bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin ameliorates tau-related pathology via the miR-504-3p and CDK5 axis in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Lan Guihua , Li Ruomeng , Mei Yingxue , Shui Xindong , Gu Xi , Wang Long , Zhang Tao , Gan Chen-Ling , Xia Yongfang , Hu Li , Tian Yuan , Zhang Mi , Lee Tae Ho
Published: May 2022

Background

Intracellular accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau and its hyperphosphorylated forms is a key neuropathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Melatonin has been shown to prevent tau hyperphosphorylation in cellular and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin attenuates tau hyperphosphorylation and tau-related pathologies are not fully understood.

Methods

Immunofluorescence, immunoblotting analysis and thioflavin-S staining were employed to examine the effects of early and late treatment of melatonin on tau-related pathology in hTau mice, in which nonmutated human tau is overexpressed on a mouse tau knockout background. High-throughput microRNA (miRNA) sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting analysis were performed to determine the molecular mechanism.

Results

We found that both early and late treatment of melatonin efficiently decreased the phosphorylation of soluble and insoluble tau at sites related to AD. Moreover, melatonin significantly reduced the number of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and attenuated neuronal loss in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, using miRNA microarray analysis, we found that miR-504-3p expression was upregulated by melatonin in the hTau mice. The administration of miR-504-3p mimics dramatically decreased tau phosphorylation by targeting p39, an activator of the well-known tau kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). Compared with miR-504-3p mimics alone, co-treatment with miR-504-3p mimics and p39 failed to reduce tau hyperphosphorylation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest for the first time that melatonin alleviates tau-related pathologies through upregulation of miR-504-3p expression by targeting the p39/CDK5 axis and provide novel insights into AD treatment strategies.
Bilateral oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery with volume replacement technique using the omental flap: a case report
Authors: Zaha Hisamitsu , Abe Norie , Matsumoto Hirofumi , Koki Ayako , Unesoko Mikiko
Published: May 2022

Background

Many oncoplastic volume replacement techniques have been reported, however, it is generally difficult to utilize a single distant flap for bilateral breast carcinomas.

Case presentation

We report a case of bilateral multiple breast carcinomas successfully treated with immediate volume replacement technique with an omental flap. Bilateral partial mastectomies were performed for bilateral breast carcinomas (one in the left breast and two in the right breast). The pedicled omental flap was laparoscopically harvested, and divided at the mid-portion of the flap. The proximal half of the flap was used to fill the right defect, and the distal half of the flap filled two defects in the left breast. Cosmetic outcome was excellent with minimal donor-site scars.

Conclusions

The omental flap can be considered for highly selected patients with bilateral breast carcinomas.
Key process features of personalized diet counselling in metabolic syndrome: secondary analysis of feasibility study in primary care
Authors: Brauer Paula , Royall Dawna , Li Airu , Rodrigues Ariellia , Green Jennifer , Macklin Sharon , Craig Alison , Chan Miranda , Pasanen Jennifer , Brunelle Lucie , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Klein Doug , Tremblay Angelo , Rheaume Caroline , Mutch David M. , Jeejeebhoy Khursheed
Published: May 2022

Background

Personalized diet counselling, as part of lifestyle change programs for cardiometabolic risk conditions (combinations of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and high waist circumference) has been shown to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes overall. To identify key process of care measures that could be linked to changes in diet, we undertook a secondary analysis of a Canadian pre-post study of lifestyle treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Diet counselling process measures were documented and association with diet quality changes after 3 months were assessed. Results of the primary study showed 19% reversal of MetS after 1 year.

Methods

Registered dietitians (RDs) reported on contact time, specific food behaviour goals (FBG), behaviour change techniques (BCT; adapted from the Michie CALO-RE taxonomy) and teaching resources at each contact. Diet quality was measured by 2005 Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) and assessed for possible associations with individual BCT and FBG.

Results

Food behaviour goals associated with improved HEI-C at 3 months were: poultry more than red meat, increased plant protein, increased fish, increased olive oil, increased fruits and vegetables, eating breakfast, increased milk and alternatives, healthier fats, healthier snacks and increased nuts, with an adverse association noted for more use (> 2 times/ 3 months) of the balanced meal concept (F test; p < 0.001). Of 16 BCT, goal setting accounted for 15% of all BCT recorded, yet more goal setting (> 3 times/3 months) was associated with poorer HEI-C at 3 months (F test; p = 0.007). Only self-monitoring, feedback on performance and focus on past success were associated with improved HEI-C.

Conclusions

These results identify key aspects of process that impact diet quality. Documentation of both FBG and BCT is highly relevant in diet counselling and a summary diet quality score is a promising target for assessing short-term counselling success.
Is vegetarianism related to anxiety and depression? A cross-sectional survey in a French sample
Authors: Bègue Laurent , Shankland Rebecca
Published: May 2022

Objective

The relationship between vegetarianism and mental health is controversial. The aim of the present study is to examine the cross-sectional association between anxiety, depression, and vegetarianism in a French sample while controlling for potential confounders.

Design

Self-reported questionnaire data were obtained from a large cross-sectional sample.

Participants and setting

We included an online sample of 6578 participants aged 18–90, 70.8% females.

Results

Analyses of variance with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), educational level, monthly income, and city size as covariates showed that vegetarians and non-vegetarians did not appear to have significantly different levels of anxiety or depression.

Conclusion

Our findings do not suggest a link between plant-based diet and anxiety or depression, either before or after adjustment for relevant factors.
Anxiety and depression among epilepsy patients in low-risk areas for COVID-19 in the northern part of Guizhou Province, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wang Shen , Yang Juan , Wei Nian , Lv Wenbo , Jiang Zhigang , Huang Hao , Zhang Jun , Xu Ping , Yu Chang Yin , Xu Zucai
Published: May 2022

Background

This study was aimed to investigate whether patients with epilepsy (PWE) have higher depression and anxiety levels than the normal population in low-risk areas for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the northern part of Guizhou Province, China, during the COVID-19 epidemic, to evaluate their knowledge on COVID-19, and to analyze related factors for the psychological distress of PWE at this special time.

Methods

The survey was conducted online from February 28, 2020 to March 7, 2020 via a questionnaire. PWE from the outpatient clinic of epilepsy of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, and healthy people matched for age and sex, participated in this study. Mental health was assessed via a generalized anxiety self-rating scale (GAD-7) and the self-rating depression scale (PHQ-9). The knowledge of COVID-19 in both groups was investigated.

Results

There were no significant differences in the general demographics between the PWE and healthy control groups. The scores of PHQ-9 (P < 0.01) and GAD-7 (P < 0.001) were higher in the PWE group than in the healthy group. There was a significant difference in the proportions of respondents with different severities of depression and anxiety, between the two groups, which revealed significantly higher degree of depression and anxiety in PWE than in healthy people (P = 0, P = 0). Overwhelming awareness and stressful concerns for the pandemic and female patients with epilepsy were key factors that affect the level of anxiety and depression in PWE. Further, the PWE had less accurate knowledge of COVID-19 than healthy people (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the knowledge of virus transmission route, incubation period, susceptible population, transmission speed, clinical characteristics, and isolation measures on COVID-19 (P > 0.05). PWE knew less about some of the prevention and control measures of COVID-19 than healthy people.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 epidemic, excessive attention to the epidemic and the female sex are factors associated with anxiety and depression in PWE, even in low-risk areas.
Pre-phase strategy to mitigate first cycle effect in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Rudresha A. H. , Hassan Syed Adil , Sreevalli A. , Lokanatha D. , Babu M. C. Suresh , Lokesh K. N. , Rajeev L. K. , Saldanha Smitha , Thottian Antony G. F. , Sharma Kanika , Jacob Linu Abraham
Published: May 2022

Context

Treatment-related toxicities in DLBCL (diffuse large B cell lymphoma) patients are higher in the initial phase of treatment (first cycle effect). Implementation of pre-phase treatment before definitive chemotherapy had been shown to alleviate some of these side-effects in a non-randomized study conducted earlier in our institute (Lakshmaiah et. al., Eur J Haematol 100:644-8, 2018).

Aims

This study was aimed at validating the role of pre-phase treatment in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients.

Settings and design

All newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL above the age of 18 years were evaluated for eligibility and prospectively enrolled. A single-arm prospective study was conducted at the Department of Medical Oncology, in our institute from July 2015 to December 2019.

Methods and material

Patients received vincristine and prednisolone as pre-phase treatment for 7 days after which definitive chemotherapy was instituted on day 1. They were followed up for 30 days post-first cycle chemotherapy.

Statistical analysis used

Paired Student’s t tests and Wilcoxon signed-ranks test were used for comparison of various clinical variables as appropriate. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Among the 180 patients who were included in study, performance status improvement was noted in significant number of patients (p < 0.001). 38.4% achieved an ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status of 0 post-pre-phase therapy. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 12.8% in the present cohort as compared to the historical non-pre-phase cohort (34%).

Conclusions

Pre-phase therapy significantly improves the performance status and diminishes neutropenia rates in DLBCL patients.
Effects of Testosterone on Mixed-Muscle Protein Synthesis and Proteome Dynamics During Energy Deficit
Authors: Howard Emily E , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Evans Willian J , Berryman Claire E , Margolis Lee M , Lieberman Harris R , Karl J Philip , Young Andrew J , Montano Monty A , Matthews Marcy D , Bizieff Alec , Nyangao Edna , Mohammed Hussein , Harris Melissa N , Hellerstein Marc K , Rood Jennifer C , Pasiakos Stefan M
Published: May 2022

Context

Effects of testosterone on integrated muscle protein metabolism and muscle mass during energy deficit are undetermined.

Objective

The objective was to determine the effects of testosterone on mixed-muscle protein synthesis (MPS), proteome-wide fractional synthesis rates (FSR), and skeletal muscle mass during energy deficit.

Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Participants

Fifty healthy men.

Intervention

The study consisted of 14 days of weight maintenance, followed by a 28-day 55% energy deficit with 200 mg testosterone enanthate (TEST, n = 24) or placebo (PLA, n = 26) weekly, and up to 42 days of ad libitum recovery feeding.

Main Outcome Measures

Mixed-MPS and proteome-wide FSR before (Pre), during (Mid), and after (Post) the energy deficit were determined using heavy water (days 1-42) and muscle biopsies. Muscle mass was determined using the D3-creatine dilution method.

Results

Mixed-MPS was lower than Pre at Mid and Post (P < 0.0005), with no difference between TEST and PLA. The proportion of individual proteins with numerically higher FSR in TEST than PLA was significant by 2-tailed binomial test at Post (52/67; P < 0.05), but not Mid (32/67; P > 0.05). Muscle mass was unchanged during energy deficit but was greater in TEST than PLA during recovery (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The high proportion of individual proteins with greater FSR in TEST than PLA at Post suggests exogenous testosterone exerted a delayed but broad stimulatory effect on synthesis rates across the muscle proteome during energy deficit, resulting in muscle mass accretion during subsequent recovery.
Kamau Brathwaite, a Memoir
Authors: Reiss Timothy J.
Published: May 2022

This essay tracks Kamau Brathwaite’s life, his poetic and critical writing, and his travails and thinking, from youth and early career—in Barbados, England, Ghana, and the Caribbean, but mainly from his arrival at New York University in 1991—through his retirement in 2013 and return to Barbados, up to his death in 2020. It especially follows Kamau from his low “time of salt” of the late 1980s in Jamaica through the stunning critical and poetic burgeoning from the 1990s on, with such works as Barabajan Poems; the two-volume MR; the prize-winning Born to Slow Horses; and Elegguas and his unpublished third poetry trilogy, Missa Solemnis, Rwanda Poems, and Dead Man Witness, commemorating and trying to rise beyond what he called his “cultural lynching.” The essay looks at Brathwaite’s online/print Sycorax voice and the politico-philosophico-cultural concept of tidalectics that he developed over these years to create an ongoing Caribbean-based decolonizing of mind, spirit, and material life.
Criminalization on a World Scale
Authors: Mullings Beverley
Published: May 2022

This essay considers how the historical production of the Caribbean as a space of relative surplus populations is implicated in contemporary efforts to criminalize and contain flows of finance across its borders. Extending a key theme in Jovan Scott Lewis’s Scammer’s Yard: The Crime of Black Repair in Jamaica (2020)—the crime of poverty—the essay explores how emerging anti–money laundering / combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory policies are changing the terrain of struggle to recuperate and repudiate the devaluation of Black life in the Caribbean. It argues that difficult conversations about the processes that continue to produce the Caribbean as a racialized space of devalued surplus labor are needed nationally, regionally, and internationally before the region can truly embark on the road toward Black repair.
Access Site Complications and Management of the Transradial Approach for Neurointerventions
Authors: Weinberg Joshua H. , Sweid Ahmad , Asada Ashlee , Schaefer Joseph , Ruiz Ramon , Kang KiChang , Gooch Michael Reid , Herial Nabeel A. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Zarzour Hekmat , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

The transradial approach has increasingly been used for neurointerventions because of the improved safety profile compared with transfemoral. However, it is important to be aware of potential complications such as radial artery (RA) spasm, RA occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, extravasation, arteriovenous fistula, and wrist hematoma as well as their management.

OBJECTIVE:

To present our institution's experience with the prevention and management of local access site complications associated with the transradial approach for neuroendovascular interventions.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database and identified 1524 consecutive neuroendovascular procedures performed using transradial access from April 2018 to February 2021.

RESULTS:

Among 1524 procedures, local transradial complications occurred in 1.7%. Major complications occurred at a rate of 1.2% including RA extravasation (0.3%), delayed RA occlusion (0.6%), pseudoaneurysm (0.1%), compartment syndrome (0.1%), infection (0.1%), and avulsion of the RA in 0.1% (1 of 1524) with no serious clinical consequence. Although RA occlusion is included in major complications, all cases were asymptomatic and did not require any intervention. Minor complications occurred at a rate of 0.5% including severe RA spasm (0.3%) and hematoma (0.3%). No patient in the cohort died or suffered from permanent disability from a complication related to the transradial approach.

CONCLUSION:

Transradial access for neurointervention has a low rate of local complications, particularly when taking appropriate prevention measures. Appropriate management of complications can prevent procedural failure and has low morbidity rates demonstrating the overall safety profile of transradial access even when complications occur.
Molecular determinants of αVβ5 localization in flat clathrin lattices – role of αVβ5 in cell adhesion and proliferation
Authors: Zuidema Alba , Wang Wei , Kreft Maaike , Bleijerveld Onno B. , Hoekman Liesbeth , Aretz Jonas , Böttcher Ralph T. , Fässler Reinhard , Sonnenberg Arnoud
Published: May 2022

The vitronectin receptor integrin αVβ5 can reside in two distinct adhesion structures – focal adhesions (FAs) and flat clathrin lattices (FCLs). Here, we investigate the mechanism that regulates the subcellular distribution of β5 in keratinocytes and show that β5 has approximately 7- and 5-fold higher affinity for the clathrin adaptors ARH (also known as LDLRAP1) and Numb, respectively, than for the talin 1 (TLN1); all proteins that bind to the membrane-proximal NPxY motif of the β5 cytoplasmic domain. Using mass spectrometry, we identified β5 interactors, including the Rho GEFs p115Rho-GEF and GEF-H1 (also known as ARHGEF1 and ARHGEF2, respectively), and the serine protein kinase MARK2, depletion of which diminishes the clustering of β5 in FCLs. Replacement of two serine residues (S759 and S762) in the β5 cytoplasmic domain with phospho-mimetic glutamate residues causes a shift in the localization of β5 from FAs into FCLs without affecting the interactions with MARK2, p115Rho-GEF or GEF-H1. Instead, we demonstrate that changes in the actomyosin-based cellular contractility by ectopic expression of activated Rho or disruption of microtubules regulates β5 localization. Finally, we present evidence that β5 in either FAs or FCLs functions to promote adhesion to vitronectin, cell spreading, and proliferation.
Daylight-Driven Rechargeable TiO2 Nanocatalysts Suppress Wheat Blast Caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum
Authors: Mahmud Nur Uddin , Gupta Dipali Rani , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Chakraborty Moutoshi , Mehebub Md Shabab , Surovy Musrat Zahan , Rabby S M Fajle , Rahat Abdullah Al Mahbub , Roy Paritosh Chandra , Sohrawardy Hossain , Amin Mohammed A , Masud Mostafa Kamal , Ide Yusuke , Yamauchi Yusuke , Hossain Md Shahriar , Islam Tofazzal
Published: May 2022

Wheat blast, caused by the Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) pathotype, threatens wheat production in many countries, including Bangladesh. Traditional fungicides are ineffective in combating this pathogen, and no resistant wheat variety is available. This study investigated the mechanism of wheat blast suppression by a nanostructured TiO2 nanocatalyst (NC) that generates reactive oxygen species through a photocatalytic process under daylight settings. In the presence of sunlight, the NCs displayed a high antifungal activity against MoT in vitro (minimum inhibitory concentration - MIC 0.025 mg/ml), as well as suppressed conidial formation and mycelial growth of MoT. Moreover, the fungal biomass was drastically reduced at NC concentrations ≥0.5 mg/ml. In vivo seedling assays showed inhibition of wheat blast when wheat seedlings were artificially inoculated with conidia. Under daylight conditions, NCs at a concentration from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/ml can protect wheat plants from MoT likely by inducing oxidative stress in the pathogen. Field trials of TiO2 NCs prevented more than 90% of disease incidence, with optimum yields, at NC concentrations ≥0.5 mg/ml. These results indicate that daylight-driven rechargeable NCs effectively suppress MoT in vitro and control wheat blast in the field.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies on Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Couplings of N-Aryl Glycine Esters with Phenols
Authors: Xu Xiaofei , Zheng Wenrui , Ren Lufei , Jiao Peilei
Published: May 2022

Copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reactions have been esteemed as a straightforward and efficient tool for C–C bonds formation. The single electron transfer (SET) process plays a vital role during the overall catalytic cycle. In the present density functional theory (DFT) study on the oxidation potential (Eox), which could reflect the SET occurring tendency from a thermodynamic respect as well as the substituent effects and structure-activity relationships for four classes of N-based compound substrates including THIQs, N,N-dimethylanilines, 3-benzylindoles, and N-phenylglycine esters derivatives have been fulfilled. Many quantitative structure-activity relationships between Eox and structural parameters, including HOMO energies, the Hammett substituent constant σ+ and so on were found. Furthermore, in the kinetics research section, we have performed four possible pathways of CDC reaction of N-aryl glycine esters with phenols in a CuBr/TBHP catalytic oxidation system. The results support the pathway wherein the formation of an iminium cation-type intermediate is involved would be more favorable. In addition, the solvent and substituent effects of two key steps including H-abstraction and C–C bond formation rate-determining step were explored, which could afford a total understanding of the mechanism regarding the Cu-catalyzed CDC reaction as well as the substrates and solvents screening.
Seasonal variation of mammal roadkill hotspots in the Sierra Madre Occidental, México
Authors: Cervantes-Huerta Rodolfo , Durán-Antonio Jessica
Published: May 2022

Los puntos críticos del atropellamiento son aquellos sitios agregados espacialmente que no corresponden al azar. Para el caso de mamíferos, los puntos críticos han sido considerados como una de las aproximaciones para la ubicación de las obras de mitigación del atropellamiento, aunque estos sitios pueden ser variables a escalas temporales.  El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los cambios de los puntos críticos del atropellamiento de mamíferos entre dos temporadas en una carretera en la Sierra Madre Occidental en el noreste de México.  Para el monitoreo de las especies atropelladas se realizaron 2 recorridos en vehículo por temporada con 15 días de separación entre recorridos.  Estos se realizaron en la primavera de 2019 y 2020 y otoño de 2018 y 2019 en la carretera 40D (Durango-Mazatlán).  Utilizando herramientas de sistemas de información geográfica, se estimaron los puntos críticos de atropellamiento de mamíferos para la primavera, el otoño y ambas estaciones.  Se obtuvieron 217 registros de mamíferos silvestres atropellados en 8 recorridos sobre la carretera.  Los puntos críticos de atropellamiento de fauna no coinciden espacialmente entre las estaciones, ni al compararlos con todos los registros.  La acumulación espacial del atropellamiento de mamíferos no fue coincidente en el tiempo, lo cual podría relacionarse con los cambios en el movimiento de la fauna y otros factores.  Se debe considerar la variación estacional de estos puntos críticos para las obras de mitigación, así como realizar monitoreos sistemáticos de la fauna atropellada.
Urinary incontinence in men: what the practice nurse needs to know
Authors: Yates Ann
Published: May 2022

Male incontinence is an underestimated condition. Ann Yates explores the role practice nurses can play in identifying, treating and managing the condition

Male urinary incontinence is an underestimated condition, with health professionals unaware of the risk factors and, even when aware, unsure of how to address them. This article will identify current known prevalence figures, identify known risk factors and will then progress to identify how to undertake an assessment of the presenting symptoms, conservative treatment options and, finally, management options.
Evaluating Two Low-Cost GPS Receivers for Accuracy and Eventual Use in Pastured Cattle Research
Authors: Abdulai Gabriel A. , Sama Michael P. , Jackson Joshua J.
Published: May 2022

Highlights

A stand-alone GPS receiver produced comparably lower location errors than a smartphone GPS.

Low-cost GPS receivers are suitable for use in research on large-herd cattle behavioral response to UAVs.

Different testing placements can influence the horizontal accuracy of low-cost GPS receivers and smartphones.

Abstract. Using animal-borne global positioning system (GPS) collars, cattle behavioral response to anthropogenic disturbances can be accurately quantified at fine scale. However, the use of dedicated commercial GPS collars in large herd studies is cost-prohibitive. Therefore, low-cost GPS receiver alternatives were evaluated in static placements to determine how their accuracy compares to published data for commercial animal-borne GPS collars. The static accuracies of identical low-cost stand-alone GPS receivers and smartphones were evaluated in an open field without obstructions, under trees with and without canopy, and near an electric fence at 5 min and 1 s sample intervals. The mean circular error probable (CEP) value of the stand-alone GPS receiver was =2 m at 5 min and at 1 s in open field placement. The mean CEP value of the stand-alone GPS receiver was =3 m at 5 min and at 1 s when placed near the electric fence. The smartphone produced mean CEP values of =4 m at 5 min and =3 m at 1 s for the fence line and open field placements. Static testing under trees with canopy at the 5 min sample interval produced mean CEP values 100% greater than under trees without canopy at the 1 s sample interval. Low-cost commercial GPS receivers and smartphones with horizontal accuracy of =5 m at high sample resolution may offer accurate means of quantifying the behavioral response of cattle to UAVs in large herd studies. Keywords: Cattle behavior, Global positioning system, Horizontal accuracy, Smartphone GPS, Stand-alone GPS receiver, UAV, Unmanned aerial vehicle.
The Desire for Advanced Technology and the Reversal of Appropriateness: the Technological Competition between Laparoscopic Sterilization and Mini-laparotomy in 1960-80s South Korea
Authors: PARK Seungmann
Published: May 2022

This article examines the technological competition between laparoscopic sterilization and mini-laparotomy from the 1960s to the 1980s in South Korea and analyzes the motives of obstetricians and gynecologists for participating in the Family Planning Program. Obstetricians and gynecologists were key actors in implementing the Program in the front line, but there is not enough research on why they became involved in the Program. Preceding studies describe the doctors as those who internalized historicism combined with population problems and devoted themselves to the cause of the state. However, it is difficult to find concerns about the nation’s future in the oral statements or memoirs of those who participated in the Program. This research focuses on the fact that laparoscopic sterilization, a complex and expensive technology, proliferated, rather than simple and inexpensive mini-laparotomy in South Korea, a low-income country where the Family Planning Program was implemented. This study also argues that behind this reversal of appropriateness lay the desire for advanced technology of elite obstetricians and gynecologists that cannot be reduced to the cause of the state.
How are employers represented in and affected by the policymaking of in-work benefits? Policy stakeholders’ views in Hong Kong
Authors: Au-Yeung Tat Chor
Published: May 2022

Based on an employer-focused political economy framework, this qualitative study investigates how employers are represented in and affected by the policymaking of in-work benefits (IWBs), given employers’ political status and labour market conditions. Respondents addressed the importance of employers’ tacit support of the wage subsidies funded by the government. Arguably, it was considered that IWBs did not have a direct impact on wages, but they subsidised employers as a constraint against the minimum wage, boosted the workforce’s availability, and reduced recruitment costs for employers. This research substantiates the understanding of IWBs by integrating the perspectives of policy stakeholders and expands IWBs’ case studies in an authoritarian context.
Dialectical critical realism, transformative change and social work
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: May 2022

Critical realism, as expounded by Bhaskar, is a philosophy of social science that has been applied in social work scholarship addressing such areas as research methodology, practice interventions and programme evaluation. Most of these applications are based on the early rendition of the philosophy, with little attention given to Bhaskar’s later, more mature, development of dialectical critical realism. This article addresses this gap, describing how dialectic critical realism builds on the early iteration of the philosophy to account for emancipatory change in the social world. The contribution of dialectical critical realism to anti-oppressive social work is then considered through the articulation of six, interlinked steps of transformative change. Finally, the preceding meta-theoretical steps are applied to a fictitious case example involving a young person leaving care. The aim here is to show how the steps can be integrated within social work practice to stimulate positive change, human emancipation and well-being.
Gender equality in prison reform in Spain: how a gender-biased, closed policy system prevents real change
Authors: Ballesteros-Pena Ana , Bustelo María
Published: May 2022

This article aims to understand what happens when gender equality policies cross prison walls – a challenging domain that has traditionally been invisibilised and ignored in the scholarship on gender and politics. By analysing the formulation and post-adoption phases in Spain, four main conclusions are drawn: first, the formulation phase has been highly impacted by the absence of the feminist movement and gender experts, resulting in the adoption of traditional views about the nature and needs of women; second, the lack of knowledge about, or disagreement with, the goals of the public policies activates forms of resistance that block attempts to advance; third, the ideas included in policy documents can be ‘fixed’ in the implementation phase and can eventually shape future courses of action; and, finally, the persistent absence of the feminist movement in the post-adoption phase results in the lack of opportunities to change the course of action towards a more transformative path.
Who are the women who relinquish infants for adoption? Domestic adoption and contemporary birth motherhood in the United States
Authors: Sisson Gretchen
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The social context of pregnancy decision‐making has changed in recent decades in the United States (US), but little research has examined how these changes manifest in the context of infant adoption.

Methods

To create an updated profile of US birth mothers, this analysis uses demographic data collected and aggregated from six adoption agencies, with information on 8658 private adoptions that occurred between 2011 and 2020.

Results

Based on this sample, birth mothers today are older and more racially and ethnically diverse than counterparts in previous generations; a majority have other had children and a substantial proportion were parenting other children at the time of relinquishment. They report living on low incomes and, when considered with other measures (e.g., employment, health insurance, homelessness), seem to lack the economic resources that would give them meaningful power over the options available to themselves and their children. Most birth mothers contact agencies late in their pregnancies or after delivery, at a point when abortion care is likely inaccessible or unavailable. An important minority of birth mothers will relinquish more than one infant for adoption over the course of their reproductive lives.

Conclusion

Given the underlying shift in the demographic profile of women who relinquish infants, it is likely that the underlying circumstances that lead to adoption have also diverged. More research is needed into how women make decisions about adoption; such research carries implications for how best to support women's decision‐making and ensure access to needed services throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Freeform reflector design for uniform illumination in a space-based remote sensor calibration system
Authors: Tian Jiewen , Ye Xin , Fang Wei
Published: May 2022

A freeform reflector for illumination in a space-based remote sensor calibration system is designed to produce the desired patterns and improve efficiency. Owing to the excellent cosine properties and light source stability of the integrating sphere, it is widely used as the calibration source in optical remote sensing instruments. However, the light source cannot obtain uniform illumination on a large scale. Therefore, we propose a freeform reflector design for an integral sphere source, which generates an independent irradiance distribution and achieves large-scale illumination by arraying. The irradiance uniformity and efficiency obtained were greater than 98% and 90%, respectively.
Femtosecond 3D photolithography through a digital micromirror device and a microlens array
Authors: Jakkinapalli Aravind , Baskar Balaji , Wen Sy-Bor
Published: May 2022

Based on the microscale 3D point cloud projection with a digital
micromirror device (DMD) and a microlens array (MLA) developed
recently, we explore the capabilities of this specific type of 3D
projection in 3D lithography with femtosecond light in this study.
Unlike 3D point cloud projection with UV continuous light demonstrated
before, high accuracy positioning between the DMD and the MLA is
required to have rays simultaneously arrive at the designed voxel
positions to induce two-photon absorption with femtosecond light.
Because of this additional requirement, a new positioning method
through direct microscope inspection of the relative positions of the
DMD and the MLA is developed in this study. Because of the usage of a
rectangular MLA, around four rays can arrive at each projecting voxel
at the same time. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, a new algorithm
for determining the pixel map on the DMD to the 3D point cloud
projection with a femtosecond laser is also developed. It is observed
that a very long exposure time is required to generate 3D patterns
with the new 3D projection scheme because of the very limited number
of rays used for projecting each voxel with the new algorithm. It is
also found that 3D structures with desired shapes should be projected
far away from the MLA (

∼

15

f

to

30

f

, with

f

being the focal distance of the MLA)
in the 3D lithography with this femtosecond 3D point cloud projection.
For patterns projected closer than

10

f

, shapes are distorted because of
unwanted voxels cured with the 3D projection technique using a DMD and
MLA.
Hyperspectral evaluation of vasculature in induced peritonitis mouse models
Authors: Stergar Jošt , Lakota Katja , Perše Martina , Tomšič Matija , Milanič Matija
Published: May 2022

Imaging of blood vessel structure in combination with functional information about blood oxygenation can be important in characterizing many different health conditions in which the growth of new vessels contributes to the overall condition. In this paper, we present a method for extracting comprehensive maps of the vasculature from hyperspectral images that include tissue and vascular oxygenation. We also show results from a preclinical study of peritonitis in mice. First, we analyze hyperspectral images using Beer-Lambert exponential attenuation law to obtain maps of hemoglobin species throughout the sample. We then use an automatic segmentation algorithm to extract blood vessels from the hemoglobin map and combine them into a vascular structure-oxygenation map. We apply this methodology to a series of hyperspectral images of the abdominal wall of mice with and without induced peritonitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of peritoneum that leads, if untreated, to complications such as peritoneal sclerosis and even death. Characteristic inflammatory response can also be accompanied by changes in vasculature, such as neoangiogenesis. We demonstrate a potential application of the proposed segmentation and processing method by introducing an abnormal tissue fraction metric that quantifies the amount of tissue that deviates from the average values of healthy controls. It is shown that the proposed metric successfully discriminates between healthy control subjects and model subjects with induced peritonitis and has a high statistical significance.
On-the-fly compressive single-pixel foveation using the STOne transform
Authors: Giljum Anthony T. , Kelly Kevin F.
Published: May 2022

Compressive imaging allows one to sample an image below the Nyquist rate yet still accurately recover it from the measurements by solving an L1 optimization problem. The L1 solvers, however, are iterative and can require significant time to reconstruct the original signal. Intuitively, the reconstruction time can be reduced by reconstructing fewer total pixels. The human eye reduces the total amount of data it processes by having a spatially varying resolution, a method called foveation. In this work, we use foveation to achieve a 4x improvement in L1 compressive sensing reconstruction speed for hyperspectral images and video. Unlike previous works, the presented technique allows the high-resolution region to be placed anywhere in the scene after the subsampled measurements have been acquired, has no moving parts, and is entirely non-adaptive.
Method for minimizing lens breathing with one moving group
Authors: Goodsell Jeremy , Blahnik Vladan , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: May 2022

Lens breathing in movie cameras is the change in the overall content of a scene while bringing subjects located at different depths into focus. This paper presents a method for minimizing lens breathing or changing angular field-of-view while maintaining perspective by moving only one lens group. To maintain perspective, the stop is placed in a fixed position where no elements between the scene and the stop can move, thus fixing the entrance pupil in one location relative to the object fields. The result is perspective invariance while refocusing the lens. Using paraxial optics, we solve for the moving group's position to focus on every object position and eliminate breathing between the minimum and maximum object distances. We investigate the solution space for optical systems with two positive groups or a positive and a negative group (i.e., retrofocus and telephoto systems). We explain how to apply this paraxial solution to existing systems to minimize breathing. The results for two systems altered using this method are presented. Breathing improved by two orders of magnitude in both cases, and performance specifications were still met when compared to the initial systems.
Residual image recovery method based on the dual-camera design of a compressive hyperspectral imaging system
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Yu Zeqing , Zheng Shuhang , Li Yong , Tao Xiao , Wu Fei , Xie Qin , Sun Yan , Wang Chang , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: May 2022

Compressive hyperspectral imaging technology can quickly detect the encoded two-dimensional measurements and reconstruct the three-dimensional hyperspectral images offline, which is of great significance for object detection and analysis. To provide more information for reconstruction and improve the reconstruction quality, some of the latest compressive hyperspectral imaging systems adopt a dual-camera design. To utilize the information from additional camera more efficiently, this paper proposes a residual image recovery method. The proposed method takes advantage of the structural similarity between the image captured by the additional camera and the hyperspectral image, combining the measurements from the additional camera and coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging (CASSI) sensor to construct an estimated hyperspectral image. Then, the component of the estimated hyperspectral image is subtracted from the measurement of the CASSI sensor to obtain the residual data. The residual data is used to reconstruct the residual hyperspectral image. Finally, the reconstructed hyperspectral image is the sum of the estimated and residual image. Compared with some state-of-the-art algorithms based on such systems, the proposed method can significantly improve the reconstruction quality of hyperspectral image
Tunable infrared high absorbing polarization independent niobium nitride plasmonic perfect absorber nanowire photodetectors
Authors: Karl Philipp , Mennle Sandra , Ubl Monika , Hentschel Mario , Flad Philipp , Yang Jing-Wei , Peng Tzu-Yu , Lu Yu-Jung , Giessen Harald
Published: May 2022

The recent development of photon-based technologies such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing requires high fidelity and fast photodetectors, as well as the ability to detect single photons. One possibility to achieve these goals are superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, utilizing the superconducting-to-normal conducting phase transition. To achieve the required high efficiency, we use resonant plasmonic perfect absorber effects, reaching over 90% polarization-independent absorbance at our target wavelength of 1140 nm. Moreover, the target wavelength can be easily tuned by adjusting the geometry of our detectors. Furthermore, the high absorbance is maintained at oblique incidence, due to the plasmonic perfect absorber principle, and small active areas can be achieved by the high resonant absorption cross-section of plasmonic resonances. We fabricated different tunable, polarization independent plasmonic perfect absorber superconducting nanowire photodetectors and proved their high absorbance and polarization independent response in the wavelength regime around 1140 nm.
Stronger Hardy-like proof of quantum contextuality
Authors: Qi Wen-Rong , Zhou Jie , Kong Ling-Jun , Xu Zhen-Peng , Meng Hui-Xian , Liu Rui , Wang Zhou-Xiang , Tu Chenghou , Li Yongnan , Cabello Adán , Chen Jing-Ling , Wang Hui-Tian
Published: May 2022

A Hardy-like proof of quantum contextuality is a compelling way to see the conflict between quantum theory and noncontextual hidden variables (NCHVs), as the latter predict that a particular probability must be zero, while quantum theory predicts a nonzero value. For the existing Hardy-like proofs, the success probability tends to 1/2 when the number of measurement settings

n

goes to infinity. It means the conflict between the existing Hardy-like proof and NCHV theory is weak, which is not conducive to experimental observation. Here we advance the study of a stronger Hardy-like proof of quantum contextuality, whose success probability is always higher than the previous ones generated from a certain

n

-cycle graph. Furthermore, the success probability tends to 1 when

n

goes to infinity. We perform the experimental test of the Hardy-like proof in the simplest case of

n
=
7

by using a four-dimensional quantum system encoded in the polarization and orbital angular momentum of single photons. The experimental result agrees with the theoretical prediction within experimental errors. In addition, by starting from our Hardy-like proof, one can establish the stronger noncontextuality inequality, for which the quantum-classical ratio is higher with the same

n

, which provides a new method to construct some optimal noncontextuality inequalities. Our results offer a way for optimizing and enriching exclusivity graphs, helping to explore more abundant quantum properties.
Estimating regional timber supply and forest carbon sequestration under shared socioeconomic pathways: A case study of Maine, USA
Authors: Zhao Jianheng , Daigneault Adam , Weiskittel Aaron
Published: May 2022

This study provides a regional model framework to evaluate timber supply and carbon impacts of environmental and socioeconomic change in Maine, USA. We construct alternative future narratives that vary economic growth, forest management, and environmental policies and then conduct econometric analysis to project forest area and timber supply over the next 80 years under five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Forest area changes from 2020–2100 ranged from a 11% decline in SSP3 (regional rivalry) to 0.2% for SSP1 (sustainability). Maine’s forest carbon stocks and timber supply can still mutually increase before 2070 for all pathways, largely due to improvements in forest management, growth, and yield. Overall timber supply is projected to increase by 0.21–0.51% per annum, with supply expanding faster for pathways with higher timber price growth. Total forest carbon stocks (ecosystem and products) are projected to increase 0.40–0.64%/yr for similar reasons. Sensitivity analysis indicated the key drivers most likely to affect Maine’s forest sector are timber prices, population change, personal income, land value, and conservation land area. This study offers valuable insight on possible methods about region-specific socio-economic assessments.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Bangladeshi residents during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Saha Mili , Saha Goutam , Islam Mynul
Published: May 2022

Bangladeshi government has adopted some special steps to control the quick spread of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. However, the residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the disease directly impact the success of the controlling measures taken by the state. This article explores knowledge (K) about preventions, attitude (A) to the disease, and practices (P) of preventing the COVID-19 infection risks of different age groups residing in Bangladesh. Quantitative data were collected online using a KAP questionnaire from 932 participants. Also, statisticaltandFtests have been used and analyzed andp-value, 95% Confidence Interval, Odd Ratio (OR), KAP scores, and multiple logistic regression analysis, are presented in this research. Results show the population is generally aware of the symptoms and social distancing. They are concerned about re-spreading and positive about staying home. The most significant findings of the study reveal that the old age group (age 50 or over) is the most alert group, male population are the most vulnerable with less care, people living outside Dhaka take less care and fewer preventive measures against the deadly virus, the young age group (age 18–25) is most optimistic while the female respondent group is best prepared among all the participants.