bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-sharp silicon multimode waveguide bends based on double free-form curves
Authors: Sun Shangsen , Yang Zhiqiang , Wang Juanli , Zhang Runsen , Zhang Fengchun , Zhu Ning , Wan Lei , Li Zhaohui 
Published: April 2022

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) can greatly improve the capacity of information transmission. The multimode waveguide bend (MWB) with small size and high performance is of great significance for the on-chip MDM integrated system. In this paper, an MWB with high performance based on double free-form curves (DFFCs) is proposed and realized. The DFFC is a combination of a series of arcs optimized by the inverse design method. The fabrication of this MWB only needs one-step lithography and plasma etching and has a large fabrication tolerance. MWBs with effective radii of 6 μm and 10 μm are designed to support three modes and four modes, respectively. The proposed method gives the best overall performance considering both the effective bending radius and the transmission efficiency. The fabricated MWB with four mode channels has low excess losses and crosstalks below

−
21

dB

in the wavelength range from 1520 to 1580 nm. It is expected that this design can play an important role in promoting the dense integration of multimode transmission systems.
Identification of asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica infection by a serological screening test: A cross-sectional study of an HIV-negative men who have sex with men cohort in Japan
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Shimogawara Rieko , Takano Misao , Aoki Takahiro , Mizushima Daisuke , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Yagita Kenji , Watanabe Koji 
Published: April 2022

Background
Amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is spreading in developing countries and in many developed countries as a sexually transmitted infection. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of serological screening to identify asymptomatic E. histolytica infection as a potential epidemiological control measure to limit its spread.

Methodology/Principal findings
This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and March 2021 in an HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) cohort at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine. Serological screening was performed using a commercially available ELISA kit. For seropositive individuals, we performed stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine current E. histolytica infection. We performed E. histolytica serological screening of 312 participants. None had a history of E. histolytica infection prior to the study. The overall E. histolytica seropositivity was 6.7% (21/312), which was similar to that found by the rapid plasma reagin test (17/312). We identified current infection in 8 of 20 seropositive participants (40.0%) by stool PCR.

Conclusions/Significance
Our serological screening approach constitutes a potentially practical epidemiological strategy. Active epidemiological surveys, in combination with an effective screening strategy for asymptomatically infected individuals, should be applied to help reduce sexually transmitted E. histolytica infections.
Determinants of institutional maternity services utilization in Myanmar
Authors: Lwin Khaing Zar , Punpuing Sureeporn 
Published: April 2022

Background
Maternal mortality is a persistent public health problem worldwide. The maternal mortality ratio of Myanmar was 250 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 which was the second-highest among ASEAN member countries in that year. Myanmar’s infant mortality rate was twice the average of ASEAN member countries in 2020. This study examined factors influencing institutional maternity service utilization and identified the need for improved maternal health outcomes.

Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used to examine the experience of 3,642 women from the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey by adapting Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were reported in the logistic regression results.

Results
The findings illustrate that the proportion of women who delivered their last child in a health/clinical care facility was 39.7%. Women live in rural areas, states/regions with a high levels of poverty, poor households, experience with financial burden and the husband’s occupation in agriculture or unskilled labor were negatively associated with institutional delivery. While a greater number of ANC visits and level of the couple’s education had a positive association with institutional delivery.

Conclusion
The determinants of institutional delivery utilization in this study related to the institutional facilities environment imply an improvement of the institutional availability and accessibility in rural areas, and different states/regions, particularly Chin, Kayah and Kachin States- the poorest states in Myanmar. The poverty reduction strategies are urgently implemented because problems on health care costs and household economic status played important roles in institutional delivery utilization. The ANC visits indicated a significant increase in institutional delivery. The government needs to motivate vulnerable population groups to seek ANC and institutional delivery. Moreover, education is crucial in increasing health knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Thus, improving access to quality, formal, and informal education is necessary.
Million Veteran Program’s response to COVID-19: Survey development and preliminary findings
Authors: Whitbourne Stacey B. , Nguyen Xuan-Mai T. , Song Rebecca J. , Lord Emily , Lyden Michelle , Harrington Kelly M. , Ward Rachel , Li Yanping , Brewer Jessica V. V. , Cho Kelly M. , Djousse Luc , Muralidhar Sumitra , Tsao Philip S. , Gaziano J. Michael , Casas Juan P. ,   on behalf of the MVP COVID-19 Science Program
Published: April 2022

Background
In response to the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program (MVP) organized efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Veterans by developing and deploying a self-reported survey.

Methods
The MVP COVID-19 Survey was developed to collect COVID-19 specific elements including symptoms, diagnosis, hospitalization, behavioral and psychosocial factors and to augment existing MVP data with longitudinal collection of key domains in physical and mental health. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, a multipronged strategy was implemented to widely disseminate the COVID-19 Survey and capture data using both the online platform and mailings.

Results
We limited the findings of this paper to the initial phase of survey dissemination which began in May 2020. A total of 729,625 eligible MVP Veterans were invited to complete version 1 of the COVID-19 Survey. As of October 31, 2020, 58,159 surveys have been returned. The mean and standard deviation (SD) age of responders was 71 (11) years, 8.6% were female, 8.2% were Black, 5.6% were Hispanic, and 446 (0.8%) self-reported a COVID-19 diagnosis. Over 90% of responders reported wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

Conclusion
The MVP COVID-19 Survey provides a systematic collection of data regarding COVID-19 behaviors among Veterans and represents one of the first large-scale, national surveillance efforts of COVID-19 in the Veteran population. Continued work will examine the overall response to the survey with comparison to available VA health record data.
SARS-CoV2 wild type and mutant specific humoral and T cell immunity is superior after vaccination than after natural infection
Authors: Richardson Jennifer R. , Götz Ralph , Mayr Vanessa , Lohse Martin J. , Holthoff Hans-Peter , Ungerer Martin 
Published: April 2022

Objective
We investigated blood samples from fully SARS-CoV2-vaccinated subjects and from previously positive tested patients up to one year after infection with SARS-CoV2, and compared short- and long-term T cell and antibody responses, with a special focus on the recently emerged delta variant (B.1.617.2).

Methods and results
In 23 vaccinated subjects, we documented high anti-SARS-CoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody titers. Average virus neutralization by antibodies, assessed as inhibition of ACE2 binding to RBD, was 2.2-fold reduced for delta mutant vs. wild type (wt) RBD. The mean specific antibody titers were lower one year after natural infection than after vaccination; ACE2 binding to delta mutant vs. wt RBD was 1.65-fold reduced. In an additional group, omicron RBD binding was reduced compared to delta. Specific CD4+ T cell responses were measured after stimulation with peptides pools from wt, alpha, beta, gamma, or delta variant SARS-CoV2 spike proteins by flow cytometric intracellular cytokine staining. There was no significant difference in cytokine production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, or IL-2 between vaccinated subjects. T cell responses to wt or mutant SARS-CoV2 spike were significantly weaker after natural occurring infections compared to those in vaccinated individuals.

Conclusion
Antibody neutralisation of the delta mutant was reduced compared to wt, as assessed in a novel inhibition assay with a finger prick blood drop. Strong CD4 T cell responses were present against wt and mutant SARS-CoV2 variants, including the delta (B.1.617.2) strain, in fully vaccinated individuals, whereas they were partly weaker 1 year after natural infection. Hence, immune responses after vaccination are stronger compared to those after naturally occurring infection, pointing out the need of the vaccine to overcome the pandemic.
Chromogranin A plasma levels predict mortality in COVID-19
Authors: De Lorenzo Rebecca , Sciorati Clara , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Colombo Barbara , Lorè Nicola I. , Capobianco Annalisa , Tresoldi Cristina ,   Bio Angels for COVID-BioB Study Group, Cirillo Daniela M. , Ciceri Fabio , Corti Angelo , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Manfredi Angelo A. 
Published: April 2022

Background
Chromogranin A (CgA) and its fragment vasostatin I (VS-I) are secreted in the blood by endocrine/neuroendocrine cells and regulate stress responses. Their involvement in Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has not been investigated.

Methods
CgA and VS-I plasma concentrations were measured at hospital admission from March to May 2020 in 190 patients. 40 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. CgA and VS-I levels relationship with demographics, comorbidities and disease severity was assessed through Mann Whitney U test or Spearman correlation test. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival curves were performed to investigate the impact of the CgA and VS-I levels on in-hospital mortality.

Results
Median CgA and VS-I levels were higher in patients than in healthy controls (CgA: 0.558 nM [interquartile range, IQR 0.358–1.046] vs 0.368 nM [IQR 0.288–0.490] respectively, p = 0.0017; VS-I: 0.357 nM [IQR 0.196–0.465] vs 0.144 nM [0.144–0.156] respectively, p<0.0001). Concentration of CgA, but not of VS-I, significantly increased in patients who died (n = 47) than in survivors (n = 143) (median 0.948 nM [IQR 0.514–1.754] vs 0.507 nM [IQR 0.343–0.785], p = 0.00026). Levels of CgA were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.28 [95% confidence interval 1.077–1.522], p = 0.005) when adjusted for age, number of comorbidities, respiratory insufficiency degree, C-reactive protein levels and time from symptom onset to sampling. Kaplan Meier curves revealed a significantly increased mortality rate in patients with CgA levels above 0.558 nM (median value, log rank test, p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Plasma CgA levels increase in COVID-19 patients and represent an early independent predictor of mortality.
Vegan diet as a possible cause of mental and physical disorders due to vitamin B12 deficiency in an adolescent patient
Authors: Gruber Ema , Martic Biocina Sanja 
Published: April 2022

Introduction
Recent studies show that a vegan diet causes a deficiency of vitamins (especially B12) and minerals. This can lead to severe physical and mental illnesses. On the other hand, the vegan diet is recommended as a preventative measure against cardiovascular diseases and is a growing trend among young people in developed countries for ideological reasons such as animal welfare and climate protection.
Objectives
To show the importance of anamnesis of nutrition and vitamin B12 status in treatment of varied mental and physical symptoms in an adolescent.
Methods
The poster shows the case study of an adolescent girl who sought psychological help for nightmares and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as physical symptomsin the form of disturbed menstruation, fatigue and weakness, lethargy, dizziness, undifferentiated abdominal pain with nausea, and weight gain. All of which affected her academic success at university and daily functioning. An anamnesis showed that she has been following a vegetarian dietfor 4 years and a vegan diet for two months.
Results
Laboratory tests showed a deficiency of vitamin B12 (130 pmol/L) and 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D (D3+D2) (47 nmol/l) and slightly elevated TSH levels (4,2x10-3 IU/L). These tests can explain the patient’s symptoms. Other laboratory results were in the normal range. A treatment with psychological therapy and vitamin supplements was commenced. Discussion reviews, among else, recent literature findings on correlation of vitamin B12 deficiency and a vegan diet.
Conclusion
Nutrition and vitamin B12 status should be investigated during anamnesis of adolescent patients presenting with varied mental andphysical symptoms.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Detecting Frailty and Prefrailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results From the PRO-EVA Study
Authors: Gonçalves Rafaella Silva dos Santos Aguiar , Ribeiro Karyna Myrelly Oliveira Bezerra de Figueiredo , Fernandes Sabrina Gabrielle Gomes , de Andrade Luiz Eduardo Lima , Lira Maria das Graças de Araújo , do Nascimento Rafaela Andrade , Vieira Mariana Carmem Apolinário , Maciel Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti 
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose:
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is widely used for older adults since it has a high level of validity, reliability, and responsiveness in measuring function in this population. However, only a few studies of diagnostic accuracy have assessed SPPB capacity in detecting frailty and prefrailty by estimating more detailed measurement properties. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy in detecting frailty and prefrailty, in addition to identifying cut-off points for walking time and chair stand time.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study composed of 786 community-dwelling older adults 60 years or older, in which sociodemographic and anthropometric data, frailty phenotype, and total SPPB score, as well as walking time and chair stand time, were assessed. Analysis of a receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to identify the cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity in the total SPPB score, as well as the walking time and chair stand time for frailty and prefrailty screening. Accuracy and positive and negative predictive values were subsequently calculated.

Results and Discussion:
The cut-off points identified for the total SPPB score, walking time, and chair stand time were 9 points or less (accuracy of 72.6%), 5 seconds or less, and 13 seconds or less, respectively, for frailty screening and 11 points or less (accuracy of 58.7%), 4 seconds or less, and 10 seconds or less, respectively, for prefrailty screening. The walking time showed greater frailty discriminatory capacity compared with the chair stand time (effect size = 1.24 vs 0.64; sensitivity = 69% vs 59%; and specificity = 84% vs 75%).

Conclusions:
The total SPPB score has good diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between nonfrail and frail older adults using a cut-off point of 9 or less, being better to identify the true negatives (older adults who are not frail). Although the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy measures for detecting prefrailty were low to moderate, this instrument can help in screening prefrail older adults from the cutoff point of 11 or less in the total SPPB score. Identification of prefrail older adults enables implementing early treatment in this target audience and can prevent their advance to frailty.
The mathematical model for lateral stiffness of variable length conical spring
Authors: Al-Din Tahir Muhammad Safa , Hassan Shakir Sakran , Chiad Jumaa Salman 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
One form of energy storage in spring is applying a bending moment and converting it into tilt at the head of the spring as strain energy. The relationship between them is the lateral stiffness of the spring. The aim is to find a mathematical equation for the lateral stiffness of the spring and the effect of the length of the spring on the behavior of stiffness.
The mathematical model is created according to Castigliano’s second theorem. A simulated model of a conical spring is built using a Solid Work program. The theoretical results are compared with the mathematical model for the same conical spring.
Results of both theoretical and simulated models evinced a linear behavior of lateral, while an exponential relationship between the length of the spring and the lateral stiffness is indicated. The difference between theoretical and simulated models is not exceeded 3.2%, which indicates the acceptability of results.
Optimal material selection based on finite element method for manufacturing hip implant
Authors: Kadhim Fahad Mohanad , Gheni Emad Zuhair , Naiyf Athmar Thamer , Al-Din Tahir Muhammad Safa 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study is to simulate material selection for fabricating hip joint prostheses from light-weight, low-cost materials which are also strong and durable. In this study, Co-Cr alloy CoCrWNi (F90), stainless steel ASIS 410, and titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V) material selection as the potential candidate for the suggested implant to manufacture a joint that is characterized by lightweight, low cost, does not react chemically with the human body and can bear the weight of the patient without mechanical failure. With this study, it was concluded the stainless steel ASIS 410 was selected as the best material selection since it passed engineering analysis, acceptable weight, and low cost compared to other proposed materials.
Measurement uncertainty for mechanical resistance of manufactured steel bar
Authors: Dhoska Klodian , Lumi Drakuli , Sulejmani Anis , Koça Odhise 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This research work has been focused on estimation of the measurement uncertainty for different steel reinforcement bars. The investigated material was HRB400 steel reinforcement with approximately diameter 16 mm and length 500 mm by using uniaxial tensile testing device. International standard ISO 6892: 2016 and guide for measurement uncertainty have been implemented an accurate method to determine the measurement uncertainty of HRB400 steel reinforcement bar measurements. The results of expanded uncertainty for 569.47 N/mm−2 correspond to 0.76 N/mm−2, which fulfil the international standard requirements. This accurate method can be used in most of the accredited laboratories as inspection services of steel reinforcement bar by using uniaxial tensile testing device at good accuracy.
Necking limit analysis of thin wall aerosol can
Authors: Dessie Jemal Ebrahim , Lukacs Zsolt 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Because of thin wall thicknesses and closed bottom ends of the extruded aerosol can, the necking limit analysis needs intensive investigation. The numerical analysis of the necking process of 0.45 mm thickness pure aluminum aerosol can was carried out. The result indicated that the length of the aerosol can wall, which is not fixed by the bottom die and the angle of inclination of necking tools are important factors that affect the development of deformation boundary limits due to plastic instability of local buckling. The fraction of taper angle of tool becomes more series parameter while necking at larger free length and it needs more concentration. Instead, the ratio of necking tool displacement to the total free length to initiate buckling was increased while increasing free length.
A study on the characteristics of traditional Manchu dwellings in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Liangyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
China has a lengthy and glorious history spanning thousands of years. Traditional dwellings represent distinct regional cultural origins, and different forms of housing constructions have arisen as a result. However, traditional dwellings preserve area culture and specific life memories as a fundamental component of rural life. From the perspective of conventional dwellings, this paper takes the representative Manchu folk houses in Northeast China as an example. It discusses the architectural structure, appearance style, and overall style of Manchu folk dwellings and the cultural dimension of architecture and its distinctive value under the impact of regional culture.
Analysis of the urban structure and revitalization of Vasil Andoni Street
Authors: Jagxhiu Besa , Agushi Art 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The historic zone of Prishtina is part of the city that represents the historic and environmental values of the city, with a rich built heritage as residential, commercial, handicraft, religious. Unfortunately, this rich heritage is heading towards total loss from the neglect and various degradations that are taking place. This research aims to analyze the urban structure of the historic zone of Prishtina, in particular Vasil Andoni Street. Based on the results from research methodology used, comprised from analysis, comparisons, interviews, and questionnaire, this paper aims to give a design proposal for urban revitalization of the Vasil Andoni Street, that would provide the sustainable development of the area, in physical, social, economic and spatial aspect, while protecting and respecting the cultural heritage of the zone.
La maternidad subrogada: tendencias de regulación en Latinoamérica
Authors: Martínez Muñoz Karol X. , Rodriguez Yong Camilo Andres 
Published: April 2022

El presente artículo tiene como propósito contribuir al estudio de la maternidad subrogada a través de la revisión de la experiencia latinoamericana. Para ello, busca identificar las características principales de dicha experiencia por medio de la revisión de la actividad legislativa y judicial de algunos países de la región (Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, Chile, México, Uruguay y Venezuela) que han buscado regularla, o cuentan con decisiones judiciales al respecto. Dentro de este marco, el artículo se divide en dos partes principales. En la primera, se presentan algunas consideraciones generales sobre la maternidad subrogada. En la segunda, se identifican y exponen las señaladas características.
Latinoamérica no ha sido ajena al fenómeno de la maternidad subrogada. Por el contrario, su experiencia evidencia una clara intención de adoptar una postura frente a esta figura. Con todo, ante los conflictos y dilemas éticos, morales, políticos y jurídicos envueltos, dicha voluntad no se ha materializado por el legislador de forma mayoritaria y contundente. Por lo tanto, aunque se han presentado múltiples proyectos de ley, son muy pocos los países que cuentan con normas vigentes sobre la materia. Ante esta situación, el poder judicial ha debido resolver de forma parcial las problemáticas derivadas de la maternidad subrogada, con las consecuencias que ello acarrea, esto es, la ausencia de representacióndemocrática en la fijación de los parámetros que deben guiar la política estatal en un asunto como el estudiado, y la incertidumbre jurídica para los ciudadanos, fruto de la discrecionalidad judicial.