bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad dual-band temporal compressive imaging with optical calibration
Authors: Ke Jun , Zhang Linxia , Zhou Qun , Lam Edmund Y.
Published: February 2021

For applications such as remote sensing and bio-imaging, images from multiple bands can provide much richer information compared to a single band. However, most multispectral imaging systems have difficulty in acquiring images for high-speed moving objects. In this paper, we use a DMD-based temporal compressive imaging (TCI) system to obtain high-speed images of moving objects over a broad dual-band spectral range, in the visible and the near-infrared (NIR) bands simultaneously. To deal with the degraded reconstruction caused by the optics, four nonuniform calibration strategies are studied, which can also be implemented into other compressive imaging systems. Moving objects covered by paint or through a diffuser are reconstructed to demonstrate the superior performance of the calibrated broad dual-band TCI system.
Spatial intensity distribution model of fluorescence emission considering the spatial attenuation effect of excitation light
Authors: Fu Yuchao , Huang Meizhen , Li Wanxiang
Published: February 2021

The fluorescence quantitative analysis method of a solution is widely applied in chemical analysis, clinical medicine testing, environmental monitoring, food safety detection, and so on. It is based on the linear relationship between the intensity of fluorescence emission and the concentration of the substance in solution. Without consideration of the spatial attenuation effect of excitation light, it is applied only to a dilute solution. In this research, a fluorescence emission model is established based on the interaction and propagation law between the excitation light and the fluorescent substances. The spatial attenuation effect of excitation light is analyzed by an element analysis method, and the spatial intensity distribution of fluorescence is revealed. Further, a high accuracy model between the received fluorescence intensity and concentration is obtained. Applications of this model and further design will allow for high throughput fluorescence analysis and the analysis of fluorescent substances with ultra-wide range concentration, such as on-line testing fluorescent dyes in the textile industry, monitoring protein plasma in biomedical field, and high-throughput DNA fluorescence analysis etc. As an example, based on this model, an ultra-wide concentration range (0.02 − 250 mg/L) detection of tryptophan with high accuracy (R2 = 0.9994, RRMSE = 0.0356) is realized.
Watt-level and sub-100-fs self-starting mode-locked 2.4-µm Cr:ZnS oscillator enabled by GaSb-SESAMs
Authors: Barh A. , Heidrich J. , Alaydin B. O. , Gaulke M. , Golling M. , Phillips C. R. , Keller U.
Published: February 2021

Femtosecond lasers with high peak power at wavelengths above 2 µm are of high interest for generating mid-infrared (mid-IR) broadband coherent light for spectroscopic applications. Cr2+-doped ZnS/ZnSe solid-state lasers are uniquely suited since they provide an ultra-broad bandwidth in combination with watt-level average power. To date, the semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) mode-locked Cr:ZnS(e) lasers have been severely limited in power due to the lack of suitable 2.4-µm SESAMs. For the first time, we develop novel high-performance 2.4-µm type-I and type-II SESAMs, and thereby obtain state-of-the-art mode-locking performance. The type-I InGaSb/GaSb SESAM demonstrates a low non-saturable loss (0.8%) and an ultrafast recovery time (1.9 ps). By incorporating this SESAM in a 250-MHz Cr:ZnS laser cavity, we demonstrate fundamental mode-locking at 2.37 µm with 0.8 W average power and 79-fs pulse duration. This corresponds to a peak power of 39 kW, which is the highest so far for any saturable absorber mode-locked Cr:ZnS(e) oscillator. In the same laser cavity, we could also generate 120-fs pulses at a record high average power of 1 W. A comparable laser performance is achieved using type-II InAs/GaSb SESAM as well. These results pave the way towards a new class of high-power femtosecond SESAM mode-locked oscillators operating directly above 2-µm wavelength.
Experimental demonstration of an ultra-thin radar-infrared bi-stealth rasorber
Authors: Wen Kaihuai , Han Tiancheng , Lu Haipeng , Luo Wei , Zhang Linbo , Chen Haiyan , Liang Difei , Deng Longjiang
Published: February 2021

We propose a radar-infrared bi-stealth rasorber that not only provides broad microwave absorptivity and low infrared emissivity but also possesses a microwave transmission window at low frequency. It is composed of three functional layers, which are carefully designed to independently control the infrared emission, microwave absorption, and transmission, respectively. The structure exhibits broadband (8.1–19.3 GHz) and high-efficiency (>90%) absorption. A transmission window appears at low frequency with a transmission peak of 80% at 2.68 GHz. The thermal emissivity of the structure is about 0.27 in the atmosphere window, which is close to that of metal. Moreover, the total thickness of the proposed structure is only 3.713 mm. The low-infrared-emissivity, high-microwave-absorption and frequency-selective-transmission properties promise it will find potential applications in various stealth fields.
Plasmon-enhanced strong exciton–polariton coupling in single microwire-based heterojunction light-emitting diodes: erratum
Authors: Kan Caixia , Wu Yuting , Xu Juan , Wan Peng , Jiang Mingming
Published: February 2021

We provide a revised figure and the corrected related expressions of our previous publication [Opt. Express 29(2), 1023(2021)10.1364/OE.414113].
Submicron focusing of high-energy X-rays with silicon saw-tooth refractive lenses – fabrication and aberrations: errata
Authors: Shastri S. D. , Moldovan N.
Published: February 2021

Three (3) items of errata are submitted for our recently published paper [Opt. Express 28, 36505 (2020)10.1364/OE.405566]. One is a clarifying extension to the Fig. 3 caption. Two are typographical corrections. The scientific results and conclusions are unaffected.
Augmenting photoluminescence of monolayer MoS2 using high order modes in a metal dimer-on-film nanocavity
Authors: Cao Shiyin , Hou Liping , Wang Qifa , Li Chenyang , Yu Weixing , Gan Xuetao , Liu Kaihui , Premaratne Malin , Xiao Fajun , Zhao Jianlin
Published: February 2021

Plasmonic particle-on-film nanocavities, supporting gap modes with ultra-small volume, provide a great solution to boost light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. In this work, we report on the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of monolayer

MoS

2

using high order modes of an Au nanosphere dimer-on-film nanocavity (DoFN). The high order plasmon modes, consisting of two bonding quadrupoles in the dimer and their images in the Au film, are revealed by combining the polarization-resolved scattering spectra with the numerical simulations. Further integrating the monolayer

MoS

2

into the DoFN, these high order modes are used to enhance PL intensity through simultaneously boosting the absorption and emission processes, producing a 1350-fold enhancement factor. It opens an avenue to enhance the light–matter interaction with high order plasmon modes and may find applications in future optoelectronics and nanophotonics devices.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cul4b promotes CD4+ T cell expansion by aiding the repair of damaged DNA
Authors: Dar Asif A. , Sawada Keisuke , Dybas Joseph M. , Moser Emily K. , Lewis Emma L. , Park Eddie , Fazelinia Hossein , Spruce Lynn A. , Ding Hua , Seeholzer Steven H. , Oliver Paula M.
Published: February 2021

The capacity for T cells to become activated and clonally expand during pathogen invasion is pivotal for protective immunity. Our understanding of how T cell receptor (TCR) signaling prepares cells for this rapid expansion remains limited. Here we provide evidence that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin-4b (Cul4b) regulates this process. The abundance of total and neddylated Cul4b increased following TCR stimulation. Disruption of Cul4b resulted in impaired proliferation and survival of activated T cells. Additionally, Cul4b-deficient CD4+ T cells accumulated DNA damage. In T cells, Cul4b preferentially associated with the substrate receptor DCAF1, and Cul4b and DCAF1 were found to interact with proteins that promote the sensing or repair of damaged DNA. While Cul4b-deficient CD4+ T cells showed evidence of DNA damage sensing, downstream phosphorylation of SMC1A did not occur. These findings reveal an essential role for Cul4b in promoting the repair of damaged DNA to allow survival and expansion of activated T cells.
Redundant and specific roles of individual MIR172 genes in plant development
Authors: Lian Heng , Wang Long , Ma Ning , Zhou Chuan-Miao , Han Lin , Zhang Tian-Qi , Wang Jia-Wei
Published: February 2021

Evolutionarily conserved microRNAs (miRNAs) usually have high copy numbers in the genome. The redundant and specific roles of each member of a multimember miRNA gene family are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that the miR156-SPL-miR172 axis constitutes a signaling cascade in regulating plant developmental transitions. Here, we report the feasibility and utility of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to investigate the functions of all 5 MIR172 family members in Arabidopsis. We show that an Arabidopsis plant devoid of miR172 is viable, although it displays pleiotropic morphological defects. MIR172 family members exhibit distinct expression pattern and exert functional specificity in regulating meristem size, trichome initiation, stem elongation, shoot branching, and floral competence. In particular, we find that the miR156-SPL-miR172 cascade is bifurcated into specific flowering responses by matching pairs of coexpressed SPL and MIR172 genes in different tissues. Our results thus highlight the spatiotemporal changes in gene expression that underlie evolutionary novelties of a miRNA gene family in nature. The expansion of MIR172 genes in the Arabidopsis genome provides molecular substrates for the integration of diverse floral inductive cues, which ensures that plants flower at the optimal time to maximize seed yields.
AnnapuRNA: A scoring function for predicting RNA-small molecule binding poses
Authors: Stefaniak Filip , Bujnicki Janusz M.
Published: February 2021

RNA is considered as an attractive target for new small molecule drugs. Designing active compounds can be facilitated by computational modeling. Most of the available tools developed for these prediction purposes, such as molecular docking or scoring functions, are parametrized for protein targets. The performance of these methods, when applied to RNA-ligand systems, is insufficient. To overcome these problems, we developed AnnapuRNA, a new knowledge-based scoring function designed to evaluate RNA-ligand complex structures, generated by any computational docking method. We also evaluated three main factors that may influence the structure prediction, i.e., the starting conformer of a ligand, the docking program, and the scoring function used. We applied the AnnapuRNA method for a post-hoc study of the recently published structures of the FMN riboswitch. Software is available at https://github.com/filipspl/AnnapuRNA.
Independent component analysis recovers consistent regulatory signals from disparate datasets
Authors: Sastry Anand V. , Hu Alyssa , Heckmann David , Poudel Saugat , Kavvas Erol , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: February 2021

The availability of bacterial transcriptomes has dramatically increased in recent years. This data deluge could result in detailed inference of underlying regulatory networks, but the diversity of experimental platforms and protocols introduces critical biases that could hinder scalable analysis of existing data. Here, we show that the underlying structure of the E. coli transcriptome, as determined by Independent Component Analysis (ICA), is conserved across multiple independent datasets, including both RNA-seq and microarray datasets. We subsequently combined five transcriptomics datasets into a large compendium containing over 800 expression profiles and discovered that its underlying ICA-based structure was still comparable to that of the individual datasets. With this understanding, we expanded our analysis to over 3,000 E. coli expression profiles and predicted three high-impact regulons that respond to oxidative stress, anaerobiosis, and antibiotic treatment. ICA thus enables deep analysis of disparate data to uncover new insights that were not visible in the individual datasets.
Megacities as drivers of national outbreaks: The 2017 chikungunya outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Ayesha S. , Kabir Md. Iqbal , Engø-Monsen Kenth , Tahmina Sania , Riaz Baizid Khoorshid , Hossain Md. Akram , Khanom Fahmida , Rahman Md. Mujibor , Rahman Md. Khalilur , Sharmin Mehruba , Hossain Dewan Mashrur , Yasmin Shakila , Ahmed Md. Mokhtar , Lusha Mirza Afreen Fatima , Buckee Caroline O.
Published: February 2021

Background

Several large outbreaks of chikungunya have been reported in the Indian Ocean region in the last decade. In 2017, an outbreak occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, one of the largest and densest megacities in the world. Population mobility and fluctuations in population density are important drivers of epidemics. Measuring population mobility during outbreaks is challenging but is a particularly important goal in the context of rapidly growing and highly connected cities in low- and middle-income countries, which can act to amplify and spread local epidemics nationally and internationally.

Methods

We first describe the epidemiology of the 2017 chikungunya outbreak in Dhaka and estimate incidence using a mechanistic model of chikungunya transmission parametrized with epidemiological data from a household survey. We combine the modeled dynamics of chikungunya in Dhaka, with mobility estimates derived from mobile phone data for over 4 million subscribers, to understand the role of population mobility on the spatial spread of chikungunya within and outside Dhaka during the 2017 outbreak.

Results

We estimate a much higher incidence of chikungunya in Dhaka than suggested by official case counts. Vector abundance, local demographics, and population mobility were associated with spatial heterogeneities in incidence in Dhaka. The peak of the outbreak in Dhaka coincided with the annual Eid holidays, during which large numbers of people traveled from Dhaka to other parts of the country. We show that travel during Eid likely resulted in the spread of the infection to the rest of the country.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the impact of large-scale population movements, for example during holidays, on the spread of infectious diseases. These dynamics are difficult to capture using traditional approaches, and we compare our results to a standard diffusion model, to highlight the value of real-time data from mobile phones for outbreak analysis, forecasting, and surveillance.
Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities in urban African people living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Roozen Geert V. T. , Meel Ruchika , Peper Joyce , Venter William D. F. , Barth Roos E. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Vos Alinda G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Studies from high income countries report that HIV-positive people have an impaired systolic and diastolic cardiac function compared to HIV-negative people. It is unclear if results can be translated directly to the Sub-Saharan Africa context. This study assesses electro- and echocardiographic characteristics in an urban African population, comparing HIV-positive people (treated and not yet treated) with HIV-negative controls.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Johannesburg, South Africa. We enrolled HIV-positive participants from three randomized controlled trials that had recruited participants from routine HIV testing programs. HIV-negative controls were recruited from the community. Data were collected on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, medical history and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics.

Results

In total, 394 HIV-positive participants and 153 controls were enrolled. The mean age of HIV-positive participants was 40±9 years (controls: 35±10 years), and 34% were male (controls: 50%). Of HIV-positive participants 36% were overweight or obese (controls: 44%), 23% had hypertension (controls: 28%) and 12% were current smoker (controls: 37%). Median time since HIV diagnosis was 6.0 years (IQR 2.3–10.0) and median treatment duration was 4.0 years (IQR 0.0–8.0), 50% had undetectable viral load. The frequency of anatomical cardiac abnormalities was low and did not differ between people with and without HIV. We observed no relation between HIV or anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and systolic or diastolic heart function. There was an association between ART use and corrected QT interval: +11.8 ms compared to HIV-negative controls (p<0.01) and +18.9 ms compared to ART-naïve participants (p = 0.01). We also observed a higher left ventricular mass index in participants on ART (+7.8 g/m2, p<0.01), but this association disappeared after adjusting for CD4 cell count, viral load and HIV-duration.

Conclusion

The low number of major cardiac abnormalities in this relatively young, well managed urban African HIV-positive population is reassuring. The increase in corrected QT interval and left ventricular mass may contribute to higher cardiac mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV in the long term.
Femoral neck strain prediction during level walking using a combined musculoskeletal and finite element model approach
Authors: Altai Zainab , Montefiori Erica , van Veen Bart , A. Paggiosi Margaret , McCloskey Eugene V. , Viceconti Marco , Mazzà Claudia , Li Xinshan
Published: February 2021

Recently, coupled musculoskeletal-finite element modelling approaches have emerged as a way to investigate femoral neck loading during various daily activities. Combining personalised gait data with finite element models will not only allow us to study changes in motion/movement, but also their effects on critical internal structures, such as the femur. However, previous studies have been hampered by the small sample size and the lack of fully personalised data in order to construct the coupled model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to build a pipeline for a fully personalised multiscale (body-organ level) model to investigate the strain levels at the femoral neck during a normal gait cycle. Five postmenopausal women were included in this study. The CT and MRI scans of the lower limb, and gait data were collected for all participants. Muscle forces derived from the body level musculoskeletal models were used as boundary constraints on the finite element femur models. Principal strains were estimated at the femoral neck region during a full gait cycle. Considerable variation was found in the predicted peak strain among individuals with mean peak first principal strain of 0.24% ± 0.11% and mean third principal strain of -0.29% ± 0.24%. For four individuals, two overall peaks of the maximum strains were found to occur when both feet were in contact with the floor, while one individual had one peak at the toe-off phase. Both the joint contact forces and the muscular forces were found to substantially influence the loading at the femoral neck. A higher correlation was found between the predicted peak strains and the gluteus medius (R2 ranged between 0.95 and 0.99) than the hip joint contact forces (R2 ranged between 0.63 and 0.96). Therefore, the current findings suggest that personal variations are substantial, and hence it is important to consider multiple subjects before deriving general conclusions for a target population.
Influence of sex, age, and education on mood profile clusters
Authors: Terry Peter C. , Parsons-Smith Renée L. , King Rachel , Terry Victoria R.
Published: February 2021

In the area of mood profiling, six distinct profiles are reported in the literature, termed the iceberg, inverse iceberg, inverse Everest, shark fin, surface, and submerged profiles. We investigated if the prevalence of the six mood profiles varied by sex, age, and education among a large heterogeneous sample. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) was completed via the In The Mood website by 15,692 participants. A seeded k-means cluster analysis was used to confirm the six profiles, and discriminant function analysis was used to validate cluster classifications. Significant variations in the prevalence of mood profiles by sex, age, and education status were confirmed. For example, females more frequently reported negative mood profiles than males, and older and more highly educated participants had a higher prevalence of the iceberg profile than their younger and lesser educated counterparts. Findings suggest that refinement of the existing tables of normative data for the BRUMS should be considered.
Young people’s attitudes towards wife-beating: Analysis of the Ghana demographic and health survey 2014
Authors: Anaba Emmanuel Anongeba , Manu Adom , Ogum-Alangea Deda , Modey Emefa Judith , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Torpey Kwasi
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Intimate Partner Violence is a global public health problem. Attitude towards wife-beating is a major determinant of both intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization. However, little is known about the attitudes of Ghanaian young people towards wife-beating. The objectives of this study were to assess young people’s attitudes towards wife-beating, and identify salient factors influencing young people’s acceptance of wife-beating.

Methods

Data used in this study were obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The survey was nationally representative and provides estimates for population and health indicators across the former ten regions of Ghana, including rural and urban areas. Data were analyzed with Stata/SE version 16.

Results

We found that 32% of young women and 19% of young men accepted wife-beating. Among young women, acceptance of wife-beating was significantly influenced by younger age, wealth index, low educational status, religion, the region of residence, ethnicity, frequency of reading newspaper and frequency of listening to radio (p < 0.05). Among young men, acceptance of wife-beating was significantly influenced by wealth index, the region of residence and frequency of reading newspaper (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a substantial proportion of young people in Ghana accept wife-beating. Young women were more likely to accept wife-beating compared to young men. Acceptance of wife-beating was influenced by socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Efforts to end violence against women and girls in Ghana should focus on promoting girl education, economic empowerment of women and public education on laws that prohibit Intimate Partner Violence.
An integrative process model of resilience in an academic context: Resilience resources, coping strategies, and positive adaptation
Authors: Fullerton Dayna J. , Zhang Lisa M. , Kleitman Sabina
Published: February 2021

Tertiary study presents students with a number of pressures and challenges. Thus, mental resilience plays a key role in students’ well-being and performance. Resilience research has moved away from conceptualising resilience as atraitand towards studying resilience as aprocessby which resources protect against the negative impact of stressors to produce positive outcomes. However, there is a lack of research in the academic domain examining the mechanisms underlying this process. This study addressed this gap by examining a range of personal resilience resources and their interaction with coping responses to produce positive adaptation outcomes, in a sample of 306 undergraduate students. Firstly, individual differences in resilience were examined, whereby factor analysis resulted in self-report measures of resilience-related attributes converging onto an overarching factor. The extracted factor was then validated against markers of positive adaptation (mental well-being, university adjustment, and somatic health symptoms), and the mediating roles of coping strategies were investigated through structural equation modelling. The resilience resources factor directly predicted mental well-being and adjustment; and indirectly predicted adjustment and somatic health symptoms through support-seeking and avoidant coping, respectively. These findings have theoretical implications for how resilience is conceptualised, as well as practical implications for improving student well-being and adjustment through promoting social support and reducing disengaged and avoidant coping strategies.
Assessment of pressure-volume relations in univentricular hearts: Comparison of obtainment by real-time 3D echocardiography and mini pressure-wire with conductance technology
Authors: Linden Katharina , Winkler Christian , Breuer Johannes , Herberg Ulrike
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The gold standard to obtain pressure-volume relations (PVR) of the heart, the conductance technology (PVRCond), is rarely used in children. PVR can also be obtained by 3D-echocardiography volume data combined with simultaneously measured pressure data by a mini pressure-wire (PVR3DE). We sought to investigate the feasibility of both methods in patients with univentricular hearts and to compare them, including hemodynamic changes.

Methods

We studied 19 patients (age 2–29 years). PVR3DE and PVRCond were assessed under baseline conditions and stimulation with dobutamine.

Results

Obtaining PVR3DE was successful in all patients. Obtaining PVRCond was possible in 15 patients during baseline (79%) and in 12 patients under dobutamine (63%). Both methods showed that end-systolic elastance (Ees) and arterial elastance (Ea) increased under dobutamine and that Tau showed a statistically significant decrease. Intraclass correlation (95% confidence interval) showed moderate to good agreement between methods: Ees: 0.873 (0.711–0.945), Ea: 0.709 (0.336–0.873), Tau: 0.867 (0.697–0.942). Bland-Altman analyses showed an acceptable bias with wider limits of agreement: Ees: 1.63 mmHg/ml (-3.83–7.08 mmHg/ml), Ea: 0.53 mmHg/ml (-5.23–6.28 mmHg/ml), Tau: -0,76 ms (-10.73–9.21 ms).

Conclusion

Changes of PVR-specific parameters under dobutamine stimulation were reflected in the same way by both methods. However, the absolute values for these parameters could vary between methods and, therefore, methods are not interchangeable. Obtaining PVR3DE in a single ventricle was easier, faster and more successful than PVRCond. PVR3DE provides a promising and needed alternative to the conductance technology for the assessment of cardiac function in univentricular hearts.
Quantitative proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins with tail/rump fat deposition in Chinese thin- and fat-tailed lambs
Authors: Han Jilong , Guo Tingting , Yue Yaojing , Lu Zengkui , Liu Jianbin , Yuan Chao , Niu Chune , Yang Min , Yang Bohui
Published: February 2021

Tail adipose as one of the important functional tissues can enhance hazardous environments tolerance for sheep. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the underlying development mechanisms of this trait. A quantitative analysis of protein abundance in ovine tail/rump adipose tissue was performed between Chinese local fat- (Kazakh, Hu and Lanzhou) and thin-tailed (Alpine Merino, Tibetan) sheep in the present study by using lable-free approach. Results showed that 3400 proteins were identified in the five breeds, and 804 were differentially expressed proteins, including 638 up regulated proteins and 83 down regulated proteins in the tail adipose tissues between fat- and thin-tailed sheep, and 8 clusters were distinguished for all the DEPs’ expression patterns. The differentially expressed proteins are mainly associated with metabolism pathways and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the proteomics results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot. Our research has also suggested that the up-regulated proteins ACSL1, HSD17β4, FABP4 in the tail adipose tissue might contribute to tail fat deposition by facilitating the proliferation of adipocytes and fat accumulation in tail/rump of sheep. Particularly, FABP4 highly expressed in the fat-tail will play an important role for tail fat deposition. Our study might provide a novel view to understanding fat accumulation in special parts of the body in sheep and other animals.
Simulation-based what-if analysis for controlling the spread of Covid-19 in universities
Authors: Ghaffarzadegan Navid
Published: February 2021

A simulation model is developed to analyze the spread of covid-19 in universities. The model can be used to conduct a what-if analysis and estimate infection cases under different policies. For proof-of-concept, the model is simulated for a hypothetical university of 25,000 students and 3,000 faculty/staff in a U.S. college town. Simulation results show that early outbreaks are very likely, and there is no silver bullet to avoid them. Instead, a combination of policies should be carefully implemented. The results suggest (almost) full remote university operations from the beginning of the semester. In a less-preferred alternative, if universities decide to have students attend in person, they should encourage remote operations for high-risk individuals, conduct frequent rapid tests, enforce mask use, communicate with students and employees about the risks, and promote social distancing. Universities should be willing to move to remote operations if cases rise. Under this scenario, and considering implementation challenges, many universities are still likely to experience an early outbreak, and the likelihood of having a case of death is worrisome. In the long run, students and faculty react to the risks, and even if universities decide to continue operations, classes are likely to have very low in-person attendance. Overall, our analysis depicts several sources of system complexities, negative unintended consequences of relying on a single policy, non-linear incremental effects, and positive synergies of implementing multiple policies. A simulation platform for a what-if analysis is offered so marginal effectiveness of different policies and different decision-making thresholds for closure can be tested for universities of varying populations.
Do young dating app users and non-users differ in mating orientations?
Authors: Barrada Juan Ramón , Castro Ángel , Fernández del Río Elena , Ramos-Villagrasa Pedro J.
Published: February 2021

In recent years, dating apps have changed the way people meet and communicate with potential romantic and/or sexual partners. There exists a stereotype considering that these apps are used only for casual sex, so those apps would not be an adequate resource to find a long-term relationship. The objective of this study was to analyze possible individual differences in the mating orientations (short-term vs. long-term) between users and non-users of dating apps. Participants were 902 single students from a mid-size Spanish university, of both sexes (63% female, and 37% male), aged between 18 and 26 years (M = 20.34, SD = 2.05), who completed a battery of online questionnaires. It was found that, whereas dating apps users had a higher short-term mating orientation than non-users (more frequent behavior, higher desire, and more positive attitude), there were no differences in the long-term orientation as a function of use/non-use. Considering this, dating apps are a resource with a strong presence of people interested on hooking-up while, simultaneously, not a bad (nor good) option for finding long-term love.
Risk factors and clinical prediction formula for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea in Asian adults
Authors: Park Do-Yang , Kim Ji-Su , Park Bumhee , Kim Hyun Jun
Published: February 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent cyclic repetitive hypoxia-normoxia respiratory sleep disorder characterized by intermittent upper-airway collapse. It is mainly diagnosed using in-laboratory polysomnography. However, the time-spatial constraints of this procedure limit its application. To overcome these limitations, there have been studies aiming to develop clinical prediction formulas for screening of obstructive sleep apnea using the risk factors for this disorder. However, the applicability of the formula is restricted by the group specific factors included in it. Therefore, we aimed to assess the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and develop clinical prediction formulas, which can be used in different situations, for screening and assessing this disorder. We enrolled 3,432 Asian adult participants with suspected obstructive sleep apnea who had successfully undergone in-laboratory polysomnography. All parameters were evaluated using correlation analysis and logistic regression. Among them, age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anthropometric factors, Berlin questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, and anatomical tonsil and tongue position were significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. To develop the clinical formulas for obstructive sleep apnea, the participants were divided into the development (n = 2,516) and validation cohorts (n = 916) based on the sleep laboratory visiting date. We developed and selected 13 formulas and divided them into those with and without physical examination based on the ease of application; subsequently, we selected suitable formulas based on the statistical analysis and clinical applicability (formula including physical exam: sensitivity, 0.776; specificity, 0.757; and AUC, 0.835; formula without physical exam: sensitivity, 0.749; specificity, 0.770; and AUC, 0.839). Analysis of the validation cohort with developed formulas showed that these models and formula had sufficient performance and goodness of fit of model. These tools can effectively utilize medical resources for obstructive sleep apnea screening in various situations.
Prognosis of colorectal cancer in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, the only oncology center in Ethiopia
Authors: Etissa Eyob Kebede , Assefa Mathewos , Ayele Birhanu Teshome
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females worldwide. According to the Addis Ababa cancer registry, it is the first in male and fourth in female in Ethiopia. However, there have not been studies on prognostic factors and survival of colorectal cancer. Hence, this study aimed to estimate survival time and identify prognostic factors.

Methods

In this institution based retrospective study, medical records review of 422 colorectal cancer patients and telephone interview was used as sources of data. Survival time was estimated using Kaplan-Meier estimator. Prognostic factors were identified using the multivariable Cox regression model.

Results

Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer had 76% (HR: 1.761, 95% CI: 1.173–2.644) increased risk of dying compared to colon cancer patients. Node positive patients were 3.146 (95% CI: 1.626–6.078) times likely to die compared to node-negative and metastatic cancer were 4.221 (95% CI: 2.788–6.392) times likely to die compared to non-metastatic patients. Receiving adjuvant therapy reduced the risk of death by 36.1% (HR: 0.639 (95% CI: 0.418–0.977)) compared to patients who had an only surgical resection. The median survival time was 39 months and the overall five years survival rate was 33%.

Conclusions

The overall survival rate was low and a majority of the patients were young at presentation. Patient’s survival is largely influenced by the advanced cancer stage at presentation and delays in the administration of adjuvant therapy. Receiving adjuvant therapy was among the good prognostic factors.
Assessing the impact of group antenatal care on gestational length in Rwanda: A cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Sayinzoga Felix , Lundeen Tiffany , Musange Sabine F. , Butrick Elizabeth , Nzeyimana David , Murindahabi Nathalie , Azman-Firdaus Hana , Sloan Nancy L. , Benitez Alejandra , Phillips Beth , Ghosh Rakesh , Walker Dilys
Published: February 2021

Background

Research on group antenatal care in low- and middle-income contexts suggests high acceptability and preliminary implementation success.

Methods

We studied the effect of group antenatal care on gestational age at birth among women in Rwanda, hypothesizing that participation would increase mean gestational length. For this unblinded cluster randomized trial, 36 health centers were pair-matched and randomized; half continued individual antenatal care (control), half implemented group antenatal care (intervention). Women who initiated antenatal care between May 2017 and December 2018 were invited to participate, and included in analyses if they presented before 24 weeks gestation, attended at least two visits, and their birth outcome was obtained. We used a generalized estimating equations model for analysis.

Findings

In total, 4091 women in 18 control clusters and 4752 women in 18 intervention clusters were included in the analysis. On average, women attended three total antenatal care visits. Gestational length was equivalent in the intervention and control groups (39.3 weeks (SD 1.6) and 39.3 weeks (SD 1.5)). There were no significant differences between groups in secondary outcomes except that more women in control sites attended postnatal care visits (40.1% versus 29.7%, p = 0.003) and more women in intervention sites attended at least three total antenatal care visits (80.7% versus 71.7%, p = 0.003). No harms were observed.

Interpretation

Group antenatal care did not result in a difference in gestational length between groups. This may be due to the low intervention dose. We suggest studies of both the effectiveness and costs of higher doses of group antenatal care among women at higher risk of preterm birth. We observed threats to group care due to facility staff shortages; we recommend studies in which antenatal care providers are exclusively allocated to group antenatal care during visits.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03154177
Phenotypic and genotypic virulence features of staphylococcal strains isolated from difficult-to-treat skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Preda Mădălina , Mihai Mara Mădălina , Popa Laura Ioana , Dițu Lia-Mara , Holban Alina Maria , Manolescu Loredana Sabina Cornelia , Popa Gabriela-Loredana , Muntean Andrei-Alexandru , Gheorghe Irina , Chifiriuc Carmen Mariana , Popa Mircea-Ioan
Published: February 2021

Chronic infections represent an important burden on the healthcare system and have a significant impact on the patients’ quality of life. While Staphylococcus spp. are commensal bacteria, they can become pathogenic, leading to various types of infections. In this study we aimed to characterize the virulence profiles of staphylococcal strains involved in difficult-to-treat skin and soft tissue infections, from both phenotypic and genotypic points of view. Phenotypic ability of the strains to secrete soluble virulence factors was assessed by a culturing dependent assay and their capacity to develop biofilms on inert substrate was screened by an adapted crystal violet microtiter method. We also tested the presence of several virulence genes by PCR. Most of the studied strains were isolated from purulent secretions of acne lesions and frequently secreted two or three soluble virulence factors. Most frequently secreted soluble virulence factors were caseinase (89%), lipase (71%) and lecithinase (67%). Almost half of the strains produced a well-represented biofilm. The molecular characterization showed the presence of the genes cna, hlg, clfA, and clfB. Staphylococcal strains that produce difficult-to-treat skin and soft tissue infections seem to be characterized by an enhanced ability to produce different soluble virulence factors and to develop biofilms in vitro. Further studies need to be developed in other Staphylococcus spp. infections in order to confirm this hypothesis.
Actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, control the organization and dynamics of the endomembrane network in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Carmeille Romain , Schiano Lomoriello Porfirio , Devarakonda Parvathi M. , Kellermeier Jacob A. , Heaslip Aoife T.
Published: February 2021

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite that relies on three distinct secretory organelles, the micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules, for parasite survival and disease pathogenesis. Secretory proteins destined for these organelles are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and sequentially trafficked through a highly polarized endomembrane network that consists of the Golgi and multiple post-Golgi compartments. Currently, little is known about how the parasite cytoskeleton controls the positioning of the organelles in this pathway, or how vesicular cargo is trafficked between organelles. Here we show that F-actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, control the dynamics and organization of the organelles in the secretory pathway, specifically ER tubule movement, apical positioning of the Golgi and post-Golgi compartments, apical positioning of the rhoptries, and finally, the directed transport of Rab6-positive and Rop1-positive vesicles. Thus, this study identifies TgMyoF and actin as the key cytoskeletal components that organize the endomembrane system inT.gondii.
Leap into Action: Critical Performative Pedagogies in Art & Design Education, Lee Campbell (ED.) (2020)
Authors: Lockheart Julia
Published: February 2021

Review of: Leap into Action: Critical Performative Pedagogies in Art & Design Education, Lee Campbell (ED.) (2020)

New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 290 pp.,

ISBN-13 978-1-43316-640-2, h/bk, £64.00 (on sale £56.00 on Amazon)
Tricity Vogue’s ‘blueing up’ as sedimented resistance: Extravagant costume and the expanded field of dressing up
Authors: Willson Jacki
Published: February 2021

My focus in this article is to understand the way theatrical costume is performed in subcultural cabaret spaces, specificallyThe Blue Lady Sings Backby London-based cabaret singer Tricity Vogue. This show premiered at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in the area of Vauxhall in South London that already has an embedded history of hedonistic pleasure. With reference to Dorita Hannah’s ‘expanded’ notion of costume as a ‘body-object-event’ and Jasbir Puar’s broader understanding of categories of race, gender and sexuality as events and bodily encounters, I seek to understand the way theatrical feminine costume enfolds dissident and marginalized histories of resistant urban space and site. In this show, Tricity Vogue undertakes multiple costume changes that embody various histories and contexts of cabaret performance: as Bollywood dancer Madhuri Dixit, as a European Marlene Dietrich-like cabaret singer and as a Josephine Baker-esque character in a banana skirt. All of this whilst wearing a blue stocking and blue body paint, effectively ‘blueing’ up. This steps into an uncomfortable territory in what could be seen as cultural appropriation, racial stereotyping and speaking for others. This concern also has currency within the contemporary burlesque community who are acutely self-conscious and politicized as regards this kind of costume and performative appropriation. Sara Ahmed’s conceptualization of feminist killjoys (2017) will be employed to better understand these difficult conversations about dressing up with Aoife Monks’ (2010) discussion of multiple costume changes being used as a strategy for ‘undoing’ stereotypes and rethinking a feminist‘we’. By also drawing on diva studies, which builds on Lauren Berlant’s concept of ‘diva citizenship’, and postcolonial feminism, I will argue that the costumed cabaret body becomes a medium for women to politicize and reframe pleasure through the costumed spectacle of cabaret’s various erotic and exotic muses.
Big heroine dramas in contemporary China: Costume, authenticity and an alternative history of women of power
Authors: Ying Zheng
Published: February 2021

Big heroine dramas (da nü zhu jü) – a specific category of Chinese costume dramas – have been popular recently, due to the big market of female audiences/consumers in China, and brought up fierce debates on feminism. The shows, written by female authors, are about the stories of powerful women in imperial China. A critical hypothesis here is that the shows combine the figuration of ancient, powerful women and a persona of neo-liberalist feminism. Why do audiences accept the anachronism of big heroine dramas, and how does historical authenticity become coherent with a modern narrative? With costume as an analytical corpus, this article involves the approaches of feminist theory, historical theory and costume studies. The costumes of big heroine dramas are a hybridity of authentic antique and imaginary design. They contribute to building up historical authenticity and the neo-liberalist ideas of power and hierarchy. Costumes thus become the field where the authenticity of the past folds with the reality of the present. Meanwhile, big heroine dramas rewrite an alternative history of powerful women for women audiences. The assemblage of historiography and modern feminist fiction offers rebellious narratives that disturb the state-advocated notion of heterosexual romantic relationships, marriage and family.
Conscious Tourism’s Dimension in the Historical Villages of Portugal
Authors: Liberato Pedro , Cerqueira Isabel , Liberato Dália
Published: February 2021

Recent growth in the tourism sector has promoted the emergence of alternative types of tourism, such as rural tourism. Located in low-density territories, the Historical Villages of Portugal are one of the best examples regarding regional development from the perspective of sustainability. Although it is such an important topic today and gives longevity to destinations, its approach from the conscious tourism perspective is still little valued. This article discusses tourists’ characteristics seeking Historical Villages, their behaviour, as well as their awareness and perception of the possible impacts they may cause. Intends to understand the perspective of the tourist experience in the Historical Villages region, and to ascertain the existence of conscious behaviours in rural destinations. Surveys were applied to 453 tourists of the Historical Villages. The main results obtained show that the sociodemographic profile influences the application of conscious practices, and the conscious tourist’s attitude will contribute to the overall satisfaction concerning the destination. Also, the better the tourist's relationship with the destination and his overall satisfaction, the more likely he is to implement conscious practices. The results obtained should be evaluated by the regional DMOs with a view to implementing and developing conscious practices at these destinations.
Evaluation of Hospital's Emergency Departments According to User Requirements
Authors: Aygün Ayşe Hazal , Erçin Çilen
Published: February 2021

Hospitals are large and complex structures that provide 24-hour healthcare. These structures, where many different functions are combined, are constantly changing and developing with innovations in health, technique, and economy. With the technological developments in the world, population growth, the desire to live healthier and longer, hospital structures are reshaped. These developments best define the changes made in programming according to the user needs. In order for hospital buildings to provide health services for many years, they must be durable and designed with developments in the future which can happen. Emergency departments are from the internal units of the hospital. The duty of the emergency department is to bring the patients to the emergency service, to make the first intervention to the patient according to the emergency situation, and to provide the best care to the patient by directing them to the required unit. The emergency department architecture must take into consideration human health while meeting patient and user needs. Emergency departments have evolved from the past to today in line with the new needs of the users. In this study, the space requirements and general design factors of emergency departments are explained.