bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of COA1 with Patellar Tendonitis: A Genome-wide Association Analysis
Authors: KIM STUART K. , NGUYEN CONDOR , HORTON BRANDON H. , AVINS ANDREW L. , ABRAMS GEOFFREY D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

It is unknown why some athletes develop patellar tendinopathy and others do not, even when accounting for similar workloads between individuals. Genetic differences between these two populations may be a contributing factor. The purpose of this work was to screen the entire genome for genetic markers associated with patellar tendinopathy.

Methods

Genome-wide association (GWA) analyses were performed utilizing data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board (KPRB) and the UK Biobank. Patellar tendinopathy cases were identified based on electronic health records from KPRB and UK Biobank. GWA analyses from both cohorts were tested for patellar tendinopathy using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, height, weight, age, and race/ethnicity using allele counts for single nucleotide polymorphisms. The data from the two GWA studies (KPRB and UK Biobank) were combined in a meta-analysis.

Results

There were a total of 1670 cases of patellar tendinopathy and 293,866 controls within the two cohorts. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the intron of the cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 1 (COA1) gene showed a genome-wide significant association in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Genetic markers in COA1 seem to be associated with patellar tendinopathy and are potential risk factors for patellar tendinopathy that deserve further validation regarding molecular mechanisms.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Body Fatness: Associations with Total Body Fat, Visceral Fat, and Liver Fat
Authors: WINTERS-VAN EEKELEN ESTHER , VAN DER VELDE JEROEN H. P. M. , BOONE SEBASTIAAN C. , WESTGATE KATE , BRAGE SØREN , LAMB HILDO J. , ROSENDAAL FRITS R. , DE MUTSERT RENÉE
Published: June 2021

Purpose

It remains unclear to what extent habitual physical activity and sedentary time (ST) are associated with visceral fat and liver fat. We studied the substitution of ST with time spent physically active and total body fat (TBF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) in middle-age men and women.

Design

In this cross-sectional analysis of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, physical activity was assessed in 228 participants using a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor. TBF was assessed by the Tanita bioelectrical impedance, VAT by magnetic resonance imaging, and HTGC by proton-MR spectroscopy. Behavioral intensity distribution was categorized as ST, time spent in light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). To estimate the effect of replacing 30 min·d−1 of ST with 30 min·d−1 LPA or MVPA, we performed isotemporal substitution analyses, adjusted for sex, age, ethnicity, education, the Dutch Healthy Diet index, and smoking.

Results

Included participants (41% men) had a mean ± SD age of 56 ± 6 yr and spent 88 ± 56 min in MVPA and 9.0 ± 2.1 h of ST. Replacing 30 min·d−1 of ST with 30 min of MVPA was associated with 1.3% less TBF (95% confidence interval = −2.0 to −0.7), 7.8 cm2 less VAT (−11.6 to −4.0), and 0.89 times HTGC (0.82–0.97). Replacement with LPA was not associated with TBF (−0.03%; −0.5 to 0.4), VAT (−1.7 cm2; −4.4 to 0.9), or HTGC (0.98 times; 0.92–1.04).

Conclusions

Reallocation of time spent sedentary with time spent in MVPA, but not LPA, was associated with less TBF, visceral fat, and liver fat. These findings contribute to the development of more specified guidelines on ST and physical activity.
A Review of Thomas Sowell’s Discrimination and Disparities
Authors: Doleac Jennifer L.
Published: June 2021

In Discrimination and Disparities, Thomas Sowell describes how economists think about the causes of disparities in socioeconomic outcomes. He cautions against government intervention to reduce disparities, noting that such interventions often have unintended consequences. In this review, I discuss the role of economic theory and empirical evidence in helping move society toward more equitable outcomes. I find far more reason to be hopeful about the role of government than Sowell does, but also argue for more experimentation and rigorous evaluation to be sure that our well-intentioned policies have their intended impacts. (JEL D63, J15, J16, J71, J78)
Υδραυλικά χαρακτηριστικά αποχετευτικών συστημάτων αρχαίων ελληνικών θεάτρων
Authors: Κολλυρόπουλος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: June 2021

Η διατριβή αναφέρεται στα αρχαία θέατρα και ειδικότερα, στον αποστραγγιστικό αγωγό τους, που ονομάζεται εύριπος. Καταρχήν γίνεται μία αναγνώριση των αρχαίων θεάτρων και του ευρίπου τους, αναπτύσσεται η απαιτούμενη θεωρία Υδραυλικής και Υδρολογίας και στη συνέχεια εξετάζονται τρεις (3) μελέτες περίπτωσης. Αυτές αφορούν τα αρχαία θέατρα Διονύσου (Αθήνα), Οινιαδών και Στράτου (στην Αιτωλοακαρνανία). Σε καθεμία περίπτωση εξετάζονται τα υδραυλικά χαρακτηριστικά του ευρίπου (ο οποίος εξετάζεται ως ανοικτός αγωγός) για να εκτιμηθεί η φέρουσα ικανότητά του, από κάθε άποψη. Παράλληλα, εξετάζονται και τα υδρολογικά στοιχεία της ενίοτε γύρωθεν περιοχής, μέσω της Ορθολογικής Μεθόδου, ώστε να εκτιμηθεί ο όγκος των ομβρίων που απορρέουν στον κάθε αγωγό. Κατόπιν, γίνεται σύγκριση μεταξύ των δύο παροχών (ομβρίων και φέρουσας ικανότητας) και σε κάθε περίπτωση, οι αποστραγγιστικοί αγωγοί αποδεικνύεται ότι είναι ικανοί να παραλάβουν με ασφάλεια τα όμβρια της γύρωθεν περιοχής, ακόμη και στο πιο δυσμενές σενάριο. Πέραν αυτών, εξετάζεται η αειφορική ικανότητα όχι μόνο του ευρίπου, αλλά και ολόκληρου του θεάτρου, ως κατασκευής στην οποία εμπεριέχεται ο εύριπος, ως υποσύνολο ενός γενικότερου συνόλου. Η εξέταση γίνεται με ένα πρωτοποριακό εργαλείο (“GADD”), το οποίο δύναται να αποτιμήσει την αειφορική ικανότητα της κατασκευής και αποδίδει τα αποτελέσματα με σαφείς δείκτες και διαγράμματα. Τα αποτελέσματα είναι ενθαρρυντικά και καταδεικνύουν την διαχρονική αειφορικότητα των αρχαίων θεάτρων και των επιμέρους δομικών στοιχείων των, όπως ο εύριπος. Παράλληλα, ελέγχεται η αειφορικότητά τους μέσω της μεθόδου της SWOT Analysis, όπου μέσω αυτής προκύπτουν αντίστοιχα αποτελέσματα. Όλη αυτή η διαδικασία που αναφέρεται στη διατριβή αυτή καθιστά το μέλλον καλύτερο, αφού μέσω της μοντελοποίησης και αναπαραγωγής αντίστοιχων κατασκευαστικών διατάξεων συλλογής, αποθήκευσης και επαναχρησιμοποίησης ύδατος (όπως γίνεται στα περισσότερα αρχαία θέατρα), είναι εφικτή η αειφόρος διαφύλαξη υδάτινων πόρων, τόσο απαραίτητων για τη συνέχιση ύπαρξης κάθε μορφής ζωής στον πλανήτη μας.
Μάξιμος Μαργούνιος
Authors: Προϊκάκης Παναγιώτης
Published: June 2021

Η παρούσα εργασία σκοπό έχει να αναδείξει το μεγαλείο του επισκόπου Κυθήρων Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου, την πολυσχιδή προσωπικότητά του και να διερευνήσει τις επιδράσεις που άσκησε το έργο του στον χριστιανικό κόσμο. Μέσα από τη διερευνητική προσέγγιση προσπαθούμε να απαντήσουμε στο ερώτημα ποιος ήταν τελικά ο επίσκοπος Κυθήρων Μάξιμος Μαργούνιος. Εξετάζουμε τα μέχρι σήμερα ερευνητικά δεδομένα και προχωρούμε σε μία ολιστική θεώρηση της ζωής, της δράσης και του συγγραφικού του έργου, μέσα από την ενδυνάμωση των επιχειρημάτων με τη χρήση πρωτογενών πηγών, αλλά και της τεκμηριωμένης απόρριψης δευτερογενών πηγών, όπου χρειάζεται, και απόδοσης της αλήθειας των γεγονότων. Επιπλέον, η αξιοποίηση των κατακερματισμένων γνώσεων αντιμετωπίζεται κριτικά και συνθετικά, μέσα από την αντιπαραβολική μελέτη των χειρόγραφων και έντυπων κωδίκων προκειμένου να αναδείξουμε την ιστορική αλήθεια. Στο πρώτο μέρος εξετάζοντας τον βίο του Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου αναλύουμε αποκαλυπτικές προσωπικές καταστάσεις, ανασυνθέτοντας τη ζωή του. Επισημαίνοντας το κενό, τις παραλείψεις, αλλά και τις ανακρίβειες στην ελληνική και διεθνή βιβλιογραφία και ιεραρχώντας τις προτεραιότητές μας, παρουσιάζουμε τις κύριες περιόδους της πολυτάραχης ζωής του από τη γέννησή του στην Κρήτη μέχρι και το θάνατό του στη Βενετία. Στο δεύτερο μέρος που σχετίζεται με τη δράση του Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου παρουσιάζουμε την απόπειρα του Μαργούνιου για γεφύρωση των διαφορών Ορθοδοξίας και Ρωμαιοκαθολικισμού. Χωρίς να εμβαθύνουμε στις θεολογικές θέσεις του για σύγκλιση των αντιθέσεων, περιδιαβαίνουμε τον στοχασμό του παρουσιάζοντας την παρακαταθήκη του Μαργούνιου. Ένα μεγάλο μέρος του δεύτερου μέρους αναλώνεται στη θεολογική του έριδα με τον αρχιεπίσκοπο Φιλαδελφείας Γαβριήλ Σεβήρο. Αναδεικνύουμε τη δραστηριοποίησή του και την εν γένει προσφορά του στην παιδεία της περιόδου, τις διαχρονικές του σχέσεις με το Σιναϊτικό μετόχι της Αγίας Αικατερίνης στον Χάνδακα της Κρήτης, αλλά και τις σχέσεις του με ηγετικές μορφές της Μεταρρύθμισης. Εξίσου σημαντική παραμένει στις μέρες μας η ύπαρξη μιας ολοκληρωμένης παρουσίασης της εργογραφίας του Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου. Γι’ αυτό και στο τρίτο μέρος παρουσιάζουμε το σύνολο της συγγραφικής του δραστηριότητας, που καλύπτει ένα ευρύ φάσμα έργων, τα οποία αφορούν όχι μόνο τα θεολογικού προσανατολισμού πονήματά του, αλλά και τα σχετιζόμενα με τα φιλοσοφικά και λογοτεχνικά ενδιαφέροντά του. Εξετάζουμε την έστω και περιορισμένη στροφή του προς τη δημώδη γλώσσα, ενώ προβαίνουμε και σε κριτική αποτίμηση της ποιητικής του παραγωγής. Ιδιαίτερα σημαντική είναι η για πρώτη φορά παρουσίαση της χειρόγραφης παράδοσης των επιστολών του Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου, η οποία περιλαμβάνει 60 εγγραφές σε διάφορα χειρόγραφα, καθώς και μία αρχική καταλόγιση 25 χειρόγραφων και έντυπων κωδίκων που ενσωματώνουν επιγράμματα του Μάξιμου Μαργούνιου. Η διατριβή μας τελειώνει με την παρουσίαση των ερευνητικών πορισμάτων γύρω από το βίο, τη δράση και το ευρύτερο έργο του Μαργούνιου, αναδεικνύοντας μία ελλιπή ή και διαστρεβλωμένη κατά καιρούς μελέτη της πολύπλευρης και πολυσχιδούς αυτής προσωπικότητας.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Accounting Change: Complexities of Understanding and How to Apply
Authors: Sotnikova Lyudmila
Published: June 2021

Over the past more than a quarter of a century of active reform of Russian accounting in accordance with IFRS, half of this period in the regulatory documents there was no such concept as “change in estimated values”. Changes in accounting estimates are recognized prospectively. Not everyone understands this perspective order unambiguously and correctly. In this article, the prospective procedure is considered on the example of changing the useful life of fi xed assets.
Measuring the Impact of Crowdsourcing Features on Mobile App User Engagement and Retention: A Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Gu Zhuojun , Bapna Ravi , Chan Jason , Gupta Alok
Published: June 2021

The most commonly cited issues with mobile apps are low user engagement and retention levels. In this paper, we use a randomized control trial to test the efficacy of crowdsourcing on enhancing user engagement and retention in the context of mobile gaming apps. We examine two specific crowdsourcing features: the ability to submit content and the ability to access crowdsourced content. We find that the content submission significantly increases engagement and retention by reducing users’ hazard of ending a session by approximately 11% relative to the baseline and reducing the hazard of abandoning the game app by 14%. In contrast, giving users the ability to access crowdsourced content has no significant effect on engagement but has a positive effect on retention by reducing the hazard of abandoning the game app by 13%. Surprisingly, we find that the interaction effect of these two crowdsourced features is negative on user engagement. Individually, the submission feature manifests itself via empowering users to control their product use experience, whereas the access feature’s positive effect on retention is mediated by diversity and novelty of content. However, the two effects are not complementary. It turns out when these two features are given together, the empowerment enabled by one’s own submission is crowded out by others’ submissions, and this dominates the diversity benefit. Crowdsourcing features have heterogeneous impact on different user segments, with heavy users and users of longer tenure being more affected by the crowdsourcing features.

This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems.
Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of the SARS Imprint
Authors: Ru Hong , Yang Endong , Zou Kunru
Published: June 2021

We provide evidence of delayed attention and inaction in response to COVID-19 in countries that did not experience SARS in 2003. Using cross-country data, we find that individuals in countries that had SARS infections in 2003 searched more intensively for COVID-19-related information on Google in late January 2020, the time of the first known outbreak in Wuhan, China. Early attention to the novel virus, as measured by Google searches, is associated with deeper stock market drops in countries with SARS experience. In contrast, people in countries without SARS experience started to pay more attention much later, in March. Moreover, governments in these countries responded significantly more slowly in implementing social distancing policies to combat domestic COVID-19 outbreaks than governments in countries with SARS experience. Moreover, such early responses of individuals and governments in countries with SARS experience are prevalent within continent, even in non-Asian countries. Furthermore, people in countries with SARS experience are more compliant with social distancing rules. These timely attention and proactive responses of individuals and governments are more pronounced in countries that reported deaths caused by SARS, which left deeper imprints. Our findings suggest that the imprint of similar viruses’ experience is a fundamental mechanism underlying timely responses to COVID-19.

This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.
Zinner Syndrome
Authors: Djidda Abakar , Badi Fatima-Ezzahrae , Sabiri Mouna , Elmanjra Samia , Lezar Samira , Essodegui Fatiha
Published: June 2021

Zinner syndrome is a developmental anomaly of the urogenital tract. This condition is defined by the triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. The syndrome is due to malformation of the mesonephric duct during embryogenesis. The condition used to be rare but is now frequently encountered due to the advent of MRI and CT. MRI confirms the diagnosis by revealing the seminal vesicle cyst and its contents, and the ejaculatory duct obstruction, while CT confirms renal agenesis. We report the case of a young patient with Zinner syndrome.
Response of Different Establishment Method on Yield Evaluation of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Under Rice-Wheat Cropping System, India
Authors: Jeet Sabha , Kumar Ratan , Tabassum Shahina
Published: June 2021

Field experiments/On Farm trial (OFT) were conducted at Farmers field of village, Halsi, Lakhisarai under the supervision of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, BAU, Bihar, India in 2012-13 and 2013-14.To established a uniform plant stand for the maximum yield and net return ultimately for the drudgery reduction. The experimental trial was laid out in a Randomized block design replicated four times (Number of Farmers) with six treatments comprises of transplanted rice (Farmers practices), system of rice intensification (SRI) square transplanted, DSR- Zero-tillage (dry seeding), direct seeded rice (DSR)- broadcasting (dry seeding), DSR- Drum seeded (dry seeding) and DSR- wet seeded (sprouted seeding). Among the different establishment method, SRI planting significantly influenced the growth, yield attributing characters and yield, but relatively was on par with transplanted rice. The maximum plant height, number of tillers m-2, panicle length, leaf area Index (LAI) , number of filled grains panicle-1, number of unfilled grain panicle-1,test weight, grain yield (5712 kg ha-1), straw yield (7950kg ha-1) and net return (Rs. 50,409.30 ha-1) were recorded under SRI (square transplanted) but which were on par with transplanted rice and DSR- Zero-tillage while benefit cost ratio were significantly highest (2.56) under DSR- Zero-tillage. Lowest grain yield, straw yield and gross return were observed under DSR- broadcasting and lowest net return were recorded under DSR- wet planted (sprouted seeds) and lowest B:C ratio were found under Transplanted rice. System of rice intensification (SRI) having higher yield followed by puddled transplanted rice, DSR- drum seeder (sprouted seed) and DSR- zero-tillage. DSR- zero-tillage is a viable, long-lasting and appropriate substitute to puddled transplanted rice and to be the most profitable methods with minimize the cost of cultivation.
SEND and SENCO support
Authors: Mulholland Margaret
Published: June 2021

The high numbers of pupils with SEN are putting a huge strain on school finances – and on SENCOs themselves. Margaret Mulholland looks at some tenets of best practice, what Ofsted wants to see, and how schools can best support their SENCOs
Optimized Layout of Tea Plantation Sensors Based on Improved Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Manman Zhang , Wu Zhang , Benben Miao , Jinlei Feng , Yuan Rao , Xiu Jin
Published: June 2021

Highlights

In this article, an improved ant colony algorithm is proposed for optimizing the sensor placement path.

The experimental data derived from field measurements.

The method in this article reduces the number of sensors and the investment cost.

The test results show that data redundancy, data transmission distance, and network energy consumption are reduced.

Abstract. In the optimized layout of tea plantation sensors, the number and location of sensors, energy consumption of sensors, and data redundancy are all important factors that affect the layout. To reduce data redundancy, network energy loss, and the cost of sensors, an improved ant colony is proposed. The algorithm optimizes the sensor layout of the tea plantation. Introduce data redundancy and network energy consumption models into the heuristic function to guide the ants to choose the path with less data redundancy and less energy loss; add the path trend guide G to the probability transfer formula to guide the ants from the source node to the sink node Search the path, reduce the path length and the number of sensors. A tea plantation in the National High-tech Agricultural Park of Anhui Agricultural University was selected as the test area, and 25 sensor nodes were randomly arranged to collect soil moisture data for the experiment. The improved ant colony algorithm optimized the path data with less redundancy, less network energy consumption and short distance. Only 6 sensors are needed, reducing the sensor from the initial 25 to 6, which reduces the cost. In order to eliminate the accidental problem of the research results, the soil moisture data collected on 29 August 2019 was selected for the verification test, and the test results were good. Keywords: Data redundancy, Energy consumption, Improved ant colony algorithm, Soil moisture, Tea plantation.
Parameter Optimization and Experiment of Soil Cleaning Device on Apple Seedling-Lifting Machine Based on Spatial RSSR Mechanism
Authors: Huo Peng , Li Jianping , Yang Xin , Xu Shucai , Fan Xiaowen , Wang Pengfei , Liu Hongjie
Published: June 2021

Highlights

The spatial four-bar linkage mechanism is applied to the apple orchard seedling-lifting machines.

The dimension synthesis of spatial four-bar mechanism is applied to the design of agricultural machinery.

A new type of soil cleaning device for apple orchard seedling-lifting machines was designed.

Compared with the traditional soil cleaning device, the new soil cleaning device with optimized parameters causes less damage to root system and provides a more stable performance.

Abstract. To solve the problems of poor working conditions, incomplete root systems, and low seedling-lifting efficiencies of apple orchard seedling-lifting machines, a new type of shaking soil-cleaning device was proposed, in which a spatial four-bar linkage (RSSR) was used instead of a traditional planar linkage. By means of the direction cosine matrix, the position and pose of the spatial four-bar mechanism of the device were analyzed, and the functional relationship was obtained. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) was used to synthesize a periodic function of the spatial four-bar linkage, a numerical atlas was established, and the dimensions were selected by means of fuzzy recognition. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the identified parameters, and the optimized mechanisms was compared with the traditional planar linkage mechanism. The results showed that the maximum positive and negative errors of the first curve fitting groups were 0.43% and 0.67%, respectively, and those of the second curve fitting group were 0.79% and 0.50%, respectively, which met the operating and precision requirements. The structure of the new oscillating soil cleaning device is compact. Meanwhile, moderate lengths of the main roots, dense root hair, and complete root systems were achieved. The results showed that the taproots remained intact, and they were between 120 and 150 mm long. Due to the small sample size, the damage rate of the seedlings was zero, and the seedlings produced by the two models met the agronomic requirements. Thus, the requirements of agricultural operations are met by the optimized mechanism. This design concept can provide ideas for follow-up spatial RSSR four-bar mechanism design, and the optimized size parameters can provide a reference for the follow-up design and research of seedling and soil clearing devices. Keywords: Dimension synthesis, Genetic algorithm, Numerical atlas method, Oscillating soil cleaning device, Spatial RSSR mechanism.
Effects of Moisture Content and Compaction Pressure on Bulk Density of Rye
Authors: Chiputula Jonathan , Ajayi Emmanuel , Bucklin Ray , Blount Ann R
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Rye grain compaction was measured for three different moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at five different compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa)

Bulk densities were found to be statistically significantly dependent (p < 0.0001) on both the moisture content and applied pressure.

Compacted bulk densities increased with increasing applied pressure for all moisture contents.

Abstract. Bulk density of agricultural grains is needed to determine the quantity of grain in storage structures and to calculate grain pressures. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content and applied pressure on bulk density of rye grain at moisture contents and pressures typical of those seen in storage structures. Rye compaction was measured for three moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at four compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa) using a square box (based on the design used by Thompson and Ross, 1983). Data from the compaction tests were used to calculate the bulk densities for the three moisture contents and four compaction pressures. The bulk densities were found to be significantly dependent (p <0.0001) both on moisture contents and the pressure applied. Bulk densities varied with increasing moisture content as has been observed in similar studies for rye and other agricultural grains such as wheat and soybeans. These results provide guidance for estimating bulk density of rye in bins and other storage structures. Keywords: Grain compaction, Grain storage, Kernel rearrangement, Kernel elasticity.
Characteristics of the speckle field under sharper focusing conditions
Authors: Yang Chunlin
Published: June 2021

In inertial confinement fusion (ICF) systems, a continuous phase plate is often used to generate a speckle pattern in order to reduce the growth of parametric instabilities. An analytic model based on the vector diffraction theory is proposed in order to analyze the characteristics of the speckle field generated under sharper focusing conditions. The statistical and spatial autocorrelation function of the speckle field are deduced and calculated. Results show that more accurate results can be achieved by vector theory than by scalar theory. Furthermore, since light-field components in different directions are involved in the vector diffraction integral, more comprehensive information on statistical characteristics of the speckle field can be discovered. Additionally, the impact of the speckle field on three waves plasma parametric instabilities are discussed. Results show that speckle field generated under sharp focusing conditions can efficiently increase the phase mismatch among the three waves and then limit the growth of the instability.
Analysis of fluorescence simulation and experiments for sea surface oil film based on LIF
Authors: Xie Beibei , Yuan Li , Kong Deming , Zhang Xiaodan , Kong Dehan
Published: June 2021

In order to effectively analyze the fluorescence distribution of sea surface oil film detected by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), a novel, to the best of our knowledge, simulation model of the oil film fluorescence was established based on the Monte Carlo method. Using this simulation model, the fluorescence distribution of oil film with different thickness in emission direction and spatial distribution were analyzed. Based on the fluorescence mechanism model of oil film detected by LIF, a criterion for the LIF system calibration, i.e., the fluorescence intensity ratio between oil film and clean seawater (FIR) using the fluorescence collected from clean seawater as a reference was proposed. The validity of the fluorescence simulation model was verified by using the FIR results of theory and simulation. The fluorescence spectra of oil films with different thickness and FIR parameters of corresponding thickness were obtained by experiments. By analyzing the fluorescence spectra of different oil products and oil film thickness, the fluorescence influencing factors of oil film detected by LIF were obtained. The results show that the fluorescence coverage area increases gradually with the increase of oil film thickness. When the incident light is in the same direction as the fluorescence receiving direction, the obtained fluorescence intensity is larger. Moreover, the FIR used as the calibration criterion of the LIF monitoring system can effectively characterize the thickness of oil film on the sea surface for LIF to detect sea surface oil film in real applications.
A new beginning: editorial
Authors: Bennett Gisele
Published: June 2021

Editor-in-Chief Gisele Bennett shares her thoughts on beginning this role with Applied Optics.
3D intensity correlations in random fields created by vortex structured beams
Authors: Acevedo Cristian Hernando , Batarseh Mahed , Dogariu Aristide
Published: June 2021

We develop an analytical model for the 3D spatial coherence function of
speckle fields generated by scattering of vortex and perfect optical
vortex beams. The model is general and describes the spatial coherence
along both the transversal and the longitudinal directions. We found
that, on propagation, the 3D spatial coherence evolves differently for
the different types of initially structured beams, which may affect
their use in a variety of sensing applications.
CALIOP retrieval of droplet effective radius accounting for cloud vertical homogeneity
Authors: Zang Lin , Rosenfeld Daniel , Mao Feiyue , Pan Zengxin , Zhu Yannian , Gong Wei , Wang Zemin
Published: June 2021

Monitoring cloud droplet effective radius (re) is of great significance for studying aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI). Passive satellite retrieval, e.g., MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), requires sunlight. This requirement prompted developing re retrieval using active sensors, e.g., CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization). Given the highest sensitivity of vertically homogeneous clouds to aerosols that feed to cloud base, here CALIOP profile measurements were used for the first time to quantify cloud vertical homogeneity and estimate cloud re during both day and night. Comparison using simultaneous Aqua-MODIS measurements demonstrates that CALIOP retrieval has the highest accuracy for vertically homogeneous clouds, with R2 (MAE, RMSE) of 0.72 (1.75 µm, 2.25 µm), while the accuracy is lowest for non-homogeneous clouds, with R2 (MAE, RMSE) of 0.60 (2.90 µm, 3.70 µm). The improved re retrieval in vertically homogeneous clouds provides a basis for possible breakthrough insights in ACI by CALIOP since re in such clouds reflects most directly aerosol effects on cloud properties. Global day-night maps of cloud vertical homogeneity and respective re are presented.
Determination of nutrient profile in plant materials using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with partial least squares-artificial neural network hybrid model: erratum
Authors: Yang Ping , Li Xiangyou , Nie Zhanglong
Published: June 2021

We provide corrected funding number for the previous publication [Opt. Express 28, 23037 (2020)10.1364/OE.399909].
CSF1R-dependent macrophages control postnatal somatic growth and organ maturation
Authors: Keshvari Sahar , Caruso Melanie , Teakle Ngari , Batoon Lena , Sehgal Anuj , Patkar Omkar L. , Ferrari-Cestari Michelle , Snell Cameron E. , Chen Chen , Stevenson Alex , Davis Felicity M. , Bush Stephen J. , Pridans Clare , Summers Kim M. , Pettit Allison R. , Irvine Katharine M. , Hume David A.
Published: June 2021

Homozygous mutation of the Csf1r locus (Csf1rko) in mice, rats and humans leads to multiple postnatal developmental abnormalities. To enable analysis of the mechanisms underlying the phenotypic impacts of Csf1r mutation, we bred a rat Csf1rko allele to the inbred dark agouti (DA) genetic background and to a Csf1r-mApple reporter transgene. The Csf1rko led to almost complete loss of embryonic macrophages and ablation of most adult tissue macrophage populations. We extended previous analysis of the Csf1rko phenotype to early postnatal development to reveal impacts on musculoskeletal development and proliferation and morphogenesis in multiple organs. Expression profiling of 3-week old wild-type (WT) and Csf1rko livers identified 2760 differentially expressed genes associated with the loss of macrophages, severe hypoplasia, delayed hepatocyte maturation, disrupted lipid metabolism and the IGF1/IGF binding protein system. Older Csf1rko rats developed severe hepatic steatosis. Consistent with the developmental delay in the liver Csf1rko rats had greatly-reduced circulating IGF1. Transfer of WT bone marrow (BM) cells at weaning without conditioning repopulated resident macrophages in all organs, including microglia in the brain, and reversed the mutant phenotypes enabling long term survival and fertility. WT BM transfer restored osteoclasts, eliminated osteopetrosis, restored bone marrow cellularity and architecture and reversed granulocytosis and B cell deficiency. Csf1rko rats had an elevated circulating CSF1 concentration which was rapidly reduced to WT levels following BM transfer. However, CD43hi non-classical monocytes, absent in the Csf1rko, were not rescued and bone marrow progenitors remained unresponsive to CSF1. The results demonstrate that the Csf1rko phenotype is autonomous to BM-derived cells and indicate that BM contains a progenitor of tissue macrophages distinct from hematopoietic stem cells. The model provides a unique system in which to define the pathways of development of resident tissue macrophages and their local and systemic roles in growth and organ maturation.
Naturally-derived protein extract from Gryllus bimaculatus improves antioxidant properties and promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs
Authors: Ganguly Keya , Dutta Sayan Deb , Jeong Min-Soo , Patel Dinesh K. , Cho Seong-Jun , Lim Ki-Taek
Published: June 2021

Naturally-derived proteins or peptides are promising biopolymers for tissue engineering applications owing to their health-promoting activity. Herein, we extracted proteins (~90%) from two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) and evaluated their osteoinductive potential in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) under in vitro conditions. The extracted protein isolate was analyzed for the amino acid composition and the mass distribution of the constituent peptide fraction. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the presence of biologically significant functional groups. The cricket protein isolate (CPI) exhibited characteristic protein peaks in the FTIR spectrum. Notably, an enhanced cell viability was observed in the presence of the extracted proteins, showing their biocompatibility. The CPI also exhibited antioxidant properties in a concentration-dependent manner. More significant mineralization was observed in the CPI-treated cells than in the control, suggesting their osteoinductive potential. The upregulation of the osteogenic marker genes (Runx2, ALP, OCN, and BSP) in CPI treated media compared with the control supports their osteoinductive nature. Therefore, cricket-derived protein isolates could be used as functional protein isolate for tissue engineering applications, especially for bone regeneration.
Inhibition of CMP-sialic acid transport by endogenous 5-methyl CMP
Authors: Ahuja Shivani , Cahill James , Hartfield Kimberly , Whorton Matthew R.
Published: June 2021

Nucleotide-sugar transporters (NSTs) transport nucleotide-sugar conjugates into the Golgi lumen where they are then used in the synthesis of glycans. We previously reported crystal structures of a mammalian NST, the CMP-sialic acid transporter (CST) (Ahuja and Whorton 2019). These structures elucidated many aspects of substrate recognition, selectivity, and transport; however, one fundamental unaddressed question is how the transport activity of NSTs might be physiologically regulated as a means to produce the vast diversity of observed glycan structures. Here, we describe the discovery that an endogenous methylated form of cytidine monophosphate (m5CMP) binds and inhibits CST. The presence of m5CMP in cells results from the degradation of RNA that has had its cytosine bases post-transcriptionally methylated through epigenetic processes. Therefore, this work not only demonstrates that m5CMP represents a novel physiological regulator of CST, but it also establishes a link between epigenetic control of gene expression and regulation of glycosylation.
Circulating microRNA-122, microRNA-126-3p and microRNA-146a are associated with inflammation in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case control study
Authors: Zeinali Fahime , Aghaei Zarch Seyed Mohsen , Jahan-Mihan Alireza , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Rahmanian Masoud , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing dramatically worldwide. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) as key regulators of gene expression, has been reported in numerous diseases including diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of miRNA-122, miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients and in healthy individuals, and to determine whether the changes in the level of these miRNAs are reliable biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, and pathogenesis of T2DM. Additionally, we examined the relationship between miRNA levels and plasma concentrations of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (Il-6) as well as insulin resistance. In this case-control study, participants (n = 90) were allocated to three groups (n = 30/group): T2DM, pre-diabetes and healthy individuals as control (males and females, age: 25–65, body mass index: 25–35). Expression of miRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and fasting insulin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated as an indicator of insulin resistance. MiRNA-122 levels were higher while miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a levels were lower in T2DM and pre-diabetic patients compared to control (p<0.05). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between miRNA-122 expression and TNF-α (r = 0.82), IL-6 (r = 0.83) and insulin resistance (r = 0.8). Conversely, negative correlations were observed between miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a levels and TNF-α (r = -0.7 and r = -0.82 respectively), IL-6 (r = -0.65 and r = -0.78 respectively) as well as insulin resistance (r = -0.67 and r = -0.78 respectively) (all p<0.05). Findings of this study suggest the miRNAs can potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Further studies are required to examine the reproducibility of these findings.
Prevalence and factors associated with NAFLD detected by vibration controlled transient elastography among US adults: Results from NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Heredia Natalia I. , Balakrishnan Maya , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common in the adult population. In the United States, the overall burden of NAFLD is unknown due to challenges with population-level NAFLD detection. The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence of NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis and identify factors associated with them in the U.S.

Methods

Data came from the 2017–2018 cycle of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We defined NAFLD by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores of ≥248 dB/m in absence of excessive alcohol use and viral hepatitis. We defined significant fibrosis as Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) liver stiffness measurements (LSM) value ≥7.9 kPa. We calculated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential intervals (CI) for associations with NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Overall, among 4,024 individuals aged ≥20 years included in the analysis, 56.7% had NAFLD by CAP. In comparison, when defined by elevated liver enzymes, NAFLD prevalence was 12.4%. The prevalence of significant NAFLD fibrosis by VCTE LSM was 14.5%. NAFLD prevalence increased with age, was higher among men than women and among Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites. Individuals who were obese, had metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes were more likely to have NAFLD compared to those that who were not obese or without MetS/diabetes. Inadequate physical activity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18–2.08) was also a factor associated with NAFLD. MetS, high waist circumstance, diabetes and hypertension were independently associated with significant NAFLD fibrosis.

Conclusions

NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis are highly prevalent in U.S. general population.
Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Luu Lydia A. , Flowers Richard H. , Gao Yingnan , Wu Martin , Gasperino Sofia , Kellams Ann L. , Preston DeVon C. , Zlotoff Barrett J. , Wisniewski Julia A. , Zeichner Steven L.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by altered cutaneous immunity in which patients often exhibit lower skin microbiota diversity compared to healthy skin and are prone to colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antibacterial effects; however, its effects on the skin microbiome have not previously been well-described.

Objectives

We aimed to examine the effects of topical dilute apple cider vinegar soaks on Staphylococcus aureus abundance, skin bacterial microbiome composition, and skin bacterial microbiome diversity in atopic dermatitis participants compared to healthy skin.

Methods

Eleven subjects with atopic dermatitis and 11 healthy controls were enrolled in this randomized, non-blinded, single-institution, split-arm pilot study. Subjects soaked one forearm in dilute apple cider vinegar (0.5% acetic acid) and the other forearm in tap water for 10 minutes daily. Skin bacteria samples were collected from subjects’ volar forearms before and after 14 days of treatment. 16S sequencing was used to analyze Staphylococcus aureus abundance and skin bacterial microbiome composition, and alpha diversity of microbiota were determined using Shannon diversity index.

Results

There was no difference in skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis subjects after 2 weeks of daily water or apple cider vinegar treatments (p = 0.056 and p = 0.22, respectively), or in mean abundance of S. aureus on apple cider vinegar-treated forearms (p = 0.60). At 2 weeks, the skin bacterial microbiomes of healthy control subjects were not significantly different from the skin bacterial microbiome of atopic dermatitis subjects (p = 0.14, 0.21, 0.12, and 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that daily soaks in 0.5% apple cider vinegar are not an effective method of altering the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of different concentrations of apple cider vinegar on skin microflora and disease severity.

Trial number

UVA IRB-HSR #19906.
Couples extrinsic emotion regulation questionnaire: Psychometric validation in a Chilean population
Authors: Kinkead Ana , Sanduvete-Chaves Susana , Chacón-Moscoso Salvador , Salas Christian E.
Published: June 2021

The way couples regulate their emotions affects the quality of their relationship. Despite this, no evidence-based scales of validity and reliability can measure the intention to regulate emotions in the romantic dyad. In order to address this gap, we developed the Couples Extrinsic Emotion Regulation (CEER) questionnaire. First, we adapted the “Others” subscale from the Emotion Regulation of Others and Self questionnaire (EROS) for any close relationship to measure the intention to regulate emotions in couples; second, the psychometric properties of the CEER questionnaire were studied. For the content validity assessment, 23 experts (47.8% of whom worked in social and health psychology and the psychology of emotions, 17.4% in couples’ therapy, and 34.8% in social science methodologies) participated. A total of 528 Chileans completed the online CEER questionnaire, the relationship satisfaction scale (RAS) and dyadic adjustment scale (DAS): 27.8% were male, age M = 38.7, SD = 10.05, and time of the relationships M = 11.27, SD = 9.82. The content-based validity study made it possible to determine which items to include in the final version. Two unrelated first-order factors structure of the original test fit (RMSEA = .052, GFI = .97, AGFI = .95; CFI = .99; NFI = .98; and NNFI = .98). The CEER+ and CEER- factors presented adequate internal consistency (α = .79; ω = .80 and α = .85; ω = .85, respectively). The discrimination index of the factors were excellent (CEER+ = .55 and CEER- = .63). Validity evidence based on the relations to other variables showed a direct positive relation between CEER+, RAS and overall DAS, as well as their factors; and a negative relation between CEER-, RAS overall DAS, as well as their factors. The use of this instrument is recommended for the identification of Chilean couples where at least one of the partners has a less favorable opinion of their relationship, providing relevant data for couple’s therapy.
Experiences with sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy practices among sexual minority men in Canada, 2019–2020
Authors: Salway Travis , Juwono Stephen , Klassen Ben , Ferlatte Olivier , Ablona Aidan , Pruden Harlan , Morgan Jeffrey , Kwag Michael , Card Kiffer , Knight Rod , Lachowsky Nathan J.
Published: June 2021

Background

“Conversion therapy” practices (CTP) are organized and sustained efforts to avoid the adoption of non-heterosexual sexual orientations and/or of gender identities not assigned at birth. Few data are available to inform the contemporary prevalence of CTP. The aim of this study is to quantify the prevalence of CTP among Canadian sexual and gender minority men, including details regarding the setting, age of initiation, and duration of CTP exposure.

Methods

Sexual and gender minority men, including transmen and non-binary individuals, aged ≥ 15, living in Canada were recruited via social media and networking applications and websites, November 2019—February 2020. Participants provided demographic data and detailed information about their experiences with CTP.

Results

21% of respondents (N = 9,214) indicated that they or any person with authority (e.g., parent, caregiver) ever tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 10% had experienced CTP. CTP experience was highest among non-binary (20%) and transgender respondents (19%), those aged 15–19 years (13%), immigrants (15%), and racial/ethnic minorities (11–22%, with variability by identity). Among the n = 910 participants who experienced CTP, most experienced CTP in religious/faith-based settings (67%) or licensed healthcare provider offices (20%). 72% of those who experienced CTP first attended before the age of 20 years, 24% attended for one year or longer, and 31% attended more than five sessions.

Interpretation

CTP remains prevalent in Canada and is most prevalent among younger cohorts, transgender people, immigrants, and racial/ethnic minorities. Legislation, policy, and education are needed that target both religious and healthcare settings.
Outcomes after high-dose radiation in the management of neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Chen Katherine S. , Lawhn-Heath Courtney , Behr Spencer , Juarez Roxanna , Whitman Julia , Paciorek Alan , Nakakura Eric K. , Fidelman Nicholas , Feng Mary Uan-Sian , Bergsland Emily K. , Anwar Mekhail
Published: June 2021

Background

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise a rare and heterogenous group of cancers, for which the role of radiation therapy continues to evolve. The purpose of this study is to analyze oncologic outcomes after the use of high-dose radiation in management of NENs at a tertiary hospital.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who received high-dose radiation with intent to cure or provide durable local control (defined as biologically effective dose (BED) ≥40, α/β = 10) for a localized or metastatic NEN from 2006 to 2019. Evaluation of disease status after radiation was performed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria when possible. Patients were grouped by differentiation (well-differentiated (WD) or poorly-differentiated (PD)) and stage (localized/locally advanced disease (L) or metastatic (M)) in analysis of probabilities of progression after radiation.

Results

45 patients completed a radiation course with BED ≥40 for a NEN (median BED 72). With a median follow-up of 24 months after radiation, the 2-year actuarial rates of local relapse-free survival, new metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival after radiation were 98%, 45%, 41%, and 69%, respectively. 25 patients (56%) developed new metastases after completion of radiation, including 33% (n = 3) of patients with WD-L disease, 44% (n = 8) of WD-M, 77% (n = 10) of PD-L, and 80% (n = 4) of PD-M, with progressively shorter median times to progression (26, 9, 8, and 3 months, respectively; p = 0.093). Of the 25 patients evaluable by RECIST, 68% (n = 17) achieved either a complete or partial best response in the irradiated lesion.

Conclusions

These data suggest that focal, high-dose radiation has a role in the management of selected patients with NENs. Local failure is rare in patients with both well-differentiated and poorly-differentiated disease, although the predominant pattern of failure remains development of new metastases.