bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TANGO: effect of tango Argentino on cancer-associated fatigue in breast cancer patients—study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oei Shiao Li , Rieser Thomas , Becker Sarah , Groß Jessica , Matthes Harald , Schad Friedemann , Thronicke Anja
Published: December 2021

Background

The majority of breast cancer patients suffer from persistent impairments after completion of their primary oncological therapy. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in particular is a multidimensional syndrome having a profound negative impact on the quality of life. To counter CRF symptoms, physical activities are suggested as first-line interventions, mind-body therapies have been shown to be effective, and music therapy can also reduce anxiety and stress in breast cancer patients. Tango therapy that combines various elements can have an impact on physical, psychological, and cognitive abilities and could therefore have a beneficial effect on breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a 6-week tango module is suited as a therapeutic approach for people after primary breast cancer therapy to favorably influence their quality of life, especially CRF levels.

Methods

Sixty patients with a diagnosis for stage I–III breast cancer 12–48 months before enrollment and with CRF (age > 18) will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to a tango or a waiting-list group. Movement concepts using elements of Argentine tango (self-awareness, musical and spatial perception, self-perception, playfulness, shared experience) will be examined with the participants during six consecutive weekly 1-h tango sessions. The primary outcome will be the improvement of CRF (German version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale), and the secondary outcomes will be the improvement in sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Patient-reported outcomes will be measured at baseline and 6 weeks later; follow-up will be performed 6, 12, and 24 months after baseline. An evaluation will be performed by means of descriptive data analyses.

Discussion

Argentine tango, as a music-based movement therapy, can influence different skills and may improve several outcomes. The therapeutic use of Argentine tango in the care of breast cancer patients has not yet been reported. It is anticipated that participants receiving the tango module will have improved CRF, sleep, and quality of life scores compared to a waitlist control.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS) DRKS00021601. Retrospectively registered on 21 August 2020
The association of antidiabetic medications and Mini-Mental State Examination scores in patients with diabetes and dementia
Authors: Secnik Juraj , Xu Hong , Schwertner Emilia , Hammar Niklas , Alvarsson Michael , Winblad Bengt , Eriksdotter Maria , Garcia-Ptacek Sara , Religa Dorota
Published: December 2021

Background

The effect of antidiabetic medication on cognitive function is unclear. We analyzed the association between five antidiabetic drugs and change in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in patients with diabetes and dementia.

Methods

Using the Swedish Dementia Registry and four supplementary Swedish registers/databases, we identified 1873 patients (4732 observations) with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (diabetes) and Alzheimer’s disease or mixed-pathology dementia who were followed up at least once after dementia diagnosis. Use of metformin, insulin, sulfonylurea, thiazolidinediones (TZD), and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) was identified at baseline. Prevalent-user, incident-user, and drug-drug cohorts were sampled, and propensity-score matching was used to analyze comparable subjects. Beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from the random intercept and slope linear mixed-effects models determined the association between the use of antidiabetic medications and decline in MMSE score points between the follow-ups. Inverse-probability weighting was used to account for patient dropout.

Results

Compared to non-users, prevalent users of metformin (beta 0.89, 95% CI 0.44; 1.33) and DPP-4i (0.72, 0.06; 1.37) experienced a slower cognitive decline with time. Secondly, compared to DPP-4i, the use of insulin (−1.00, −1.95; −0.04) and sulfonylureas (−1.19; −2.33; −0.04) was associated with larger point-wise decrements in MMSE with annual intervals.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with diabetes and dementia, the use of metformin and DPP-4i was associated with a slower decline in MMSE scores. Further examination of the cognitive effects of metformin and incretin-based medications is warranted.
It’s time to eliminate the mismatch between pediatric training and practice
Authors: Oberklaid Frank
Published: December 2021

The quality of pediatric clinical practice is dependent on the training received during residency. It is assumed that the content of the training will adequately prepare pediatricians for the sorts of problems and issues they will be asked to manage in community settings. While over the past several decades there have been major changes in pediatric morbidity, there is evidence that training and service delivery models have not evolved; there is a significant mismatch between training and evidence-based clinical practice. A recent paper published in this journal (1) drew attention to the inadequacy of pediatricians’ training in child development. The reality of major gaps in the content and experiences of pediatric training in Israel are widely held, and there have been repeated calls for an increased focus on community child health and developmental and behavioural pediatrics. While it appears that finally there are some small initial steps to this end, it is strongly recommended that there be a long overdue, radical rethink of pediatric training programs.
Methodological quality and reporting standards in systematic reviews with meta-analysis of physical activity studies: a report from the Strengthening the Evidence in Exercise Sciences Initiative (SEES Initiative)
Authors: Oliveira Nórton Luís , Botton Cíntia Ehlers , De Nardi Angélica Trevisan , Umpierre Daniel
Published: December 2021

Background

Several resources have been developed (e.g., reporting guidelines) to promote high-standard practices in health research. However, there was no continuous and systematic assessment of recommended practices in published systematic reviews with meta-analysis (SRMAs), which increases the usability of the available resources. Therefore, we aimed to assess the methodological and reporting standards in SRMAs of physical activity studies. This report presents the main results of the SEES Initiative in 2019.

Methods

Our approach is based on a prospective systematic review methodology to implement post-publication surveillance of research practices in exercise sciences. Briefly, during the year 2019, pre-specified searches were conducted monthly (PubMed/MEDLINE) in journals from the exercise sciences (n = 9) and medicine (n = 5). The assessments were independently conducted by two authors, based on 36 items/practices derived from established statements/tools (PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, ROBIS). To be eligible, SRMAs should summarize studies that had, at least, one arm consisting of physical activity interventions/exposures and one health or behavioral outcome.

Results

Out of 1028 studies assessed for eligibility, 103 SRMAs were included. The minimum adherence was 13/36 items, whereas only one SRMA adhered to all items. Some highly contemplated items included identification of title as SRMA (97.1%) and descriptions of the main outcome in the abstract (95.1%) and risk of bias (RoB) assessment (95.1%). Some poorly contemplated items included publicly available protocol (4.9%), discussion of the results in light of RoB in studies included (32.0%), and data sharing statements (35.9%).

Conclusion

In summary, there is a suboptimal adherence to recommended practices on methodological quality and reporting standards in the SRMAs of physical activity intervention/exposure evaluated from the selected journals in 2019, which likely reduce the reproducibility and usefulness of these studies. This incipient evidence from our first 12 months of post-publication surveillance should serve as a call for attention and action for multiple stakeholders (e.g., authors, reviewers, editors, funders, academic institutions) in this important health research field.
High perturbations of a new Kirchhoff problem involving the p-Laplace operator
Authors: Zhang Zhongyi , Song Yueqiang
Published: December 2021

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Patient, medical and legal perspectives on reentry: the need for a low-barrier, collaborative, patient-centered approach
Authors: Pulitzer Zoe , Box Maria , Hansen Laura , Tiruneh Yordanos M. , Nijhawan Ank E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Worldwide, the United States has the highest incarceration rate per capita. Thousands of people are released from US correctional facilities each year, including many who are impacted by HIV infection and substance use disorder (SUD), two frequently comorbid conditions that present multiple challenges upon reentry. Reentry and care engagement research involving justice-involved people with HIV (PWH) with comorbid SUD has been largely limited to the perspective of those released. To formulate effective interventions for this population aimed at maintaining health and reducing recidivism, it is crucial to collect data from formerly incarcerated individuals with firsthand experience of the reentry process as well as other actors within the reentry framework. Insights from medical and legal service providers working in reentry systems have the potential to address key implementation concerns. To inform an intervention aimed at helping recently-released individuals PWH and SUD, we conducted a qualitative study to assess barriers and facilitators to community reentry from the perspectives of diverse consumers and providers of medical, legal, and reentry services.

Results

Fifteen stakeholders within Dallas County participated in in-person interviews. Results indicated that 1) Patients/clients emphasized psychosocial support and individual attitude more than medical and legal participants, who chiefly focused on logistical factors such as finances, housing, and transportation; 2) Patients/clients expressed both medical and legal needs during the reentry period, though medical providers and participants from legal entities mainly expressed concerns limited to their respective scopes of work; 3) All three participant groups underscored the need for a low-barrier, collaborative, patient-centered approach to reentry with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency.

Conclusions

Findings support and extend existing literature detailing the barriers and facilitators to successful reentry. Our findings underscore the notion that an effective reentry intervention addresses both medical and legal needs, includes an individualized approach that incorporates psychosocial needs, and focuses on establishing self-sufficiency.
Investigation of soil nutrients and associated rhizobacterial communities in different sugarcane genotypes in relation to sugar content
Authors: Khan Abdullah , Wang Ziting , Chen Zhengxia , Bu Junyao , Adnan Muhammad , Zhang Muqing
Published: December 2021

Background

Plant microbiomes and soil are bridged by rhizobacteria, maintaining and improving plant health and growth in different aspects. This study was conducted in the field station of the Guangxi University, Fusui, China. We investigated soil nutrients, root morphology and rhizosphere bacterial composition, and community structures in 18 sugarcane genotypes concerning sugar content under the same environmental condition.

Results

Most of the rhizosphere microbiomes of these genotypes exhibited similar bacterial compositions. However, the evaluated genotypes harbored a significant effect and difference in the abundance of operational taxonomic units and bacterial composition in the rhizosphere compartments. Alpha diversity analysis on the rhizosphere microbiome showed a significant difference in the bacterial diversity (Shannon index, p < 0.001) and OTU richness (Chao1, p < 0.001). The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the genotype replicated samples grouped, indicating their similarity. Besides, these genotypes also differed significantly in terms of root structure and soil properties. A significant genotypic effect (p < 0.05) was found in the root traits except for rooting depth. The soil chemical properties were significantly different among the evaluated genotypes. Furthermore, sucrose content was strongly correlated with the total root length (TRL) and rooting depth. Genotypes (FN-1702, GUC-3, ZZ-13, ZZ-10, ZZ-6) were the best performing and distinct in bacterial diversity, root structure, soil parameters and sucrose content.

Conclusion

The results showed a closely related and highly conserved bacterial community of the rhizosphere microbiome. The rhizosphere microbiome diversity and related bacterial communities were highly associated with the relevant plant taxa, probably at the order level. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the host genotype and the same environmental condition influenced the rhizosphere microbiome via root phenes. Future research regarding plant phenes and microbiome functional groups could be considered an essential factor.

Graphic abstract
Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM
Authors: Gladstone Jessica R. , Cimpian Andrei
Published: December 2021

Is exposing students to role models an effective tool for diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? So far, the evidence for this claim is mixed. Here, we set out to identify systematic sources of variability in STEM role models’ effects on student motivation: If we determinewhich role modelsare effective forwhich students, we will be in a better position to maximize role models’ impact as a tool for diversifying STEM. A systematic narrative review of the literature (55 articles) investigated the effects of role models on students’ STEM motivation as a function of several key features of the role models (their perceived competence, their perceived similarity to students, and the perceived attainability of their success) and the students (their gender, race/ethnicity, age, and identification with STEM). We conclude with four concrete recommendations for ensuring that STEM role models are motivating for students of all backgrounds and demographics—an important step toward diversifying STEM.
Consensus-based multidimensional due diligence of fintech-enhanced green energy investment projects
Authors: Liu Wei , Sun Youfa , Yüksel Serhat , Dinçer Hasan
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to provide a hybrid group decision-making approach to evaluate fintech-based financial alternatives for green energy investment projects. First, the multidimensional factors of due diligence for fintech-based financing alternatives of green energy investment projects are identified. In this regard, the balanced scorecard perspectives are considered. Next, consensus-based group decision-making analysis is performed. Second, impact-relation directions for fintech-based financing alternatives of green energy investment projects are defined. For this purpose, the spherical fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology is applied. The novelty of this study is its proposal of a new outlook to due diligence of fintech-project financing for renewable energy investments by using the group and integrated decision-making approaches with spherical fuzzy DEMATEL. The findings indicate that customer expectations are the most essential factor for the revenue sharing and rewarding models. Additionally, this study identified that organizational competency plays the most important role with respect to the peer-to-business debt model. In contrast, the conclusion was reached that financial returns have the greatest importance for the equity sharing model.
The cultural dimension of environment: Ethnoscientific study on Santhal community in eastern India
Authors: Majumdar Koustab , Chatterjee Dipankar
Published: December 2021

This study explores the Santhal community to enhance the understanding of the human-nature relationship that fully captures distinct intricacies of ethnoecology. Relying on a qualitative research design, this study focuses on the perception and interpretation of environmental aspects using ethnoscientific methods among Santhals in West Bengal, India. It reveals that Santhals are still unique in perceiving the environment learned through folk models. Santhal’s perception of environmental domains is constituted by various cognitive elements (resource distributions, care, feelings, attachment, myths, and superstitious credence toward their environment) and multifaceted interpretations (living beings, nonliving objects, natural and built environment). Based on its evidence, this study recommends that indigenous worldview-based ethnoscientific knowledge is the identity of indigenity that shapes ethnoscientific knowledge can be used in sustainable resource management practice. Furthermore, the study proposes a view that ignoring this unique ethnoscientific knowledge-based worldview base may degenerate the indigenous culture.
LSGAN-AT: enhancing malware detector robustness against adversarial examples
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Chang Xiaolin , Wang Yixiang , Rodríguez Ricardo J. , Zhang Jianan
Published: December 2021

Adversarial Malware Example (AME)-based adversarial training can effectively enhance the robustness of Machine Learning (ML)-based malware detectors against AME. AME quality is a key factor to the robustness enhancement. Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is a kind of AME generation method, but the existing GAN-based AME generation methods have the issues of inadequate optimization, mode collapse and training instability. In this paper, we propose a novel approach (denote as LSGAN-AT) to enhance ML-based malware detector robustness against Adversarial Examples, which includes LSGAN module and AT module. LSGAN module can generate more effective and smoother AME by utilizing brand-new network structures and Least Square (LS) loss to optimize boundary samples. AT module makes adversarial training using AME generated by LSGAN to generate ML-based Robust Malware Detector (RMD). Extensive experiment results validate the better transferability of AME in terms of attacking 6 ML detectors and the RMD transferability in terms of resisting the MalGAN black-box attack. The results also verify the performance of the generated RMD in the recognition rate of AME.
CD123 Expression Is Associated With High-Risk Disease Characteristics in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Lamble Adam J. , Eidenschink Brodersen Lisa , Alonzo Todd A. , Wang Jim , Pardo Laura , Sung Lillian , Cooper Todd M. , Kolb E. Anders , Aplenc Richard , Tasian Sarah K. , Loken Michael R. , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE

Increased CD123 surface expression has been associated with high-risk disease characteristics in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but has not been well-characterized in childhood AML. In this study, we defined CD123 expression and associated clinical characteristics in a uniformly treated cohort of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed AML enrolled on the Children's Oncology Group AAML1031 phase III trial ( NCT01371981 ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AML blasts within diagnostic bone marrow specimens (n = 1,040) were prospectively analyzed for CD123 protein expression by multidimensional flow cytometry immunophenotyping at a central clinical laboratory. Patients were stratified as low-risk or high-risk on the basis of (1) leukemia-associated cytogenetic and molecular alterations and (2) end-of-induction measurable residual disease levels.

RESULTS

The study population was divided into CD123 expression–based quartiles (n = 260 each) for analysis. Those with highest CD123 expression (quartile 4 [Q4]) had higher prevalence of high-risk KMT2A rearrangements and FLT3-ITD mutations ( P < .001 for both) and lower prevalence of low-risk t(8;21), inv(16), and CEBPA mutations ( P < .001 for all). Patients in lower CD123 expression quartiles (Q1-3) had similar relapse risk, event-free survival, and overall survival. Conversely, Q4 patients had a significantly higher relapse risk (53% v 39%, P < .001), lower event-free survival (49% v 69%, P < .001), and lower overall survival (32% v 50%, P < .001) in comparison with Q1-3 patients. CD123 maintained independent significance for outcomes when all known contemporary high-risk cytogenetic and molecular markers were incorporated into multivariable Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

CD123 is strongly associated with disease-relevant cytogenetic and molecular alterations in childhood AML. CD123 is a critical biomarker and promising immunotherapeutic target for children with relapsed or refractory AML, given its prevalent expression and enrichment in patients with high-risk genetic alterations and inferior clinical outcomes with conventional therapy.
Hydroxyethyl Starch for Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Pensier Joris , Deffontis Lucas , Rollé Amélie , Aarab Yassir , Capdevila Mathieu , Monet Clément , Carr Julie , Futier Emmanuel , Molinari Nicolas , Jaber Samir , De Jong Audrey
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

In critically ill patients, warnings about a risk of death and acute kidney injury (AKI) with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions have been raised. However, HES solutions may yet have a role to play in major abdominal surgery. This meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to investigate the effect of HES intravascular volume replacement on the risk of AKI, intraoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative intra-abdominal complications compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement.

METHODS:

In this meta-analysis and TSA, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intraoperative HES intravascular volume replacement to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Primary outcome was 30-day AKI, defined as a binary outcome according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, combining stages 1, 2, and 3 into an AKI category versus no AKI category (stage 0). Secondary outcomes included rates of intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative intra-abdominal complications. We used random effects models to calculate summary estimates. We used relative risk (RR) as summary measure for dichotomous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary outcome (P value <.05 was considered statistically significant) and 99% CI after Bonferroni correction for the secondary outcomes (P value <.01 was considered statistically significant).

RESULTS:

Seven RCTs including 2398 patients were included. HES intravascular volume replacement was not associated with an increased risk of 30-day AKI (RR = 1.22, 95% CI, 0.94–1.59; P = .13), when compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement. According to TSA, this analysis was underpowered. HES intravascular volume replacement was associated with higher rates of blood transfusion (RR = 1.57 99% CI, 1.10–2.25; P = .001), and similar rates of postoperative intra-abdominal complications (RR = 0.76 99% CI, 0.57–1.02; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this meta-analysis to focus on HES intravascular volume replacement in major abdominal surgery, HES intravascular volume replacement was not associated with a higher risk of 30-day AKI when compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement. However, CI and TSA do not exclude harmful effects of HES intravascular volume replacement on the renal function.
Case Report of Angular Post-Tuberculotic Kyphosis Corrected Through Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy Above C7
Authors: Ma Shengbiao , Yu Honggui , Zhou Zhenhai , Wu Chunyang , Liu Zhiming , Deng Wenqiang , Cao Kai
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Angular cervical kyphosis and its association with syringomyelia were rarely described. Correcting this kind of deformity from the front is extremely difficult or even impossible. Meanwhile, no study has made a report about correcting angular cervical kyphosis through pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) above C7 because of the special anatomy of the vertebral artery. This is the first case of cervical deformity correction through PSO above C7.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

We present the case of a 52-yr-old man who previously underwent debridement, decompression, and skull traction for cervical tuberculosis at age 6 yr. The sequelae of right-hand weakness occurred after surgery, and cervical kyphosis formed gradually. The patient recently started to complain of a severe neck pain. X-rays showed a cervical sagittal malalignment due to the angular kyphosis. Computed tomography scans revealed a fused angular kyphosis at C6-7, and MRI showed a long syringomyelia distal to the kyphosis. The definite diagnosis of the patient was post-tuberculotic cervical angular kyphosis, and because of the extremely narrow surgery corridor from the front, we decided to perform the surgery in a posterior approach. Hence, the patient was treated with the PSO with a long-segment pedicle screw fixation from C3 to T5 and received satisfactory angular kyphosis correction.

CONCLUSION:

PSO above C7 to correct angular cervical kyphosis is feasible and reasonable when there is no other better solution, and it can achieve a satisfactory kyphotic deformity correction.
Septin-microtubule association via a motif unique to isoform 1 of septin 9 tunes stress fibers
Authors: Kuzmić Mira , Castro Linares Gerard , Leischner Fialová Jindřiška , Iv François , Salaün Danièle , Llewellyn Alex , Gomes Maxime , Belhabib Mayssa , Liu Yuxiang , Asano Keisuke , Rodrigues Magda , Isnardon Daniel , Tachibana Taro , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Badache Ali , Mavrakis Manos , Verdier-Pinard Pascal
Published: December 2021

Septins, a family of GTP-binding proteins that assemble into higher order structures, interface with the membrane, actin filaments and microtubules, and are thus important regulators of cytoarchitecture. Septin 9 (SEPT9), which is frequently overexpressed in tumors and mutated in hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA), mediates the binding of septins to microtubules, but the molecular determinants of this interaction remained uncertain. We demonstrate that a short microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-like motif unique to SEPT9 isoform 1 (SEPT9_i1) drives septin octamer-microtubule interaction in cells and in vitro reconstitutions. Septin-microtubule association requires polymerizable septin octamers harboring SEPT9_i1. Although outside of the MAP-like motif, HNA mutations abrogate this association, identifying a putative regulatory domain. Removal of this domain from SEPT9_i1 sequesters septins on microtubules, promotes microtubule stability and alters actomyosin fiber distribution and tension. Thus, we identify key molecular determinants and potential regulatory roles of septin-microtubule interaction, paving the way to deciphering the mechanisms underlying septin-associated pathologies.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Peroxisomal support of mitochondrial respiratory efficiency promotes ER stress survival
Authors: Hijazi Imadeddin , Wang Emily , Orozco Michelle , Pelton Sarah , Chang Amy
Published: December 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs when cellular demand for protein folding exceeds the capacity of the organelle. Adaptation and cell survival in response to ERS requires a critical contribution by mitochondria and peroxisomes. During ERS responses, mitochondrial respiration increases to ameliorate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. We now show in yeast that peroxisome abundance also increases to promote an adaptive response. In pox1Δ cells, which are defective in peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids, the respiratory response to ERS is impaired and ROS accrues. However, the respiratory response to ERS is rescued and ROS production is mitigated in pox1Δ cells overexpressing Mpc1, the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier that provides another source of acetyl CoA to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Using proteomics, select mitochondrial proteins were identified that undergo upregulation upon ERS to remodel the respiratory machinery. The abundance of several peroxisome-based proteins was also increased, corroborating the role of peroxisomes in ERS adaptation. Finally, ERS stimulates assembly of respiratory complexes into higher-order supercomplexes, underlying increased electron transfer efficiency. Our results highlight peroxisomal and mitochondrial support for ERS adaptation to favor cell survival.
Nutritional symbionts enhance structural defence against predation and fungal infection in a grain pest beetle
Authors: Kanyile Sthandiwe Nomthandazo , Engl Tobias , Kaltenpoth Martin
Published: December 2021

Many insects benefit from bacterial symbionts that provide essential nutrients and thereby extend the hosts’ adaptive potential and their ability to cope with challenging environments. However, the implications of nutritional symbioses for the hosts’ defence against natural enemies remain largely unstudied. Here, we investigated whether the cuticle-enhancing nutritional symbiosis of the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis confers protection against predation and fungal infection. We exposed age-defined symbiotic and symbiont-depleted (aposymbiotic) beetles to two antagonists that must actively penetrate the cuticle for a successful attack: wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. While young beetles suffered from high predation and fungal infection rates regardless of symbiont presence, symbiotic beetles were able to escape this period of vulnerability and reach high survival probabilities significantly faster than aposymbiotic beetles. To understand the mechanistic basis of these differences, we conducted a time-series analysis of cuticle development in symbiotic and aposymbiotic beetles by measuring cuticular melanisation and thickness. The results reveal that the symbionts accelerate their host's cuticle formation and thereby enable it to quickly reach a cuticle quality threshold that confers structural protection against predation and fungal infection. Considering the widespread occurrence of cuticle enhancement via symbiont-mediated tyrosine supplementation in beetles and other insects, our findings demonstrate how nutritional symbioses can have important ecological implications reaching beyond the immediate nutrient-provisioning benefits.
Vorwort und Impressionen
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: December 2021

Vorwort des Kantonsarchäologen Guido Lassau und Impressionen aus dem Berichtsjahr 2020.
The Unintended Consequence of Land Finance: Evidence from Corporate Tax Avoidance
Authors: Chen Tao , Tan Youchao , Wang Jinghua , Zeng Cheng (Colin)
Published: December 2021

Using a large sample of unlisted industrial firms in China, we find that a decrease in local governments’ land transfer revenues leads to lower tax avoidance by firms within their jurisdiction. Our cross-sectional variation tests suggest that the tax-avoidance-reduction effect is stronger in cities with higher land finance dependence and government intervention, as well as where the political leaders have stronger promotion incentives. However, the effect is moderated for politically connected firms. Further analysis reveals that intensified tax enforcement is the mechanism through which land transfer revenue losses result in decreased tax avoidance. Our study offers novel evidence on a previously underexplored determinant of corporate tax avoidance through the lens of land finance.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.

Funding: The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72002105, 71972089 and 72132002]. T. Chen is grateful for the financial support from the Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund [Grant 2015-T2-1-118, RG166/18] and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China [Grants 2018A03031043 and 2019A1515011635]. C. (C.) Zeng acknowledges the start-up research fund from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Grant A0035237].

Supplemental Material: Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4191 .
The impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of interprofessional education: it's not all bad news
Authors: Wetzlmair Lisa-Christin , Kitema Gatera Fiston , O'Carroll Veronica , El-Awaisi Alla , Power Alison , Owens Melissa , Park Vikki , McKinley Mairi , Anderson Elizabeth S , Loder-Fink Brigitte
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 outbreak, most face-to-face teaching and practice-based learning placements were suspended. Universities provided ongoing health and social care education, including interprofessional education, using online technology. Focusing on changes in the delivery of interprofessional education, this second article in a series on interprofessional education provides an international perspective through facilitators' case reports. It considers the key factors that enabled a rapid shift from face-to-face to online interprofessional education, and the key aspects that had to change. The significant changes reported from literature and case reports reflect on remote and online learning, the duration of education sessions, individual and team learning aspects and facilitation skills.
The impact of walker height positions and their influence on triceps activity and energy conservation: a pilot study
Authors: Rzepkowski Terry , Abrams Saige C , Bell Farrah P , Orkwis Alexander , Radin Hunter , Reinoso Gustavo
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

Millions of adults use walkers for functional mobility. Inappropriate walker use is associated with incorrect height, forward-leaning posture, and increased energy expenditure. Few studies have investigated the impact of walker positions and their influence on triceps activity. The present study assessed walker height and baseline positioning for individuals with a 50% weight bearing restriction of the lower extremity, and implications for energy conservation.

Methods

A total of 38 young adults (mean age = 24.95 years; 84.2% female; 15.8% male) participated in this study with a two-wheeled walker. Participants executed five walker positions while maintaining 50% weight bearing of the lower extremity to determine the effect on triceps electromyography activity.

Results

Triceps electromyography activity did significantly change across the five walker positions assessed (X2 [df=37, P<0.001]). This study showed that the median electromyography activity for positions B (median=0.268) and A (median=0.280) was significantly less than the median electromyography activity for position E (median=0.452; P<0.001). The effect sizes for comparisons of positions B and E (r=0.49) as well as A and E were the largest (r=0.53).

Conclusions

These findings suggest an elbow angle of 26–35° (position B), followed by an elbow angle of 15–25° (position A), with the walker in line with the heels of the participant, to be superior in minimising exertion of the triceps.
Fifth-order aberration for soft x-ray and vacuum ultraviolet multi-element optical systems
Authors: Cao Yiqing
Published: December 2021

Based on the recently developed fifth-order intrinsic aberration of a soft x-ray and vacuum ultraviolet single-element optical system, this paper proposes a fifth-order aberration (including intrinsic aberration and extrinsic aberration) calculation method for this kind of optical system with multiple elements. First, the fifth-order intrinsic aberration expressions of soft x-ray and vacuum ultraviolet multi-element optical systems are studied; second, the extrinsic aberration calculation method of this kind of optical system is discussed, and corresponding calculation expressions are derived; third, to improve aberration calculation accuracy, the modification of aberration expressions due to the transfer relationship of aperture-ray coordinates with second-order accuracy on the reference exit wavefront between adjacent optical elements is obtained. Finally, the resultant aberration expressions are applied to calculate the aberration of two design examples of soft x-ray and vacuum ultraviolet double-element optical systems with large apertures, and their images are compared with ray-tracing results using Shadow software to validate the aberration expressions. The study shows that the accuracy of the aberration expressions derived in this paper is satisfactory.
3D deformation measurement in digital holographic interferometry using a multitask deep learning architecture
Authors: Vengala Krishna Sumanth , Paluru Naveen , Subrahmanyam Gorthi Rama Krishna Sai
Published: December 2021

The extraction of absolute phase from an interference pattern is a key step for 3D deformation measurement in digital holographic interferometry (DHI) and is an ill-posed problem. Estimating the absolute unwrapped phase becomes even more challenging when the obtained wrapped phase from the interference pattern is noisy. In this paper, we propose a novel multitask deep learning approach for phase reconstruction and 3D deformation measurement in DHI, referred to as TriNet, that has the capability to learn and perform two parallel tasks from the input image. The proposed TriNet has a pyramidal encoder–two-decoder framework for multi-scale information fusion. To our knowledge, TriNet is the first multitask approach to accomplish simultaneous denoising and phase unwrapping of the wrapped phase from the interference fringes in a single step for absolute phase reconstruction. The proposed architecture is more elegant than recent multitask learning methods such as Y-Net and state-of-the-art segmentation approaches such as UNet++. Further, performing denoising and phase unwrapping simultaneously enables deformation measurement from the highly noisy wrapped phase of DHI data. The simulations and experimental comparisons demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in absolute phase reconstruction and 3D deformation measurement with respect to the existing conventional methods and state-of-the-art deep learning methods.
Non-iterative phase hologram generation for color holographic display
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wu Feng , Zhou Jiaxuan , Wei Sui
Published: December 2021

The major challenges in traditional color phase hologram generation are the time-consuming iterative procedure and aberration caused by different wavelengths in color holographic display. Based on the original non-iterative phase hologram generation method-optimized random phase (ORAP), combined with the physical limitations of color holographic display, this paper proposes a full-support optimized random phase (FS-ORAP) method for non-iterative color phase hologram generation. FS-ORAP breaks through the limitation of the original ORAP method in the fixed support constraint of the target amplitude in the spatial domain, the full support constraint can be used to generate phase holograms of target amplitudes with arbitrary support size, which fits well with the generation mode of the three-color channel of the color phase hologram. In addition, the color aberration of the reconstructed image is eliminated by scaling the size of the three-color component. At the same time, FS-ORAP is used for the non-iterative fast generation of three-color channel holograms, which can greatly improve the generation speed of color phase holograms and can be adapted to various color holographic display techniques. Experimental results verify the feasibility of our proposed method.
Untrained neural network for cryptanalysis of a phase-truncated-Fourier-transform-based optical cryptosystem
Authors: Pan Shuixin , Liao Meihua , He Wenqi , Zhang Yueqiang , Peng Xiang
Published: December 2021

Optical cryptosystem based on phase-truncated-Fourier-transforms (PTFT) is one of the most interesting optical cryptographic schemes due to its unique mechanism of encryption/decryption. Several optical cryptanalysis methods using iterative phase/amplitude retrieval algorithm or deep learning (DL) have also been proposed to analyze the security risks of a PTFT-based cryptosystem. In this work, we proposed an innovative way to attack a PTFT-based cryptosystem with an untrained neural network (UNN) model, where the parameters are optimized with the help of the physical encryption model of a PTFT-based cryptosystem. The proposed method avoids relying on thousands of training data (plaintext-ciphertext pairs), which is an essential but inconvenient burden in the existing data-driven DL-based attack methods. Therefore, the plaintext could be retrieved with good quality from only one ciphertext without any training process. This novel UNN-based attack strategy will open up a new avenue for optical cryptanalysis. Numerical simulations demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimization of intensity-modulation/direct-detection optical key distribution under passive eavesdropping
Authors: Banaszek Konrad , Jachura Michał , Kolenderski Piotr , Lasota Mikołaj
Published: December 2021

We analyze the theoretically optimal operation of an optical key distribution (OKD) link based on fine intensity modulation of an optical signal transmitted over an attenuating channel to a direct detection receiver. With suitable digital postprocessing, the users may generate a secret key that will be unknown to an unauthorized party collecting passively a fraction of the signal that escapes detection by the legitimate recipient. The security is ensured by the presence of the shot noise that inevitably accompanies an eavesdropper’s attempt to detect the collected signal. It is shown that the key amount depends on a ratio that compares the legitimate recipient’s and eavesdropper’s capabilities to detect the signal, including noise contributed by their respective detectors. A simple proportionality relation is derived in the strong eavesdropping regime, and closed expressions for the optimal depth of binary intensity modulation as well as the discrimination thresholds for hard-decoded direct detection are given. The presented results substantially simplify the design of practical OKD systems operating under changing external conditions, e.g. variable atmospheric absorption in the case of free-space optical links.
2D-patterned graphene metasurfaces for efficient third harmonic generation at THz frequencies
Authors: Theodosi Anna , Tsilipakos Odysseas , Soukoulis Costas M. , Economou Eleftherios N. , Kafesaki Maria
Published: December 2021

Graphene is an attractive two-dimensional material for nonlinear applications in the THz regime, since it possesses high third order nonlinearity and the ability to support tightly confined surface plasmons. Here, we study 2D-patterned graphene-patch metasurfaces for efficient third harmonic generation. The efficiency of the nonlinear process is enhanced by spectrally aligning the fundamental and third harmonic frequencies with resonances of the metasurface, leading to spatiotemporal energy confinement in both steps of excitation at ω and radiation at 3ω. This precise resonance alignment is enabled by the 2D-patterning; it is achieved by modifying the dispersion of the underlying plasmons and, thus, the spectral positions of the supported standing wave resonances. Efficiencies as high as −20dB (1%) for input intensity 0.1 MW/cm2 are achieved. Moreover, we verify that the efficiency does not deteriorate when finite-size metasurfaces are used in place of ideal periodic systems. Our results highlight the potential of graphene-based metasurfaces for nonlinear applications.
Detection and Localization of Stationary Weights Hanging on Aerial Telecommunication Field Fibers using Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Ozharar Sarper , Ding Yangmin , Tian Yue , Yoda Yukihide , Moore James M. , Wang Ting , Aono Yoshiaki
Published: December 2021

For the first time to our knowledge, a stationary weight hanging on an operational aerial telecommunication field fiber was detected and localized using only ambient data collected by a φ-DAS system. Although stationary weights do not create temporally varying signals, and hence cannot be observed directly from the DAS traces, the existence and the location of the additional weights were revealed by the operational modal analysis of the aerial fiber structure.
Efficient Monte Carlo simulation reveals significant multiple scattering errors in underwater angular scattering measurements
Authors: Ugulen Håvard S. , Sandven Håkon , Hamre Børge , Kristoffersen Arne S. , Sætre Camilla
Published: December 2021

Multiple scattering can severely affect the accuracy of optical instrumentation. Variance reduction methods have been implemented to improve a Monte Carlo model developed to simulate volume scattering functions measured by LISST-VSF instruments. The implemented methods can result in more than a tenfold increase in efficiency. The simulation is used to analyze multiple scattering errors for a range of Fournier-Forand (FF) phase functions. Our results demonstrate significant errors in the scattering coefficient, backscattering coefficient and phase function, where multiple scattering errors may only be considered negligible (<10%) for scattering coefficients <1 m−1. The errors depend strongly on the scattering coefficient but also increase when phase functions become more forward-peaked.
Geometric representation of adiabatic distributed-Bragg-reflectors and broadening the photonic bandgap
Authors: Sharma Shailja , Mondal Abhishek , Das Ritwick
Published: December 2021

Adiabatic following has been an widely-employed technique for achieving near-complete population transfer in a ‘two-level’ quantum mechanical system. The theoretical basis, however, could be generalized to a broad class of systems exhibiting SU(2) symmetry. In the present work, we present an analogy of population transfer dynamics of a two-level atomic system with that of light propagation in a classical ‘one-dimensional’ photonic crystal, commonly known as distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR). This formalism facilitates in adapting the idea of adiabatic following, more precisely the rapid adiabatic passage (RAP) which is usually encountered in a broad class of quantum-mechanical systems. We present a chirped DBR configuration in which the adiabatic constraints are satisfied by virtue of optimally chirping the DBR. The reflection spectrum of the configuration exhibit broadening of photonic bandgap (PBG) in addition to a varying degree of suppression of sharp reflection peaks in the transmission band. The intermodal coupling between counter-propagating modes as well as their phase-mismatch, for the DBR configuration, exhibits a longitudinal variation which is usually observed in ‘Allen-Eberly’ scheme of adiabatic population transfer in two-level atomic systems.