bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast calculation of orbital angular momentum flux density of partially coherent Schell-model beams on propagation
Authors: Wang Haiyun , Yang Zhaohui , Liu Lin , Chen Yahong , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian
Published: April 2022

Optical coherence has recently become a degree of freedom to modulate the orbital angular momentum (OAM) flux density of a partially coherent beam during propagation. However, the calculation of the OAM flux density for the partially coherent beam involves partial differential and four-dimensional integral operations, which poses drawbacks for its fast numerical calculations. In this paper, we present an efficient numerical protocol for calculating the OAM flux density of any partially coherent Schell-model beam propagating through a paraxial ABCD optical system by only adopting two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transforms. The general formalism is established in detail for the fast numerical calculation of the OAM flux density. It is found that the operation number in the developed algorithm is independent on the spatial coherence states of the beam. To demonstrate the validity of our algorithm, we calculate the OAM flux density of the partially coherent Laguerre-Gaussian beams during propagation with both the analytical and numerical methods. The obtained results are consistent well with each other. Moreover, the OAM flux density properties of two other classes of Schell-model beams, having no analytical solutions, are investigated as the specific examples. Our method provides a convenient way for studying the correlation-induced OAM density changes for any Schell-model beam propagation through a paraxial optical system.
Graphene-based deep-ultraviolet photodetectors with ultrahigh responsivity using chemical vapor deposition of hexagonal boron nitride to achieve photogating
Authors: Fukushima Shoichiro , Fukamachi Satoru , Shimatani Masaaki , Kawahara Kenji , Ago Hiroki , Ogawa Shinpei
Published: April 2022

This study presents high-responsivity graphene-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors using chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) photogating. To improve the DUV photoresponse, h-BN was used as a photosensitizer in graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs). The h-BN photosensitizers were synthesized using CVD and then transferred onto a SiO2/Si substrate. The behavior of h-BN irradiated with DUV light was investigated using cathodoluminescence and UV–VIS reflectance. Under 260 nm light, it exhibited a clear photoresponse with an ultrahigh responsivity of 19600 AW-1, which was 460% higher than a GFET device without h-BN photosensitizers. A noise equivalent power of 3.09×10−13 W/Hz1/2 was achieved.
Discrepancies between FDA documents and ClinicalTrials.gov for Orphan Drug-related clinical trial data
Authors: Choudhury Mohua Chakraborty , Chakraborty Indraneel , Saberwal Gayatri
Published: April 2022

Clinical trial registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG) hold large amounts of data regarding trials. Drugs for rare diseases are known as orphan drugs (ODs), and it is particularly important that trials for ODs are registered, and the data in the trial record are accurate. However, there may be discrepancies between trial-related data that were the basis for the approval of a drug, as available from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documents such as the Medical Review, and the data in CTG. We performed an audit of FDA-approved ODs, comparing trial-related data on phase, enrollment, and enrollment attribute (anticipated or actual) in such FDA documents and in CTG. The Medical Reviews of 63 ODs listed 422 trials. We used study identifiers in the Medical Reviews to find matches with the trial ID number, ‘Other ID’ or ‘Acronyms’ in CTG, and identified 202 trials that were registered with CTG. In comparing the phase data from the ‘Table of Clinical Studies’ of the Medical Review, with the data in CTG, there were exact matches in only 75% of the cases. The enrollment matched only in 70% of the cases, and the enrollment attribute in 91% of the cases. A similar trend was found for the sub-set of pivotal trials. Going forward, for all trials listed in a registry, it is important to provide the trial ID in the Medical Review. This will ensure that all trials that are the basis of a drug approval can be swiftly and unambiguously identified in CTG. Also, there continue to be discrepancies in trial data between FDA documents and CTG. Data in the trial records in CTG need to be updated when relevant.
Discharge instructions given to women following delivery by cesarean section in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Musabeyezu Juliet , Santos Jenna , Niyigena Anne , Uwimana Ange , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Boatin Adeline A.
Published: April 2022

Objective

A scoping review of discharge instructions for women undergoing cesarean section (c-section) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Method

Studies were identified from PubMed, Globus Index Medicus, NiPAD, EMBASE, and EBSCO databases. Eligible papers included research based in a SSA country, published in English or French, and containing information on discharge instructions addressing general postnatal care, wound care, planning of future births, or postpartum depression targeted for women delivering by c-section. For analysis, we used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews followed by a narrative synthesis. We assessed quality of evidence using the GRADE system.

Results

We identified 78 eligible studies; 5 papers directly studied discharge protocols and 73 included information on discharge instructions in the context of a different study objective. 37 studies addressed wound care, with recommendations to return to a health facility for dressing changes and wound checks between 3 days to 6 weeks. 16 studies recommended antibiotic use at discharge, with 5 specifying a particular antibiotic. 19 studies provided recommendations around contraception and family planning, with 6 highlighting intrauterine device placement immediately after birth or 6-weeks postpartum and 6 studies discussing the importance of counselling services. Only 5 studies provided recommendations for the evaluation and management of postpartum depression in c-section patients; these studies screened for depression at 4–8 weeks postpartum and highlighted connections between c-section delivery and the loss of self-esteem as well as connections between emergency c-section delivery and psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusion

Few studies in SSA directly examine discharge protocols and instructions for women following c-section. Those available demonstrate wide variation in recommendations. Research is needed to develop structured evidence-based instructions with clear timelines for women. These instructions should account for financial burden, access to resources, and education of patients and communities.
Clinical experiences with intraoperative electrocochleography in cochlear implant recipients and its potential to reduce insertion trauma and improve postoperative hearing preservation
Authors: Buechner Andreas , Bardt Michael , Haumann Sabine , Geissler Gunnar , Salcher Rolf , Lenarz Thomas
Published: April 2022

Access to low-frequency acoustic information in cochlear implant patients leads to better speech understanding in noise. Electrocochleography (ECochG) can provide real-time feedback about the health of the cochlea during the insertion process with the potential to reduce insertion trauma. We describe our experiences of using this technique. Data from 47 adult subjects with measurable residual hearing and an Advanced Bionics (Valencia, CA) SlimJ (46) or MidScala (1) electrode array were analyzed. ECochGs were recorded intraoperatively via the implant. The surgeon adjusted the course of the electrode insertion based on drops in the ECochG. The final array position was assessed using postoperative imaging and pure tone thresholds were measured before and after surgery. Three different patterns of ECochG response amplitude were observed: Growth, Fluctuating and Total Loss. Subjects in the growth group showed the smallest postoperative hearing loss. However, the group with fluctuating amplitudes showed no meaningful correlation between the ECochG responses and the postoperative hearing loss, indicating that amplitude alone is insufficient for detecting damage. Considering the phase of the signal additionally to the amplitude and reclassifying the data by both the phase and amplitude of the response into three groups Type I–Type III produced statistically significant correlations between postoperative hearing loss and the grouping based on amplitude and phase respectively. We showed significantly better hearing preservation for Type I (no drop in amplitude) and Type II (drop with a concurrent phase shift), while Type III (drop without concurrent phase shift) had more surgery induced hearing loss. ECochG potentials measured through the implant could provide valuable feedback during the electrode insertion. Both the amplitude and phase of the ECochG response are important to consider. More data needs to be evaluated to better understand the impact of the different signal components to design an automated system to alert the surgeon ahead of damaging the cochlea.
Barriers for health care access affects maternal continuum of care utilization in Ethiopia; spatial analysis and generalized estimating equation
Authors: Alamneh Tesfa Sewunet , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Yeshaw Yigizie , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Ayalew Hiwotie Getaneh , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Worku Misganaw Gebrie
Published: April 2022

Background

Although Ethiopia had made a significant change in maternal morbidity and mortality over the past decades, it remains a major public health concern. World Health Organization designed maternal continuum of care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. However, majority of the mothers didn’t utilize the maternal continuum of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study was based on 2016 Demographic and Health Survey data of Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 4,772 reproductive aged women were included. The study used ArcGIS and SaTScan software to explore the spatial distribution of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care. Besides, multivariable Generalized Estimating Equation was fitted to identify the associated factors of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care using STATA software. Model comparison was made based on Quasi Information Criteria. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval of the selected model was reported to identify significantly associated factors of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care.

Results

The spatial analysis revealed that incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care had significant spatial variation across the country. Primary clusters were detected at Somali, North-Eastern part of Oromia, and East part of Southern Nation Nationalities while secondary clusters were detected in the Central Amhara region. In multivariate GEE, rural residency, secondary education, higher education, Protestant religious follower’s, Muslim religious follower’s, poorer wealth index, richer wealth index, richest wealth index, currently working, having barriers for accessing health care, and exposure for mass media were significantly associated with incomplete utilization maternal continuum of care.

Conclusion

Incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care had significant spatial variations in Ethiopia. Residence, wealth index, education, religion, and barriers for health care access, mass media exposure, and currently working were significantly associated with incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care. Therefore, public health interventions targeted to enhance maternal service utilization and women empowerment in hotspot areas of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care are crucial for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
Potential efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ishii Masatsugu , Itano Osamu , Morinaga Jun , Shirakawa Hirofumi , Itano Satoshi
Published: April 2022

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has a poor prognosis, as the resectability rate is low due to its diagnosis at a late/advanced stage. Moreover, most patients with resected ICC eventually relapse. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been indicated only by a few reports to be effective in patients with advanced ICC; thus, its efficacy for these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HAIC using gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced ICC. A total of 18 patients who underwent HAIC were retrospectively investigated. The patients received gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil through one artery. In patients who received gemcitabine plus cisplatin (n = 10), the response and disease control rates were 0% and 80.0%, respectively; the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after treatment initiation were 6.3 and 3.7 months, respectively. In patients who never received chemotherapy (n = 8), the response and disease control rates were 37.5% and 75%, respectively; the median OS and PFS were 20.6 and 8.1 months, respectively. Moreover, we compared the patients who received HAIC using gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil to patients whose tumors were refractory to systemic gemcitabine and cisplatin therapy. The OS of the patients who received HAIC was better than that of the patients who received standard chemotherapy cohort since the gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination therapy-refractory response and disease onset (P = 0.045, 0.006). HAIC using gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil may be effective as a therapeutic option for patients with advanced ICC.
Model-based extrapolation of ecological systems under future climate scenarios: The example of Ixodes ricinus ticks
Authors: Nolzen Henning , Brugger Katharina , Reichold Adam , Brock Jonas , Lange Martin , Thulke Hans-Hermann
Published: April 2022

Models can be applied to extrapolate consequences of climate change for complex ecological systems in the future. The acknowledged systems’ behaviour at present is projected into the future considering climate projection data. Such an approach can be used to addresses the future activity and density of the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus, the most widespread tick species in Europe. It is an important vector of pathogens causing Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. The population dynamics depend on several biotic and abiotic factors. Such complexity makes it difficult to predict the future dynamics and density of I. ricinus and associated health risk for humans. The objective of this study is to force ecological models with high-resolution climate projection data to extrapolate I. ricinus tick density and activity patterns into the future. We used climate projection data of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity for the period 1971–2099 from 15 different climate models. Tick activity was investigated using a climate-driven cohort-based population model. We simulated the seasonal population dynamics using climate data between 1971 and 2099 and observed weather data since 1949 at a specific location in southern Germany. We evaluated derived quantities of local tick ecology, e.g. the maximum questing activity of the nymphal stage. Furthermore, we predicted spatial density changes by extrapolating a German-wide tick density model. We compared the tick density of the reference period (1971–2000) with the counter-factual densities under the near-term scenario (2012–2041), mid-term scenario (2050–2079) and long-term scenario (2070–2099). We found that the nymphal questing peak would shift towards early seasons of the year. Also, we found high spatial heterogeneity across Germany, with predicted hotspots of up to 2,000 nymphs per 100 m2 and coldspots with constant density. As our results suggest extreme changes in tick behaviour and density, we discuss why caution is needed when extrapolating climate data-driven models into the distant future when data on future climate drive the model projection.
Genetic diversity of the melanocortin-1 receptor in an admixed population of Rio de Janeiro: Structural and functional impacts of Cys35Tyr variant
Authors: Neitzke-Montinelli Vanessa , da Silva Figueiredo Celestino Gomes Priscila , Pascutti Pedro G. , Moura-Neto Rodrigo S. , Silva Rosane
Published: April 2022

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is one of the key proteins involved in the regulation of melanin production and several polymorphisms have been associated with different phenotypes of skin and hair color in human and nonhuman species. Most of the knowledge is centered on more homogeneous populations and studies involving an admixed group of people should be encouraged due to the great importance of understanding the human color variation. This work evaluates the MC1R diversity and the possible impacts of MC1R variants in an admixed sample population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is a product of Native American, African, and European miscegenation. Sequencing of complete coding region and part of the 3´UTR of MC1R gene identified 31 variants including one insertion and three novel synonymous substitutions in sample population grouped according to skin, hair and eye pigmentation levels. In nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS), three main clusters were identified, in which the Brazilian dark skin group remained in the African cluster whereas the intermediate and the light skin color phenotype in the European one. None gathered with Asians since their immigration to Brazil was a recent event. In silico analyses demonstrated that Cys35Tyr, Ile155Thr and Pro256Ser, found in our population, have a negative effect on receptor function probably due to changes on the receptor structure. Notably, Cys35Tyr mutation could potentially impair agonist binding. Altogether, this work contributes to the understanding of the genetic background of color variation on an admixed population and gives insights into the damaging effects of MC1R variants.
Is modular control related to functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and following total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Koehn Rebekah R. , Roelker Sarah A. , Pan Xueliang , Schmitt Laura C. , Chaudhari Ajit M. W. , Siston Robert A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Individuals who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for treatment of knee osteoarthritis often experience suboptimal outcomes. Investigation of neuromuscular control strategies in these individuals may reveal factors that contribute to these functional deficits. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the relationship between patient function and modular control during gait before and after TKA.

Methods

Electromyography data from 36 participants (38 knees) were collected from 8 lower extremity muscles on the TKA-involved limb during ≥5 over-ground walking trials before (n = 30), 6-months after (n = 26), and 24-months after (n = 13) surgery. Muscle modules were estimated using non-negative matrix factorization. The number of modules was determined from 500 resampled trials.

Results

A higher number of modules was related to better performance-based and patient-reported function before and 6-months after surgery. Participants with organization similar to healthy, age-matched controls trended toward better function 24-months after surgery, though these results were not statistically significant. We also observed plasticity in the participants’ modular control strategies, with 100% of participants who were present before and 24-months after surgery (10/10) demonstrating changes in the number of modules and/or organization of at least 1 module.

Conclusions

This pilot work suggests that functional improvements following TKA may initially present as increases in the number of modules recruited during gait. Subsequent improvements in function may present as improved module organization.

Noteworthy

This work is the first to characterize motor modules in TKA both before and after surgery and to demonstrate changes in the number and organization of modules over the time course of recovery, which may be related to changes in patient function. The plasticity of modular control following TKA is a key finding which has not been previously documented and may be useful in predicting or improving surgical outcomes through novel rehabilitation protocols.
The safety and efficacy of fingolimod: Real-world data from a long-term, non-interventional study on the treatment of RRMS patients spanning up to 5 years from Hungary
Authors: Biernacki Tamás , Sandi Dániel , Füvesi Judit , Fricska-Nagy Zsanett , Kincses Tamás Zsigmond , Ács Péter , Rózsa Csilla , Dobos Enikő , Cseh Botond , Horváth László , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Csányi Attila , Kovács Krisztina , Csépány Tünde , Vécsei László , Bencsik Krisztina ,   on the behalf of the study investigators
Published: April 2022

Background

Fingolimod was approved and reimbursed by the healthcare provider in Hungary for the treatment of highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2012. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness, safety profile, and persistence to fingolimod in a real-life setting in Hungary in RRMS patients who were either therapy naïve before enrollment or have changed to fingolimod from another disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for any reason.

Methods

This cross-sectional, observational study with prospective data collection was performed nationwide at 21 sites across Hungary. To avoid selection bias, sites were asked to document eligible patients in consecutive chronological order. Demographic, clinical, safety and efficacy data were analysed for up to 5 years from 570 consenting adult patients with RRMS who had received treatment with fingolimod for at least one year.

Results

69.6% of patients remained free from relapses for the whole study duration; in the first year, 85.1% of patients did not experience a relapse, which rose to 94.6% seen in the 5th year. Compared to baseline at study end, 28.2% had higher, and 9.1% had lower, meanwhile, 62.7% of the patients had stable EDSS scores. Overall, the annualized relapse rate decreased from 0.804 observed at baseline to 0.185, 0.149, 0.122, 0.091, and 0.097 (77.0%, 82.1%, 85.2%, 89.7%, and 89.0% relative reduction, respectively) after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of treatment. The greatest reduction rate was seen in the group of therapy naïve patients. Treatment persistence on fingolimod after 60 months was 73.4%.

Conclusion

In this nationwide Hungarian cohort, most patients under fingolimod treatment were free from relapses and disability progression. In addition, fingolimod has proven to be a well-tolerated DMT that has sustained its manageable safety profile, high efficacy, and positive benefit/risk ratio for up to 5 years in a real-life setting.
Comparison of delivery outcomes in low-dose and high-dose oxytocin regimens for induction of labor following cervical ripening with a balloon catheter: A retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kruit Heidi , Nupponen Irmeli , Heinonen Seppo , Rahkonen Leena
Published: April 2022

A variety of oxytocin regimens are used for labor induction and augmentation. Considering the increasing rates of labor induction, it is important to assess the most optimal oxytocin regimen without compromising maternal and fetal safety. The aim of this study was to compare delivery outcomes of low-dose and high-dose oxytocin induction protocols. This retrospective cohort study of 487 women comparing low-dose oxytocin protocol (n = 280) and high-dose oxytocin protocol (n = 207) in labor induction following cervical ripening by balloon catheter was performed in Helsinki University Hospital after implementation of a new oxytocin induction protocol. The study included two six-month cohorts from 2016 and 2019. Women with vital singleton pregnancies ≥37 gestational weeks, cephalic presentation, and intact amniotic membranes were included. The primary outcome was the rate of vaginal delivery. The secondary outcomes were the rates of maternal and neonatal infections, postpartum hemorrhage, umbilical artery blood pH-value, admission to neonatal intensive care, and induction-to-delivery interval. Statistical analyses were performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Armonk, NY, USA). The rate of vaginal delivery was higher [69.9% (n = 144) vs. 47.9% (n = 134); p<0.004] and the rates of maternal and neonatal infection were lower during the new high-dose oxytocin protocol [maternal infections 13.6% (n = 28) vs. 22.1% (n = 62); p = 0.02 and neonatal infection 2.9% (n = 6) vs. 14.6% (n = 41); p<0.001, respectively]. The rates of post-partum hemorrhage, umbilical artery blood pH-value <7.05 or neonatal intensive care admissions did not differ between the cohorts. The median induction-to-delivery interval was shorter in the new protocol [32.0 h (IQR 18.5–42.7) vs. 37.9 h (IQR 27.8–52.8); p<0.001]. In conclusion, implementation of the new continuous high-dose oxytocin protocol resulted in higher rate of vaginal delivery and lower rate of maternal and neonatal infections. Our experience supports the use of high-dose continuous oxytocin induction regimen with a practice of stopping oxytocin once active labor is achieved, and a 15–18-hour maximum duration for oxytocin induction in the latent phase of labor following cervical ripening with a balloon catheter.
Blood utilization and quality indicators at a university hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shash Hwazen , Alabdulqader Rana , Alshehri Lama , Alkathery Norah , Al-Abdulrahman Rozanna , Alahmed Shatha , Bubshait Dalal , AlKhater Suzan , Al-Nafie Awatif
Published: April 2022

Background

Blood transfusion is a common, essential procedure when treating many different medical and surgical conditions. Efficient utilization of blood bank facilities by frequent auditing is crucial; however, few studies have examined blood utilization in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to review the blood ordering patterns and transfusion practices, and blood bank audit effectiveness at a single center in Saudi Arabia and compare our results with those of a similar study performed in the same center 20 years ago.

Materials and methods

This study was a retrospective descriptive chart review of all healthy blood donors and recipients from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. We evaluated the crossmatching-to-transfusion ratio (C/T) as an indicator of blood bank utilization and compared the findings with those of the previous study. We also evaluated changes in blood bank utilization during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Results

Findings from 27,414 donors (men, 94.9%; mean age, 32.2 + 9.6 years) showed a 71% increase in blood donations compared to that of 2000. The donations gradually increased over the years, peaking just before COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020. For 3,836 patients, 13,324 units of blood were crossmatched (average, 3.47 crossmatch/patient), with 23% of the crossmatch requests from surgical departments. The average C/T ratio, transfusion index, and transfusion probability (T%) were 1.37, 2.55, and 73.2%, respectively. The C/T ratio decreased by 54% between 2000 and 2020. During the pandemic, crossmatching decreased by 26% between 2019 and 2020, but with comparable C/T ratio in 2019 (1.45) and 2020 (1.39).

Conclusion

Our hospital blood bank utilization improved over the past 20 years, showing increased donations, reduced C/T ratio, and increased T%. This improvement emphasizes the importance of blood donation campaigns, blood bank auditing, restrictive transfusion guidelines, and physician education.
A simple method to determine changes in the affinity between HisF and HisH in the Imidazole Glycerol Phosphate Synthase heterodimer
Authors: Almeida Vitor M. , Loria J. Patrick , Marana Sandro R.
Published: April 2022

The bi-enzyme HisF-HisH heterodimer is part of the pathway that produces histidine and purines in bacteria and lower eukaryotes, but it is absent in mammals. This heterodimer has been largely studied probing the basis of the allosteric effects and the structural stability in proteins. It is also a potential target for antibacterial drugs. In this work, we developed a simple method to evaluate changes in the affinity between HisF and HisH in the heterodimer of the bacteria Thermotoga maritima. HisH contains a single tryptophan residue, which is exposed in the free protein, but buried in the heterodimer interface. Hence, the intrinsic fluorescence maximum of this residue changes to shorter wavelengths upon dimerization. Thus, we used the fluorescence intensity at this shorter wavelength to monitor heterodimer accumulation when HisH was combined with sub-stoichiometric HisF. Under conditions where the HisF-HisH heterodimer is in equilibrium with the free states of these enzymes, when [HisH] > [HisF], we deduced a linear function connecting [HisF-HisH] to [HisF], in which the slope depends on the heterodimer dissociation constant (Kd). Based on this equation, taking fluorescence intensities as proxies of the heterodimer and HisF concentrations, we experimentally determined the Kd at four different temperatures. These Kd values were compared to those evaluated using ITC. Both methods revealed an increase in the HisF and HisH binding affinity as the temperature increases. In spite of differences in their absolute values, the Kd determined using these methods presented an evident linear correlation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the fluorescence method we determined the effect on the Kd caused by 12 single mutations in HisF. Coherently, this test singled out the only mutation in the binding interface. In brief, the method described here effectively probes qualitative effects on the Kd, can be carried out using common laboratory equipment and is scalable.
Reconstitution of EBV-directed T cell immunity by adoptive transfer of peptide-stimulated T cells in a patient after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for AITL
Authors: Lammoglia Cobo María Fernanda , Ritter Julia , Gary Regina , Seitz Volkhard , Mautner Josef , Aigner Michael , Völkl Simon , Schaffer Stefanie , Moi Stephanie , Seegebarth Anke , Bruns Heiko , Rösler Wolf , Amann Kerstin , Büttner-Herold Maike , Hennig Steffen , Mackensen Andreas , Hummel Michael , Moosmann Andreas , Gerbitz Armin
Published: April 2022

Reconstitution of the T cell repertoire after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a long and often incomplete process. As a result, reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a frequent complication that may be treated by adoptive transfer of donor-derived EBV-specific T cells. We generated donor-derived EBV-specific T cells by stimulation with peptides representing defined epitopes covering multiple HLA restrictions. T cells were adoptively transferred to a patient who had developed persisting high titers of EBV after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). T cell receptor beta (TCRβ) deep sequencing showed that the T cell repertoire of the patient early after transplantation (day 60) was strongly reduced and only very low numbers of EBV-specific T cells were detectable. Manufacturing andin vitroexpansion of donor-derived EBV-specific T cells resulted in enrichment of EBV epitope-specific, HLA-restricted T cells. Monitoring of T cell clonotypes at a molecular level after adoptive transfer revealed that the dominant TCR sequences from peptide-stimulated T cells persisted long-term and established an EBV-specific TCR clonotype repertoire in the host, with many of the EBV-specific TCRs present in the donor. This reconstituted repertoire was associated with immunological control of EBV and with lack of further AITL relapse.
HIV envelope antibodies and TLR7 agonist partially prevent viral rebound in chronically SHIV-infected monkeys
Authors: Moldt Brian , Chandrashekar Abishek , Borducchi Erica N. , Nkolola Joseph P. , Stephenson Heather , Nagel Mark , Hung Magdeleine , Goldsmith Joshua , Pace Craig S. , Carr Brian , Thomsen Nathan D. , Blair Wade S. , Geleziunas Romas , Barouch Dan H.
Published: April 2022

A key challenge for the development of a cure to HIV-1 infection is the persistent viral reservoir established during early infection. Previous studies using Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have shown delay or prevention of viral rebound following antiretroviral therapy (ART) discontinuation in simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected rhesus macaques. In these prior studies, ART was initiated early during acute infection, which limited the size and diversity of the viral reservoir. Here we evaluated in SHIV-infected rhesus macaques that did not initiate ART until 1 year into chronic infection whether the TLR7 agonist vesatolimod in combination with the bNAb PGT121, formatted either as a human IgG1, an effector enhanced IgG1, or an anti-CD3 bispecific antibody, would delay or prevent viral rebound following ART discontinuation. We found that all 3 antibody formats in combination with vesatolimod were able to prevent viral rebound following ART discontinuation in a subset of animals. These data indicate that a TLR7 agonist combined with antibodies may be a promising strategy to achieve long-term ART-free HIV remission in humans.
Knowledge production as process in arts practice as research
Authors: Pearce Sally
Published: April 2022

In her article ‘Vital methodologies: Live methods, mobile art and research-creation’ (2015), Mimi Sheller posits the question: ‘How can “outcome” capture process?’ I take this quote as my starting point in this article but, losing the ‘how’, I ask the different question: ‘Can outcome capture process?’ This question is important for students taking or contemplating taking a Ph.D. by arts practice and their supervisors and assessors, as the answer might be ‘yes’ for a traditional Ph.D. by thesis, but ‘no’ for practice as research (PaR). I argue that in PaR knowledge production is to be found in the process, rather than in the end result of making, and that knowledge production might therefore be more readily demonstrated in PaR without recourse to explanatory written texts, if Ph.D. assessment considered process equally with or, in some cases, instead of outcome. I also argue that the repetitive, physically arduous and often time-consuming nature of many animation processes amplify the relevance of this question for those involved or interested in animation PaR. In addition to ‘practice as research’ there are many other titles in circulation, such as ‘creative arts research’, ‘performance research’ and ‘research creation’. The differences are not merely nominal but can indicate theoretical differences, for instance, Candy and Edmonds adopt the term ‘practice based’, arguing that the term ‘practice as research’ ‘unhelpfully conflates the two’. I have adopted Robin Nelson’s abbreviation, PaR, for brevity in this document.
Doozy deconstructed: Paul Lynde’s voicing of Hanna Barbera’s animated villains
Authors: Squires Richard
Published: April 2022

‘Doozy deconstructed’ documents the research and animation production processes of artist-filmmaker Richard Squires’s debut feature Doozy. Part creative documentary, part essay film, the work utilizes a number of distinct techniques to interrogate the voice casting of American actor Paul Lynde as a series of Hanna Barbera villains in the late 1960s: an animated anti-hero Clovis – designed by Squires and animated by Elroy Simmons – who re-enacts alleged episodes in the life of the actor; a curious game show featuring specialist opinions from the worlds of animation, neurology, history and criminology; archival and documentary materials that reveal Lynde’s real-life circumstance. ‘Doozy deconstructed’ considers how sexuality is coded and performed by animated characters; Hollywood’s legacy of queer-coded villainy; the relationship between the actor’s real-life circumstance and his animated roles; Hanna Barbera’s motivations in casting the closeted actor and the experimental strategies Doozy employs to disseminate this research.
Walking from physical to digital within Deep Waters
Authors: Athanasopoulou Katerina
Published: April 2022

This article looks at how Deep Waters, a commissioned site-specific installation for three screens, animation and sound, was shaped by the 2020 travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than drawing a halt, the work brought forth a Practice as Research (PaR) methodology enmeshed in technologies of virtual reality (VR) but extending outside of the VR headset for its exhibition. The processes and subsequent documentation of Deep Waters are explored here through Vilém Flusser’s concept of the ‘apparatus’, while asking the questions: how can an animation practice evade pandemic restrictions through moving in-between multiple screens, frames and windows? What may the documentation of an ephemeral praxis reveal, beyond acting as evidence that the work took place?
Zarządzanie danymi badawczymi i ich udostępnianie – nowe zadania bibliotek akademickich na przykładzie Biblioteki Politechniki Gdańskiej
Authors: Wałek Anna
Published: April 2022

Biblioteki akademickie zawsze były pionierami, jeśli chodzi o wdrażanie zasad otwartości, tworzenie narzędzi w postaci platform i repozytoriów, a także prowadzenie szkoleń dla kadry naukowej. Również w wypadku coraz intensywniejszego wdrażania polityki otwartego dostępu, w tym do danych badawczych, rola bibliotek akademickich i ich pracowników staje się kluczowa. Powstają nowe specjalizacje, takie jak bibliotekarz danych (data librarian) i data steward. Pracownicy tych specjalizacji nie tylko odpowiadają za szkolenia dla kadry naukowej z zagadnień dotyczących otwartych danych badawczych, ale oferują również bezpośrednią pomoc, świadczoną na rzecz zespołów badawczych w zakresie zarządzania danymi badawczymi i ich udostępniania. Usługi bibliotek świadczone naukowcom i instytucjom badawczym w celu wspomagania ich w procesie zarządzania danymi badawczymi ewoluują. Nowe obowiązki bibliotek różnią się od dotychczasowych zadań. Uczestnicząc w zarządzaniu danymi, bibliotekarze stają się częścią procesu badawczego od samego początku cyklu życia danych. Ich wiedza i zaangażowanie są oczekiwane na różnych etapach, od tworzenia planów zarządzania danymi poprzez zbieranie, opisywanie, przechowywanie i udostępnianie danych. Dodatkowo bibliotekarze będą również odpowiedzialni za zapewnienie właściwego wykorzystania i cytowania zbiorów danych przygotowywanych przez zespoły badawcze. Największym wyzwaniem dla bibliotekarza przyszłości będzie zrównoważenie zapotrzebowania na zarządzanie danymi badawczymi ze wszystkimi innymi zadaniami, za które bibliotekarze są odpowiedzialni. Zwiększa się liczba zasobów elektronicznych, a drukowane książki nie znikną z większości bibliotecznych półek, więc bibliotekarze będą zmuszeni łączyć tradycyjne zadania z obowiązkami związanymi z szybko zmieniającą się technologią. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie działalności Centrum Kompetencji Otwartej Nauki w Bibliotece Politechniki Gdańskiej – pierwszej w Polsce jednostki aktywnie wspierającej proces zarządzania danymi na uczelni, a także świadczącej usługi doradcze i szkoleniowe na rzecz środowiska naukowego i bibliotekarskiego. Ma to na celu przedstawienie nowej formy organizacyjnej i funkcjonalnej w bibliotekach akademickich. Zastosowano metodę badań jakościowych – studium przypadku, która umożliwia poznanie i opisanie przypadków skrajnych, odstających od innych, znanych. Ma to na celu poszerzenie wiedzy na temat opisywanego zjawiska, a także dostarczenie danych porównawczych do dalszych badań nad nim.
The Macroeconomic Impact of the 1918–19 Influenza Pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Karlsson Martin , Matvieiev Mykhailo , Obrizan Maksym
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we develop an overlapping generations model with endogenous fertility and calibrate it to the Swedish historical data in order to estimate the economic cost of the 1918–19 influenza pandemic. The model identifies survivors from younger cohorts as main benefactors of the windfall bequests following the influenza mortality shock. We also show that the general equilibrium effects of the pandemic reveal themselves over the wage channel rather than the interest rate, fertility or labor supply channels. Finally, we demonstrate that the influenza mortality shock becomes persistent, driving the aggregate variables to lower steady states which costs the economy 1.819% of the output loss over the next century.
Effect of solvent, method, time and temperature of extraction on the recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidants from spent coffee grounds
Authors: da Silva Araújo Cintia , Vimercati Wallaf Costa , Macedo Leandro Levate , Pimenta Carlos José
Published: April 2022

The spent coffee grounds (SCG) are one of the byproducts generated in large volume by the coffee industry. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate solvents and methods of extraction of bioactive compounds from SCG and optimize the process. The solvent and the extraction method had a significant effect on the extraction yield of the bioactive compounds. Through the extraction kinetics, it was verified that 90 min was a sufficient time for the recovery of phenolic compounds. In general, the pure solvents had a lower extraction yield than the ethanol/water mixture and the rise in temperature, along with an ethanol/water mixture, proved to be favorable to the extraction process. Under optimized conditions it was possible to obtain 9.15 (mg GAE/g SCGd.b), 0.58 (mg QE/g SCGd.b), 255.55 (g SCGd.b/g DPPH) and 0.042 (mM Fe(II)/g SCGd.b) for TPC, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP), respectively.
A contrastive study of the Chinese and Japanese mood type systems
Authors: Geng Fang
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of this paper is to contrast the Chinese and Japanesemood typesystems and their realizations following the network developed within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics. It is found that: Chinese and Japanese show similarity in the delicacy of themood typesystems, but Chinese has established a more prominent status for unbiased polarity seeker and the choice of content than Japanese does; the two languages display shared features in the use of Mood particles, qualitative and quantitative groups, the alternation of word orders, and the use of certain structures for Mood realization, and they differ in basic word orders, the preferences for certain grammatical patterns, and the prominence in depending on vocabularies and morphological changes. The findings are rooted in the functional and typological prominences of the two languages, which may further shed light on interpersonal communication patterns in the two societies.
The effect evaluation of traditional vaginal surgery and transvaginal mesh surgery for severe pelvic organ prolapse: 5 years follow-up
Authors: Zhang Ying-an , Wang Wei , Li Xiao-li , Xian-hui-Zhang  , Pan Jie , Li Zhao-ai
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of traditional vaginal surgery and transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery on severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We performed a retrospective chart review study of 258 severe POP patients who underwent surgery between November 2010 and September 2016. One hundred forty patients underwent traditional vaginal surgery and 118 TVM surgery. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation (POP-Q) staging was used for objective evaluation. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Disease Life Impact Questionnaire Simplified Version-7 (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were used for subjective evaluation. Their complications were also recorded. All the data were collected in the outpatient department through the follow-up at 3 months, 1, 3, and 5 years after the operation. Forty patients in the traditional vaginal surgery group and 25 in the TVM group were lost to follow-up. There was no difference in the POP-Q score between the groups (P = 0.346). The recurrence rate increased with follow-up time, reaching nearly 20% in the two groups by 5 years. The TVM group has higher PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores and lower PISQ-12 scores than the traditional vaginal surgery group at six months, 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively (P < 0.001). Mesh exposure has occurred in the TVM group. Both surgeries showed similar objective satisfaction and recurrence rate. However, traditional vaginal surgery has higher subjective satisfaction than TVM in our study and does not risk exposure to prosthetic material.
Repairing performances of novel cement mortar modified with graphene oxide and polyacrylate polymer
Authors: Gao Yibo , Luo Jianlin , Zhang Jigang , Zhou Xiaoyang , Teng Fei , Liu Changquan , Sun Xijie
Published: April 2022

Most cementitious repair materials have non-ignorable drawbacks such as low strength, insufficient bonding, and low anti-permeability. Although the bonding and anti-permeability of repair mortars modified by polymer will be substantially improved, the compressive strength and component integrity will be decreased. Hereby six groups of cement mortars modified by varied dosages of Graphene Oxide (GO) and PA copolymer (GOPARMs) were prepared. The flexural strength (f
t), compressive strength (f
c), f
t/f
c, bond strength (f
b), and chloride ion migration coefficient (λ
c) of GOPARMs were systematically studied by axial compressive, three-bending, pull-out, RCM method, along with microstructure analysis. When GO and PA dosages are fixed at 0.03 and 5 wt%, respectively, the f
t, f
c, f
t/f
c, f
b, and λ
c of GOPARMs reach the best comprehensive performances, which are 6.4, 46.5, 0.14, 6.73 MPa, and 1.179 × 10−12 m2/s. Compared with the control mortar, the f
t, f
c, f
t
/f
c, and f
b of GOPARMs are improved by 5.7, 12.3, 7, and 103%, respectively, and the corresponding λ
c is dramatically reduced by 40.4%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that trace of GO can play a template nucleation effect on the hydration products’ morphology and microstructure of GOPARMs. Meanwhile, cured PA polymer can form hydrophobic film and fill the interfacial pores among hydration products, finally superior repairing performances of GOPARMs with optimal mix can be achieved.
My path in the company of chemistry
Authors: Baird Barbara A.
Published: April 2022

Experiencing the honor of this international recognition in chemistry, I wonder how this came to be. I reflect on my imperfect but rewarding path to where I am now, and on those who have helped me along the way.
Light-sheet fluorescence microscopic probing of silicate materials
Authors: Hofmann Meike , Herrmann Andreas , Brokmann Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is a powerful method for 3D characterization of fluorescent samples. In this contribution we introduce the technique for the application in material analytics by demonstrating the 3D imaging of Ce3+-doped YAG (Y3Al5O12) crystals isolated in a glass matrix. When excited with short wavelength laser radiation, the Ce3+doping enables fluorescence in the wavelength range between about 450 nm and 680 nm. Since the excitation wavelengths of Ce3+in the YAG and glass phases of the glass ceramic differ substantially, a suitable laser wavelength can be used to excite only the YAG phase. Thus, an imaging contrast to the surrounding glass matrix is generated. We exploit the crystal dendrites for monitoring the image contrast and improve it by a deconvolution operation of the images. This field of application of LSFM offers great potential, e. g. for fundamental understanding of the microstructuring processes in silicate glasses.