bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Testosterone Levels in 3-Month-Old Boys Predict Their Semen Quality as Young Adults
Authors: Scheutz Henriksen Louise , Holm Petersen Jørgen , Skakkebæk Niels E , Jørgensen Niels , Virtanen Helena E , Priskorn Lærke , Juul Anders , Toppari Jorma , Main Katharina M
Published: March 2022

Context

It remains unknown how the postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in infancy, also known as “minipuberty”, relates to adult testis function.

Objective

To investigate how markers of reproductive function in 3-month-old boys correlate with adult reproductive health parameters.

Methods

This population-based birth cohort study (the Copenhagen Mother-Child cohort), conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, included 259 boys examined once around 3 months of age and again at 18 to 20 years. Reproductive hormones, penile length, testis volume, and semen quality were analyzed. Minipubertal markers of testis function (by tertiles, T1–T3) were explored as predictors of adult semen quality using linear regression models. Associations between reproductive outcomes in infancy and young adulthood were estimated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), describing how well measurements in infancy correlate with those in adulthood.

Results

Serum testosterone concentration in infancy was positively associated with adult total sperm count. Median (IQR) total sperm count was 84 (54-138) million spermatozoa for boys in T1, 141 (81-286) million spermatozoa in T2, and 193 (56-287) million spermatozoa in T3. We found the highest ICC for FSH (0.41; 95% CI, 0.26–0.57), while ICCs for inhibin B, SHBG, penile length, and testis volume ranged between 0.24 and 0.27. ICCs for LH and for total and free testosterone were lower and statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Serum testosterone in infancy was a predictor of adult total sperm count. Other reproductive hormones and genital measures showed good correlation between infancy and adulthood, suggesting that an individual’s reproductive setpoint starts shortly after birth in boys and persists until adulthood.
Effects of Hormone Therapy and Exercise on Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Women—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Born Clara , Jakob Franz , Shojaa Mahdieh , Kohl Matthias , von Stengel Simon , Kerschan-Schindl Katharina , Lange Uwe , Thomasius Friederike , Kemmler Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Context

There is some evidence that an adequate “anabolic hormonal milieu” is essential for the mechanosensitivity/transduction/response of bone tissue.

Objective

This work aimed to determine whether enhancing hormone therapy (HT) with exercise increases the isolated effect of HT on bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN).

Methods

A comprehensive search of 6 electronic databases according to the PRISMA statement up to April 28, 2021, included controlled trials longer than 6 months with 3 study arms: (a) HT, (b) exercise, and (c) HT plus exercise (HT + E). Apart from HT, no pharmaceutic therapy or diseases with relevant osteoanabolic or osteocatabolic effect on bone metabolism were included. The present analysis was conducted as a random-effects meta-analysis. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMD) for BMD changes at the LS and FN.

Results

Our search identified 6 eligible studies (n = 585). Although the effect of HT + E was more pronounced in the LS (SMD: 0.19; 95% C,: –0.15 to 0.53) and FN-BMD (0.18; –0.09 to 0.44) compared to the HT group, we did not observe significant differences between the 2 groups. We observed a low (I2: 29%) or moderate (I2: 49%) level of heterogeneity between the trials for FN or LS.

Conclusion

We do not observe a significant effect of HT + E vs HT alone. We largely attribute this result to varying HT supplementation and hormonal status. Bearing in mind that synergistic/additive effects between HT and mechanical stimulation can only be expected in situations of hormonal insufficiency, further clinical studies should consider baseline endogenous estrogen production but also HT dosing more carefully.
Elevated numbers of infiltrating eosinophils accelerate the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy pathology in mdx mice
Authors: Theret Marine , Rempel Lucas , Hashimoto Joshua , Ritso Morten , Tung Lin Wei , Li Fang Fang , Messing Melina , Hughes Michael , McNagny Kelly , Rossi Fabio
Published: March 2022

Eosinophils, best known for their role in anti-parasitic responses, have recently been shown to actively participate in tissue homeostasis and repair. Their regulation must be tightly controlled, as their absence or hyperplasia is associated with chronic disease (e.g. asthma or inflammatory bowel disease). In the context of skeletal muscle, eosinophils play a supportive role after acute damage. Indeed, their depletion leads to strong defects in skeletal muscle regeneration and, in the absence of eosinophil-secreted interleukin (IL) 4 and IL13, fibro-adipogenic progenitors fail to support muscle stem cell proliferation. However, the role of eosinophils in muscular dystrophy remains elusive. Although it has been shown that eosinophils are present in higher numbers in muscles from mdx mice (a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy), their depletion does not affect muscle histopathology at an early age. Here, we evaluated the impact of hyper-eosinophilia on the development of fibrofatty infiltration in aged mdx mice and found that muscle eosinophilia leads to defects in muscle homeostasis, regeneration and repair, and eventually hastens death.
Long duration advertisement calls of nesting male plainfin midshipman fish are honest indicators of size and condition
Authors: Balebail Sujay , Sisneros Joseph A.
Published: March 2022

The plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) has long served as a model organism for neuroethology research on acoustic communication and related social behaviors. Type I or ‘singing’ males produce highly stereotyped, periodic advertisement calls that are the longest known uninterrupted vertebrate vocalizations. Despite the extensive literature on the acoustic behaviour of this species, it remains unclear whether reproductive males signal their quality via their highly energetic, multiharmonic advertisement calls. Here, we recorded the advertisement calls of 22 reproductive type I males at night in a controlled laboratory setting in which males were housed in aquaria maintained at a constant temperature (13.9±0.3°C). The duration of the advertisement calls from type I males was observed to increase from the first call of the night to the middle call after which call duration remained steady until the early morning hours and first light. A strong positive correlation was observed between loudness (sound pressure level and maximum sound pressure level) of the advertisement call and body size (mass and standard length; rs>0.8). In addition, an asymptotic relationship was observed between the harmonic frequencies (f0–f10) of the advertisement calls and male body condition, with harmonic frequencies initially increasing with body condition indices, but then plateauing when body condition measures were high. Taken together, our results suggest that type I male advertisement calls provide reliable honest information about male quality regarding size and body condition. Such condition-dependent information of calling males could potentially be used by receptive females to help facilitate mate choice decisions.
Unbalanced fatty acid diets impair discrimination ability of honey bee workers to damaged and healthy brood odors
Authors: Bennett Meghan M. , Welchert Ashley C. , Carroll Mark , Shafir Sharoni , Smith Brian H. , Corby-Harris Vanessa
Published: March 2022

Nutrition supports social insect colonies by regulating both individual performance and colony growth. In honey bee colonies, task-related behaviors such as nursing and foraging are partially mediated by nutrition. Young workers (nurses) consume almost all of the pollen in the hive, while foragers consume mostly nectar. Pollen provides vital proteins and lipids, consumed by nurse bees for approximately 1 week post-eclosion. The role that lipids play in the physiology and behavior of adult bees is gaining significant attention. Recent research suggests that diets with balanced ratios of fatty acids increase olfactory learning in honey bees. Olfaction is crucial for young worker bees to perform brood care and cell cleaning behaviors, which is important for hive health and disease control. Thus, we targeted the early adult, pollen-feeding stage to examine how fatty acids affect cognition to hive-relevant odors. We fed young workers (days 0–9) diets balanced or unbalanced in their ratio of essential fatty acids (ω-6:3) sourced from pollen or cooking oils. We then measured their ability to learn healthy and damaged brood odors, as well as their ability to discriminate between the two. Workers fed balanced diets could learn and discriminate between brood odors better than workers fed unbalanced diets. Consumption of both diet types decreased with age, but their cognitive effects remained. These results suggest that diet affects young worker cognitive development, which may affect task-related behaviors and colony hygiene.
Origin of Selective Nitrate Removal by Ni2+–Al3+ Layered Double Hydroxides in Aqueous Media and Its Application Potential in Seawater Purification
Authors: Sasai Ryo , Fujimura Takuya , Sato Hiroaki , Nii Eisaku , Sugata Mako , Nakayashiki Yuto , Hoashi Hirokazu , Moriyoshi Chikako , Oishi Eiichi , Fujii Yasuhiro , Kawaguchi Shogo , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

To understand the origin of the nitrate anion selectivity in layered double hydroxide (LDH; [Ni1−xAlx(OH)2]Clx) materials (i.e., Cl−-NiAl(x)LDH; x = 1/3 and 1/5) comprising Ni2+, Al3+, and exchangeable chloride anions, the equilibrium and kinetic properties of the chloride-to-nitrate anion exchange reaction were investigated in aqueous media. The anion exchange isotherms of the studied systems showed that the nitrate anion selectivity was significantly higher at x = 1/5 than at x = 1/3. The fine crystal structures of the LDH materials and the hydration states of the nitrate anions in their interlayer spaces were identified by synchrotron-radiation X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The nitrate anion selectivities of Cl−-NiAl(x)LDH (x = 1/3 and 1/5) were determined by the relationship between the magnitudes of the thermal vibration parameters of the chloride and nitrate anions; the anion exchange reaction primarily gave NiAl(x)LDH containing anions with smaller thermal vibration parameters. Time-resolved SXRD measurements of the anion exchange reaction revealed that the exchange pathway differed depending on the nitrate anion selectivity. The nitrate anion removal ability and selectivity of Cl−-NiAl(x)LDH (x = 1/3 and 1/5) in artificial seawater were maintained, suggesting that Cl−-NiAl(1/5)LDH could be used for nitrate removal from contaminated seawater.
Isolation, Identification, and DFT-Based Conformational Analysis of Sesquikarahanadienone and Its Congeners from Freshwater Dothideomycetes Neohelicascus Aquaticus KT4120
Authors: Hayasaka Ayane , Hashimoto Kazuki , Konno Katsuhiro , Tanaka Kazuaki , Hashimoto Masaru
Published: March 2022

Three unique sesquiterpenes, i.e., sesquikarahanadienone (1), sesquicarenol (2), and sesquikarahanaether (3), along with 2-chlorodiorcinol (4) and several known compounds, were isolated from freshwater Dothideomycetes Neohelicascus aquaticus KT4120. The relative structures of the new compounds 1–3 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The synthesis of compound 1 confirmed its structure. Meanwhile, range-separated-hybrid–generalized-gradient-approximation (RSH–GGA) functionals were developed to estimate the long-range interactions appropriately. However, conformational analyses suggested that the RSH–GGA functional of ωB97X-D overestimated the van der Waals interaction and suggested the bent conformers of conformationally very flexible compounds 1 and 2. In contrast, the global-hybrid–GGA (GH-GGA) functionals, such as B3LYP, appropriately reproduced them. The absolute configurations of 1–3 were determined by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. A plausible biosynthetic route for these compounds was discussed, according to which an ene-type ring opening of a daucane framework gave monocyclic 1 and a disrotatory electrocylization provided the bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane framework of 2. The latter biosynthetic process was verified through the chemical transformation of compounds 1 to 2 using potassium tert-butoxide in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide.
SPIO-enhanced 0.35T MRI-guided radiotherapy for liver malignancies: usefulness in tumor visualization
Authors: Hama Yukihiro , Tate Etsuko
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of tumor-to-liver signal ratio in a 0.35T MRI-guided radiotherapy system and to evaluate the usefulness and pitfalls of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) administration for visualization of liver tumors.

Methods:

Forty-two patients treated with MRI-guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for liver tumors were included in this study. The tumor-to-liver signal ratios before and after SPIO administration were retrospectively assessed and compared on true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP).

Results:

Before SPIO administration, liver tumors were either invisible or barely visible in 15 cases (36%), but all tumors became visible after SPIO administration. The mean values of tumor-to-liver signal ratio before and after SPIO administration were 0.939 ± 0.201 and 1.336 ± 0.300, respectively (mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.001). In six (14%) patients, liver tumors were visible on true FISP imaging before SPIO administration, but became invisible after administration.

Conclusions:

This study showed that liver tumors that are invisible on true FISP imaging can be made visible by administration of SPIO, and that MRI-guided SABR can be performed accurately.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first report to examine the usefulness of liver-specific contrast agent superparamagnetic iron oxides in 0.35T MRI-guided radiation therapy. Liver tumors that are invisible on true fast imaging with steady-state precession can be made visible by administration of superparamagnetic iron oxides.
Hands-on learning of chemistry concepts
Authors: Yew Chi Boon Leonard
Published: March 2022

Background – Stoichiometry is among the most difficult chemistry concepts to teach and it is often taught with an emphasis on algorithmic understanding, without emphasis on conceptual understanding. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if the use of dynamic submicro representations via hands-on learning activities, comprising molecular models and molecular graphics, can provide positive insights into students’ understanding of stoichiometry.

Methods – An action research was carried out involving two cycles of lessons i.e., cycle 1 with “static” submicro representations (PowerPoint) to teach stoichiometry and cycle 2 with “dynamic” submicro representations (hands-on learning with molecular models and graphics) to teach stoichiometry. To gather data, these instruments were used: (1) a stoichiometry test with structured questions, (2) students’ activity journals and (3) open-ended semi-structured interviews.

Results – This study indicated that students who had learnt stoichiometry with only “static” submicro representations, faced difficulties in understanding stoichiometry at the submicro level. This study also showed that students can benefit from the use of “dynamic” submicro representations (hands-on learning activities) in understanding stoichiometry at the submicro level. Positive changes in students’ understanding were categorised as a change from a ‘Lack of understanding’ to ‘Correct understanding’. This was determined from transcribed data obtained from the interview sessions and the students’ activity journals.

Conclusion – This study provided evidence that the use of “dynamic” submicro representations can foster conceptual understanding of stoichiometry at the submicro level. As the local context of the study undertaken by the researcher was the prevailing factor that made this action research unique, the scope of the research and the pedagogical restrictions encountered by the researcher were considered the study’s limitations. The uniqueness of this study lies in its approach of involving hands-on learning activities in lessons on stoichiometry.
Diversity and composition of shrubs in Behali Reserve Forest of Biswanath district, Assam, with special emphasis on Gnetum gnemon L.
Authors: Borah Dipankar , Das Niku , Mihu Inda , Hajong Bipankar , Tangjang Sumpam
Published: March 2022

The study is focused to study the diversity and distribution of shrubs in the Behali Reserve Forest. A total of 46 species of shrubs belonging to 40 genera representing 25 families were documented. Rubiaceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families. Pycnarrhena pleniflora has the highest IVI value of (48.25) followed by Coffea benghalensis (41.1). Plotting in Raunkiaer’s frequency class distribution it was found that the shrub community of BRF is heterogeneous in nature i.e. represents uniform species diversity which does not allow the dominance of a species. Among the recorded shrubs, Pycnarrhena pleniflora, Coffea benghalensis, Boeica filiformis, Gnetum gnemon and Dalhousiea bracteata has a good population status. Gnetum gnemon on the other hand a potential NTFP of BRF has an infrequent distribution which is due to its high economic value and unregulated collection. The market value of G.gnemon and its conservation needs are also presented.
Wastewater treatment by conversion of nitrogen-containing pollution by immobilized microbiocenosis in a biodisk installation
Authors: Iurchenko Valentyna , Tsytlishvili Kateryna , Malovanyy Myroslav
Published: March 2022

Experimental works are devoted to research the efficiency of deamonization and de-nitrogenation of wastewater during treatment in a biodisk installation. Working hypothesis - immobilization of the microbiocenosis can provide simultaneous deep treatment of wastewater from organic compounds and inorganic nitrogen-containing compounds. The purpose of this work is to assess the efficiency of purification of highly concentrated organic pollutants and mineralized wastewater from nitrogen compounds in a biodisk installation and to determine the main ecological-trophic groups of microorganisms included in the immobilized nitrogen-transforming microbiocenosis. Methods of research of immobilized microbiocenosis - microbiological. physiological, biochemical (inhibitory experiments), natural and model wastewater - hydrochemical. It has been established that in microbiocenosis immobilized on disks conditions that allow heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms to actively metabolize organic and inorganic compounds under aerobic and anoxidic conditions are created. The quantitative indicators of the influence on the kinetics of the processes of the concentration of organic substances in the treated wastewater have been determined. On the basis of microbiological, physiological and biochemical studies in the immobilized microbiocenosis, ammonium-acid bacteria (and, possibly, archaea) nitrite-acid and denitrifying bacteria were found, and in the absence of organic substances in the environment - anammox bacteria. Moreover, in the biofilm that was formed in the absence of organic substances in the environment, the activity of anammox bacteria in deamonization significantly exceeded the activity of ammonium oxidizing bacteria and archaea. The obtained results and quantitative requirements were used in the organization of real wastewater treatment in a biodisc plant in industrial conditions.
La Armada de la Guarda. Defensa y naufragio en la Carrera de Indias
Authors: Pajuelo Moreno Vicente
Published: March 2022

A partir de una exhaustiva labor de documentación histórica, se analizan los orígenes y la organización del sistema naval que permitió conectar las orillas atlánticas del imperio español bajo los Austrias a partir de la principal formación encargada de transportar los metales preciosos entre las colonias americanas y la metrópoli durante más de un siglo: la Armada de la Guarda. Partiendo del naufragio de la escuadra de Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Sotomayor en aguas del Caribe en noviembre de 1605, el autor explora todo el andamiaje institucional, naval y humano que sustentaba el sistema en el que se desarrollaba su navegación: la construcción de los galeones, la tripulación, los bastimentos, los pertrechos, la artillería y la ruta seguida. Asimismo, se examina el plan de búsqueda y rescate desarrollado por la Corona para encontrar las embarcaciones perdidas y auxiliar a los supervivientes. Con el objetivo de facilitar al lector la comprensión de numerosos términos, tanto náuticos como metrológicos, se han incorporado al volumen un glosario de vocablos marítimos y una tabla de equivalencias de monedas.
E-administracja nadzorcza na rynku finansowym UE a stabilność finansowa z perspektywy projektów rozporządzeń DORA i MiCA
Authors: Fedorowicz Magdalena
Published: March 2022

W opracowaniu dokonano analizy dwóch projektów rozporządzeń UE dotyczących odporności cyfrowej (DORA) i regulacji rynków kryptoaktywów (MiCA) z perspektywy nowej materii prawnorynkowej wiązanej z zapewnieniem bezpieczeństwa produktów i usług świadczonych i realizowanych w otoczeniu cyfrowym przez szeroko pojęte podmioty finansowe i obejmowanej unijno-krajowym nadzorem, a także z odniesieniami do zagadnienia cyfrowych innowacyjnych narzędzi i instrumentów nadzorczych (SupTech). W artykule sformułowano wniosek o potrzebie funkcjonalnego nadzorczego, wielopłaszczyznowego podejścia do nowej, ujednolicanej na poziomie UE „cyfrowej” materii prawnorynkowej.
Implied Volatility Changes and Corporate Bond Returns
Authors: Cao Jie , Goyal Amit , Xiao Xiao , Zhan Xintong
Published: March 2022

Corporate bonds with large increases in implied volatility over the past month underperform those with large decreases in implied volatility by 0.6% per month. In contrast to existing studies that show implied volatility changes carry information about fundamental news, our evidence suggests that implied volatility changes contain information about uncertainty shocks to the firm. Our results are consistent with the notion that informed traders with new information about firm risk prefer to trade in the option market and the corporate bond market underreacts to this information.

This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.

Funding: We thank the Canadian Derivatives Institute for financial support. J. Cao and X. Zhan acknowledge generous financial support of the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Grants GRF 14501720, 14500919].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4379 .
Actively developing passive liveness detection
Authors: Lunter Jan
Published: March 2022

When it comes to online verification, passive liveness detection (PLD) offers a superior user experience because it asks nothing of the customer. But not all PLD systems have the features needed to maximise their performance, says Jan Lunter of Innovatrics.
How to eliminate biometric bias
Authors: Ritter Stephen
Published: March 2022

From algo training to setting testing standards, Stephen Ritter of Mitek outlines the main actions users and developers can take to eradicate facial recognition bias.
Third sector housing as a social innovation in Hong Kong: a qualitative study
Authors: Yung Betty
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on the recent re-emergence of third sector housing in Hong Kong, which is at the beginning of a transitional stage from a phase of being crowded out by public housing to a phase of playing a complementary role to other housing sectors in the housing arena. It aims to explore third sector housing in this transitional stage as a socially innovative approach to address Hong Kong’s housing issues. A stakeholder-centred, interview-based and qualitative data collection approach is adopted to examine holistically the different facets of social innovation in relation to such third sector housing efforts. On the basis of interview findings, it is found that recent third sector housing endeavours are a multifaceted innovation, essentially comprising innovation in terms of seven dimensions, namely concepts, resources, delivery, social relations, objectives, advocacy and mentality. The study on which this article is based distinguishes itself by investigating a case of multidimensional housing innovation in the Asian context of Hong Kong.
Characterization of the optical spectrum as a service
Authors: Kaeval Kaida , Lars Jansen Sander , Spinty Florian , Grobe Klaus , Griesser Helmut , Fehenberger Tobias , Tikas Marko , Jervan Gert
Published: March 2022

Encouraged by the emerging disaggregation trend in optical transport networks, operators are willing to offer flexible and future-proof optical spectrum as a service (OSaaS) instead of classical capacity services. To define this modern service in commercial offerings, a commonly accepted, reliable, and easy-to-use service characterization method has to be developed. This is explicitly challenging in terrestrial brown-field, black-box scenarios, where open line system (OLS) data are unavailable or outdated to employ calculation or simulation-based methods. The objective of this work is to identify a characterization method that reliably captures wavelength-dependent performance variations, possible filtering penalties, and the operation regime of the optical spectrum services. First, all OSaaS configuration options in the OLS are systemized into four primary configurations, and their operational aspects are discussed. Then, two of the most used OSaaS configurations are tested in the lab and in a live network environment, providing links up to 5738 km in length. Generalized signal-to-noise ratio profiles are captured with a channel probing method, using a single-probe sweep and multiple simultaneous probes. Then, the accuracy and suitability of the amplified spontaneous emission loaded optical signal-to-noise ratio profile is tested in a lab environment. Finally, we discuss the required time and hardware resources to characterize the service and bring out the pros and cons for each investigated profile. In conclusion, we propose a single-probe sweep as a reliable and easy-to-use method to characterize the OSaaS in terrestrial brown-field networks.
Graphene plasmonic spatial light modulator for reconfigurable diffractive optical neural networks
Authors: Zeng Huiying , Fan Jichao , Zhang Yibo , Su Yikai , Qiu Ciyuan , Gao Weilu
Published: March 2022

Terahertz (THz) diffractive optical neural networks (DONNs) highlight a new route toward intelligent THz imaging, where the image capture and classification happen simultaneously. However, the state-of-the-art implementation mostly relies on passive components and thus the functionalities are limited. The reconfigurability can be achieved through spatial light modulators (SLMs), while it is not clear what device specifications are required and how challenging the associated device implementation is. Here, we show that a complex-valued modulation with a π/2 phase modulation in an active reflective graphene-plasmonics-based SLM can be employed for realizing the reconfigurability in THz DONNs. By coupling the plasmonic resonance in graphene nanoribbons with the reflected Fabry-Pérot (F-P) mode from a back reflector, we achieve a minor amplitude modulation of large reflection and a substantial π/2 phase modulation. Furthermore, the constructed reconfigurable reflective THz DONNs consisting of designed SLMs demonstrate >94.0% validation accuracy of the MNIST dataset. The results suggest that the relaxation of requirements on the specifications of SLMs should significantly simplify and enable varieties of SLM designs for versatile DONN functionalities.
Node-splitting optimized canonical correlation forest algorithm for sea fog detection using MODIS data
Authors: Wan Jianhua , Li Jiajia , Xu Mingming , Liu Shanwei , Sheng Hui
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a node splitting optimized canonical correlation forest algorithm for sea fog detection is proposed by using active and passive satellites. The traditional canonical correlation forest (CCF) algorithm insufficiently accounts for the spectral characteristics and the reliability of each classifier during integration. To deal with the problem, the information gain rate of node entropy is used as the splitting criterion, and the spectral characteristics of clouds and fogs are also combined into the model generation process. The proposed algorithm was verified using the meteorological station data and compared with five state-of-the-art algorithms, which demonstrated that the algorithm has the best performance in sea fog detection and can identify mist better.
Numerical modeling of optical modes in topological soft matter
Authors: Mur Urban , Ravnik Miha
Published: March 2022

Vector and vortex laser beams are desired in many applications and are usually created by manipulating the laser output or by inserting optical components in the laser cavity. Distinctly, inserting liquid crystals into the laser cavity allows for extensive control over the emitted light due to their high susceptibility to external fields and birefringent nature. In this work we demonstrate diverse optical modes for lasing as enabled and stablised by topological birefringent soft matter structures using numerical modelling. We show diverse structuring of light—with different 3D intensity and polarization profiles—as realised by topological soft matter structures in radial nematic droplet, in 2D nematic cavities of different geometry and including topological defects with different charges and winding numbers, in arbitrary varying birefringence fields with topological defects and in pixelated birefringent profiles. We use custom written FDFD code to calculate emergent electromagnetic eigenmodes. Control over lasing is of a particular interest aiming towards the creation of general intensity, polarization and topologically shaped laser beams.
Automatic boat detection based on diffusion and radiation characterization of boat lights during night for VIIRS DNB imaging data
Authors: Xue Chengcheng , Gao Caixia , Hu Jian , Qiu Shi , Wang Qi
Published: March 2022

Visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB) data has been used to detect lit boats during night as it is very sensitive to low radiances. The existing methods for boat detection from VIIRS DNB data are mainly based on thresholds that are estimated by the statistical characteristics of pixels or artificial experience. This may generate detection errors and poor adaptability due to the lack of characterization of boat lights. In this paper, a two-step threshold detection algorithm based on the point spread and the radiative characteristics of nightlight point sources is proposed, so that the interference from adjacent pixels could be reduced as much as possible and a reasonable threshold could be determined. Meanwhile, this algorithm is applied to three study areas, namely the sea area around Tianjin Port in Bohai Sea, the sea area around Shanghai Port in East China Sea, and the sea area around Port Sulphur in Gulf of Mexico. It is demonstrated that the detection precision of the proposed algorithm reaches up to 90% and the recall rate reaches up to 85% in three areas when validated by visual interpretation, and the precision is 85.71% when validated by automatic identification system (AIS) data in the study area of the sea area around Port Sulphur in Gulf of Mexico, which approximately increases by 5% compared with the previous algorithm.
InGaAsP VECSEL for watt-level output at a wavelength around 765 nm
Authors: Großmann Marius , Jetter Michael , Michler Peter
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate a deep-red-emitting vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) with an emission wavelength around λ = 765 nm based on InGaAsP/GaInP quantum wells. The quaternary material system was characterized with x-ray diffraction of thin films as the basis for InGaAsP quantum wells, which are incorporated into an 11 × 1 quantum well active region. The surface morphology of the fabricated VECSEL structure is analyzed with atomic force microscopy and the laser is evaluated in a linear cavity for various heatsink temperatures resulting in a watt-level output power of Pmax,−15°C = 1.71 W in a fundamental transverse mode.
Dual effects on Ho3+ ∼4.0 μm emission by Nd3+ ions in (Y,Gd)AlO3 crystal
Authors: Zhang Peixiong , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: March 2022

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the use of
Nd3+ codoping for enhancing the

∼
4.0
 

μ

m emission from the
Ho3+:5I5 → 5I6
transition was investigated in a Ho3+,
Nd3+-codoped Gd0.1Y0.9AlO3
[(Y,Gd)AlO3] crystal [Ho/Nd:(Y,Gd)AlO3]. In this
study, the

∼
4.0
 

μ

m emission characteristics and energy
transfer were investigated in detail, and it was found that the
codoped Nd3+ ions in the Ho/Nd:(Y,Gd)AlO3
crystal significantly enhanced the Ho3+:

∼
4.0
 

μ

m emission, depopulated the lower
laser level of Ho3+:5I6, and had
little effect on the higher laser level of
Ho3+:5I5. It was also found that the
energy transfer efficiency from
Nd3+:4F3/2 to
Ho3+:5I5 was as high as 43.0%,
indicating that Nd3+ ions can be used as an effective
sensitizer for Ho3+ ions and that
Ho/Nd:(Y,Gd)AlO3 crystal has the potential to be pumped by
a commercialized InGaAs laser diode (LD). These results suggest that
Ho/Nd:(Y,Gd)AlO3 crystals are likely to become attractive
hosts for developing solid-state lasers at around 4.0

μ

m under a conventional 808 nm LD
pump.
Dynamic proton-dependent motors power type IX secretion and gliding motility in Flavobacterium
Authors: Vincent Maxence S. , Comas Hervada Caterina , Sebban-Kreuzer Corinne , Le Guenno Hugo , Chabalier Maïalène , Kosta Artemis , Guerlesquin Françoise , Mignot Tâm , McBride Mark J. , Cascales Eric , Doan Thierry
Published: March 2022

Motile bacteria usually rely on external apparatus like flagella for swimming or pili for twitching. By contrast, gliding bacteria do not rely on obvious surface appendages to move on solid surfaces. Flavobacterium johnsoniae and other bacteria in the Bacteroidetes phylum use adhesins whose movement on the cell surface supports motility. In F. johnsoniae, secretion and helicoidal motion of the main adhesin SprB are intimately linked and depend on the type IX secretion system (T9SS). Both processes necessitate the proton motive force (PMF), which is thought to fuel a molecular motor that comprises the GldL and GldM cytoplasmic membrane proteins. Here, we show that F. johnsoniae gliding motility is powered by the pH gradient component of the PMF. We further delineate the interaction network between the GldLM transmembrane helices (TMHs) and show that conserved glutamate residues in GldL TMH2 are essential for gliding motility, although having distinct roles in SprB secretion and motion. We then demonstrate that the PMF and GldL trigger conformational changes in the GldM periplasmic domain. We finally show that multiple GldLM complexes are distributed in the membrane, suggesting that a network of motors may be present to move SprB along a helical path on the cell surface. Altogether, our results provide evidence that GldL and GldM assemble dynamic membrane channels that use the proton gradient to power both T9SS-dependent secretion of SprB and its motion at the cell surface.
Minimal cross-trial generalization in learning the representation of an odor-guided choice task
Authors: Song Mingyu , Takahashi Yuji K. , Burton Amanda C. , Roesch Matthew R. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey , Niv Yael , Langdon Angela J.
Published: March 2022

There is no single way to represent a task. Indeed, despite experiencing the same task events and contingencies, different subjects may form distinct task representations. As experimenters, we often assume that subjects represent the task as we envision it. However, such a representation cannot be taken for granted, especially in animal experiments where we cannot deliver explicit instruction regarding the structure of the task. Here, we tested how rats represent an odor-guided choice task in which two odor cues indicated which of two responses would lead to reward, whereas a third odor indicated free choice among the two responses. A parsimonious task representation would allow animals to learn from the forced trials what is the better option to choose in the free-choice trials. However, animals may not necessarily generalize across odors in this way. We fit reinforcement-learning models that use different task representations to trial-by-trial choice behavior of individual rats performing this task, and quantified the degree to which each animal used the more parsimonious representation, generalizing across trial types. Model comparison revealed that most rats did not acquire this representation despite extensive experience. Our results demonstrate the importance of formally testing possible task representations that can afford the observed behavior, rather than assuming that animals’ task representations abide by the generative task structure that governs the experimental design.
Assessing the best time interval between doses in a two-dose vaccination regimen to reduce the number of deaths in an ongoing epidemic of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Souto Ferreira Leonardo , Canton Otavio , da Silva Rafael Lopes Paixão , Poloni Silas , Sudbrack Vítor , Borges Marcelo Eduardo , Franco Caroline , Marquitti Flavia Maria Darcie , de Moraes José Cássio , Veras Maria Amélia de Sousa Mascena , Kraenkel Roberto André , Coutinho Renato Mendes
Published: March 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a major concern all over the world and, as vaccines became available at the end of 2020, optimal vaccination strategies were subjected to intense investigation. Considering their critical role in reducing disease burden, the increasing demand outpacing production, and that most currently approved vaccines follow a two-dose regimen, the cost-effectiveness of delaying the second dose to increment the coverage of the population receiving the first dose is often debated. Finding the best solution is complex due to the trade-off between vaccinating more people with lower level of protection and guaranteeing higher protection to a fewer number of individuals. Here we present a novel extended age-structured SEIR mathematical model that includes a two-dose vaccination schedule with a between-doses delay modelled through delay differential equations and linear optimization of vaccination rates. By maintaining the minimum stock of vaccines under a given production rate, we evaluate the dose interval that minimizes the number of deaths. We found that the best strategy depends on an interplay between the vaccine production rate and the relative efficacy of the first dose. In the scenario of low first-dose efficacy, it is always better to vaccinate the second dose as soon as possible, while for high first-dose efficacy, the best strategy of time window depends on the production rate and also on second-dose efficacy provided by each type of vaccine. We also found that the rate of spread of the infection does not affect significantly the thresholds of the best window, but is an important factor in the absolute number of total deaths. These conclusions point to the need to carefully take into account both vaccine characteristics and roll-out speed to optimize the outcome of vaccination strategies.
SUMO-mediated recruitment allows timely function of the Yen1 nuclease in mitotic cells
Authors: Dorison Hugo , Talhaoui Ibtissam , Mazón Gerard
Published: March 2022

The post-translational modification of DNA damage response proteins with SUMO is an important mechanism to orchestrate a timely and orderly recruitment of repair factors to damage sites. After DNA replication stress and double-strand break formation, a number of repair factors are SUMOylated and interact with other SUMOylated factors, including the Yen1 nuclease. Yen1 plays a critical role in ensuring genome stability and unperturbed chromosome segregation by removing covalently linked DNA intermediates between sister chromatids that are formed by homologous recombination. Here we show how this important role of Yen1 depends on interactions mediated by non-covalent binding to SUMOylated partners. Mutations in the motifs that allow SUMO-mediated recruitment of Yen1 impair its ability to resolve DNA intermediates and result in chromosome mis-segregation and increased genome instability.
National mapping of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and anaemia in Yemen: Towards better national control and elimination
Authors: Johari Nur Alia , Annuzaili Dhekra Amin , El-Talabawy Hani Farouk , Ba-Break Maryam , Al-Mekhlafi Abdulsalam M. , Al-Eryani Samira , Alkohlani Abdulhakim Ali , Gabrielli Albis Francesco , Ben-Ismail Riadh , Alhaidari Sami , Muaydh Adel , Alshami Rasheed , Al Gunaid Magid , Hamed Alaa , Kamel Nehad , Palacio Karen , Fleming Fiona , French Michael Duncan
Published: March 2022

Background

Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are known to be endemic in Yemen. However, the distribution of both diseases had not previously been assessed by a well-structured national mapping study covering all governorates. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to map the prevalence of SCH and STH in Yemen in order to better inform implementation of effective national control and elimination interventions. The assessment of the distribution of anaemia was also included as a well-known consequence of infection with both SCH and STH. Secondarily, the study aimed to provide a broad indication of the impact of large-scale treatment on the distribution of infection.

Methodology and principal findings

To achive these aims, 80,432 children (10–14 years old) from 2,664 schools in 332 of Yemen’s 333 districts were included, in 2014, into this national cross-sectional survey. Countrywide, 63.3% (210/332) and 75.6% (251/332) of districts were found to be endemic for SCH and STH respectively. More districts were affected by intestinal than urogenital SCH (54.2% and 31.6% respectively). SCH infection was mostly mild and moderate, with no districts reporting high infection. One quarter (24.4%) of Yemeni districts had high or moderate levels of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Infection with Trichuris trichiura was the second most common STH (44.9% of districts infected) after A. lumbricoides (68.1%). Hookworm was the least prevalent STH (9.0%).

Anaemia was prevalent in 96.4% of districts; it represented a severe public health problem (prevalence ≥ 40%) in 26.5% of districts, and a mild to moderate problem in two thirds of the districts (33.7% and 36.1% respectively).

Conclusion

This study provided the first comprehensive mapping of SCH, STH, and anaemia across the country. This formed the basis for evaluating and continuing the national control and elimination programme for these neglected tropical diseases in Yemen.
Incidence of cervical, breast and colorectal cancers between 2010 and 2015 in people living with HIV in France
Authors: Rojas Rojas Teresa , Poizot-Martin Isabelle , Rey David , Duvivier Claudine , Bani-Sadr Firouzé , Cabie André , Delobel Pierre , Jacomet Christine , Allavena Clotilde , Ferry Tristan , Pugliese Pascal , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Lamaury Isabelle , Hustache-Matthieu Laurent , Fresard Anne , Houyou Tamazighth , Huleux Thomas , Cheret Antoine , Makinson Alain , Obry-Roguet Véronique , Lions Caroline , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Protopopescu Camelia ,   the Dat’AIDS Study Group
Published: March 2022

Background

We aimed to evaluate the incidence rates between 2010 and 2015 for invasive cervical cancer (ICC), breast cancer (BC), and colorectal cancer (CRC) in people living with HIV (PLWH) in France, and to compare them with those in the French general population. These cancers are targeted by the national cancer-screening program.

Setting

This is a retrospective study based on the longitudinal data of the French Dat’AIDS cohort.

Methods

Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for ICC and BC, and incidence rates for all three cancers were calculated overall and for specific sub-populations according to nadir CD4 cell count, HIV transmission category, HIV diagnosis period, and HCV coinfection.

Results

The 2010–2015 CRC incidence rate was 25.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 18.6–33.4] per 100,000 person-years, in 44,642 PLWH (both men and women). Compared with the general population, the ICC incidence rate was significantly higher in HIV-infected women both overall (SIR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.18–3.14) and in the following sub-populations: nadir CD4 ≤ 200 cells/mm3 (SIR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.45–4.74), HIV transmission through intravenous drug use (SIR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.93–13.70), HCV coinfection (SIR = 3.52, 95% CI: 1.47–8.47) and HIV diagnosis before 2000 (SIR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.07–3.97). Conversely, the BC incidence rate was significantly lower in the study sample than in the general population (SIR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42–0.73).

Conclusion

The present study showed no significant linear trend between 2010 and 2015 in the incidence rates of the three cancers explored in the PLWH study sample. Specific recommendations for ICC screening are still required for HIV-infected women and should focus on sub-populations at greatest risk.
Sensitivity analysis of disease-information coupling propagation dynamics model parameters
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Haiyan
Published: March 2022

The disease-information coupling propagation dynamics model is a widely used model for studying the spread of infectious diseases in society, but the parameter settings and sensitivity are often overlooked, which leads to enlarged errors in the results. Exploring the influencing factors of the disease-information coupling propagation dynamics model and identifying the key parameters of the model will help us better understand its coupling mechanism and make accurate recommendations for controlling the spread of disease. In this paper, Sobol global sensitivity analysis algorithm is adopted to conduct global sensitivity analysis on 6 input parameters (different cross regional jump probabilities, information dissemination rate, information recovery rate, epidemic transmission rate, epidemic recovery rate, and the probability of taking preventive actions) of the disease-information coupling model with the same interaction radius and heterogeneous interaction radius. The results show that: (1) In the coupling model with the same interaction radius, the parameters that have the most obvious influence on the peak density of nodes in stateAIand the information dissemination scale of the information are the information dissemination rateβIand the information recovery rateμI. In the coupling model of heterogeneous interaction radius, the parameters that have the most obvious impact on the peak density of nodes in theAIstate of the information layer are: information spread rateβI, disease recovery rateμE, and the parameter that has a significant impact on the scale of information spread is the information spread rateβIand information recovery rateμI. (2) Under the same interaction radius and heterogeneous interaction radius, the parameters that have the most obvious influence on peak density of nodes in stateSEand the disease transmission scale of the disease layer are the disease transmission rateβE, the disease recovery rateμE, and the probability of an individual moving across regionspjump.