bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active colloids in harmonic optical potentials
(a)
Authors: Buttinoni I. , Caprini L. , Alvarez L. , Schwarzendahl F. J. , Löwen H.
Published: October 2022

We study the motion of active Janus colloids in an optical trap using experiments, theory and numerical simulations. To achieve isotropic and harmonic confinement, we prototype microparticles with a nearly uniform refractive index and verify that, in the absence of activity, the confined motion is identical to that of optically homogeneous Brownian particles. If the activity is turned on by means of vertical AC fields, the density distributions are described by Boltzmann-like statistics (Gaussian with effective temperature) only for strongly confining traps, whereas weaker potentials give rise to non-Gaussian distributions with a bimodal shape. Our results showcase a simple way to study active soft matter in optical potential landscapes eliminating the optical torque.
Universal algorithms for quantum data learning
Authors: Fanizza Marco , Skotiniotis Michalis , Calsamiglia John , Muñoz-Tapia Ramon , Sentís Gael
Published: October 2022

Operating quantum sensors and quantum computers would make data in the form of quantum states available for purely quantum processing, opening new avenues for studying physical processes and certifying quantum technologies. In this Perspective, we review a line of works dealing with measurements that reveal structural properties of quantum datasets given in the form of product states. These algorithms are universal, meaning that their performances do not depend on the reference frame in which the dataset is provided. Requiring the universality property implies a characterization of optimal measurements via group representation theory.
Differences in Inflammatory Pathways Between Dutch South Asians vs Dutch Europids With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Straat Maaike E , Martinez-Tellez Borja , van Eyk Huub J , Bizino Maurice B , van Veen Suzanne , Vianello Eleonora , Stienstra Rinke , Ottenhoff Tom H M , Lamb Hildo J , Smit Johannes W A , Jazet Ingrid M , Rensen Patrick C N , Boon Mariëtte R
Published: October 2022

Context

South Asian individuals are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) coinciding with earlier complications than Europids. While inflammation plays a central role in the development and progression of T2D, this factor is still underexplored in South Asians.

Objective

This work aimed to study whether circulating messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts of immune genes are different between South Asian compared with Europid patients with T2D.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of 2 randomized controlled trials of Dutch South Asian (n = 45; age: 55 ± 10 years, body mass index [BMI]: 29 ± 4 kg/m2) and Dutch Europid (n = 44; age: 60 ± 7 years, BMI: 32 ± 4 kg/m2) patients with T2D. Main outcome measures included mRNA transcripts of 182 immune genes (microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Fluidigm Inc) in fasted whole-blood, ingenuity pathway analyses (Qiagen).

Results

South Asians, compared to Europids, had higher mRNA levels of B-cell markers (CD19, CD79A, CD79B, CR2, CXCR5, IGHD, MS4A1, PAX5; all fold change > 1.3, false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.008) and interferon (IFN)-signaling genes (CD274, GBP1, GBP2, GBP5, FCGR1A/B/CP, IFI16, IFIT3, IFITM1, IFITM3, TAP1; all FC > 1.2, FDR < 0.05). In South Asians, the IFN signaling pathway was the top canonical pathway (z score 2.6; P < .001) and this was accompanied by higher plasma IFN-γ levels (FC = 1.5, FDR = 0.01). Notably, the ethnic difference in gene expression was larger for women (20/182 [11%]) than men (2/182 [1%]).

Conclusion

South Asian patients with T2D show a more activated IFN-signaling pathway compared to Europid patients with T2D, which is more pronounced in women than men. We speculate that a more activated IFN-signaling pathway may contribute to the more rapid progression of T2D in South Asian compared with Europid individuals.
Impaired Cognitive Function in Patients With Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Adrenal Incidentalomas
Authors: Liu Meng-si , Tian Zhao-yang , Zhang Zhou , Yang Fan , Lou Yuan , Wang Yi-jie , Zeng Yang-jie , Zhang Zi-wei , Zhu Da-long , Li Ping
Published: October 2022

Context

Glucocorticoids have potent effects on the central nervous system. However, while patients with Cushing syndrome frequently report impairments in cognitive function, studies investigating cognitive function in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) in adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are scarce.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate neurocognitive function in patients with ACS.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 63 patients with AI, 36 patients with nonfunctional adrenal adenoma (NFA) (46.5 ± 10.5 years), and 27 patients with ACS (48.6 ± 9.1 years); these patients underwent a battery of validated neuropsychological tests. ACS was diagnosed when serum cortisol levels after a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (cortisol1 mg DST) ≥ 50 nmol/L.

Results

Patients with ACS had higher frequency of subjective memory complaints (40.7% vs 13.9%, P < 0.05) and higher proportion of mild cognitive impairment (22.2% vs 2.8%, P < 0.05) than patients with NFA. Furthermore, patients with ACS had worse performance on working memory and the visuospatial/constructional domain than patients with NFA (all P < 0.05). Serum cortisol1 mg DST was negatively correlated with working memory and visuospatial/constructional domains (r = −0.307 and −0.306, respectively, all P < 0.05). Performance on working memory and visuospatial/constructional domains gradually deteriorated with increases in serum cortisol1 mg DST (all P values for trend < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum cortisol1 mg DST was a significant risk factor for impairment of working memory and visuospatial/constructional domains (B = −0.006 and −0.043, respectively, all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study is the first to report that ACS is accompanied by impaired cognitive function. Consequently, cognitive function assessment should be incorporated into the clinical evaluation of patients with ACS.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT05357456.
Association Between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Primary Hypothyroidism: Evidence from Complementary Genetic Methods
Authors: Liu Xue , Yuan Jie , Zhou Huizhi , Wang Yuyao , Tian Guoyu , Liu Xueying , Wang Xinhui , Tang Mulin , Meng Xue , Kou Chunjia , Yang Qingqing , Li Juyi , Zhang Li , Ji Jiadong , Zhang Haiqing
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hypothyroidism often coexist in observational studies; however, the causal relationship between them remains controversial.

Methods

Complementary genetic approaches, including genetic correlation, Mendelian randomization (MR), and colocalization analysis, were conducted to assess the potential causal association between SLE and primary hypothyroidism using summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies. The association between SLE and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was further analyzed to help interpret the findings. In addition, findings were verified using a validation data set, as well as through different MR methods with different model assumptions.

Results

The linkage disequilibrium score regression revealed a shared genetic structure between SLE and primary hypothyroidism, with the significant genetic correlation estimated to be 0.2488 (P = 6.00 × 10−4). MR analysis with the inverse variance weighted method demonstrated a bidirectional causal relationship between SLE and primary hypothyroidism. The odds ratio (OR) of SLE on primary hypothyroidism was 1.037 (95% CI, 1.013-1.061; P = 2.00 × 10−3) and that of primary hypothyroidism on SLE was 1.359 (95% CI, 1.217-1.520; P < 0.001). The OR of SLE on TSH was 1.007 (95% CI, 1.001-1.013; P = 0.032). However, TSH was not causally associated with SLE (P = 0.152). Similar results were found using different MR methods. In addition, colocalization analysis suggested that shared causal variants existed between SLE and primary hypothyroidism. The results of the validation analysis indicated a bidirectional causal relationship between SLE and primary hypothyroidism, as well as shared loci.

Conclusion

In summary, a bidirectional causal relationship between SLE and primary hypothyroidism was observed with complementary genetic approaches.
Pulpit of Performative Reason
Authors: Lofton Kathryn
Published: October 2022

This essay observes that a hostile relationship to religion is an elemental component of contemporary debates about gender and sexuality, and this hostility has its origin in a specific movement, freethought. A long line of Anglophone self-described freethinkers argues that human beings embrace religions because they cannot think without direction. TERF voices echo this explanation as they seek to right what they determine are wrong figurations of gender. The freethinker's ritual presentation requires standing at a pulpit determined by their claimed associations with and commitment to reason, and then correcting someone else's view of themselves with a red pen in front of a crowd. Understanding TERFs, and their ability to declare what gender is and is not, requires a foray into the history of religions to perceive why this is such a tenacious prejudicial rite of modernity.
Drug-based mobilisation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells improves cardiac function post myocardial infarction
Authors: Todorova Veneta B. , Baxan Nicoleta , Delahaye Matthew , Harding Sian E. , Rankin Sara M.
Published: October 2022

There is an unmet need for treatments that prevent the progressive cardiac dysfunction following myocardial infarction. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are under investigation for cardiac repair; however, culture expansion prior to transplantation is hindering their homing and reparative abilities. Pharmacological mobilisation could be an alternative to MSC transplantation. Here, we report that endogenous MSCs mobilise into the circulation at day 5 post myocardial infarction in male Lewis rats. This mobilisation can be significantly increased by using a combination of the FDA-approved drugs mirabegron (β3-adrenoceptor agonist) and AMD3100 (CXCR4 antagonist). Blinded cardiac magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed the treated group to have increased left ventricular ejection fraction and decreased end systolic volume at 5 weeks post myocardial infarction. The mobilised group had a significant decrease in plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, a decrease in interstitial fibrosis, and an increase in the border zone blood vessel density. Conditioned medium from blood-derived MSCs supported angiogenesis in vitro, as shown by tube formation and wound healing assays. Our data suggest a novel pharmacological strategy that enhances myocardial infarction-induced MSC mobilisation and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction.
Privacy awareness through gamification
Authors: Μαυροειδή Αικατερίνη-Γεωργία
Published: October 2022

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή στοχεύει στην ανάπτυξη μιας παιγνιώδους εκπαιδευτικής μεθόδου. Αυτή η μέθοδος μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί για το σχεδιασμό εφαρμογών που στοχεύουν στην εκπαίδευση των χρηστών. Η σημαντική διαφορά σε αντίθεση με τις παραδοσιακές μεθόδους εκπαίδευσης είναι η εισαγωγή στοιχείων παιχνιδιού προκειμένου να έχουμε ένα πιο ενδιαφέρον και ελκυστικό περιβάλλον αλληλεπίδρασης για τον χρήστη.Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διατριβής:• Μελετήθηκε η παιγνιοποίηση για την καταγραφή του στόχου και του τρόπου υλοποίησής της• Εξετάστηκε η σχέση της ιδιωτικότητας και της παιγνιοποίηση για να προσδιοριστεί εάν οι εφαρμογές παιχνιδιών σέβονται το απόρρητο των χρηστών• Αποδείχθηκε η ανάγκη εκπαίδευσης των χρηστών σε θέματα ιδιωτικότητας• Πραγματοποιήθηκε μια σε βάθος ανάλυση του εκπαιδευτικού σχεδιασμού• Ο συνδυασμός της θεωρίας του εκπαιδευτικού σχεδιασμού και της παιγνιοποίησης περιεγράφηκε για να προσδιοριστεί πώς μπορούν να συνδεθούν.• Προτάθηκε ένα μοντέλο σχεδιασμού παιγνιωδών εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων• Για την εφαρμογή της προτεινόμενης μεθόδου χρησιμοποιήθηκε μια μελέτη περίπτωσης για την ευαισθητοποίηση σε ζητήματα ιδιωτικότητας
A scientific methodology course for advanced medical students: an eight-year perspective
Authors: Bartesaghi Silvina , Garcés Gastón , Barrios Enrique , Radi Rafael
Published: October 2022

Background: Exponential increases in the development of medical knowledge, the expansion of areas where medicine develops its activities, the emergence of new pathologies (e.g., COVID-19), novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies, together with the appearance of multiple communication and information technologies, determined that the education of future physicians required targeted training in scientific methodology.

Methods: The design and execution of a course in scientific methodology in the curriculum of Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, is described. The course is carried out at an advanced stage of the medical studies for all the students, in which they develop a 10-month research project supervised by the medical school faculty. Students undergo all stages of a research endeavor: generation of hypothesis or general aim, elaboration of a research protocol, submission to the Research Ethics and Animal Welfare Committees, data recollection, analysis, interpretation and publication of the results.

Results: The course is undertaken at the Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, the main university of the country, with high numbers of students enrolled. The course involves the participation of 600 students and up to 300 professors per year, which implies a huge institutional effort.

Conclusions: The scientific methodology course resulted in one of the most important incorporations of the current 2008 curriculum. Local students, faculty and international evaluators have qualified this activity as an educational breakthrough, being a gratifying and productive experience. The course represented the first exposure of medical students to the research methodology, scientific literature and publication rules, and emphasized the dynamic nature of medical knowledge within modern medical education. Moreover, for some students it constituted the onset of academic research careers. An additional positive outcome was the reactivation of some faculty research projects, in a way that largely exceeded the boundaries of the course.
Dokumenty osobiste a doświadczenie migracji. Refleksje metodologiczne
Authors: Bukraba-Rylska Izabella
Published: October 2022

Metoda pamiętnikarska (zwana też metodą dokumentów osobistych) jest często wykorzystywana w roli narzędzia badania rzeczywistości społecznej, ale sama stosunkowo rzadko staje się przedmiotem refleksji metodologicznej i teoretycznej. Tymczasem wciąż warte namysłu są podstawowe pytania, takie jak: co jest dokumentem osobistym? w jaki sposób może on być używany i analizowany? jakie normy etyczne wiążą badacza? Prezentowany tekst porusza te kwestie, przypominając klasyczne i współczesne ustalenia badaczy używających tej metody (np. zasada współczynnika humanistycznego F. Znanieckiego), a następnie czyniąc pamiętnik Władka Wiśniewskiego zamieszczony w trzecim tomie Chłopa polskiego W. Thomasa i F. Znanieckiego egzemplifikacją najważniejszych dylematów. Wskazanie ograniczenia najczęściej stosowanego podejścia do dokumentów osobistych (traktowanych jako źródło wiedzy o obiektywnej rzeczywistości, jej wierne i neutralne „odbicie”) prowadzi do naszkicowania możliwości innego podejścia, zwanego pragmatycznym.
„To jest rzeczywiście piękny kraj”. Lazurowe Wybrzeże w autonarracjach Witolda Gombrowicza
Authors: Spólna Anna
Published: October 2022

Artykuł analizuje sposób, w jaki Witold Gombrowicz – mieszkający w pobliżu Nicei przez ostatnie pięć lat życia – przedstawia siebie wobec miejsc, ludzi, obyczajów i przyrody tego zakątka Francji. Na plan pierwszy wysuwają się jego kondycja emigranta i outsidera literatury, a także wielopoziomowa gra z wizerunkiem starzejącego się geniusza w mieście rentierów i artystów, widoczna w próbach odmiennego portretowania Prowansji wobec czytelników, osób bliskich (rodzina, przyjaciele) oraz w intymnych zapiskach. Dziennik, Testament, wywiady i późna publicystyka zostały więc skonfrontowane z listami oraz wydanym pośmiertnie Kronosem. Autonarracje pisarza służą tyleż autokreacji i mitologizacji własnego życia, co próbie zrozumienia swojego losu. Składają się na literacki autoportret tworzony w cieniu śmierci.
O kilku wątkach działalności Józefa Jaremy w środowisku artystycznym Lazurowego Wybrzeża (1951–1974)
Authors: Czerska Karolina
Published: October 2022

Artykuł dotyczy wybranych wątków z „okresu nicejskiego” w twórczości Józefa Jaremy i w prowadzonej przez niego działalności organizacyjnej życia artystycznego w regionie Lazurowego Wybrzeża. Artysta mieszkał w Nicei w latach 1951–1974 wraz z malarką Marią Sperling. Kontynuował tu pracę nad własnym dziełem malarskim, a od 1955 r. wraz ze Sperling tworzył tkaniny artystyczne (tapiserie). Prezentował swoje prace na wystawach indywidualnych w Nicei i Cannes, a także na wystawach zbiorowych w regionie (m.in. Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes, Vence, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Mentona, Monako), był też autorem tekstów towarzyszących części tych wystaw. Miał duże zasługi w rozszerzeniu działalności stowarzyszenia Art Club we Francji – nie tylko przez współpracę z filią paryską w obrębie Lazurowego Wybrzeża, ale także dzięki utworzeniu osobnej filii z siedzibą w Nicei. Był jednym z inicjatorów odbywającego się w latach 60. XX wieku Festival des Arts Plastiques de la Côte d’Azur.
Wokół periodyku „Babin na Obcej Ziemi” (1832). Polska kultura dawna w czasopiśmie Wielkiej Emigracji
Authors: Kacprzak Marta M.
Published: October 2022

Artykuł to monograficzne opracowanie efemerycznego czasopisma literackiego o charakterze humorystycznym pt. „Babin na Obcej Ziemi”, wydawanego u początków Wielkiej Emigracji we Francji w 1832 r. – pierwszego polskiego periodyku emigracyjnego. Opracowanie porządkuje stan badań na temat sytuacji wydawniczej litografowanego pisma, m.in. analizując jego związek z Antonim Oleszczyńskim. Przedstawia interpretację trzech utworów literackich zamieszczonych w dwóch numerach periodyku (List nadesłany z Elbląga dnia 1 maja 1832; Panorama Besançonu Franciszka Gordaszewskiego; Bajka. Szpak, papuga i gawrony), koncentrując się na organizującym treść i przesłanie pisma motywie Rzeczypospolitej Babińskiej. Przypomina historię tego szlacheckiego koła towarzysko-literackiego z XVI–XVII w., jego ślady literackie, a także recepcję jego dziedzictwa w kulturze polskiej XIX w., także w środowisku Wielkiej Emigracji (m.in. Franciszek Ksawery Szaniawski, Kazimierz Władysław Wójcicki, edycje tekstów Ignacego Krasickiego i Teodora Wagi, Antoni Oleszczyński, Leonard Chodźko). Interpretację utworów z periodyków odnosi również do tradycji satyry oświeceniowej. Zarazem plasuje teksty – ich treść, formę i przesłanie – na tle sytuacji historyczno-polityczno-społecznej emigracji polskiej około 1832 r. Ukazuje zderzenie staropolskiej i oświeceniowej konwencji literacko-humorystycznej z bieżącymi uwarunkowaniami Wielkiej Emigracji. Przypomina także ślady recepcji periodyku, m.in. jego związek z czasopismem „Pszonka” Leona Zienkowicza (Strasburg, Paryż 1839–1844).
Zygmunt Lubicz-Zaleski (1882–1967) et sa contribution au rayonnement de la Bibliothèque Polonaise
Authors: Delaperrière Maria
Published: October 2022

Na podstawie bogatych archiwów Biblioteki Polskiej w Paryżu (12 teczek zwierających korespondencję prywatną i oficjalną, rękopisy i artykuły profesora Zygmunta Zaleskiego), autorka przedstawia najważniejsze aspekty jego działalności w Paryżu, w której  Biblioteka Polska, miejsce symboliczne polskiej emigracji, staje się punktem strategicznym, który pozwoli Zaleskiemu rozwinąć współpracę nie tylko z polskimi placówkami (głównie Szkołą Polską, pismem „Polonia”, Stowarzyszeniem Artystów Polskich, Komitetem Francusko-Polskim Kazimierza Woźnickiego), lecz także z instytucjami francuskimi: z Wyższą Szkołą Nauk Społecznych (EHSS), Szkołą Języków Wschodnich (Langues O’) oraz Instytutem Studiów Słowiańskich (IES), w którym rozwinął bliską współpracę z Biblioteką Polską. Wymiana kulturalna między instytucjami polskimi i francuskimi przybiera wymiar oficjalny z chwilą, gdy Lubicz-Zaleski zostaje mianowany delegatem polskiego Ministerstwa Wyznań Religijnych i Oświecenia Publicznego. Biblioteka Polska osiąga wtedy rangę ośrodka naukowego o charakterze uniwersyteckim, przeznaczonym dla studentów polskich i francuskich. Kataklizm wojenny przerywa okres świetności Biblioteki Polskiej. Po przeżyciach wojennych (praca w strefie wolnej w Villard de Lens, areszt, obóz w Buchenwaldzie), Zaleski powraca do obowiązków delegata Ministerstwa Edukacji i Szkolnictwa Wyższego (tym razem pod auspicjami rządu londyńskiego) i sekretarza generalnego Polskiego Towarzystwa Historyczno-Literackiego.
Tradycja romantyczna w „Wiankach parańskich” Tadeusza Milana Grzybczyka
Authors: Stanisz Marek
Published: October 2022

Artykuł analizuje rolę tradycji romantycznej w przedstawieniu scenicznym Wianki parańskie (Kurytyba 1921) Tadeusza Milana Grzybczyka (1885–1961), poety i publicysty piszącego po polsku, który emigrował do Brazylii w 1904 roku i mieszkał tam do końca życia. Wianki parańskie, pełne odniesień do polskiej poezji romantycznej, są ilustracją przekonania o patriotycznej misji poezji. Sztuka może być także postrzegana jako fragment heroicznej epopei, przedstawiającej dzieje „ducha” narodu polskiego, prezentującej szeroką gamę bohaterów narodowych i ukazującej szczególny charakter świata przedstawionego, w którym współistnieją motywy realistyczne ze sferą zjawisk fantastycznych i nadprzyrodzonych. W Wiankach parańskich Milan Grzybczyk został przedstawiony jako strażnik polskości, poeta i nauczyciel polskiej historii oraz propagator rodzimych mitów narodowych. W sztuce postulat niepodległości narodu polskiego przeplata się z ideami wolności i międzyludzkiego braterstwa, a także z opisami piękna brazylijskiej przyrody oraz nadziejami związanymi z nową ojczyzną.
The Agency to Implement Voice: How Target Hierarchical Position and Competence Changes the Relationship Between Voice and Individual Performance
Authors: Burris Ethan R. , McClean Elizabeth J. , Detert Jim R. , Quigley Tim J.
Published: October 2022

Although voice is communication that is intended to benefit the performance of collectives, little is known about the benefits or costs to individual task performance and what mechanisms drive these effects. Our research offers new theory to articulate and illustrate the conditions under which voice has positive versus negative effects on individual task performance by directly acknowledging that employees have many options for where to direct their ideas. We introduce an agency perspective on voice by theorizing that one fundamental reason why employees speak up is to generate the implementation of corrective action for issues affecting themselves and to the extent targets of voice have agency to facilitate action through implementation of voice, voicing employees should be more likely to realize performance benefits from speaking up. In a first field study, we present evidence that two characteristics—the hierarchical position of the voice target (boss versus peer) and the competence of the voice target—alter the relationship between voice and the voicing employee’s task performance. In a second field study, using an event-contingent design, we provide evidence of the unique mechanisms underlying how competent managers (via their resources) and competent peers (via their efficacy to act) affect how upward and sideways voices lead to idea implementation. We discuss the theoretical implications of these ideas and findings by highlighting how voice target characteristics influence not just the incidence of voice but also, its outcomes.

Funding: This research benefited from financial support through the McCombs Research Excellence Grant.
Mechanism of nanostructure processing on Au and Ag nano-film by a nanosecond laser illuminating cantilevered scanning near-field optical microscopy tip
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Cui Jianlei , Yin Hailong , Wang Zhijun , He Xiaoqiao , Mei Xuesong
Published: October 2022

Nanostructure processing by a laser illuminating cantilevered scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) tip is a novel technology that has received extensive attention from researchers. In this paper, theoretical investigations of the mechanism for nanostructure fabrication on Au and Ag nano-film by this technology are realized by the finite element method. The light field intensity and temperature distribution on Au and Ag surfaces at the near-field of the SNOM tip apex after illumination is simulated. The results reveal that the laser is restricted and enhanced within the SNOM tip aperture during illumination. Locally excited surface plasmon polaritons, which induce near-field enhancement on the Au and Ag nano-film at the vicinity of the aperture, are significant for nanostructure fabrication. The impacts of several parameters such as aperture width

w

, gap between the apex and substrate

g

, and the initial electric field intensity

|

E

0

|

of the laser on the temperature of the Au and Ag substrate surfaces during fabrication are deeply studied. It reveals that the surface temperature depends on both the enhancement of the light field intensity and the transmitted laser. The enhancement is dominant in affecting temperature when the gap is small, while the transmittance becomes the main factor influencing the surface temperature with the increase of the gap.
Polarimetric calibration of a spectropolarimeter instrument with high precision: Sunrise chromospheric infrared spectropolarimeter (SCIP) for the sunrise iii balloon telescope
Authors: Kawabata Yusuke , Katsukawa Yukio , Kubo Masahito , Anan Tetsu , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , Shinoda Kazuya , Tsuzuki Toshihiro , Uraguchi Fumihiro , Nagata Shin’ichi , Oba Takayoshi , Expósito David Hernández , Sánchez Gómez Antonio , Orozco Suárez David , Balaguer Jiménz María , Bailón Martínez Eduardo , Morales Fernández José Miguel , Moreno Mantas Antonio , del Toro Iniesta Jose Carlos , Gandorfer Achim , Feller Alex
Published: October 2022

The Sunrise chromospheric
infrared spectropolarimeter
(SCIP) installed in the international balloon experiment
sunrise iii will
perform spectropolarimetric observations in the near-infrared band to
measure solar photospheric and chromospheric magnetic fields
simultaneously. The main components of SCIP for polarization
measurements are a rotating wave plate, polarization beam splitters,
and CMOS imaging sensors. In each of the sensors, SCIP records the
orthogonal linearly polarized components of light. The polarization is
later demodulated on-board. Each sensor covers one of the two distinct
wavelength regions centered at 770 and 850 nm. To retrieve the
proper circular polarization, the new parameter

R

, defined as the 45° phase shifted
component of Stokes

V

in the modulation curve, is
introduced. SCIP is aimed at achieving high polarization precision (

1

σ
<
3
×

10

−
4

of continuum intensity) to capture
weak polarization signals in the chromosphere. The objectives of the
polarization calibration test presented in this paper are to determine
a response matrix of SCIP and to measure its repeatability and
temperature dependence to achieve the required polarization precision.
Tolerances of the response matrix elements were set after considering
typical photospheric and chromospheric polarization signal levels. We
constructed a feed optical system such that a telecentric beam can
enter SCIP with the same

f

-number as the light distribution
instrument of the sunrise iii telescope. A wire-grid linear
polarizer and achromatic wave plate were placed before SCIP to produce
the known polarization. The obtained response matrix was close to the
values expected from the design. The wavelength and spatial
variations, repeatability, and temperature dependence of the response
matrix were confirmed to be smaller than tolerances.
A voice-based biomarker for monitoring symptom resolution in adults with COVID-19: Findings from the prospective Predi-COVID cohort study
Authors: Fagherazzi Guy , Zhang Lu , Elbéji Abir , Higa Eduardo , Despotovic Vladimir , Ollert Markus , Aguayo Gloria A. , Nazarov Petr V. , Fischer Aurélie
Published: October 2022

People with COVID-19 can experience impairing symptoms that require enhanced surveillance. Our objective was to train an artificial intelligence-based model to predict the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and derive a digital vocal biomarker for easily and quantitatively monitoring symptom resolution. We used data from 272 participants in the prospective Predi-COVID cohort study recruited between May 2020 and May 2021. A total of 6473 voice features were derived from recordings of participants reading a standardized pre-specified text. Models were trained separately for Android devices and iOS devices. A binary outcome (symptomatic versus asymptomatic) was considered, based on a list of 14 frequent COVID-19 related symptoms. A total of 1775 audio recordings were analyzed (6.5 recordings per participant on average), including 1049 corresponding to symptomatic cases and 726 to asymptomatic ones. The best performances were obtained from Support Vector Machine models for both audio formats. We observed an elevated predictive capacity for both Android (AUC = 0.92, balanced accuracy = 0.83) and iOS (AUC = 0.85, balanced accuracy = 0.77) as well as low Brier scores (0.11 and 0.16 respectively for Android and iOS when assessing calibration. The vocal biomarker derived from the predictive models accurately discriminated asymptomatic from symptomatic individuals with COVID-19 (t-test P-values<0.001). In this prospective cohort study, we have demonstrated that using a simple, reproducible task of reading a standardized pre-specified text of 25 seconds enabled us to derive a vocal biomarker for monitoring the resolution of COVID-19 related symptoms with high accuracy and calibration.
Effectiveness of self-managed abortion during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a pooled analysis of two prospective, observational cohort studies in Nigeria
Authors: Egwuatu Ijeoma , Nmezi Sybil , Jayaweera Ruvani , Motana Relebohile , Grosso Belén , Kristianingrum Ika Ayu , Zurbriggen Ruth , Bercu Chiara , Gerdts Caitlin , Moseson Heidi
Published: October 2022

Globally, restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic altered access to clinical abortion care, as well as people’s ability to access abortion medications on their own. When clinical care is inaccessible, or when self-care is preferred, people use pills on their own, without clinical supervision, to end their pregnancies–a practice known as “self-managed” abortion. Little is known about experiences of self-managed abortion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure experiences of self-managed abortion, including abortion completion, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Between October 2019—September 2020, we recruited callers to a safe abortion accompaniment group that provides information on self-managed abortion in Nigeria. Participants completed a baseline phone survey, and two follow-up phone surveys. Primary outcomes included burdens experienced prior to versus during the pandemic, and abortion completion. We calculated frequencies and percentages overall and by time period and compared outcomes across time periods using t-tests, Chi-squared tests, tests of proportion, and Mantel-Haenszel adjusted odds ratios. Overall, 807 participants were included in these analyses. Participants enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to report needing to borrow money (47.9% vs 29.4%) and find lodging outside the home (15.5% vs 3.2%) for their self-managed abortion than were those enrolled prior to the pandemic. Participants reported COVID-19 related difficulties most frequently during the earliest and strictest period of the lockdowns, particularly in obtaining and taking pills (32.4%), and comfort seeking healthcare (12.2%). Nearly all participants (95%) reported a complete abortion at last follow-up. Results from this study underscore the challenges Nigerians faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in self-managing their abortions, and also the essential role that a safe abortion hotline played in expanding access to safe abortion during a time when the formal healthcare system was less accessible and higher-risk.
Evaluation of digital economy development level based on multi-attribute decision theory
Authors: Su Jinqi , Su Ke , Wang Shubin
Published: October 2022

The maturity and commercialization of emerging digital technologies represented by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, block chain and virtual reality are giving birth to a new and higher economic form, that is, digital economy. Digital economy is different from the traditional industrial economy. It is clean, efficient, green and recyclable. It represents and promotes the future direction of global economic development, especially in the context of the sudden COVID-19 pandemic as a continuing disaster. Therefore, it is essential to establish the comprehensive evaluation model of digital economy development scientifically and reasonably. In this paper, first on the basis of literature analysis, the relevant indicators of digital economy development are collected manually and then screened by the grey dynamic clustering and rough set reduction theory. The evaluation index system of digital economy development is constructed from four dimensions: digital innovation impetus support, digital infrastructure construction support, national economic environment and digital policy guarantee, digital integration and application. Next the subjective weight and objective weight are calculated by the group FAHP method, entropy method and improved CRITIC method, and the combined weight is integrated with the thought of maximum variance. The grey correlation analysis and improved VIKOR model are combined to systematically evaluate the digital economy development level of 31 provinces and cities in China from 2013 to 2019. The results of empirical analysis show that the overall development of China’s digital economy shows a trend of superposition and rise, and the development of digital economy in the four major economic zones is unbalanced. Finally, we put forward targeted opinions on the construction of China’s provincial digital economy.
Genome-wide analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Japanese morning glory
Authors: Komatsuzaki Ayane , Hoshino Atsushi , Otagaki Shungo , Matsumoto Shogo , Shiratake Katsuhiro
Published: October 2022

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants. R2R3-MYBs play a variety of functions in plants, such as cell fate determination, organ and tissue differentiations, primary and secondary metabolisms, stress and defense responses and other physiological processes. The Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil) has been widely used as a model plant for flowering and morphological studies. In the present study, 127 R2R3-MYB genes were identified in the Japanese morning glory genome. Information, including gene structure, protein motif, chromosomal location and gene expression, were assigned to the InR2R3-MYBs. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the 127 InR2R3-MYBs were classified into 29 subfamilies (C1-C29). Herein, physiological functions of the InR2R3-MYBs are discussed based on the functions of their Arabidopsis orthologues. InR2R3-MYBs in C9, C15, C16 or C28 may regulate cell division, flavonol biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis or response to abiotic stress, respectively. C16 harbors the known anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator, InMYB1 (INIL00g10723), and putative anthocyanin biosynthesis regulators, InMYB2 (INIL05g09650) and InMYB3 (INIL05g09651). In addition, INIL05g09649, INIL11g40874 and INIL11g40875 in C16 were suggested as novel anthocyanin biosynthesis regulators. We organized the R2R3-MYB transcription factors in the morning glory genome and assigned information to gene and protein structures and presuming their functions. Our study is expected to facilitate future research on R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Japanese morning glory.
A marine isotope stage 11 coastal Acheulian workshop with associated wood at Amanzi Springs Area 1, South Africa
Authors: Herries Andy I. R. , Arnold Lee J. , Boschian Giovanni , Blackwood Alexander F. , Wilson Coen , Mallett Tom , Armstrong Brian , Demuro Martina , Petchey Fiona , Meredith-Williams Matthew , Penzo-Kajewski Paul , Caruana Matthew V.
Published: October 2022

Amanzi Springs is a series of inactive thermal springs located near Kariega in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Excavations in the 1960s exposed rare, stratified Acheulian-bearing deposits that were not further investigated over the next 50 years. Reanalysis of the site and its legacy collection has led to a redefined stratigraphic context for the archaeology, a confirmed direct association between Acheulian artefacts and wood, as well as the first reliable age estimates for the site. Thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence and post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence dating indicates that the Acheulian deposits from the Amanzi Springs Area 1 spring eye formed during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 at ~ 404–390 ka. At this time, higher sea levels of ~13-14m would have placed Amanzi Springs around 7 km from a ria that would have formed along what is today the Swartkops River, and which likely led to spring reactivation. This makes the Amanzi Springs Area 1 assemblage an unusual occurrence of a verified late occurring, seaward, open-air Acheulian occupation. The Acheulian levels do not contain any Middle Stone Age (MSA) elements such as blades and points that have been documented in the interior of South Africa at this time. However, a small number of stone tools from the upper layers of the artefact zone, and originally thought of as intrusive, have been dated to ~190 ka, at the transition between MIS 7 to 6, and represent the first potential MSA identified at the site.
Envisioning the use of in-situ arm movement data in stroke rehabilitation: Stroke survivors’ and occupational therapists’ perspectives
Authors: Jung Hee-Tae , Kim Yoojung , Lee Juhyeon , Lee Sunghoon Ivan , Choe Eun Kyoung
Published: October 2022

Background

The key for successful stroke upper-limb rehabilitation includes the personalization of therapeutic interventions based on patients’ functional ability and performance level. However, therapists often encounter challenges in supporting personalized rehabilitation due to the lack of information about how stroke survivors use their stroke-affected arm outside the clinic. Wearable technologies have been considered as an effective, objective solution to monitor patients’ arm use patterns in their naturalistic environments. However, these technologies have remained a proof of concept and have not been adopted as mainstream therapeutic products, and we lack understanding of how key stakeholders perceive the use of wearable technologies in their practice.

Objective

We aim to understand how stroke survivors and therapists perceive and envision the use of wearable sensors and arm activity data in practical settings and how we could design a wearable-based performance monitoring system to better support the needs of the stakeholders.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with four stroke survivors and 15 occupational therapists (OTs) based on real-world arm use data that we collected for contextualization. To situate our participants, we leveraged a pair of finger-worn accelerometers to collect stroke survivors’ arm use data in real-world settings, which we used to create study probes for stroke survivors and OTs, respectively. The interview data was analyzed using the thematic approach.

Results

Our study unveiled a detailed account of (1) the receptiveness of stroke survivors and OTs for using wearable sensors in clinical practice, (2) OTs’ envisioned strategies to utilize patient-generated sensor data in the light of providing patients with personalized therapy programs, and (3) practical challenges and design considerations to address for the accelerated integration of wearable systems into their practice.

Conclusions

These findings offer promising directions for the design of a wearable solution that supports OTs to develop individually-tailored therapy programs for stroke survivors to improve their affected arm use.
Lower odds of remission among women with rheumatoid arthritis: A cohort study in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management cohort
Authors: Vallejo-Yagüe Enriqueta , Pfund Julia N. , Burkard Theresa , Clair Carole , Micheroli Raphael , Möller Burkhard , Finckh Axel , Burden Andrea M.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To compare the likelihood of achieving remission between men and women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after starting their first biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD).

Methods

This cohort study in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) registry included RA patients starting their first b/tsDMARD (1997-31/04/2018). The odds of achieving remission at ≤12-months, defined by disease activity score 28-joints (DAS28) <2.6, were compared between men and women. Secondary analyses were adjusted for age and seropositivity, and we investigated potential mediators or factors that could explain the main findings.

Results

The study included 2839 (76.3%) women and 883 (23.7%) men with RA. Compared to women, men were older at diagnosis and b/tsDMARD start, but had shorter time from diagnosis to b/tsDMARD (3.4 versus 5.0 years, p<0.001), and they had lower DAS28 at b/tsDMARD start. Compared to women, men had 21% increased odds of achieving DAS28-remission, with odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.42. Adjusting for age and seropositivity yielded similar findings (adjusted OR 1.24, 95%CI 1.05–1.46). Analyses of potential mediators suggested that the observed effect may be explained by the shorter disease duration and lower DAS28 at treatment initiation in men versus women.

Conclusion

Men started b/tsDMARD earlier than women, particularly regarding disease duration and disease activity (DAS28), and had higher odds of reaching remission. This highlights the importance of early initiation of second line treatments, and suggests to target an earlier stage of disease in women to match the benefits observed in men.
Body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in Mozambican children and adolescents living with HIV
Authors: Chirindza Nivaldo , Leach Lloyd , Mangona Lucília , Nhaca Gomes , Daca Timóteo , Prista António
Published: October 2022

Introduction

As a result of the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease, which has enabled children living with HIV to reach adolescence and adulthood. However, the long exposure to both the disease and ART has caused undesirable effects that compromise the physiological functioning and the quality of life of the subjects.

Objective

To determine the body composition, physical fitness and habitual physical activity of children and adolescents living with HIV on ART.

Methods

A total of 79 subjects of both genders aged 8–14 years, living with HIV in ART, selected by convenience participated in the study. The subjects underwent anthropometric assessment, physical fitness assessment and physical activity assessment.

Results

Relative to reference norms, the values of the anthropometric indicators fell below 50th percentile (height/age = 92.4%; BMI/age 72.2%; sum of skinfolds = 51.9%; arm circumference = 63.3%). The prevalence of “low height/age” and “low weight/age” was 34.9% and 9.3%, respectively for boys, and 27.9% and 11.1%, respectively for girls. With the exception of trunk flexibility (12.3%), most subjects were considered unfit in the physical fitness tests (abdominal resistance = 76.4%; handgrip strength = 75.4%; lower limb power = 66.4%). The percentage of subjects with insufficient physical activity was 45.5% for boys and 77.8% for girls. The values for all variables were consistently and significantly lower when compared with studies done in Mozambicans boys and girls without HIV+ from both urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

The subjects participants in the study living with HIV and undergoing ART had impaired growth, low physical fitness and low levels of habitual physical activity in relation to the reference values of their peers without HIV, which compromised their physiological functioning and their quality of life.
Multi‑strategy Equilibrium Optimizer: An improved meta-heuristic tested on numerical optimization and engineering problems
Authors: Li Yu , Liang Xiao , Liu Jingsen , Zhou Huan
Published: October 2022

The Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) is a recently proposed intelligent optimization algorithm based on mass balance equation. It has a novel principle to deal with global optimization. However, when solving complex numerical optimization problems and engineering problems, the algorithm will get stuck into local optima and degrade accuracy. To address the issue, an improved Equilibrium Optimizer (IEO) based on multi-strategy optimization is proposed. First, Tent mapping is used to generate the initial location of the particle population, which evenly distributes the particle population and lays the foundation for diversified global search process. Moreover, nonlinear time parameter is used to update the position equation, which dynamically balances the exploration and exploitation phases of improved algorithm. Finally, Lens Opposition‑based Learning (LOBL) is introduced, which avoids local optimization by improving the population diversity of the algorithm. Simulation experiments are carried out on 23 classical functions, IEEE CEC2017 problems and IEEE CEC2019 problems, and the stability of the algorithm is further analyzed by Friedman statistical test and box plots. Experimental results show that the algorithm has good solution accuracy and robustness. Additionally, six engineering design problems are solved, and the results show that improved algorithm has high optimization efficiency achieves cost minimization.
Factors impacting adherence to an exercise-based physical therapy program for individuals with low back pain
Authors: Shahidi Bahar , Padwal Jennifer , Lee Euyhyun , Xu Ronghui , Northway Sarah , Taitano Lissa , Wu Tiffany , Raiszadeh Kamshad
Published: October 2022

Background/Objective

Exercise-based rehabilitation is a conservative management approach for individuals with low back pain. However, adherence rates for conservative management are often low and the reasons for this are not well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of adherence and patient-reported reasons for non-adherence after ceasing a supervised exercise-based rehabilitation program in individuals with low back pain.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Data was retrospectively analyzed from 5 rehabilitation clinics utilizing a standardized exercise-based rehabilitation program. Baseline demographics, diagnosis and symptom specific features, visit number, and discontinuation profiles were quantified for 2,243 patients who underwent the program.

Results

Forty-three percent (43%) of participants were adherent to the program, with the majority (31.7%) discontinuing treatment prior to completion due to logistic and accessibility issues. Another 13.2% discontinued prior to the prescribed duration due to clinically significant improvements in pain and/or disability without formal discharge evaluation, whereas 8.3% did not continue due to lack of improvement. Finally, 6.0% were discharged for related and unrelated medical reasons including surgery. Individuals diagnosed with disc pathology were most likely to be adherent to the program.

Limitations

This study was a retrospective chart review with missing data for some variables. Future studies with a prospective design would increase quality of evidence.

Conclusions

The majority of individuals prescribed an in-clinic exercise-based rehabilitation program are non-adherent. Patient diagnosis was the most important predictor of adherence. For those who were not adherent, important barriers include personal issues, insufficient insurance authorization and lack of geographic accessibility.