bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak thermal state quadrature-noise shadow imaging
Authors: Barge Pratik J. , Niu Ziqi , Cuozzo Savannah L. , Mikhailov Eugeniy E. , Novikova Irina , Lee Hwang , Cohen Lior
Published: July 2022

In this work, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the possibility to create an image of an opaque object using a few-photon thermal optical field. We utilize the quadrature-noise shadow imaging (QSI) technique that detects the changes in the quadrature-noise statistics of the probe beam after its interaction with an object. We show that such a thermal QSI scheme has an advantage over the classical differential imaging when the effect of dark counts is considered. At the same time, the easy availability of thermal sources for any wavelength makes the method practical for broad range of applications, not accessible with, e.g., quantum squeezed light. As a proof of principle, we implement this scheme by two different light sources: a pseudo-thermal beam generated by rotating ground glass (RGG) method and a thermal beam generated by four-wave mixing (FWM) method. The RGG method shows simplicity and robustness of QSI scheme while the FWM method validates theoretical signal-to-noise ratio predictions. Finally, we demonstrate low-light imaging abilities with QSI by imaging a biological specimen on a CCD camera, detecting as low as 0.03 photons on average per pixel per 1.7 µs exposure.
Post-matching quantum conference key agreement
Authors: Bai Jun-Lin , Xie Yuan-Mei , Li Zhao , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: July 2022

Twin-field interference-based quantum conference key agreement protocols have been proposed and have achieved good performance in terms of the key rate and transmission distance in the finite-key regime. However, its performance significantly decreases when the strict constraint is broken regarding the optical pulse intensity and probability. Here, we propose a post-matching QCKA protocol to remove this constraint while obtaining a higher key rate. Numerical results in the symmetric case show that our protocol can obtain a transmission distance 25% more than the previous asymmetric QCKA protocol when the decoy state optical pulse intensity is 1% higher than the ideal value of the constraint, and can obtain a transmission distance 100% higher when the decoy state optical pulse intensity is 10% higher than the ideal value of the constraint.
Ultra-intense vortex laser generation from a seed laser illuminated axial line-focused spiral zone plate
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Qianni , Zheng Chenglong , Zhao Jie , Lu Yu , Li Dongao , Xu Xinrong , Liu Ke , Tian Ye , Lin Yuliang , Zhang Fangpei , Yu Tongpu
Published: July 2022

Relativistic vortex laser has drawn increasing attention in the laser-plasma community owing to its potential applications in various domains, e.g., generation of energetic charged particles with orbital angular momentum (OAM), high OAM X/γ-ray emission, high harmonics generation, and strong axial magnetic-field production. However, the generation of such relativistic vortex laser is still a challenge to the current laser technology. Using micro-structure targets named axial line-focused spiral zone plate (ALFSZP), we propose a novel scheme for ultra-intense vortex laser generation. In the scheme, a relativistic Gaussian laser pulse irradiates an ALFSZP, and diffracts as it passes through the ALFSZP. Due to the focusing and radial Hilbert transform capabilities of the ALFSZP, the seed laser is converted efficiently to a vortex one which is then well focused in a tunable focal volume. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations indicate that using a seed laser pulse with intensity of 1.3 × 1020 W/cm2, the vortex laser intensity achieved is as high as 1.3 × 1021 W/cm2 with the averaged angular momentum per photon up to

0.73
ℏ

, promising diverse applications in various fields aforementioned.
Spectrum modulation-based field of view extension in Airy-beam tomographic microscopy
Authors: Wang Jian , Guo Zonglin , Zhang Ruiqi , Wang Siyuan , Luo Suhua , Shi Hongyan , Gao Bo , Hou Chunfeng
Published: July 2022

We reveal the self-accelerating performance of an Airy beam under space-variable spectrum modulation, which corresponds to the extension of the field of view (FOV) and imaging depth in Airy-beam tomographic microscopy (ATM), resulting in the decline of fidelity and resolution of a reconstructed image with an increased FOV and depth of field (DOF). A strategy of spectrum modulation is proposed, and high-fidelity, high-resolution 3D imaging is realized in a 150 µm × 50 µm × 12 µm volume. This study offers a paradigm to improve the quality of reconstructed 3D images based on spectrum modulation for other light fields.
Single-frequency Tm-doped fiber laser with 215 mW at 2.05 µm based on a Tm/Ho-codoped fiber saturable absorber
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sheng Quan , Chen Lin , Zhang Junxiang , Fu Shijie , Fang Qiang , Wang Yiping , Shi Wei , Yao Jianquan
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate an efficient single-frequency Tm-doped fiber laser at 2050 nm. A ring cavity scheme is employed to boost the net gain at the wavelength. A piece of Tm/Ho-codoped fiber with an absorption coefficient at 2050 nm higher than that of a Tm-doped fiber is used to establish the dynamic Bragg grating for enhancing the frequency selection capability. A single-frequency output of 215 mW is obtained under 2 W of 1570-nm pump power, with the slope efficiency being 22%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest single-frequency all-fiber laser oscillator output power above 2 µm.
Low-loss and helical-phase-dependent selective excitation of high-order orbital angular momentum modes in a twisted ring-core fiber
Authors: Wu Yan , Wen Jianxiang , Zhang Mengdi , Cao Ying , Chen Wei , Zhang Xiaobei , Yusufu Taximaiti , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: July 2022

We propose a method for the selective generation of high-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes by twisting a ring-core fiber (RCF). Theoretically, 22 OAM modes can be generated in the twisted RCF with effective mode separation. We experimentally demonstrate the excitation of OAM modes up to the fourth order. The positive or negative topological charge is determined by the clockwise or counterclockwise twist direction, indicating that the helical phase of the OAM can be controlled by the twist orientation. Compared with other fiber-based methods, the high-order OAM modes generated by our approach have the characteristics of low loss (minimum 0.3 dB), high mode purity (maximum 98%), and simple fabrication. This has potential applications in high-resolution imaging, high-capacity fiber-optics communication, vortex-optics sensing, and other fields.
A parsimonious model of blood glucose homeostasis
Authors: Ng Eric , Kaufman Jaycee M. , van Veen Lennaert , Fossat Yan
Published: July 2022

The mathematical modelling of biological systems has historically followed one of two approaches: comprehensive and minimal. In comprehensive models, the involved biological pathways are modelled independently, then brought together as an ensemble of equations that represents the system being studied, most often in the form of a large system of coupled differential equations. This approach often contains a very large number of tuneable parameters (> 100) where each describes some physical or biochemical subproperty. As a result, such models scale very poorly when assimilation of real world data is needed. Furthermore, condensing model results into simple indicators is challenging, an important difficulty in scenarios where medical diagnosis is required. In this paper, we develop a minimal model of glucose homeostasis with the potential to yield diagnostics for pre-diabetes. We model glucose homeostasis as a closed control system containing a self-feedback mechanism that describes the collective effects of the physiological components involved. The model is analyzed as a planar dynamical system, then tested and verified using data collected with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) from healthy individuals in four separate studies. We show that, although the model has only a small number (3) of tunable parameters, their distributions are consistent across subjects and studies both for hyperglycemic and for hypoglycemic episodes.
Timeliness of routine childhood vaccination in 103 low-and middle-income countries, 1978–2021: A scoping review to map measurement and methodological gaps
Authors: Wariri Oghenebrume , Okomo Uduak , Kwarshak Yakubu Kevin , Utazi Chigozie Edson , Murray Kris , Grundy Chris , Kampmann Beate
Published: July 2022

Empiric studies exploring the timeliness of routine vaccination in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have gained momentum in the last decade. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence suggesting that these studies have key measurement and methodological gaps that limit their comparability and utility. Hence, there is a need to identify, and document these gaps which could inform the design, conduct, and reporting of future research on the timeliness of vaccination. We synthesised the literature to determine the methodological and measurement gaps in the assessment of vaccination timeliness in LMICs. We searched five electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles in English and French that evaluated vaccination timeliness in LMICs, and were published between 01 January 1978, and 01 July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed full texts of relevant articles, following the guidance framework for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute. From the 4263 titles identified, we included 224 articles from 103 countries. China (40), India (27), and Kenya (23) had the highest number of publications respectively. Of the three domains of timeliness, the most studied domain was ‘delayed vaccination’ [99.5% (223/224)], followed by ‘early vaccination’ [21.9% (49/224)], and ‘untimely interval vaccination’ [9% (20/224)]. Definitions for early (seven different definitions), untimely interval (four different definitions), and delayed vaccination (19 different definitions) varied across the studies. Most studies [72.3% (166/224)] operationalised vaccination timeliness as a categorical variable, compared to only 9.8% (22/224) of studies that operationalised timeliness as continuous variables. A large proportion of studies [47.8% (107/224)] excluded the data of children with no written vaccination records irrespective of caregivers’ recall of their vaccination status. Our findings show that studies on vaccination timeliness in LMICs has measurement and methodological gaps. We recommend the development and implement of guidelines for measuring and reporting vaccination timeliness to bridge these gaps.
Community-based house improvement for malaria control in southern Malawi: Stakeholder perceptions, experiences, and acceptability
Authors: Tizifa Tinashe A. , Gowelo Steven , Kabaghe Alinune N. , McCann Robert S. , Malenga Tumaini , Nkhata Richard M. , Kadama Asante , Chapeta Yankho , Takken Willem , Phiri Kamija S. , van Vugt Michele , van den Berg Henk , Manda-Taylor Lucinda
Published: July 2022

House improvement (HI) refers to the full screening or closing of openings such as windows, doors, and eaves, as well as the installation of ceilings, to reduce mosquito-human contact indoors. HI is a viable supplementary intervention that reduces malaria transmission further than the existing strategies alone. In Malawi, HI has not been widely implemented and evaluated for malaria control. Concerns about lack of local evidence, durability in different epidemiological and cultural settings, and the cost of large-scale implementation are among the reasons the strategy is not utilised in many low-income countries. This study assessed community perceptions, experiences, and acceptability of community-led HI in Chikwawa district, southern Malawi. This was a qualitative study where separate focus group discussions were conducted with members from the general community (n = 3); health animators (n = 3); and HI committee members (n = 3). In-depth interviews were conducted with community members (n = 20), and key-informant interviews were conducted with health surveillance assistants and chiefs (n = 23). All interviews were transcribed and coded before performing a thematic content analysis to identify the main themes. Coded data were analysed using Nvivo 12 Plus software. Study participants had a thorough understanding of HI. Participants expressed satisfaction with HI, and they reported enabling factors to HI acceptability, such as the reduction in malaria cases in their villages and the safety and effectiveness of HI use. Participants also reported barriers to effective HI implementation, such as the unavailability and inaccessibility of some HI materials, as well as excessive heat and darkness in HI houses compared to non-HI houses. Participants indicated that they were willing to sustain the intervention but expressed the need for strategies to address barriers to ensure the effectiveness of HI. Our results showed the high knowledge and acceptability of HI by participants in the study area. Intensive and continued health education and community engagement on the significance of HI could help overcome the barriers and improve the acceptability and sustainability of the intervention.
Human immune globulin treatment controls Zika viremia in pregnant rhesus macaques
Authors: Dudley Dawn M. , Koenig Michelle R. , Stewart Laurel M. , Semler Matthew R. , Newman Christina M. , Shepherd Phoenix M. , Yamamoto Keisuke , Breitbach Meghan E. , Schotzko Michele , Kohn Sarah , Antony Kathleen M. , Qiu Hongyu , Tunga Priyadarshini , Anderson Deborah M. , Guo Wendi , Dennis Maria , Singh Tulika , Rybarczyk Sierra , Weiler Andrea M. , Razo Elaina , Mitzey Ann , Zeng Xiankun , Eickhoff Jens C. , Mohr Emma L. , Simmons Heather A. , Fritsch Michael K. , Mejia Andres , Aliota Matthew T. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Kodihalli Shantha , Permar Sallie R. , O’Connor David H.
Published: July 2022

There are currently no approved drugs to treat Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy. Hyperimmune globulin products such as VARIZIG and WinRho are FDA-approved to treat conditions during pregnancy such as Varicella Zoster virus infection and Rh-incompatibility. We administered ZIKV-specific human immune globulin as a treatment in pregnant rhesus macaques one day after subcutaneous ZIKV infection. All animals controlled ZIKV viremia following the treatment and generated robust levels of anti-Zika virus antibodies in their blood. No adverse fetal or infant outcomes were identified in the treated animals, yet the placebo control treated animals also did not have signs related to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Human immune globulin may be a viable prophylaxis and treatment option for ZIKV infection during pregnancy, however, more studies are required to fully assess the impact of this treatment to prevent CZS.
Annual HIV screening rates for HIV-negative men who have sex with men in primary care
Authors: Spensley Courtney B. , Plegue Melissa , Seda Robinson , Harper Diane M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for most new HIV diagnoses in the US. Annual HIV testing is recommended for sexually active MSM if HIV status is negative or unknown. Our primary study aim was to determine annual HIV screening rates in primary care across multiple years for HIV-negative MSM to estimate compliance with guidelines. A secondary exploratory endpoint was to document rates for non-MSM in primary care.

Methods

We conducted a three-year retrospective cohort study, analyzing data from electronic medical records of HIV-negative men aged 18 to 45 years in primary care at a large academic health system using inferential and logistic regression modeling.

Results

Of 17,841 men, 730 (4.1%) indicated that they had a male partner during the study period. MSM were screened at higher rates annually than non-MSM (about 38% vs. 9%, p<0.001). Younger patients (p-value<0.001) and patients with an internal medicine primary care provider (p-value<0.001) were more likely to have an HIV test ordered in both groups. For all categories of race and self-reported illegal drug use, MSM patients had higher odds of HIV test orders than non-MSM patients. Race and drug use did not have a significant effect on HIV orders in the MSM group. Among non-MSM, Black patients had higher odds of being tested than both White and Asian patients regardless of drug use.

Conclusions

While MSM are screened for HIV at higher rates than non-MSM, overall screening rates remain lower than desired, particularly for older patients and patients with a family medicine or pediatric PCP. Targeted interventions to improve HIV screening rates for MSM in primary care are discussed.
Sequence analysis and plasmid mobilization of a 6.6-kb kanamycin resistance plasmid, pSNC3-Kan, from a Salmonella enterica serotype Newport isolate
Authors: Chen Chin-Yi , Nguyen Ly-Huong T. , Strobaugh Terence P.
Published: July 2022

Research on the transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids has been mainly focused on the large multi-drug resistance conjugative plasmids, while the transmission of small mobilizable plasmids remains under-investigated. A series of diverse ColE-like kanamycin resistance plasmids (“KanR plasmids”) from Salmonella enterica were characterized previously. In this study, the 6.6-kb pSNC3-Kan from a Salmonella enterica serotype Newport isolate was investigated. It possessed highly conserved RNA I/II and Tn602 (IS903-aph-IS903) regions to two other KanR plasmids pSe-Kan and pSBardo-Kan, but carried a mobC-mobA/BD operon. The mobilization proteins encoded by the mob operon of pSNC3-Kan showed high sequence identity (~95%) to those of an E. coli plasmid pEC34B, except that MobE was not present; and were much less conserved to those of another KanR plasmid pSN11/00Kan (43% - 86% identity). Four structurally different KanR plasmids were investigated for their ability to be mobilized by the conjugal transfer (tra) genes from F and IncP plasmids. Transfer genes derived from IncP plasmids can efficiently mobilize KanR plasmids possessing the mob operons (mobC-mobA/BD), such as pSNC3-Kan and pSN11/00Kan, in bi-parental mating experiments. On the other hand, F tra genes were able to mobilize pU302S, pSNC3-Kan and pSe-Kan, but not pSN11/00Kan. A plasmid-borne mob operon was not required for mobilization of the oriT(F)-bearing pSe-Kan by the F tra genes. This study underscores the complexity of plasmid interaction and the importance of how small mobilizable plasmids may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
Automatic analysis of cochlear response using electrocochleography signals during cochlear implant surgery
Authors: Wijewickrema Sudanthi , Bester Christofer , Gerard Jean-Marc , Collins Aaron , O’Leary Stephen
Published: July 2022

Cochlear implants (CIs) provide an opportunity for the hearing impaired to perceive sound through electrical stimulation of the hearing (cochlear) nerve. However, there is a high risk of losing a patient’s natural hearing during CI surgery, which has been shown to reduce speech perception in noisy environments as well as music appreciation. This is a major barrier to the adoption of CIs by the hearing impaired. Electrocochleography (ECochG) has been used to detect intra-operative trauma that may lead to loss of natural hearing. There is early evidence that ECochG can enable early intervention to save natural hearing of the patient. However, detection of trauma by observing changes in the ECochG response is typically carried out by a human expert. Here, we discuss a method of automating the analysis of cochlear responses during CI surgery. We establish, using historical patient data, that the proposed method is highly accurate (∼94% and ∼95% for sensitivity and specificity respectively) when compared to a human expert. The automation of real-time cochlear response analysis is expected to improve the scalability of ECochG and improve patient safety.
The PreQ-20 TRIAL: A prospective cohort study of the oncologic safety, quality of life and cosmetic outcomes of patients undergoing prepectoral breast reconstruction
Authors: Acea-Nebril Benigno , García-Novoa Alejandra , García Jiménez Lourdes
Published: July 2022

Background

Mastectomy currently constitutes a necessary surgical procedure in the oncologic setting and in the context of high risk. Prepectoral breast reconstruction (PBR) has been proposed as a surgical alternative to retropectoral techniques by providing less postoperative morbidity and a better cosmetic result. However, there is a lack of prospective studies that have evaluated its safety and patient-reported satisfaction.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the safety, quality of life and cosmetic sequelae of PBR in women with breast cancer and high risk. The study’s main objective is to assess the safety of PBR in terms of postsurgical complications and the feasibility of reconstruction (loss of implants). The secondary objectives are to evaluate oncologic safety (local relapses, residual glandular tissue) and to identify factors related to quality of life and cosmetic sequelae. The evaluation of residual tissue will be conducted by MRI 12 to 18 months after the surgery, and the quality-of-life assessment will be performed using the Breast-Q questionnaire. An initial patient evaluation will be conducted 12–18 months after the surgery, and a second evaluation will be performed at 5 years. The estimated sample size is 81 patients.

Discussion

The PreQ-20 study will analyze the impact of PBR on 3 separate measures: safety, quality of life and cosmetic sequelae. Unlike other studies that analyzed these three measures jointly for women with breast cancer and high risk, this study will individualize the results for these 2 patient groups. This differentiation is necessary from the methodological point of view, given that the 2 patient groups have separate clinical and emotional implications. The assessment of these groups will focus on the following aspects: postoperative complications, local relapses, evaluation of residual glandular tissue and incidence rate of primary tumors in the same, the cosmetic sequelae and the satisfaction and the quality-of-life assessment by the patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04642508.
Unsupervised deep learning supports reclassification of Bronze age cypriot writing system
Authors: Corazza Michele , Tamburini Fabio , Valério Miguel , Ferrara Silvia
Published: July 2022

Ancient undeciphered scripts present problems of different nature, not just tied to linguistic identification. The undeciphered Cypro-Minoan script from second millennium BCE Cyprus, for instance, currently does not have a standardized, definitive inventory of signs, and, in addition, stands divided into three separate subgroups (CM1, CM2, CM3), which have also been alleged to record different languages. However, this state of the art is not consensually accepted by the experts. In this article, we aim to apply a method that can aid to shed light on the tripartite division, to assess if it holds up against a multi-pronged, multi-disciplinary approach. This involves considerations linked to paleography (shapes of individual signs) and epigraphy (writing style tied to the support used), and crucially, deep learning-based strategies. These automatic methods, which are widely adopted in many fields such as computer vision and computational linguistics, allow us to look from an innovative perspective at the specific issues presented by ancient, poorly understood scripts in general, and Cypro-Minoan in particular. The usage of a state-of-the-art convolutional neural model that is unsupervised, and therefore does not use any prior knowledge of the script, is still underrepresented in the study of undeciphered writing systems, and helps to investigate the tripartite division from a fresh standpoint. The conclusions we reached show that: 1. the use of different media skews to a large extent the uniformity of the sign shapes; 2. the application of several neural techniques confirm this, since they highlight graphic proximity among signs inscribed on similar supports; 3. multi-stranded approaches prove to be a successful tool to investigate ancient scripts whose language is still unidentified. More crucially, these aspects, together, point in the same direction, namely the validation of a unitary, single Cypro-Minoan script, rather than the current division into three subgroups.
Portable wireless and fibreless fNIRS headband compares favorably to a stationary headcap-based system
Authors: Friesen Christopher L. , Lawrence Michael , Ingram Tony G. J. , Smith Megan M. , Hamilton Eric A. , Holland Christopher W. , Neyedli Heather F. , Boe Shaun G.
Published: July 2022

This study’s purpose is to characterize the performance of a prototype functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) headband meant to enable quick and easy measurements from the sensorimotor cortices. The fact that fNIRS is well-suited to ergonomic designs (i.e., their ability to be made wireless, their relative robustness to movement artifacts among other characteristics) has resulted in many recent examples of novel ergonomic fNIRS systems; however, the optical nature of fNIRS measurement presents an inherent challenge to measurement at areas of the brain underlying haired parts of the head. It is for this reason that the majority of ergonomic fNIRS systems that have been developed to date target the prefrontal cortex. In the present study we compared the performance of a novel, portable fNIRS headband compared with a stationary full headcap fNIRS system to measure sensorimotor activity during simple upper- and lower-extremity tasks, in healthy individuals >50 years of age. Both fNIRS systems demonstrated the expected pattern of hemodynamic activity in both upper- and lower-extremity tasks, and a comparison of the contrast-to-noise ratio between the two systems suggests the prototype fNIRS headband is non-inferior to a full head cap fNIRS system regarding the ability to detect a physiological response at the sensorimotor cortex during these tasks. These results suggest the use of a wireless and fibreless fNIRS design is feasible for measurement at the sensorimotor cortex.
Effects of carbon ion beam-induced mutagenesis for the screening of RED production-deficient mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor JCM4020
Authors: Yanagisawa Masaomi , Asamizu Shumpei , Satoh Katsuya , Oono Yutaka , Onaka Hiroyasu
Published: July 2022

Streptomyces lividans TK23 interacts with mycolic acid-containing bacteria (MACB), such as Tsukamurella pulmonis TP-B0596, and this direct cell contact activates its secondary metabolism (e.g., the production of undecylprodigiosin: RED). Here, we employed carbon (12C5+) ion beam-induced mutagenesis to investigate the signature of induced point mutations and further identify the gene(s) responsible for the production of secondary metabolites induced by T. pulmonis. We irradiated spores of the Streptomyces coelicolor strain JCM4020 with carbon ions to generate a mutant library. We screened the RED production-deficient mutants of S. coelicolor by mixing them with T. pulmonis TP-B0596 on agar plates, identifying the red/white phenotype of the growing colonies. Through this process, we selected 59 RED-deficient mutants from around 152,000 tested spores. We resequenced the genomes of 16 mutants and identified 44 point mutations, which revealed the signatures induced by 12C5+-irradiation. Via gene complementation experiments, we also revealed that two genes—glutamate synthase (gltB) and elongation factor G (fusA)—are responsible for the reduced production of RED.
Optimising care coordination strategies for physical activity referral scheme patients by Australian health professionals
Authors: Albert Francis A. , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Crowe Melissa J. , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S.
Published: July 2022

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management of multi-morbidity in patients. Coordination of patients’ care through interventions like physical activity referral schemes (PARS) could foster the utilization of PA. This study explored the views of General Practitioners (GPs) and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) as key stakeholders, for optimizing patient care and efficiency of PARS. Sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to explore the perceptions of these health professionals on PA and coordination strategies for PARS patient care. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics for questionnaires and theoretical framework analysis for the semi-structured interviews. Participants demonstrated a good knowledge of PA and valued PARS. However, the findings unravelled external factors, inter-organisational mechanisms, and relational coordination obstacles that hinder efficient coordination of PARS patient care and delay/limit beneficial health outcomes for patients. Incentivising the PARS initiative and empowering patients to seek referral into the programme, are strategies that could boost PARS efficiency. Improving inter-professional relationships between GPs and EPs could lead to enhanced PARS functionality and efficient coordination of care for patients with chronic diseases.
Detecting non-adjacent dependencies is the exception rather than the rule
Authors: Tosatto Laure , Bonafos Guillem , Melmi Jean-Baptiste , Rey Arnaud
Published: July 2022

Statistical learning refers to our sensitivity to the distributional properties of our environment. Humans have been shown to readily detect the dependency relationship of events that occur adjacently in a stream of stimuli but processing non-adjacent dependencies (NADs) appears more challenging. In the present study, we tested the ability of human participants to detect NADs in a new Hebb-naming task that has been proposed recently to study regularity detection in a noisy environment. In three experiments, we found that most participants did not manage to extract NADs. These results suggest that the ability to learn NADs in noise is the exception rather than the rule. They provide new information about the limits of statistical learning mechanisms.
Interdisciplinary applications of human time use with generalized lexicons
Authors: Galbraith Eric , Fajzel William , Xu Shirley , Xia Veronica , Frie Elena , Barrington-Leigh Christopher , Reyes-García Victoria
Published: July 2022

Time use studies quantify what people do, over particular time intervals. The results of these studies have illuminated diverse and important aspects of societies and economies, from populations around the world. Yet, these efforts have advanced in a fragmented manner, using non-standardized descriptions (lexicons) of time use that often require researchers to make arbitrary designations among non-exclusive categories, and are not easily translated between disciplines. Here we propose a new approach, assembling multiple dimensions of time use to construct what we call the human chronome, as a means to provide novel interdisciplinary perspectives on fundamental aspects of human behaviour and experience. The approach is enabled by parallel lexicons, each of which aims for low ambiguity by focusing on a single coherent categorical dimension, and which can then be combined to provide a multi-dimensional characterization. Each lexicon should follow a single, consistent theoretical orientation, ensure exhaustiveness and exclusivity, and minimize ambiguity arising from temporal and social aggregation. As a pragmatic first step towards this goal, we describe the development of the Motivating- Outcome- Oriented General Activity Lexicon (MOOGAL). The MOOGAL is theoretically oriented towards the outcomes of activities, is applicable to any human from hunter-gatherers to modern urbanites, and deliberately focuses on the physical outcomes which motivate the undertaking of activities to reduce ambiguity from social aggregation. We illustrate the utility of the MOOGAL by comparing it with existing economic, sociological and anthropological lexicons, showing that it exhaustively covers the previously-defined activities with low ambiguity, and apply it to time use and economic data from two countries. Our results support the feasibility of using generalized lexicons to incorporate diverse observational constraints on time use, thereby providing a rich interdisciplinary perspective on the human system that is particularly relevant to the current period of rapid social, technological and environmental change.
A randomized control trial of high-dose micronutrient-antioxidant supplementation in healthy persons with untreated HIV infection
Authors: Wobeser Wendy L. , McBane Joanne E. , Balfour Louise , Conway Brian , Gill M. John , Huff Harold , Kilby Donald L. P. , Fergusson Dean A. , Mallick Ranjeeta , Mills Edward J. , Muldoon Katherine A. , Rachlis Anita , Ralph Edward D. , Rosenes Ron , Singer Joel , Singhal Neera , Tan Darrell , Tremblay Nancy , Vo Dong , Walmsley Sharon L. , Cameron D. William ,   for the MAINTAIN Study Group
Published: July 2022

Background

Although micronutrient and antioxidant supplementation are widely used by persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a therapeutic role beyond recommended daily allowances (RDA) remains unproven. An oral high-dose micronutrient and antioxidant supplement (Treatment) was compared to an RDA supplement (Control) for time to progressive immunodeficiency or initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial. PLWH were recruited from Canadian HIV Trials Network sites, and followed quarterly for two years. Eligible participants were asymptomatic, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, HIV-seropositive adults with a CD4 T lymphocyte count (CD4 count) between 375–750 cells/μL. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive Treatment or Control supplements. The primary outcome was a composite of time-to-first of confirmed CD4 count below 350 cells/μL, initiation of ART, AIDS-defining illness or death. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat. Secondary outcomes included CD4 count trajectory from baseline to ART initiation or two years. A Data and Safety Monitoring Board reviewed the study for safety, recruitment and protocol adherence every six months.

Results

Of 171 enrolled participants: 66 (38.6%) experienced a primary outcome: 27 reached a CD4 count below 350 cells/μL, and 57 started ART. There was no significant difference in time-to-first outcome between groups (Hazard Ratio = 1.05; 95%CI: 0.65, 1.70), or in time to any component outcome. Using intent-to-treat censoring, mean annualized rates of CD4 count decline were -42.703 cells/μL and -79.763 cells/μL for Treatment and Control groups, with no statistical difference in the mean change between groups (-37.06 cells/μL/52 weeks, 95%CI: (-93.59, 19.47); p = 0.1993). Accrual was stopped at 171 of the 212 intended participants after an interim analysis for futility, although participant follow-up was completed.

Conclusions

In ART-naïve PLWH, high-dose antioxidant, micronutrient supplementation compared to RDA supplementation had no significant effect on disease progression or ART initiation.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00798772.
Magnesium impairs Candida albicans immune evasion by reduced hyphal damage, enhanced β-glucan exposure and altered vacuole homeostasis
Authors: Hans Sandeep , Fatima Zeeshan , Ahmad Aijaz , Hameed Saif
Published: July 2022

With a limited arsenal of available antifungal drugs and drug-resistance emergence, strategies that seek to reduce Candida immune evasion and virulence could be a promising alternative option. Harnessing metal homeostasis against C. albicans has gained wide prominence nowadays as a feasible antifungal strategy. Herein, the effect of magnesium (Mg) deprivation on the immune evasion mechanisms of C. albicans is demonstrated. We studied host pathogen interaction by using the THP-1 cell line model and explored the avenue that macrophage-mediated killing was enhanced under Mg deprivation, leading to altered cytokine (TNFα, IL-6 and IL10) production and reduced pyroptosis. Insights into the mechanisms revealed that hyphal damage inside the macrophage was diminished under Mg deprivation. Additionally, Mg deprivation led to cell wall remodelling; leading to enhanced β-1,3-glucan exposure, crucial for immune recognition, along with concomitant alterations in chitin and mannan levels. Furthermore, vacuole homeostasis was disrupted under Mg deprivation, as revealed by abrogated morphology and defective acidification of the vacuole lumen. Together, we demonstrated that Mg deprivation affected immune evasion mechanisms by: reduced hyphal damage, enhanced β-1,3-glucan exposure and altered vacuole functioning. The study establishes that Mg availability is indispensable for successful C. albicans immune evasion and specific Mg dependent pathways could be targeted for therapy.
Mitochondrial diversity and inter-specific phylogeny among dolphins of the genus Stenella in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Faria Drienne Messa , Steel Debbie , Baker C. Scott , da Silva José Martins , de Meirelles Ana Carolina Oliveira , Souto Luciano Raimundo Alardo , Siciliano Salvatore , Barbosa Lupércio Araujo , Secchi Eduardo , Di Tullio Juliana Couto , de Oliveira Larissa Rosa , Ott Paulo Henrique , Farro Ana Paula Cazerta
Published: July 2022

The genus Stenella is comprised of five species occurring in all oceans. Despite its wide distribution, genetic diversity information on these species is still scarce especially in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. Some features of this genus can enhance opportunities for potential introgressive hybridization, e.g. sympatric distibution along the Brazilian coast, mixed known associations among species, karyotype uniformity and genome permeability. In this study we analyzed three genes of the mitochondrial genome to investigate the genetic diversity and occurrence of genetic mixture among eighty specimens of Stenella. All species exhibited moderate to high levels of genetic diversity (h = 0.833 to h = 1.000 and π = 0.006 to π = 0.015). Specimens of S. longirostris, S. attenuata and S. frontalis were clustered into differentiated haplogroups, in contrast, haplotypes of S. coeruleoalba and S. clymene were clustered together. We detected phylogenetic structure of mixed clades for S. clymene and S. coeruleoalba specimens, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, and also between S. frontalis and S. attenuata in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and between S. frontalis and S. longirostris in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. These specimes were morphologically identified as one species but exhibited the maternal lineage of another species, by mitochondrial DNA. Our results demonstrate that ongoing gene flow is occurring among species of the genus Stenella reinforcing that this process could be one of the reasons for the confusing taxonomy and difficulties in elucidating phylogenetic relationships within this group.
Accounting for environmental and fishery management factors when standardizing CPUE data from a scientific survey: A case study for Nephrops norvegicus in the Pomo Pits area (Central Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Chiarini Matteo , Guicciardi Stefano , Angelini Silvia , Tuck Ian D. , Grilli Federica , Penna Pierluigi , Domenichetti Filippo , Canduci Giovanni , Belardinelli Andrea , Santojanni Alberto , Arneri Enrico , Milone Nicoletta , Medvešek Damir , Isajlović Igor , Vrgoč Nedo , Martinelli Michela
Published: July 2022

Abundance and distribution of commercial marine resources are influenced by environmental variables, which together with fishery patterns may also influence their catchability. However, Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) can be standardized in order to remove most of the variability not directly attributable to fish abundance. In the present study, Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were used to investigate the effect of some environmental and fishery covariates on the spatial distribution and abundance of the Norway lobsterNephrops norvegicuswithin the Pomo/Jabuka Pits (Central Adriatic Sea) and to include those that resulted significant in a standardization process.N.norvegicusis a commercially important demersal crustacean, altering its catchability over the 24-h cycle and seasons according to its burrowing behavior. A historically exploited fishing ground for this species, since 2015 subject to specific fisheries management measures, is represented by the meso-Adriatic depressions, which are also characterized by particular oceanographic conditions. Both the species behaviour and the features of this study area influence the dynamics of the population offering a challenging case study for a standardization modelling approach. Environmental and catch data were obtained during scientific trawl surveys properly designed to catchN.norvegicus, thus improving the quality of the model input data. Standardization of CPUE from 2 surveys from 2012 to 2019 was conducted building two GAMs for both biomass and density indices. Bathymetry, fishing pressure, dissolved oxygen and salinity proved to be significant drivers influencing catch distribution. After cross validations, the tuned models were then used to predict new indices for the study area and the two survey series by means of informed spatial grids, composed by constant surface cells, to each of which are associated average values of environmental parameters and specific levels of fishing pressure, depending on the management measures in place. The predictions can be used to better describe the structure and the spatio-temporal distribution of the population providing valuable information to evaluate the status of such an important marine resource.
The use of virtual reality in studying prejudice and its reduction: A systematic review
Authors: Tassinari Matilde , Aulbach Matthias Burkard , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga
Published: July 2022

This systematic review provides an up-to-date analysis of existing literature about Virtual Reality (VR) and prejudice. How has VR been used in studying intergroup attitudes, bias and prejudice, are VR interventions effective at reducing prejudice, and what methodological advantages and limitations does VR provide compared to traditional methods are the questions we aim to answer. The included studies had to use VR to create an interaction with one or more avatars belonging to an outgroup, and/or embodiment in an outgroup member; furthermore, they had to be quantitative and peer-reviewed. The review of the 64 included studies shows the potential of VR contact to improve intergroup relations. Nevertheless, the results suggest that under certain circumstances VR contact can increase prejudice as well. We discuss these results in relation to the intergroup perspective (i.e., minority or majority) and target minority groups used in the studies. An analysis of potential mediators and moderators is also carried out. We then identify and address the most pressing theoretical and methodological issues concerning VR as a method to reduce prejudice.
cacna2d3, a voltage-gated calcium channel subunit, functions in vertebrate habituation learning and the startle sensitivity threshold
Authors: Santistevan Nicholas J. , Nelson Jessica C. , Ortiz Elelbin A. , Miller Andrew H. , Kenj Halabi Dima , Sippl Zoë A. , Granato Michael , Grinblat Yevgenya
Published: July 2022

Background

The ability to filter sensory information into relevant versus irrelevant stimuli is a fundamental, conserved property of the central nervous system and is accomplished in part through habituation learning. Synaptic plasticity that underlies habituation learning has been described at the cellular level, yet the genetic regulators of this plasticity remain poorly understood, as do circuits that mediate sensory filtering.

Methods

To identify genes critical for plasticity, a forward genetic screen for zebrafish genes that mediate habituation learning was performed, which identified a mutant allele, doryp177, that caused reduced habituation of the acoustic startle response. In this study, we combine whole-genome sequencing with behavioral analyses to characterize and identify the gene affected in doryp177 mutants.

Results

Whole-genome sequencing identified the calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit alpha-2/delta-3 (cacna2d3) as a candidate gene affected in doryp177 mutants. Behavioral characterization of larvae homozygous for two additional, independently derived mutant alleles of cacna2d3, together with failure of these alleles to complement doryp177, confirmed a critical role for cacna2d3 in habituation learning. Notably, detailed analyses of the acoustic response in mutant larvae also revealed increased startle sensitivity to acoustic stimuli, suggesting a broader role for cacna2d3 in controlling innate response thresholds to acoustic stimuli.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data demonstrate a critical role for cacna2d3 in sensory filtering, a process that is disrupted in human CNS disorders, e.g. ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.
Alpha globin gene copy number and hypertension risk among Black Americans
Authors: Ruhl A. Parker , Jeffries Neal , Yang Yu , Gutierrez Orlando M. , Muntner Paul , Naik Rakhi P. , Pecker Lydia H. , Mott Bryan T. , Zakai Neil A. , Safford Monika M. , Lange Leslie A. , Winkler Cheryl A. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Cushman Mary , Ackerman Hans C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Alpha globin is expressed in the endothelial cells of human resistance arteries where it binds to endothelial nitric oxide synthase and limits release of the vasodilator nitric oxide. Genomic deletion of the alpha globin gene (HBA) is common among Black Americans and could lead to increased endothelial nitric oxide signaling and reduced risk of hypertension.

Methods

Community-dwelling US adults aged 45 years or older were enrolled and examined from 2003 to 2007, followed by telephone every 6 months, and reexamined from 2013 to 2016. At both visits, trained personnel performed standardized, in-home blood pressure measurements and pill bottle review. Prevalent hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg or anti-hypertensive medication use. Droplet digital PCR was used to determine HBA copy number. The associations of HBA copy number with prevalent hypertension, resistant hypertension, and incident hypertension were estimated using multivariable regression.

Results

Among 9,684 Black participants, 7,439 (77%) had hypertension at baseline and 1,044 of those had treatment-resistant hypertension. 1,000 participants were not hypertensive at baseline and participated in a follow up visit; 517 (52%) developed hypertension over median 9.2 years follow-up. Increased HBA copy number was not associated with prevalent hypertension (PR = 1.00; 95%CI 0.98,1.02), resistant hypertension (PR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.86,1.05), or incident hypertension (RR = 0.96; 95%CI 0.86,1.07).

Conclusions

There were no associations between increased HBA copy number and risk of hypertension. These findings suggest that variation in alpha globin gene copy number does not modify the risk of hypertension among Black American adults.