bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimension-variable invariant imbedding (DVIIM) T-matrix computational method for the light scattering simulation of atmospheric nonspherical particles
Authors: Shuai Hu , Shulei Li , Qingwei Zeng , Lei Liu
Published: November 2022

The invariant imbedding (IIM) T-matrix method has shown great potential in light scattering field. However, the T-matrix need to be calculated through the matrix recurrence formula derived from the Helmholtz equation, thus its computational efficiency is much lower than Extended Boundary Condition Method (EBCM). To alleviate this problem, the Dimension-Variable Invariant Imbedding (DVIIM) T-matrix method is presented in this paper. Compared with the traditional IIM T-matrix model, the dimensions of the T-matrix and relevant matrices are gradually increasing as the iteration performed step by step, thus the unnecessary operations of large matrices can be avoided in early iterations. To optimally determine the dimension of these matrices in each iterative calculation, the spheroid-equivalent scheme (SES) is also proposed. The effectiveness of the DVIIM T-matrix method is validated from the modeling accuracy and calculation efficiency. The simulation results show that compared with traditional T-matrix method, its modeling efficiency can be improved notably, especially for the particles with large size and aspect ratio, where for the spheroid with a aspect ratio of 0.5, the computational time is cut down by 25%. Though the dimension of the T matrix is cut down in the early iterations, the computational precision of DVIIM T-matrix model is not decreased notably, and a good agreement is achieved between the calculation results of DVIIM T-matrix method, IIM T-matrix method and other well-validated models (like EBCM and DDACSAT), where the relative errors of the integral scattering parameters (e.g., extinction, absorption, scattering cross sections) are generally less than 1%.
Determination of the nonlinear thermo-optic coefficient of silicon nitride and oxide using an effective index method
Authors: Johnson Karl , Alshamrani Naif , Almutairi Dhaifallah , Grieco Andrew , Horvath Cameron , Westwood-Bachman Jocelyn N. , McKinlay Alexandria , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: November 2022

There is little literature characterizing the temperature-dependent thermo-optic coefficient (TOC) for low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) silicon nitride or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon dioxide at temperatures above 300 K. In this study, we characterize these material TOC’s from approximately 300-460 K, yielding values of (2.51 ± 0.08) · 10−5K−1 for silicon nitride and (5.67 ± 0.53) · 10−6K−1 for silicon oxide at room temperature (300 K). We use a simplified experimental setup and apply an analytical technique to account for thermal expansion during the extraction process. We also show that the waveguide geometry and method used to determine the resonant wavelength have a substantial impact on the precision of our results, a fact which can be used to improve the precision of numerous ring resonator index sensing experiments.
Prediction of surface roughness and the material removal rate in magnetorheological finishing
Authors: Lin Zhifan , Hu Hao , Dai Yifan , yaoyu Zhong , xue Shuai
Published: November 2022

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) is a sub-aperture polishing process, which is often used to correct surface errors and remove sub-surface damage after grinding. A strong correlation exists between the material removal rate and surface roughness in MRF, but current theoretical models are incapable of predicting these two factors at the same time. In this paper, a theoretical model was developed to describe the material removal rate and surface quality after MRF in order to better understand the material removal mechanism of MRF and explain the relationship between surface roughness and material removal rate. Two modes of experiments (uniform polishing and fixed point polishing) were conducted on monocrystalline silicon to obtain the results of surface roughness and removal rate. The experimental results are highly consistent with the theoretical model calculated results. The theoretical model could be a reference for high-efficiency and ultra-smooth MRF process.
Integrated fiber optic spectrally resolved downwelling irradiance sensor for pushbroom spectrometers
Authors: Graham Christopher , Girkin John M. , Bourgenot Cyril
Published: November 2022

We present an integrated fiber optic spectrally resolved downwelling irradiance sensor for pushbroom hyperspectral imagers. The system comprises of a cosine corrector and custom fiber patch cables, collecting the ambient light in a large solid angle and feeding it directly to the entrance slit of the spectrometer. The system enables simultaneous measurement of downwelling and upwelling irradiance using the main hyperspectral camera sensor. As a demonstration, the spectral reflectance of a soil sample was measured with a RMSE of 8.4%, a significant improvement on the RMSE of 54% found without correction. At a weight of approximately 10 grams, this system provides a substantial weight saving over standalone incident light sensing instruments.
3D microfabrication by applying the laser-induced bubble method to the thermoset polymer PDMS using a conventional nanosecond laser
Authors: Toba Yoichi , Hanada Yasutaka
Published: November 2022

We recently developed a microfabrication technique [microfabrication using laser-induced bubble (microFLIB)] and applied it to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a thermoset polymer. The technique enabled the rapid fabrication of a microchannel on a PDMS substrate and selective metallization of the channel via subsequent plating; however, the technique was limited to surface microfabrication. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) microFLIB of PDMS using a nanosecond laser. In the experiment, a laser beam was focused inside pre-curing liquid PDMS and was scanned both perpendicular and parallel to the laser-beam axis to generate a 3D line of laser-induced bubbles. In the microFLIB processing, the shape of the created bubbles was retained in the pre-curing PDMS for more than 24 h; thus, the line of bubbles generated by the perpendicular laser scanning successfully produced a 3D hollow transverse microchannel inside the PDMS substrate after subsequent thermal curing. In addition, a through-hole with an aspect ratio greater than ∼200 was easily fabricated in the PDMS substrate by parallel laser scanning. The fabrication of a 3D microfluidic device comprising two open reservoirs in a PDMS substrate was also demonstrated for biochip applications.
Optical two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy of cold atoms
Authors: Liang Danfu , Savio Rodriguez Lexter , Zhou Haitao , Zhu Yifu , Li Hebin
Published: November 2022

We report an experimental demonstration of optical two-dimensional
coherent spectroscopy (2DCS) in cold atoms. The experiment integrates
a collinear 2DCS setup with a magneto-optical trap (MOT), in which
cold rubidium (Rb) atoms are prepared at a temperature of
approximately 200 µK and a number density of 1010
cm−3. With a sequence of femtosecond laser pulses, we first
obtain one-dimensional second- and fourth-order nonlinear signals and
then acquire both one-quantum and zero-quantum 2D spectra of cold Rb
atoms. The capability of performing optical 2DCS in cold atoms is an
important step toward optical 2DCS study of many-body physics in cold
atoms and ultimately in atom arrays and trapped ions. Optical 2DCS in
cold atoms/molecules can also be a new avenue to probe chemical
reaction dynamics in cold molecules.
Digital image correlation based on the pre-deformation assist strategy and an optimized checkerboard-like speckle pattern for large deformation measurement
Authors: Ye Jingchen , Zhang Xiaochuan , Ji Hongwei , Liu Yujiang
Published: November 2022

Large deformation measurement is one of the main issues faced by the digital image correlation method, and the specially designed speckle pattern offers a promising solution. This Letter suggests an extremely simple method to fabricate an optimized speckle pattern for large deformation problems. It demonstrates a more effective large deformation initial estimation capability and measurement accuracy when combined with the pre-deformation assist strategy. A series of simulated and real experiments are used to test the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the results reveal that it performs significantly better than the traditional method in large deformation problems.
Coupling and heterogeneity modulate pacemaking capability in healthy and diseased two-dimensional sinoatrial node tissue models
Authors: Campana Chiara , Ricci Eugenio , Bartolucci Chiara , Severi Stefano , Sobie Eric A.
Published: November 2022

Both experimental and modeling studies have attempted to determine mechanisms by which a small anatomical region, such as the sinoatrial node (SAN), can robustly drive electrical activity in the human heart. However, despite many advances from prior research, important questions remain unanswered. This study aimed to investigate, through mathematical modeling, the roles of intercellular coupling and cellular heterogeneity in synchronization and pacemaking within the healthy and diseased SAN. In a multicellular computational model of a monolayer of either human or rabbit SAN cells, simulations revealed that heterogenous cells synchronize their discharge frequency into a unique beating rhythm across a wide range of heterogeneity and intercellular coupling values. However, an unanticipated behavior appeared under pathological conditions where perturbation of ionic currents led to reduced excitability. Under these conditions, an intermediate range of intercellular coupling (900–4000 MΩ) was beneficial to SAN automaticity, enabling a very small portion of tissue (3.4%) to drive propagation, with propagation failure occurring at both lower and higher resistances. This protective effect of intercellular coupling and heterogeneity, seen in both human and rabbit tissues, highlights the remarkable resilience of the SAN. Overall, the model presented in this work allowed insight into how spontaneous beating of the SAN tissue may be preserved in the face of perturbations that can cause individual cells to lose automaticity. The simulations suggest that certain degrees of gap junctional coupling protect the SAN from ionic perturbations that can be caused by drugs or mutations.
HELIOS: High-speed sequence alignment in optics
Authors: Maleki Ehsan , Akbari Rokn Abadi Saeedeh , Koohi Somayyeh
Published: November 2022

In response to the imperfections of current sequence alignment methods, originated from the inherent serialism within their corresponding electrical systems, a few optical approaches for biological data comparison have been proposed recently. However, due to their low performance, raised from their inefficient coding scheme, this paper presents a novel all-optical high-throughput method for aligning DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, named HELIOS. The HELIOS method employs highly sophisticated operations to locate character matches, single or multiple mutations, and single or multiple indels within various biological sequences. On the other hand, the HELIOS optical architecture exploits high-speed processing and operational parallelism in optics, by adopting wavelength and polarization of optical beams. For evaluation, the functionality and accuracy of the HELIOS method are approved through behavioral and optical simulation studies, while its complexity and performance are estimated through analytical computation. The accuracy evaluations indicate that the HELIOS method achieves a precise pairwise alignment of two sequences, highly similar to those of Smith-Waterman, Needleman-Wunsch, BLAST, MUSCLE, ClustalW, ClustalΩ, T-Coffee, Kalign, and MAFFT. According to our performance evaluations, the HELIOS optical architecture outperforms all alternative electrical and optical algorithms in terms of processing time and memory requirement, relying on its highly sophisticated method and optical architecture. Moreover, the employed compact coding scheme highly escalates the number of input characters, and hence, it offers reduced time and space complexities, compared to the electrical and optical alternatives. It makes the HELIOS method and optical architecture highly applicable for biomedical applications.
Deep reinforcement learning for optimal experimental design in biology
Authors: Treloar Neythen J. , Braniff Nathan , Ingalls Brian , Barnes Chris P.
Published: November 2022

The field of optimal experimental design uses mathematical techniques to determine experiments that are maximally informative from a given experimental setup. Here we apply a technique from artificial intelligence—reinforcement learning—to the optimal experimental design task of maximizing confidence in estimates of model parameter values. We show that a reinforcement learning approach performs favourably in comparison with a one-step ahead optimisation algorithm and a model predictive controller for the inference of bacterial growth parameters in a simulated chemostat. Further, we demonstrate the ability of reinforcement learning to train over a distribution of parameters, indicating that this approach is robust to parametric uncertainty.
The ANC-1 (Nesprin-1/2) organelle-anchoring protein functions through mitochondria to polarize axon growth in response to SLT-1
Authors: Fischer Nathan C. , Friedman Vladislav , Martinez-Reyes Miguel A. , Hao Hongyan , Chowdhury Tamjid A. , Starr Daniel A. , Quinn Christopher C.
Published: November 2022

A family of giant KASH proteins, including C. elegans ANC-1 and mammalian Nesprin-1 and -2, are involved in organelle anchoring and are associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. However, little is known about how these proteins function in neurons. Moreover, the role of organelle anchoring in axon development is poorly understood. Here, we report that ANC-1 functions with the SLT-1 extracellular guidance cue to polarize ALM axon growth. This role for ANC-1 is specific to its longer ANC-1A and ANC-1C isoforms, suggesting that it is mechanistically distinct from previously described roles for ANC-1. We find that ANC-1 is required for the localization of a cluster of mitochondria to the base of the proximal axon. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological studies indicate that ANC-1 functions with mitochondria to promote polarization of ALM axon growth. These observations reveal a mechanism whereby ANC-1 functions through mitochondria to polarize axon growth in response to SLT-1.
Stratification of malaria incidence in Papua New Guinea (2011–2019): Contribution towards a sub-national control policy
Authors: Seidahmed Osama , Jamea Sharon , Kurumop Serah , Timbi Diana , Makita Leo , Ahmed Munir , Freeman Tim , Pomat William , Hetzel Manuel W.
Published: November 2022

Malaria risk in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is highly heterogeneous, between and within geographical regions, which is operationally challenging for control. To enhance targeting of malaria interventions in PNG, we investigated risk factors and stratified malaria incidence at the level of health facility catchment areas. Catchment areas and populations of 808 health facilities were delineated using a travel-time accessibility approach and linked to reported malaria cases (2011–2019). Zonal statistics tools were used to calculate average altitude and air temperature in catchment areas before they were spatially joined with incidence rates. In addition, empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) was employed to interpolate incidence risk strata across PNG. Malaria annual incidence rates are, on average, 186.3 per 1000 population in catchment areas up to 600 m, dropped to 98.8 at (800–1400) m, and to 24.1 cases above 1400 m altitude. In areas above the two altitudinal thresholds 600m and 1400m, the average annual temperature drops below 22°C and 17°C, respectively. EBK models show very low- to low-risk strata (<100 cases per 1000) in the Highlands, National Capital District and Bougainville. In contrast, patches of high-risk (>200 per 1000) strata are modelled mainly in Momase and Islands Regions. Besides, strata with moderate risk (100–200) predominate throughout the coastal areas. While 35.7% of the PNG population (estimated 3.33 million in 2019) lives in places at high or moderate risk of malaria, 52.2% (estimated 4.88 million) resides in very low-risk areas. In five provinces, relatively large proportions of populations (> 50%) inhabit high-risk areas: New Ireland, East and West New Britain, Sandaun and Milne Bay. Incidence maps show a contrast in malaria risk between coastal and inland areas influenced by altitude. However, the risk is highly variable in low-lying areas. Malaria interventions should be guided by sub-national risk levels in PNG.
Molecular detection and characterisation of the first Japanese encephalitis virus belonging to genotype IV acquired in Australia
Authors: Sikazwe Chisha , Neave Matthew J. , Michie Alice , Mileto Patrick , Wang Jianning , Cooper Natalie , Levy Avram , Imrie Allison , Baird Robert W. , Currie Bart J. , Speers David , Mackenzie John S. , Smith David W. , Williams David T.
Published: November 2022

Background

A fatal case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) occurred in a resident of the Tiwi Islands, in the Northern Territory of Australia in February 2021, preceding the large JE outbreak in south-eastern Australia in 2022. This study reports the detection, whole genome sequencing and analysis of the virus responsible (designated JEV/Australia/NT_Tiwi Islands/2021).

Methods

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) testing was performed on post-mortem brain specimens using a range of JE virus (JEV)-specific assays. Virus isolation from brain specimens was attempted by inoculation of mosquito and mammalian cells or embryonated chicken eggs. Whole genome sequencing was undertaken using a combination of Illumina next generation sequencing methodologies, including a tiling amplicon approach. Phylogenetic and selection analyses were performed using alignments of the Tiwi Islands JEV genome and envelope (E) protein gene sequences and publicly available JEV sequences.

Results

Virus isolation was unsuccessful and JEV RNA was detected only by RT-qPCR assays capable of detecting all JEV genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Tiwi Islands strain is a divergent member of genotype IV (GIV) and is closely related to the 2022 Australian outbreak virus (99.8% nucleotide identity). The Australian strains share highest levels of nucleotide identity with Indonesian viruses from 2017 and 2019 (96.7–96.8%). The most recent common ancestor of this Australian-Indonesian clade was estimated to have emerged in 2007 (95% HPD range: 1998–2014). Positive selection was detected using two methods (MEME and FEL) at several sites in the E and non-structural protein genes, including a single site in the E protein (S194N) unique to the Australian GIV strains.

Conclusion

This case represents the first detection of GIV JEV acquired in Australia, and only the second confirmed fatal human infection with a GIV JEV strain. The close phylogenetic relationship between the Tiwi Islands strain and recent Indonesian viruses is indicative of the origin of this novel GIV lineage, which we estimate has circulated in the region for several years prior to the Tiwi Islands case.
Effect of exercise and/or educational interventions on physical activity and pain in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Honda Yuichiro , Oga Satoshi , Fukushima Takuya , Tanaka Natsumi , Kajiwara Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Koichi , Takahashi Ayumi , Sakamoto Yukinori , Morita Hinako , Kondo Yutaro , Okita Seima , Kondo Yasutaka , Goto Kyo , Kataoka Hideki , Sakamoto Junya , Okita Minoru
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of exercise and/or educational intervention on physical activity and pain in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis (OA) using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched randomized controlled trials that investigated physical activity and pain and compared exercise and/or educational intervention with usual care in patients with hip/knee OA in MEDLINE (PubMed), ProQuest, Scopus, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), including all those published by April 30, 2022 and written in English. Studies that newly applied analgesics after onset of the intervention were excluded. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological qualities. The random-effects model was used for meta-analysis with standard mean differences using RevMan version 5.4. The body of evidence for each study was synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Twenty studies including 2,350 patients were included (7 exercise studies, 8 educational intervention studies and 5 combination studies). The meta-analysis demonstrated that there is very low evidence that combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention improve the physical activity level at the endpoint (4 articles; SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.51, P = 0.03). Low evidence was observed for combination therapy reducing pain (4 articles; SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.02, P = 0.03).

Discussion

The current evidence indicated that combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention leads to improved physical activity and pain reduction in hip/knee OA patients, but the risk of bias in each study, especially in allocation concealment, downgraded the evidence level. These findings support the use of a combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention to promote physical activity levels in patients with hip/knee OA.

Trail registration

There was no financial support for this research. The protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration code: CRD42020205804).
Conversion of acetone and mixed ketones to hydrocarbons using HZSM-5 catalyst in the carboxylate platform
Authors: Taco-Vasquez Sebastian , Holtzapple Mark T.
Published: November 2022

In this study, two different feeds were treated to produce hydrocarbons: (1) reagent-grade acetone, and (2) mixed ketones obtained from lignocellulosic biomass via the carboxylate platform. Acetone and mixed ketones underwent catalytic self-condensation over HZSM-5. For acetone, HZSM-5(80) was used, and the experiments were conducted in two sets: (1) vary temperature (305–415°C) at P = 101 kPa (abs) and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) = 1.3 h–1; (2) vary WHSV (1.3–7.9 h–1) at T = 350 and 415°C, and P = 101 kPa (abs). For acetone over HZSM-5(280), the experiments were conducted in two sets: (1) vary WHSV (1.3–6.5 h–1) at T = 415°C, and P = 101 kPa (abs); and (2) vary WHSV (1.3–11.8 h–1) at P = 790 kPa (abs) and T = 415°C. For mixed ketones, HZSM-5(280) was used at WHSV = 1.9 h–1, T = 430–590°C, and P = 101 kPa (abs). For acetone at higher temperatures, the conversion was 100% and the liquid products were aromatics centered on C8. At low temperatures, conversion was less and the carbon liquid distribution was centered on C9 (mainly mesitylene). For mixed ketones, catalyst deactivation was higher causing product concentrations to change over time, and the highest conversion reached was 40%.
Flywheel eccentric overload exercises versus barbell half squats for basketball players: Which is better for induction of post-activation performance enhancement?
Authors: Xie Hezhi , Zhang Wenfeng , Chen Xing , He Jiaxin , Lu Junbing , Gao Yuhua , Li Duanying , Li Guoxing , Ji Hongshen , Sun Jian
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study compared the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effects of a flywheel eccentric overload (FEOL) exercise and barbell half squats (BHS) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30 m sprint performance.

Methods

Twelve male collegiate competitive basketball players were enrolled in this study and they implemented two training protocols: barbell half squat (BHS) and flywheel eccentric overload (FEOL) training. The BHS protocol included three intensities of load: low (40% 1RM), medium (60% 1RM), and high (80% 1RM), with each intensity consisting of 5 sets of 3 repetitions. The FEOL protocol included three inertia intensities: low (0. 015 kg∙m2), medium (0.035 kg∙m2), and high (0.075 kg∙m2), with each intensity consisting of 3 sets of 6 repetitions. The measurement time points were before training (baseline) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes after training. A two-stage (stage-I and stage-II) randomized crossover design was used to determine the acute effects of both protocols on CMJ and sprint performance.

Results

At each training intensity, the jump height, jump peak power output (PPO), jump impulse and 30m sprint speed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes after BHS and FEOL training did not change significantly compared to the baseline. A 2-way ANOVA analysis indicated significant main effects of rest intervals on jump height, jump PPO, and jump impulse, as well as 30m sprint speed. The interaction of the Time × protocol showed a significant effect on jump height between BHS and FEOL groups at high intensity in stage-I (F = 3.809, p = 0.016, df = 4) and stage-II (F = 3.044, p = 0.037, df = 4). And in high training intensity, the jump height at 3 (7.78 ± 9.90% increase, ES = 0.561), 6 (8.96 ± 12.15% increase, ES = 0.579), and 9 min (8.78 ± 11.23% increase, ES = 0.608) were enhanced in I-FEOL group compared with I-BHS group (F = 3.044, p = 0.037, df = 4). In stage-II, the impulse and sprint speed of the FEOL group were significantly higher than those of the BHS group at 6, 9, and 12 min under low (FEOL = 0.015kg∙m2, BHS = 40%1RM), medium(FEOL = 0.035kg∙m2, BHS = 60%1RM), and high (FEOL = 0.075kg∙m2, BHS = 80%1RM) intensities. Furthermore, the sprint speed of the two training protocols did not change at different time points. The interaction of Time × training intensity showed lower sprint speeds in the II-BHS group at a high intensity (BHS = 80%1RM) compared to low (BHS = 40%1RM) and medium (BHS = 60%1RM) training intensities, especially at 9 min and 12 min rest intervals.

Conclusion

Although barbell half squat training and flywheel eccentric overload training did not provide a significant PAPE effect on explosive power (CMJ and sprint) in male basketball players, FEOL training showed a better potential effect on enhanced CMJ jump performance at the high training intensity.
The optimal performance target of valuation adjustment mechanism agreement with real options perspective
Authors: Xue Yong , Yun Xinyi
Published: November 2022

The valuation adjustment mechanism (‘VAM’) agreement has recently been widely adopted in venture capital investment in emerging markets. The VAM agreement endows venture capital institutions a contractual right to reevaluate invested startup contingent on preset performance targets, which is crucial for the effectiveness of the VAM agreement by deeply affecting the strategy and fate of the startup. Motivated by exploring a rational performance target setting, this paper: 1)Firstly, extracts a general structure of the VAM agreement by cases analysis;2) Secondly, adopts a real options methodology to derive the option value held by venture capital institutions and how the pre-determined performance target affect the payoff of venture capital institutions;3)Thirdly, derives the expected time to achieve the given performance target and the behavior choice of entrepreneurs of startups; 4)Finally, by maximizing the contractual value of venture capital institutions with the participation constraints of the entrepreneur, derives the optimal performance target setting. The result finds that the option value of the VAM agreement is positively related to the performance target. It may partially explain why venture capital institutions tend to dominate overly high targets from a real options perspective. We also confirm the incentive effect of the VAM agreement that entrepreneurs tend to exert their best effort. Furthermore, the derivation of the optimal performance target shows that it is an increased function of the agreement period and a subtractive function of project risk. This paper contributes to the literature on contingent payment mechanisms and provides practical implications for the VAM agreement design.
Antimicrobial resistance in shigellosis: A surveillance study among urban and rural children over 20 years in Bangladesh
Authors: Nuzhat Sharika , Das Rina , Das Subhasish , Islam Shoeb Bin , Palit Parag , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Chakraborty Subhra , Khan Soroar Hossain , Ahmed Dilruba , Alam Baharul , Ahmed Tahmeed , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Faruque A. S. G.
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial resistance against shigellosis is increasingly alarming. However, evidence-based knowledge gaps regarding the changing trends of shigellosis in Bangladesh exist due to the scarcity of longitudinal data on antimicrobial resistance. Our study evaluated the last 20 years antimicrobial resistance patterns against shigellosis among under-5 children in the urban and rural sites of Bangladesh. Data were extracted from the Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System (DDSS) of Dhaka Hospital (urban site) and Matlab Hospital (rural site) of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) between January 2001 and December 2020. We studied culture-confirmed shigellosis cases from urban Dhaka Hospital (n = 883) and rural Matlab Hospital (n = 1263). Since 2001, a declining percentage of shigellosis in children observed in urban and rural sites. Moreover, higher isolation rates of Shigella were found in the rural site [1263/15684 (8.1%)] compared to the urban site [883/26804 (3.3%)] in the last 20 years. In both areas, S. flexneri was the predominant species. The upward trend of S. sonnei in both the study sites was statistically significant after adjusting for age and sex. WHO-recommended 1st line antibiotic ciprofloxacin resistance gradually reached more than 70% in both the urban and rural site by 2020. In multiple logistic regression after adjusting for age and sex, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, mecillinam, ceftriaxone, and multidrug resistance (resistance to any two of these four drugs) among under-5 children were found to be increasing significantly (p<0.01) in the last 20 years in both sites. The study results underscore the importance of therapeutic interventions for shigellosis by appropriate drugs based on their current antibiogram for under-5 children. These observations may help policymakers in formulating better case management strategies for shigellosis.
Temperature moderates impact of formulated moxidectin on seed germination of three temperate grassland species
Authors: Eichberg Carsten , Hartman Alwin M. , Kronenberger Alexandra-Marie , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Donath Tobias W.
Published: November 2022

Formulations of macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics such as moxidectin are regularly administered to sheep to combat parasites. A disadvantage of these pharmaceuticals are their side effects on non-target organisms when entering the environment. Little is known about anthelmintic effects on plant reproduction and whether the effects depend on environmental factors. For ecological and methodological reasons, we aimed at testing whether temperature affects the efficacy of a common moxidectin-based formulation on seed germination. We carried out a germination experiment including three typical species of temperate European grasslands (Centaurea jacea,Galium mollugo,Plantago lanceolata). We applied three temperature regimes (15/5, 20/10, 30/20°C), and a four-level dilution series (1:100–1:800) of formulated moxidectin (i.e., Cydectin oral drench). These solutions represent seed-anthelmintic contacts in the digestive tract of sheep shortly after deworming. In addition, a control was carried out with purified water only. We regularly counted emerging seedlings and calculated final germination percentage, mean germination time and synchrony of germination. Formulated moxidectin significantly reduced percentage, speed and synchrony of germination. A 1:100 dilution of the formulation reduced germination percentage by a quarter and increased mean germination time by six days compared to the control. Temperature moderated effects of the anthelmintic drug on germination in all response variables and all species, but in different patterns and magnitudes (significant anthelmintic x temperature x species interactions). In all response variables, the two more extreme temperature regimes (15/5, 30/20°C) led to the strongest effects of formulated moxidectin. With respect to germination percentage,G.mollugowas more sensitive to formulated moxidectin at the warmest temperature regime, whereasP.lanceolatashowed the highest sensitivity at the coldest regime. This study shows that it is important to consider temperature dependencies of the effects of pharmaceuticals on seed germination when conducting standardised germination experiments.
Assessment of the knowledge and behavior of backyard and small-scale producers in California regarding disease prevention, biosecurity practices and antibiotics use
Authors: Lee Kyuyoung , Pereira Richard V. , Martínez-López Beatriz , Busch Roselle C. , Pires Alda F. A.
Published: November 2022

The number and popularity of backyard poultry and livestock farming have rapidly increased in California as well as other states in the United States following consumers’ preference for local and organic products in the last few years. This study aimed to investigate current on-farm management and farmers’ understanding of Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and California Senate Bill (SB) 27 implications for disease prevention, biosecurity procedures, and antimicrobial use in small-scale and backyard farms in California. The survey consisted of 38 questions. The responses of 242 backyard and small-scale livestock owners were investigated in this study. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses, and multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of antibiotics purchase and use, and the impact of VFD and SB27 on antibiotic use with demographics and on-farm management. Backyard and small-scale farmers in California mostly raised chickens or small ruminants with small herd sizes kept for personal use. Antibiotics were generally used for individual treatment of a sick animal with the guidance of a veterinarian. VFD and SB27 implementation promoted the judicious use of antibiotics, specifically, by enhancing the relationship between backyard and small-scale farmers with veterinarians and treating fewer animals with antibiotics under veterinary oversight. Therefore, better access to veterinary service in backyard and small-scale farms will improve the farmer’s knowledge of good husbandry practices with judicious antimicrobial use in livestock and finally contribute to reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance in California.
Muscle electromyographic activity normalized to maximal muscle activity, not to Mmax, better represents voluntary activation
Authors: Diong Joanna , Kishimoto Kenzo C. , Butler Jane E. , Héroux Martin E.
Published: November 2022

In human applied physiology studies, the amplitude of recorded muscle electromyographic activity (EMG) is often normalized to maximal EMG recorded during a maximal voluntary contraction. When maximal contractions cannot be reliably obtained (e.g. in people with muscle paralysis, anterior cruciate ligament injury, or arthritis), EMG is sometimes normalized to the maximal compound muscle action potiential evoked by stimulation, the Mmax. However, it is not known how these two methods of normalization affect the conclusions and comparability of studies. To address this limitation, we investigated the relationship between voluntary muscle activation and EMG normalized either to maximal EMG or to Mmax. Twenty-five able-bodied adults performed voluntary isometric ankle plantarflexion contractions to a range of percentages of maximal voluntary torque. Ankle torque, plantarflexor muscle EMG, and voluntary muscle activation measured by twitch interpolation were recorded. EMG recorded at each contraction intensity was normalized to maximal EMG or to Mmax for each plantarflexor muscle, and the relationship between the two normalization approaches quantified. A slope >1 indicated EMG amplitude normalized to maximal EMG (vertical axis) was greater than EMG normalized to Mmax (horizontal axis). Mean estimates of the slopes were large and had moderate precision: soleus 8.7 (95% CI 6.9 to 11.0), medial gastrocnemius 13.4 (10.5 to 17.0), lateral gastrocnemius 11.4 (9.4 to 14.0). This indicates EMG normalized to Mmax is approximately eleven times smaller than EMG normalized to maximal EMG. Normalization to maximal EMG gave closer approximations to the level of voluntary muscle activation assessed by twitch interpolation.
The integrated transcriptome bioinformatics analysis identifies key genes and cellular components for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Gao Nan , Hao Shengli , Huang Guannan , Hao Weiting , Su Long
Published: November 2022

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is a chronic complication of Diabetes and the main cause of blindness among the world’s working population at present. While there have been many studies on the pathogenesis of PDR, its intrinsic molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In recent years, several studies have employed bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cellular components associated with PDR. This study adds to this expanding body of work by identifying PDR’s target genes and cellular components by conducting an integrated transcriptome bioinformatics analysis. This study integrately examined two public bulk RNA-seq datasets(including 11 PDR patients and 7 controls) and one single-cell RNA-seq datasets(including 5 PDR patients) of Fibro (Vascular) Membranes (FVMs) from PDR patients and control. A total of 176 genes were identified as DEGs between PDR patients and control among both bulk RNA-seq datasets. Based on these DEGs, 14 proteins were identified in the protein overlap within the significant ligand-receptor interactions of retinal FVMs and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, three of which were associated with PDR (CD44, ICAM1, POSTN), and POSTN might act as key ligand. This finding may provide novel gene signatures and therapeutic targets for PDR.
Money attitudes, financial capabilities, and impulsiveness as predictors of wealth accumulation
Authors: Fenton-O’Creevy Mark , Furnham Adrian
Published: November 2022

In this study we examined three correlates of personal wealth–financial capability, buying impulsiveness, and attitudes to money in a large UK adult sample (N = 90,184). We were interested in how these psychological variables related to personal wealth controlling for well-established demographic correlates: age, education, gender, and household income. We drew on three personal wealth variables based on savings and investments, property wealth and personal items. Using correlational and regression analysis we tested three specific hypotheses which each received support. Our variables accounted for around half the variance with respect to property value, and two thirds with respect to investments. The hierarchical regression onto the savings and investment factor showed two thirds of the variance was accounted for: the demographic variables accounted for 27% of the variance, money attitudes an additional 14%; financial capability an additional 24% and buying impulsivity no additional variance. Age, income, and planning ahead were the most powerful and consistent predictors of wealth variables, with associating money with security as an important predictor for savings and investments. Implications for helping improve financial literacy and capability are noted. Limitations are acknowledged.
‘Be a real man for our motherland’: Masculinity and national security in Chinese Korean War films
Authors: Gao Xiang
Published: November 2022

There has been increasing societal discussion and criticism on the ‘lack of masculinity’ among Chinese young men. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2021 advised schools to ‘foster the students’ masculinity’. The Chinese National Radio and Television Administration also set strict rules for casting and choosing performing styles, custom and makeup in order to eliminate the ‘abnormal aesthetic’ and the ‘male feminization’ in Chinese television, film and advertisement. At the same time, various war films and television shows present characters and circumstances that highlight an ‘ideal’ masculine archetypes as well as the quality of a Chinese male character – patriotism, heroism, selflessness, strength, loyalty and intelligence. This article examines and compares the male images in two Chinese Korean War films, Shangganling and Changjinhu. It analyses the changing portrayal of male war characters based on three levels of analysis, namely nationhood, leadership and individuals. This study argues that the ‘masculinity crisis’ has led to the securitization of Chinese masculinity, a process and outcome driven by the Chinese government’s continued efforts to control and channel the broad social and cultural changes which have impacted popular culture, sexuality, gender and women’s rights and roles across Chinese society over the past several decades.
Milagros vistos desde Venecia: un fin de siglo edificante
Authors:   Université de Paris, ICT, Richer-Rossi Françoise
Published: November 2022

La contribución trata de dos Relaciones escritas en italiano publicadas en Venecia en 1587 y 1588 respectivamente. La primera recopila los milagros que tuvieron lugar principalmente en España y en Italia, mientras que la segunda describe un milagro ocurrido en los Países Bajos, en guerra contra el Imperio español. En el contexto de la Contrarreforma, esas Relaciones de pocos folios que solían circular con mucha facilidad desde Italia hasta las regiones septentrionales, llevan la impronta de los esfuerzos de la Serenísima para adoptar una posición más acorde con las ideas promovidas desde Madrid –a pesar de sus fuertes deseos de proteger su independencia económica, política y religiosa– y reflejan la actividad editorial religiosa veneciana de aquella década, intensa y muy deseosa de difundir un mensaje claro dirigido a los heréticos y a todos cuantos se sentían atraídos por las ideas de la Reforma
Autoridad y mitología en los funerales de Isabel de Borbón en cuatro ciudades italianas: Florencia, Milán, Nápoles y Roma
Authors:   Louisiana State University, Mattza Carmela V.
Published: November 2022

Este ensayo tiene como punto de partida el estudio de seis relaciones que, entre 1644 y 1645, aparecieron en cuatro ciudades de la península italiana a propósito de las exequias reales celebradas por la muerte de Isabel de Borbón, la primera esposa de Felipe IV. El objetivo es ofrecer una recensión de las cinco relaciones que fueron escritas en italiano y la única en español que hasta el momento se han encontrado y se imprimieron luego de celebraciones por los funerales de la reina española en Milán, Nápoles, Florencia y Roma. De esta manera, se espera poder ofrecer una plataforma desde donde examinar cómo el uso propagandístico de la imagen de la reina fuera de la península ibérica tiene en cuenta ono diferencias culturales, geográficas y políticas.
La muerte de Luis XVI en Sevilla: leyes, testamento, comedia y crónica de sucesos
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla, González Muñoz Isabel María
Published: November 2022

La muerte de Luis XVI marcó un hito histórico fundamental. Este estudio se aproxima a las reacciones que provocó este hecho en la ciudad de Sevilla en 1793. Los poderes fácticos y los comerciantes se volcaron en las honras fúnebres del rey ejecutado y en el apoyo a la monarquía borbónica española en la guerra emprendida. Supone un momento clave para ver el posicionamiento de los ciudadanos y los distintos poderes. Dichas actitudes se exponen en una relación de las exequias editada junto al sermón. Claramente muestra connotaciones políticas ya recogidas tanto en el testamento como en una comedia llegada de Francia. Lo que nos lleva a pensar en un frente común de acción propagandística ideológica contra la República, orquestada desde los distintos poderes. Frente a esta relación se posicionan las leyes promulgadas en el transcurso de los hechos por parte del gobierno español.
Comunicación política en tiempos de conflicto: la Revuelta de Mesina y la Paz de Nimega en la Gazeta Ordinaria de Madrid (1677-1679)
Authors:   Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Perruca Gracia Marina
Published: November 2022

La compleja realidad de la Monarquía Hispánica nos lleva a cuestionarnos cómo llegaban las noticias desde las provincias hasta la metrópoli, base de operaciones de la Monarquía. En este sentido, se han elegido dos sucesos que tuvieron lugar a finales del siglo XVII y en los que España era actor principal : la Paz de Nimega, en los Países Bajos, y la Revuelta de Mesina, en Sicilia, es decir, en la Italia española. Ambos conflictos constituyeron serios problemas para la Monarquía de Carlos II. El objeto de estudio principal es, por tanto, la comparación entre las noticias de ambos conflictos con especial atención a su periodicidad y lugar de producción, antes, durante y después del conflicto, lo que supone una nueva fuente de información para el estudio de los hechos políticos de la Edad Moderna.
La batalla de Guastala en relaciones de sucesos españolas
Authors: Galiñanes Gallén Marta
Published: November 2022

El diecinueve de septiembre de 1734 tuvo lugar la batalla de Guastala en la que se enfrentaron las tropas austriacas a las del Reino de Francia y a las del nuevo Reino de Cerdeña enfrentados en el marco de la Guerra de Sucesión polaca (1733-1738). En este trabajo veremos el interés que despertó en España esta batalla en un momento en que Felipe V había iniciado una campaña para recuperar las posesiones perdidas por la corona en Italia tras la Paz de Utrecht (1713). Para ello, analizaremos cuatro relaciones, publicadas en España ; en concreto los Manifiestos y declaración del Rey de Francia y del rey de Cerdeña sobre los motivos […], la Verídica y cierta noticia del reñido encuentro y batalla que en las cercanías de Guastala […], la Cierta y verdadera relacion de la confirmacion de las antecedentes noticias, […], en las cercanias de Guastala y la Nueva relacion, y verdadero romance en que declara los Articulos Preliminares […].
Libelos de la sangre y Carnaval en una relación francesa de 1609 (entre Francia, Italia y España)
Authors:   Universidad de Boloña, Nider Valentina
Published: November 2022

El análisis del libelo de sangre Histoire prodigieuse et esmerueillable d’une sinagogue de iuifs (1609) y de los textos relacionados Histoire très-pitoyable de deux pères Capucins qui ont esté cruellement martyrisés (1618) y Relación verdadera del Martirio que han padecido dos padres capuchinos por manos de una familia de judíos (1627) permite avanzar diferentes hipótesis sobre las circunstancias históricas que los originaron, las constantes y las variaciones del texto y del aparato iconográfico. El estudio profundiza especialmente en una variación : la colocación del ritual legendario en Carnaval judío (Purim) o en la Pascua judía, un detalle que puede iluminar sobre las dinámicas de inversión paródica postuladas por los estudiosos, entre otros Cecil Roth, pero sobre las que escasean los datos.
Ana de Austria y Mazarino en la tormenta frente al pueblo y a la Fronda parlamentaria
Authors:   Université Paris III Sorbonne-Nouvelle, Gallego Chin Josée
Published: November 2022

La memoria de su fallecimiento se consignó en relaciones de sucesos y en crónicas. El análisis de ambas fuentes revela la imagen que la reina proyectaba en su época y cómo, dependiendo del género literario, se trató la muerte de la reina