bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An anamorphic time-lens-based optical cryptosystem for protection of time-varying signals
Authors: Wang Mingqing , Lou Shuqin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The similarity between in-plane directions of spatial optics and overlapped time ranges of temporal optics is introduced as a new rule of the space–time duality. Applying this rule, an optical dual random phase encoding (DRPE) cryptosystem in the temporal anamorphic fractional Fourier transform (TAFrFT) domain is proposed for physical-level protection of time-varying signals. The structure of a TAFrFT system is an anamorphic time lens (ATL) sandwiched by two identical dispersion elements. The additional key provided by a TAFrFT system is only related to phase profile of the involved ATL, leading to a dispersion-independent manner of key updating as well as an enlarged key space (KS) in comparison with the conventional temporal FrFT and Fresnel transform system. This manner of key updating has potential as a one-time key strategy to evade the intrinsic linearity and symmetry weakness of DRPE-like temporal cryptosystems, due to the updating speed being comparable to the frame rate of plaintext signals. As the temporal counterpart of a spatial optical device composed of cylindrical lenses along different directions, an ATL is designed as an equal-spaced array of time lenses with unipolar phase, constant extension, and varying phase height. Implemented by an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG)-driven electro-optic phase modulator (EOPM), the time interval of adjacent time lenses, extension of each time lens, and the standard phase height are optimally designed as functions of the AWG bandwidth B

M
and the EOPM damage phase threshold

Γ

0

. By numerical simulations, a 16-slot input optical Gaussian pulse sequence with half pulse width of 10 ps and frame length of 2000 ps is encrypted with a KS near

2

698

provided by ATLs at parameters

B
M

=

100

GHz and

Γ

0

=

5

π

radians under the state of the art, enough for resistance to brute-force attacks.
Did nuclear transformations inside Earth form nitrogen, oxygen, and water?
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Nitrogen and sea water concentrations have increased continuously from the Archean era. A rapid rise in oxygen concentration has been recorded from around 0.8 billion years ago. These phenomena cannot be completely explained by the collision of planetesimals with abundant nitrogen and the late veneer heavy bombardment of comets and meteorites with abundant water, and photosynthesis of heterotrophic plants, respectively. The formation of nitrogen, oxygen, and water are postulated to be the result of an endothermic nuclear transformation of carbon and oxygen nuclei confined in the carbonate aragonite lattice of Earth’s mantle or crust at high temperatures and pressures. This process was likely influenced by excited electrons generated by stick sliding during the evolution of supercontinents, mantle convection triggered by collisions of major asteroids, and nuclear fusion in Earth’s core. Thus, we show that calcium carbonates may have played a crucial role in the generation of atmosphere and sea water in Earth’s history.
Generation of non-thermal plasmas over large and complex surfaces
Authors: Jakob Henrike , Kim Min Kwan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Atmospheric non-thermal plasma is gaining increasing attention for various applications including food, medical and healthcare technologies because of its unique capability in producing reactive species. In spite of its promising potential, generating non-thermal plasma over large and complex geometries such as the human body or a narrow channel is still challenging and is limiting the use of atmospheric non-thermal plasma. In this study, we propose two new electrode systems, printed and knitted electrodes, to enhance scalability and flexibility of a conventional atmospheric non-thermal plasma source. The flexibilities of both electrode systems are quantified for varying curvatures to generate non-thermal plasma over complex geometries. Moreover, both electrode systems are assessed for varying system size to assess the ability of large scale plasma geometries. Electrical and optical diagnostics including Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), are used to monitor the property of plasma generated by these systems. The present study shows that both printed and knitted electrodes can produce non-thermal plasma, however both have certain limitations. Concluding from these findings, a schematic of new hybrid electrode system for the treatment of large surfaces or narrow long channels is proposed to eradicate these limitations.
Systemic effects of missense mutations on SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein stability and receptor-binding affinity
Authors: Teng Shaolei , Sobitan Adebiyi , Rhoades Raina , Liu Dongxiao , Tang Qiyi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The spike (S) glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the binding to the permissive cells. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 S protein directly interacts with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cell membrane. In this study, we used computational saturation mutagenesis approaches, including structure-based energy calculations and sequence-based pathogenicity predictions, to quantify the systemic effects of missense mutations on SARS-CoV-2 S protein structure and function. A total of 18 354 mutations in S protein were analyzed, and we discovered that most of these mutations could destabilize the entire S protein and its RBD. Specifically, residues G431 and S514 in SARS-CoV-2 RBD are important for S protein stability. We analyzed 384 experimentally verified S missense variations and revealed that the dominant pandemic form, D614G, can stabilize the entire S protein. Moreover, many mutations in N-linked glycosylation sites can increase the stability of the S protein. In addition, we investigated 3705 mutations in SARS-CoV-2 RBD and 11 324 mutations in human ACE2 and found that SARS-CoV-2 neighbor residues G496 and F497 and ACE2 residues D355 and Y41 are critical for the RBD–ACE2 interaction. The findings comprehensively provide potential target sites in the development of drugs and vaccines against COVID-19.
Genomic differentiation in an endemic Philippine genus (Aves:Sarcophanops) owing to geographical isolation on recently disassociated islands
Authors: Campillo Luke C , Manthey Joseph D , Thomson Robert C , Hosner Peter A , Moyle Robert G 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPhylogeographical studies of Philippine vertebrates have demonstrated that genetic variation is broadly partitioned by Pleistocene island aggregation. Contemporary island discontinuity is expected to influence genetic differentiation but remains relatively undocumented, perhaps because the current episode of island isolation started in relatively recent times. We investigated inter- and intra-island population structure in a Philippine endemic bird genus (Sarcophanops) to determine whether genetic differentiation has evolved during the recent period of isolation. We sequenced thousands of genome-wide restriction site associated DNA (RAD) markers from throughout the Mindanao group to assess fine-scale genetic structure across islands. Specifically, we investigated patterns of gene flow and connectivity within and between taxonomic and geographical bounds. A previous assessment of mitochondrial DNA detected deep structure between Sarcophanops samarensis and a sister species, Sarcophanops steerii, but was insufficient to detect differentiation within either species. Analysis of RAD markers, however, revealed structure within S. samarensis between the islands of Samar/Leyte and Bohol. This genetic differentiation probably demonstrates an effect of recent geographical isolation (after the Last Glacial Maximum) on the genetic structure of Philippine avifauna. We suggest that the general lack of evidence for differentiation between recently isolated populations is a failure to detect subtle population structure owing to past genetic sampling constraints, rather than the absence of such structure.
Photovoice: Integrating Course-Based Research in Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Education
Authors: Monteblanco Adelle Dora , Moya Eva M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Research skills are vital to students’ professional careers and must be cultivated in the social work curriculum. While students and faculty may hesitate to participate in a course-based research project, the authors believe that the Photovoice method is easily adapted to a variety of class and student needs. Photovoice is a field-oriented and qualitative research method that visually documents and communicates community assets and needs. The first purpose of this article is to offer Photovoice as a potential model for instructors to implement a course-based research project. The second purpose is to quantitatively assess changes in students’ reported confidence in social work topics and research activities. Data revealed that the students reported increased confidence in the majority of the content and research evaluated; content examples include economic justice and determinants of social inequalities; research examples include analysing data for patterns and identifying the limitations of research methods. The data illustrate the pedagogical power of Photovoice.
The microglial component of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Clarke Benjamin E , Patani Rickie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the CNS, carrying out key homeostatic roles and undergoing context-dependent and temporally regulated changes in response to injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia have been implicated in playing a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extensive motor neuron loss leading to paralysis and premature death. However, as the pathomechansims of ALS are increasingly recognized to involve a multitude of different cell types, it has been difficult to delineate the specific contribution of microglia to disease. Here, we review the literature of microglial involvement in ALS and discuss the evidence for the neurotoxic and neuroprotective pathways that have been attributed to microglia in this disease. We also discuss accumulating evidence for spatiotemporal regulation of microglial activation in this context. A deeper understanding of the role of microglia in the ‘cellular phase’ of ALS is crucial in the development of mechanistically rationalized therapies.
Reduced Vitamin K Status as a Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Dofferhoff Anton S M , Piscaer Ianthe , Schurgers Leon J , Visser Margot P J , van den Ouweland Jody M W , de Jong Pim A , Gosens Reinoud , Hackeng Tilman M , van Daal Henny , Lux Petra , Maassen Cecile , Karssemeijer Esther G A , Vermeer Cees , Wouters Emiel F M , Kistemaker Loes E M , Walk Jona , Janssen Rob 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Respiratory failure and thromboembolism are frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–infected patients. Vitamin K activates both hepatic coagulation factors and extrahepatic endothelial anticoagulant protein S, required for thrombosis prevention. In times of vitamin K insufficiency, hepatic procoagulant factors are preferentially activated over extrahepatic proteins. Vitamin K also activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), which protects against pulmonary and vascular elastic fiber damage. We hypothesized that vitamin K may be implicated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), linking pulmonary and thromboembolic disease.

Methods
A total of 135 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were compared with 184 historic controls. Inactive vitamin K–dependent MGP (desphospho-uncarboxylated [dp-uc] MGP) and prothrombin (PIVKA-II) were measured inversely related to extrahepatic and hepatic vitamin K status, respectively. Desmosine was measured to quantify the rate of elastic fiber degradation. Arterial calcification severity was assessed using computed tomography.

Results
dp-ucMGP was elevated in COVID-19 patients compared with controls (P &lt; .001), with even higher dp-ucMGP in patients with poor outcomes (P &lt; .001). PIVKA-II was normal in 82.1% of patients. dp-ucMGP was correlated with desmosine (P &lt; .001) and with coronary artery (P = .002) and thoracic aortic (P &lt; .001) calcification scores.

Conclusions
dp-ucMGP was severely increased in COVID-19 patients, indicating extrahepatic vitamin K insufficiency, which was related to poor outcome; hepatic procoagulant factor II remained unaffected. These data suggest pneumonia-induced extrahepatic vitamin K depletion leading to accelerated elastic fiber damage and thrombosis in severe COVID-19 due to impaired activation of MGP and endothelial protein S, respectively.
Performance of the Bronchoalveolar Lavage FluidAspergillusGalactomannan Lateral Flow Assay With Cube Reader for Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Jenks Jeffrey D , Prattes Juergen , Frank Johanna , Spiess Birgit , Mehta Sanjay R , Boch Tobias , Buchheidt Dieter , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) is a rapid test for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) that has been almost exclusively evaluated in patients with hematologic malignancies. An automated digital cube reader that allows for quantification of results has recently been added to the test kits.MethodsWe performed a retrospective multicenter study on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples obtained from 296 patients with various underlying diseases (65% without underlying hematological malignancy) who had BALF galactomannan (GM) ordered between 2013 and 2019 at the University of California, San Diego, the Medical University of Graz, Austria, and the Mannheim University Hospital, Germany.ResultsCases were classified as proven (n = 2), probable (n = 56), putative (n = 30), possible (n = 45), and no IA (n = 162). The LFA showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.865 (95% confidence interval [CI] .815–.916) for differentiating proven/probable or putative IA versus no IA, with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 83% at an optical density index cutoff of 1.5. After exclusion of GM as mycological criterion for case classification, diagnostic performance of the LFA was highly similar to GM testing (AUC 0.892 vs 0.893, respectively). LFA performance was consistent across different patient cohorts and centers.ConclusionsIn this multicenter study the LFA assay from BALF demonstrated good diagnostic performance for IA that was consistent across patient cohorts and locations. The LFA may serve a role as a rapid test that may replace conventional GM testing in settings where GM results are not rapidly available.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients in Earlier Stages Exhaled Millions of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Per Hour
Authors: Ma Jianxin , Qi Xiao , Chen Haoxuan , Li Xinyue , Zhang Zheng , Wang Haibin , Sun Lingli , Zhang Lu , Guo Jiazhen , Morawska Lidia , Grinshpun Sergey A , Biswas Pratim , Flagan Richard C , Yao Maosheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients exhaled millions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA copies per hour, which plays an important role in COVID-19 transmission. Exhaled breath had a higher positive rate (26.9%, n = 52) than surface (5.4%, n = 242) and air (3.8%, n = 26) samples.
Viewpoint of a WHO Advisory Group Tasked to Consider Establishing a Closely-monitored Challenge Model of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Levine Myron M , Abdullah Salim , Arabi Yaseen M , Darko Delese Mimi , Durbin Anna P , Estrada Vicente , Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Kremsner Peter G , Lagos Rosanna , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Plotkin Stanley A , Sauerwein Robert , Shi Sheng-Li , Sommerfelt Halvor , Subbarao Kanta , Treanor John J , Vrati Sudhanshu , King Deborah , Balasingam Shobana , Weller Charlie , Aguilar Anastazia Older , Cassetti M Cristina , Krause Philip R , Restrepo Ana Maria Henao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
WHO convened an Advisory Group (AG) to consider the feasibility, potential value, and limitations of establishing a closely-monitored challenge model of experimental severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthy adult volunteers. The AG included experts in design, establishment, and performance of challenges. This report summarizes issues that render a COVID-19 model daunting to establish (the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to cause severe/fatal illness, its high transmissibility, and lack of a “rescue treatment” to prevent progression from mild/moderate to severe clinical illness) and it proffers prudent strategies for stepwise model development, challenge virus selection, guidelines for manufacturing challenge doses, and ways to contain SARS-CoV-2 and prevent transmission to household/community contacts. A COVID-19 model could demonstrate protection against virus shedding and/or illness induced by prior SARS-CoV-2 challenge or vaccination. A limitation of the model is that vaccine efficacy in experimentally challenged healthy young adults cannot per se be extrapolated to predict efficacy in elderly/high-risk adults.
Linguistic Diversity in the very Long Run
Authors: John Andrew , Özgür Onur 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe emergence of language is one of the defining events of the human race. The subsequent development and evolution of languages, over the long sweep of history, reflect political, military, cultural, social and economic forces. The current article offers a highly parsimonious theoretical explanation of the endogenous creation and destruction of distinct languages, focusing purely on the interaction of economic and linguistic forces. Specifically, the article presents an endogenous growth model in which language is an engine of growth: agents who can communicate easily are able to produce and consume more. At the same time, economic interaction among agents affects the evolution of language communities. The resulting strategic complementarities lead agents to form distinct linguistic communities of varying sizes. Larger groups are more productive, so the model generates persistent divergence of output. The model can match a pattern that has been posited as a stylised fact of long-run historical linguistics: a global increase, and subsequent decline, in linguistic diversity. The theory is also broadly consistent with evidence on the size distribution of languages and on the relationship between mobility and linguistic diversity.
Efficacy of multi-electrode linear irreversible electroporation
Authors: Buist Thomas J , Groen Marijn H A , Wittkampf Fred H M , Loh Peter , Doevendans Pieter A F M , van Es René , Elvan Arif 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Aims
We investigated the efficacy of linear multi-electrode irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation in a porcine model.

Methods and results
The study was performed in six pigs (weight 60–75 kg). After median sternotomy and opening of the pericardium, a pericardial cradle was formed and filled with blood. A linear seven polar 7-Fr electrode catheter with 2.5 mm electrodes and 2.5 mm inter-electrode spacing was placed in good contact with epicardial tissue. A single IRE application was delivered using 50 J at one site and 100 J at two other sites, in random sequence, using a standard monophasic defibrillator connected to all seven electrodes connected in parallel. The pericardium and thorax were closed and after 3 weeks survival animals were euthanized. A total of 82 histological sections from all 18 electroporation lesions were analysed. A total of seven 50 J and fourteen 100 J epicardial IRE applications were performed. Mean peak voltages at 50 and 100 J were 1079.2 V ± 81.1 and 1609.5 V ± 56.8, with a mean peak current of 15.4 A ± 2.3 and 20.2 A ± 1.7, respectively. Median depth of the 50 and 100 J lesions were 3.2 mm [interquartile range (IQR) 3.1–3.6] and 5.5 mm (IQR 4.6–6.6) (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Median lesion width of the 50 and 100 J lesions was 3.9 mm (IQR 3.7–4.8) and 5.4 mm (IQR 5.0–6.3), respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Longitudinal sections showed continuous lesions for 100 J applications.

Conclusion
Epicardial multi-electrode linear application of IRE pulses is effective in creating continuous deep lesions.
Medically tailored meals for the management of symptomatic ascites: the SALTYFOOD pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tapper Elliot B , Baki Jad , Nikirk Samantha , Hummel Scott , Asrani Sumeet K , Lok Anna S 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Ascites is a costly, morbid complication of cirrhosis. Although a low-sodium diet is central to the clinical management of ascites, its efficacy is limited by poor adherence. We aimed to determine the feasibility and impact of low-sodium medically tailored meals (MTM) intervention.

Methods
We enrolled 40 persons with cirrhosis and ascites at the time of a paracentesis in a 12-week, 1:1 randomized trial of standard of care (SOC) (low-sodium diet educational handout) or MTM with &lt;2,000 mg of sodium, &gt;2,100 kcal, and &gt;80 g of protein including a nocturnal protein supplement. We determined the proportion of eligible candidates recruited and adherence to MTM. The primary outcome was the number of paracenteses performed during weeks 0–12. We also collected ascites-specific quality-of-life (ASI-7) scores.

Results
The median age of the enrolled subjects was 54 (IQR, 47–63) years, 46% were female, with median MELD-Na 18 (IQR, 11–23) and albumin 2.7 (IQR, 2.5–3.3) g/dL. At baseline, subjects reported a median of two (IQR, 1–3) paracenteses in the prior 4 weeks. Adherence to the meal schedule was excellent save for when hospitalizations occurred. After 12 weeks, patients in the MTM arm required fewer paracenteses per week than those in the SOC group [median (IQR): 0.34 (0.14–0.54) vs 0.45 (0.25–0.64)]. During the trial, four (20%) SOC patients died, whereas two (10%) died and one (5%) was transplanted in the MTM arm. Ascites-specific quality of life improved to a greater degree in the MTM arm compared to the SOC arm, by 25% (IQR, –11% to 61%) vs 13% (IQR, –28% to 54%).

Conclusion
A trial of MTM for persons with ascites is feasible and potentially effective. Both arms experienced benefits, highlighting the role for improved education and closer monitoring in this challenging condition.