bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-Inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals for Beam-Steering Applications
Authors: Gnawali Rudra , Volk Andrew , Agha Imad , Payne Tamara , Touma Jimmy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide as well as common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. These PCs can be used for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700-100nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.
Do health policies address the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of human resources for health?: Analysis of three decades of National Health Policy of India
Authors: Dubey Sweta , Vasa Jeel , Zadey Siddhesh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Human Resources for Health (HRH) are crucial to improve health services coverage and population health outcomes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) promotes four dimensions - availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality (AAAQ) for HRH strengthening. Integrating AAAQ dimensions in policymaking is essential to reduce the critical shortage of HRH in India.Methods We created a multilevel framework to evaluate the incorporation of AAAQ dimensions along with strategies and actions that can improve them in HRH-related policies. HRH-related recommendations of all versions of the National Health Policy of India (NHPI) were classified according to targeted dimensions and cadres. We evaluated the extent to which NHPIs incorporated AAAQ dimensions over three decades. Furthermore, dimension-wise normalized indices were formulated to calculate HRH deficits for pre-NHPI years to assess situational deficiencies. Finally, we evaluated whether or not the HRH recommendations of NHPIs addressed the deficient cadres and dimensions for the corresponding year.Results We observed that HRH availability and quality were focused more in NHPI compared to accessibility and acceptability. Doctors were prioritized over auxiliary nurses-midwives and health assistants. AAAQ indices showed deficits in all dimensions in almost all cadres over the years. The cadres focused by NHPI recommendations did not completely correspond to the deficient cadres.Conclusion The framework and indices based method can help identify the gaps between targeted and needed dimensions and cadres for effective HRH strengthening in countries. At the global level, the application of framework and indices will allow a comparison of strengths and weaknesses of HRH-related policies of various nations.
A Negative Piezo-conductive Effect From Doped Semiconducting Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Yi Chao , Shen Lening , Zheng Jie , Gong Xiong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the past years, piezo-conductive sensors have drawn great attention in both academic and industrial sectors. The piezo-conductive sensors made by inorganic semiconductors exhibited poor mechanical flexibility, restricting their further practical applications. In this study, we report the piezo-conductive sensors by a semiconducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with tosylate ions (PEDOT:Tos) thin films. Systemically studies indicate that the piezo-conductive response of the PEDOT:Tos thin films is originated from the deformation of the PEDOT crystal cells and the stretched π-π distances induced by Tos. Moreover, the negative piezo-conductive effect, for the first time, is observed from PEDOT:Tos thin film under the pressure. A working mechanism is further proposed to interpret the transient from a positive to a negative piezo-conductive response within the PEDOT:Tos thin films. Our studies offer a facile route to approach effective piezo-conductive sensors based on conjugated polymers.
Genetic Relationships and Diversity Analysis in Turkish Laurel (Laurus Nobilis L.) Germplasm Using ISSR&nbsp;and SCoT&nbsp;Markers
Authors: YILMAZ Abdurrahim , Ciftci Vahdettin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) has been used in the Mediterranean basin since ancient ages. Nowadays, Turkey, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Algeria, and Morocco use aromatic leaves for commercial purposes, and Turkey is the largest exporter in the world. In this study, molecular characterization and genetic relationships of 94 Turkish laurel genotypes were determined by ISSR and SCoT markers. The experiment was conducted with 16 ISSR and 10 SCoT markers. While 348 of 373 bands were polymorphic with a 94.04% polymorphism rate, Nei's genetic distances ranged between 0.17 and 0.70 with 0.39 mean in ISSR. In SCoT, 175 of 227 bands were polymorphic with 76.07% polymorphism rate, and Nei's distances varied between 0.12 and 0.51. Sufficient genetic diversity determined with diversity parameters consisting the average Shannon's information index (ISSR:0.46, SCoT:0.35), the overall gene diversity (ISSR:0.19, SCoT:0.18), and the effective number of alleles (ISSR:1.52, SCoT:1.38). AMOVA (Analysis of molecular variance) revealed most of the variation was within genotypes (%96). Neighbor-joining algorithms, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and model-based structure resulted in harmony and clustered according to the geographical regions and provinces they collected. Genotypes were divided into two groups in ISSR and SCoT with UPGMA clustering resulting in a similar polymorphism distribution. The correlation coefficient (r) determined by marker systems' Nei's genetic distance matrices was 0.88. The results of the study put forward resources for advanced breeding techniques, and contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity, and management of genetic resources for the breeders.
Generation of a dystrophin mutant dog by nuclear transfer using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated somatic cells
Authors: Oh Hyun Ju , Chung Eugene Chung , Kim Jaehwan , Kim Min Jung , Kim Geon A , Lee Seok Hee , Ra Kihae , Eom Kidong , Park Soojin , Chae Jong-Hee , Kim Jinsoo , Lee Byeong Chun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Dystrophinopathy is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to progressive muscle degeneration, necrosis, and finally death. Recently, golden retrievers have been suggested as a useful animal model for studying human dystrophinopathy, but the model has limitations due to difficulty in maintaining the genetic background using conventional breeding. In this study, we successfully generated a dystrophin mutant dog using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and somatic cell nuclear transfer. The dystrophin mutant dog displayed typical phenotypes, such as elevated serum creatine kinase, dystrophin deficiency, skeletal muscle defects, an abnormal ECG, and avoidance of ambulation, all of which are consistent with human dystrophinopathy. These results indicate that dystrophin mutant dogs can be a reliable and effective animal model for preclinical studies into new therapies for human dystrophinopathy.
Laparoscopic Specimen Extraction in Vitro: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Huang Yuanbi , Yi Tian , He Huajie , Li Qiguang , Long Xian , Hu Gaohua , Chen Qiwei , Li Yongpeng , Chen Rongchao , Yi Xianlin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The last procedure of the surgeon in laparoscopic surgery is to extract the specimen with the smallest incision. This experiment aimed to explore the maximum diameter of specimens that can be extracted with different adjuvant incision length and shape by in vitro physical experiments.Materials and Methods: We use the abdominal wall with the muscle layer of pigs was fixed on a square wooden frame to simulate the abdominal wall of humans. Then, making specimen extraction port: circular, inverted Y-shaped and straight-line incisions with different sizes and lengths respectively，and making different sizes and species specimens. These specimens are extracted from different incisions by force device. Measure the tension value (N), and record the length or diameter of the smallest auxiliary incision that the largest sample diameter can pass through. This experiment provides us with preliminary experience on how to choose the appropriate specimen extraction auxiliary incision according to the specimen diameter in surgery. Results: The maximum diameters of specimens that can be extracted with circular ostomy diameters of 2.4, 2.7 and 3.3 cm are 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm, respectively. Specimens with diameters of 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 cm could be extracted with inverted Y-shaped incisions with the length around umbilicus of 1 cm and extension length of 1.0, 3.0, 4.0 cm, respectively. Moreover, these same specimens could be extracted with inverted Y-shaped incisions with the length around umbilicus of 2 cm and extension length of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 cm, respectively. In straight-line incisions, tough tissue specimens (made from chicken gizzard) with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm could be removed from incisions with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 cm, respectively. Conclusion: Along with preoperative imaging, surgical planning and trocar position, the shape and length of adjuvant incisions can be used to improve the extraction of specimens via laparoscopy.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis Predicts Enhancement on MRI&nbsp;in Bacterial and Tuberculous Meningitis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Goto Ryoji , Horiuchi Yurino , Kawakami Haruka , Chikada Ayaka , Yasuda Tsutomu , Takeuchi Sousuke , Arai Noritoshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Along with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI scans are useful to diagnose and presume the pathogen of meningitis. However, the conditions for its appearance have not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of CSF parameters as predictors of the existence of enhancement on contrast-enhanced head or spinal MRI scans in patients with bacterial meningitis (BM) or tuberculous meningitis (TM).Methods A total of 12 patients with BM and 23 patients with TM who underwent both CSF analyses and contrast-enhanced MRI scans were included in this study. The correlation between CSF analyses and MRI findings has been examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results Contrast enhancement was found in 7 and 10 patients with BM and TM, respectively. In patients with BM, higher CSF protein and lower CSF glucose were associated with the presence of the enhancement on MRI, while the CSF leukocyte or neutrocyte count did not show any difference. In contrast, not only the CSF protein and glucose but also the leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were associated with the enhancement in patients with TM. Furthermore, CSF adenosine deaminase (ADA) in patients with TM showed neither correlation with CSF leukocyte count nor discriminant ability of the MRI findings.Conclusions CSF analysis predicts the existence of enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the central nervous system both in patients with BM and those with TM. Our findings about the CSF cell count and CSF ADA indicate the mechanism of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in BM and TM.
Comparative analysis of prophages carried by human and animal-associated Staphylococcus aureus strains spreading across the European regions
Authors: Naorem Romen Singh , Goswami Gunajit , Gyorgy Schneider , Fekete Csaba 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human and animal pathogen although the animal-associated S. aureus can be a potential risk of human zoonoses. Acquisition of phage-related genomic islands determines the diversity of the S. aureus species and contributes to adapt to various host conditions. This study characterized and compared the genome architecture, distribution nature, and evolutionary relationship of 65 complete prophages carried by human and animal-associated S. aureus strains spreading across the European regions. The genomes of the analyzed prophages showed mosaic architecture with extensive variation in genome size and displayed low sequence similarity in their functional modules. The phylogenetic analyses generated seven clades in which prophages of the animal-associated S. aureus scattered in all the clades and showed slightly different clustering patterns than human-associated S. aureus prophages. The presence of various virulence factors in prophages of animal-associated S. aureus suggested that these prophages could have more pathogenic potential than prophages of human-associated S. aureus. This study showed that the S. aureus phages are dispersed among the several S. aureus serotypes and around the European regions. Further, understanding the phage functional genomics is necessary for the phage-host interactions and could be used for tracing the S. aureus strains transmission.
Transport properties of the lateral multilayer/monolayer PtSe2 diode
Authors: zandvakili F. , Berahman M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A heterostructure of trilayer/monolayer platinum diselenide has been introduced and further studied. Applying the non-equilibrium green function tuned with density functional theory, it has been shown that such a junction forms a diode structure. The current voltage characteristic shows proper diode characteristics in nanoscale. Using the transmission spectrum and projected density of state, we have demonstrated that in forward bias, the conduction band and the valence band are aligned. Therefore, the possibility of tunneling enhances and this leads to the increase of current while in reverse bias such a possibility does not exist. We have also investigated the atoms of the junction and have identified the effective ones in the transmission.
Federal and State Cooperation Necessary but Not Sufficient for Effective Regional Mental Health Systems: Insights From Systems Modelling and Simulation
Authors: Occhiptinti Jo-An , Skinner Adam , Carter Samantha , Heath Jacinta , Lawson Kenny , McGill Katie , McClure Rod , Hickie Ian B. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: For more than a decade, suicide rates in Australia have shown no improvement despite significant investment in reforms to support regionally driven initiatives. Further recommended reforms by the Productivity Commission call for Federal and State and Territory Government funding for mental health to be pooled and new Regional Commissioning Authorities established to take responsibility for efficient and effective allocation of ‘taxpayer money.’ This study explores the sufficiency of this recommendation in preventing ongoing policy resistance.Method: A system dynamics model of pathways between psychological distress, the mental health care system, suicidal behaviour and their drivers was developed, tested, and validated for a large, geographically diverse region of New South Wales; the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN). Multi-objective optimisation was used to explore potential discordance in the best-performing programs and initiatives (simulated from 2021 to 2031) across mental health outcomes between the two state-governed Local Health Districts (LHDs) and the federally governed PHN. Impacts on suicide deaths, mental health-related emergency department presentations, and service disengagement were explored.Results: A combination of community-based acute care services, family psychoeducation, post-attempt aftercare, and safety planning minimises the number of suicides across the PHN and in the Central Coast LHD (16% reduction; 95% interval, 14.4 – 18.0%), and performs well in the Hunter New England LHD (14.2% reduction, 12.7–15.9%), suggesting that aligned strategic decision making between the PHN and LHDs would deliver substantial impacts on suicide. Results also highlighted a marked trade-off between minimising suicide deaths versus minimising service disengagement. Conclusions: Competing priorities between the PHN and LHDs (each seeking to optimise the different outcomes they are responsible for) can undermine the optimal impact of investments for suicide prevention. Systems modelling provides essential regional decision analysis infrastructure to facilitate coordinated federal and state investments for optimal impacts.
Prevalence and screening of precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract: A cross-sectional study in North of Iran
Authors: Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Pour Alireza Gharib , Joukar Farahnaz , Mansour-Ghanaei Alireza , Sepehrimanesh Masood , Hassanipour Soheil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Precancerous lesions of the UGI tract are the second major cancer-related deaths and responsible for more than ten percent of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients under patronage of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Guilan province as vulnerable population. Methods: In a cross-sectional study from March 2017 to March 2018, three hundred patients under patronage of Guilan branch of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation aged more than 40 years were enrolled. All patients were underwent endoscopy and checked for Helicobacter pylori infection. Results: The most frequent lesions in the esophagus, stomach and bulb were grade A mucosal breaking (58.7%), erosions (57.0%), and ulcers (6.3%), respectively. Esophageal lesions were higher in the age more than 60 years (P=0.036). Smokers and patients with familial history of cancers in the 2ndand 3rd grade of relatives had more lesions in the bulb (P=0.005 and P=0.010, respectively). Female patients, those with age lower than 50 years and no-smoker had lower frequency of intestinal metaplasia (IM) (P=0.024, P=0.030, and P=0.003, respectively). Also, there was positive association between gastric atrophy and age (P=0.009). Furthermore, chronic active gastritis were seen more frequently in male patients (P=0.003) and smokers (P=0.010). Significant positive association between consumption of fish meat and occurrence of IM was detected (P=0.010). Conclusions: Male gender, higher age and smoking for IM and male gender, higher BMI and smoking for H. pylori infection were the predictive risk factors. It seems early diagnosis of precancerous lesions help to prevent cancers and to increase the survival rate.
Anticancer Activity Of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Extract of Animal Waste As A Traditional Medicine On MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Mousavi-Khattat Mohammad , Nourbakhshan Hamid , Roumi Mehrnaz , Ebrahiminejad Mahshid , Fazeli Yasaman , Shakeran Zahra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Green synthesis methods are environmentally friendly, cost effective and nonhazardous for biomedical applications in comparison with other methods. The aim of the study was green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using medicinal animal dung extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent for the first time among other synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles. Female donkey’s dung was capable to reduce silver ions to nanoparticles and stabilize them. Silver nanoparticles with average sizes of 36 nm were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD and TEM. Moreover, synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed in terms of anticancer activity by MTT assay on MCF-7 cell line. UV–Visible spectrophotometer showed an absorbance peak in the range of 414-433 nm. To identify the phytochemical coating of particles, FTIR analysis was used. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of small spherical silver nanoparticles. The MTT assay revealed potent anticancer effects of the aqueous extract synthesized nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells, incubated for 24 hours. Based on the current findings, it is strongly believing that the use of donkey’s dung offers large scale production of biocompatible silver nanoparticles that can be suggested to possess valuable anticancer agents against breast cancer cell lines.
Mice misunderstand tilt during translational motion: evolution of the otolith- ocular reflex and a new index for assessing the otolith-ocular reflex in mice
Authors: Harada Shotaro , Imai Takao , Takimoto Yasumitsu , Ohta Yumi , Sato Takashi , Kamakura Takefumi , Takeda Noriaki , Kitahara Tadashi , Kondo Makoto , Shimada Shoichi , Inohara Hidenori 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the interaural direction, translational linear acceleration is loaded during lateral translational movement and gravitational acceleration is loaded during lateral tilting movement. These two types of acceleration induce eye movements via two kinds of otolith-ocular reflexes to compensate for movement and maintain clear vision: horizontal eye movement during translational movement, and ocular counter roll during tilting movement. Although the two types of acceleration cannot be discriminated, the two otolith-ocular reflexes can distinguish them effectively. In the current study, we tested whether lateral-eyed mice exhibit both of these otolith-ocular reflexes. In addition, we propose a new index for assessing the otolith-ocular reflex in mice. During lateral translational movement, mice did not show appropriate horizontal eye movement, but exhibited unnecessary vertical ocular counter roll-like eye movement that compensated for the angle between the body axis and gravito-inertial acceleration (GIA; i.e., the sum of gravity and inertial force due to movement) by misunderstanding GIA as gravity. Using the new index (amplitude of vertical component of eye movement) / (angle between body axis and GIA), the mouse otolith-ocular reflex can be assessed without determining whether the otolith-ocular reflex is induced during translational movement or during tilting movement.