bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Green Knowledge Community, Beats for Gaza”: Transnational linkages and institutional obstacles to the diffusion of arts and permaculture-based resilience knowledge among youth in Gaza
Authors: Esteves Ana Margarida , Abusalama Majed
Published: December 2020

This article offers insights on how the institutional and material limitations, posed by the Israeli/Egyptian blockage on Gaza, promote learning processes that impact the strategic choices of an activist collective. It uses ethnographic data to explore micro processes of reasoning and decision-making in “Green Knowledge Community, Beats for Gaza”, a network of Palestinian and international group of young activists aiming to promote grassroots-level resilience to Israeli occupation in this Palestinian territory. It analyses the shift from an initial focus on building an arts therapy school, which turned out to be unfeasible due to limitations both of the ground and among potential international donors, to a focus on permaculture, regarded as a strategy that could circumvent those limitations by mobilizing endogenous resources. The collective became progressively aware of the need to direct transnational knowledge diffusion to the support of the struggle for food sovereignty and grassroots economic self-determination through the localizing of agricultural production. This was due to the circumstances of the Israeli military occupation, Israeli/Egyptian blockage and the inclusion of a significant amount of arable land in the Gaza/Israel buffer, as well as to strategic choices of international donors, as well as the Hamas government.
Optimizing 3D retinal vasculature imaging in diabetic retinopathy using registration and averaging of OCT-A
Authors: Athwal Arman , Balaratnasingam Chandrakumar , Yu Dao-Yi , Heisler Morgan , Sarunic Marinko V. , Ju Myeong Jin
Published: December 2020

High resolution visualization of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A) data is required to fully take advantage of the imaging modality’s three-dimensional nature. However, artifacts induced by patient motion often degrade OCT-A data quality. This is especially true for patients with deteriorated focal vision, such as those with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We propose a novel methodology for software-based OCT-A motion correction achieved through serial acquisition, volumetric registration, and averaging. Motion artifacts are removed via a multi-step 3D registration process, and visibility is significantly enhanced through volumetric averaging. We demonstrate that this method permits clear 3D visualization of retinal pathologies and their surrounding features, 3D visualization of inner retinal capillary connections, as well as reliable visualization of the choriocapillaris layer.
Pupil response is modulated with optokinetic nystagmus in transparent motion
Authors: Kanari Kei , Kaneko Hirohiko
Published: December 2020

When two visual patterns moving in opposite directions are superimposed
on the same depth plane, they appear to have two transparent surfaces
moving independently (transparent motion). Additionally, the direction
of the slow phase of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) corresponds to the
direction of motion that dominates the perceptual appearance. This
study examines whether pupil changes correspond to the luminance of
the dominated objects related to the transition of the slow-phase
direction in OKN following objects. Stimuli consisted of two random
dot patterns of different luminance that moved in opposite directions.
The results showed that pupil size changed in accordance with the
luminance of the pattern in the slow phase of OKN immediately after
OKN transition. This suggests that pupil size is modulated with OKN in
transparent motion.
Transient transmission of THz metamaterial antennas by impact ionization in a silicon substrate
Authors: Bejide Matias , Li Yejun , Stavrias Nikolas , Redlich Britta , Tanaka Takuo , Lam Vu Dinh , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Janssens Ewald
Published: December 2020

The picosecond dynamics of excited charge carriers in the silicon substrate of THz metamaterial antennas was studied at different wavelengths. Time-resolved THz pump-THz probe spectroscopy was performed with light from a tunable free electron laser in the 9.3–16.7 THz frequency range using fluences of 2–12 J/m2. Depending on the excitation wavelength with respect to the resonance center, transient transmission increase, decrease, or a combination of both was observed. The transient transmission changes can be explained by local electric field enhancement, which induces impact ionization in the silicon substrate, increasing the local number of charge carriers by several orders of magnitude, and their subsequent diffusion and recombination. The studied metamaterials can be integrated with common semiconductor devices and can potentially be used in sensing applications and THz energy harvesting.
Observation of Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with scalable Yb+-photon interfaces
Authors: Kim Junki , Jeong Junho , Jung Changhyun , Lee Minjae , Park Yunjae , Dan Cho Dong-il , Kim Taehyun
Published: December 2020

We present a compact optical design for a scalable trapped ion quantum processor employing a single high numerical aperture lens for the excitation of ions and collection of photons, both of which are essential for remote entanglement generation. We verified the design by performing a quantum interference experiment between two photons generated by two sets of the proposed design and observed a 82(3) % suppression of coincidence within 8.13 ns time window when the two photons became indistinguishable. This design can be extended for the simultaneous generation of multiple pairs of entangled qubits with existing fiber-array devices.
Enhancement of time-delay measurement accuracy of an insufficient stimulated Brillouin scattering based pulse compression system via lock-in detection
Authors: Yang Yonglan , Li Xing , Chen Jianping , Zou Weiwen
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate a novel scheme to increase the accuracy of time-delay measurement of an insufficient stimulated Brillouin scattering (ISBS) based pulse compression system. It is realized by relating the time delay with the pulse compression gain, which is accumulated by a lock-in amplifier (LIA). We theoretically demonstrate that the time delay is proportional to the accumulated gain via the LIA. In the experiment, the pulse compression gain is accumulated through lock-in detection. It narrows down the detection bandwidth and reduces the influence from the broadband noise. The time-delay measurement is completed in a real-time manner and thus provides a possible solution to realizing a high-speed process in the future. The accuracy of measurement of a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal with a bandwidth of 1 GHz is 1 ns.
Laser network decision making by lag synchronization of chaos in a ring configuration
Authors: Mihana Takatomo , Fujii Kiyohiro , Kanno Kazutaka , Naruse Makoto , Uchida Atsushi
Published: December 2020

Photonic technologies are promising for solving complex tasks in artificial intelligence. In this paper, we numerically investigate decision making for solving the multi-armed bandit problem using lag synchronization of chaos in a ring laser-network configuration. We construct a laser network consisting of unidirectionally coupled semiconductor lasers, whereby spontaneous exchange of the leader-laggard relationship in the lag synchronization of chaos is observed. We succeed in solving the multi-armed bandit problems with three slot machines using lag synchronization of chaos by controlling the coupling strengths among the three lasers. Furthermore, we investigate the scalability of the proposed decision-making principle by increasing the number of slot machines and lasers. This study suggests a new direction in laser network-based decision making for future photonic intelligent functions.
Unmixing of the background components in an off-axis holographic-mirror-based imaging system using spectral image processing
Authors: Matsui Fumino , Watanabe Fumiaki , Nakamura Tomoya , Yamaguchi Masahiro
Published: December 2020

An imaging system employing a volume holographic optical element (vHOE) has a unique feature by which the image of an object placed in front of a transparent screen can be captured. The system obtains an image of the light diffracted by the vHOE; however, unwanted background components, including direct reflection or transmitted components, are present in the captured image. In this study, we propose a method to eliminate such background components from the captured images via multispectral image processing. The image components obtained from the diffraction by vHOE can be successfully extracted utilizing the facts that it diffracts light with a narrow spectral range and the reflection spectrum of a natural object is mostly smooth in the wavelength axis. Computer simulations and experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, along with video applications that demonstrate its real-time capability.
Linear array focused-laser differential interferometry for single-shot multi-point flow disturbance measurements
Authors: Gragston Mark , Price Theron , Davenport Kirk , Zhang Zhili , Schmisseur John D.
Published: December 2020

In this Letter, a modification of the well-known focused-laser differential interferometer (FLDI) is demonstrated, with the primary focus being increasing the number of probed locations efficiently. To generate multiple beams in the FLDI system, a diffractive optical element is used. This approach is significantly more cost-effective and easier to implement than the current approach of generating multiple FLDI beam pairs using a series of Wollaston prisms. The measurements shown here utilize a 1D linear array of points, and the ability to generate a 2D array is demonstrated using two linear diffractive optical elements in tandem. Therefore, this technique, referred to as linear array FLDI (LA-FLDI), is able to provide measurements of fluid disturbances at multiple discrete locations while allowing for high data acquisition rates (

>

1

M
H
z

). This technique provides a much simpler approach to multipoint FLDI measurements and can increase the throughput of FLDI measurements in impulse aerospace testing facilities.
Targeting TMPRSS2 and Cathepsin B/L together may be synergistic against SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Padmanabhan Pranesh , Desikan Rajat , Dixit Narendra M.
Published: December 2020

The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into target cells requires the activation of its surface spike protein, S, by host proteases. The host serine protease TMPRSS2 and cysteine proteases Cathepsin B/L can activate S, making two independent entry pathways accessible to SARS-CoV-2. Blocking the proteases prevents SARS-CoV-2 entryin vitro. This blockade may be achievedin vivothrough ‘repurposing’ drugs, a potential treatment option for COVID-19 that is now in clinical trials. Here, we found, surprisingly, that drugs targeting the two pathways, although independent, could display strong synergy in blocking virus entry. We predicted this synergy first using a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 entry and dynamicsin vitro. The model considered the two pathways explicitly, let the entry efficiency through a pathway depend on the corresponding protease expression level, which varied across cells, and let inhibitors compromise the efficiency in a dose-dependent manner. The synergy predicted was novel and arose from effects of the drugs at both the single cell and the cell population levels. Validating our predictions, availablein vitrodata on SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV entry displayed this synergy. Further, analysing the data using our model, we estimated the relative usage of the two pathways and found it to vary widely across cell lines, suggesting that targeting both pathwaysin vivomay be important and synergistic given the broad tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 entry into target cells and may help improve the deployability of drug combinations targeting host proteases required for the entry.
FOCAL3D: A 3-dimensional clustering package for single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Nino Daniel F. , Djayakarsana Daniel , Milstein Joshua N.
Published: December 2020

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is a powerful tool for studying intracellular structure and macromolecular organization at the nanoscale. The increasingly massive pointillistic data sets generated by SMLM require the development of new and highly efficient quantification tools. Here we present FOCAL3D, an accurate, flexible and exceedingly fast (scaling linearly with the number of localizations) density-based algorithm for quantifying spatial clustering in large 3D SMLM data sets. Unlike DBSCAN, which is perhaps the most commonly employed density-based clustering algorithm, an optimum set of parameters for FOCAL3D may be objectively determined. We initially validate the performance of FOCAL3D on simulated datasets at varying noise levels and for a range of cluster sizes. These simulated datasets are used to illustrate the parametric insensitivity of the algorithm, in contrast to DBSCAN, and clustering metrics such as the F1 and Silhouette score indicate that FOCAL3D is highly accurate, even in the presence of significant background noise and mixed populations of variable sized clusters, once optimized. We then apply FOCAL3D to 3D astigmatic dSTORM images of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) in human osteosaracoma cells, illustrating both the validity of the parameter optimization and the ability of the algorithm to accurately cluster complex, heterogeneous 3D clusters in a biological dataset. FOCAL3D is provided as an open source software package written in Python.
Duration of obesity exposure between ages 10 and 40 years and its relationship with cardiometabolic disease risk factors: A cohort study
Authors: Norris Tom , Cole Tim J. , Bann David , Hamer Mark , Hardy Rebecca , Li Leah , Ong Ken K. , Ploubidis George B. , Viner Russell , Johnson William
Published: December 2020

Background

Individuals with obesity do not represent a homogeneous group in terms of cardiometabolic risk. Using 3 nationally representative British birth cohorts, we investigated whether the duration of obesity was related to heterogeneity in cardiometabolic risk.

Methods and findings

We used harmonised body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic disease risk factor data from 20,746 participants (49.1% male and 97.2% white British) enrolled in 3 British birth cohort studies: the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), the 1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS), and the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70). Within each cohort, individual life course BMI trajectories were created between 10 and 40 years of age, and from these, age of obesity onset, duration spent obese (range 0 to 30 years), and cumulative obesity severity were derived. Obesity duration was examined in relation to a number of cardiometabolic disease risk factors collected in mid-adulthood: systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

A greater obesity duration was associated with worse values for all cardiometabolic disease risk factors. The strongest association with obesity duration was for HbA1c: HbA1c levels in those with obesity for <5 years were relatively higher by 5% (95% CI: 4, 6), compared with never obese, increasing to 20% (95% CI: 17, 23) higher in those with obesity for 20 to 30 years. When adjustment was made for obesity severity, the association with obesity duration was largely attenuated for SBP, DBP, and HDL-C. For HbA1c, however, the association with obesity duration persisted, independent of obesity severity. Due to pooling of 3 cohorts and thus the availability of only a limited number harmonised variables across cohorts, our models included adjustment for only a small number of potential confounding variables, meaning there is a possibility of residual confounding.

Conclusions

Given that the obesity epidemic is characterised by a much earlier onset of obesity and consequently a greater lifetime exposure, our findings suggest that health policy recommendations aimed at preventing early obesity onset, and therefore reducing lifetime exposure, may help reduce the risk of diabetes, independently of obesity severity. However, to test the robustness of our observed associations, triangulation of evidence from different epidemiological approaches (e.g., mendelian randomization and negative control studies) should be obtained.
Interferon-gamma promotes iron export in human macrophages to limit intracellular bacterial replication
Authors: Abreu Rodrigo , Essler Lauren , Giri Pramod , Quinn Frederick
Published: December 2020

Salmonellosis and listeriosis together accounted for more than one third of foodborne illnesses in the United States and almost half the hospitalizations for gastrointestinal diseases in 2018 while tuberculosis afflicted over 10 million people worldwide causing almost 2 million deaths. Regardless of the intrinsic virulence differences among Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, these intracellular pathogens share the ability to survive and persist inside the macrophage and other cells and thrive in iron rich environments. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a central cytokine in host defense against intracellular pathogens and has been shown to promote iron export in macrophages. We hypothesize that IFN-γ decreases iron availability to intracellular pathogens consequently limiting replication in these cells. In this study, we show that IFN-γ regulates the expression of iron-related proteins hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin to induce iron export from macrophages. Listeria monocytogenes, S. enterica, and M. tuberculosis infections significantly induce iron sequestration in human macrophages. In contrast, IFN-γ significantly reduces hepcidin secretion in S. enterica and M. tuberculosis infected macrophages. Similarly, IFN-γ-activated macrophages express higher ferroportin levels than untreated controls even after infection with L. monocytogenes bacilli; bacterial infection greatly down-regulates ferroportin expression. Collectively, IFN-γ significantly inhibits pathogen-associated intracellular iron sequestration in macrophages and consequently retards the growth of intracellular bacterial pathogens by decreasing iron availability.
From anxiety to action—Experience of threat, emotional states, reactance, and action preferences in the early days of COVID-19 self-isolation in Germany and Austria
Authors: Reiss Stefan , Franchina Vittoria , Jutzi Chiara , Willardt Robin , Jonas Eva
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted everyday life virtually everywhere in the world, enabling real-life research on threat-and-defense processes. In a survey conducted within the first days of implementing social distancing measures in Austria and Germany, we aimed to explore the pathways from threat perception to preferences of defense strategies. We found that anxiety, approach-related affect, and reactance were specifically elicited by motivational (vs. epistemic) discrepancies. In a second step, we tested the mediating effect of anxiety, approach-related affect, and reactance on preferences regarding personal-social and concrete-abstract defenses. Experiencing anxiety was related to interest in security-related actions, and approach-affect was related to both personal projects and social media use. Participants experiencing reactance were more inclined to pursue personal projects (personal-abstract) and less interested in security-related (personal-concrete) actions. They also showed marginally lower system justification (social-abstract). Additionally, we examined the relationship of loneliness with defense strategies, showing that loneliness was associated with lower system justification and security behaviors. The results suggest that individuals deal with threat in their own ways, mostly depending on affective state and motivational orientation: Anxiety was related to security, approach-state to action (both social and personal), reactance to derogation of the system and disregard for security, while loneliness was associated with inaction.
A near-synoptic survey of ocean microplastic concentration along an around-the-world sailing race
Authors: Tanhua Toste , Gutekunst Sören B. , Biastoch Arne
Published: December 2020

Litter and plastic pollution in the marine environment is of major concern when considering the health of ocean ecosystems, and have become an important focus of ocean research during recent years. There is still significant uncertainty surrounding the distribution and impact of marine plastic litter on ocean ecosystems, and in particular on the nano- and microplastic fractions that are difficult to observe and may be harmful to marine organisms. Current estimates of ocean plastic concentrations only account for a small fraction of the approximated 8 million tons of plastic litter entering the oceans on an annual basis. Here, we present the distribution of 100–500 μm microplastic particles within the ocean mixed layer, covering a significant fraction of the ocean, in a near-synoptic survey. During The Ocean Race 2017/2018 edition (formerly known as Volvo Ocean Race), two yachts served as ships of opportunity that regularly took samples of microplastics on a regular schedule during their circumnavigation. This effort resulted in information on microplastic distribution along the race track in the ocean’s upper, well-mixed, layer. We found concentrations ranging from 0–349 particles per cubic meter, but with large spatial variability. There was a tendency toward higher concentrations off south-western Europe and in the southwest Pacific, and indications of long-range transport of microplastic with major ocean currents.
Perception of interprofessional education and educational needs of students in South Korea: A comparative study
Authors: Yune So Jung , Park Kwi Hwa , Min Yul Ha , Ji Eunhee
Published: December 2020

Due to the recent emphasis on the importance of interprofessional education (IPE) in healthcare fields, interest in IPE introduction is increasing in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in perceptions of medical, nursing, and pharmacy students regarding IPE. Also, the study aimed at identifying the priority rankings of educational needs by analyzing the differences between students’ perceptions of the importance level and the present level for each interprofessional competency. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a survey. A total of 1,500 questionnaires were distributed, of which 1,084 were returned (response rate, 72.3%). The participants were 559 medical, 393 nursing, and 96 pharmacy students. The questionnaire comprised items on the students’ perception of IPE and their interprofessional competency. The questionnaire comprised 12 items on their IPE perception and 9 items on their interprofessional competency. These items were developed by examining the content validity by medical educational specialists and conducting a factor analysis for verification. Data were analyzed using the t-test and ANOVA, and Borich’s formula was used to calculate the rank of educational needs.89.6% did not know the meaning of IPE. The difference in students’ perception of IPE was not significant by grade. Further, the level of IPE perception was higher for female than male students and for students who knew the meaning of IPE than those who did not. The nursing students’ perception of the importance, preference, and effectiveness of IPE was the highest, whereas medical students’ perception was the lowest. All students perceived their present level to be lower than the importance level for each interprofessional competency. Interprofessional communication skills (6.791) were highly necessary for students. These results will serve as baseline information for developing IPE programs in South Korea.
Perceived stigma among patient with pulmonary tuberculosis at public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohammedhussein Mustefa , Hajure Mohammedamin , Shifa Jemal Ebrahim , Hassen Tahir Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Although tuberculosis (TB) related stigma has a significant impact on the diagnosis, patient adherence with treatment, and recovery from the disease, there is limited evidence from Ethiopia regarding perceived stigma among patient with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).The purpose of this study was to assess perceived stigma and associated factors among patient with PTB on treatment in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019 among 410 patient with PTB. Data were collected by using the perceived tuberculosis stigma scale. Epi data v3.1 and SPSSv23 were used for data entry and analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with perceived stigma. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Result

Prevalence of perceived stigma among patient with Pulmonary tuberculosis was 57.1% (95% CI: 52.2, 61.7). Poor social support (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.48), above a month duration of illness (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.33, 4.64), high perceived stress (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI:1.09, 3.49), current khat use (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI:1.05, 3.37), and presence of depression (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI:4.40, 15.22) were significantly associated with perceived stigma. Patient with HIV co-infection were 5.67 times (AOR = 5.67; 95% CI: 2.32, 13.87) more likely to have Perceived stigma than their counterparts.

Conclusion

TB related stigma was reported by more than half of the study participant. Stigma reduction measures are needed to lower TB related stigma perceived by the patient, the level of distress associated with it, and to promote the psychological wellbeing of patient with TB.
The side effect profile of Clozapine in real world data of three large mental health hospitals
Authors: Iqbal Ehtesham , Govind Risha , Romero Alvin , Dzahini Olubanke , Broadbent Matthew , Stewart Robert , Smith Tanya , Kim Chi-Hun , Werbeloff Nomi , MacCabe James H. , Dobson Richard J. B. , Ibrahim Zina M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Mining the data contained within Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can potentially generate a greater understanding of medication effects in the real world, complementing what we know from Randomised control trials (RCTs). We Propose a text mining approach to detect adverse events and medication episodes from the clinical text to enhance our understanding of adverse effects related to Clozapine, the most effective antipsychotic drug for the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but underutilised due to concerns over its side effects.

Material and methods

We used data from de-identified EHRs of three mental health trusts in the UK (>50 million documents, over 500,000 patients, 2835 of which were prescribed Clozapine). We explored the prevalence of 33 adverse effects by age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status and admission type three months before and after the patients started Clozapine treatment. Where possible, we compared the prevalence of adverse effects with those reported in the Side Effects Resource (SIDER).

Results

Sedation, fatigue, agitation, dizziness, hypersalivation, weight gain, tachycardia, headache, constipation and confusion were amongst the highest recorded Clozapine adverse effect in the three months following the start of treatment. Higher percentages of all adverse effects were found in the first month of Clozapine therapy. Using a significance level of (p< 0.05) our chi-square tests show a significant association between most of the ADRs and smoking status and hospital admission, and some in gender, ethnicity and age groups in all trusts hospitals. Later we combined the data from the three trusts hospitals to estimate the average effect of ADRs in each monthly interval. In gender and ethnicity, the results show significant association in 7 out of 33 ADRs, smoking status shows significant association in 21 out of 33 ADRs and hospital admission shows the significant association in 30 out of 33 ADRs.

Conclusion

A better understanding of how drugs work in the real world can complement clinical trials.
Survival of MS2 and Φ6 viruses in droplets as a function of relative humidity, pH, and salt, protein, and surfactant concentrations
Authors: Lin Kaisen , Schulte Chase R. , Marr Linsey C.
Published: December 2020

The survival of viruses in droplets is known to depend on droplets’ chemical composition, which may vary in respiratory fluid between individuals and over the course of disease. This relationship is also important for understanding the persistence of viruses in droplets generated from wastewater, freshwater, and seawater. We investigated the effects of salt (0, 1, and 35 g/L), protein (0, 100, and 1000 μg/mL), surfactant (0, 1, and 10 μg/mL), and droplet pH (4.0, 7.0, and 10.0) on the viability of viruses in 1-μL droplets pipetted onto polystyrene surfaces and exposed to 20%, 50%, and 80% relative humidity (RH) using a culture-based approach. Results showed that viability of MS2, a non-enveloped virus, was generally higher than that of Φ6, an enveloped virus, in droplets after 1 hour. The chemical composition of droplets greatly influenced virus viability. Specifically, the survival of MS2 was similar in droplets at different pH values, but the viability of Φ6 was significantly reduced in acidic and basic droplets compared to neutral ones. The presence of bovine serum albumin protected both MS2 and Φ6 from inactivation in droplets. The effects of sodium chloride and the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate varied by virus type and RH. Meanwhile, RH affected the viability of viruses as shown previously: viability was lowest at intermediate to high RH. The results demonstrate that the viability of viruses is determined by the chemical composition of carrier droplets, especially pH and protein content, and environmental factors. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the chemical composition of carrier droplets in order to predict the persistence of viruses contained in them.
Cities: Complexity, theory and history
Authors: Ortman Scott G. , Lobo José , Smith Michael E.
Published: December 2020

In recent decades researchers in a variety of disciplines have developed a new “urban science,” the central goal of which is to build general theory regarding the social processes underlying urbanization. Much work in urban science is animated by the notion that cities are complex systems. What does it mean to make this claim? Here we adopt the view that complex systems entail both variation and structure, and that their properties vary with system size and with respect to where and how they are measured. Given this, a general framework regarding the social processes behind urbanization needs to account for empirical regularities that are common to both contemporary cities and past settlements known through archaeology and history. Only by adopting an explicitly historical perspective can such fundamental structure be revealed. The identification of shared properties in past and present systems has been facilitated by research traditions that define cities (and settlements more broadly) as networks of social interaction embedded in physical space.Settlement Scaling Theory(SST) builds from these insights to generate predictions regarding how measurable properties of cities and settlements are related to their population size. Here, we focus on relationships between population and area across past settlement systems and present-day world cities. We show that both patterns and variations in these measures are explicable in terms of SST, and that the framework identifies baseline infrastructural area as an important system-level property of urban systems that warrants further study. We also show that predictive theory is helpful even in cases where the data do not conform to model predictions.
A small molecule that mitigates bacterial infection disrupts Gram-negative cell membranes and is inhibited by cholesterol and neutral lipids
Authors: Dombach Jamie L. , Quintana Joaquin L. J. , Nagy Toni A. , Wan Chun , Crooks Amy L. , Yu Haijia , Su Chih-Chia , Yu Edward W. , Shen Jingshi , Detweiler Corrella S.
Published: December 2020

Infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria are difficult to fight because these pathogens exclude or expel many clinical antibiotics and host defense molecules. However, mammals have evolved a substantial immune arsenal that weakens pathogen defenses, suggesting the feasibility of developing therapies that work in concert with innate immunity to kill Gram-negative bacteria. Using chemical genetics, we recently identified a small molecule, JD1, that killsSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) residing within macrophages. JD1 is not antibacterial in standard microbiological media, but rapidly inhibits growth and curtails bacterial survival under broth conditions that compromise the outer membrane or reduce efflux pump activity. Using a combination of cellular indicators and super resolution microscopy, we found that JD1 damaged bacterial cytoplasmic membranes by increasing fluidity, disrupting barrier function, and causing the formation of membrane distortions. We quantified macrophage cell membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential and found that disruption of eukaryotic cell membranes required approximately 30-fold more JD1 than was needed to kill bacteria in macrophages. Moreover, JD1 preferentially damaged liposomes with compositions similar toE.coliinner membranes versus mammalian cell membranes. Cholesterol, a component of mammalian cell membranes, was protective in the presence of neutral lipids. In mice, intraperitoneal administration of JD1 reduced tissue colonization byS. Typhimurium. These observations indicate that during infection, JD1 gains access to and disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and that neutral lipids and cholesterol protect mammalian membranes from JD1-mediated damage. Thus, it may be possible to develop therapeutics that exploit host innate immunity to gain access to Gram-negative bacteria and then preferentially damage the bacterial cell membrane over host membranes.
Using the DLC as the Tyre Material for the synthesis of Rubber & Ply; Increasing Tyre’s Life
Authors: Singh Shubham
Published: December 2020

Review on using DLC in making tyres. DLC films have been used as protective coatings for various applications. We can use DLC to improve the tyre’s life especially for sports cars and supercars like Lamborghini and Bugatti Chiron. And also in military vehicles for making the tyres bulletproof. DLC is a class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. DLC is usually applied as coatings to other materials that could benefit from some of those properties but we can use DLC in the synthesis of tyre’s rubber (for making threads) and ply thus improving the overall quality of the tyres.
Determining the Efficiency of Fuzzy Logic EOQ Inventory Model with Varying Demand in Comparison with Lagrangian and Kuhn-Tucker Method Through Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Kalaiarasi K. , Sumathi M. , Henrietta H. Mary , Raj A. Stanley
Published: December 2020

This paper considers an EOQ inventory model with varying demand and holding costs. It suggests minimizing the total cost in a fuzzy related environment. The optimal policy for the nonlinear problem is determined by both Lagrangian and Kuhn-tucker methods and compared with varying price-dependent coefficient. All the input parameters related to inventory are fuzzified by using trapezoidal numbers. In the end, a numerical example discussed with sensitivity analysis is done to justify the solution procedure. This paper primarily focuses on the aspect of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) for variable demand using Lagrangian, Kuhn-Tucker and fuzzy logic analysis. Comparative analysis of there methods are evaluated in this paper and the results showed the efficiency of fuzzy logic over the conventional methods. Here in this research trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are incorporated to study the price dependent coefficients with variable demand and unit purchase cost over variable demand. The results are very close to the crisp output. Sensitivity analysis also done to validate the model.
Performing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholagiopancreatpgraphy and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Management of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction in a Patient With a Situs Inversus Totalis
Authors: Coronel Martin , Lanke Gandhi , Cambell Donald , Coronel Emmanuel , Tzeng Ching-Wei D. , Foo Wai , Lee Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2020

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare anomaly characterized by the transposition of organs. We present a case of a 67-year-old White woman with a history of SIT, who presented with fatigue, jaundice, and abnormal liver enzymes. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a solid lesion at the distal common bile duct (CBD). Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography displayed severe stenosis in the CBD. A plastic stent was placed into the CBD, resulting in successful biliary decompression. Biliary brushings and biopsy showed atypical cells, suspicious for carcinoma. Ensuing pancreaticoduodenectomy confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. Although challenging, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in SIT can be successfully performed in preoperative evaluation for possible pancreaticobiliary cancers.
H-type Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Rare Cause of Cough and Dysphagia in Adults
Authors: Bank Jeffrey , Voaklander Rebecca , Sossenheimer Michael
Published: December 2020

Tracheoesophageal fistula without associated esophageal atresia (H-type) is a rare congenital anomaly, accounting for about 4% of esophageal malformations. However, it can occasionally be seen in adults with chronic cough and respiratory infections. We present a 38-year-old woman with a new diagnosis of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula.
Effect of lockdown on activities of daily living in built environment and well-being
Authors: Pasala Sudhir Kumar , Gumpeny Lakshmi , Kosuri Madhu , Tippana Snehalatha , Sridhar Gumpeny, R
Published: December 2020

In an effort to arrest the spread of COVID-19 infection, a nation-wide lockdown was declared in India in March 2020. To assess how personal built environment affected the citizens in the first few weeks, an explorative online survey was conducted, eliciting responses about the work habits before the lockdown, the psychological well-being, time spent in various activities, characteristics of those who worked from home and sleep patterns. The major difference entailed by thelockdown was a reduction of time and distance to go to their workplace, which was an average of 8.9 km. In terms of diet, subjects who were vegetarian did not experience any difference, unlike those who were non-vegetarians, who reduced the intake of meat. Forced social isolation did not alter the television channels that were viewed. Among those who worked from home, most preferred to work from their bedroom. There was no change in the quality or quantity of sleep during the lockdown. This study in the early weeks of the lockdown documents the way in which individuals lived through it in terms of the built environment at home.
Ceramides: focus on obesity
Authors: Dyleva Yulia A. , Gruzdeva Olga V. , Belik Ekaterina V.
Published: December 2020

It is generally known that obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A pathological increase in the mass of adipose tissue leads to a violation of the control of lipid accumulation at the molecular level, abnormal lipid metabolism with the formation of metabolites, which are critical for the development of these pathologies against the background of obesity. Ceramides are one of these metabolites. Ceramides perform many physiological functions, but under pathological conditions they induce insulin resistance, uncouple cellular respiration and phosphorylation, activate cell apoptosis, and play an important role in the induction of adipose tissue dysfunction. Altering ceramide biosynthesis through dysregulation of key enzymes leads to the formation and accumulation of ceramides, which block insulin signaling and induce adipose tissue inflammation.This review highlights the metabolism of ceramides, the reasons for their ectopic deposition in tissues in obesity, as well as potential intracellular signaling pathways that modulate ceramide activity.
Influence of deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D on the circadian rhythm of serum calcium level
Authors: Kovaleva Elena V. , Ajnetdinova Alina R. , Eremkina Anna K. , Mokrysheva Natalia G.
Published: December 2020

Background: mild hypocalcemia is a common laboratory finding that is not accompanied by the clinical symptoms. The most common causes of hypocalcemia are inadequate calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (insufficiency), it seems relevant to determine the daily variability of serum calcium levels before and after its supplementation.

Aims: to assess the effect of 25(OH) vitamin D level on the daily profile of serum calcium and 24-hour urinary calcium levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the interventional, prospective, comparative study of 10 healthy volunteers (women/men - 9/1) was performed. We have analyzed the daily profiles of serum calcium and 24-hour urinary calcium levels. Summary duration of this study was 8 months and consisted two hospitalizations. Statistical analysis was done on August 2020. The descriptive statistics are represented by medians and the first and third quartiles in Me (Q1; Q3), average, maximum, and minimum values M (min; max) and by absolute and relative frequencies.

Results: Me serum calcium levels (Catotaland Cacorr.) and 24-hour urinary calcium levels did not differ before and after vitamin D supplementation. However, the number of reference calcium values increased as 25 (OH) vitamin D level was reached more than 30 ng/ml from 90.8% to 100% for Catotal and from 94.2% to 97.5% for Cacorr. Episodes of hypocalcemia were registered in patients with low vitamin D levels: in 3.33% of cases according to Catotal and 5.8% for Cacorr. The frequency of hypocalcemia decreased for Catotal (to 0%) and for Cacorr. (to 2.5%) after treatment with cholecalciferol. Analysis of Catotal and Cacorr. deviations during the day showed a less variability of the calcium profile after treatment, This study also revealed circadian character of daily serum calcium profile with the presence of maximum (09:40-17:40) and minimum (23:40-07:40) values during the day.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the improvement of daily serum calcium profile after vitamin D supplementation. We confirmed the increased number of reference calcium values, decreased variability of serum calcium levels during the day and decreased frequency of hypocalcemia.
Difficulties in diagnosis of adenomas with mixed prolactin and growth hormone secretion: case presentation
Authors: Dzeranova Larisa K. , Aboishava Lizaveta A. , Fedorova Natalya S. , Vorotnikova Svetlana Y. , Pigarova Ekaterina A. , Lapshina Anastasiya M.
Published: December 2020

Hyperpolactinemia is a persistent excess of prolactin in the blood serum. The symptom complex of hyperprolactinemia primarily consists of disturbances in function of the reproductive system. The secretion of prolactin is under complex neuroendocrine control, which involves factors of different nature: neurotransmitters, hormones of the peripheral endocrine glands. In most cases, prolactin is secreted by pituitary cells - lactotrophs, but in some cases, hypersecretion of prolactin is combined with an excess production of growth hormone, which is typical for tumors originating from the line of progenitor cells of lactotrophs and somatotrophs of the pituitary gland, mammosomatotrophs. In this case, the symptom complex of hyperprolactinemia is accompanied by clinical manifestations of acromegaly. In patients with acromegaly, the cause of hyperprolactinemia may be pituitary stalk compression or mixed secretion of prolactin and growth hormone. Differentiation of lactotropic and somatotropic pituitary cells is determined by transcription factor Pit-1. These cell lineages are closely connected,  and this may be one of the reasons for formation of tumors with mixed secretion. Reports of late presentation of acromegaly in patients previously diagnosed with prolactinomas have also been described in literature.

Clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia can cause the patient to seek doctor’s attention before acromegalic changes in appearance develop. Careful attention is needed both to the primary diagnosis and to the clinical course of the disease in patients with hyperprolactinemia and pituitary adenoma: full assessment of hormonal status with mandatory evaluation of IGF-1 is crucial at initial examination, during further observation it may be advised to consider periodic evaluation of IGF-1 in addition to assessment of prolactin and the size of adenoma.  Pituitary adenomas with mixed secretion may have a poorer prognosis.
Does Collateral Affect the Access and Loan Payment Behavior of MSMEs?
Authors: Prihantoro Lanang Tanu , Nuryakin Chaikal
Published: December 2020

Various problems regarding the distribution of revolving funds at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs have prompted the government to transfer its management through LPDB-KUMKM (Revolving Fund Management Institution for Cooperatives and MSMEs) for the sake of financial accountability and professionalism. Several improvements have been made, among others, through collateral and service rates that have never been applied before. The service rate was applied first, with a value lower than the bank interest rate. This study examines the impact of collateral and service rates on the loan default rates. This study uses data of loan developments of LPDB-KUMKM partners from the beginning to 2018. The Logit Regression Model is used to support the analysis. This study's results indicate that collateral has a negative correlation with the growth in loan default rates. This study's results are expected to be taken into consideration by the government in regulating financing needs, especially regarding collateral and service rates, so that the accessibility of MSMEs to obtain financing from LPDB-KUMKM will increase.
Why Don't We All Just Do the Same? Understanding Variation in PBL Implementation from the Perspective of Translation Theory
Authors: Scholkmann Antonia
Published: December 2020

Variations in PBL implementation need to be seen as the norm rather than the exception, since local PBL practice will always diverge from the “original model”. In order to understand this phenomenon, this conceptional paper first systematizes variations in PBL implementation at the inter-institutional, intra-institutional, and individual level. Then, variation in PBL implementation is discussed through the lens of translation theory as part of the research tradition of Scandinavian Intuitionalism. Resulting insights are applied to develop guiding questions designed to help leaders and PBL researchers to reflect on PBL implementation processes. Uncharted territories in PBL implementation research are identified, and it is argued that researching PBL implementation can serve as a blueprint to understand educational change dynamics in institutions of higher education.