bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of host phenotypic plasticity by gut symbiont communities in the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
Authors: Sapkota Rajani , Nakatsu Cindy H. , Scharf Michael E. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Termites are eusocial insects that host a range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gut symbionts and can differentiate into a range of caste phenotypes. Soldier caste differentiation from termite workers follows two successive molts (worker–presoldier–soldier) that are driven at the endocrine level by juvenile hormone (JH). Although physiological and eusocial mechanisms tied to JH signaling have been studied, the role of gut symbionts in the caste differentiation process is poorly understood. Here, we used the JH analog methoprene in combination with the antibiotic kanamycin to manipulate caste differentiation and gut bacterial loads in Reticulitermes flavipes termites via four bioassay treatments: kanamycin, methoprene, kanamycin+methoprene, and an untreated (negative) control. Bioassay results demonstrated a significantly higher number of presoldiers in the methoprene treatment, highest mortality in kanamycin+methoprene treatment, and significantly reduced protist numbers in all treatments except the untreated control. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing provided alpha and beta diversity results that mirrored bioassay findings. From ANCOM analysis, we found that several bacterial genera were differentially abundant among treatments. Finally, follow-up experiments showed that if methoprene and kanamycin or untreated termites are placed together, zero or rescued presoldier initiation, respectively, occurs. These findings reveal that endogenous JH selects for symbiont compositions required to successfully complete presoldier differentiation. However, if the gut is voided before the influx of JH, it cannot select for the necessary symbionts that are crucial for molting. Based on these results, we are able to provide a novel example of linkages between gut microbial communities and host phenotypic plasticity.
Optimizing Mueller polarimetry in noisy systems through
over-determination
Authors: Philpott H. , Garcia-Caurel E. , Guaitella O. , Sobota A. 
Published: September 2021

Mueller polarimetry measurements are increasingly being used to image
highly dynamic and short-lived phenomena such as plasma discharges.
For phenomena such as these, exposure times below 1 µs must be used.
Unfortunately, these low exposure times significantly reduce the
signal-to-noise ratio, making accurate and consistent measurements
difficult. To overcome this limitation, we investigated increasing the
number of Stokes vectors produced from a polarization state analyzer
and polarization state generator, a process known as
over-determination. To conduct our analysis, we used results from
physical experiments using Stokes vectors generated by liquid crystal
variable retarders. These results were then verified using data from
simulations. First, we conclude that increasing the degree of
over-determination is a simple and effective way of dealing with this
noise; however, we also convey that choosing the best scheme is not an
entirely trivial process. Second, we demonstrate that
over-determination gives rise to hitherto inaccessible information
that allows for the quantification of statistical noise and,
crucially, the pinpointing of the origin of systematic error, a highly
beneficial process that has been lacking until now.
Application of a time-series deep learning model to predict cardiac dysrhythmias in electronic health records
Authors: Guo Aixia , Smith Sakima , Khan Yosef M. , Langabeer II James R. , Foraker Randi E. 
Published: September 2021

Background
Cardiac dysrhythmias (CD) affect millions of Americans in the United States (US), and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. New strategies to combat this growing problem are urgently needed.

Objectives
Predicting CD using electronic health record (EHR) data would allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition, thus improving overall cardiovascular outcomes. The Guideline Advantage (TGA) is an American Heart Association ambulatory quality clinical data registry of EHR data representing 70 clinics distributed throughout the US, and has been used to monitor outpatient prevention and disease management outcome measures across populations and for longitudinal research on the impact of preventative care.

Methods
For this study, we represented all time-series cardiovascular health (CVH) measures and the corresponding data collection time points for each patient by numerical embedding vectors. We then employed a deep learning technique–long-short term memory (LSTM) model–to predict CD from the vector of time-series CVH measures by 5-fold cross validation and compared the performance of this model to the results of deep neural networks, logistic regression, random forest, and Naïve Bayes models.

Results
We demonstrated that the LSTM model outperformed other traditional machine learning models and achieved the best prediction performance as measured by the average area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC): 0.76 for LSTM, 0.71 for deep neural networks, 0.66 for logistic regression, 0.67 for random forest, and 0.59 for Naïve Bayes. The most influential feature from the LSTM model were blood pressure.

Conclusions
These findings may be used to prevent CD in the outpatient setting by encouraging appropriate surveillance and management of CVH.
Changes in entropy on polarized-sensitive optical coherence tomography images after therapeutic subthreshold micropulse laser for diabetic macular edema: A pilot study
Authors: Ueda Koji , Shiraya Tomoyasu , Araki Fumiyuki , Hashimoto Yohei , Yamamoto Motoshi , Yamanari Masahiro , Ueta Takashi , Minami Takahiro , Aoki Nobuyori , Sugiyama Satoshi , Zhou Han Peng , Totsuka Kiyohito , Toyama Taku , Sugimoto Koichiro , Obata Ryo , Kato Satoshi 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
To investigate the dynamics of the healing process after therapeutic subthreshold micropulse laser (SMPL) for diabetic macular edema (DME) using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT).

Methods
Patients with treatment-native or previously-treated DME were prospectively imaged using PS-OCT at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. The following outcomes were evaluated: changes in the entropy value per unit area (pixel2) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) on the B-scan image; changes in the entropy value in each stratified layer (retina, RPE, choroid) based on the ETDRS grid circle overlaid with en face entropy mapping, not only the whole ETDRS grid area but also a sector irradiated by the SMPL; and the relationship between edema reduction and entropy changes.

Results
A total of 11 eyes of 11 consecutive DME patients were enrolled. No visible signs of SMPL treatment were detected on PS-OCT images. The entropy value per unit area (pixel2) in the RPE tended to decrease at 3 and 6 months from baseline (35.8 ± 17.0 vs 26.1 ± 9.8, P = 0.14; vs 28.2 ± 18.3, P = 0.14). Based on the en face entropy mapping, the overall entropy value did not change in each layer in the whole ETDRS grid; however, decrease of entropy in the RPE was observed at 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment within the SMPL-irradiated sectors (P < 0.01, each). There was a positive correlation between the change rate of retinal thickness and that of entropy in the RPE within the SMPL-irradiated sector at 6 months (r2 = 0.19, P = 0.039).

Conclusion
Entropy measured using PS-OCT may be a new parameter that facilitates objective monitoring of SMPL-induced functional changes in the RPE that could not previously be assessed directly. This may contribute to a more promising therapeutic evaluation of DME.

Clinical trial
This clinical study was registered in UMIN-CTR (ID: UMIN000042420).
Clinical, financial and social impacts of COVID-19 and their associations with mental health for mothers and children experiencing adversity in Australia
Authors: Bryson Hannah , Mensah Fiona , Price Anna , Gold Lisa , Mudiyanselage Shalika Bohingamu , Kenny Bridget , Dakin Penelope , Bruce Tracey , Noble Kristy , Kemp Lynn , Goldfeld Sharon 
Published: September 2021

Background
Australia has maintained low rates of SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) infection, due to geographic location and strict public health restrictions. However, the financial and social impacts of these restrictions can negatively affect parents’ and children’s mental health. In an existing cohort of mothers recruited for their experience of adversity, this study examined: 1) families’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health restrictions in terms of clinical exposure, financial hardship family stress, and family resilience (termed ‘COVID-19 impacts’); and 2) associations between COVID-19 impacts and maternal and child mental health.

Methods
Participants were mothers recruited during pregnancy (2013–14) across two Australian states (Victoria and Tasmania) for the ‘right@home’ trial. A COVID-19 survey was conducted from May-December 2020, when children were 5.9–7.2 years old. Mothers reported COVID-19 impacts, their own mental health (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales short-form) and their child’s mental health (CoRonavIruS Health and Impact Survey subscale). Associations between COVID-19 impacts and mental health were examined using regression models controlling for pre-COVID-19 characteristics.

Results
319/406 (79%) mothers completed the COVID-19 survey. Only one reported having had COVID-19. Rates of self-quarantine (20%), job or income loss (27%) and family stress (e.g., difficulty managing children’s at-home learning (40%)) were high. Many mothers also reported family resilience (e.g., family found good ways of coping (49%)). COVID-19 impacts associated with poorer mental health (standardised coefficients) included self-quarantine (mother: β = 0.46, child: β = 0.46), financial hardship (mother: β = 0.27, child: β = 0.37) and family stress (mother: β = 0.49, child: β = 0.74). Family resilience was associated with better mental health (mother: β = -0.40, child: β = -0.46).

Conclusions
The financial and social impacts of Australia’s public health restrictions have substantially affected families experiencing adversity, and their mental health. These impacts are likely to exacerbate inequities arising from adversity. To recover from COVID-19, policy investment should include income support and universal access to family health services.
A two-microRNA signature predicts the progression of male thyroid cancer
Authors: Liu Bingyang , Shi Haihong , Qiu Weigang , Wu Xinquan , Li Liqiong , Wu Wenyi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In various cancers, microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed, including thyroid cancer (TC). In recent years, the incidence of TC has increased annually around the world. Compared with female patients, male TC patients are more likely to have a postoperative recurrence and lymph node metastasis, and hence need second treatments. However, the molecular biological processes underlying this phenomenon are not understood. Therefore, we collected data on miRNA expression and clinical information of male TC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between male TC tissues and matched normal tissues. The Kaplan–Meier method, univariate and multivariate Cox regressions, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to assess the association between miRNAs and the disease-free survival of male TC patients. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were then used to explore the function of miRNA target genes. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of the miRNA biomarker to predict survival in female TC patients. As a result, a total of 118 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, including 25 upregulated and 93 downregulated miRNAs. Among them, miR-451a and miR-16-1-3p were confirmed to be independent prognostic factors for the disease-free survival rate. The target genes of miR-451a and miR-16-1-3p were identified, and functional analysis showed that these genes were enriched in 25 Go and KEGG accessions, including cell signal transduction, motor adhesion, phagocytosis, regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, etc. Neither miR-451a and miR-16-1-3p, nor a prediction model based on both miRNAs effectively predicted survival in female TC patients. In conclusion, both miR-451a and miR-16-1-3p may play important roles in the processes of male TC. The two-miRNA signature involving miR-1258 and miR-193a may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for male TC patients.
Corruption Accusations and Bureaucratic Performance: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Mazhar Ummad , Iftikhar Komal 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study assesses the effectiveness of anti-corruption policies of Pakistan by relating the corruption of government officials to the actual and perceived bureaucratic hurdles faced by formal businesses. It offers a unique perspective by focusing on cases in which the accused officers voluntarily disclosed the misuse of public money (or gains acquired through corruption) in order to avail the option of plea-bargaining. The empirical analysis estimates the effect of these policies on the responses of the managers of business firms in Enterprise Surveys. The number of accusations seems to reduce the incidence of bureaucratic corruption. While the amount that is being offered in bargaining has a negative effect overall, it switches sign overtime suggesting the possibility that it may increase corruption in the long run. The core results are robust across various measures of firm-level corruption. The instrumental variable estimates produce similar results.
A new method for solving quadratic fractional programming problem in neutrosophic environment
Authors: Khalifa Hamiden Abd El-Wahed , Alharbi Majed , Kumar Pavan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In the current study, a neutrosophic quadratic fractional programming (NQFP) problem is investigated using a new method. The NQFP problem is converted into the corresponding quadratic fractional programming (QFP) problem. The QFP is formulated by using the score function and hence it is converted to the linear programming problem (LPP) using the Taylor series, which can be solved by LPP techniques or software (e.g., Lingo). Finally, an example is given for illustration.
Is the Expectation of Privacy a Dying Standard? The Government’s Access to Biological Data, Consumer Data and Bioinformatics – And the Limitations that Should be in Place
Authors: Gutierrez Jose Angel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The Judicial System is by and large a backward-looking, rather than a forward-looking system. The rapid advancement of technology is creating a greater strain on our legal framework. The current legal system considers whether the Technology is in common use to determine the expectation of privacy, however, this legal standard will, and arguably already does, lack the flexibility to make timely and efficient determinations on the constitutionality of using certain technology for governmental searches and seizures. The solution is a proactive approach through a combination of Legislative and Judicial action that will ensure individual privacy is protected in an ever-advancing technological world.
An examination of imagery ability and imagery use in skilled golfers
Authors: Parker John K. , Lovell Geoff P. , Jones Martin I. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The use of imagery to improve golf performance is well established and recognised as a key psychological technique in developing and maintaining excellence. However, the relationship between a golfer’s imagery ability and their imagery use is still poorly understood. The current study examined differences in participants vividness of movement imagery and imagery use and the extent their vividness of movement imagery predicted functions of imagery use.

Methods
One hundred and one male skilled golfers (Mage=27.80, SD=11.03) with CONGU recognised handicaps ranging from plus 4 to 5 (Mhandicap=1.32, SD=2.74) completed both the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 (Roberts, R., Callow, N., Hardy, L., Markland, D., & Bringer, J. (2008). Movement imagery ability: Development and assessment of a revised version of the vividness of movement imagery questionnaire. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30(2), 200–221) and Sports Imagery Questionnaire (Hall, C. R., Mack, D. E., Paivio, A., & Hauesenblas, H. A. (1998). Imagery use by athletes: Development of the sport imagery questionnaire. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 29, 73–89).

Results
The results demonstrated no significant differences between Internal and External visual imagery, however, Kinaesthetic imagery scores were significantly higher than External visual imagery scores. Significant differences in imagery use were recorded with participants reporting higher Cognitive specific imagery use scores compared to other functions of imagery use. Regression analyses indicted that golf handicap accounted for 12% in the variance of Cognitive specific imagery use with an additional 12% accounted for by Internal visual imagery and 7% Kinaesthetic imagery. For Cognitive general imagery use golf handicap accounted for 4% of the variance with Internal visual imagery adding a further 5% to the model.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight that vividness of movement imagery; specifically, Internal and Kinaesthetic imagery ability are significant predictors of skilled golfers Cognitive specific and Cognitive general imagery use.
Effect of misalignment on coupling efficiency in laser diode to single-mode circular core graded-index fiber coupling via cylindrical microlens on the fiber tip
Authors: Ray Biplab Kumar , Maity Mithun , Gangopadhyay Sankar , Maiti Anup Kumar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We report here the first theoretical prediction of coupling efficiency of the laser diode to single-mode graded-index fiber coupling via cylindrical microlens on the tip of the fiber in presence of possible transverse and angular mismatches. Moderately efficient cylindrical microlens on the fiber is easily fabricable and graded-index fiber has less sensitivity to macro as well as micro bending. Thus this coupling device emerges as a potential candidate in the field of coupling optics. The analysis takes into consideration the allowable aperture provided by cylindrical microlens. Further, we shall consider here the coupling in the vertical plane only since the coupling in the horizontal plane has poor performance. Using the relevant ABCD matrix of refraction for a cylindrical lens in the vertical plane, we prescribe analytical expressions of the coupling efficiencies in presence of said kinds of misalignments. In our analysis, we use Gaussian field distribution for both the laser and fiber fields. We carry on our investigation for two commonly used wavelengths namely 1.3 and 1.5 µm. As an example of graded-index fiber, we use some typical step, parabolic, and triangular index fibers in our study. The execution of the prescribed formulations involves little computation. Thus the evaluation of the concerned coupling efficiencies is very much user friendly. The present analysis surfaces the tolerance factors of the coupling devices. Accordingly, the results will prove beneficial to designers and packagers in respect of the design of such coupler involving cylindrical microlens in the field of optimum launch optics.
The Sound Monad: A Philosophical Perspective on Sound Design
Authors: Zingaro Vincenzo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This article aims at sketching a philosophical theory of sound based on the perspective of sound designers: unique agents blurring the boundaries between engineering, music, acoustics and sound-based art. After having introduced the general framing in Section 1, focusing on a short history of the theory and practice of sound design, in Section 2 we propose a reading of sound as monad. We derive such intuition from the technology of digital sampling of audio signals, based on the decomposition of complex sound waves in a number of elementary sinusoidal waves. Thus, in Section 3, we attempt at grounding the resulting “sound-atom” on Leibniz’s notion of monad, intended both as a “simple substance without parts” and as a “nucleus of forces in statu possibilitatis.” The insight is resumed and further discussed in Section 4, where we draw our conclusions by demonstrating the fitness of such framing with regards to the standpoint of sound design, while accounting for the work of sound artists Carsten Nicolai and Ryoji Ikeda.
“A Throne Will Be Established in Steadfast Love”: Welcoming Refugees and the Davidic Kingdom in Isaiah 16:1–5
Authors: Aspray Barnabas 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
All commentators agree that Isaiah 16:1–5 is about refugees, yet the passage’s implications for forced migration have not yet been investigated. This article argues that it contains a prophetic call by Isaiah, speaking with God’s authority, that Jerusalem should welcome the Moabite refugees who have fled there for safety. Isaiah tells Jerusalem that by welcoming these refugees they are participating in the coming of a Kingdom and a Davidic King who will rule with justice, righteousness, love, and faithfulness.
Rapid response to leptin therapy in a FPLD patient with a novel PPARG missense variant
Authors: Melzer Fiona , Geisler Corinna , Schulte Dominik M , Laudes Matthias 
Published: September 2021

Summary
Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) syndromes are rare heterogeneous disorders especially in women characterized by selective loss of adipose tissue, reduced leptin levels and severe metabolic abnormalities. Here we report a 34-year-old female with a novel heterozygotic c.485 thymine>guanine (T>G) missense variant (p.phenylalanine162cysteine; (Phe162Cys)) in exon 4 of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene, developing a non-ketotic diabetes and severe hypertriglyceridemia with triglyceride concentrations >50 mmol/L. In this case, a particular interesting feature in comparison to other known PPARG mutations in FPLD is that while glycaemic control could be achieved through standard anti-diabetic medication, hypertriglyceridemia did neither respond to fibrate nor to omega-3-fatty acid therapy. This might suggest a lipid metabolism driven phenotype of the novel PPARG c.485T>G missense variant. Notably, recombinant leptin replacement therapy (metreleptin (Myalepta®)) was initiated showing a rapid and profound effect on triglyceride levels as well as on liver function tests and satiety feeling. Unfortunately, severe allergic skin reactions developed at the side of injection which could be covered by anti-histaminc treatment. We conclude that the heterozygous PPARG c.485T>G variant is a yet undescribed molecular basis underlying FPLD with difficulties predominantly to control hypertriglyceridemia and that recombinant leptin therapy may be effective in affected subjects.

Learning points

Heterozygous c.485T>G variant in PPARG is most likely a cause for FPLD in humans.

This variant results in a special metabolic phenotype with a predominant dysregulation of triglyceride metabolism not responding to standard lipid lowering therapy.

Recombinant leptin therapy is effective in rapidly improving hypertriglyceridemia.