bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of HIV support groups in advancing implementation research in resource-limited settings: experiences from an urban-setting HIV support group in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mazambara Fine , Chagwena Dexter , Mudzviti Tinashe , Sithole Samantha , Monera-Penduka Tsitsi , Maponga Charles C. , Morse Gene D.
Published: February 2022

Support groups for people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have continued to evolve since their emergence over two decades ago. In addition to providing HIV education and fostering psychosocial support, recent efforts have shifted the focus to socio-economic activities and retention in care. The sense of urgency to adopt new treatment and prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates greater engagement of established HIV care programs, especially among researchers seeking to conduct implementation research, promote prevention strategies and optimize treatment as prevention. To maximize the utility of support groups in doing so, efforts to create an organized, collaborative framework should be considered. This paper aims to describe the process of refocusing an adult HIV peer-support group and illustrate how a structured program was strengthened to sustain implementation research in resource-limited settings, while promoting patient recruitment and retention. A multidisciplinary team of scientists supporting an HIV peer-support group spearheaded the implementation process that authored the successes, challenges and lessons documented over eight years. Psychosocial support, nutrition care and support, adherence education and income generating projects were the main interventions employed. The initiative resulted in seven peer-reviewed publications, submission of 23 scientific abstracts, scientific dissemination at 12 international conferences. Eleven research studies and 16 income generating projects were successfully conducted over eight years. More than 900 patients participated in peer-support group activities every month and 400 were engaged in income generating activities. This multidisciplinary structured program was valuable in the retention and recruitment of patients for implementation research and benefits extended to psychosocial support, microeconomic projects, and improved nutrition. The support group contributed to strengthening implementation research through providing a platform for identification of research priorities, patient recruitment and retention in studies and dissemination of research findings.
Strategies to expand corporate autonomy by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage industry: a scoping review of reviews
Authors: Hoe Connie , Weiger Caitlin , Minosa Marela Kay R. , Alonso Fernanda , Koon Adam D. , Cohen Joanna E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Noncommunicable diseases contribute to over 70% of global deaths each year. Efforts to address this epidemic are complicated by the presence of powerful corporate actors. Despite this, few attempts have been made to synthesize existing evidence of the strategies used to advance corporate interests across industries. Given this, our study seeks to answer the questions: 1) Is there an emergent taxonomy of strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industries to expand corporate autonomy? 2) How are these strategies similar and how are they different?

Methods

Under the guidance of a framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley, a scoping review was carried out whereby six databases were searched in June 2021 to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature. To be included in this review, studies had to explicitly discuss the strategies used by the tobacco, alcohol, and/or sugar-sweetened beverage multinational corporations and be considered review articles aimed to synthesize existing evidence from at least one of the three industries. Eight hundred and fifty-eight articles were selected for full review and 59 articles were retained for extraction, analysis, and categorization.

Results

Results identified six key strategies the industries used: 1) influencing government policy making and implementation, 2) challenging unfavorable science, 3) creating a positive image, 4) manipulating markets, 5) mounting legal challenges, and 6) anticipating future scenarios. Despite these similarities, there are few but important differences. Under the strategy of influencing government policy making and implementation, for example, literature showed that the alcohol and SSB industries have been “privileged with high levels of participation” within international public health organizations.

Conclusions

Understanding how industries resist efforts to control them is important for public health advocates working to reduce consumption of and death and diseases resulting from harmful commodities. Moreover, there is a greater need for the public health community to generate consensus about how to ethically engage or not engage with industries that produce unhealthy commodities. More studies are also needed to build the evidence base of industry tactics to resist regulation, particularly in the case of SSB, and in low-and middle-income countries.
Possible involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in the antidepressant activity of Auraptene in mice
Authors: Amini-Khoei Hossein , Nasiri Boroujeni Shakiba , Maghsoudi Forough , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Bijad Elham , Moradi Mohammadtaghi , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: February 2022

Background

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Auraptene (a coumarin derivative) has been shown to possess pharmacological effects on neurological diseases.

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate the possible role of the NO pathway in Auraptene antidepressant effects in male mice.

Methods

Behavioral tests were used to assess depression-like behaviors. The mice received Auraptene at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, the combination of the sub-effective (ineffective) dose of Auraptene (10 mg/kg) and L-NAME, and the combination of the effective dose of Auraptene (30 mg/kg) and L-arginine. Finally, OFT, TST, FST, brain, serum MDA level, antioxidant capacity, hippocampus, and serum NO level were measured.

Results

The data analysis showed that Auraptene (30 mg/kg) improved depression-like behaviors. Auraptene (30 mg/kg) also significantly reduced serum NO levels (P < 0.05) and significantly increased serum MDA (10 mg/kg, P < 0.05). Auraptene at 30 mg/kg also increased serum antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01). Co-administration of L-NAME and the sub-effective dose of Auraptene enhanced the effects of Auraptene. However, co-administration of the effective dose of Auraptene and L-arginine reduced the impacts of Auraptene.

Conclusions

The results showed that Auraptene causes antidepressant effects in a dose-dependent manner and acts as a prooxidant at 100 mg/kg, and exacerbates oxidative stress. The antidepressant effects of this active molecule are exerted by reducing the NO level in the hippocampus and serum, increasing the antioxidant capacity, and reducing the MDA level in the serum.
Modified Delphi procedure-based expert consensus on endpoints for an international disease registry for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy: The European Metachromatic Leukodystrophy initiative (MLDi)
Authors: Schoenmakers Daphne H. , Beerepoot Shanice , van den Berg Sibren , Adang Laura , Bley Annette , Boelens Jaap-Jan , Fumagalli Francesca , Goettsch Wim G. , Grønborg Sabine , Groeschel Samuel , van Hasselt Peter M. , Hollak Carla E. M. , Lindemans Caroline , Mochel Fanny , Mol Peter G. M. , Sevin Caroline , Zerem Ayelet , Schöls Ludger , Wolf Nicole I.
Published: February 2022

Background

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare lysosomal disorder. Patients suffer from relentless neurological deterioration leading to premature death. Recently, new treatment modalities, including gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapy, have been developed. Those advances increase the need for high-quality research infrastructure to adequately compare treatments, execute post-marketing surveillance, and perform health technology assessments (HTA). To facilitate this, a group of MLD experts started the MLD initiative (MLDi) and initiated an academia-led European MLD registry: the MLDi. An expert-based consensus procedure, namely a modified Delphi procedure, was used to determine the data elements required to answer academic, regulatory, and HTA research questions.

Results

Three distinct sets of data elements were defined by the 13-member expert panel. The minimal set (n = 13) contained demographics and basic disease characteristics. The core set (n = 55) included functional status scores in terms of motor, manual, speech and eating abilities, and causal and supportive treatment characteristics. Health-related quality of life scores were included that were also deemed necessary for HTA. The optional set (n = 31) contained additional clinical aspects, such as findings at neurological examination, detailed motor function, presence of peripheral neuropathy, gall bladder involvement and micturition.

Conclusion

Using a modified Delphi procedure with physicians from the main expert centers, consensus was reached on a core set of data that can be collected retrospectively and prospectively. With this consensus-based approach, an important step towards harmonization was made. This unique dataset will support knowledge about the disease and facilitate regulatory requirements related to the launch of new treatments.
Effectiveness of an individualized home-based physical activity program in surgery-free non-endarterectomized asymptomatic stroke patients: a study protocol for the PACAPh interventional randomized trial
Authors: Mura Mathilde , Rivoire Emeraude , Dehina-Khenniche Leila , Weiss-Gayet Michèle , Chazaud Bénédicte , Faes Camille , Connes Philippe , Long Anne , Rytz Chantal L. , Mury Pauline , Delrieu Lidia , Gouraud Etienne , Bordet Marine , Della Schiava Nellie , Lermusiaux Patrick , Arsicot Matthieu , Millon Antoine , Pialoux Vincent
Published: February 2022

Background

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques remain silent until their rupture, which may lead to detrimental ischemic events such as strokes. This is due, in part, to intraplaque hemorrhages (IPH) and the resulting inflammatory processes, which may promote carotid plaque vulnerability. Currently, the benefits of carotid endarterectomy remain unclear for asymptomatic patients. Interestingly, the completion of physical activity (PA) may have beneficial effects; however, the paucity of current data warrants robust longitudinal interventions. We therefore aim to study the effects of a 6-month longitudinal personalized home-based PA program on IPH, biological, and inflammatory markers in asymptomatic stroke patients.

Methods

Eighty patients (≥ 18 years old) will be recruited for the Physical Activity and Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Hemorrhage (PACAPh) clinical trial from the Hospices Civils de Lyon. Patients will be eligible if they present with carotid stenosis ≥ 50% and are asymptomatic from any ischemic events for at least 6 months. Recruited patients will be randomized into either a PA or a control group, and assessed at baseline and after 6 months. At both time points, all patients will be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging to assess IPH, blood sampling to measure inflammatory markers and monocytic phenotyping, PA and sedentary behavior questionnaires, 6-min walking test, and maximal isometric quadricep contraction test. The randomized PA intervention will consist of reaching a daily walking step goal individually tailored to each patient. Steps will be collected using a wirelessly connected wristband. The number of steps completed by individuals in the PA group will be re-evaluated bimonthly to encourage walking habits.

Discussion

The PACAPh study is the first of its kind representing a feasible, easily accessible therapeutic strategy for asymptomatic stroke patients. We hypothesize that the personalized home-based PA program will reduce IPH and modulate inflammatory and biological parameters in patients presenting with carotid plaques. If the results of the PACAPh study prove to be beneficial on such health parameters, the implementation of such kind of intervention in the daily treatment of these patients would be an advantageous and cost-effective practice to adopt globally.

Trial registration

This study has been approved by the National Ethics Committee (IDRCB:2019-A01543-54/SI:19.06.21.40640). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04053166
Autism and chronic ill health: an observational study of symptoms and diagnoses of central sensitivity syndromes in autistic adults
Authors: Grant Sarah , Norton Sam , Weiland Ricarda F. , Scheeren Anke M. , Begeer Sander , Hoekstra Rosa A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Autistic adults, particularly women, are more likely to experience chronic ill health than the general population. Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) are a group of related conditions that are thought to include an underlying sensitisation of the central nervous system; heightened sensory sensitivity is a common feature. Anecdotal evidence suggests autistic adults may be more prone to developing a CSS. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of CSS diagnoses and symptoms in autistic adults, and to explore whether CSS symptoms were related to autistic traits, mental health, sensory sensitivity, or gender.

Methods

The full sample of participants included 973 autistic adults (410 men, 563 women, mean age = 44.6) registered at the Netherlands Autism Register, who completed questionnaires assessing autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, CSS, physical and mental health symptoms. The reliability and validity of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in an autistic sample was established using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Chi2 analyses, independent t-tests, hierarchical regression and path analysis were used to analyse relationships between CSS symptoms, autistic traits, measures of mental health and wellbeing, sensory sensitivity, age and gender.

Results

21% of participants reported one or more CSS diagnosis, and 60% scored at or above the clinical cut-off for a CSS. Autistic women were more likely to report a CSS diagnosis and experienced more CSS symptoms than men. Sensory sensitivity, anxiety, age and gender were significant predictors of CSS symptoms, with sensory sensitivity and anxiety fully mediating the relationship between autistic traits and CSS symptoms.

Limitations

Although this study included a large sample of autistic adults, we did not have a control group or a CSS only group. We also could not include a non-binary group due to lack of statistical power.

Conclusions

CSS diagnoses and symptoms appear to be very common in the autistic population. Increased awareness of an association between autism and central sensitisation should inform clinicians and guide diagnostic practice, particularly for women where CSS are common and autism under recognised.
Generalization of Montgomery identity via Taylor formula on time scales
Authors: Malik Sumaiya , Khan Khuram Ali , Nosheen Ammara , Awan Khalid Mahmood
Published: February 2022

In the current paper, a generalized Montgomery identity is obtained with the help of Taylor’s formula on time scales. The obtained identity is used to establish Ostrowski inequality, mid-point inequality, and trapezoid inequality. Moreover, the weighted versions of generalized Montgomery identity and respective Ostrowski inequality are also discussed. Special cases are obtained for different time scales to obtain new and existing results.
Internal feedback stabilization of multi-dimensional wave equations with a boundary delay: a numerical study
Authors: Ammari Kaïs , Chentouf Boumediène , Smaoui Nejib
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we consider two internal stabilization problems for the multi-dimensional wave equation with a boundary time-delay. We prove that the first problem is well-posed in an appropriate functional space. Subsequently, we numerically study the exponential stability in a two-dimensional case under Geometric Control Condition (GCC) derived by Lebeau. In addition, we provide a numerical investigation of the second wave system, which corresponds to the two-dimensional variant of the system studied by Datko et al.
Numerical and Empirical Models for Service Life Assessment of RC Structures in Marine Environment
Authors: Chen Xuandong , Ming Yang , Fu Feng , Chen Ping
Published: February 2022

The service life prediction of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in marine environment is essential in structural repair and health monitoring. In this paper, a numerical model for predicting the service life of reinforced concrete is first developed which considering the time-varying boundary of chloride concentration, critical chloride concentration and density of corrosion current. Based on the model, the effects of water–cement ratio, reinforcement diameter, concrete cover thickness and critical chloride ion concentration on the service life and deterioration duration of RC structures are investigated. The key factors affecting the service life of reinforced concrete structures are determined. More importantly, based on regression analysis, a new simplified empirical model for predicting the service life of RC structures is also developed. It provides a fast assessment tool for practical engineers. Both the numerical model and empirical model validated are suitable for practical engineering applications. The results show that with the increase of water–cement ratio, the service life of reinforced concrete structure decreases exponentially. And with the increase of the thickness of the concrete cover, the service life, deterioration duration, and safety reserve increase linearly. However, the influence of the diameter of the reinforcing bar on the service life can be ignored.
Economic and emotional impact of COVID-19 pandemic on phoniatricians’ practice in Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Aisha Fawzy Abdel Hady , Sheikhany Ayatallah Raouf
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID-19 is not only a health crisis; it has the potential to create devastating social, as well as economic crises. Health care practitioners are the category with the highest diffusion of the contagion. The aim was to determine the economic and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on phoniatricians in Egypt in an attempt to analyze this data to determine the magnitude of this effect and if it is age and/or location specific.

Subjects and methods

An online structured Google-free form survey composed of 49 questions was created and sent online to phoniatricians all over Egypt. The survey was divided into three sections about demographic, economical then emotional-related questions. The studied group was further subdivided into 2 groups according to age and location for comparison purposes.

Results

82.5% of phoniatricians confirmed that the pandemic had a lot of negative impact on their practice. About 37.5% reduced their practices to urgent procedures and the same percentage closed their practice. The expenses of 56.3% exceeded their income. 91.2% had negative feelings when thinking about the pandemic. The economic problems have affected 71.3% of the participants emotionally. The pandemic had comparable negative impact on the economic and emotional aspects of both age groups. However, the younger age group suffered more from getting infected, and they thought more about career shift and was the group that needed psychological support during the pandemic. Outside Cairo organizations succeeded in providing the personal protective equipment to the phoniatricians in comparison to Cairo.

Conclusion

COVID-19 had a negative effect on the economical and emotional aspects of Egyptian phoniatricians’ lives. The pandemic economic burden was related to quarantine period, heath problems and getting infected, family requirements, and purchasing the protective equipment. The emotional burden was related most to the pandemic hazards and financial effect on the clients and chance of losing job. Few effects were age- and location-specific.
The current state of acute oncology training for emergency physicians: a narrative review
Authors: Bischof Jason J. , Caterino Jeffrey M. , Creditt Angela B. , Wattana Monica K. , Pettit Nicholas R.
Published: February 2022

Patients with cancer represent a growing population of patients seeking acute care in emergency departments (ED) nationwide. Emergency physicians are expected to provide excellent, consistent care to all ED patients; however, emergency medicine (EM) education and training of acute oncology is lacking.

To explore this topic, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Oncologic Emergencies Interest Group recruited experts in the field to provide a narrative description of the current state of EM education relating to acute oncology. This review of expert opinions explores the current state of acute oncology education in EM and identifies key content gaps that merit early investment.

Current emergency physician training and knowledge relating to acute oncology likely reflects the American Board of Emergency Medicine Model of Clinical Practice. Key topics such as immunotherapy are absent from the most recent revision of the Model of Clinical Practice and consequently represent a knowledge gap for large numbers of emergency physicians. Additionally, there is limited penetration of guideline-based care for symptom management in the ED setting. As such, additional attention should be provided to training programs and research efforts to address these knowledge gaps.

In conclusion, the current state of acute oncology education and training of emergency physicians is lacking and merits significant investment to assure the ability of emergency physicians to provide superior care for the growing population of patients with cancer.
Mapping Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial Collaborative Groups on the Global Stage
Authors: Major Ajay , Palese Monica , Ermis Ebru , James Anthony , Villarroel Milena , Klussmann Federico Antillon , Hessissen Laila , Geel Jennifer , Khan Muhammad Saghir , Dalvi Rashmi , Sullivan Michael , Kearns Pamela , Frazier A. Lindsay , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Nakagawara Akira , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Volchenboum Samuel L.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

The global pediatric oncology clinical research landscape, particularly in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, which bear the highest burden of global childhood cancer cases, is less characterized in the literature. Review of how existing pediatric cancer clinical trial groups internationally have been formed and how their research goals have been pursued is critical for building global collaborative research and data-sharing efforts, in line with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.

METHODS

A narrative literature review of collaborative groups performing pediatric cancer clinical research in each continent was conducted. An inventory of research groups was assembled and reviewed by current pediatric cancer regional and continental leaders. Each group was narratively described with identification of common structural and research themes among consortia.

RESULTS

There is wide variability in the structure, history, and goals of pediatric cancer clinical trial collaborative groups internationally. Several continental regions have longstanding endogenously-formed clinical trial groups that have developed and published numerous adapted treatment regimens to improve outcomes, whereas other regions have consortia focused on developing foundational database registry infrastructure supported by large multinational organizations or twinning relationships.

CONCLUSION

There cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to increasing collaboration between international pediatric cancer clinical trial groups, as this requires a nuanced understanding of local stakeholders and resources necessary to form partnerships. Needs assessments, performed either by local consortia or in conjunction with international partners, have generated productive clinical trial infrastructure. To achieve the goals of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, global partnerships must be sufficiently granular to account for the distinct needs of each collaborating group and should incorporate grassroots approaches, robust twinning relationships, and implementation science.
Curious Effect of Isotope-Labelled Substrate/Co-Enzyme on Catalytic Activity of CO2 Reduction by Formate Dehydrogenase from Candida Boidinii
Authors: Sato Ryohei , Amao Yutaka
Published: February 2022

The effects of isotope-labelled NADH and CO2 on formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii (CbFDH)-catalyzed CO2 reduction activity were investigated. It was found that the rate of CO2 reduction to formate with CbFDH decreased by using deuterium-labelled NADH (NADH-d4) as a co-enzyme. In contrast, the rate of CbFDH-catalyzed CO2 reduction to formate was unchanged in the use of 13CO2 as a substrate. In the substrate 12CO2 and 13CO2 is mixed, however, curious phenomenon on CbFDH-catalyzed CO2 reduction activity decrease was observed.
Case Report: Ovarian metastasis revealing primary gall bladder carcinoma
Authors: Bettaieb Hajer , Souayeh Nesrine , Ben Nar Mehdi , Mezghani Sana , Khanchel Fatma , Mbarki Wael , Laifi Safa , Helal Imen , Oueslati Hedhili , Hsayaoui Najeh , Mbarki Chaouki
Published: February 2022

Ovaries can be an elective metastatic site for many cancers mostly in gastrointestinal tract, breast and endometrial cancers. Gallbladder and bile ducts cancers are rare, accounting for few ovarian metastatic tumors. We report a case of bilateral metastatic ovarian of gallbladder carcinoma in a 44 years old woman. Patient had pelvic pain, anorexia, weight loss and decreased visual acuity. Imagery showed bilateral ovarian tumor and polyp in the gallbladder.  Furthermore, there were metastasis to the liver, lungs and choroid plexus. Liver biopsy confirmed the metastatic origin from gallbladder cancer. Patient underwent surgery. She had total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, omentectomy and cholecystectomy.  She passed away six months later, after refusing additional adjuvant therapy.
McKean–Vlasov Optimal Control: Limit Theory and Equivalence Between Different Formulations
Authors: Djete Mao Fabrice , Possamaï Dylan , Tan Xiaolu
Published: February 2022

We study a McKean–Vlasov optimal control problem with common noise in order to establish the corresponding limit theory as well as the equivalence between different formulations, including strong, weak, and relaxed formulations. In contrast to the strong formulation, in which the problem is formulated on a fixed probability space equipped with two Brownian filtrations, the weak formulation is obtained by considering a more general probability space with two filtrations satisfying an (H)-hypothesis type condition from the theory of enlargement of filtrations. When the common noise is uncontrolled, our relaxed formulation is obtained by considering a suitable controlled martingale problem. As for classic optimal control problems, we prove that the set of all relaxed controls is the closure of the set of all strong controls when considered as probability measures on the canonical space. Consequently, we obtain the equivalence of the different formulations of the control problem under additional mild regularity conditions on the reward functions. This is also a crucial technical step to prove the limit theory of the McKean–Vlasov control problem, that is, proving that it consists in the limit of a large population control problem with common noise.
Greek Myths to Co-Build Teacher Identity: Perceptions of Students in the Master of Education Research
Authors: Giner-Gomis Antonio , Iglesias-Martinez Marcos Jesús , Lozano-Cabezas Inés , Brenes-Maltez Perla Mayela
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to promote the use of metaphorical stories based on classical Greek myths in academic teacher training. The aim is to favour processes of personal assemblage and the constitution of teacher identity. Based on 8 classical myths, 4 of them featuring a female character and another 4 a male character, the group of participants narrated positive as well as disappointing experiences they had lived through during their academic training. Moreover, they selected the myths, among those proposed, that provided the metaphors that best described their specific personal trajectories. Adopting a qualitative approach, we followed a narrative-biographical tradition and collected 37 stories. This narrative corpus was analysed using the AQUAD software. The results showed that classical Greek myths contain and provide a powerful and illuminating narrative scaffolding, helping students to adopt a different perspective in the narration of their own academic trajectories. The myths equally helped them to become more aware of the most genuine life and personal experiences that shaped their own teacher identity.
Detection of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize field in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
Authors: Mukkun Lince , KLEDEN YASINTA LETEK , SIMAMORA AGNES VIRGINIA
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Mukkun L, Kleden YL, Simamora AV. 2021. Detection of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize field in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 5: 20-26. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a pest originating from America and rapidly spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia. In January 2020, armyworm attacks appeared on maize plantations in several districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia one of which is in East Flores District. This study aimed to identify S. frugiperda occurrence in East Flores District and to determine the damage intensity of S. frugiperda and the population of larvae on the maize plant. The maize fields were surveyed, and purposive sampling technique was used to assess the maize plants damaged by armyworm. Observations were made on the symptoms of the damage, identification of armyworm species, percentage of attacked corn plants, the intensity of the infestation, and maize cultivars planted by farmers. The results showed that S. frugiperda caused severe damage of 85 to 100% of the cultivated maize plants with damage intensity on a scale of 6 to 9. The larval population was relatively high, ranging from 1 to 28 per plant with an average of 6.65 in West Solor Subdistrict, while in Ile Mandiri Subdistrict, it ranged from 1 to 7 larvae per plant with an average of 2.55 per plant on heads.
Desire, acceptability, and expected resolution: A latent class analysis of current pregnancy orientation in the United States
Authors: Arcara Jennet , Caton Lauren , Gómez Anu Manchikanti
Published: February 2022

Background

Scant research has examined latent and contextual dimensions of pregnancy intentions, conventionally classifying unintended pregnancies as mistimed (wanted later) or unwanted (not wanted at all). Being at risk of mistimed pregnancy likely encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions and expectations regarding pregnancy and merits further exploration.

Method

Using a national sample from GfK's online KnowledgePanel of women aged 15–39 considered at risk of mistimed pregnancy in 2017 (n = 1278), we conducted a latent class analysis to assess underlying patterns of current pregnancy orientation using three items: pregnancy desire, pregnancy acceptability, and expected pregnancy resolution. As class structure varied by relationship status (serious or not), we stratified analyses by relationship status.

Results

Among women in serious relationships, three classes emerged: “No,” “Slightly okay,” and “Acceptable.” For those not in serious relationships, there were two classes: “Strong no” and “Ambiguous.” Overall, the classes indicate varied patterns of wantedness, acceptability, and anticipated resolution to potential pregnancy.

Conclusions

This analysis reinforces that the construct of mistimed pregnancy is too restrictive to reflect the inherent diversity of prospective pregnancy orientation. The combination of relationship type as a grouping variable for stratified analyses, financial hardships' impact, and the overall effect of increasing age on increasing interest in pregnancy suggest the importance of locating pregnancy intentions within the broader reproductive life course. Scholars, clinicians, and public health programs should allow for multidimensionality of pregnancy perspectives, locate them within the broader life course, and acknowledge the potential impacts of stratified relationship formation on eventual pregnancy intentions.
Fourier-method beam analysis for coherent vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays
Authors: Strzebonski Pawel , North William , Choquette Kent D.
Published: February 2022

Effective engineering and exploitation of coherently coupled vertical
cavity surface emitting laser arrays will benefit from simple and fast
characterization of the optical coupling and coherence. We propose a
Fourier method of analyzing beam profiles as an alternative to the
prior beam visibility analysis and show that the mode suppression
ratio and phase between a pair of supermodes can be extracted. Our
analysis enables fast quantitative determination of the array
coherence and supermode characteristics.
Nanotubes as sinks for quantum particles
Authors: Valagiannopoulos Constantinos
Published: February 2022

Nanotubes with proper thickness, size, and texture make ultra-efficient sinks for quantum particles traveling into specific background media. Several optimal semiconducting cylindrical layers are reported to achieve enhancement in the trapping of matter waves by two to three orders of magnitude. The identified shells can be used as pieces in quantum devices that involve the focusing of incident beams, spanning from charge pumps and superconducting capacitors to radiation pattern controllers and matter-wave lenses.
Bound state in the continuum in an anisotropic photonic crystal supported by a full-wave phase plate
Authors: Pankin Pavel S. , Maksimov Dmitrii N. , Timofeev Ivan V.
Published: February 2022

We consider bound states in the continuum (BICs) in a 1D multilayered system of an anisotropic defect layer embedded into an anisotropic photonic crystal. We analytically demonstrate that an anisotropic defect layer embedded into anisotropic photonic crystal supports accidental BICs. These BICs can be transformed to high-Q resonances by variation of one of the system’s parameters. At the same time, the BICs are remarkably robust in the sense that a true BIC can be recovered by further tuning any of the system’s other parameters, leading to tunability of the resonance position.
High sensitivity fiber cladding SPR strain sensor based on V-groove structure
Authors: Wei Yong , Li Lingling , Liu Chunlan , Wang Rui , Zhao Xiaoling , Ran Ze , Ren Zhuo , Jiang Tianci
Published: February 2022

How to couple the light in the fiber core to the cladding is an urgent issue that need to be done for the fabrication of the fiber-cladding SPR sensor, and there is no report about the fiber SPR strain sensor. Hereby, we propose and demonstrate a high sensitivity fiber cladding SPR strain sensor based on V-groove structure. By CO2 laser, the V-groove is fabricated on the single-mode fiber, and the light in the fiber core is effectively coupled to the cladding. The cladding 2cm behind the V-groove is coated with sensing gold film, and a multimode fiber is spliced with the sensing probe to construct the novel fiber cladding SPR sensor. On the basis of the investigation of the effects of different V-groove depth, number and period on the performance of fiber SPR refractive index sensor, a high sensitivity strain SPR sensor is designed and fabricated by employing the characteristic that the V-groove will deform with strain. The testing results indicate that the average refractive index sensitivity of the sensor is 2896.4nm/RIU, and the strain wavelength sensitivity is 25.92pm/µε which is much higher than that of the fiber interference and grating strain sensors, and the strain light intensity sensitivity is -4.4×10−4 a.u./µε. The proposed fiber cladding SPR strain sensor has the advantages of simple structure and convenient manufacture, and can be used for working in a narrow space.
Static coded aperture in robotic X-ray tomography systems
Authors: Mao Tianyi , Ma Xu , Cuadros Angela P. , Dai XiuBin , Wang Zhiteng , Zhang Xin , Zhu Shujin , Zhu Jianjian , Arce Gonzalo R.
Published: February 2022

Coded aperture X-ray computed tomography is a computational imaging technique capable of reconstructing inner structures of an object from a reduced set of X-ray projection measurements. Coded apertures are placed in front of the X-ray sources from different views and thus significantly reduce the radiation dose. This paper introduces coded aperture X-ray computed tomography for robotic X-ray systems which offer positioning flexibility. While single coded-aperture 3D tomography was recently introduced for standard trajectory CT scanning, it is shown that significant gains in imaging performance can be attained by simple modifications in the CT scanning trajectories enabled by emerging dual robotic CT systems. In particular, the subject is fixed on a plane and the CT system uniformly rotates around the r −axis which is misaligned with the coordinate axes. A single stationary coded aperture is placed on front of the robotic X-ray source above the plane and the corresponding X-ray projections are measured by a two-dimensional detector on the second arm of the robotic system. The compressive measurements with misalignment enable the reconstruction of high-resolution three-dimensional volumetric images from the low-resolution coded projections on the detector at a sub-sampling rate. An efficient algorithm is proposed to generate the rotation matrix with two basic sub-matrices and thus the forward model is formulated. The stationary coded aperture is designed based on the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis and the direct binary search algorithm is used to obtain the optimized coded aperture. Simulations using simulated datasets show significant gains in reconstruction performance compared to conventional coded aperture CT systems.
To focus-match or not to focus-match inverse spatially offset Raman spectroscopy: a question of light penetration
Authors: Shillito Georgina E. , Mcmillan Lewis , Bruce Graham D. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: February 2022

The ability to identify the contents of a sealed container, without the need to extract a sample, is desirable in applications ranging from forensics to product quality control. One technique suited to this is inverse spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (ISORS) which illuminates a sample of interest with an annular beam of light and collects Raman scattering from the center of the ring, thereby retrieving the chemical signature of the contents while suppressing signal from the container. Here we explore in detail the relative benefits of a recently developed variant of ISORS, called focus-matched ISORS. In this variant, the Fourier relationship between the annular beam and a tightly focused Bessel beam is exploited to focus the excitation light inside the sample and to match the focal point of excitation and collection optics to increase the signal from the contents without compromising the suppression of the container signal. Using a flexible experimental setup which can realize both traditional and focus-matched ISORS, and Monte-Carlo simulations, we elucidate the relative advantages of the two techniques for a range of optical properties of sample and container.
Spectral phase sensitivity of frequency resolved optical switching for broadband IR pulse characterization
Authors: Longa Adrien , Kumar Mayank , Lassonde Philippe , Ibrahim Heide , Legare Francois , Leblanc Adrien
Published: February 2022

In this work, we demonstrate the sensitivity of the frequency-resolved optical switching (FROSt) technique to detect a small amount of spectral phase shift for the precise characterization of ultrashort laser pulses. We characterized fs pulses centered at 1.75 µm that are spectrally broadened up to 700 nm of bandwidth in a hollow-core fiber and subsequently compressed down to 2.3 optical cycle duration by propagation in the air at atmospheric pressure. By inserting thin fused silica windows of different thicknesses in the beam path, we accurately retrieve group delay dispersion (GDD) variations as small as 10 fs2. Such GDD variations correspond to a change of the pulse duration of only 0.2 fs for a Fourier transform limited 2-cycle pulse at 1.75 µm (i.e., 11.8 fs). The capability to measure such tiny temporal variations thus demonstrates that the FROSt technique has sufficient sensitivity to precisely characterize single-cycle pulses.
Experimental study on the impact of signal bandwidth on the transverse mode instability threshold of fiber amplifiers
Authors: Ren Shuai , Lai Wenchang , Wang Guangjian , Li Wei , Song Jiaxin , Chen Yisha , Ma Pengfei , Liu Wei , Zhou Pu
Published: February 2022

In this work, we conduct a detailed experimental study on the impact of signal bandwidth on the TMI threshold of fiber amplifiers. Both the filtered superfluorescent fiber sources and the phase-modulated single-frequency lasers are employed to construct seed lasers with different 3 dB spectral linewidths ranging from 0.19 nm to 7.97 nm. The TMI threshold of the fiber amplifier employing those seed lasers are estimated through the intensity evolution of the signal laser, and different criteria have been utilized to characterize the spectral linewidth of the seed lasers. Notably, the experimental results reveal that the TMI threshold of fiber amplifiers grows, keeps constant, and further grows as a function of spectral linewidth of seed lasers. Our experimental results could provide a well reference to understand the mechanism of the TMI effect and optimize the TMI effect in high-power fiber amplifiers.
Incorporating the effects of objects in an approximate model of light transport in scattering media
Authors: Bentz Brian Z. , Pattyn Christian A. , van der Laan John D. , Redman Brian J. , Glen Andrew , Sanchez Andres L. , Westlake Karl , Wright Jeremy B.
Published: February 2022

A computationally efficient radiative transport model is presented that predicts a camera measurement and accounts for the light reflected and blocked by an object in a scattering medium. The model is in good agreement with experimental data acquired at the Sandia National Laboratory Fog Chamber Facility (SNLFC). The model is applicable in computational imaging to detect, localize, and image objects hidden in scattering media. Here, a statistical approach was implemented to study object detection limits in fog.
Deep-learning-based computer-generated hologram from a stereo image pair
Authors: Chang Chenliang , Wang Di , Zhu Dongchen , Li Jiamao , Xia Jun , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: February 2022

We propose a deep-learning-based approach to producing computer-generated holograms (CGHs) of real-world scenes. We design an end-to-end convolutional neural network (the Stereo-to-Hologram Network, SHNet) framework that takes a stereo image pair as input and efficiently synthesizes a monochromatic 3D complex hologram as output. The network is able to rapidly and straightforwardly calculate CGHs from the directly recorded images of real-world scenes, eliminating the need for time-consuming intermediate depth recovery and diffraction-based computations. We demonstrate the 3D reconstructions with clear depth cues obtained from the SHNet-based CGHs by both numerical simulations and optical holographic virtual reality display experiments.
Interactions between mobile genetic elements: An anti-phage gene in an integrative and conjugative element protects host cells from predation by a temperate bacteriophage
Authors: Johnson Christopher M. , Harden M. Michael , Grossman Alan D.
Published: February 2022

Most bacterial genomes contain horizontally acquired and transmissible mobile genetic elements, including temperate bacteriophages and integrative and conjugative elements. Little is known about how these elements interact and co-evolved as parts of their host genomes. In many cases, it is not known what advantages, if any, these elements provide to their bacterial hosts. Most strains ofBacillus subtiliscontain the temperate phage SPß and the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1. Here we show that the presence of ICEBs1in cells protects populations ofB.subtilisfrom predation by SPß, likely providing selective pressure for the maintenance of ICEBs1inB.subtilis. A single gene in ICEBs1(yddK, now calledspbKfor SPß killing) was both necessary and sufficient for this protection.spbKinhibited production of SPß, during both activation of a lysogen and followingde novoinfection. We found that expressionspbK, together with the SPß geneyonEconstitutes an abortive infection system that leads to cell death.spbKencodes a TIR (Toll-interleukin-1 receptor)-domain protein with similarity to some plant antiviral proteins and animal innate immune signaling proteins. We postulate that many uncharacterized cargo genes in ICEs may confer selective advantage to cells by protecting against other mobile elements.
Intravenous administration of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and umbilical cord improves neuropathic pain via suppression of neuronal damage and anti-inflammatory actions in rats
Authors: Miyano Kanako , Ikehata Minori , Ohshima Kaori , Yoshida Yuki , Nose Yasuhiro , Yoshihara Sei-ichi , Oki Katsuyuki , Shiraishi Seiji , Uzu Miaki , Nonaka Miki , Higami Yoshikazu , Uezono Yasuhito
Published: February 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are isolated from adipose tissue (AD-MSCs), umbilical cord (UC-MSCs), or bone marrow, have therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. It was recently reported that MSCs are also effective as a therapeutic treatment for neuropathic pain, although the underlying mechanisms have yet to be resolved. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of human AD- and UC-MSCs on neuropathic pain and its mechanisms using rat models of partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). AD- or UC-MSCs were intravenously administered 4 days after PSNL. Antinociceptive effects were then evaluated using the von Frey and weight-bearing tests. We found that, 3–9 days after the administration of AD- or UC-MSCs to PSNL-exposed rats, both the mechanical threshold and differences in weight-bearing of the right and left hind paws were significantly improved. To reveal the potential underlying antinociceptive mechanisms of MSCs, the levels of activation transcription factor 3- and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells were measured by immunohistochemical analysis. AD- and UC-MSCs significantly decreased the levels of these proteins that were induced by PSNL in the dorsal root ganglia. Additionally, UC-MSC significantly improved the PSNL-induced decrease in the myelin basic protein level in the sciatic nerve, indicating that UC-MSC reversed demyelination of the sciatic nerve produced by PSNL. These data suggest that AD- and UC-MSCs may help in the recovery of neuropathic pain via the different regulation; AD-MSCs exhibited their effects via suppressed neuronal damage and anti-inflammatory actions, while UC-MSCs exhibited their effects via suppressed neuronal damage, anti-inflammatory actions and remyelination.