bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadrunner
Authors: Clover Joshua
Published: August 2021

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers' 1972 song “Roadrunner” captures the freedom and wonder of cruising down the highway late at night with the radio on. Although the song circles Boston's beltway, its significance reaches far beyond Richman's deceptively simple declarations of love for modern moonlight, the made world, and rock & roll. In Roadrunner, cultural theorist and poet Joshua Clover charts both the song's emotional power and its elaborate history, tracing its place in popular music from Chuck Berry to M.I.A. He also locates “Roadrunner” at the intersection of car culture, industrialization, consumption, mobility, and politics. Like the song itself, Clover tells a story about a particular time and place—the American era that rock & roll signifies—that becomes a story about love and the modern world.
A Mass Conspiracy to Feed People
Authors: Giles David Boarder
Published: August 2021

In A Mass Conspiracy to Feed People, David Boarder Giles explores the ways in which capitalism simultaneously manufactures waste and scarcity. Illustrating how communities of marginalized people and discarded things gather and cultivate political possibilities, Giles documents the work of Food Not Bombs (FNB), a global movement of grassroots soup kitchens that recover wasted grocery surpluses and redistribute them to those in need. He explores FNB's urban contexts: the global cities in which late-capitalist economies and unsustainable consumption precipitate excess, inequality, food waste, and hunger. Beginning in urban dumpsters, Giles traces the logic by which perfectly edible commodities are nonetheless thrown out—an act that manufactures food scarcity—to the social order of “world-class” cities, the pathways of discarded food as it circulates through the FNB kitchen, and the anticapitalist political movements the kitchen represents. Describing the mutual entanglement of global capitalism and anticapitalist transgression, Giles captures those emergent forms of generosity, solidarity, and resistance that spring from the global city's marginalized residents.
Energetics of whiskered bats in comparison to other bats of the family Vespertilionidae
Authors: Skåra Karoline H. , Bech Claus , Fjelldal Mari Aas , van der Kooij Jeroen , Sørås Rune , Stawski Clare
Published: August 2021

Bats inhabit a variety of climate types, ranging from tropical to temperate zones, and environmental differences may therefore affect the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of bats from different populations. In the present study, we provide novel data on the energetics of whiskered bats (Myotis mystacinus), which is the smallest species within Chiroptera measured to date. We investigated the thermoregulatory strategies of M. mystacinus close to the northern limits of this species’ distribution range and compared these data to other vespertilionid bats living in different climates. As mammals living in colder areas experience elevated thermoregulatory costs, often leading to an increase in BMR, we hypothesised that BMR of this northern population of whiskered bats would be higher than that of bats from climates with warm environmental temperatures. From a systematic literature search we obtained BMR estimates (N=47) from 24 species within Vespertilionidae. Our metabolic measurements of M. mystacinus in Norway (body mass of 4.4 g; BMR of 1.48 ml O2 g−1 h−1) were not different from other vespertilionid bats, based on the allometric equation obtained from the systematic literature search. Further, there was no effect of environmental temperature on BMR within Vespertilionidae. How these tiny bats adapt metabolically to high latitude living is thus still an open question. Bats do have a suite of physiological strategies used to cope with the varying climates which they inhabit, and one possible factor could be that instead of adjusting BMR they could express more torpor.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Itpr1 regulates the formation of anterior eye segment tissues derived from neural crest cells
Authors: Kinoshita Akira , Ohyama Kaname , Tanimura Susumu , Matsuda Katsuya , Kishino Tatsuya , Negishi Yutaka , Asahina Naoko , Shiraishi Hideaki , Hosoki Kana , Tomiwa Kiyotaka , Ishihara Naoko , Mishima Hiroyuki , Mori Ryoichi , Nakashima Masahiro , Saitoh Shinji , Yoshiura Koh-ichiro
Published: August 2021

Mutations in ITPR1 cause ataxia and aniridia in individuals with Gillespie syndrome (GLSP). However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying aniridia remain unclear. We identified a de novo GLSP mutation hotspot in the 3′-region of ITPR1 in five individuals with GLSP. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing and immunoblotting revealed an eye-specific transcript of Itpr1, encoding a 218amino acid isoform. This isoform is localized not only in the endoplasmic reticulum, but also in the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes. Ocular-specific transcription was repressed by SOX9 and induced by MAF in the anterior eye segment (AES) tissues. Mice lacking seven base pairs of the last Itpr1 exon exhibited ataxia and aniridia, in which the iris lymphatic vessels, sphincter and dilator muscles, corneal endothelium and stroma were disrupted, but the neural crest cells persisted after completion of AES formation. Our analyses revealed that the 218-amino acid isoform regulated the directionality of actin fibers and the intensity of focal adhesion. The isoform might control the nuclear entry of transcriptional regulators, such as YAP. It is also possible that ITPR1 regulates both AES differentiation and muscle contraction in the iris.
The exocyst complex regulates C. elegans germline stem cell proliferation by controlling membrane Notch levels
Authors: Pushpa Kumari , Dagar Sunayana , Kumar Harsh , Pathak Diksha , Mylavarapu Sivaram V. S.
Published: August 2021

The conserved exocyst complex regulates plasma membrane-directed vesicle fusion in eukaryotes. However, its role in stem cell proliferation has not been reported. Germline stem cell (GSC) proliferation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is regulated by conserved Notch signaling. Here, we reveal that the exocyst complex regulates C. elegans GSC proliferation by modulating Notch signaling cell autonomously. Notch membrane density is asymmetrically maintained on GSCs. Knockdown of exocyst complex subunits or of the exocyst-interacting GTPases Rab5 and Rab11 leads to Notch redistribution from the GSC-niche interface to the cytoplasm, suggesting defects in plasma membrane Notch deposition. The anterior polarity (aPar) protein Par6 is required for GSC proliferation, and for maintaining niche-facing membrane levels of Notch and the exocyst complex. The exocyst complex biochemically interacts with the aPar regulator Par5 (14-3-3ζ) and Notch in C. elegans and human cells. Exocyst components are required for Notch plasma membrane localization and signaling in mammalian cells. Our study uncovers a possibly conserved requirement of the exocyst complex in regulating GSC proliferation and in maintaining optimal membrane Notch levels.
Glucose and Fructose Hydrogel Enhances Running Performance, Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation, and Gastrointestinal Tolerance
Authors: ROWE JOSHUA T. , KING RODERICK F. G. J. , KING ANDY J. , MORRISON DOUGLAS J. , PRESTON THOMAS , WILSON OLIVER J. , O’HARA JOHN P.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Beneficial effects of carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion on exogenous CHO oxidation and endurance performance require a well-functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, GI complaints are common during endurance running. This study investigated the effect of a CHO solution-containing sodium alginate and pectin (hydrogel) on endurance running performance, exogenous and endogenous CHO oxidation, and GI symptoms.

Methods

Eleven trained male runners, using a randomized, double-blind design, completed three 120-min steady-state runs at 68% V˙O2max, followed by a 5-km time-trial. Participants ingested 90 g·h−1 of 2:1 glucose–fructose (13C enriched) as a CHO hydrogel, a standard CHO solution (nonhydrogel), or a CHO-free placebo during the 120 min. Fat oxidation, total and exogenous CHO oxidation, plasma glucose oxidation, and endogenous glucose oxidation from liver and muscle glycogen were calculated using indirect calorimetry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. GI symptoms were recorded throughout the trial.

Results

Time-trial performance was 7.6% and 5.6% faster after hydrogel ([min:s] 19:29 ± 2:24, P < 0.001) and nonhydrogel (19:54 ± 2:23, P = 0.002), respectively, versus placebo (21:05 ± 2:34). Time-trial performance after hydrogel was 2.1% faster (P = 0.033) than nonhydrogel. Absolute and relative exogenous CHO oxidation was greater with hydrogel (68.6 ± 10.8 g, 31.9% ± 2.7%; P = 0.01) versus nonhydrogel (63.4 ± 8.1 g, 29.3% ± 2.0%; P = 0.003). Absolute and relative endogenous CHO oxidation was lower in both CHO conditions compared with placebo (P < 0.001), with no difference between CHO conditions. Absolute and relative liver glucose oxidation and muscle glycogen oxidation were not different between CHO conditions. Total GI symptoms were not different between hydrogel and placebo, but GI symptoms were higher in nonhydrogel compared with placebo and hydrogel (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ingestion of glucose and fructose in hydrogel form during running benefited endurance performance, exogenous CHO oxidation, and GI symptoms compared with a standard CHO solution.
Impact of pseudouridylation, substrate fold, and degradosome organization on the endonuclease activity of RNase E
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Bandyra Katarzyna J. , Chao Yanjie , Vogel Jörg , Luisi Ben F.
Published: August 2021

The conserved endoribonuclease RNase E dominates the dynamic landscape of RNA metabolism and underpins control mediated by small regulatory RNAs in diverse bacterial species. We explored the enzyme's hydrolytic mechanism, allosteric activation, and interplay with partner proteins in the multicomponent RNA degradosome assembly of Escherichia coli. RNase E cleaves single-stranded RNA with preference to attack the phosphate located at the 5′ nucleotide preceding uracil, and we corroborate key interactions that select that base. Unexpectedly, RNase E activity is impeded strongly when the recognized uracil is isomerized to 5-ribosyluracil (pseudouridine), from which we infer the detailed geometry of the hydrolytic attack process. Kinetics analyses support models for recognition of secondary structure in substrates by RNase E and for allosteric autoregulation. The catalytic power of the enzyme is boosted when it is assembled into the multienzyme RNA degradosome, most likely as a consequence of substrate capture and presentation. Our results rationalize the origins of substrate preferences of RNase E and illuminate its catalytic mechanism, supporting the roles of allosteric domain closure and cooperation with other components of the RNA degradosome complex.
Trunks of multi-stem black poplars may have different genotypes – evidence from the Oder valley in Poland
Authors: Żukowska Weronika Barbara , Wójkiewicz Błażej , Lewandowski Andrzej
Published: August 2021

The black poplar (Populus nigra L.) is an ecologically and economically important tree species, characteristic for floodplain forests in Europe. It is now considered to be endangered in many European countries due to the loss of its natural habitat caused by the development of river engineering and intensive land use management of riverside areas. Multi-stem specimens can be found occasionally in natural black poplar populations. The percentage of such individuals is low, although in some stands it may be over a dozen percent. The origin of multi-stem trees may be different. As a consequence, trunks being part of such a tree can have the same or different genotypes. The study aimed to find out whether all trunks of multi-stem black poplars are ramets of the same genet or if their genotypes are different, in which case they increase the gene pool of the population. We used 13 microsatellite nuclear markers to analyze the genotypes of 83 trunks belonging to 34 multi-stem black poplar trees from five natural populations from the Oder river valley in Poland. We also performed the sibship analysis of all trunks. The results showed that the trunks being part of the particular individual had distinct genotypes in five trees (14.7%). This indicates that they were formed as a result of the fusion of two genetically different individuals. The sibship analysis revealed that one multi-stem tree was represented by full-sibs. In the remaining four trees the fused trunks were not related. Nevertheless, we found three pairs of half-sibs between different trees that were distant from each other. The majority of the multi-stem trees we examined developed most probably due to the damage to the apical meristem of the main shoot of a single-stem tree. Nevertheless, some of them were indeed formed from two distinct individuals. Therefore, if a particular population consists of a small number of individuals, we recommend to study the genotypic homogeneity of each multi-stem tree.
eLabFTW as an Open Science tool to improve the quality and translation of preclinical research
Authors: Hewera Michael , Hänggi Daniel , Gerlach Björn , Kahlert Ulf Dietrich
Published: August 2021

Reports of non-replicable research demand new methods of research data management. Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are suggested as tools to improve the documentation of research data and make them universally accessible. In a self-guided approach, we introduced the open-source ELN eLabFTW into our life-science lab group and, after using it for a while, think it is a useful tool to overcome hurdles in ELN introduction by providing a combination of properties making it suitable for small life-science labs, like ours. We set up our instance of eLabFTW, without any further programming needed. Our efforts to embrace open data approach by introducing an ELN fits well with other institutional organized ELN initiatives in academic research and our goals towards data quality management.
Presentation of cytokine profile in relation to oxidative stress parameters in patients with severe COVID-19: an observational pilot study
Authors: Petrushevska Marija , Zendelovska Dragica , Atanasovska Emilija , Eftimov Aleksandar , Spasovska Katerina
Published: August 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 can be worsened by hyper-production of cytokines accompanied by increased level of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between a set of cytokines and the markers of the oxidative stress.

Methods: The levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL8, IL-10, VEGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1α, MCP-1 and EGF were determined by using High Sensitivity Evidence Investigator™ Biochip Array technology. The oxidative stress parameters (d-ROM, PAT, OS index) were measured in serum on FRAS5 analytical photometric system.

Results: IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, MCP-1 and EGF were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the patients with severe COVID-19 with increased levels of IL-2, IFN-g, TNF-a and IL-1α. The d-ROM, OS index, and PAT were significantly higher (p<0.05) in severe COVID-19 patients. IL-6 demonstrated the strongest correlation with all of the markers of the oxidative stress, d-ROM (r=0.9725, p=0.0001), PAT (r=0.5000, p=0.0001) and OS index (r=0.9593, p=0.012). Similar behavior was evidenced between IFN-g and d-ROM (r=0.4006, p=0.0001), PAT (r=0.6030, p=0.0001) and OS index (r=0.4298, p=0.012).

Conclusion: The oxidative stress markers show good correlation with the tested cytokines which can be measured at the beginning of the disease in a primary care setting to predict the course of COVID-19.
Derechos colectivos de los trabajadores a distancia en el Real Decreto-Ley 28/2020 de 22 de septiembre: problemas de aplicación práctica.
Authors: Domínguez Morales Ana
Published: August 2021

: El trabajo a distancia por fin goza de una regulación detallada y completa, no exenta de carencias y conceptos jurídicos indeterminados. Una de las esferas a las que dedica su atención es al reconocimiento de los derechos colectivos de los trabajadores a distancia, que se encuentren incluidos en su ámbito de aplicación del que se excluyen, entre otros, a quienes todavía prestan sus servicios a distancia por imposición empresarial como consecuencia de la pandemia derivada de la Covid– 19. Destacan, entre tales derechos colectivos, las garantías para su ejecución, tales como la puesta a disposición de elementos precisos para el desarrollo de su actividad representativa que aseguren la inexistencia de obstáculos para la comunicación entre las personas trabajadoras a distancia y sus representantes legales. Este trabajo se dirige, especialmente, a destacar los problemas de aplicación práctica que puede generar el reconocimiento legal de los derechos colectivos, a falta de una regulación convencional que detalle su régimen aplicativo a cada contexto en particular.
Critical-Path-Search Logic-Based Benders Decomposition Approaches for Flexible Job Shop Scheduling
Authors: Naderi Bahman , Roshanaei Vahid
Published: August 2021

We solve the flexible job shop scheduling problems (F-JSSPs) to minimize makespan. First, we compare the constraint programming (CP) model with the mixed-integer programming (MIP) model for F-JSSPs. Second, we exploit the decomposable structure within the models and develop an efficient CP–logic-based Benders decomposition (CP-LBBD) technique that combines the complementary strengths of MIP and CP models. Using 193 instances from the literature, we demonstrate that MIP, CP, and CP-LBBD achieve average optimality gaps of 25.50%, 13.46%, and 0.37% and find optima in 49, 112, and 156 instances of the problem, respectively. We also compare the performance of the CP-LBBD with an efficient Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) algorithm, which has been appraised for finding 125 optima on 178 instances. CP-LBBD finds 143 optima on the same set of instances. We further examine the performance of the algorithms on 96 newly (and much larger) generated instances and demonstrate that the average optimality gap of the CP increases to 47.26%, whereas the average optimality of CP-LBBD remains around 1.44%. Finally, we conduct analytics on the performance of our models and algorithms and counterintuitively find out that as flexibility increases in data sets the performance CP-LBBD ameliorates, whereas that of the CP and MIP significantly deteriorates.
Reporting Technologies and Textual Readability: Evidence from the XBRL Mandate
Authors: Li Xitong , Zhu Hongwei , Zuo Luo
Published: August 2021

The eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) can standardize numerical disclosures and make it easier for computers to process and compare financial reports. This perceived benefit of XBRL has prompted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to mandate that public firms must submit financial statements in the XBRL format as part of their financial reports. Leveraging the research opportunity created by the XBRL mandate, we examine whether financial reporting technologies affect how firms construct textual disclosures. We find that the initial adopters’ HTML-formatted annual reports become harder to read after the XBRL mandate. Further analysis reveals that this effect is concentrated among adopters with more quantitative disclosures, a smaller firm size, or a higher level of financial complexity. Importantly, we show that managers’ reduced attention to preparing HTML-formatted annual reports, rather than increased disclosures, is likely the explanation for this decrease in textual readability. We also find that the negative effect on textual readability persists at least in the subsequent year. Our findings suggest that the XBRL adopters need to pay attention to process optimization and technology enablement to mitigate the possible negative effect of XBRL adoption on the readability of financial reports.
Deposit Supply and Bank Transparency
Authors: Jiang Liangliang , Levine Ross , Lin Chen , Xie Wensi
Published: August 2021

Does a bank’s dependence on different external funding sources shape its voluntary disclosure of information? We evaluate whether economic shocks that increase the supply of bank deposits alter the cost–benefit calculations of bank managers concerning voluntary information disclosure. We measure information disclosure using 10-K filings, 8-K filings, and earnings guidance. As for the funding shock, we use unanticipated technological innovations that triggered shale development and booms in bank deposits. Further analyses suggest that greater exposure to shale development reduced information disclosure by relaxing the incentives for managers to disclose information to attract funds from external capital markets.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Hypoplastic Coronary Artery Disease Presenting with Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Guo Abra , Bakhshi Hooman , O'Hara James , Genovese Leonard , Fein Adam , Maghsoudi Alireza , Sandesara Chirag
Published: August 2021

Hypoplastic coronary artery disease is a rare congenital anomaly that may present with ischaemic heart disease, heart failure or sudden cardiac death (SCD). We describe a case of cardiac arrest in a healthy young man. Work-up revealed a hypoplastic left anterior descending artery. The patient underwent cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for secondary prevention.
Telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy: a scoping review
Authors: Önal Gözde , Güney Güleser , Gün Fatma , Huri Meral
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

This study reviewed the use of telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy practice and its clinical outcomes over the past 20 years.

Methods

A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley's five stages was undertaken using six databases and Google Scholar. The scoping review covered articles from January 2000 to April 2020.

Results

A total of 22 articles were reviewed. Most studies indicated positive outcomes of using telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy practice. Although there is insufficient evidence, the results indicated that telehealth can be more effective than face-to-face interventions when there are mobility or travel challenges for children.

Conclusions

The use of telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy is an alternative service delivery model, facilitating access for children and their families to the rehabilitation services. Further research is needed to address the difficulties and potential solutions to expand the use of telehealth services to help children with disadvantages alongside their families.
Variation of synovial fluid leucocyte cell count and polymorphonuclear percentage in patients with aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Kirchhoff Felix , Reichel Heiko , Perka Carsten , Faschingbauer Martin , Gwinner Clemens
Published: August 2021

Aims

Current guidelines consider analyses of joint aspirates, including leucocyte cell count (LC) and polymorphonuclear percentage (PMN%) as a diagnostic mainstay of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). It is unclear if these parameters are subject to a certain degree of variability over time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of LC and PMN% in patients with aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective, double-centre study of 40 patients with 40 knee joints. Patients underwent joint aspiration at two different time points with a maximum period of 120 days in between these interventions and without any events such as other joint aspirations or surgeries. The main indications for TKA revision surgery were aseptic implant loosening (n = 24) and joint instability (n = 11).

Results

Overall, 80 synovial fluid samples of 40 patients were analyzed. The average time period between the joint aspirations was 50 days (SD 32). There was a significantly higher percentage change in LC when compared to PMN% (44.1% (SD 28.6%) vs 27.3% (SD 23.7%); p = 0.003). When applying standard definition criteria, LC counts were found to skip back and forth between the two time points with exceeding the thresholds in up to 20% of cases, which was significantly more compared to PMN% for the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) criteria (p = 0.001), as well as for Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

LC and PMN% are subject to considerable variation. According to its higher interindividual variance, LC evaluation might contribute to false-positive or false-negative results in PJI assessment. Single LC testing prior to TKA revision surgery seems to be insufficient to exclude PJI. On the basis of the obtained results, PMN% analyses overrule LC measurements with regard to a conclusive diagnostic algorithm. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):566–572.
Single-detecting-path high-resolution displacement sensor based onself-interference effect of a single submicrometer grating
Authors: Qi Jie , Gong Meimei , Xie Kunyang , Cao Bin , Jin Liming , Tang Weiping , Zhang Rui , Jin Li , Zhou Yanru , Li Mengwei , Xin Chenguang
Published: August 2021

On the basis of the self-interference effect between

±
1

st-order diffraction beams from a
single optical submicrometer grating, we demonstrate a
single-detecting-path optical displacement sensor with high
resolution. Using a quadrant optoelectronic detector, a
single-detecting-path system without any wave plates is realized
experimentally. Combined with an interpolation circuit, we demonstrate
the system for displacement measurement within a range of 200 µm. The
results indicate a detecting sensitivity of 905.4°/µm and an accuracy
of

±
1

.

9

µ

m

. It is worth mentioning that,
considering a maximum subdividing factor of 9674 used in experiment,
the resolution goes down to 41.1 pm in principle. We demonstrate a
compact optical sensor with high resolution, which is promising in
developing miniaturized displacement systems.
Optical OAM tweezer based on graded-index multimode fibers
Authors: Ren Wenxu , Gong Yandong , Zhang Zhuo , Li Ke
Published: August 2021

A fiber-optic probe consisting of a section of graded-index multimode fiber (GIMF) fused onto a few-mode fiber (FMF) is proposed in this paper. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode guided by the FMF was launched into the GIMF, and a focused OAM beam profile was obtained by tailoring the length of the GIMF. Based on the analysis of the propagation trajectory, the intensity distributions, and the phase distributions of the vortex beam in GIMF, the focusing properties of the OAM mode were investigated. It is found that there exists a maximum working distance at an optimal GIMF length, and a trade-off between the beam size and working distance should be taken into account for optical tweezer applications. These results are expected to be applied to optical fiber tweezers for more flexible and efficient optical manipulation of particles.
Planar light-wave circuit-based switchable
LP11a–LP11b mode
rotator
Authors: Memon Areez Khalil , Song Qianqian , Wu Jieyun , Chen Kaixin , Shahzadi Mahnoor
Published: August 2021

A simple planar light-wave circuit-based switchable

L
P

11

a

−

L
P

11

b

mode rotator for reconfigurable mode division multiplexing is proposed, which consists of a polymer waveguide and an electrode heater located on the waveguide. Because of the asymmetric refractive index distribution in the horizontal and vertical directions, induced by the thermo-optic effect, mode rotation between the

L
P

11

a

and

L
P

11

b

modes can be achieved when the heater is ON but there can be no mode rotation when the heater is OFF. Numerical simulations show that our well-designed mode rotator with optical polymer materials, which has a length of 2750 µm, can achieve a mode conversion efficiency (MCE) larger than 84% over the entire

C

+

L

band (1530–1610 nm) and a maximum MCE of 96% at 1550 nm. The switching electric power is 161.5 mW. The calculated temperature within the waveguide core is from 186°C (close to the heater) to 86°C (away from the heater).
Spatial and temporal domain filtering for underwater lidar
Authors: Jantzi Austin , Jemison William , Illig David , Mullen Linda
Published: August 2021

Combined spatial and temporal processing techniques are presented to
enhance optical ranging in underwater environments. The performance of
underwater light detection and ranging (lidar) is often limited by
scattering. Previous work has demonstrated that both hybrid
lidar–radar, which temporally modulates the amplitude of light, and
optical spatial coherence filtering, which spatially modulates the
phase of light, have independently reduced the effects of scattering,
improving performance. The combined performance of the processing
methods is investigated, and experimental results demonstrate that the
combined filtering improves the performance of underwater lidar
systems beyond what either method provides independently.
SU(1,1) interferometry with parity measurement
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Jian-Dong
Published: August 2021

We present a new operator method in the Heisenberg representation to obtain the signal of parity measurement within a lossless SU(1,1) interferometer. Based on this method, it is convenient to derive the parity signal directly in terms of input states, including general Gaussian and non-Gaussian states. As applications, we revisit the signal of parity measurement within an SU(1,1) interferometer when a coherent or thermal state and a squeezed vacuum state are considered as input states. In addition, we obtain the parity signal of an arbitrary single-mode state when it passes through an SU(1,1) interferometer, which is also a new result. Then, we analytically prove that parity measurement can saturate the quantum Cramér–Rao bound when the estimated phase approaches zero. Therefore, the operator method proposed in this work may bring convenience to the study of quantum metrology, particularly the phase estimation based on an SU(1,1) interferometer.
Closed aperture CW Z-scan of L-tryptophan for determination of optical nonlinearity in the thermal regime
Authors: Tarek S. A. , Faruque S. B. , Sharafuddin S. M. , Hasan K. M. E. , Hossain A. K. M. M. , Ara H. , Biswas M. K. , Haque Y.
Published: August 2021

The closed aperture continuous wave Z-scan of L-tryptophan at 661 nm
was performed to investigate the variation of on-axis nonlinear phase
shift

(

Δ

Φ
0

)

with the change of optical field
strength.

Δ

Φ
0

was found to vary nonlinearly with
irradiance (

I
0

)

in the range from 150 to

290

M
W

/

m

2

. This nonlinear variation is
explained by considering the effect of linear and nonlinear absorption
of radiation on the thermo-optical refractive index. Using the
quadratic fitting of

Δ

Φ
0

with

I
0

, we have found the thermo-optic
coefficient of refractive index

d
n

/

d
T

, thermal coefficient of nonlinear
refractive index

n
2
T

, and the nonlinear absorption
coefficient

β

in the observed power
regime.
Bidirectional MMWoF-wireless convergence system based on a 1610 nm L-band quantum-dash laser
Authors: Khan M. Z. M. , Tareq Q. , Ragheb A. M. , Esmail M. A. , Alshebeili S. A.
Published: August 2021

We report bidirectional 25/28 GHz millimeter wave (MMW)-over-fiber (MMWoF) and MMWoF-wireless (MMWoF-WL) transmission systems employing a single self-injection locked InAs/InP quantum-dash dual-mode laser (QD-DML) as a MMW source. Besides, we demonstrate the entire system exploiting the challenging mid-L-band wavelength window (1610 nm) to substantiate this source's potential, which exhibits tunability from C- to L-bands, in next-generation optical networks covering these wavelengths' window operations. While exhibiting 28 GHz mode spacing between the two optical carriers of QD-DML, a downstream (DS) transmission of 4.0 Gbaud (8 Gbits/s) quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal is conducted over this carrier. In addition, a simultaneous 2.0 Gbaud (8 Gbits/s) 16-level quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) upstream (US) transmission on a 25 GHz MMW beat-tone is also achieved by exploiting one of the DS optical tones. A rigorous transmission characterization of variable DS and US QPSK/16-QAM data rates over MMWoF (10 km SMF) and MMWoF-WL (10 km SMF and up to 4 m wireless) are performed, showing a strong influence of phase noise on the DS link and hence the receiver sensitivity.
Broadband silicon four-mode multi/demultiplexer designed by a wavefront matching method
Authors: Sawada Yusuke , Fujisawa Takeshi , Sato Takanori , Saitoh Kunimasa
Published: August 2021

We propose a broadband silicon four-mode multi/demultiplexer which consists of three asymmetric directional couplers, and the asymmetric directional couplers were designed by a wavefront matching method to operate as mode multi/demultiplexers for TE1, TE2, and TE3 modes, respectively. Simulated results show that the −0.5-dB bandwidths of normalized transmission of the couplers designed by a wavefront matching method are 112, 114, and 134 nm, respectively. Those for the conventional couplers are 80, 72, 65 nm, respectively. The superiority of asymmetric directional couplers designed by a wavefront matching method are experimentally demonstrated. In the additional investigation, ultrabroadband tapered asymmetric directional couplers are theoretically demonstrated.
Raman enhancement mechanism and experiments of cavity-enhanced AgNP decorated tapered fiber sensor
Authors: Zhengkun Wang , Zhinan Yu , Ning Wang , Yong Zhu , Jie Zhang
Published: August 2021

A Raman sensor based on a cavity-enhanced Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) decorated tapered fiber is proposed. Its Raman enhancements are mainly caused by the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of AgNPs decorated on the tapered optical fiber surface and the further reflective laser excitation induced by the capillary-based reflective cavity. We theoretically investigate the backward Stokes power conversion efficiency and cavity enhancement factor of the sensor. The calculated relationship between the cavity enhancement factor

ξ

and distance L from the tip to reflective rod is also discussed. Subsequently, the proving experiments were carried out for a tapered fiber surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe and cavity-enhanced metal decorated tapered fiber Raman sensors. The analytical enhancement factor is

5.51

×

1

0

4

for the tapered fiber SERS probe. Moreover, the predicted curves of the theoretical model are close to the experimental values. This Letter provides a possible way to rigorously quantify the complete coupling efficiency for tapered fiber SERS probes, as well as cavity enhancement factors of cavity-enhanced Raman sensors.
Offene Verwaltungsdaten zur Wirkung bringen: Was sind die Schlüssel zum Erfolg?
Authors: Neumann Oliver , Mettler Tobias
Published: August 2021

Die Digitalisierung schreitet auch im öffentlichen Sektor immer weiter voran. Ein wichtiger Aspekt der Verwaltungsdigitalisierung in vielen Ländern ist die Bereitstellung von Verwaltungsdaten als Open Government Data (OGD), auf Deutsch offene Verwaltungsdaten, denn öffentliche Organisationen produzieren und sammeln oft grosse Mengen an Daten und sind gleichzeitig zur Transparenz verpflichtet. Vermehrt stellt sich jedoch die Frage, wie offene Verwaltungsdaten auch über die Transparenz hinaus eine positive Wirkung im Sinne des Gemeinwohls leisten können und wie dies gefördert werden könnte. Im vorliegenden diskursiven Beitrag beschäftigen wir uns daher in drei Schritten mit den Voraussetzungen und Erfolgsfaktoren der Wirkungserzeugung durch offene Verwaltungsdaten. Erstens diskutieren wir, wie offene Verwaltungsdaten optimal publiziert werden können, so dass sie möglichst einfach von Dritten gefunden, gelesen und weiterbearbeitet werden können. Zweitens besprechen wir, was Wirkung in Bezug auf offene Verwaltungsdaten bedeutet, welche Arten von Wirkung unterschieden werden können und welche Mechanismen potenziell zu Wirkung führen. Drittens fokussieren wir noch spezifisch auf das Instrument der Innovationswettbewerbe, wie beispielsweise Hackathons, als möglichen Schlüssel zum Erfolg. Da öffentliche Organisationen sich vermehrt an solchen Veranstaltungen engagieren, geben wir einige konkrete Empfehlungen für die Vorbereitung und Teilnahme an diesen doch etwas besonderen Wettbewerben, bevor wir ein Fazit ziehen.
Predictive values for different cancers and inflammatory bowel disease of 6 common abdominal symptoms among more than 1.9 million primary care patients in the UK: A cohort study
Authors: Herbert Annie , Rafiq Meena , Pham Tra My , Renzi Cristina , Abel Gary A. , Price Sarah , Hamilton Willie , Petersen Irene , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: August 2021

Background

The diagnostic assessment of abdominal symptoms in primary care presents a challenge. Evidence is needed about the positive predictive values (PPVs) of abdominal symptoms for different cancers and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods and findings

Using data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) in the United Kingdom (2000–2017), we estimated the PPVs for diagnosis of (i) cancer (overall and for different cancer sites); (ii) IBD; and (iii) either cancer or IBD in the year post-consultation with each of 6 abdominal symptoms: dysphagia (n = 86,193 patients), abdominal bloating/distension (n = 100,856), change in bowel habit (n = 106,715), rectal bleeding (n = 235,094), dyspepsia (n = 517,326), and abdominal pain (n = 890,490). The median age ranged from 54 (abdominal pain) to 63 years (dysphagia and change in bowel habit); the ratio of women/men ranged from 50%:50% (rectal bleeding) to 73%:27% (abdominal bloating/distension). Across all studied symptoms, the risk of diagnosis of cancer and the risk of diagnosis of IBD were of similar magnitude, particularly in women, and younger men. Estimated PPVs were greatest for change in bowel habit in men (4.64% cancer and 2.82% IBD) and for rectal bleeding in women (2.39% cancer and 2.57% IBD) and lowest for dyspepsia (for cancer: 1.41% men and 1.03% women; for IBD: 0.89% men and 1.00% women). Considering PPVs for specific cancers, change in bowel habit and rectal bleeding had the highest PPVs for colon and rectal cancer; dysphagia for esophageal cancer; and abdominal bloating/distension (in women) for ovarian cancer. The highest PPVs of abdominal pain (either sex) and abdominal bloating/distension (men only) were for non-abdominal cancer sites. For the composite outcome of diagnosis of either cancer or IBD, PPVs of rectal bleeding exceeded the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE)-recommended specialist referral threshold of 3% in all age–sex strata, as did PPVs of abdominal pain, change in bowel habit, and dyspepsia, in those aged 60 years and over. Study limitations include reliance on accuracy and completeness of coding of symptoms and disease outcomes.

Conclusions

Based on evidence from more than 1.9 million patients presenting in primary care, the findings provide estimated PPVs that could be used to guide specialist referral decisions, considering the PPVs of common abdominal symptoms for cancer alongside that for IBD and their composite outcome (cancer or IBD), taking into account the variable PPVs of different abdominal symptoms for different cancers sites. Jointly assessing the risk of cancer or IBD can better support decision-making and prompt diagnosis of both conditions, optimising specialist referrals or investigations, particularly in women.
Clinical outcomes and outcome measurement tools reported in randomised controlled trials of treatment for snakebite envenoming: A systematic review
Authors: Abouyannis Michael , Aggarwal Dinesh , Lalloo David G. , Casewell Nicholas R. , Hamaluba Mainga , Esmail Hanif
Published: August 2021

Background

Snakebite is a priority neglected tropical disease and causes a range of complications that vary depending on the snake species. Randomised clinical trials have used varied outcome measures that do not allow results to be compared or combined. In accordance with the Core Outcomes Measurements in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative, this systematic review aims to support the development of a globally relevant core outcome set for snakebite.

Methods

All randomised controlled trials, secondary analyses of randomised controlled trials and study protocols investigating the efficacy of therapeutics for human snakebite envenoming were eligible for inclusion. Study screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate by two independent reviewers. All primary and secondary outcome measures were extracted and compiled, as were adverse event outcome measures. Similar outcome measures were grouped into domains. The study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020196160.

Results

This systematic review included 43 randomised controlled trials, two secondary analyses and 13 study protocols. A total of 382 outcome measures were extracted and, after duplicates were merged, there were 153 unique outcomes. The most frequently used outcome domain (‘venom antigenaemia’) was included in less than one third of the studies. The unique outcomes were classified into 60 outcome domains. Patient-centred outcomes were used in only three of the studies.

Discussion

Significant heterogeneity in outcome measures exists in snakebite clinical trials. Consensus is needed to select outcome measures that are valid, reliable, patient-centred and feasible. The results of this systematic review strongly support the development of a core outcome set for use in snakebite clinical trials.
Epidemiological study on foot-and-mouth disease in small ruminants: Sero-prevalence and risk factor assessment in Kenya
Authors: Chepkwony Eunice C. , Gitao George C. , Muchemi Gerald M. , Sangula Abraham K. , Kairu-Wanyoike Salome W.
Published: August 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Kenya affecting cloven-hoofed ruminants. The epidemiology of the disease in small ruminants (SR) in Kenya is not documented. We carried out a cross-sectional study, the first in Kenya, to estimate the sero-prevalence of FMD in SR and the associated risk factors nationally. Selection of animals to be sampled used a multistage cluster sampling approach. Serum samples totaling 7564 were screened for FMD antibodies of non-structural-proteins using ID Screen® NSP Competition ELISA kit. To identify the risk factors, generalized linear mixed effects (GLMM) logistic regression analysis with county and villages as random effect variables was used. The country animal level sero-prevalence was 22.5% (95% CI: 22.3%-24.3%) while herd level sero-prevalence was 77.6% (95% CI: 73.9%-80.9%). The risk factor that was significantly positively associated with FMD sero-positivity in SR was multipurpose production type (OR = 1.307; p = 0.042). The risk factors that were significantly negatively associated with FMD sero-positivity were male sex (OR = 0.796; p = 0.007), young age (OR = 0.470; p = 0.010), and sedentary production zone (OR = 0.324; p<0.001). There were no statistically significant intra class correlations among the random effect variables but interactions between age and sex variables among the studied animals were statistically significant (p = 0.019). This study showed that there may be widespread undetected virus circulation in SR indicated by the near ubiquitous spatial distribution of significant FMD sero-positivity in the country. Strengthening of risk-based FMD surveillance in small ruminants is recommended. Adjustment of husbandry practices to control FMD in SR and in-contact species is suggested. Cross-transmission of FMD and more risk factors need to be researched.
Assessing the severity of laparotomy and partial hepatectomy in male rats—A multimodal approach
Authors: Zieglowski Leonie , Kümmecke Anna Maria , Ernst Lisa , Palme Rupert , Weiskirchen Ralf , Talbot Steven R. , Tolba René H.
Published: August 2021

This study assessed the postoperative severity after three different visceral surgical interventions in rats by using objective parameters pertaining to various disciplines. The objective was to evaluate whether the degree of severity increases with the invasiveness of the intervention and whether this is in accordance with the EU Directive 2010/63. 136 adult male WistarHan rats were assigned to three groups: Sham-laparotomy (Sham) [7 days post-surgical survival time]; 50% partial hepatectomy (PH); 70% PH [PH groups with 1, 3, or 7 days post-surgical survival times]. Post-surgical severity assessment was performed via several multimodal assessment tools: I) model-specific score sheet focusing on body weight, general condition, spontaneous behavior, and the animals’ willingness to move as well as on wound healing; II) Open Field tests evaluating the total distance and velocity an animal moved within 10 minutes and its rearing behavior during the test; III) telemetric data analyzing heart rate and blood pressure; and IV) analysis of blood (AST, ALT, and hemogram) and fecal samples (fecal corticosterone metabolites). Significant differences among the experimental groups and models were observed. We demonstrated that the Open Field test can detect significant changes in severity levels. Sham-laparotomy and removal of 50% of the liver mass were associated with comparable severity (mild–moderate); the severity parameters returned to baseline levels within seven days. Removal of 70% of the liver tissue seemed to be associated with a moderate severity grade and entailed a longer recovery period (>7 days) for complete regeneration. We recommend the use of Open Field tests as part of multimodal objective severity assessment.
Can functional walk tests add value to the prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gunnes Mari , Aksetøy Inger-Lise Aamot , Follestad Turid , Indredavik Bent , Askim Torunn
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness is often impaired following stroke, and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is an important prognostic value of all-cause mortality. The primary objective was to investigate whether functional walk tests assessed in the subacute phase after stroke added value in predicting VO2peak in chronic stroke, in addition to age, sex and functional dependency. Secondary objectives were to investigate associations between daily physical activity and functional walk tests, and with VO2peak in chronic stroke.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included eligible participants originally included in the randomized controlled trial Life After Stroke. Functional walk tests, i.e., six-minute walk test (6MWT) and maximal gait speed, were assessed at inclusion and 18 months later. VO2peak [ml/kg/min] was assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill 20 months after inclusion. Daily physical activity was measured by a uniaxial accelerometer (activPAL) at 18-month follow-up.

Results

Ninety-two community-dwelling individuals, with a mean (SD) age of 69.2 (10.6) years and 33 (35.9%) women, were included 3 months after stroke onset. Eighty-three (90.2%) participants had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or 2, indicating functional independence. An overall assessment of four prediction models indicated the combination of age, sex, mRS and 6MWT as predictors to be the best fitted model in predicting VO2peak (adjusted R2 = 0.612). Secondary results showed statistically significant, but not clinically significant, associations between daily physical activity and functional walk tests, and with VO2peak.

Conclusions

6MWT add significant value to the prediction of mean VO2peak in the chronic phase in mild strokes, in combination with age, sex and functional dependency. This prediction model may facilitate clinical decisions and rehabilitation strategies for mildly affected stroke survivors in risk of low levels of VO2peak. Future studies should validate the model in various stages after stroke and in patients moderately and severely affected.