego transportu kolejowego obszarów przygranicznych – na przykładzie województwa dolnośląskiego (PL) i kraju libereckiego (CZ)
Authors: Smolarski Mateusz , Suszczewicz Michał
Published: December 2021

Systemy zbiorowego transportu publicznego są narażone na wiele zewnętrznych czynników wpływających na ich funkcjonowanie. Jednym z nich może być zagrożenie epidemiologiczne. W 2020 r. światowa pandemia COVID-19 miała istotny wpływ na światową gospodarkę oraz przewozy pasażerskie. Wprowadzone liczne ograniczenia wpłynęły na popyt (liczbę pasażerów) oraz podaż (oferta przewozowa) na rynku transportu. Do najczęstszych obostrzeń zaliczyć można: ograniczenie liczby połączeń, zmniejszenie limitu pasażerów w pojeździe, ograniczenie siatki połączeń komunikacyjnych. W analizie autorzy przeprowadzili badanie województwa dolnośląskiego oraz kraju libereckiego w kontekście zmian w funkcjonowaniu regionalnego transportu kolejowego. Spadek liczby kursów dotyczył nie tylko linii peryferyjnych (kraj liberecki), ale również głównych tras w regionie (Dolny Śląsk). W Czechach alternatywnym środkiem transportu mogły być przewozy autobusowe. Powrót do poziomu stanu sprzed ograniczeń przewozowych powinien być związany z zachęcaniem pasażerów do ponownego korzystania z transportu kolejowego. Długotrwały spadek poziomu obsługi komunikacyjnej mógł skłonić mieszkańców do wyboru alternatywnych środków transportu (np. samochód). Stabilność oferty przewozowej stanowi jeden z filarów wysokiego popytu na transport publiczny. Czynnik zewnętrzny (pandemia) nie powinien być powodem radykalnych redukcji siatki połączeń. W niektórych przypadkach może to przynosić odwrotne skutki, np. wzrost zatłoczenia w godzinach szczytu (dojazdy do pracy). Analiza wykazała, że skoordynowane (zintegrowane) systemy transportu publicznego są lepiej przygotowane na potencjalne zagrożenia zewnętrzne niż model oparty na słabej pozycji organizatora przewozów. W Polsce samorząd wojewódzki ma duży wpływ na transport kolejowy, ale bardzo słaby na przewozy autobusowe. Model czeski z kolei oparty jest na regionalnej koordynacji obu środków transportu.
Προοπτική μελέτη της επίδρασης της χειρουργικής εξαίρεσης γεροντικού καταρράκτη στην ποιότητα ζωής
Authors: Μυλωνά Ιωάννα
Published: December 2021

Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η διακρίβωση της θετικής επίπτωσης χειρουργικής αποκατάστασης καταρράκτη στην ποιότητα ζωής του ασθενή καθώς και η εύρεση του καταλληλότερου συνδυασμού ερευνητικών εργαλείων για αυτόν το σκοπό. Παράλληλα διεξήχθη η μεταφορά και στάθμιση στην Ελληνική ερευνητικών εργαλείων εξειδικευμένων ως προς την αποτίμηση της ποιότητας ζωής. Πρόκειται για μία διαχρονική μελέτη κοόρτης ασθενών που περιλαμβάνει δύο κοόρτεις ασθενών οι οποίοι παρακολουθήθηκαν για διάστημα ενός μηνός από την πρώτη εκτίμηση, με μία επανεκτίμηση. Η πρώτη κοόρτη περιλαμβάνει 150 ασθενείς με διαγνωσμένο γεροντικό καταρράκτη στους οποίους χορηγήθηκαν τα ερευνητικά εργαλεία προ επέμβασης διόρθωσης καταρράκτη και ένα μήνα μετά, στη προγραμματισμένη επανεξέταση. Συγκρίνεται η γενική ποιότητα ζωής καθώς και η ποιότητα ζωής σχετιζόμενη με την όραση, προ και μετά επέμβασης. Συγκρίνεται η υποομάδα ατόμων που προβαίνουν στη διόρθωση δεύτερου ματιού με καταρράκτη με τα υπόλοιπα άτομα. Παράλληλα δόθηκαν τα ερευνητικά εργαλεία σε 150 ασθενείς δεύτερης κοόρτης, οι οποίοι προσέρχονται για άλλα οφθαλμιατρικά προβλήματα και για τα οποία λαμβάνουν θεραπευτική παρέμβαση, ούτως ώστε να ολοκληρωθεί η εκτίμηση της εγκυρότητας των ερωτηματολογίων VF-14 και LVQOL στον Ελληνικό πληθυσμό. Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν επίσης τα ερωτηματολόγια Επισκόπηση Υγείας SF-36 και το ερωτηματολόγιο Beck’s Depression Index-II (BDI-II). Η στάθμιση των VF-14 και LVQOL κατέδειξε ότι αυτά είναι αξιόπιστα και έγκυρα μετά από ανάλυση με τη μέθοδο Rasch modelling. Τα αποτελέσματά μας έδειξαν ότι η βελτίωση της όρασης μετά από χειρουργική επέμβαση καταρράκτη ωφέλησε τον ασθενή όχι μόνο σε εργασίες που αφορούν την όραση που μπορούν να αξιολογηθούν με κλίμακες οπτικής λειτουργικότητας, αλλά ωφέλησαν επιπλέον και σε ένα σημαντικό βαθμό που προσδιορίστηκε μόνο με τη βοήθεια της κλίμακας γενικής υγείας και ποιότητας ζωής.
O złych skutkach zimowania wojska w mieście - Damon, Lukullus i Plutarch z Cheronei (Cim. 1. 1-3)
Authors: Pawlak Marcin Norbert
Published: December 2021

Artykuł jest poświęcony historii młodego człowieka z Cheronei, który stał się przedmiotem zainteresowania rzymskiego oficera dowodzącego stacjonującą w tym mieście kohortą. Damon zaatakował oficera i kilku jego żołnierzy, których zabił. Cheronejczycy skazali go i jego kompanów na śmierć. W odpowiedzi Damon zabił urzędników miejskich. Lucjusz Lukullus, który znalazł się w pobliżu miasta, zbadał tę sprawę i uznał, że miasto nie ponosiło żadnej winy za to, co się stało. Damon po amnestii powrócił do miasta, gdzie jednak został zamordowany. Celem artykułu jest przeanalizowanie chronologii wydarzeń i ich kontekstu, a także znalezienie odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy Damonowi i jego kompanom można przypisać antyrzymskie nastawienie. Czy Damon może być symbolem oporu Greków wobec Rzymian?
SPATIAL CONNECTION CHARACTERISTICS AND DRIVING MECHANISM OF REGIONAL LOGISTICS IN GUANGDONG-HONG KONG-MACAO GREATER BAY AREA
Authors: GAO XIU-LI , HU PEI-YI , MENG FEI-RONG
Published: December 2021

The paper adopted the entropy weight TOPSIS method and the gravity model to explore the characteristics of logistics spatial connection of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area that includes nine prefecture-level cities and two special administrative regions, and analyzed the driving factors of the formation of logistics spatial connection pattern by geographical detector model. The results shows that: There are obvious imbalance in the comprehensive capacity of logistics in different regions, and the cities around the Pearl River estuary are generally strong in the logistics quality, like Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The total amount of logistics links in different cities is significantly various. The logistics connection between cities are mainly weak, and the strong links are concentrated between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. In addition, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are the three core nodes of the regional logistics network in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Industrial structure, economic scale, population scale, consumption level, the development of post and telecommunications industry are the main factors for the formation of the logistics spatial connection pattern. Moreover, these factors have a prominent driving effect on the cities with large amount of logistics links.
THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF CHINA'S TOP TEN COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: ZHANG XIONG-HUI , YUAN SI-QI
Published: December 2021

Based on DEA model, this paper shows that the performance of China's top ten commercial banks is better than that of foreign banks in China, and that of joint-stock commercial banks is better than that of state-owned commercial banks. China's top ten commercial banks can improve their pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency by strengthening their loan management capabilities, developing diversified business, rationally adjusting their scale and paying attention to human resources management.
A STUDY ON OPTIMIZATION BASED ON A FIRM LETTER CERTIFICATION CENTER
Authors: WANG XIN , GUO HONG-YI
Published: December 2021

In the present work, it's difficult to meet the high quality requirement of complex and strict audit procedures for paper-based confirmations. Found on the case of Certified Public Accountants Co. Ltd of A, this thesis analyzes the structure optimization of letter and certificate center and discusses the feasibility of studying electronization of confirmation, which provides a reference clew for improving the quality of confirmation and maintaining the reliability of confirmation's program.
RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF MIXED OWNERSHIP REFORM ON FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY OF STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES
Authors: ZHU FENG-XIN , DING YU-FANG , ZHAO YA-MING
Published: December 2021

This paper selects the data of A-share manufacturing enterprises in 2010-2019 as the sample, and the impact of mixed ownership reforms on the financial flexibility of the state-owned enterprises was studied by double differential methods. The results showed that there were differences in the effects of mixed ownership reform on different types of flexible reserves of enterprises. In the reform, the state-owned enterprises have significantly improved the flexibility in the debt, but the flexibility in cash is significantly reduced. Finally, the article puts forward relevant recommendations for state-owned enterprises based on the above conclusions.
RESEARCH ON THE REFORM AND INNOVATION OF TAX LAW IN UNIVERSITIES BASED ON THE INTERNET PLUS TAX REFORM UNDER THE BACKGROUND OF BIG DATA
Authors: TAO QUAN
Published: December 2021

In the era of big data, data has become a very important resource and wealth, and the development of higher education pays more and more attention to the application and promotion of big data. Based on the background of big data, this paper discusses the Internet plus tax reform to promote the reform and innovation of tax law in Colleges and universities, analyzes the existing problems and puts forward reform measures, so as to promote the integration of big data and tax law education in universities and colleges in China.
Omamienie – cudowność – afekt: Dramat w kręgu dziewiętnastowiecznych wyobrażeń i pojęć
Authors: Nowicka Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

The book consists of four parts, concerning the magic drama, opera libretto as well as the romantic opera and tradition of the Old Polish drama in inter-uprising criticism. In this context, the analysis includes the forms and artistic phenomena which status is perfectly defined by the formula “between”: genres, styles, social circulations, different kinds of aesthetics, arts, etc. The cognitive horizon of the book is determined also by three components of the title, which are derived from the language of the epoch describing with them its own self-awareness. “Befuddlement” (illusion), affect and marvelousness defined at that time the needs and expectations of recipients of literature and theatre. Furthermore, these elements constituted the categories of interpretation and evaluation of particular artistic phenomena, literary genres and single works.
Central Authority–Controlled Air Traffic Flow Management: An Optimization Approach
Authors: Hamdan Sadeque , Cheaitou Ali , Jouini Oualid , Granberg Tobias Andersson , Jemai Zied , Alsyouf Imad , Bettayeb Maamar , Josefsson Billy
Published: December 2021

Despite various planning efforts, airspace capacity can sometimes be exceeded, typically because of disruptive events. Air traffic flow management (ATFM) is the process of managing flights in this situation. In this paper, we present an ATFM model that accounts for different rerouting options (path rerouting and diversion) and preexisting en route flights. The model proposes having a central authority to control all decisions, which is then compared with current practice. We also consider interflight and interairline fairness measures in the network. We use an exact approach to solve small- to medium-sized instances, and we propose a modified fix-and-relax heuristic to solve large-sized instances. Allowing a central authority to control all decisions increases network efficiency compared with the case where the ATFM authority and airlines control decisions independently. Our experiments show that including different rerouting options in ATFM can help reduce delays by up to 8% and cancellations by up to 23%. Moreover, ground delay cost has much more impact on network decisions than air delay cost, and network decisions are insensitive to changes in diversion cost. Furthermore, the analysis of the tradeoff between total network cost and overtaking cost shows that adding costs for overtaking can significantly improve fairness at only a small increase in total system cost. A balanced total cost per flight among airlines can be achieved at a small increase in the network cost (0.2%–3.0%) when imposing airline fairness. In conclusion, the comprehensiveness of the model makes it useful for analyzing a wide range of alternatives for efficient ATFM.
The effect of cement augmentation on pedicle screw fixation under various load cases
Authors: Chevalier Yan , Matsuura Maiko , Krüger Sven , Traxler Hannes , Fleege† Christoph , Rauschmann Michael , Schilling Christoph
Published: December 2021

Aims

Anchorage of pedicle screw rod instrumentation in the elderly spine with poor bone quality remains challenging. Our study aims to evaluate how the screw bone anchorage is affected by screw design, bone quality, loading conditions, and cementing techniques.

Methods

Micro-finite element (µFE) models were created from micro-CT (μCT) scans of vertebrae implanted with two types of pedicle screws (L: Ennovate and R: S4). Simulations were conducted for a 10 mm radius region of interest (ROI) around each screw and for a full vertebra (FV) where different cementing scenarios were simulated around the screw tips. Stiffness was calculated in pull-out and anterior bending loads.

Results

Experimental pull-out strengths were excellently correlated to the µFE pull-out stiffness of the ROI (R2> 0.87) and FV (R2> 0.84) models. No significant difference due to screw design was observed. Cement augmentation increased pull-out stiffness by up to 94% and 48% for L and R screws, respectively, but only increased bending stiffness by up to 6.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Cementing involving only one screw tip resulted in lower stiffness increases in all tested screw designs and loading cases. The stiffening effect of cement augmentation on pull-out and bending stiffness was strongly and negatively correlated to local bone density around the screw (correlation coefficient ( R) = -0.95).

Conclusion

This combined experimental, µCT and µFE study showed that regional analyses may be sufficient to predict fixation strength in pull-out and that full analyses could show that cement augmentation around pedicle screws increased fixation stiffness in both pull-out and bending, especially for low-density bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):797–806.
Ruled surfaces generated by gimbaled mirrors: II. A comparative study of gimbaled mirrors with the dual axis galvanometric scanners for XY scanning
Authors: Li Yajun
Published: December 2021

The theory developed in the first part of this study [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 38, 1884 (2021)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.435621] is extended to an investigation of the ruled surface produced by a gimbaled mirror and its applications to formulate a new criterion that uses the base curve of the ruled surface as a reference scale to divide the scan field into near and far zones and to investigate ruled surfaces produced by the 1D mirror-scanning systems, such as the monogon, the polygon, and the galvanometric scanners as the special cases of that produced by a gimbaled mirror. Results obtained from the two applications described above lead to placing the ruled surface produced by scanners of different architectures on a platform and then bridging them up by the ruled surfaces they produced for a performance comparison. Although all these scanners may have very different scanning geometries and different application areas, there is one thing making them comparable: the key parameters of the ruled surfaces they produced. As an example, we compare the ray deviation power of a gimbaled mirror with that achievable by a dual galvo scanner for

X
Y

scanning by way of the key parameters of the ruled surfaces they produced.
Optimization strategy of power control for C+L+S band transmission using a simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Luo Huaijian , Lu Jianing , Huang Zhuili , Yu Changyuan , Lu Chao
Published: December 2021

To increase the transmission capacity, ultra-wideband wavelength-division multiplexing (UWB WDM) has been exploited to enlarge the spectral range. However, inter-channel stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) results in power transition from high-frequency channels to low-frequency channels in wideband scenarios, which degrades the Q-factor of signals. Hence, we modify the optimization method of power control by applying the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm to search for the optimal power slopes and offsets of three bands to construct an optimum distribution of launch powers over channels. High transmission capacity can be reached by carrying 384 channels (96+96+192) in the C+L+S band with the consideration of dynamic Raman gain and channel-dependent parameters. We show that compared to using brute-force searching (BFS), a comparable and even higher transmission capacity can be achieved by the SA algorithm. Meanwhile, the searching speed of the SA algorithm is much faster. Also, different optimizing strategies can be selected to balance the trade-off between capacity and spectral flatness. This method can be used for designing arbitrary optical fiber UWB WDM systems before practical testing.
Temperature-Dependent Group Delay of Photonic-Bandgap Hollow-Core Fiber Tuned by Surface-Mode Coupling
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Li Zhengran , Yu Fei , Wang Meng , Han Ying , Hu Lili , Knight Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Surface modes (SM) are highly spatially localized modes existing at the core-cladding interface of photonic-bandgap hollow-core fiber (PBG-HCF). When coupling with SM, the air modes (AM) in the core would suffer a higher confinement loss despite being spectrally within the cladding photonic bandgap, and would be highly dispersive around the avoided crossing (anti-crossing) wavelength. In this paper, we numerically explored how such avoided crossings can play an important role in the tuning of the temperature dependence of group delay of AM of PBG-HCF. At higher temperatures, both the thermo-optic effect and thermal expansion contribute to the redshift of avoided crossing wavelength, giving rise to a temperature dependence of the AM dispersion. Numerical simulations show that the redshift of avoided crossing can significantly tune the thermal coefficient of delay (TCD) of PBG-HCF from −400 ps/km/K to 400 ps/km/K, approximately −120 ppm/K to 120 ppm/K. In comparison with the known tuning mechanism by thermal-induced redshift of photonic bandgap [Fokoua et al., Optica 4, 659, 2017], the tuning of TCD by SM coupling presents a much broader tuning range and higher efficiency. Our finding may provide a new route to design PBG-HCF for propagation time sensitive applications.
Defect-induced nonlinearity in 2D nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Jie , Plum Eric
Published: December 2021

Optical nonlinearity depends on symmetry and symmetries vanish in the presence of defects. Vacancy defects in centrosymmetric crystals and thin films are a well-known source of even-order optical nonlinearity, e.g. causing second harmonic generation. The emerging ability to manipulate defects in two-dimensional materials and nanoparticles provides an opportunity for engineering of optical nonlinearity. Here, we demonstrate the effect of defects on the nonlinear optical response of two-dimensional dielectric nanoparticles. Using a toy model, where bound optical electrons of linear atoms are coupled by nonlinear Coulomb interactions, we model defect-induced nonlinearity. We find that defects at particle edges contribute strongly to even-order optical nonlinearity and that unique nonlinear signatures of different defect states could provide the smallest conceivable QR-codes and extremely high density optical data storage, in principle approaching 1 bit per atom.
Bandwidth optimization for the Advanced Volume Holographic Filter
Authors: Enrique Alcaraz Pedro , Nero Gregory , Blanche Pierre-Alexandre
Published: December 2021

The high angular and spectral selectivity of volume holograms have been used in fields like astronomy, spectroscopy, microscopy, and optical communications to perform spatial filtering and wavefront selection. In particular, imaging systems that utilize volume holograms to perform range-based wavefront selection have allowed for the potential to have full 24-hour observational custody of artificial satellites by enabling daytime observations. We previously introduced the Advanced Volume Holographic Filter (AVHF) which demonstrated a significant system bandwidth improvement while maintaining high angular selectivity. Presented here is a theoretical basis for maximizing the bandwidth of the AVHF systems. We experimentally demonstrate an improvement of 40.7-41.4x compared to the un-optimized AVHF systems.
Tunable near-infrared Gires–Tournois resonators based on vanadium dioxide on gold film
Authors: Jafari Ahmad Khayyat , Gaddy Matthew , Ho Yu-Che , Uzun Ceren , Kuryatkov Vladimir , Nikishin Sergey A. , Kim Myoung-Hwan , Grave de Peralta Luis , Bernussi Ayrton A.
Published: December 2021

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been proposed as a phase-change material in tunable photonic and optoelectronic devices. In such devices, a thin layer of VO2 is typically deposited on metallic or insulating surfaces. In this Letter, we report the reflectance spectra of a subwavelength structure consisting of a thin layer of VO2 deposited on a gold film in the near-infrared spectral range, particularly near the wavelength of 1550 nm, which is significant for telecommunication applications. Our results indicate that in the insulating phase of VO2, the air/VO2/Au structure can be considered as a Gires–Tournois resonant cavity whose maximum absorption wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the thickness of the VO2 layer. In contrast, in the metallic phase of VO2, the reflectance of the structure increases by an amount of the order of a few tens of units. The proposed structure can prospectively lead to new design concepts in tunable photonic and optoelectronic devices.