bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multipath Artifacts in Single-Fiber Endoscopic Multimodal Optical Coherence Tomography Provide Angular Contrast
Authors: Tanskanen Adrian , Malone Jeanie , MacAulay Calum , Lane Pierre M.
Published: June 2023

A novel method of imaging which exploits multipath image artifact in multimodal OCT is proposed. Experiments explore using the contrast between en face projections of the OCT image and multipath artifact to measure backscattering angle.
Investigating Skin Aging Using Jones Matrix Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Maloufi Sina , Zhou Xin , Mirsalehi Mitra , Louie Daniel C. , Lee Tim K. , Tang Shuo
Published: June 2023

JM-OCT was utilized to present comparison on the effects of intrinsic aging on features quantified by JM-OCT, such as epidermal thickness, local depolarization, and collagen disruption.
Numerical Ray Optics Analysis of Probe Optics Prototype for Mobile-based Raman Spectrometer
Authors: R. Sabarivel , Sollenselvan  , B. Naveen Sanjay , Pal Uttam M.
Published: June 2023

This work involves the numerical ray optics simulation of the probe optics prototype for a mobile camera-based Raman spectrometer toward cancer diagnosis using core biopsy tissues.
Analysis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Through Intensity Maps Applying Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Aguilar Elizabeth , Guevara Edgar , Donjuán-Loredo Guadalupe , Espinosa-Tanguma Ricardo , Delgado Roberto Salgado , Ramírez-Elías Miguel G.
Published: June 2023

Steatosis is when the liver accumulates more than 5% of its total weight in fat. Raman imaging was used to evaluate the molecular content of ex vivo rat liver tissue samples, where proteins and fatty acids were found in abundance.
Cell Phone Microscopy Image Restoration with Deep Prior in Raw Domain
Authors: Song Xiaofei , Ren Liping , Zhang Yuanlong , Xie Jiachen , Wu Jiamin , Wang Haoqian , Dai Qionghai
Published: June 2023

Cell phone microscopes usually suffer from low resolution due to the limitation of size. We propose a PSF-aware deep network in raw domain to perform image restoration task, accomplishing high performance in experimental capture.
High Performance Wearable Diffuse Optical Tomography with 2x2 Source-Detector Modules
Authors: DeVore Hannah , Agato Alvin , Hedlund Michelle , Hamic William , O’Sullivan Anthony , Svoboda Calamity , Trobaugh Jason , Eggebrecht Adam T. , Richter Edward T. , Culver Joseph P.
Published: June 2023

We present a modular, flexible, wearable diffuse optical tomography system with performance approaching fiber-based DOT, combined with improved ergonomics. Validated in-vivo with retinotopy, our portable system features lightweight optoelectronics, wireless connectivity, and conformable mechanics.
NeuroDOTpy: A Python Neuroimaging Toolbox for DOT
Authors: Speh Emma , Segel Ari , Thacker Yash , Marcus Dan , Wheelock Muriah D. , Eggebrecht Adam T.
Published: June 2023

Adapting the existing MATLAB NeuroDOT toolbox to Python addresses challenges of processing functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) data and supports common pipelines for pre-processing and analysis in a Python-library format.
Experimentally Validated Monte Carlo Simulator for Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Erdenedalai Khaliun , Maltais-Taraint Raphaël , Dehaes Mathieu , Boudoux Caroline
Published: June 2023

We introduce an experimentally validated Monte Carlo simulator that accurately recreates light propagation in a turbid medium in optical coherence tomography. The validation was performed with varying numerical apertures on a one-layer polydimethylsiloxane tissue-mimicking phantom.
Exploiting second-harmonic waves in complex scattering media for a nonlinear optical operator
Authors: Moon Jungho , Cho Ye-Chan , Kang Sungsam , Jang Mooseok , Choi Wonshik
Published: June 2023

We introduce a theoretical framework and experimental proof that a third-order scattering tensor completely describes the input-output response of a nonlinear scattering medium made of SHG nanoparticles.
High Speed Miniaturized Multiphoton Microscopy with Elliptical Beam Excitation
Authors: Mattison Ben , Liu Shing-Jiuan , Tian Feng , Yang Weijian
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate elliptical beam shaping in a miniaturized two-photon microscope enabling cellular resolution fluorescence imaging at over three times faster frame rate than point scanning over a 400 µm diameter FOV.
Highly sensitive and label-free detection of biotin using a liquid crystal-based optofluidic biosensor
Authors: Wang Haonan , Xu Tianhua , Wang Ziyihui , Liu Yize , Chen Huaixu , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Tiegen
Published: June 2023

A liquid crystal (LC)-based optofluidic whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator has been applied as a biosensor to detect biotin. Immobilized streptavidin (SA) act as protein molecules and specifically bind to biotin through strong non-covalent interaction, which can interfere with the orientation of LCs by decreasing the vertical anchoring force of the alignment layer in which the WGM spectral wavelength shift is monitored as a sensing parameter. Due to the double magnification of the LC molecular orientation transition and the resonance of the WGM, the detection limit for SA can reach 1.25 fM (4.7 × 10−13 g/ml). The measurable concentration of biotin and the wavelength shift of the WGM spectrum have an excellent linearity in the range of 0 to 0.1 pg/ml, which can achieve ultra-low detection limit (0.4 fM), i.e., seven orders of magnitude improvement over conventional polarized optical microscope (POM) method. The proposed optofluidic biosensor is highly reproducible and can be used as an ultrasensitive real-time monitoring biosensor, which will open the door for applications to other receptor and ligand models.
Application of Machine Learning to Direct Calcium Indicator Engineering
Authors: Wait Sarah J. , Lee Justin Daho , Rappleye Michael , Berndt Andre
Published: June 2023

Optimizing genetically encoded fluorescent indicators (GEFIs) is intellectually and experimentally taxing. We developed a machine learning (ML) platform to discover new variants of the calcium indicator GCaMP and illustrate ML’s ability to accelerate GEFI engineering.
Interferometric dynamic laser speckle imaging
Authors: Zilpelwar Sharvari , Cheng Xiaojun , Boas David A.
Published: June 2023

We developed interferometric dynamic laser speckle imaging (iDLSI) capable of three-dimensional volumetric measurements of the blood flow. Here, we present the numerical and analytical model for g2,iDLSI(τ) and perform preliminary measurement in the mouse brain.
Label-free three-photon imaging of intact human cerebral organoids for tracking early events in brain development
Authors: Yildirim Murat , Delepine Chloe , Feldman Danielle , Pham Vincent , Chou Stephanie , Ip Jacque Pak Kan , Nott Alexi , Tsai Li-Huei , Ming Guo-li , So Peter T.C. , Sur Mriganka
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate label-free three-photon imaging of intact organoids (~2 mm depth) derived from Rett syndrome patients. Long-term imaging of live organoids shows that mutant neurons have shorter migration distances, slower migration speeds and tortuous trajectories.
Brain hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in neonates with transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Charbonneau Laurence , Chowdhury Rasheda Arman , Marandyuk Bohdana , Wu Rong , Poirier Nancy , Miró Joaquim , Nuyt Anne-Monique , Raboisson Marie-Josée , Dehaes Mathieu
Published: June 2023

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) may be a risk factor for brain development in transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Brain hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism assessed by optical monitoring in TGA&VSD were compared to controls.
High-speed Two-photon Microscopy with Adaptive Sampling
Authors: Li Yunyang , Hu Junjie , Guo Shu , Yang Weijian
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate a high-speed two-photon fluorescence microscope using line illumination with an adaptive sampling scheme. The illumination pattern is modulated by a digital micro-mirror device so only the regions of interest are illuminated and sampled.
Aberration Correction in Long GRIN-Based Microendoscopes using 3D Printed Polymer Lenses
Authors: Nardin Chiara , Sattin Andrea , Reddy Innem V. , Liberale Carlo , Fellin Tommaso
Published: June 2023

We compensated optical aberrations in 6.4 mm-long and 8.8 mm-long GRIN-based endoscopes using 3D microprinted polymer lenses. Corrected microendoscopes exhibit improved axial resolution and extended field-of-view in two-photon fluorescence imaging experiments.
Extending the Three-Dimensional Resolution with Focus-ISM
Authors: Zunino Alessandro , Tortarolo Giorgio , Fersini Francesco , Garrè Giacomo , Vicidomini Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

We introduce a detector array in a laser scanning microscope to perform pixel reassignment and discard the out-of-focus fluorescence light. We enhance the microscope resolution laterally and axially without losing the in-focus photons.
Ultrastructural Imaging with Polarimetric Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy in Partially Oriented Fibrillar Structures
Authors: Alizadeh Mehdi , Habach Fayez , Bagdonas Saulius , Krouglov Serguei , Baranauskas Vytautas , Bulotienė Danutė , Karabanovas Vitalijus , Barzda Virginijus
Published: June 2023

Different configurations of chiral fibrillar structures affect differently polarimetric second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy responses. The ultrastructure in biological tissues is revealed via digital microscopy modeling and polarimetric SHG microscopy imaging.
Light Sheet Microscope with Incoherent Uniform Illumination
Authors: Dong Jingran , Lu Zhenzhen , Pan Hongyi , Feng Jihong
Published: June 2023

We improve imaging performance of light sheet microscopy with laser illumination by applying a frosted glass scatter to realize decoherence so that avoiding laser speckle effect and using the Kohler illumination to improve light uniformity.
Optimizing Imaging Throughput and Resolution in Light Sheet Microscopy Using Deep-learning-based Beam Shape Translation
Authors: Li Guang , Brown J. Quincy
Published: June 2023

A conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) approach to optimize resolution or contrast and field-of-view (FOV) in beam-scanned light sheet microscopy by beam shape translation is demonstrated. Large FOV images acquired with collimated (pencil) beam (weakly-focused) illumination are used to predict large FOV, but higher contrast, images mimicking Gaussian-beam (highly focused) illumination. In this way, imaging throughput and resolution is improved.
Fourier synthesis of optical diffraction tomography patterns for kilohertz frame rate volumetric imaging
Authors: Brown Peter T. , Shepherd Douglas P.
Published: June 2023

We engineer optical diffraction tomography patterns using Fourier synthesis to enable high quality pattern projection and angle-multiplexing to achieve kilohertz-rate volumetric imaging using a digital micromirror device
Single-Shot, Isotropic and Miniaturized Differential Interference Contrast (SIM-DIC) Microscopy Based on Computational Flat-Optics
Authors: Hu Guangwei
Published: June 2023

Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is an important technique to imaging the transparent biosamples. Traditional system is bulky in 4f imaging mode, and can only perform edge detection in one dimensional, leading to anisotropic imaging. Here, I will introduce our recently developed single-shot, isotropic DIC microscopy in 2f system. This is realized by a polarization-multiplexed metalens, that can perform the computations of optical difference for edge detections in all directions. Our work promises the important compact and miniaturized microscopy for miniaturized and even portable imaging system for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and other applications.
Information engines based on optical traps and feedback
Authors: Saha Tushar K. , Bechhoefer John
Published: June 2023

We review recent experimental studies of an information engine, the modern realization of Maxwell’s demon. We show how to maximize performance, even with noisy measurements. Environments with added nonequilibrium fluctuations increase work-extraction rates.
Optical Trapping and Critical Casimir Forces
Authors: Callegari Agnese , Magazzù Alessandro , Gambassi Andrea , Volpe Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Critical Casimir forces between colloidal particles act at distances reaching often hundreds of nanometers. Keeping colloids at such distances is a major experimental challenge. Here, we review how optical tweezers help quantitatively in studying critical Casimir forces acting on particles in suspensions.
Development of ultrafast camera-based single fluorescent-molecule imaging for cell biology
Authors: Kusumi Akihiro
Published: June 2023

We developed an ultrafast camera that allows single fluorescent-molecule imaging every 33 μs with a localization precision of 34 nm (every 100 μs; 20 nm), and enables ultrafast PALM imaging of whole live cells.
Acoustofluidic Scanning Nanoscope for Large Field-of-view Imaging
Authors: Zhao Chenglong , Jin Geonsoo , Huang Tony Jun
Published: June 2023

Optical imaging with nanoscale resolution and a large field of view are highly desirable optical imaging. This talk introduces an acoustofluidic scanning nanoscope that can achieve both super-resolution and large field-of-view imaging.
Lanthanide ion modulated dielectric resonance enhancement for nanoscale optical force dye and interferometric scattering microscopy
Authors: Shan Xuchen , Ding Lei , Wen Shihui , Reece Peter , Wang Fan
Published: June 2023

Nanoscale weak force sensing in aqueous solution is of great interest to researchers from broad areas, including physics and biology. Here we developed a video tracking-based optical tweezers calibration method that enables the detection of the trap stiffness for low refractive index nanoparticles. We found that under resonance conditions, doping lanthanide ions inside a nanocrystal would substantially increase its trap stiffness, achieving a maximum optical trap stiffness of 0.086 pN μm–1 mW–1 for 23.3 nm radius nanoparticles. We further use the dielectric resonance effect to modulate the scattering spectrum of single nanoparticles for multiplexed interferometric scattering microscopy.
Applications of Radiation Pressure Force on a Thin Diffractive Film
Authors: Swartzlander Grover A.
Published: June 2023

Applications of radiation pressure force on macroscopic bodies typically require a nearly weightless environment owing to the relatively weak value of the force. Ideal environments include outer space and neutrally buoyant liquids. The direction and magnitude of the force is governed by light scattering processes such as reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Asymmetric scattering produces both longitudinal and transverse components of force called thrust and lift. The radiation pressure force on a diffractive film is described from analytical and experimental points of view, and potential applications are discussed for outer space and in transparent liquids.
Second Harmonic Generation from Nanoparticles : from Free Liquid Suspensions to Controlled Single Nanoparticles
Authors: Behel Zacharie , Taitt Rachael , Chevolot Yann , Monnier Virginie , Mugnier Yannick , Le Dantec Ronan , Brevet Pierre-François
Published: June 2023

Nanoparticles present advantages in nonlinear microscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) notably. They require specific design of their optical properties and spatial manipulation. We show combination of SHG microscopy and optical tweezers to this end.
Label-Free Molecular and Metabolic Virtual Histology with Multimodal Photoacoustic Remote Sensing Microscopy
Authors: Zemp Roger , Haven Nathaniel J.M. , Martell Matthew T. , Cikaluk Brendyn D. , Restall Brendon , Deschenes Jean , Peiris Lashan , Giannakopoulos Nadia
Published: June 2023

A fundamentally new form of microscopy, photoacoustic remote sensing offers label-free optical absorption contrast in a reflection mode all-optical embodiment and is providing unprecedented opportunities for fast virtual histology & molecular imaging without labels.
New Somatostatin Receptor 2 (SSTR2)-Targeted Probe for Near-Infrared (NIR) Fluorescence Guided Meningioma Surgery
Authors: Weitzenberg  , Marie Merle
Published: June 2023

Meningioma frequently recur at the primary resection site demanding improvement of intraoperative tumor visualization. We developed NIR-fluorescent TATE-sNIR that specifically addresses SSTR2-expressing meningioma cells and confirmed its feasibility and both in vitro and in vivo.
Rapid detection of lymph node micro metastasis using widefield paired-agent fluorescent imaging techniques in the angular domain
Authors: Rounds Cody C. , Torres Veronica C. , Li Chenguye , Voskuil Floris , Nijboer T.S. , Witjes Max J. H. , Tichauer Kenneth M.
Published: June 2023

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma surgical cases, rapid detection of lymph node metastases is needed. Here we present a methodology for rapid lymph node assessment in 1 cm nodes with > 99% sensitivity.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and Clusters Using a 2-Fluorophore Diffuse in Vivo Flow Cytometer
Authors: Williams Amber , Niedre Mark
Published: June 2023

We discuss development and validation of a new two-fluorophore diffuse in vivo flow cytometer instrument designed to detect two populations of circulating tumor cells and multi-cellular clusters in small animal metastasis models.
Tethered Fluorescence Instrument for Continuous Detection of Circulating Tumor Cell Numbers in Awake Mice
Authors: Lee Jane , Bellini Chiara , Niedre Mark
Published: June 2023

The goal of this work is to develop a tethered fluorescence instrument for directly measuring dynamic changes in circulating tumor cell numbers in the bloodstream in awake, freely moving mice in vivo.
Gain modulation and odor concentration invariance in early olfactory networks
Authors: Marachlian Emiliano , Huerta Ramón , Locatelli Fernando F.
Published: June 2023

The broad receptive field of the olfactory receptors constitutes the basis of a combinatorial code that allows animals to detect and discriminate many more odorants than the actual number of receptor types that they express. One drawback is that high odor concentrations recruit lower affinity receptors which can lead to the perception of qualitatively different odors. Here we addressed the contribution that signal-processing in the antennal lobe makes to reduce concentration dependence in odor representation. By means of calcium imaging and pharmacological approach we describe the contribution that GABA receptors play in terms of the amplitude and temporal profiles of the signals that convey odor information from the antennal lobes to higher brain centers. We found that GABA reduces the amplitude of odor elicited signals and the number of glomeruli that are recruited in an odor-concentration-dependent manner. Blocking GABA receptors decreases the correlation among glomerular activity patterns elicited by different concentrations of the same odor. In addition, we built a realistic mathematical model of the antennal lobe that was used to test the viability of the proposed mechanisms and to evaluate the processing properties of the AL network under conditions that cannot be achieved in physiology experiments. Interestingly, even though based on a rather simple topology and cell interactions solely mediated by GABAergic lateral inhibitions, the AL model reproduced key features of the AL response upon different odor concentrations and provides plausible solutions for concentration invariant recognition of odors by artificial sensors.
Regulatory logic of endogenous RNAi in silencing de novo genomic conflicts
Authors: Vedanayagam Jeffrey , Lin Ching-Jung , Papareddy Ranjith , Nodine Michael , Flynt Alex S. , Wen Jiayu , Lai Eric C.
Published: June 2023

Although the biological utilities of endogenous RNAi (endo-RNAi) have been largely elusive, recent studies reveal its critical role in the non-model fruitfly Drosophila simulans to suppress selfish genes, whose unchecked activities can severely impair spermatogenesis. In particular, hairpin RNA (hpRNA) loci generate endo-siRNAs that suppress evolutionary novel, X-linked, meiotic drive loci. The consequences of deleting even a single hpRNA (Nmy) in males are profound, as such individuals are nearly incapable of siring male progeny. Here, comparative genomic analyses of D. simulans and D. melanogaster mutants of the core RNAi factor dcr-2 reveal a substantially expanded network of recently-emerged hpRNA-target interactions in the former species. The de novo hpRNA regulatory network in D. simulans provides insight into molecular strategies that underlie hpRNA emergence and their potential roles in sex chromosome conflict. In particular, our data support the existence of ongoing rapid evolution of Nmy/Dox-related networks, and recurrent targeting of testis HMG-box loci by hpRNAs. Importantly, the impact of the endo-RNAi network on gene expression flips the convention for regulatory networks, since we observe strong derepression of targets of the youngest hpRNAs, but only mild effects on the targets of the oldest hpRNAs. These data suggest that endo-RNAi are especially critical during incipient stages of intrinsic sex chromosome conflicts, and that continual cycles of distortion and resolution may contribute to speciation.
Prevalence of long COVID decreases for increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake
Authors: De Domenico Manlio
Published: June 2023

Long COVID is a post-COVID-19 condition characterized by persistent symptoms that can develop after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estimating and comparing its prevalence across countries is difficult, hindering the quantitative assessment of massive vaccination campaigns as a preventive measure. By integrating epidemiological, demographic and vaccination data, we first reconcile the estimates of long COVID prevalence in the U.K. and the U.S., and estimate a 7-fold yearly increase in the global median prevalence between 2020 and 2022. Second, we estimate that vaccines against COVID-19 decrease the prevalence of long COVID among U.S. adults by 20.9% (95% CI: -32.0%, -9.9%) and, from the analysis of 158 countries, by -15.7% (95% CI: -18.0%, -13.4%) among all who had COVID-19. Our population-level analysis complements the current knowledge from patients data and highlights how aggregated data from fully operational epidemic surveillance and monitoring can inform about the potential impact of long COVID on national and global public health in the next future.
Antivenom access impacts severity of Brazilian snakebite envenoming: A geographic information system analysis
Authors: Isaacson Julia Elizabeth , Ye Jinny Jing , Silva Lincoln Luís , Hernandes Rocha Thiago Augusto , de Andrade Luciano , Scheidt Joao Felipe Hermann Costa , Wen Fan Hui , Sachett Jacqueline , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Staton Catherine Ann , Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig , Gerardo Charles John
Published: June 2023

Background

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease capable of causing both significant disability and death. The burden of SBE is especially high in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to perform a geospatial analysis evaluating the association of sociodemographics and access to care indicators on moderate and severe cases of SBE in Brazil.

Methods

We conducted an ecological, cross-sectional study of SBE in Brazil from 2014 to 2019 using the open access National System Identification of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) database. We then collected a set of indicators from the Brazil Census of 2010 and performed a Principal Component Analysis to create variables related to health, economics, occupation, education, infrastructure, and access to care. Next, a descriptive and exploratory spatial analysis was conducted to evaluate the geospatial association of moderate and severe events. These variables related to events were evaluated using Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression. T-values were plotted in choropleth maps and considered statistically significant when values were <-1.96 or >+1.96.

Results

We found that the North region had the highest number of SBE cases by population (47.83/100,000), death rates (0.18/100,000), moderate and severe rates (22.96/100,000), and proportion of cases that took more than three hours to reach healthcare assistance (44.11%). The Northeast and Midwest had the next poorest indicators. Life expectancy, young population structure, inequality, electricity, occupation, and more than three hours to reach healthcare were positively associated with greater cases of moderate and severe events, while income, illiteracy, sanitation, and access to care were negatively associated. The remaining indicators showed a positive association in some areas of the country and a negative association in other areas.

Conclusion

Regional disparities in SBE incidence and rates of poor outcomes exist in Brazil, with the North region disproportionately affected. Multiple indicators were associated with rates of moderate and severe events, such as sociodemographic and health care indicators. Any approach to improving snakebite care must work to ensure the timeliness of antivenom administration.
The association between the risk perceptions of COVID-19, trust in the government, political ideologies, and socio-demographic factors: A year-long cross-sectional study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yo Han , Heo Hyun-Hee , Noh Hyerim , Jang Deok Hyun , Choi Young-Geun , Jang Won Mo , Lee Jin Yong
Published: June 2023

Risk perception research, targeting the general public, necessitates the study of the multi-faceted aspects of perceived risk through a holistic approach. This study aimed to investigate the association between the two dimensions of risk perception of COVID-19, i.e., risk as a feeling and analysis, trust in the current government, political ideologies, and socio-demographic factors in South Korea. This study used a year-long repeated cross-sectional design, in which a national sample (n = 23,018) participated in 23 consecutive telephone surveys from February 2020 to February 2021. Most factors differed in the magnitude and direction of their relationships with the two dimensions of risk perception. However, trust in the current government, alone, delineated an association in the same direction for both dimensions, i.e., those with a lower level of trust exhibited higher levels of cognitive and affective risk perception. Although these results did not change significantly during the one-year observation period, they are related to the political interpretation of risk. This study revealed that affective and cognitive risk perceptions addressed different dimensions of risk perception. These findings could help governments and health authorities better understand the nature and mechanisms of public risk perception when implementing countermeasures and policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour among healthcare workers in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study
Authors: Padmanathan Prianka , Lamb Danielle , Scott Hannah , Stevelink Sharon , Greenberg Neil , Hotopf Matthew , Morriss Richard , Raine Rosalind , Rafferty Anne Marie , Madan Ira , Dorrington Sarah , Wessely Simon , Moran Paul
Published: June 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been raised about suicide risk among healthcare workers (HCWs). We investigated the incidence risk and prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviour (STB), and their relationship with occupational risk factors, among National Health Service HCWs in England between April 2020 and August 2021.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, we analysed online survey data completed by 22,501 HCWs from 17 NHS Trusts at baseline (Time 1) and six months (Time 2). The primary outcome measures were suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury. We used logistic regression to investigate the relationship between these outcomes and demographic characteristics and occupational factors. Results were stratified by occupational role (clinical/non-clinical).

Results

Time 1 and Time 2 surveys were completed by 12,514 and 7,160 HCWs, respectively. At baseline, 10.8% (95% CI = 10.1%, 11.6%) of participants reported having experienced suicidal thoughts in the previous two months, whilst 2.1% (95% CI = 1.8%, 2.5%) of participants reported having attempted suicide over the same period. Among HCWs who had not experienced suicidal thoughts at baseline (and who completed the Time 2 survey), 11.3% (95%CI = 10.4%, 12.3%) reported such thoughts six months later. Six months after baseline, 3.9% (95% CI = 3.4%, 4.4%) of HCWs reported attempting suicide for the first time. Exposure to potentially morally injurious events, lack of confidence about raising safety concerns and these concerns being addressed, feeling unsupported by managers, and providing a reduced standard of care were all associated with increased suicidal ideation among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. At six months, among clinicians, a lack of confidence about safety concerns being addressed, independently predicted suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour among healthcare workers could be reduced by improving managerial support and enhancing the ability of staff to raise safety concerns.
The mindful trajectory: Developmental changes in mentalizing throughout adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Desatnik Alex , Bird Annie , Shmueli Avi , Venger Ilya , Fonagy Peter
Published: June 2023

Background

Mentalizing and psychological mindedness are two key, partially overlapping facets of social cognition. While mentalizing refers to the ability to reflect on one’s own mental states and the mental states of others, psychological mindedness describes the ability for self-reflection and the inclination to communicate with others about one’s own mental states.

Purpose

This study examined the development of mentalizing and psychological mindedness throughout adolescence and into young adulthood, and the interplay between the two with gender and the Big Five Personality Traits.

Methods

432 adolescents and young adults (ages 14–30) were recruited from two independent schools and two universities. Participants completed a set of self-report measures.

Results

A curvilinear trend in both mentalizing and psychological mindedness indicated a gradual development of these capacities with age, peaking in young adulthood.

Across all age groups, females had consistently higher mentalizing scores than males. For females, scores only changed significantly between age bands 17–18 to 20+ (p<0.001), ES (d = 1.07, 95% CI [.1.52–.62]). However, for males, a significant change in scores appeared between two age bands of 14 to 15–16 (p<0.003), ES (d = .45, 95% CI [.82–.07]), and 17–18 to 20+ (p<0.001), ES (d = .6, 95% CI [.1.08–.1]).

The change in psychological mindedness scores differed, and females did not have consistently higher scores than males. Females’ scores were only significantly higher for ages 14 (p<0.01), ES (d = .43, 95% CI [.82–.04]), and 15–16 (p<0.01), ES (d = .5, 95% CI [.87–.11]). As with the development of mentalizing abilities, female scores in psychological mindedness remained stable from 14 to 18 years of age, with a significant change between age bands 17–18 and 20+ (p<0.01), ES (d = 1.2, 95% CI [1.7–.67]). Contrastingly, for males significant change occurred between 15–16, 17–18 (p<0.01), ES (d = .65, 95% CI [1.1–.18]) and 20+ (p<0.01), ES (d = .84, 95% CI [1.5–.2]).

A significant positive association was found between mentalizing and psychological mindedness and the personality traits of Agreeableness, Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness (p<0.0001). Psychological mindedness had a weaker positive correlation with Extraversion and Openness to Experience (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The discussion is focused on the interpretation of the findings in light of social cognition and brain development research.
What makes Sanriku waters the southernmost habitat of northern fur seals? Winter–spring habitat use in relation to oceanographic environments
Authors: Kanaji Yu , Murase Hiroto , Yonezaki Shiroh
Published: June 2023

The waters off Sanriku (located on the northeastern coast of Honshu Island, Japan) provide the southernmost habitats of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) during winter and spring in the western North Pacific. The southward flowing cold Oyashio current and northward-flowing warm Kuroshio extension mix there, making the area highly productive. Northern fur seals migrate into these waters from the breeding rookeries for feeding, and the locations of the southern margins of their habitats vary yearly. The key questions for understanding the seasonal migration patterns are “why” and “how” the species utilize these waters as the southernmost habitat. We estimated the density and abundance of northern fur seals using standard line-transect theory combined with habitat modeling. The spatial patterns of animal density were analyzed using generalized additive models with seven static and dynamic environmental covariates, and those covariates were selected based on Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). The lowest AIC model included depth, sea surface temperature, slope, and gradient in sea surface temperature. This model estimated well the spatial patterns of the density of the species, in which fur seals were widely distributed in the study areas, but less frequently encountered between the isobaths 100 m and 200 m. These spatially separated habitats suggest that the shelf break and offshore front play an important role in creating the feeding grounds of fur seals. On the other hand, sea surface temperature positively correlated with fur seals’ density up to 14°C. This may indicate that further warm waters work as a temperature barrier, and fur seals concentrate on the edge of suitable temperature ranges.
TiO2 NPs-immobilized silica granules: New insight for nano catalyst fixation for hydrogen generation and sustained wastewater treatment
Authors: Barakat Nasser A. M. , Irfan Osama M. , Mohamed Olfat A.
Published: June 2023

In heterogeneous catalytic processes, immobilization of the functional material over a proper support is a vital solution for reusing and/or avoiding a secondary pollution problem. The study introduces a novel approach for immobilizing R25 NPs on the surface of silica granules using hydrothermal treatment followed by calcination process. Due to the privileged characteristics of the subcritical water, during the hydrothermal treatment process, the utilized R25 NPs were partially dissolved and precipitated on the surface of the silica granules. Calcination at high temperature (700°C) resulted in improving the attachment forces. The structure of the newly proposed composite was approved by 2D and 3D optical microscope images, XRD and EDX analyses. The functionalized silica granules were used in the form of a packed bed for continuous removal of methylene blue dye. The results indicated that the TiO2:sand ratio has a considerable effect on the shape of the dye removal breakthrough curve as the exhaustion point, corresponding to ~ 95% removal, was 12.3, 17.4 and 21.3 min for 1:20, 1:10 and 1:5 metal oxides ratio, respectively. Furthermore, the modified silica granules could be exploited as a photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from sewage wastewaters under direct sunlight with a good rate; 75×10−3mmol/s. Interestingly, after the ease separation of the used granules, the performance was not affected. Based on the obtained results, the 170°C is the optimum hydrothermal treatment temperature. Overall, the study opens a new avenue for immobilization of functional semiconductors on the surface of sand granules.
Dysregulated metabolism of the late herpes simplex virus 1 transcriptome through the vhs-VP22 axis uncouples virus cytopathic effect and virus production
Authors: Pheasant Kathleen , Perry Dana , Wise Emma L. , Cheng Vivian , Elliott Gillian
Published: June 2023

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) expresses its genes in a classical cascade culminating in the production of large amounts of structural proteins to facilitate virus assembly. HSV1 lacking the virus protein VP22 (Δ22) exhibits late translational shutoff, a phenotype that has been attributed to the unrestrained activity of the virion host shutoff (vhs) protein, a virus-encoded endoribonuclease which induces mRNA degradation during infection. We have previously shown that vhs is also involved in regulating the nuclear-cytoplasmic compartmentalisation of the virus transcriptome, and in the absence of VP22 a number of virus transcripts are sequestered in the nucleus late in infection. Here we show that despite expressing minimal amounts of structural proteins and failing to plaque on human fibroblasts, the strain 17 Δ22 virus replicates and spreads as efficiently as Wt virus, but without causing cytopathic effect (CPE). Nonetheless, CPE-causing virus spontaneously appeared on Δ22-infected human fibroblasts, and four viruses isolated in this way had all acquired point mutations in vhs which rescued late protein translation. However, unlike a virus deleted for vhs, these viruses still induced the degradation of both cellular and viral mRNA suggesting that vhs mutation in the absence of VP22 is necessary to overcome a more complex disturbance in mRNA metabolism than mRNA degradation alone. The ultimate outcome of secondary mutations in vhs is therefore the rescue of virus-induced CPE caused by late protein synthesis, and while there is a clear selective pressure on HSV1 to mutate vhs for optimal production of late structural proteins, the purpose of this is over and above that of virus production.
Greened out: mitigating the impacts of eco-gentrification through community dialogue
Authors: Gearin Elizabeth , Neuhaus Fabian , Dunson Konyka , Hampton Midas , Robertson Natalie
Published: June 2023

Cities are increasingly employing green infrastructure, defined as a network of multi-functional open spaces within cities and between cities – including green corridors, green streets, formal parks and street trees – to promote resilience and provide clean air, flood protection and erosion control. Yet there is a growing link between these efforts and rising property values and – in some cities, including Washington, DC – displacement. This history of greening and subsequent displacement can hinder successful green-infrastructure implementation. The geographical areas with the greatest need for these amenities and other resilience strategies are often those with high concentrations of low-income, racial minorities who have traditionally been disenfranchised from local planning and development processes due to a lack of knowledge and limited access, as well as institutional racism. In these areas, the perception of green infrastructure is that of something planned by others, for others, with little direct benefit to the community. This exploratory research, which examines lived experiences, builds upon the quantitative documentation of gentrification and demographic shifts in Washington, DC. Through a series of listening sessions, the study explores residents’ experiences of green infrastructure, gentrification and civic engagement in their community. The study uncovers ways in which policymakers and planners can increase support for and the success of green-infrastructure implementation by amplifying the voices of stakeholders, including communities with vulnerable populations, in the planning process.
Estrategia educativa utilizando la lengua de señas mexicana para mejorar desarrollo coordinativo motor en niños con discapacidad auditiva
Authors: Carmona López Abel Alberto , Ochoa Martínez Paulina Yesica , Hall López Javier Arturo , Morales Ramírez Mara Michell , Alarcón Meza Edgar Ismael , Sáenz López Buñuel Pedro , Conde García Cristina
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de un programa de educación física adaptado utilizando la lengua de señas mexicana en niños con discapacidad auditiva sobre el desarrollo coordinativo motor. Materiales y métodos: El diseño del estudio fue cuasi-experimental, con muestreo por conveniencia, participando 22 estudiantes (edad 10 ± 1.8 años), diagnosticados con discapacidad auditiva, de dos escuelas de la ciudad de Mexicali, Baja California. México. Los participantes fueron divididos aleatoriamente en un grupo experimental (n=11) y un grupo control (n=11), a los cuales se les evaluó el desarrollo coordinativo motor mediante el test de coordinación corporal para niños KTK. El programa de educación física tuvo una duración de 5 meses, adaptando una programación de clases 2 veces a la semana, con una duración de 50 minutos por sesión, comunicándose con los alumnos mediante la lengua de señas mexicana y aplicando una serie de tareas que resaltando la coordinación motora. Resultados: Para comparar las variables de estudio se utilizó el test de análisis de varianza (ANOVA) mixtas 2 x 2, observando una interacción significativa entre grupo experimental y control, lo cual demostró una significancia positiva en el desarrollo coordinativo motor (p=0.01). Conclusión: Se establece que la aplicación de un programa de educación física adaptado durante cinco meses puede influenciar una mejora en la coordinación motora en niños con discapacidad auditiva.
Validation of the Scale of Perceived Riskof Sexually Transmitted Infections in Middle-aged and Older Adults
Authors: Gómez Melasio Dafne Astrid , Onofre Rodríguez Dora Julia , Trujillo Hernández Pedro Enrique , Rodríguez Vázquez Nancy , Hernández-Torres José Luis , Lara Reyes Braulio Josué
Published: June 2023

Background: Middle-aged and older adults often mistakenly underestimate the risk to which they are exposed when they engage in risky sexual behaviors. Furthermore, a reliable and valid measurement of the construct is necessary to capture its scope and meaning. Objective: To validate the structure of the Perceived Risk Scale for STIs in middle-aged and older adults, identify their perceived risk of STIs, and identify their relationship with some sociodemographic characteristics.Methods: The sample was composed of 295 middle-aged and older adults. A virtual online sampling was used. Males and females aged 50 years and older, sexually active in the last 12 months, were included. To measure the perceived risk of STIs, the scale of perceived risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was adapted, and a confirmatory factor analysis of the proposed three-factor structure was carried out.Results: The proposed structure of the scale was found to present acceptable adjustment rates (χ2 = 48.283, p˂.001; CFI = .962, RMSEA = .079, GFI = .963, TLI = .938). 28.1% of the participants presented low perceived risk; 46.8%, medium perceived risk; and 25.1%, high perceived risk. Association between marital status and perceived risk of STIs was identified. Conclusion: The Perceived Risk Scale for STIs is a reliable and valid instrument for captu-ring perceived risk of STIs in middle-aged and older adults. An appropriate measurement is considered important to accurately examine the relationship between perceived risk and behavior.
Offene-Welt-Strukturen
Authors: Bonner Marc
Published: June 2023

Welche Rolle spielen Algorithmen für den Bildbau und die Darstellung von Welt und Wetter in Computerspielen? Wie beeinflusst die Gestaltung der Räume, Level und Topografien die Entscheidungen und das Verhalten der Spieler_innen? Ist der Brutalismus der erste genuine Architekturstil der Computerspiele? Welche Bedeutung haben Landschaftsgärten und Nationalparks im Strukturieren von Spielwelten? Wie wird Natur in Zeiten des Klimawandels dargestellt? Insbesondere in den letzten 20 Jahren adaptieren digitale Spielwelten akribischer denn je Merkmale der physisch-realen Welt. Durch aufwändige Produktionsverfahren und komplexe Visualisierungsstrategien wird die Angleichung an unsere übrige Alltagswelt stets in Abhängigkeit von Spielmechanik und Weltlichkeit erzeugt. Wie sich spätestens am Beispiel der Open-World-Spiele zeigt, führt die Übernahme bestimmter Weltbilder und Bildtraditionen zu ideologischen Implikationen, die weit über die bisher im Fokus der Forschung stehenden, aus anderen Medienformaten transferierten Erzählkonventionen hinausgehen. Mit seiner Theorie der Architektur als medialem Scharnier legt Marc Bonner offen, dass digitale Spielwelten medienspezifische Eigenschaften aufweisen, die bisher nicht zu greifen waren und der Erforschung harrten. Durch Verschränken von Konzepten aus u.a. Medienwissenschaft, Game Studies, Philosophie, Architekturtheorie, Humangeografie, Landschaftstheorie und Kunstgeschichte erarbeitet Bonner ein transdisziplinäres Theoriemodell und ermöglicht anhand der daraus entwickelten analytischen Methoden erstmals, die komplexe Struktur heutiger Computerspiele – vom Indie Game bis zur AAA Open World – zu verstehen und zu benennen. Mit »Offene-Welt-Strukturen« wird die Architektonik digitaler Spielwelten umfassend zugänglich.
STUDI INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS: PENGALAMAN BIDAN DESA DI PUSKESMAS CISIMEUT DI WILAYAH BADUY
Authors: Giri Herlin Kencana , Prasetyo Anggun Resdasari
Published: June 2023

Bidan desa didefinisikan sebagai tenaga kesehatan yang paling dekat dengan masyarakat, serta diharapkan paling mengetahui kesehatan ibu hamil, ibu bersalin dan bayi di desa. Dalam hal ini seorang bidan desa memiliki tanggung jawab untuk mampu menangani permasalahan yang berkaitan dengan tugasnya sebagai bidan serta mampu menanggulangi stres kerja yang mungkin timbul di kemudian hari. Orang Kanékés atau orang Baduy adalah suatu kelompok masyarakat adat Sunda di wilayah Kabupaten Lebak, Banten. Di dalam masyarakat dari sisi kebudayaan ada dua sistem pelayanan kesehatan, yaitu sistem budaya pelayanan kesehatan modern dan sistem budaya pelayanan kesehatan tradisional. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengalaman kerja bidan desa di Puskesmas Cisimeut di wilayah Baduy. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah bidan desa di Puskesmas Cisimeut, kabupaten Lebak, Banten. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara dengan metode analisis menggunakan interpretative phenomenological analysis. Dalam penelitian ini ditemukan empat tema induk yakni, (1) pengaruh yang dirasakan selama berprofesi sebagai bidan desa, (2) tantangan dalam menjalani profesi bidan, dan (3) faktor pendukung dalam menjalankan profesi bidan.
“SATU TAHUN MENJABAT SELAMANYA MENGINSIPIRASI” (STUDI FENOMENOLOGI PENGALAMAN MENJADI DENOK KOTA SEMARANG)
Authors: H. Yoan Angeline , Masykur Achmad Mujab
Published: June 2023

Denok adalah sebutan untuk duta wisata perempuan Kota Semarang. Seorang Denok harus memiliki tiga aspek yaitu brain, beauty, and behavior. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan pengalaman menjadi Denok Kota Semarang. Penelitian dilakukan secara kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Subjek penelitian ini adalah tiga orang juara 1 Denok Kota Semarang dan dipilih secara purposif. Pengambilan data digunakan dengan wawancara semi terstruktur, data audio, dan transkrip wawancara dianalisa dengan teknik eksplikasi data. Hasil penelitian menggambarkan proses menjadi Denok Kota Semarang mulai dari sebelum memutuskan untuk mendaftar, saat mengikuti rangkaian kontes, dan setelah menjadi Denok. Sebelum memutuskan untuk mendaftar ketiga subjek termotivasi karena ingin produktif di usia muda serta pembuktian prestasi kepada pelaku bullying. Saat mengikuti rangkaian kontes ketiga subjek memberikan usaha maksimal untuk mencapai tujuan atau disebut goal competitiveness. Subjek mendapat dukungan dari keluarga serta lingkungan sosial. Setelah dinobatkan sebagai Denok terjadi perubahan dalam  segi karier, relasi, dampak terhadap keluarga, risiko menjadi Denok, dampak menjadi Denok, perencanaan karier, serta prestasi yang diraih. Kata kunci: Studi fenomenologi, Denok Kota Semarang, Beauty Pageant