bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Heavy Minerals from the Vjosa and Mati river delta sediments in Albania
Authors: Xhaferri Emiriana , Corijn Ruben , Sinojmeri Agim , Swennen Rudy , Durmishi Çerçis
Published: November 2020

This research is focused on the determination of the heavy minerals (HM) load of the Vjosa and Mati river delta deposits along the Albanian coastline and it is based on X-ray Diffractometry. The Albanian coastline consists of sandy beaches at the north (Adriatic coastline) and rocky escarpments at the south (Ionian coastline). Several layers of heavy mineral deposits, up to 50 cm thick, with heavy mineral fraction up to 95% and 88% of total sample for Vjosa and Mati sediments respectively, are identified. The layers enriched in heavy minerals from Vjosa delta deposits are almost black in colour, while at Mati delta these layers are dark green coloured. Separation of the heavy from the light fraction was performed, in order to compare the different fractions between the two studied delta areas. The accumulation of HM occurs mainly in the fraction of 125-250 µm in the sediments of both deltas. The HM dominate in the magnetic field of 0.4-0.8 A/m. XRD analysis results show a great variety of minerals present in the delta samples which can be attributed to the wide variety of geological zones and lithologies that are intersected by the Vjosa and Mati rivers, respectively. In the 63-425 μm fraction rich in heavy minerals of both delta systems considerable amounts of magnetite (up to 39.4% in Vjosa samples), chromite (up to 20.2% in Vjosa samples), garnet (up to 13.6% in Vjosa samples), ilmenite (up to 8.3% in Mati samples), rutile (up to 4.7% in Mati samples), hematite (up to 2.2% in Mati samples), and zircon (up to 2.1% in Vjosa samples) are observed. Rock forming minerals such as pyroxene, amphibole, and epidote compose significant percentages of this fraction. In addition, the presence of gold grains in Vjosa delta sediments is remarkable. Both catchment areas consist to a great extent of similar formations such as the Mirdita Ophiolite Zone and the Pindos Ophiolite complex, providing thus a similar HM fingerprint at both delta areas. Minerals that occur in higher abundances reflect the extensive presence in the drained areas of related parent rocks which are rich in these minerals and which are often more vulnerable to weathering. The samples of Vjosa river delta show high percentage of carbonate constituents, which is related to the presence of carbonate rocks of the Ionian and Kruja tectonic zones within which the hydrographic network of the Vjosa River has been developed. The samples of Mati river delta show lower abundance of carbonate minerals, reflecting the limited presence of carbonate rocks at the Kruja Zone, which occur in the catchment area of the river near its mouth.
Statistical approach of groundwater quality assessment at Almopia basin, Macedonia, North Greece.
Authors: Mattas Christos , Veranis Nikolaos , Soulios Georgios , Kaklis Triantafyllos
Published: November 2020

Groundwater quality is substantial for social and economic activities in Greece since the majority of the cultivated land is irrigated by water abstracted from aquifers, via a large number of wells and boreholes. The main sources of groundwater pollution are the fertilizers used in agriculture, and the disposal of untreated wastewater from domestic and industrial use. The plain part of Almopia basin, North Greece, is a rural area with intense agricultural activities (including livestock), without significant industrial activity or urban centers. Mild touristic activity has been developed during the last decades in the area of Loutraki, due to the exploitation of the local geothermal field (Pozar springs) for balneotherapy. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the groundwater quality using conventional statistical methods, as well as to employ multivariate statistical methods (factor analysis, cluster analysis) in order to identify the main hydrogeological processes or human activities that affect and determine the water character. The area was selected because of the extended cultivating activities that take place within its boundaries and the availability of adequate data. According to the results of the implemented research, the groundwater samples are of good quality, whereas the chemical composition is mainly formed by the interaction between the water and the geological formations.
Funding and COVID-19 research priorities - are the research needs for Africa being met?
Authors: Antonio Emilia , Alobo Moses , Tufet Bayona Marta , Marsh Kevin , Norton Alice
Published: November 2020

Background: Emerging data from Africa indicates remarkably low numbers of reported COVID-19 deaths despite high levels of disease transmission. However, evolution of these trends as the pandemic progresses remains unknown. More certain are the devastating long-term impacts of the pandemic on health and development evident globally. Research tailored to the unique needs of African countries is crucial. UKCDR and GloPID-R have launched a tracker of funded COVID-19 projects mapped to the WHO research priorities and research priorities of Africa and less-resourced countries and published a baseline analysis of a living systematic review (LSR) of these projects. 

Methods: In-depth analyses of the baseline LSR for COVID-19 funded research projects in Africa (as of 15th July 2020) to determine the funding landscape and alignment of the projects to research priorities of relevance to Africa. 

Results: The limited COVID-19 related research across Africa appears to be supported mainly by international funding, especially from Europe, although with notably limited funding from United States-based funders. At the time of this analysis no research projects funded by an African-based funder were identified in the tracker although there are several active funding calls geared at research in Africa and there may be funding data that has not been made publicly available. Many projects mapped to the WHO research priorities and five particular gaps in research funding were identified, namely: investigating the role of children in COVID-19 transmission; effective modes of community engagement; health systems research; communication of uncertainties surrounding mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19; and identifying ways to promote international cooperation. Capacity strengthening was identified as a dominant theme in funded research project plans.

Conclusions: We found significantly lower funding investments in COVID-19 research in Africa compared to high-income countries, seven months into the pandemic, indicating a paucity of research targeting the research priorities of relevance to Africa.
Burden and determinants of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age group: a cross-sectional study based in India
Authors: Puri Parul , Kothavale Ajinkya , Singh S.K. , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: November 2020

Background: India's government is currently running several programs with a sole focus on women's health during their child-bearing years. However, none of these programs incorporate the management of chronic health conditions during the reproductive span. This issue is an emerging public health concern; therefore, the present study aims to identify the patterns and correlates of multimorbidity among women in reproductive age groups in India.

Methods: The study utilizes nationally-representative cross-sectional data from the Demographic and Health Survey on 661,811 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years. The study uses information on seven chronic morbidities, namely asthma, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, hypertension, and thyroid disorder. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable techniques were utilized to accomplish the study objective.

Results: The findings show that 17.4 and 3.5 per 100 women of reproductive age suffered from any one morbidity and multimorbidity, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders were commonly occurring morbidities. The prevalence of having any one morbidity or multimorbidity increased with age. Variables like religion, wealth, parity, menopause, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, body mass index, and type of diet were found to be significantly related to the burden of multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity was found to be higher for women who belong to the Southern, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions of India.

Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of multimorbidity in the context of women of reproductive age. Inclusion of chronic disease management strategies with maternal and child health services needs to be taken into consideration by the program and policymakers. The annexation of social marketing approaches at the primary level of healthcare would assist policy-makers in educating women about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Practicing dietary diversity can help in maintaining optimal estrogen levels, which would further help in decreasing multimorbidity rates among women in India.
SpEDIT: A fast and efficient CRISPR/Cas9 method for fission yeast
Authors: Torres-Garcia Sito , Di Pompeo Lorenza , Eivers Luke , Gaborieau Baptiste , White Sharon A. , Pidoux Alison L. , Kanigowska Paulina , Yaseen Imtiyaz , Cai Yizhi , Allshire Robin C.
Published: November 2020

The CRISPR/Cas9 system allows scarless, marker-free genome editing. Current CRISPR/Cas9 systems for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe rely on tedious and time-consuming cloning procedures to introduce a specific sgRNA target sequence into a Cas9-expressing plasmid. In addition, Cas9 endonuclease has been reported to be toxic to fission yeast when constitutively overexpressed from the strong adh1 promoter. To overcome these problems we have developed an improved system, SpEDIT, that uses a synthesised Cas9 sequence codon-optimised for S. pombe expressed from the medium strength adh15 promoter. The SpEDIT system exhibits a flexible modular design where the sgRNA is fused to the 3’ end of the self-cleaving hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme, allowing expression of the sgRNA cassette to be driven by RNA polymerase III from a tRNA gene sequence. Lastly, the inclusion of sites for the BsaI type IIS restriction enzyme flanking a GFP placeholder enables one-step Golden Gate mediated replacement of GFP with synthesized sgRNAs for expression. The SpEDIT system allowed a 100% mutagenesis efficiency to be achieved when generating targeted point mutants in the ade6+ or ura4+ genes by transformation of cells from asynchronous cultures. SpEDIT also permitted insertion, tagging and deletion events to be obtained with minimal effort. Simultaneous editing of two independent non-homologous loci was also readily achieved. Importantly the SpEDIT system displayed reduced toxicity compared to currently available S. pombe editing systems. Thus, SpEDIT provides an effective and user-friendly CRISPR/Cas9 procedure that significantly improves the genome editing toolbox for fission yeast.
What is the Intelligent Tissue Theory and How Does it Relate to Acupuncture?
Authors: Kovich Fletcher
Published: November 2020

The intelligent tissue theory states that organ information is conveyed on electromagnetic waves and these are interpreted by bodily tissue, so that real-time organ states are reflected in the tissue at each organ’s related meridian. This article describes the practical implications of this, how this relates to acupuncture, and how it accounts for the common acupuncture-related phenomena. The Chinese medicine notion of “chi” is also explored. Its history is described, including the 1970’s reinterpretation. This article suggests that both the Nei Jing and also the 1970’s model of how acupuncture works are merely metaphorical; do not describe reality; and that “chi” (which is central to these models) does not really exist. Alternative explanations are provided for all the common phenomena that are usually attributed to “chi”, and a simple account of how acupuncture works is given.
Acupotomy for Scapulohumeral Periarthritis
Authors: Guo Chang Qing , Ma Shi Ning , Fu Xin Yi , Wang Quan Gui , Lee Mira
Published: November 2020

Background: Scapulohumeral periarthritis causes pain and stiffness, and limits movement but it is a treatable condition. This was a clinical study of acupotomy treatment for scapulohumeral periarthritis.Methods: There were 80 patients randomly assigned to the traditional Chinese Medicine group (acupotomy) and the Western medicine group (naproxen), with 40 cases in each group. All patients had adjunct physiotherapy exercises for 14 days. Patients received acupotomy treatment 3 times for 14 days (Day 0, 7 and 14) or naproxen (0.22 g capsule; a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) 3 times a day, for 14 days. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, range of motion (ROM) values, and the Melle scale, together with the therapeutic standard of diseases and syndromes in traditional Chinese Medicine were used for diagnosis and evaluation.Results: There were significant differences in the VAS scores, ROM, Melle scores, cure rate and total effective rate in the group which took naproxen and the acupotomy group, before and after treatment (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in the changes in VAS, ROM and Melle scores between the 2 groups (p < 0.01), and the acupotomy group was better than the naproxen group.Conclusion: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine can improve functional activity and reduce the level of pain experienced by patients suffering from scapulohumeral periarthritis. However, improvement of functional activity of the shoulder joint following acupotomy treatment was more obvious than the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and the cure rate, and total effective rate of acupotomy was better.
Brachial Plexus Palsy whilst on Crutches Treated with Korean Medicine Focused on Bee-Venom Pharmacopunture
Authors: Lim Jae Eun , Song Mi Sa , Do Hyun Jeong , Kim Gyu Hui , Park Jung Hyeon , Yoon Hyun Min , Jang Sun Hee , Seo Jong Cheol , Song Choon Ho , Kim Cheol Hong
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to show the effects of Korean medicine treatment (particularly bee-venom pharmacopunture) on a patient with brachial plexus palsy. A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy on the right upper extremity and was treated with Korean and Western medicine from September 30th to November 6th, 2019. Improvement of the patient’s symptoms was evaluated using the Manual Muscle Test, Range of Motion and visual analogue scale. After treatment, the patient’s Manual Muscle Test grade and Range of Motion were improved, and the Visual Analogue Scale score indicated the intensity of her right hand numbness had decreased. These results suggested that improper use of crutches can result in brachial plexus palsy and a Korean-Western medicine treatment regimen primarily focused on bee-venom pharmacopunture, may be effective in reducing the symptoms of brachial plexus palsy.
Effects of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Treatment on the Level of Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Cervical or Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kim Beom Seok , Lee Ye Ji , Kim Hyo Bin , Sung Ki Jung , Jeon Ju Hyun , Kim Eun Seok , Kim Young Il
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aims to statistically analyze and compare the curative effect and satisfaction level between typical traditional Korean medicine treatment and nonsurgical spinal decompression treatment.Methods: Of the patients who were diagnosed with the cervical or lumbar herniated intervertebral disc at the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine at the Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital from April 14th to August 25th, 2019, this study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 31 patients who underwent nonsurgical spinal decompression treatment and traditional Korean medicine (assigned to Group A) and another 31 patients who received typical traditional Korean medicine alone (assigned to Group B). The clinical data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23.0.Results: No statistically significant differences appeared in terms of sociodemographic, condition, and therapeutic characteristics, except whether the patient received Western medicine treatment, before or after a treatment with traditional Korean medicine. Group A exhibited higher variations in numeric rating scale, EuroQol- 5 dimension and EuroQol visual analogue scale scores compared to Group B as determined by independent sample t test and analysis of covariance. In addition, the satisfaction score of Group A was higher than that of Group B The result of cross analysis revealed that desire for continued treatment in Group A was higher than that of Group B.Conclusion: This retrospective observational study showed that the patients with nonsurgical spinal decompression treatment reported a greater reduction in pain, improved quality of life and satisfaction than patients receiving typical traditional Korean medicine.
Introduction to Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine’s Korean Medicine Case Report Program
Authors: Kim Sungha
Published: November 2020

Several modalities that have been used in Korean medicine have not undergone evaluation. The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), a South Korean national research agency, launched the Korean medicine case Report (KORE) program in May 2019 to promote case reports, especially among clinicians. The aim was to (1) introduce the KIOM-initiated KORE program, (2) report the results from the KORE program, and (3) present the challenges and limitation from the KORE program. We conducted a narrative review of the cases to which KORE was applied. A total of 16 proposals were reviewed since May 2019. Five proposals were rejected, and 7 case reports were included. Case reports for 3 therapies have been created under guidance. The KORE program makes it easier for Korean medicine doctors to initiate and complete case reports.
Korean-Western Integrative Medicine for Bell’s Palsy: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Oh Da Yoon , Lee Soo Jin , Park Jae Eun , Lee Min Cheol , Jeon Myung Kyu , Park Cheol Woo , Choi Hyo Jung , Hong Noo Ri , Kim Woo Young
Published: November 2020

This review aimed to compare the effectiveness of Korean medicine (KM) with Korean-Western integrative medicine (KWIM) at treating Bell’s palsy. A literature search of several databases for relevant randomized controlled trials was performed. Six studies that compared KM with KWIM to treat Bell’s palsy were included in this review. Acupuncture and steroids were the most commonly used treatments in KWIM. A comparison of the effectiveness of KW with KWIM did not produce consistent results. Both KM and KWIM were useful intreating Bell’s palsy. KWIM was more effective than KM when the Western medicine was a steroid and was given in the early stages of treatment. However, these findings are limited due to the low quality and number of included studies. KM and KWIM are both effective in Bell’s palsy, and KWIM is more effective than KM. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.
Effects of Acupotomy on a Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cyst with Ultrasonography: A Case Report with a 7-Month Follow-up
Authors: Kim Jae Hoon , Lee Jung Hee , Lee Cho In , Lee Yun-Kyu , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kim Jae Soo
Published: November 2020

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of acupotomy, a newly upcoming acupuncture treatment method for a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst.Methods: A patient with a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst was treated with acupotomy under ultrasonographic guidance. The symptoms caused by the cyst and size of the cyst under ultrasonographic observation were used to evaluate the effect of the acupotomy treatment.Results: The numeric rating scale score reduced from 7 to 1.4 throughout the treatment period. The size and swelling of the cyst decreased following acupotomy treatment.Conclusion: Acupotomy had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst in this case. Further studies are required for its additional retrospective application
Xanthine oxidase inhibition in SARS-CoV-2 infection: the mechanism and potency of allopurinol and febuxostat in COVID-19 management
Authors: Pratomo Irandi Putra , Ariane Anna , Tedjo Aryo , Heryanto Rudi , Paramita Rafika Indah
Published: November 2020

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection cases has been increasing globally, including in Indonesia. Definitive therapy for COVID-19 has not yet been found; hence, repurposed drugs for COVID-19 have been considered and have been practiced by several researchers in the world. This literature review investigates the action of xanthine oxidase as a component of the biomolecular pathway against severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2, the cause of COVID-19, and describes the mechanism and potential of uric acid drugs (allopurinol and febuxostat) as prophylaxis and curative therapy for COVID-19.
Does risk-based decision-making present an ‘epistemic trap’ for climate change policymaking?
Authors: Tangney Peter
Published: November 2020

Risk-based decision-making is widely considered to be the best means of presenting the science of climate change and for developing and presenting climate change evidence for policymaking. This paper examines some of the justifications provided by climate and decision scientists for their preferred approach, and argues that, although risk-based approaches are indeed analytically and instrumentally helpful, they may not always provide the most politically appropriate framework for resolving the politics of evidence-based policymaking. Decision scientists still promote risk-based decision-making under erroneous ideals of linear-instrumental-rationality, even if they have become more circumspect concerning the worst excesses of past technocratic linear-rationality. Moreover, decision scientists have provided very shallow justification to date for ‘risk’ as default decision framework. A reasonable analysis of the general suitability of risk would include comparative analysis with alternative conceptual frames, not simply in terms of their analytical power, but also their political acceptability in constituencies where particular evidence-frames may be challenged on the basis of their premises, rather than their conclusions.
Phase unwrapping in ICF target interferometric measurement via deep learning
Authors: Zhu Shengtai , Zang Zhongming , Wang Xianmin , Wang Yue , Wang Xulongqi , Liu Dong
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes an unwrapping algorithm based on deep learning for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target interferograms. With a deep convolutional neural network (CNN), the task of phase unwrapping is transferred into a problem of semantic segmentation. A method for producing the data set for the ICF target measurement system is demonstrated. The noisy wrapped phase is preprocessed using a guided filter. Postprocessing is introduced to refine the final result, ensuring the proposed method can still accurately unwrap the phase even when the segmentation result of the CNN is not perfect. Simulations and actual interferograms show that our method has better accuracy and antinoise ability than some classical unwrapping approaches. In addition, the generalization capability of our method is verified by successfully applying it to an aspheric nonnull test system. By adjusting the data set, the proposed method may be transferred to other systems.
Optical tweezers — from calibration to applications: a tutorial
Authors: Gieseler Jan , Gomez-Solano Juan Ruben , Magazzù Alessandro , Pérez Castillo Isaac , Pérez García Laura , Gironella-Torrent Marta , Viader-Godoy Xavier , Ritort Felix , Pesce Giuseppe , Arzola Alejandro V. , Volke-Sepúlveda Karen , Volpe Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Since their invention in 1986 by Arthur Ashkin and colleagues, optical tweezers have become an essential tool in several fields of physics, spectroscopy, biology, nanotechnology, and thermodynamics. In this tutorial, we provide a primer on how to calibrate optical tweezers and how to use them for advanced applications. After a brief general introduction on optical tweezers, we focus on describing and comparing the various available calibration techniques. Then, we discuss some cutting-edge applications of optical tweezers in a liquid medium, namely, to study single-molecule and single-cell mechanics, microrheology, colloidal interactions, statistical physics, and transport phenomena. Finally, we consider optical tweezers in vacuum, where the absence of a viscous medium offers vastly different dynamics and presents new challenges. We conclude with some perspectives for the field and the future applications of optical tweezers. This tutorial provides both a step-by-step guide ideal for non-specialists entering the field and a comprehensive manual of advanced techniques useful for expert practitioners. All of the examples are complemented by the sample data and software necessary to reproduce them.
Two-photon microperimetry with picosecond pulses
Authors: Marzejon Marcin J. , Kornaszewski Łukasz , Bogusławski Jakub , Ciąćka Piotr , Martynow Miłosz , Palczewska Grażyna , Maćkowski Sebastian , Palczewski Krzysztof , Wojtkowski Maciej , Komar Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Two-photon vision is a phenomenon associated with the perception of short pulses of near-infrared radiation (900-1200 nm) as a visible light. It is caused by the nonlinear process of two-photon absorption by visual pigments. Here we present results showing the influence of pulse duration and repetition rate of short pulsed lasers on the visual threshold. We compared two-photon sensitivity maps of the retina obtained for subjects with normal vision using a cost-effective fiber laser (λc = 1028.4 nm, τp = 12.2 ps, Frep = 19.17 MHz) and a solid-state laser (λc = 1043.3 nm, τp = 0.253 ps, Frep = 62.65 MHz). We have shown that in accordance with the description of two-photon absorption, the average optical power required for two-photon vision for a fiber laser is 4 times greater than that for a solid-state laser. Mean sensitivity measured for the first one is 5.9 ± 2.8 dB lower than for the second but still 17 dB away from the safety limit, confirming that picosecond light sources can be successfully applied in microperimetry. This development would dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of future clinical devices.
Atomic population transfer for single- and N-photon wavepackets
Authors: Rag Hemlin Swaran , Gea-Banacloche Julio
Published: November 2020

We investigate the most energy-efficient way to transfer population in a three-level atom in the lambda configuration, under conditions of very strong coupling to a one-dimensional waveguide. We start with the ideal situation in which a single-photon pulse can yield a perfect transfer, through the process known as “single-photon Raman interaction,” and then consider how to improve the transfer probability by adding as few photons as possible when these ideal conditions are not met. We find that under a broad range of conditions, the failure probability can be made to decrease exponentially with the average number of photons in a coherent-state wavepacket. We also find that, in general, under these conditions, it is preferable to increase the number of photons in the single “pump” pulse than to add a second (“Stokes”) pulse on the second leg of the lambda configuration.
Quality enhancement of binary-encoded amplitude holograms by using error diffusion
Authors: Min Kyosik , Park Jae-Hyeung
Published: November 2020

A digital micro-mirror device is one of the most frequently used spatial light modulators for holographic three-dimensional displays due to its fast refresh rate. The modulation by the digital micro-mirror device is, however, limited to the binary amplitude modulation, and it degrades the reconstruction image quality. In this paper, we propose a novel binary hologram encoding technique which applies the error diffusion algorithm considering the carrier wave of the hologram. The error diffusion weights designed for the hologram carrier wave suppress the binarization noise around the carrier wave where the most signal energy is concentrated, which enhances the reconstruction quality. The combination with the time-multiplexing enables speckless enhanced-quality three-dimensional reconstruction with shallow depth of focus. The proposed technique is verified by simulations and optical experiments.
High-power few-cycle near-infrared OPCPA for soft X-ray generation at 100 kHz
Authors: Hrisafov S. , Pupeikis J. , Chevreuil P.-A. , Brunner F. , Phillips C. R. , Gallmann L. , Keller U.
Published: November 2020

We present a near-infrared optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier (OPCPA) and soft X-ray (SXR) high-harmonic generation system. The OPCPA produces few-cycle pulses at a center wavelength of 800 nm and operates at a high repetition rate of 100 kHz. It is seeded by fully programmable amplitude and phase controlled ultra-broadband pulses from a Ti:sapphire oscillator. The output from the OPCPA system was compressed to near-transform-limited 9.3-fs pulses. Fully characterized pulse compression was recorded for an average power of 22.5 W, demonstrating pulses with a peak power greater than 21 GW. Without full temporal characterization, high-power operation was achieved up to 35 W. We demonstrate that at such high repetition rates, spatiotemporally flattened pump pulses can be achieved through a cascaded second-harmonic generation approach with an efficiency of more than 70%. This combination provides a compelling OPCPA architecture for scaling the peak power of high-repetition-rate ultra-broadband systems in the near-infrared. The output of this 800-nm OPCPA system was used to generate SXR radiation reaching 190 eV photon energy through high-harmonic generation in helium.
Young’s double-slit-like diffraction stemming from scattering of long-ranged surface plasmon polaritons along distinct ±Z-faces’ metallic layers in indium-tin-oxide coated Fe doped LiNbO3
Authors: Wang Chao , Su Hang , Ma Xinyan , Xiong Zuoren , Zhao Hua
Published: November 2020

Young’s double-slit-like diffraction was seen on a viewing screen placed perpendicularly to a sharply cut edge of a

Z

-cut iron doped

L
i
N
b
O

3

(LN) slab coated with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) films. The high contrast fringes observed confirm two sets of visible long-ranged surface plasmon polaritons propagating along the two ITO–LN interfaces distinctly over 5 mm path length with well-kept coherency, apart from metal uses. The indices of refraction measured with polarimetry from the

±

Z

-faces and changing transmission spectra obtained are consistent with the physical picture, along with dynamics of the very first reflection from the

−

Z

-face under varying polarization angles between the two incident laser beams onto the slab.
Submicrometer-scale pattern generation via maskless digital photolithography
Authors: Kang Minsu , Han Changhyun , Jeon Heonsu
Published: November 2020

Maskless photolithography based on digital micromirror devices (DMDs) is considered the next-generation low-cost lithographic technology. However, DMD-based digital photolithography has been implemented only for micrometer-scale pattern generation, whereas sophisticated photonic devices require feature sizes of approximately 100 nm. In this study, we adopt a high-magnification objective lens (

200

×

) for a custom-built digital photolithography system to generate submicrometer-scale patterns. We also improvise techniques to augment the digital photolithography, pattern tilting, and grayscale exposure. We demonstrate that photonic crystal band-edge lasers of various lattice structures and periods can be quality-assessment testbeds.
Evolution and lineage dynamics of a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils
Authors: Kwon Young Mi , Gori Kevin , Park Naomi , Potts Nicole , Swift Kate , Wang Jinhong , Stammnitz Maximilian R. , Cannell Naomi , Baez-Ortega Adrian , Comte Sebastien , Fox Samantha , Harmsen Colette , Huxtable Stewart , Jones Menna , Kreiss Alexandre , Lawrence Clare , Lazenby Billie , Peck Sarah , Pye Ruth , Woods Gregory , Zimmermann Mona , Wedge David C. , Pemberton David , Stratton Michael R. , Hamede Rodrigo , Murchison Elizabeth P.
Published: November 2020

Devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) is a transmissible cancer clone endangering the Tasmanian devil. The expansion of DFT1 across Tasmania has been documented, but little is known of its evolutionary history. We analysed genomes of 648 DFT1 tumours collected throughout the disease range between 2003 and 2018. DFT1 diverged early into five clades, three spreading widely and two failing to persist. One clade has replaced others at several sites, and rates of DFT1 coinfection are high. DFT1 gradually accumulates copy number variants (CNVs), and its telomere lengths are short but constant. Recurrent CNVs reveal genes under positive selection, sites of genome instability, and repeated loss of a small derived chromosome. Cultured DFT1 cell lines have increased CNV frequency and undergo highly reproducible convergent evolution. Overall, DFT1 is a remarkably stable lineage whose genome illustrates how cancer cells adapt to diverse environments and persist in a parasitic niche.
Notch family members follow stringent requirements for intracellular domain dimerization at sequence-paired sites
Authors: Crow Jacob J. , Albig Allan R.
Published: November 2020

Notch signaling is essential for multicellular life, regulating core functions such as cellular identity, differentiation, and fate. These processes require highly sensitive systems to avoid going awry, and one such regulatory mechanism is through Notch intracellular domain dimerization. Select Notch target genes contain sequence-paired sites (SPS); motifs in which two Notch transcriptional activation complexes can bind and interact through Notch’s ankyrin domain, resulting in enhanced transcriptional activation. This mechanism has been mostly studied through Notch1, and to date, the abilities of the other Notch family members have been left unexplored. Through the utilization of minimalized, SPS-driven luciferase assays, we were able to test the functional capacity of Notch dimers. Here we show that the Notch 2 and 3 NICDs also exhibit dimerization-induced signaling, following the same stringent requirements as seen with Notch1. Furthermore, our data suggested that Notch4 may also exhibit dimerization-induced signaling, although the amino acids required for Notch4 NICD dimerization appear to be different than those required for Notch 1, 2, and 3 NICD dimerization. Interestingly, we identified a mechanical difference between canonical and cryptic SPSs, leading to differences in their dimerization-induced regulation. Finally, we profiled the Notch family members’ SPS gap distance preferences and found that they all prefer a 16-nucleotide gap, with little room for variation. In summary, this work highlights the potent and highly specific nature of Notch dimerization and refines the scope of this regulatory function.
Aquaporin-3 regulates endosome-to-cytosol transfer via lipid peroxidation for cross presentation
Authors: Nalle Sam C. , Barreira da Silva Rosa , Zhang Hua , Decker Markus , Chalouni Cecile , Xu Min , Posthuma George , de Mazière Ann , Klumperman Judith , Baz Morelli Adriana , Fleire Sebastian J. , Verkman Alan S. , Trombetta E. Sergio , Albert Matthew L. , Mellman Ira
Published: November 2020

Antigen cross presentation, whereby exogenous antigens are presented by MHC class I molecules to CD8+ T cells, is essential for generating adaptive immunity to pathogens and tumor cells. Following endocytosis, it is widely understood that protein antigens must be transferred from endosomes to the cytosol where they are subject to ubiquitination and proteasome degradation prior to being translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), or possibly endosomes, via the TAP1/TAP2 complex. Revealing how antigens egress from endocytic organelles (endosome-to-cytosol transfer, ECT), however, has proved vexing. Here, we used two independent screens to identify the hydrogen peroxide-transporting channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) as a regulator of ECT. AQP3 overexpression increased ECT, whereas AQP3 knockout or knockdown decreased ECT. Mechanistically, AQP3 appears to be important for hydrogen peroxide entry into the endosomal lumen where it affects lipid peroxidation and subsequent antigen release. AQP3-mediated regulation of ECT was functionally significant, as AQP3 modulation had a direct impact on the efficiency of antigen cross presentation in vitro. Finally, AQP3-/- mice exhibited a reduced ability to mount an anti-viral response and cross present exogenous extended peptide. Together, these results indicate that the AQP3-mediated transport of hydrogen peroxide can regulate endosomal lipid peroxidation and suggest that compromised membrane integrity and coordinated release of endosomal cargo is a likely mechanism for ECT.
Childhood maltreatment and lead levels in middle adulthood: A prospective examination of the roles of individual socio-economic and neighborhood characteristics
Authors: Carpi Anthony , Nikulina Valentina , Li Xuechen , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: November 2020

Background

Lead is a common environmental hazard because of its past use as an additive to gasoline and household paint. Some evidence suggests that children with histories of child abuse and neglect are at elevated risk for residence in communities and households with less desirable characteristics and high levels of exposure to environmental hazards and toxins.

Objectives

To understand whether childhood maltreatment leads to higher levels of household dust lead and blood lead in adulthood and the extent to which characteristics of a person’s physical environment or individual level socio-economic status (SES) (based on unemployment, poverty, and receipt of public assistance) contribute to understanding the relationship.

Methods

A large prospective cohort design study in which abused and neglected children (ages 0–11) were matched with non-maltreated children and assessed in adulthood. Objective and subjective neighborhood characteristics were assessed at approximate age 40 and household dust lead (cleaned and less often cleaned) and blood lead levels were measured at age 41. Blood was collected through venipuncture by a registered nurse as part of a medical status exam.

Results

Childhood maltreatment predicted higher levels of dust lead in less often cleaned household places, residence in worse neighborhoods defined by objective (census tract data) and subjective (reports of physical disorder and lack of social cohesion and control), and higher levels of poverty, receiving public assistance, and unemployment. Only objective neighborhood characteristics mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and dust lead level in adulthood. There were also significant paths from objective neighborhood disadvantage and individual level SES to higher levels of blood lead.

Discussion

Thirty years after their childhood experiences, individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment are at higher risk for living in environments as adults with elevated lead levels that may impact other aspects of their lives and compromise their health.
A Rasch analysis of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT)
Authors: Hadžibajramović Emina , Schaufeli Wilmar , De Witte Hans
Published: November 2020

Burnout as a concept indicative of a work-related state of mental exhaustion is recognized around the globe. Numerous studies showed that burnout has negative consequences for both individuals and organizations but also for society at large, especially in welfare states where sickness absence and work incapacitation are covered by social funds. This underlines the importance of a valid and reliable tool that can be used to assess employee burnout levels. Although the Maslach Burnout Inventory is by far the most frequently used questionnaire for assessing burnout, it is associated with several shortcomings and has been criticized on theoretical as well as empirical grounds. Thus, there is a need for an alternative questionnaire with a strong conceptual basis and proper psychometric qualities. This challenge has been taken up by introducing the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), according to which burnout is conceived as a work-related state of exhaustion among employees, characterized by extreme tiredness, reduced ability to regulate cognitive and emotional processes, and mental distancing. Given that the BAT is a new measure of burnout, its psychometric properties need to be evaluated. This paper focuses on an evaluation of the internal construct validity of the BAT using Rasch analysis in two random samples (n = 800, each) drawn from larger representative samples of the working population of the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium). The BAT has sound psychometric properties and fulfils the measurement criteria according to the Rasch model. The BAT score reflects the scoring structure indicated by the developers of the scale and the BAT’s four subscales can be summarized into a single burnout score. The BAT score also works invariantly for women and men, younger and older respondents, and across both countries. Hence, the BAT can be used in organizations for screening and identifying employees who are at risk of burnout.
Interdisciplinary Research Maps: A new technique for visualizing research topics
Authors: Marrone Mauricio , Linnenluecke Martina K.
Published: November 2020

This article introduces Interdisciplinary Research Maps as a novel visualization technique to assist with interdisciplinary research analytics and to map common (and distinct) topics across publications from different disciplines. We detail the method for this technique which is based on entity linking and illustrate its application to a sample of articles sourced from the top business/management and environmental sciences journals. Both fields have separately been criticized for a lack of interdisciplinary research to co-create insights for tackling pressing environmental issues such as climate change. Our mapping approach provides a starting point for exploring similarities and differences in research topics across these fields. The mapping technique introduced here has broader applicability to facilitate the creation and exchange of knowledge across fields. We discuss avenues for visualization techniques to bridge the different fields by focusing on identifying common concepts to provide a basis for future analysis.
Shifts in methanogenic archaea communities and methane dynamics along a subtropical estuarine land use gradient
Authors: Euler Sebastian , Jeffrey Luke C. , Maher Damien T. , Mackenzie Derek , Tait Douglas R.
Published: November 2020

In coastal aquatic ecosystems, prokaryotic communities play an important role in regulating the cycling of nutrients and greenhouse gases. In the coastal zone, estuaries are complex and delicately balanced systems containing a multitude of specific ecological niches for resident microbes. Anthropogenic influences (i.e. urban, industrial and agricultural land uses) along the estuarine continuum can invoke physical and biochemical changes that impact these niches. In this study, we investigate the relative abundance of methanogenic archaea and other prokaryotic communities, distributed along a land use gradient in the subtropical Burnett River Estuary, situated within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, Australia. Microbiological assemblages were compared to physicochemical, nutrient and greenhouse gas distributions in both pore and surface water. Pore water samples from within the most urbanised site showed a high relative abundance of methanogenic Euryarchaeota (7.8% of all detected prokaryotes), which coincided with elevated methane concentrations in the water column, ranging from 0.51 to 0.68 μM at the urban and sewage treatment plant (STP) sites, respectively. These sites also featured elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations (0.66 to 1.16 mM), potentially fuelling methanogenesis. At the upstream freshwater site, both methane and DOC concentrations were considerably higher (2.68 μM and 1.8 mM respectively) than at the estuarine sites (0.02 to 0.66 μM and 0.39 to 1.16 mM respectively) and corresponded to the highest relative abundance of methanotrophic bacteria. The proportion of sulfate reducing bacteria in the prokaryotic community was elevated within the urban and STP sites (relative abundances of 8.0%– 10.5%), consistent with electron acceptors with higher redox potentials (e.g. O2, NO3-) being scarce. Overall, this study showed that ecological niches in anthropogenically altered environments appear to give an advantage to specialized prokaryotes invoking a potential change in the thermodynamic landscape of the ecosystem and in turn facilitating the generation of methane–a potent greenhouse gas.
Managing unresolved issues of addiction during cancer treatment: A qualitative study about cancer care providers’ representations
Authors: Verot Elise , Regnier Denois Véronique , Macron Corinne , Chauvin Franck
Published: November 2020

Objective

Five French oncology institutions had participated in a funded study aiming at implementing an Evidence-Based Practice tool (PAM-13), which allowed nurses to measure the level of activation of the patient to support his or her own empowerment in the cancer care pathway. The purpose of this ancillary study is to (i) describe the caregivers’ perceptions of addictions and their management concurrently with cancer treatment, (ii) explore the role that Motivational Interviewing techniques can play.

Methods

15 individual semi-structured interviews of caregivers were performed, using the Theoretical Domains Framework for the interview guide. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively, in a thematic analysis. The COREQ guided the reporting of this qualitative study.

Results

Views on addictions influence the way caregivers manage patients suffering from unresolved issues of addiction. Care is mainly focused on the pathology (cancer-centered) and strictly curative. When practiced, Motivational Interviewing is patient-centered, fostering the patient’s empowerment on the cancer care pathway.

Conclusions

The dissemination of Motivational Interviewing techniques in current practices in oncology, both in terms of doctors and nursing teams, would enable improvement to the management of addictions on the cancer care pathway, by deploying a patient-centered approach. This new paradigm of care would support the empowerment of patients enrolled in the cancer care pathway and promote better communication between caregivers and patients. Hence, a paradigm shift is essential. Motivational Interviewing techniques could provide a caring approach that promotes communication between the patient and the caregiver and also supports the former’s empowerment. This research suggests the need to adapt the cancer care pathway in order to integrate the necessary care for patients who concomitantly suffer from unresolved addictive disorders.

Trial registration

NCT03706937