bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A soft silicone foam dressing that aids healing and comfort in oncology care
Authors: Pramod Susy
Published: January 2021

Maintaining skin integrity plays a key role in the ongoing care and comfort of patients at the end of life. Unfortunately, patients receiving cancer treatments are at higher risk of altered skin integrity. Cancer treatments involve multiple modalities, all of which impair wound healing. Excess exudate can be distressing to patients, resulting in catastrophic damage to the wound bed and surrounding skin, reducing quality of life and increasing the need for specialist services. This article describes the use of the Kliniderm foam silicone range of dressings, in combination with best practice, in the treatment of wounds in the oncology setting. The case study evidence presented indicates that this range of dressings is useful in the management of radiotherapy and oncology wounds. It had a positive effect on the exudate level, wound-association pain and the peri-wound skin in these patients, aiding the management of the wound bed.
Preventing and managing device-related pressure ulcers in oncology
Authors: Pramod Susy
Published: January 2021

There is growing evidence that medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs) are an increasing healthcare concern in all aspects of care. It is especially important to develop an individualised care plan for people at the end of life to prevent pressure ulceration and to treat this if it occurs. Tissue viability nurses have a responsibility to review and assess new prophylactic devices and dressings, to ensure a high standard of care is provided. This article describes the use of a soft silicone dressing, Kliniderm foam silicone lite, in combination with best practice, to prevent MDRPUs in the oncology setting. Three case studies show that the dressing helped avoid the occurrence of ulceration on the ears and nose in patients receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula.
Work-family conflict, health status and job satisfaction among nurses
Authors: Haji Matarsat Hajah Marlita , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Abdul-Mumin Khadizah
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Research studies have demonstrated that nurses face difficulty balancing family roles and responsibilities with work. This study aimed to explore the relationship between work-family conflict and health status and job satisfaction among nurses.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of 426 nurses working in high-dependency and general settings in a large referral hospital in Brunei Darussalam.

Results:

Work-family conflict inversely affects health status and job satisfaction for nurses working in high-dependency and general settings. However, general nurses experienced higher work-family conflict albeit better job satisfaction and health status compared to high-dependency nurses. Older, single and non-smoker nurses reported higher job satisfaction.

Conclusion:

This study further informs healthcare and nursing administrators and policymakers, who should foster effective strategies and interventions to support the balance of nurses' work and family life.
Best practice skin antisepsis for insertion of peripheral catheters
Authors: Clare Simon , Rowley Stephen
Published: January 2021

This article discusses the importance of effective skin antisepsis prior to the insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) and how best clinical practice is promoted by application of an appropriate method of skin disinfection integrated effectively with a proprietary aseptic non touch technique, or other standard aseptic technique. Historically under-reported, incidence of infection and risk to patients from PIVCs is now increasingly being recognised, with new research and evidence raising concern and helping to drive new clinical guidance and improvement. The risks posed by PIVCs are particularly significant given increasing PIVC dwell times, due to cannula removal now being determined by new guidance for clinical indication, rather than predefined time frames. Clinical ‘best practice’ is considered in context of the evidence base, importantly including availability and access to appropriate skin antisepsis products. In the UK, and other countries, ChloraPrep is the only skin antisepsis applicator licensed as a drug to disinfect skin and help prevent infections before invasive medical procedures, such as injections, blood sampling, insertion of PIVCs and minor or major surgery.
Finding the right leadership style
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: January 2021

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, suggests that there is no single best approach to problem-solving during the pandemic, and the best leaders will adapt to each problem by mixing and matching
GP Patient Survey 2020: Making use of the data
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: January 2021

Completed just after the first national lockdown in England, the results of the latest GPPS together with independent analyses are critical last indicators of practice performance in pre-pandemic times. Dave Hancock investigates
Assessment of Paronychia Argentea Extraction on Kidney Stone by Using Calcium Oxalate Method
Authors: Magharbeh Mousa K. , Al-Hujran Tayel A. , Al-Dalaen Saied M. I. , Hamad Abdul-Wahab R.
Published: January 2021

Urinary calculi are stones (urolithiasis) that can form anywhere in urinary tract outside of the kidneys and mostly composed of calcium oxalate and phosphate, additionally with elevated throughout the last two decades in the world. Chemical composition plays a major part in nephrolithiasis. Therefore, the high concentrations of lithogenic substances in urine enhance the crystallization method in urine tract system. The most kidney stones form from calcium oxalate, the present study was inspected the effect of the crude aqueous extract as well as the fractionated methanol extract (ethyl acetate, isopropanol, acetone and methanol residue) of paronychia argentea on the crystallization of calcium oxalate salts. The effect of aqueous extract and fractionated methanol extract on the size, number, type of calcium oxalate crystals. Paronychia argentea both the crude aqueous and the fractionated extract, especially ethyl acetate fraction have antiurolithic activity via reducing crystal size as well as activate the formation of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals out from calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) with increasing concentration of extract. The shifting of crystallization process to producing calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) rather than oxalate monohydrate (COM) and the reducing the crystal size and calcium ion concentration, in addition to the diuretic action of extract plays an important role in controlling urolithiasis.
Study on Genome Sequence of Novel Corona virus (Sars-Cov-2) Strains in Different Countries
Authors: Trivedi Vishal , Biswas Kush , Fattepur Santosh , Sreeharsha Nagaraja
Published: January 2021

In Present time Novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2) was the biggest outbreak on human kind. SARS recognized febrile respiratory illness. It was first discovered in southern China in November 2002, and spread all other countries.Now SARS-CoV-2 was also originated from Wuhan, china. It was transmitted from human to human. For developing a molecular diagnostic for 2019-nCoV a PCR detection assay was developed. Sanger, Illumina, and Oxford nanopore techniques are used for sequencing analysis for 2019-nCoV.Based on different types of data base it was concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 was less mutated than other seasonal flu. This study shows the complete genome sequence and characteristic of SAR-CoV-2. SAR-CoV-2 has 29,903 nucleotides in length which is quite similar to others coronavirus. A complete genome sequence of different-different countries was studied.
Memory Enhancing Activity of Saraswatarishta in Mice
Authors: Rajopadhye Bhagyashri D. , Sahasrabudhe Ranjana A.
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual decline in memory. Incidence of Alzheimer's disease increases with age. The disease incidence is 1% in 60 year olds & increases to 30 % at 85 years age. Hence this disease is already having enormous magnitude in today's graying world. Current treatment of Alzheimer’s disease includes- cholinesterase inhibitors& N-methyl- D-aspartate antagonists, but the benefit observed is modest. In traditional medicine Saraswatarishta is being used as memory enhancer for centuries. Brahmi, one of its major ingredients, is also being used to treat Alzheimer’s. So present study was undertaken for authentication of traditional claims of Saraswatarishta as a memory-enhancing agent. Five groups of mice (6 mice in each) were used for this study. Control group (group I) received distilled water, Group II received Saraswatarishta (2.5ml/kg) single dose and Group III received Saraswatarishta (2.5ml/kg) for 2wks. Group IV was given Diazepam (1mg/kg) to produce amnesia. For Group V, Saraswatarishta (2.5ml/kg) was given for 2wks followed by Diazepam (1mg/kg). Effect of Saraswatarishta on learning and memory of mice was studied using elevated plus maze model (EPM). Reduction in TL (Transfer Latency) indicates improvement in learning or memory and prolongation indicates impairment. Diazepam induced prolongation of TL is an accepted model of dementia. In our study, 2 weeks daily treatment of Saraswatarishta completely prevented impairment of learning and memory by Diazepam, corroborating the Ayurvdic use of Saraswatarishta and Brahmi, its major ingredient in the management of dementia. Saraswatarishta can be used as preventive measure to overcome demensia in Alzheimer’s disease.
Consumption of Food Sources of Antioxidant Associated with Cognitive Function and Oxidative Stress Markers 4-HNE
Authors: Faradila Faradila , Siregar Ratna Deliana , Liputo NurIndrawaty
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim : The contain of antioxidant in vegetables, fruits, spices, and tea has a protective effect from oxidative stress which can cause impaired cognitive function.This study aimed todetermine the relationship between the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, spices, and tea with 4-HNE plasma levels and cognitive function of elderly. Material and method : The study design was cross-sectional, and was conducted in the Lima Puluh Kota district, West Sumatra in 2018.Interviewing antioxidant food intake was carried out using the Food Frequency Questioner (FFQ), cognitive function was assessed by the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-Ina), plasma 4-HNE was measured by the ELISA method. Finally, the data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Chi-square statistical tests. Result :The result showed that 83 elderly (57.2%) experience impaired cognitive function. There was no significant relationship between consumption of antioxidant foods and plasma levels of HNE. However, consumption of vegetables, fruits, spices, and tea has a significant relationship with cognitive function. Conclusion:This study concluded that consumption of vegetables, fruits, spices, and tea can protect the elderly from impaired cognitive function.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from Wound Infections Among Patients Attending A Tertiary care Hospital in Oman
Authors: Al-Habsi Tasneem Humaid Ahmed , AL-Lamki Ruwaida Nasser Abdulla , Mabruk Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Background:Wound infections are considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world and it is associated with long hospital stays and increased costs. Aims:To determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens, associated risk factors and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of wound infections amongpatients attending a tertiary care hospital in Oman. Methods:One hundred and sixty wound swabs were collected using clean, sterile swabs from patients attending Sultan Qaboos UniversityHospital(SQUH), as a tertiary care hospital in Oman. These wound swabswere inoculated into appropriate culture media. A microscopical examination was carried out in order to have a preliminary idea of the causative microorganism untilthe culture reports were available.Bacterial growth was identified by morphological aspects of colonies, followed by different biochemical tests.BD PhoenixTMsystem was used to confirm microbial identification and to determine the antibiotic sensitivities. Results:Out of 160 wound swabs, 93(58.1%) were positive for wound infections.Staphylococcus aureuswas the most prevalent microorganism. Elderly patients above 70 years had more wound infections compared to other age groups. Most of the isolated Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin except Enterococcus gallinarum.Isolated Gram-negative bacteria were 100% resistant to ampicillin except for Proteus mirabilis. Conclusion:Multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms had quit high prevalence in wound infections among Omani patients, therefore there is a need for adequate intervention to limit the spread and evolution of further resistance.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Cordia Dichotoma Forst
Authors: Hussain Nazim , Kakoti Bibhuti Bhushan , Rudrapal Mithun , Rahman Zubaidur , Rahman Mokinur , Chutia Devid , Sarwa Khomendra Kumar
Published: January 2021

Cordia dichotoma Forst.has been used in the management of pain and inflammations in traditional medicine. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of C. dichotoma(MECD) bark has not been reported so far. This work was, therefore, aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory activity of C. dichotomabark extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated to justify the anti-inflammatory action of MECD on the basis of its radical scavenging property. The extract of C. dichotomawas obtained by Soxhlation of bark powder using methanol as solvent. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the carrageenan induced paw edemamodel in ratsat two different dose levels, viz., 250 and 500 mg/kg. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. The antioxidant activity was performed in vitro by DPPH radical scavenging assay using ascorbic acid as the standard drug. In anti-inflammatory activity, maximum inhibition of edema was observed after 4 hours of experimental period. At lower test dose (250 mg/kg b.w.), the percentage inhibition of paw edema was 29.7 %, while 48.6 % inhibition of edema was observed at higher dose (500 mg/kgb.w.). The percentage inhibition of paw edema was significant relative to the control group. The standard indomethacin group also exhibited sufficiently high level of anti-inflammatory effect with 56% inhibition of paw edema at 5 mg/kg dose. In in vitroantioxidant activity, the MECD exhibited good DPPHradical scavenging activity with the IC50 vale of 62.46 µg/ml, whereas the standard drug, ascorbic acid showed comparatively more antioxidant activity with IC50 of 27.66 µg/ml.However, our study scientifically validates the folkloric claim as well as traditional uses of C. dichotomaas anti-inflammatory medication. It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of C. dichotomamay be due to the antioxidant potential of phenolic phytoconstituents or plant flavonoids present in the methanolic bark extract.
Ultrafast observation of intense light-matter interactions in flexible glass via single-shot frequency domain holography
Authors: Dempsey Dennis , Nagar Garima C. , Renskers Christopher K. , Grynko Rostislav I. , Sutherland James S. , Shim Bonggu
Published: January 2021

We use frequency domain holography (FDH) to spatio-temporally visualize the laser-matter interaction caused by the optical Kerr effect and plasma in flexible Corning® Willow® Glass in a single-shot
Ghost Polarization Communication
Authors: Rosskopf Markus , Mohr Till , Elsäßer Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

We realize a novel, secure communication scheme by exploiting the ultrafast polarization correlation dynamics of unpolarized light and the infinite number of polarization states on the Poincaré sphere within a ghost polarimetry set-up.
Microscopic nonlinear optical response of plasmonic meta-atoms
Authors: Bin-Alam M. Saad , Awan Kashif M. , Kiviniemi Antti , Baxter Joshua , Mamchur Yaryna , Lesina Antonio Cala’ , Ramunno Lora , Huttunen Mikko J. , Dolgaleva Ksenia
Published: January 2021

We experimentally measure the microscopic 2nd-order nonlinear optical response of plasmonic meta-atoms known as the 1st-order hyperpolarizability. This result is crucial to design nonlinear metasurfaces consisting of plasmonic meta-atoms.
Sub-micron Array of Split-Ring Resonators Through Polarization Incorporated Phase-Controlled Interference Lithography
Authors: Sarkar Swagato , Samanta Krishnendu , Joseph Joby
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate possibilities of realizing submicron split-ring resonator (SRR) hexagonal array using single-shot phase-controlled interference lithography (PCIL) approach. Polarization controlling strategy allows high-interference angles (70°) to obtain 0.5 μm spatial periodicity without any induced deformations.
Integrated Couplers for OAM Fiber Modes using Compact Antennas and Circular Grating
Authors: de Andrade Hening A. , Pita Julián L. , de Farias Giovanni B. , Gabrielli Lucas H.
Published: January 2021

We present and compare two novel integrated devices in SOI platform for the coupling of OAM modes into multimode fibers. Simulation results show generated OAM beams and mode overlap with a photonic bandgap fiber.
Investigation and Reduction of Optically Induced Nonlinear Effects in Silicon Ring Resonator
Authors: Jeyaselvan Vadivukkarasi , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: January 2021

We present a detailed experimental study of mitigation of two-photon absorption (TPA) in silicon microring modulator. In this work, we report the effect of optical and electrical signal power on the spectral characteristics of a ring modulator.
Light trapping in a 2D gold nanotrench grating at azimuth angles of incidence
Authors: Chen Jinnan , Ni Kai , Li Zhitong , Guo Junpeng
Published: January 2021

Light absorption in a 2D gold nanotrench grating at azimuth angles of incidence is investigated. It is found that the spectral linewidth of the absorption spectrum decreases as the azimuth angle of incidence increases.
Novel physics of wavelength-dependent electron collision times in plasma for laser-matter interactions
Authors: Nagar Garima C , Dempsey Dennis , Shim Bonggu
Published: January 2021

We present an experimental and theoretical study of wavelength-dependent electron collision times in plasma and its striking effects on laser-matter interactions during laser filamentation in a solid.
Numerical Analysis of Spatial Mode-Field Overlap on Confinement Loss in Negative-Curvature Fibers
Authors: Deng Ang , Hasan Md Imran , Wang Yuxi , Chang Wonkeun
Published: January 2021

We investigate the effect of mode-field overlap on confinement loss in negative-curvature fibers. We show that the mode-field overlap is one of the key factors governing the modal interactions and confinement loss in negative-curvature fibers.
Effect of Altering Outer-Layer-Tube Thickness in Two-Ring Anti-Resonant Hollow-Core Fibers
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Chang Wonkeun
Published: January 2021

We report on spectral shifting of the low-loss band when outer-layer-tube thickness in two-ring anti-resonant hollow-core fibers is altered. This indicates that the loss reduction originates from the additional anti-resonant reflection at the outer-layer-tube interface.
Predicted Transmission in a Pr:YSO Quantum Memory Experiment
Authors: Levine Zachary H.
Published: January 2021

Praseodymium-doped yttrium orthosilicate prepared by an optical frequency comb is a candidate for quantum memory, although its hyperfine splitting poses challenges. Transmission after preparation is predicted using the density matrix.
Integrated Optical Phased Arrays for LiDAR, Communications, Augmented Reality, and Beyond
Authors: Notaros Jelena , Notaros Milica , Raval Manan , Poulton Christopher V. , Byrd Matthew J. , Li Nanxi , Su Zhan , Magden Emir Salih , Timurdogan Erman , Dyer Thomas , Baiocco Christopher , Kim Taehwan , Bhargava Pavan , Stojanovic Vladimir , Watts Michael R.
Published: January 2021

Recent integrated optical phased array architectures, results, and applications will be reviewed, including beam steering for LiDAR and communications, near-field optical manipulation, and holographic displays for augmented reality.
Lensless on-chip LED array microscope using coded aperture mask
Authors: Hassan Atif , Khan Sohail , Rasul Khurram , Hussain Anwar
Published: January 2021

We propose a scheme for developing compact and cost effective lensless imaging platform using light emitting diodes and coded aperture mask. Masks act as resolution enhancer and wave-front coding. Images are reconstructed using iterative algorithm
Autostereoscopic display with a coherent backlight illumination
Authors: Hu Jiajun
Published: January 2021

By performing custom-written ray-tracing and wave propagation simulations, we demonstrate that the number of viewing zones of lenticular-lens-based autostereoscopic displays can be greatly increased by using coherent backlight illumination.
Achieving Linear Response in Fabricated Deep-Etched Holograms With Heidelberg uPG 101
Authors: Schvaneveldt Kyle M. , Rogers W. , Korimi Manusha , Smalley Daniel E.
Published: January 2021

Deep-etched holograms will make possible the scaling of Optical Trap Displays. Before these holograms are fabricated, their response must be calibrated for linearity. This paper describes gamma correction and reports a model for linear exposure.
Optical properties of Ta2O5-based mixed oxide thin films grown by reactive sputtering
Authors: Fazio Mariana , Yang Le , Vajente Gabriele , Ananyeva Alena , Menoni Carmen S.
Published: January 2021

We present a study of the optical properties and crystallization temperature of amorphous Ta2O5 doped with Al, Si, Zn, Y, Nb and Hf. These materials are key components of interference coatings for laser applications.
Light Field Endoscopy Using a GRIN Lens Array
Authors: Urner T. , Guo C. , Inman A. , Lapid B. , Jia S.
Published: January 2021

We present the optical design and proof of concept implementation of a fully portable system for single-shot, quantitative, volumetric light field endoscopy based on a GRIN lens array.
Generation of non-collinear Poincaré beam through the spin-orbit interaction in Epsilon-Near-Zero film
Authors: Ghosh Anirban , Saripalli R.K. , Subith K. , Chaitanya N. Apurv , Sharma Varun , De Leon Israel , Samanta G.K.
Published: January 2021

We experimentally demonstrate the generation of vector beams through the spin-orbit interaction of circularly-polarized light in indium-tin-oxide film at wavelengths close to the zero-permittivity spectral region.
Single-pixel Visual Cryptography
Authors: Jiao Shuming , Feng Jun , Gao Yang , Lei Ting , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: January 2021

Two novel visual cryptography (VC) schemes are proposed by combining VC with single-pixel imaging (SPI) for the first time. VC can be optically implemented in both object images and illumination patterns.
Metasurfaces for structured light illumination over a large field-of-view
Authors: Ni Yibo , Chen Sai , Wang Yujie , Tan Qiaofeng , Xiao Shumin , Yang Yuanmu
Published: January 2021

We experimentally demonstrate polarization-independent silicon metasurface that can redistribute a collimated laser beam to a spot array with an exceedingly large field-of-view over 120°×120°.
Highly Reliable Pulse-Retrieval Algorithm for Frequency-Resolved-Optical-Gating Measurement of Trains of Pulses with Unstable Pulse Shapes
Authors: Jafari Rana , Trebino Rick
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate the reliable pulse-shape stability vs. instability indication by using the recently introduced RANA approach for pulse-recovery from FROG traces.
Optical Detection of Bovine Serum Albumin by Lyotropic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Shaban Hassanein , Lee Mon-Juan , Lee Wei
Published: January 2021

Disruption in initially planar alignment of lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) molecules was caused by the presence of immobilized bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules. Optical detection of light leakage under a polarizing optical microscope was carried out at different concentrations of BSA. The limit of detection of BSA utilizing the LLC DSCG reached to 10−12 g/ml.
Sensitivity Comparison of Free-Space and Waveguide Raman for Bulk Sensing
Authors: Michon Jérôme , Kita Derek , Hu Juejun
Published: January 2021

We compare the bulk sensing performance of waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (WERS) sensors and generic free-space Raman systems using ray tracing. We show that WERS sensors can yield a better signal-to-noise ratio.
Controllable Directional Excitation and Emission of Nanoemitters by a Subwavelength Mie Antenna
Authors: Fang Jie , Wang Mingsong , Yao Kan , Zheng Yuebing
Published: January 2021

We derive a universal multipolar model for dipole-sphere hybrids, introduce single subwavelength silicon nanospheres at visible wavelengths with facile size control, and demonstrate controllable directional excitation and emission of nanoemitters (e.g. WS2, MoS2) for on-demand emission property modulations.
Pulsed-beam Metrology via Broadband Ptychography
Authors: Goldberger David , Barolak Jonathan , Durfee Charles G. , Adams Daniel E.
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate full spatiospectral, pulse-beam metrology via Broadband Ptychography. The technique reconstructs the complex field of multiple spectral components of probe illumination from a modelocked Ti:sapphire laser.
Enhanced Two-photon Absorption with Deep Learning-based Computer Generated Holography
Authors: Eybposh M. Hossein , Caira Nicholas W. , Atisa Matthew , Chakravarthula Praneeth , Pégard Nicolas C.
Published: January 2021

We propose a new algorithm for 3D computer-generated holography with deep learning. Experiments in a two-photon microscope show that our method outperforms alternate algorithms and can optically stimulate cells with significantly less tissue heating.
ArF Laser-Induced Fluence-Dependent Absorption of Calcium Fluoride Windows
Authors: Wang Jue , Cox Gerald (Jerry) P. , Balasa Istvan , Jensen Lars
Published: January 2021

High throughput of microelectronic fabrication demands high performance CaF2 laser optics. Based on ArF laser-induced fluence-dependent absorption, we derived one-photon/two-photon absorption, and surface/subsurface absorption of CaF2 windows.
Pseudo-spin destabilization in optically confined exciton-polariton condensates
Authors: Gnusov I. , Sigurdsson H. , Baryshev S. , Askitopoulos A. , Lagoudakis P. G.
Published: January 2021

We study optically confined p olariton c ondensate s pinor u nder n on-resonant excitation. Under balanced spin injection, we reveal an unstable regime attributed to the enhanced condensate-reservoir interactions and consequent pseudo-spin fluctuations.
Directly Reflectivity Modulated Laser for Optical Communications
Authors: Dong Po
Published: January 2021

Optical transceivers require low-power and compact modulating devices. We review compact directly reflectivity modulated lasers which can generate intensity-modulated signals for short-reach and coherent optical signals for long-reach applications.
Nonlinear laser tweezer: Escape potential
Authors: Devi Anita , De Arijit K.
Published: January 2021

The stability of an optical trap to manipulate dielectric nanoparticles under femtosecond pulsed excitation is theoretically shown to be controlled by escape potential due to optical nonlinerity.
Inverse Design Photon Extractors for Optically Addressable Defect Qubits
Authors: Chakravarthi Srivatsa , Chao Pengning , Pederson Christian , Molesky Sean , Hatami Fariba , Rodriguez Alejandro W. , Fu Kai-Mei
Published: January 2021

Photon collection presents a major challenge for optically addressable defects in high index materials like diamond. We demonstrate an inverse-design planar dielectric photon extractor operating near the theoretical limit for NV centers in diamond.
Modelling the Resolution Gain in Ptychographic Structured Modulation Microscopy
Authors: Angelone Dario , Breiby Dag Werner , Akram Muhammad Nadeem
Published: January 2021

The effects of system geometry and diffuser properties on image recovery are investigated theoretically and through simulation. Recovered resolution improves as the sample-diffuser distance decreases and as the diffuser profile bandwidth increases.
Robust Polarimetry with Convex Optimization
Authors: Leamer Jacob , Zhang Wenlei , Saripalli Ravi K. , Glasser Ryan T. , Bondar Denys I.
Published: January 2021

We present a mathematical method of correcting non-physical results from polarimetry measurements based on convex optimization. We show the experimental nonphysical measurements and the corresponding corrected results.
Quantum-enhanced Spectroscopy Using Two-mode Squeezed Light
Authors: Niu Ziqi , Prajapati Nikunj , Novikova Irina
Published: January 2021

We investigate the prospects of using two-mode intensity squeezed twin-beams, generated in Rb vapor, to improve the sensitivity of spectroscopic measurements in broader spectral range by engaging two-photon Raman transitions.
Preprocessing choices affect RNA velocity results for droplet scRNA-seq data
Authors: Soneson Charlotte , Srivastava Avi , Patro Rob , Stadler Michael B.
Published: January 2021

Experimental single-cell approaches are becoming widely used for many purposes, including investigation of the dynamic behaviour of developing biological systems. Consequently, a large number of computational methods for extracting dynamic information from such data have been developed. One example is RNA velocity analysis, in which spliced and unspliced RNA abundances are jointly modeled in order to infer a ‘direction of change’ and thereby a future state for each cell in the gene expression space. Naturally, the accuracy and interpretability of the inferred RNA velocities depend crucially on the correctness of the estimated abundances. Here, we systematically compare five widely used quantification tools, in total yielding thirteen different quantification approaches, in terms of their estimates of spliced and unspliced RNA abundances in five experimental droplet scRNA-seq data sets. We show that there are substantial differences between the quantifications obtained from different tools, and identify typical genes for which such discrepancies are observed. We further show that these abundance differences propagate to the downstream analysis, and can have a large effect on estimated velocities as well as the biological interpretation. Our results highlight that abundance quantification is a crucial aspect of the RNA velocity analysis workflow, and that both the definition of the genomic features of interest and the quantification algorithm itself require careful consideration.
Differential role of cytosolic Hsp70s in longevity assurance and protein quality control
Authors: Andersson Rebecca , Eisele-Bürger Anna Maria , Hanzén Sarah , Vielfort Katarina , Öling David , Eisele Frederik , Johansson Gustav , Gustafsson Tobias , Kvint Kristian , Nyström Thomas
Published: January 2021

70 kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are essential chaperones of the protein quality control network; vital for cellular fitness and longevity. The four cytosolic Hsp70’s in yeast, Ssa1-4, are thought to be functionally redundant but the absence of Ssa1 and Ssa2 causes a severe reduction in cellular reproduction and accelerates replicative aging. In our efforts to identify which Hsp70 activities are most important for longevity assurance, we systematically investigated the capacity of Ssa4 to carry out the different activities performed by Ssa1/2 by overproducing Ssa4 in cells lacking these Hsp70 chaperones. We found that Ssa4, when overproduced in cells lacking Ssa1/2, rescued growth, mitigated aggregate formation, restored spatial deposition of aggregates into protein inclusions, and promoted protein degradation. In contrast, Ssa4 overproduction in the Hsp70 deficient cells failed to restore the recruitment of the disaggregase Hsp104 to misfolded/aggregated proteins, to fully restore clearance of protein aggregates, and to bring back the formation of the nucleolus-associated aggregation compartment. Exchanging the nucleotide-binding domain of Ssa4 with that of Ssa1 suppressed this ‘defect’ of Ssa4. Interestingly, Ssa4 overproduction extended the short lifespan of ssa1Δ ssa2Δ mutant cells to a lifespan comparable to, or even longer than, wild type cells, demonstrating that Hsp104-dependent aggregate clearance is not a prerequisite for longevity assurance in yeast.
Accelerometer measured physical activity and the incidence of cardiovascular disease: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Ramakrishnan Rema , Doherty Aiden , Smith-Byrne Karl , Rahimi Kazem , Bennett Derrick , Woodward Mark , Walmsley Rosemary , Dwyer Terence
Published: January 2021

Background

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, uncertainty exists on whether the inverse relationship between PA and incidence of CVD is greater at the highest levels of PA. Past studies have mostly relied on self-reported evidence from questionnaire-based PA, which is crude and cannot capture all PA undertaken. We investigated the association between accelerometer-measured moderate, vigorous, and total PA and incident CVD.

Methods and findings

We obtained accelerometer-measured moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activities and total volume of PA, over a 7-day period in 2013–2015, for 90,211 participants without prior or concurrent CVD in the UK Biobank cohort. Participants in the lowest category of total PA smoked more, had higher body mass index and C-reactive protein, and were diagnosed with hypertension. PA was associated with 3,617 incident CVD cases during 440,004 person-years of follow-up (median (interquartile range [IQR]): 5.2 (1.2) years) using Cox regression models. We found a linear dose–response relationship for PA, whether measured as moderate-intensity, vigorous-intensity, or as total volume, with risk of incident of CVD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for increasing quarters of the PA distribution relative to the lowest fourth were for moderate-intensity PA: 0.71 (0.65, 0.77), 0.59 (0.54, 0.65), and 0.46 (0.41, 0.51); for vigorous-intensity PA: 0.70 (0.64, 0.77), 0.54 (0.49,0.59), and 0.41 (0.37,0.46); and for total volume of PA: 0.73 (0.67, 0.79), 0.63 (0.57, 0.69), and 0.47 (0.43, 0.52). We took account of potential confounders but unmeasured confounding remains a possibility, and while removal of early deaths did not affect the estimated HRs, we cannot completely dismiss the likelihood that reverse causality has contributed to the findings. Another possible limitation of this work is the quantification of PA intensity-levels based on methods validated in relatively small studies.

Conclusions

In this study, we found no evidence of a threshold for the inverse association between objectively measured moderate, vigorous, and total PA with CVD. Our findings suggest that PA is not only associated with lower risk for of CVD, but the greatest benefit is seen for those who are active at the highest level.
Social determinants of mortality from COVID-19: A simulation study using NHANES
Authors: Seligman Benjamin , Ferranna Maddalena , Bloom David E.
Published: January 2021

Background

The COVID-19 epidemic in the United States is widespread, with more than 200,000 deaths reported as of September 23, 2020. While ecological studies show higher burdens of COVID-19 mortality in areas with higher rates of poverty, little is known about social determinants of COVID-19 mortality at the individual level.

Methods and findings

We estimated the proportions of COVID-19 deaths by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbid conditions using their reported univariate proportions among COVID-19 deaths and correlations among these variables in the general population from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used these proportions to randomly sample individuals from NHANES. We analyzed the distributions of COVID-19 deaths by race/ethnicity, income, education level, and veteran status. We analyzed the association of these characteristics with mortality by logistic regression. Summary demographics of deaths include mean age 71.6 years, 45.9% female, and 45.1% non-Hispanic white. We found that disproportionate deaths occurred among individuals with nonwhite race/ethnicity (54.8% of deaths, 95% CI 49.0%–59.6%,p< 0.001), individuals with income below the median (67.5%, 95% CI 63.4%–71.5%,p< 0.001), individuals with less than a high school level of education (25.6%, 95% CI 23.4% –27.9%,p< 0.001), and veterans (19.5%, 95% CI 15.8%–23.4%,p< 0.001). Except for veteran status, these characteristics are significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality in multiple logistic regression. Limitations include the lack of institutionalized people in the sample (e.g., nursing home residents and incarcerated persons), the need to use comorbidity data collected from outside the US, and the assumption of the same correlations among variables for the noninstitutionalized population and COVID-19 decedents.

Conclusions

Substantial inequalities in COVID-19 mortality are likely, with disproportionate burdens falling on those who are of racial/ethnic minorities, are poor, have less education, and are veterans. Healthcare systems must ensure adequate access to these groups. Public health measures should specifically reach these groups, and data on social determinants should be systematically collected from people with COVID-19.
The epidemiological status of urogenital schistosomiasis among reproductive aged individuals in the Tiko Health Area- a semi-urban setting in the Mount Cameroon area
Authors: Ndassi Vicky Daonyle , Anchang-Kimbi Judith Kuoh , Sumbele Irene Ule Ngole , Ngufor Lennin Azaofah , Nadege Kouemou , Kimbi Helen Kuokuo
Published: January 2021

Background

Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by S. haematobium has enormous reproductive health consequences including infertility. Reproductive aged individuals are a neglected group and not included in control programs in Cameroon. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of S. haematobium infection in the context of gender and socio-economic structures that shape behaviour among reproductive aged individuals living in Tiko, a semi-urban setting, Cameroon.

Methodology/Principal findings

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD) between May to September 2019. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document data on socio-demographic and stream contact behaviour. A urine sample was collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium ova using reagent strips, filtration and microscopy. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 22.8% (95% CL: 19.27–26.73) with geometric mean egg load of 18.74 (range: 1–1600) per 10ml of urine. Younger age group (15 – 20years) (OR: 5.13; 95% CL: 1.35–19.42), male (OR: 2.60 3.07; 95% CL: 1.54–4.40) and awareness of UGS (OR: 1.73; 95% CL: 1.02–2.95) were associated with higher odds of exposure to infection. Significantly higher intensity of infection was seen in males, singles and in the age group 15–30 years. It is worth noting that males carried out more activities which entailed longer duration in streams.

Conclusion/Significance

The prevalence obtained shows that Tiko is a moderate-risk area for UGS with underlying morbidity-inducing infection intensity. The severity of the infection is more in males. Awareness of the disease is not enough to protect these communities from infection, but provision of public infrastructures and health education will limit contact with infested water and thus curtail the infection. There is an urgent need to involve all age groups in control programs.
Coleoborers (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in native and homogeneous systems of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa bonpl.) in the Southern Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Martins e Silva Marcus Henrique , Garlet Juliana , Luiz Silva Fernando , da Silva Paula Carla
Published: January 2021

Brazil nut is one of the most important species of the Amazon due to its socioeconomic importance. Especially in homogeneous production systems, it may be susceptible to damage by wood-boring insects, as by the subfamily Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); thus, inadequate management conditions can cause economic damage. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the occurrence of wood-boring insects (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in native and homogeneous systems of Brazil nut in the Meridional Amazonian, Brazil. The study was conducted in three environments: Brazil Nut Native Anthropized, Homogeneous Brazil Nut and Brazil Nut Native Preserved. Twelve ethanol (96° GL) traps were installed in each environment during four sampling periods. The data were submitted to entomofaunistic analysis, Pearson´s correlation analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 2,243 individuals from 31 species were sampled, of which 23 were from the Brazil Nut Native Anthropized nut, 24 from the Homogeneous Brazil Nut and 26 from the Brazil Nut Native Preserved. Some species are restricted to a specific environment, such asCorthylocurus vernaculusWood & Bright, 1992 andXyleborus biconicusEggers, 1928, in relation to Brazil Nut Native Anthropized,Xyleborus tolimanusEggers, 1928 that occurred only in Homogeneous Brazil Nut andCorthylus antennariusSchedl andHypothenus bolivianusWood & Bright, 1992 verified only in Brazil Nut Native Preserved. In the faunistic analysis, we highlight the speciesXyleborus affinis(Eichhoff, 1868), which was the most representative one in the three environments and a super-dominant species in all four sampling periods. Among the species considered indicator due to their high representativeness in the sampling, onlyPremnobius cavipennisEichhoff, 1878 showed a significant negative correlation between its abundance and the minimum temperature for environments Homogeneous Brazil Nut and Brazil Nut Native Preserved. There was a greater similarity between the Brazil Nut Native Anthropized and the Brazil Nut Native Preserved; these two environments showed dissimilarity with the Homogeneous Brazil Nut. Monitoring wood-boring insects in Brazil nut agroecosystems is fundamental for the establishment of integrated pest management strategies.
Why the COVID-19 pandemic is a traumatic stressor
Authors: Bridgland Victoria M. E. , Moeck Ella K. , Green Deanne M. , Swain Taylor L. , Nayda Diane M. , Matson Lucy A. , Hutchison Nadine P. , Takarangi Melanie K. T.
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic does not fit into prevailing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) models, or diagnostic criteria, yet emerging research shows traumatic stress symptoms as a result of this ongoing global stressor. Current pathogenic event models focus on past, and largely direct, trauma exposure to certain kinds of life-threatening events. Yet, traumatic stress reactions to future, indirect trauma exposure, and non-Criterion A events exist, suggesting COVID-19 is also a traumatic stressor which could lead to PTSD symptomology. To examine this idea, we asked a sample of online participants (N = 1,040), in five western countries, to indicate the COVID-19 events they had been directly exposed to, events they anticipated would happen in the future, and other forms of indirect exposure such as through media coverage. We then asked participants to complete the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, adapted to measure pre/peri/post-traumatic reactions in relation to COVID-19. We also measured general emotional reactions (e.g., angry, anxious, helpless), well-being, psychosocial functioning, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We found participants had PTSD-like symptoms for events that had not happened and when participants had been directly (e.g., contact with virus) or indirectly exposed to COVID-19 (e.g., via media). Moreover, 13.2% of our sample were likely PTSD-positive, despite types of COVID-19 “exposure” (e.g., lockdown) not fitting DSM-5 criteria. The emotional impact of “worst” experienced/anticipated events best predicted PTSD-like symptoms. Taken together, our findings support emerging research that COVID-19 can be understood as a traumatic stressor event capable of eliciting PTSD-like responses and exacerbating other related mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosocial functioning, etc.). Our findings add to existing literature supporting a pathogenic event memory model of traumatic stress.
High-throughput phenotyping analysis of maize at the seedling stage using end-to-end segmentation network
Authors: Li Yinglun , Wen Weiliang , Guo Xinyu , Yu Zetao , Gu Shenghao , Yan Haipeng , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: January 2021

Image processing technologies are available for high-throughput acquisition and analysis of phenotypes for crop populations, which is of great significance for crop growth monitoring, evaluation of seedling condition, and cultivation management. However, existing methods rely on empirical segmentation thresholds, thus can have insufficient accuracy of extracted phenotypes. Taking maize as an example crop, we propose a phenotype extraction approach from top-view images at the seedling stage. An end-to-end segmentation network, named PlantU-net, which uses a small amount of training data, was explored to realize automatic segmentation of top-view images of a maize population at the seedling stage. Morphological and color related phenotypes were automatic extracted, including maize shoot coverage, circumscribed radius, aspect ratio, and plant azimuth plane angle. The results show that the approach can segment the shoots at the seedling stage from top-view images, obtained either from the UAV or tractor-based high-throughput phenotyping platform. The average segmentation accuracy, recall rate, and F1 score are 0.96, 0.98, and 0.97, respectively. The extracted phenotypes, including maize shoot coverage, circumscribed radius, aspect ratio, and plant azimuth plane angle, are highly correlated with manual measurements (R2 = 0.96–0.99). This approach requires less training data and thus has better expansibility. It provides practical means for high-throughput phenotyping analysis of early growth stage crop populations.
Black Rock City versus Manhattan: An economist’s view
Authors: Yinger John
Published: January 2021

Urban street networks take many forms, from the circular streets in Black Rock City (which is built and removed every year as part of the Burning Man Festival) to the streets and avenues in the Manhattan grid. This paper compares the traits of cities with different street networks using the tools of urban economics. When both cities have commuting arteries of the same length, cities with circular streets have higher population densities unless access to these arteries is expensive and the number of arteries is large. Cities with arteries set at a 45oangle to the grid have smaller population densities under all circumstances.
Hydrodynamic stress maps on the surface of a flexible fin-like foil
Authors: Dagenais Paule , Aegerter Christof M.
Published: January 2021

We determine the time dependence of pressure and shear stress distributions on the surface of a pitching and deforming hydrofoil from measurements of the three dimensional flow field. Period-averaged stress maps are obtained both in the presence and absence of steady flow around the foil. The velocity vector field is determined via volumetric three-component particle tracking velocimetry and subsequently inserted into the Navier-Stokes equation to calculate the total hydrodynamic stress tensor. In addition, we also present a careful error analysis of such measurements, showing that local evaluations of stress distributions are possible. The consistency of the force time-dependence is verified using a control volume analysis. The flapping foil used in the experiments is designed to allow comparison with a small trapezoidal fish fin, in terms of the scaling laws that govern the oscillatory flow regime. As a complementary approach, unsteady Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is employed to derive instantaneous transversal force distributions on the flexible hydrofoil from its deflection and the results are compared to the spatial distributions of hydrodynamic stresses obtained from the fluid velocity field.