bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics after surgery for major trauma to the lower limb: prevalence, predictors, and association with pain severity, disability, and quality of life in the UK WHiST trial
Authors: Keene David J. , Knight Ruth , Bruce Julie , Dutton Susan J. , Tutton Elizabeth , Achten Juul , Costa Matthew L.
Published: April 2021

Aims

To identify the prevalence of neuropathic pain after lower limb fracture surgery, assess associations with pain severity, quality of life and disability, and determine baseline predictors of chronic neuropathic pain at three and at six months post-injury.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a UK multicentre randomized controlled trial (Wound Healing in Surgery for Trauma; WHiST) dataset including adults aged 16 years or over following surgery for lower limb major trauma. The trial recruited 1,547 participants from 24 trauma centres. Neuropathic pain was measured at three and six months using the Doleur Neuropathique Questionnaire (DN4); 701 participants provided a DN4 score at three months and 781 at six months. Overall, 933 participants provided DN4 for at least one time point. Physical disability (Disability Rating Index (DRI) 0 to 100) and health-related quality-of-life (EuroQol five-dimension five-level; EQ-5D-5L) were measured. Candidate predictors of neuropathic pain included sex, age, BMI, injury mechanism, concurrent injury, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, analgaesia use pre-injury, index surgery location, fixation type, Injury Severity Score, open injury, and wound care.

Results

The median age of the participants was 51 years (interquartile range 35 to 64). At three and six months post-injury respectively, 32% (222/702) and 30% (234/787) had neuropathic pain, 56% (396/702) and 53% (413/787) had chronic pain without neuropathic characteristics, and the remainder were pain-free. Pain severity was higher among those with neuropathic pain. Linear regression analyses found that those with neuropathic pain at six months post-injury had more physical disability (DRI adjusted mean difference 11.49 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.84 to 15.14; p < 0.001) and poorer quality of life (EQ-5D utility -0.15 (95% CI -0.19 to -0.11); p < 0.001) compared to those without neuropathic characteristics. Logistic regression identified that prognostic factors of younger age, current smoker, below knee fracture, concurrent injuries, and regular analgaesia pre-injury were associated with higher odds of post-injury neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

Pain with neuropathic characteristics is common after lower limb fracture surgery and persists to six months post-injury. Persistent neuropathic pain is associated with substantially poorer recovery. Further attention to identify neuropathic pain post-lower limb injury, predicting patients at risk, and targeting interventions, is indicated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1047–1054.
Rapid detection of cellulose and hemicellulose contents of corn stover based on near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics
Authors: Wang Na , Li Longwei , Liu Jinming , Shi Jianfei , Lu Yang , Zhang Bo , Sun Yong , Li Wenzhe
Published: April 2021

The feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics for the rapid detection of the cellulose and hemicellulose contents in corn stover is discussed. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and genetic simulated annealing algorithm (GSA) were combined (CARS-GSA) to select the characteristic wavelengths of cellulose and hemicellulose and to reduce the dimensionality and multicollinearity of the NIRS data. The whole spectra contained 1845 wavelength variables. After CARS-GSA optimization, the number of characteristic wavelengths of cellulose (hemicellulose) was reduced to 152 (260), accounting for 8.24% (14.09%) of all wavelengths. The coefficients of determination of the regression models for predicting the cellulose and hemicellulose contents were 0.968 and 0.996, the root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) were 0.683 and 0.648, and the residual predictive deviations (RPDs) were 5.213 and 16.499, respectively. The RMSEP of the cellulose and hemicellulose regression models was 0.152 and 0.190 lower for CARS-GSA than for the full-spectrum, and the RPD was increased by 0.949 and 3.47, respectively. The results showed that the CARS-GSA model substantially reduced the number of characteristic wavelengths and significantly improved the predictive ability of the regression model.
Weak value amplification for angular velocity measurements
Authors: Fang Sen-Zhi , Tan Hua-Tang , Li Gao-Xiang , Wu Qing-Lin
Published: April 2021

The weak-value-amplification technique has shown great importance in the measurement of tiny physical effects. Here we introduce a polarization-dependent angular velocity measurement system consisting of two Glan prisms and a true zero-order half-wave plate, where a non-Fourier-limited Gaussian pulse acts as the meter. The angular velocities measurements results agree well with theoretical predictions, and its uncertainties are bounded by the Cramér–Rao bound. We also investigate uncertainties of angular velocities for different numbers of detected photons and the smallest reliable postselection probability, which can reach

3.42
∗

10

−
6

.
Influence of multiple reflections on the transmission coefficients of uniaxial plane–parallel plates
Authors: Caro German E. , Veiras Francisco E. , Acosta Eduardo O. , Perez Liliana I.
Published: April 2021

A study on the influence of multiple reflections on the transmission coefficients of uniaxial plane–parallel plates is presented. Two representative models are analyzed: one that considers only the first transmission, and a rigorous one, taking into account the multiple reflections within the plate. Modules, phases, and the interference between

p

and

s

transmitted fields are evaluated in a wide range of angles of incidence by means of three emblematic examples that illustrate the effects of thickness, birefringence, and optical axis orientation. For simplicity, whereas the optical axis can form an arbitrary angle with the interface, it is restricted to the plane of incidence. A complete theoretical framework is provided along with general reference guidelines derived from numerical examples.
Design method for an off-axis reflective anamorphic optical system with aberration balance and constraint control
Authors: Wu Yue , Wang Liping , Zhang Xu , Yu Jie , Yu Bo , Jin Chunshui
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a design method for an off-axis reflective anamorphic optical system (ORAOS). This method first applies vector aberration theory to establish a mathematical model to balance the aberration of an ORAOS. It then builds the error function of structural parameters and constraints through spatial ray tracing and grouping design. Next, it introduces automatic adjustment of weight factors for dynamic balance of aberrations and constraints. A particle swarm simulated annealing algorithm is used to iteratively calculate the initial structure of the ORAOS. Finally, we use an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithographic projection objective with off-axis six-reflective anamorphic mirrors (

β
x

=
1

/

4
,

β
y

=
1

/

8

) as an example to verify the effectiveness of this method. We obtain an EUV lithographic anamorphic objective with a numerical aperture of 0.55 and a root mean square wavefront error better than

1

/

30
λ

(

I
^

≫

=
13.5

n
m

).
Inverse-design of non-Hermitian potentials for on-demand asymmetric reflectivity
Authors: Ahmed Waqas Waseem , Herrero Ramon , Botey Muriel , Wu Ying , Staliunas Kestutis
Published: April 2021

We propose a genetic algorithm-assisted inverse design approach to achieve ‘on- demand’ light transport in periodic and non-periodic planar structures containing dielectric and gain-loss layers. The optimization algorithm efficiently produces non-Hermitian potentials from any arbitrarily given real (or imaginary) permittivity distribution for the desired frequency selective and broadband asymmetric reflectivity. Indeed, we show that the asymmetric response is directly related to the area occupied by the obtained permittivity distribution in the complex plane. In particular, unidirectional light reflection can be designed in such a way that it switches from left to right (or vice versa) depending on the operating frequency. Moreover, such controllable unidirectional reflectivity is realized using a stack of dielectric layers while keeping the refractive index and gain-loss within realistic values. We believe this proposal will benefit the integrated photonics with frequency selective one-way communication.
Polarization-dependent SOA-based PolSK modulation for turbulence-robust FSO communication
Authors: Hong Yan-Qing , Han Sang-Kook
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a polarization-dependent semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based polarization shift keying (PolSK) modulation for turbulence-robust free-space optical (FSO) communication. Based on the nonlinear gain and polarization characteristics, the PolSK signal is modulated by the optical bit inversion using the polarization-dependent SOA and linear polarizer (LP). The capability of scintillation mitigation is analyzed under both balanced and polarization-independent SOA-based detections. The proposed technique is evaluated in experiments. The experimental results demonstrated that the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of the proposed technique was close to the conventional Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM)-based PolSK modulation under various scintillation effects.
DQN based single-pixel imaging
Authors: Wang Zhirun , Zhao Wenjing , Zhai Aiping , He Peng , Wang Dong
Published: April 2021

For an orthogonal transform based single-pixel imaging (OT-SPI), to accelerate its speed while degrading as little as possible of its imaging quality, the normal way is to artificially plan the sampling path for optimizing the sampling strategy based on the characteristic of the orthogonal transform. Here, we propose an optimized sampling method using a Deep Q-learning Network (DQN), which considers the sampling process as decision-making, and the improvement of the reconstructed image as feedback, to obtain a relatively optimal sampling strategy for an OT-SPI. We verify the effectiveness of the method through simulations and experiments. Thanks to the DQN, the proposed single-pixel imaging technique is capable of obtaining an optimal sampling strategy directly, and therefore it requires no artificial planning of the sampling path there, which eliminates the influence of the imperfect sampling path planning on the imaging performance.
Fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensor utilizing LiNbO3 straight through waveguide phase modulator
Authors: Ma Fu , Song Ningfang , Wang Xiaxiao , Wang Peng , Ma Haoyu , Wang Yizhen , Peng Xiao , Yu Jia
Published: April 2021

A novel fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) utilizing a LiNbO3 straight through waveguide phase modulator as phase generation carrier (PGC) modulation module for the detection of acoustic signal is presented. The sensitive principle and the phase demodulation method of the system based on phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) are described. This scheme solves the problems of low modulation frequency and unstable performance of piezoelectric transducer (PZT) in the traditional homodyne detection system and depends only on the pulse repetition frequency. The efficacy of the new approach is demonstrated experimentally, showing that the weak acoustic signal can be demodulated accurately. The noise level of the system is < 4.2×10−3 rad/√Hz, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is > 16 dB, and the spatial resolution is 10 m, as well as a detection frequency can theoretically achieve 25 kHz at 2 km sensing fiber. It provides a new research idea for DAS and is expected to replace PZT to achieve a high-frequency response, which has good potential in the applications of low cost, long distance and high frequency detection.
Two-lens anisotropic image-inversion system for interferometric information processing
Authors: Larson Walker , Saleh Bahaa E. A.
Published: April 2021

Interferometric image processing systems based on image inversion normally use multiple paths with inversion mirrors. Since such systems must meet strict requirements of alignment and stability, a common-path implementation using polarization channels and six anisotropic optical elements was recently introduced. We demonstrate here the operation of a common-path polarization-based image-inversion interferometeric system using only two anisotropic lenses. Applications such as spatial parity analysis and image centroid measurements are examined theoretically and demonstrated experimentally.
White light three-dimensional imaging using a quasi-random lens
Authors: Anand Vijayakumar , Ng Soon Hock , Katkus Tomas , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: April 2021

Coded aperture imaging (CAI) technology is a rapidly evolving indirect imaging method with extraordinary potential. In recent years, CAI based on chaotic optical waves have been shown to exhibit multidimensional, multispectral, and multimodal imaging capabilities with a signal to noise ratio approaching the range of lens based direct imagers. However, most of the earlier studies used only narrow band illumination. In this study, CAI based on chaotic optical waves is investigated for white light illumination. A numerical study was carried out using scalar diffraction formulation and correlation optics and the lateral and axial resolving power for different spectral width were compared. A binary diffractive quasi-random lens was fabricated using electron beam lithography and the lateral and axial point spread holograms are recorded for white light. Three-dimensional imaging was demonstrated using thick objects consisting of two planes. An integrated sequence of signal processing tools such as non-linear filter, low-pass filter, median filter and correlation filter were applied to reconstruct images with an improved signal to noise ratio. A denoising deep learning neural network (DLNN) was trained using synthetic noisy images generated by the convolution of recorded point spread functions with the virtual object functions under a wide range of aberrations and noises. The trained DLNN was found to reduce further the reconstruction noises.
Single-pixel scatter-plate microscopy
Authors: Ludwig Stephan , Pedrini Giancarlo , Peng Xiang , Osten Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Based on the optical memory effect of scattered light, we developed a new single-pixel camera concept. The retrieved images contain both 3D and spectral information about the sample. A spatial light modulator (SLM) generates a random intensity modulation. The signal recorded by the single-pixel detector is cross correlated by the calculated point spread function (PSF) signals of the SLM to retrieve the image. In this publication, both simulations and experimental results are presented.
Shaping convex edges in borosilicate glass by single pass perforation with an Airy beam
Authors: Sohr David , Thomas Jens Ulrich , Skupin Stefan
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate curved modifications with lengths of up to 2 mm within borosilicate glass produced by single 1030 nm picosecond laser shots with an Airy beam profile. Plasma ignition in the sidelobes of the beam as well as surface damage prove to be the crucial limitations for confined bulk energy deposition on a curved trajectory. A combined experimental and numerical analysis reveals optimum laser parameters for confined bulk energy deposition. This way, we achieved single pass perforation of a 525 µm thick glass sheet and separation by a subsequent etching step, resulting in a well-defined convex edge down to a radius of curvature of 774 µm.
Compact freeform illumination optics design by deblurring the response of extended sources
Authors: Wei Shili , Zhu Zhengbo , Li Wenyi , Ma Donglin
Published: April 2021

Freeform illumination design for extended sources is a very challenging but rewarding issue that can benefit a wide range of illumination systems. Here, we propose a method that can achieve compact and highly efficient illumination lenses by deconvolving the blur caused by the extent from light sources. We combine the illumination calculation with the mathematical model of spatially variant convolution and develop a direct computational scheme to calculate the blur kernel without approximations. Two design examples with high optical performances are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
2  kW narrow-linewidth Yb-Raman fiber amplifier
Authors: Song Jiaxin , Ma Pengfei , Ren Shuai , Zhang Song , Liu Wei , Xiao Hu , Zhang Hanwei , Zhou Pu
Published: April 2021

In this Letter, we report a high-power narrow-linewidth Yb-Raman fiber amplifier with a high second-order Raman threshold and high intensity stability. By employing two temporally stable seed lasers, over 2 kW output power at 1120 nm is achieved at a pump power of 2.6 kW with an optical-to-optical efficiency of 76.3%. The 3 dB linewidth of the 1120 nm Raman-signal laser varies slightly from 0.41 nm to 0.53 nm, and the power ratio of the second-order Raman Stokes light is only about

−

46.3

d
B

at the output power of 2 kW. The results further confirm that the technique of employing temporally stable seed lasers is superior to the power scaling of narrow-linewidth Yb-Raman fiber amplifiers. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first demonstration of an over 2 kW narrow-linewidth fiber laser operating at 1120 nm.
All-fiber bidirectional optical modulator derives from the microfiber coated with ITO electrode
Authors: Teng Pingping , Luo Meng , Yang Xinghua , Gao Danheng , Copner Nigel , Liu Zhihai , Yang Jun , Li Zhanao , Gao Shuai , Li Kang , Bowkett Mark , Yuan Libo
Published: April 2021

A cheap, compact, and simply prepared all-fiber bidirectional optical modulator based on the Pockels effect of water and the band population effect was first, to the best of our knowledge, proposed and demonstrated. The transparent conductive oxide indium-tin-oxide (ITO) was coated on the surface of a nonadiabatic microfiber and first used as a modulating electrode on the microfiber. The device was realized by just submerging the microfiber in water. With supplying an electric field perpendicular to the interface between the microfiber and water, the refractive index was modulated in the electric double layer near the tapered region of the microfiber, under the Pockels effect of water. Subsequently, the interference spectrum was modulated. Meanwhile, the intensity of the light was modulated due to the band population effect in the space-charge layer. In this Letter, the proposed all-fiber optical modulator can realize simultaneous bidirectional modulation of the phase and intensity of output light. Experimentally, the maximum phase shift and the extinction ratio were 4.38 nm and 4.87 dB at 1550 nm, respectively. Significantly, the work used the Pockels effect of water and the band population effect to realize an all-fiber optical modulator, showing great potential in the optical phase modulators, optical switches, and electric field sensors.
Influence of the bias voltage on the photoluminescence intensity and spectral responsivity of the GaN Schottky barrier photodetector
Authors: Wang Baibin , Liu Zongshun , Zhao Degang , Liang Feng , Yang Jing , Chen Ping
Published: April 2021

The effects of the bias voltage on photoluminescence (PL) intensity and the spectral responsivity are studied for an Au/Ni/undoped GaN/n+-GaN structure Schottky barrier photodetector. Near-band-gap PL of GaN quenches at low reverse bias but enhances at high reverse bias. Under high reverse bias, holes are accumulated in the region of the GaN adjacent to the Ni/Au. Only electrons below empty states at top of valence can be excited to the conduction band in this region, which reduces the absorption of near-band-gap luminescence. The decrease of the spectral responsivity for near the band gap under higher reverse bias also supports this assumption.
Phe-Gly motifs drive fibrillization of TDP-43’s prion-like domain condensates
Authors: Pantoja-Uceda David , Stuani Cristiana , Laurents Douglas V. , McDermott Ann E. , Buratti Emanuele , Mompeán Miguel
Published: April 2021

Transactive response DNA-binding Protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) assembles various aggregate forms, including biomolecular condensates or functional and pathological amyloids, with roles in disparate scenarios (e.g., muscle regeneration versus neurodegeneration). The link between condensates and fibrils remains unclear, just as the factors controlling conformational transitions within these aggregate species: Salt- or RNA-induced droplets may evolve into fibrils or remain in the droplet form, suggesting distinct end point species of different aggregation pathways. Using microscopy and NMR methods, we unexpectedly observed in vitro droplet formation in the absence of salts or RNAs and provided visual evidence for fibrillization at the droplet surface/solvent interface but not the droplet interior. Our NMR analyses unambiguously uncovered a distinct amyloid conformation in which Phe-Gly motifs are key elements of the reconstituted fibril form, suggesting a pivotal role for these residues in creating the fibril core. This contrasts the minor participation of Phe-Gly motifs in initiation of the droplet form. Our results point to an intrinsic (i.e., non-induced) aggregation pathway that may exist over a broad range of conditions and illustrate structural features that distinguishes between aggregate forms.
A novel small molecule LLL12B inhibits STAT3 signaling and sensitizes ovarian cancer cell to paclitaxel and cisplatin
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Yang Xiaozhi , Roque Dana M. , Li Chenglong , Lin Jiayuh
Published: April 2021

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among American women. Platinum and taxane combination chemotherapy represents the first-line approach for ovarian cancer, but treatment success is often limited by chemoresistance. Therefore, it is necessary to find new drugs to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy. Persistent activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling plays an important role in oncogenesis. Using a novel approach called advanced multiple ligand simultaneous docking (AMLSD), we developed a novel nonpeptide small molecule, LLL12B, which targets the STAT3 pathway. In this study, LLL12B inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation (tyrosine 705) and the expression of its downstream targets, which are associated with cancer cell proliferation and survival. We showed that LLL12B also inhibits cell viability, migration, and proliferation in human ovarian cancer cells. LLL12B combined with either paclitaxel or with cisplatin demonstrated synergistic inhibitory effects relative to monotherapy in inhibiting cell viability and LLL12B-paclitaxel or LLL12B-cisplatin combination exhibited greater inhibitory effects than cisplatin-paclitaxel combination in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, LLL12B-paclitaxel or LLL12B-cisplatin combination showed more significant in inhibiting cell migration and growth than monotherapy in ovarian cancer cells. In summary, our results support the novel small molecule LLL12B as a potent STAT3 inhibitor in human ovarian cancer cells and suggest that LLL12B in combination with the current front-line chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin and paclitaxel may represent a promising approach for ovarian cancer therapy.
Graph diffusion distance: Properties and efficient computation
Authors: Scott C. B. , Mjolsness Eric
Published: April 2021

We define a new family of similarity and distance measures on graphs, and explore their theoretical properties in comparison to conventional distance metrics. These measures are defined by the solution(s) to an optimization problem which attempts find a map minimizing the discrepancy between two graph Laplacian exponential matrices, under norm-preserving and sparsity constraints. Variants of the distance metric are introduced to consider such optimized maps under sparsity constraints as well as fixed time-scaling between the two Laplacians. The objective function of this optimization is multimodal and has discontinuous slope, and is hence difficult for univariate optimizers to solve. We demonstrate a novel procedure for efficiently calculating these optima for two of our distance measure variants. We present numerical experiments demonstrating that (a) upper bounds of our distance metrics can be used to distinguish between lineages of related graphs; (b) our procedure is faster at finding the required optima, by as much as a factor of 103; and (c) the upper bounds satisfy the triangle inequality exactly under some assumptions and approximately under others. We also derive an upper bound for the distance between two graph products, in terms of the distance between the two pairs of factors. Additionally, we present several possible applications, including the construction of infinite “graph limits” by means of Cauchy sequences of graphs related to one another by our distance measure.
Extracellular matrix proteins produced by stromal cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kreus Mervi , Lehtonen Siri , Skarp Sini , Kaarteenaho Riitta
Published: April 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer share common risk factors, epigenetic and genetic alterations, the activation of similar signaling pathways and poor survival. The aim of this study was to examine the gene expression profiles of stromal cells from patients with IPF and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) as well as from normal lung. The gene expression levels of cultured stromal cells derived from non-smoking patients with ADC from the tumor (n = 4) and the corresponding normal lung (n = 4) as well as from patients with IPF (n = 4) were investigated with Affymetrix microarrays. The expression of collagen type IV alpha 1 chain, periostin as well as matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 in stromal cells and lung tissues were examined with quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Twenty genes were similarly up- or down-regulated in IPF and ADC compared to control, while most of the altered genes in IPF and ADC were differently expressed, including several extracellular matrix genes. Collagen type IV alpha 1 chain as well as matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3 were differentially expressed in IPF compared to ADC. Periostin was up-regulated in both IPF and ADC in comparison to control. All studied factors were localized by immunohistochemistry in stromal cells within fibroblast foci in IPF and stroma of ADC. Despite the similarities found in gene expressions of IPF and ADC, several differences were also detected, suggesting that the molecular changes occurring in these two lung illnesses are somewhat different.
Factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant teenagers in Ashanti Region, Ghana: A hospital-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Annan Reginald Adjetey , Gyimah Linda Afriyie , Apprey Charles , Edusei Anthony Kwaku , Asamoah-Boakye Odeafo , Aduku Linda Nana Esi , Azanu Wisdom , Lutterodt Herman E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is reportedly high in pregnant adults and the causes well studied. However, among pregnant teenagers, the levels and associated factors of IDA are not fully understood.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study among Ghanaian pregnant teenagers, aged 13–19 years, IDA prevalence and associated factors were investigated. Sociodemographic data, household hunger scale (HHS), lived poverty index (LPI), FAO’s women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) and interventions received during antenatal care (ANC) were obtained from 416 pregnant teenagers in Ashanti Region, Ghana. Micronutrient intakes using a repeated 24-hour dietary recall, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were determined and blood samples analysed for haemoglobin (Hb), serum levels of ferritin, prealbumin, vitamin A, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP).

Results

Anaemia (Hb cutoff <11.0 g/dL) was 57.1%; deficient systemic supply of iron stores (31.4%), depleted body stores of iron (4.4%), inadequate dietary iron intake (94.5%), and inadequate multiple micronutrient intakes (49.5%), were all notable among study participants. Between-subject effects using Generalized Linear Modelling indicated malaria tablet given at ANC (p = 0.035), MUAC (p = 0.043), ZPP (p<0.001), ZPP/Hb ratio (p<0.001) and depleted body iron stores (DBIS) (p<0.001) to significantly affect Hb levels. Pregnant teenagers with a high ZPP/Hb ratio (OR = 9.7, p<0.001, 95%CI = 6.0–15.8) had increased odds of being anaemic compared to those with normal ZPP/Hb ratio. Participants who were wasted (OR = 1.2, p = 0.543, 95%CI = 0.6–2.3), and those with depleted iron stores (OR = 3.0, p = 0.167, 95%CI = 0.6–14.6) had increased odds of being anaemic. Participants who experienced hunger were close to 3 times more likely (OR = 2.9, p = 0.040, 95%CI = 1.1–7.8) for depleted iron stores, compared to those who did not experience hunger. Also, participants with inadequate multiple micronutrients intakes (OR = 2.6, p = 0.102, 95%CI = 0.8–8.4), and those with low serum levels of ferritin (OR = 3.3, p = 0.291, 95%CI = 0.4–29.2) had increased odds of depleted body iron stores.

Conclusions

IDA is common among pregnant teenagers and the related factors include malaria tablets given at ANC, maternal hunger, maternal MUAC, a deficient systemic supply of iron, depleted body iron stores, ZPP, and ZPP/Hb ratio. Appropriate interventions are urgently needed to address the causes of IDA among pregnant teenagers.
A self-training program for sensory substitution devices
Authors: Buchs Galit , Haimler Benedetta , Kerem Menachem , Maidenbaum Shachar , Braun Liraz , Amedi Amir
Published: April 2021

Sensory Substitution Devices (SSDs) convey visual information through audition or touch, targeting blind and visually impaired individuals. One bottleneck towards adopting SSDs in everyday life by blind users, is the constant dependency on sighted instructors throughout the learning process. Here, we present a proof-of-concept for the efficacy of an online self-training program developed for learning the basics of the EyeMusic visual-to-auditory SSD tested on sighted blindfolded participants. Additionally, aiming to identify the best training strategy to be later re-adapted for the blind, we compared multisensory vs. unisensory as well as perceptual vs. descriptive feedback approaches. To these aims, sighted participants performed identical SSD-stimuli identification tests before and after ~75 minutes of self-training on the EyeMusic algorithm. Participants were divided into five groups, differing by the feedback delivered during training: auditory-descriptive, audio-visual textual description, audio-visual perceptual simultaneous and interleaved, and a control group which had no training. At baseline, before any EyeMusic training, participants SSD objects’ identification was significantly above chance, highlighting the algorithm’s intuitiveness. Furthermore, self-training led to a significant improvement in accuracy between pre- and post-training tests in each of the four feedback groups versus control, though no significant difference emerged among those groups. Nonetheless, significant correlations between individual post-training success rates and various learning measures acquired during training, suggest a trend for an advantage of multisensory vs. unisensory feedback strategies, while no trend emerged for perceptual vs. descriptive strategies. The success at baseline strengthens the conclusion that cross-modal correspondences facilitate learning, given SSD algorithms are based on such correspondences. Additionally, and crucially, the results highlight the feasibility of self-training for the first stages of SSD learning, and suggest that for these initial stages, unisensory training, easily implemented also for blind and visually impaired individuals, may suffice. Together, these findings will potentially boost the use of SSDs for rehabilitation.
Demographics and outcomes of hepatitis B and D: A 10-year retrospective analysis in a Swiss tertiary referral center
Authors: Vieira Barbosa Joana , Sahli Roland , Aubert Vincent , Chaouch Aziz , Moradpour Darius , Fraga Montserrat
Published: April 2021

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge with approximately 250–350 million chronically infected individuals. An improved understanding of the demographic features and outcomes of chronic HBV infection and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in low-endemic areas may improve prevention, early identification and management both at individual and community levels. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment rates and outcomes of adult patients with chronic HBV infection with or without HDV coinfection examined at Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland over a 10-year period.

Methods

We analyzed the medical records of all adult patients with chronic HBV and HDV infection examined in our center between 2007 and 2016. Liver-related outcome was defined as the occurrence of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation or liver-related death. Analyses were performed using logistic regression and results were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 672 consecutive patients, 421 (62.6%) were male, median age was 36 years (interquartile range, 28–46 years), and 233 (34.7%) were of African origin. The prevalence of HDV coinfection was 7.1% and the proportion of anti-HDV-positive patients with detectable HDV RNA was 70.0%. In multivariate analysis, HDV coinfection was the strongest predictor for liver-related outcome (OR 6.06, 95% CI 2.93–12.54, p<0.001), followed by HBeAg positivity (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.30–4.69, p = 0.006), age (OR per 10-year increase 2.03, 95% CI 1.63–2.52, p<0.001) and sex (OR for female 0.39, 95% CI 0.22–0.71, p = 0.002). The predictive accuracy of the multivariate model was high (receiver operator characteristic area under the curve 0.81).

Conclusion

This retrospective study underscores the importance of migration in the epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B in low-endemic areas. HDV coinfection, HBeAg positivity and age predicted liver-related outcomes while female sex had a protective effect.
HIV-positive status disclosure to a sexual partner and associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal care in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ambissa Mulusew , Sendo Endalew Gemechu , Assefa Yeshi , Guta Alemu
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Pregnant women who disclose their HIV-positive status to their sexual partners have played an important role in reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission to the baby during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postnatal periods. Studies are limited in the current study area in a similar arena. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the proportion of HIV-positive status disclosure and its associated factors among pregnant women.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 HIV-positive pregnant women in Dire Dawa administrative from March 12th to May 10th, 2020. Data were generated using a pretested structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the predictor variables associated with the disclosure of HIV-positive status among pregnant women to their sexual partners. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals at P-value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the total, 135 (86.5%) of HIV-positive pregnant women disclosed their HIV status to their sexual partner. Christian followers (both Orthodox and Protestant) [AOR = 8.8, 95% CI: 2.3. 34] more likely to disclose HIV status to their sexual partner than those Muslims. Those participants who started practicing safer sex [AOR = 17.6, 95% CI: 4–77] and those women who had a smooth relationship before the HIV disclosure were [AOR = 14.7, 95% CI: 3–68.6] more likely to disclose HIV status to their sexual partner than their counterparts, respectively.

Conclusions

The proportion of HIV serostatus disclosure by HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal care services to their sexual partners was encouraging. However, this does not mean that there is no need for further awareness and intervention. Hence, interventions to boost and support women in safely disclosing their HIV-positive status are needed.
El interés de los latinoamericanos por los asuntos internacionales
Authors: López Varas Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2021

Si bien existen numerosas investigaciones sobre el interés y el conocimiento de los ciudadanos sobre los asuntos internacionales en los Estados Unidos y Europa, los estudios comparados sobre estos temas en América Latina siguen siendo escasos. Este artículo pretende extender el conocimiento sobre este fenómeno a la región usando la encuesta "Las Américas y el Mundo" realizada en 2014/5 en siete de los principales países de América Latina. Si bien existen diferencias entre países, este artículo busca identificar patrones comunes como el amplio interés que tienen los latinoamericanos por las noticias internacionales, especialmente cuando estas implican a su país de origen. Sin embargo, los resultados preliminares cuestionan la existencia de una brecha de género en el consumo de noticias internacionales, identificada por la literatura comparada.
Hátrányos helyzetű tanulók digitális oktatása a koronavírus okozta iskolabezárás idején
Authors: Kende Ágnes , Messing Vera , Fejes József Balázs
Published: April 2021

A koronavírus terjedésének megállítása érdekében bevezetett digitális oktatás vélhetően számos akadályba ütközött a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók esetében. Ugyanakkor ennek részleteiről hazai viszonylatba még alig rendelkezünk információkkal. Kutatásunk célja az volt, hogy a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók célcsoportjára fókuszálva 2020 tavaszán feltárjuk a digitális oktatás első hónapjának tapasztalatait. Elemzésünk alapja egy online kérdőív, amelyet 425 pedagógus töltött ki. A kérdőíven alapuló elemzést iskolaigazgatókkal és roma, vagy roma közösségeket támogató civilszervezetek vezetőivel készült interjúk egészítik ki. Feltételezéseinknek megfelelően a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók nagyobb arányban maradtak ki a digitális oktatásból. A megfelelő tanulási tér és az önálló tanulásoz szükséges képességek hiányát az internetelérés és az IKT- eszközök hiánynál is nagyobb arányban említették akadályként a pedagógusok. A kistelepülésen élő hátrányos helyzetű és roma tanulók helyzete különösen aggasztónak tűnik. Amennyiben nem szakadt meg a kapcsolat az iskola és a tanuló között, a digitális oktatás a fenti okok miatt akkor sem valósult meg; a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók gyakran csupán papíron, heti rendszerességgel kaptak tanulnivalót és feladatokat. Szülői segítség nélkül vélhetően nem tudtak megfelelően tanulni, fejlődni ebben az időszakban. Eredményeink alapján a online oktatás következményeként az oktatási egyenlőtlenségek növekedése prognosztizálható hazánkban.
Small Annexin V–Positive Platelet-Derived Microvesicles Affect Prognosis in Cirrhosis: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Weil Delphine , Di Martino Vincent , Mourey Guillaume , Biichle Sabeha , Renaudin Adeline , Laheurte Caroline , Cypriani Benoit , Delabrousse Eric , Grandclément Emilie , Thévenot Thierry , Saas Philippe ,   and the MICROCIR Study Group
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Microvesicles (MVs) with procoagulant properties may favor liver parenchymal extinction, then cirrhosis-related complications and mortality. In a longitudinal cohort of cirrhotic patients, we measured plasma levels of platelet-derived MVs (PMVs), endothelial-derived MVs, and red blood cell–derived MVs, expressing phosphatidylserine (annexin V–positive [AV+]) or not, and evaluated their impact on Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and transplant-free survival.

METHODS:

MVs were quantified using flow cytometry in plasma from 90 noninfected cirrhotic patients and 10 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex. Impact of plasma microvesicle levels on 6-month transplant-free survival was assessed using log-rank tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Microvesicle levels, mostly platelet-derived, were 2.5-fold higher in healthy volunteers compared with cirrhotic patients. Circulating small AV+ PMV levels were lower in cirrhotic patients (P = 0.014) and inversely correlated with MELD scores (R = −0.28; P = 0.0065). During 1-year follow-up, 8 patients died and 7 underwent liver transplantation. In the remaining patients, circulating microvesicle levels did not change significantly. Six-month transplant-free survival was lower in patients with low baseline small AV+ PMV levels (72.6% vs 96.2%; P = 0.0007). In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, ascites, esophageal varices, encephalopathy, clinical decompensation, total platelet counts, MELD score, and/or Child-Pugh C stage, patients with lower small AV+ PMV levels had a significant 5- to 8-fold higher risk of 6-month death or liver transplant. Other PMV levels did not impact on survival.

DISCUSSION:

Decreased circulating small AV+ PMV levels are associated with significantly lower transplant-free survival in cirrhotic patients independently of MELD score and platelet counts.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF SLUMP FLOW TEST OF CEMENT PASTE COMPOSITES
Authors: Němeček Jiří , Němeček Jiří
Published: April 2021

This study presents a numerical simulation of the mini-slump flow test performed on the Haegerman table, according to EN 1015-3. The two-dimensional axisymmetrical Volume of fluid (VOF) model is used for the calculation. Various scenarios with the different model set up and boundary conditions were calculated to show how the results are affected. Simulations with different lifting velocities were carried out and compared to the case with instantaneous demolding, which is commonly used in numerical simulations. Also, the effect on results is shown between noslip and specific shear boundary conditions on the mold. The results of simulations indicate that mold lifting should be considered in numerical modeling even if calculation time is highly prolonged. Lifting velocities should not exceed the value of 0.2 m/s in order to maintain laminar flow and stablecalculation.
O funeral como espaço socioeducativo do povo Rikbaktsa
Authors: Silva Adailton Alves da , Lobato Elani dos Anjos
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo é um recorte da pesquisa para a escrita da Dissertação de Mestrado e traz em foco o povo Rikbaktsa, com objetivo de identificar e compreender os processos socioeducativos (geração, sistematização e difusão) do grupo a partir dos eventos fúnebres celebrados no espaço da aldeia. A abordagem metodológica ancorou-se na perspectiva Etnomatemática, sob as perspectivas de D’Ambrosio (2005, 2016 e 2017) e de Vergani (2007) . A investigação foi de caráter etnográfico, com uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se da observação. Como resultado obtivemos a compreensão dos conhecimentos tradicionais difundidos pelos mais velhos aos mais novos que podem contribuir para evidenciar os saberes e fazeres dos mais jovens.
Revealing the Orientation of the Post-Reformation Islamic Student Movement in Indonesia
Authors: Izudin Ahmad
Published: April 2021

This article explains the traces of the post-reformation Islamic student movement. The movement is still considered as the power of civil society to conduct democratization, but its tendency does not lead to social transformation. Sidney Tarrow (1996) used a theory of collective behavior reference in social movements to discuss this issue. This article is based on a qualitative research method. The data were collected by using Focus Group Discussion, interview, documentation, and literature review. This study finds out that an orientation shifting of the Islamic student movement, which is interesting to reveal. The shifting indicates the tendency to change orientation accordingly to the national political change and fluctuations. In this situation, the Islamic student movement has experienced several social dynamics. A new movement model arises when they use social media as an alternate formto convey their social criticism like through the street demonstration to critize governance practices.
Horizontal and vertical “individualism – collectivism” and values
Authors: Czerniawska Mirosława
Published: April 2021

The presented study compares a link between two constructs: “individualism – collectivism” and values. The first construct takes into consideration horizontal and vertical orientation (equality and hierarchy respectively) (Triandis). The description of the second construct accounts for nineteen types of values located on two bipolar dimensions: “conservatism – openness to change” and “self-transcendence – self-enhancement” (Schwartz). The question about the relation between types of values and described horizontal and vertical orientations of individualism and collectivism is posed. The sample consists of 368 students. The results show that the differentiation of mentality on the “individualism – collectivism” dimension with its horizontal and vertical orientation is linked to the differentiation of types of values on the “conservatism – openness to change”. After accounting for horizontal “individualism – collectivism” and vertical “individualism – collectivism” and their relation to the second dimension of type of values (self-transcendence – self- enhancement) the results are not consistent.
Against the multilingual turn as paradigm replacement: Reconsidering Kubota’s charge
Authors: Angelo Ria
Published: April 2021

In her 2016 paper, entitled, The Multi-Plural Turn, Post-Colonial Theory and Neoliberal Multiculturalism: Complicities and Implications for Applied Linguistics, Kubota proposes a more critical look at neoliberal aspects of the multilingual turn in applied linguistics that, in celebrating individual difference, challenge its status as a transformative discourse. In her argument from paradigm replacement, Kubota posits that because the multilingual turn, to some extent, emerges from the principle of individual accountability in a neoliberal political economy, its discourse must be complicit with the aims of a neoliberal agenda. This paper is a reply to some of the issues she raises in that critique. My argument is two-pronged. First, I take issue with the epistemic characterization of individual accountability as the only source of multilingualism within a neoliberal discourse. Second, I challenge her rejection of a democratic cosmopolitanism as a self-determining antidote to the neoliberal ideal (c.f. Calhoun 2002). This paper concludes that an alternate epistemic source of the multilingual turn unites language speakers in more moral and less economic terms, thereby destabilizing the argument from paradigm replacement.