bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of an extensive breeding population of a marine pulmonate snail far poleward of its previously documented range
Authors: Fork Susanne , Pernet Bruno , Wasson Kerstin
Published: May 2020

The California salt marsh snailMelampus olivaceus, a species from southern California, has established a thriving population in the Elkhorn Slough estuary (Monterey Bay), hundreds of kilometers north of where it is long-established and regularly found. Since the late 1800s this high littoral zone salt marsh snail has occasionally been reported in central California, but only as isolated individuals or shells. We first observed a few individuals ofM. olivaceusin Elkhorn Slough in 2013, and the species is now abundant and reproducing throughout the estuary inSalicornia pacifica(pickleweed) marshes. We also document for the first time that this species has a planktonic, feeding larva. Salt marsh snails may have been transported northward as planktonic larvae during periodic El Niño warm water events. Such transport has been reported for other species, but what makes this case unusual is the persistence, reproduction and abundance of the snail following transport.
Simultaneous estimation for Dicyclomine HCl and Simethicone in bulk and oral liquid drop formulation: an RP-HPLC method development and validation
Authors: Pandey Pradeep Kumar , Patel Mukesh , Manigauha Ashish , Wadhwa Pankaj , Sahu Sanjeev Kumar
Published: May 2020

Background

A new, validated, and selective RP-HPLC technique was established for quantitative estimation of Dicyclomine HCl and Simethicone in the pharmaceutical oral liquid drop formulations. The chromatographic conditions were adjusted using Luna C18 (25 cm × 0.46 cm, 5 μm) column, water-methanol mixture (80:20, v/v) as solvent system and pH adjustment up to 7.4 using orthophosphoric acid. The absorbance was observed at 289 nm λmax injecting 20 μl sample solution and maintain the ambient temperature (30 °C) with 1 ml per min flow rate.

Results

The retention times of Dicyclomine HCl and Simethicone were determined 2.962 and 4.091 min, respectively. The developed analytical technique was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, sensitivity, ruggedness, and robustness as per ICH guidelines. The LOD was found to be 0.72 and 0.57 μg per ml for Dicyclomine HCl and Simethicone, respectively. But, LOQ was 2.19 and 1.73 μg per ml, respectively.

Conclusions

This validated method showed good precision (RSD% < 1) with acceptable linearity (≥ 0.999). Intra- and inter-day relative RSD of retention times and AUC (area under curve) were found to be less than 2.0%. The method was also significantly useful as economic technique for simultaneous quantitative determination of Dicyclomine HCl and Simethicone in the bulk and pharmaceutical formulation.
Seasonality in schizophrenia—An analysis of a nationwide registry with 110,735 hospital admissions
Authors: Hinterbuchinger B. , König D. , Gmeiner A. , Listabarth S. , Fellinger M. , Thenius C. , Baumgartner J. S. , Vyssoki S. , Waldhoer T. , Vyssoki B. , Pruckner N.
Published: May 2020

Background.

Seasonal patterns in hospitalizations have been observed in various psychiatric disorders, however, it is unclear whether they also exist in schizophrenia. Previous studies found mixed results and those reporting the presence of seasonality differ regarding the characteristics of these patterns. Further, they are inconclusive whether sex is an influencing factor. The aim of this study was therefore to examine if seasonal patterns in hospitalizations can be found in schizophrenia, with special regard to a possible influence of sex, by using a large national dataset.

Methods.

Data on all hospital admissions within Austria due to schizophrenia (F20.0–F20.6) for the time period of 2003–2016 were included. Age standardized monthly variation of hospitalization for women and men was analyzed and the level of significance adjusted for multiple testing.

Results.

The database comprised of 110,735 admissions (59.6% men). Significant seasonal variations were found in the total sample with hospitalization peaks in January and June and a trough in December (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in these patterns was found between women and men with schizophrenia (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

Our study shows that schizophrenia-related hospitalizations follow a seasonal pattern in both men and women. The distribution of peaks might be influenced by photoperiod changes which trigger worsening of symptoms and lead to exacerbations in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to identify underlying factors influencing seasonal patterns and to assess whether a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia is especially vulnerable to the impact of seasonal variations.
Non-caveolar caveolins – duties outside the caves
Authors: Pol Albert , Morales-Paytuví Frederic , Bosch Marta , Parton Robert G.
Published: May 2020

Caveolae are invaginations of the plasma membrane that are remarkably abundant in adipocytes, endothelial cells and muscle. Caveolae provide cells with resources for mechanoprotection, can undergo fission from the plasma membrane and can regulate a variety of signaling pathways. Caveolins are fundamental components of caveolae, but many cells, such as hepatocytes and many neurons, express caveolins without forming distinguishable caveolae. Thus, the function of caveolins goes beyond their roles as caveolar components. The membrane-organizing and -sculpting capacities of caveolins, in combination with their complex intracellular trafficking, might contribute to these additional roles. Furthermore, non-caveolar caveolins can potentially interact with proteins normally excluded from caveolae. Here, we revisit the non-canonical roles of caveolins in a variety of cellular contexts including liver, brain, lymphocytes, cilia and cancer cells, as well as consider insights from invertebrate systems. Non-caveolar caveolins can determine the intracellular fluxes of active lipids, including cholesterol and sphingolipids. Accordingly, caveolins directly or remotely control a plethora of lipid-dependent processes such as the endocytosis of specific cargoes, sorting and transport in endocytic compartments, or different signaling pathways. Indeed, loss-of-function of non-caveolar caveolins might contribute to the common phenotypes and pathologies of caveolin-deficient cells and animals.
FAZ27 cooperates with FLAM3 and ClpGM6 to maintain cell morphology in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: An Tai , Zhou Qing , Hu Huiqing , Cormaty Harshini , Li Ziyin
Published: May 2020

The human parasite Trypanosoma brucei transitions from the trypomastigote form to the epimastigote form in the insect vector by repositioning its mitochondrial genome and flagellum-associated cytoskeleton. The molecular mechanisms underlying such changes in cell morphology remain elusive, but recent works demonstrated the involvement of three flagellar proteins, FLAM3, ClpGM6 and KIN-E, in this process by controlling the elongation of the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). In this report, we identified a FAZ flagellum domain-localizing protein named FAZ27 and characterized its role in cell morphogenesis. Depletion of FAZ27 in the trypomastigote form caused major morphological changes and repositioning of the mitochondrial genome and flagellum-associated cytoskeleton, generating epimastigote-like cells. Furthermore, proximity biotinylation and co-immunoprecipitation identified FLAM3 and ClpGM6 as FAZ27-interacting proteins, and analyses of their functional interplay revealed an interdependency for assembly into the FAZ flagellum domain. Finally, we showed that assembly of FAZ27 occurred proximally, identical to the assembly pattern of other FAZ sub-domain proteins. Taken together, these results demonstrate a crucial role for the FAZ flagellum domain in controlling cell morphogenesis and suggest a coordinated assembly of all the FAZ sub-domains at the proximal end of the FAZ.
The brains of six African mole-rat species show divergent responses to hypoxia
Authors: Logan Samantha M. , Szereszewski Kama E. , Bennett Nigel C. , Hart Daniel W. , van Jaarsveld Barry , Pamenter Matthew E. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: May 2020

Mole-rats are champions of self-preservation, with increased longevity compared to other rodents their size, strong antioxidant capabilities, and specialized defenses against endogenous oxidative stress. However, how the brains of these subterranean mammals handle acute in vivo hypoxia is poorly understood. This study is the first to examine the molecular response to low oxygen in six different species of hypoxia-tolerant mole-rats from sub-Saharan Africa. Protein carbonylation, a known marker of DNA damage (hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine), and antioxidant capacity did not change following hypoxia but HIF-1 protein levels increased significantly in the brains of two species. Nearly 30 miRNAs known to play roles in hypoxia-tolerance were differentially regulated in a species-specific manner. The miRNAs exhibiting the strongest response to low oxygen stress inhibit apoptosis and regulate neuroinflammation, likely providing neuroprotection. A principal component analysis using a subset of the molecular targets assessed herein revealed differences between control and hypoxic groups for two solitary species (Georychus capensis and Bathyergus suillus), which are ecologically adapted to a normoxic environment, suggesting a heightened sensitivity to hypoxia relative to species that may experience hypoxia more regularly in nature. By contrast, all molecular data were included in the PCA to detect a difference between control and hypoxic populations of eusocial Heterocephalus glaber, indicating they may require many lower-fold changes in signaling pathways to adapt to low oxygen settings. Finally, none of the Cryptomys hottentotus subspecies showed a statistical difference between control and hypoxic groups, presumably due to hypoxia-tolerance derived from environmental pressures associated with a subterranean and social lifestyle.
The role of the gut microbiome in mediating standard metabolic rate after dietary shifts in the viviparous cockroach,Diploptera punctata
Authors: Ayayee Paul A. , Kinney George , Yarnes Chris , Larsen Thomas , Custer Gordon F. , van Diepen Linda T. A. , Muñoz-Garcia Agustí
Published: May 2020

Diet may be a significant determinant of insect gut microbiome composition. However, the extent to which dietary shifts shape both the composition and relevant functions of insect gut microbiomes, and ultimately, impact host energy balance (i.e., metabolic phenotype) is not well understood. We investigated the impacts of diet switching on Diploptera punctata females maintained on dog food (DF) diet relative to those fed a comparatively sub-optimal cellulose-amended dog food (CADF) diet for four weeks. After this period, dietary shift resulted in a significantly higher average mass-specific standard metabolic rate (SMR) in CADF-fed females compared to DF-fed females. We also uncovered significant 13C-enrichment in DF-fed insect samples relative to CADF-fed insect samples and lowered bacterial essential amino acid (EAA) provisioning in CADF-fed samples. Differences in SMR and EAA provisioning were not accompanied by significant differences in overall microbiome composition between the two groups. However, cellulolytic and nitrogen-fixing bacterial families dominant in wild omnivorous cockroaches and wood-feeding termites were significantly enriched in CADF-fed females than in DF-fed females, at the end of the study. We propose that these changes in microbiome composition after dietary shifts are associated with changes in EAA provisioning and possibly SMR. Further studies are needed to comprehensively understand the relative importance of gut microbial functions among the complexity of factors known to underscore SMR responses in insects under varying dietary conditions.
Impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in parrots
Authors: Neves Ana Carolina de Oliveira , Galván Ismael , Van den Abeele Dirk
Published: May 2020

Parrots and allies (Order Psittaciformes) have evolved an exclusive capacity to synthesize polyene pigments called psittacofulvins at feather follicles, which allows them to produce a striking diversity of pigmentation phenotypes. Melanins are polymers constituting the most abundant pigments in animals, and the sulphurated form (pheomelanin) produces colors that are similar to those produced by psittacofulvins. However, the differential contribution of these pigments to psittaciform phenotypic diversity has not been investigated. Given the color redundancy, and physiological limitations associated to pheomelanin synthesis, we hypothesized that the latter would be avoided by psittaciform birds. Here we test this by using Raman spectroscopy to identify pigments in feathers exhibiting colors suspicious of being produced by pheomelanin (i.e., dull red, yellow and grey- and green-brownish) in 26 species from the three main lineages of Psittaciformes. We detected the non-sulphurated melanin form (eumelanin) in black, grey and brown plumage patches, and psittacofulvins in red, yellow and green patches, but no evidence of pheomelanin. As natural melanins are assumed to be composed of eumelanin and pheomelanin in varying ratios, our results represent the first report of impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in animals. Given that psittaciforms also avoid the uptake of circulating carotenoid pigments, these birds seem to have evolved a capacity to avoid functional redundancy between pigments, likely by regulating follicular gene expression. Ours study provides the first vibrational characterization of different psittacofulvin-based colors and thus helps to determine the relative polyene chain length in these pigments, which is related to their antireductant protection activity.
Observation of Translational Diffusion in a Planer Supported Lipid Bilayer Membrane by Total Internal Reflection-Transient Grating Method
Authors: Kondoh Masato , Moritani Hidekazu , Ishibashi Taka-aki
Published: May 2020

Total internal reflection-transient grating (TIR-TG) method has been applied to diffusion coefficient measurements of trans-stilbene in a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) lipid bilayer membrane at a silica/water interface. The observed TIR-TG signal consisted of four decay components. The rate constants of the third and fourth components quadratically depended on grating wavenumbers, which indicates that these components represent diffusion processes of trans-stilbene (diffusion signals). From the decay rate constants of the diffusion signals, two different diffusion coefficients, (5.7 ± 1.0) × 10−10 and (2.8 ± 0.5) × 10−12 m2s−1 were obtained for trans-stilbene in the DMPC membrane. This result indicates that the DMPC membrane is an inhomogeneous environment that can be described with two different effective viscosities.
Determination of thyroid volume in infants with suspected congenital hypothyroidism—the limitations of both subjective and objective evaluation
Authors: Mansour Chourouk , Ouarezki Yasmine , Jones Jeremy Huw , Green Morag , Stenhouse Emily Jane , Irwin Greg , Hermanns Pia , Pohlenz Joachim , Donaldson Malcolm David Cairns
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To compare two methods of assessing gland size on thyroid ultrasound in newborn infants with suspected congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

Methods:

Images from infants with eutopic glands referred between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated blind by two sets of observers. Subjective gland size was categorised as small, borderline-small, normal, borderline-large and large. Objective gland volume, calculated as the sum of each lobe using the prolate ellipsoid formula (length x width x depth x π/6), was put into corresponding categories: <0.8, 0.81–1.0, 1.1– <2.2, 2.2–2.4 and >2.4 ml, derived from normative Scottish data.

Results:

Of 36 infants, permanent CH was present in 17, transient CH in 17, status uncertain in 2. Mean (SD) intraobserver error for thyroid volume measurement was 0.11 (0.23) ml [8.3%]. Subjective assessment by two observers was discordant in only four (10.8%) infants. However, subjective vs objective evaluation was discordant in 14 (39%). Eight (three permanent, five transient CH) had large glands subjectively but normal glands objectively; and six (four transient CH) had normal glands subjectively but small glands objectively. The former infants all showed a single flattened curve to the anterior thyroid margin, giving an impression of bulkiness. Gland shape was normal in the latter infants.

Conclusion:

Neither subjective nor objective evaluation predicts permanent vs transient CH. Altered gland shape may confound both methods, and undermine use of the conventional formula for measuring lobe volume.

Advances in knowledge:

Until more refined methods are available for assessing thyroid size, both subjective and objective evaluation are recommended in CH.
Case Report: Metastatic breast cancer to the gallbladder
Authors: Missori Giulia , Serra Francesco , Prestigiacomo Giorgia , Ricciardolo Andrea Aurelio , Brugioni Lucio , Gelmini Roberta
Published: May 2020

Cholecystitis is one of the leading causes of emergency surgical interventions; the occurrence of metastases to the gallbladder is rare and has only been reported in the literature exceptionally. Metastatic breast cancer to the gallbladder is even less frequent; in fact, breast cancer usually metastasizes to bone, lung, lymph nodes, liver and brain. We report the case of an 83-year-old female patient with a previous history of breast surgery with axillary dissection in 1997, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy due to invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. The patient was admitted at the emergency department for sepsis and an episode of acute kidney failure, anuria and fever. Right-upper quadrant abdominal pain triggered by food intake and abdominal tenderness was also present, placing the diagnostic suspicion of biliary sepsis due to acute cholecystitis. The histological examination of the surgical specimen highlighted the presence of metastasis from an infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma with positive hormone receptors. We also report here the results of a review of the literature looking at articles describing cases of gallbladder metastasis from breast cancer.
Evaluating adults’ health-related values and preferences about unprocessed red meat and processed meat consumption: protocol for a cross-sectional mixed-methods study
Authors: Valli Claudia , Howatt Victoria , Prokop-Dorner Anna , Rabassa Montserrat , Johnston Bradley C. , Zajac Joanna , Han Mi Ah , Kenji Nampo Fernando , Guyatt Gordon H. , Bala Malgorzata M. , Alonso-Coello Pablo
Published: May 2020

Background: People need to choose from a wide range of foods, and in addition to availability and accessibility, people’s values and preferences largely determine their daily food choices. Given the potential adverse health consequences of red and processed meat and the limited knowledge on individuals’ health-related values and preferences on the topic, such data would be useful in the development of recommendations regarding meat consumption.

Methods and analysis: We will perform an international cross-sectional mixed methods study in four countries across two continents. The study population will consist of adult omnivores currently consuming a minimum of three weekly servings of either unprocessed red meat or processed meat. We will explore participants’ willingness to stop or reduce their unprocessed red meat, or their processed meat consumption through a direct-choice exercise. This exercise will consist of presenting a scenario tailored to each individual’s average weekly consumption. That is, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the best estimate of the risk reduction in overall cancer mortality and cancer incidence, we will ask participants if they would stop their consumption, and/or reduce their average consumption. We will also present the corresponding certainty of the evidence for the potential risk reductions. Finally, for all included participants, we will measure their meat consumption three months after the interview and determine if they have made any changes to their average consumption.

Ethics and dissemination: The research protocol was approved by the ethics committees in Canada (Research Ethics Board, Dalhousie University), Spain (Comitè Ètic d'Investigació Clínica de l'IDIAP Jordi Gol), Poland (The Bioethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University), and Brazil (National Research Ethics Commission). The study is based on voluntary participation and informed written consent. Results from this project will be disseminated through publications and presentations.
Case Report: Suspected COVID-19 death in the community - histological lung findings and the challenges faced by the pathologist
Authors: Jenkins Megan , Johnson Oliver , Helliwell Tim , Johnson Christopher Paul
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐ 19) has now been declared a global pandemic. The literature on the histopathological changes associated with COVID-19 infection is currently limited. Early data consistently describe diffuse alveolar damage on lung histology from patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We present the case of a 65-year-old female who died whilst self-isolating in the community following a short history of symptoms consistent with COVID-19. An invasive autopsy and subsequent lung histology demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage, in keeping with the previously reported cases of COVID-19 pneumonia. We hope to contribute to the growing body of literature available on the pathological findings in such cases. The challenges of ascertaining post mortem virological confirmation of infection are discussed.
Forum Size and Content Contribution per Person: A Field Experiment
Authors: Baek Jiye , Shore Jesse
Published: May 2020

Promoting contribution of content is a key challenge for platforms that support the collective creation or transfer of knowledge. We use a field experiment on a massive open online course to study the role of forum size (number of people in a forum) in the contribution of content per person. We find that larger forums elicit more contributions per person. The number of questions and other help-seeking threads posted per person was unchanged by forum size, but replies and other more conversational posts increased sharply. Most of the positive effect of size was in a subset of socially responsive subjects. The implication of social responsiveness driving our results is that the unequal distribution of contribution in online platforms is unlikely to be easily changed: if more contributions are elicited from infrequent contributors, the greatest contributors would contribute even more because there would be more to respond to.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Competition and Opacity in the Financial System
Authors: Zhang Gaoqing
Published: May 2020

This paper studies the effect of competition on opacity in the financial system. In my model, two financial institutions competing for investors simultaneously make a public disclosure decision when both are exposed to rollover risk. I find that in the face of rollover risk, competition between financial institutions has a nonmonotonic effect on their disclosure decisions. More intense competition can reduce disclosure and make the financial system more opaque, especially when investors’ private information about the financial institutions is sufficiently precise.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Platform Preannouncement Strategies: The Strategic Role of Information in Two-Sided Markets Competition
Authors: Chellappa Ramnath K. , Mukherjee Rajiv
Published: May 2020

The release of a new platform version is often preceded by prelaunch activities including a preannouncement of new features, improvements, and other innovations. The information contained within these preannouncements not only shape expectations of distinct but connected sides, for example, users and developers in a video game platform, but also informs a rival platform in a competitive market. Through a game-theoretic analysis of three different preannouncement strategies (formal, informal, and no-preannouncement) in a duopoly, our research furthers the understanding of externality-related information on expectation formation and the associated competitive dynamics. The literature on the role of information in platform competition is limited, and as the first to model the use of this information (through preannouncements) as a strategic lever, we characterize the firms’ equilibrium preannouncement strategies under different market conditions including when agents have an option to switch and/or the ability to multihome. Our findings show a clear relationship between the equilibrium preannouncement strategies and agents’ strength of taste preferences. In markets with weak preferences, firms pursue a no-preannouncement strategy in equilibrium to a formal preannouncement strategy where users and developers have strong taste preferences. Overall, our welfare analyses reveal that in a competitive market, firms will prefer not to preannounce their platform features even if preannouncement may increase expected network effects. Consumer and social welfare are both higher in multihoming markets than in single-homing ones.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Object Extraction Using Probabilistic Maps of Color, Depth, and Near-Infrared Information
Authors: Attamimi Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Object extraction is one of the important and chal-lenging tasks in the computer vision and/or robotics ? elds.This task is to extract the object from the scene using anypossible cues. The scenario discussed in this study was the objectextraction which considering the Space of Interest (SOI), i.e.,the three dimensional area where the object probably existed.To complete such task, the object extraction method based onthe probabilistic maps of multiple cues was proposed. Thanksto the Kinect V2 sensor, multiple cues such as color, depth, andnear-infrared information can be acquired simultaneously. TheSOI was modeled by a simple probabilistic model by consideringthe geometry of the possible objects and the reachability of thesystem acquired from depth information. To model the color andnear-infrared information, a Gaussian mixture models (GMM)was used. All of the models were combined to generate theprobabilistic maps that were used to extract the object fromthe scene. To validate the proposed object extraction, severalexperiments were conducted to investigate the best combinationof the cues used in this study.
Model Predictive Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Based on Horizon Optimization
Authors: Sudirman Sudirman
Published: May 2020

Heading control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) using Model Predictive Control (MPC) gives a good performance. Varying the length of the horizon provides a variety of performance. This paper is made in order to find out how many optimal horizons are needed to obtain the highest efficiency of energy use in AUV. Test results show a positive correlation between the length of the horizon and the amount of energy used. The optimal horizon obtained is then tested on several different trajectories.
Formation Control of Multi-Robot using Virtual Structures with a Linear Algebra Approach
Authors: Riah Arfittariah Riah
Published: May 2020

The separation bearing controller (SBC) and separation-separation controller (SSC) approaches can be used to maintain multi-robot formation, while the Computed Torque Control (CTC) method is used to solve the dynamic problems of the robot. However, the SBC and SSC approaches combined with CTC cannot maintain multi-robot formation, if the leader or follower is disturbed. In this paper, the virtual structure method and the linear algebra approach added to the CTC method are used to maintain the triangular robot formation to follow the given trajectory. The simulation results show that the proposed control system design of multi-robots capable of following the trajectory and can maintain multi-robot formation with/without disturbance and noise.
Design and Implementation of Solar Charge Controller with P&O MPPT for Light-Fishing in Ujung Pangkah, Gresik
Authors: Santosa Wahyu Ardi , Anam Sjamsjul , Pamuji Feby Agung
Published: May 2020

Bagan tancap is a conventional fishing using diesel as its main source. This conventional method needs to be replaced with an eco-friendly and easy to use system, namely solar panels. The solar panels power is just limited by time so the stability of the system is poorly maintained that needs to be a battery as a storage of energy to improve system stability. However, the power that is not optimal causes the charging battery to take longer and not be constant with periods of weather and irradiation coditions. The charging battery without MPPT it tends not to be optimal because the solar panel does not operate at its maximum value. MPPT with perturb and observe algorithms can maximize power on solar cells with tracking speeds that depend on the response speed of the converter. While boost coverter has the ability to maintain potential differences that are tailored to the battery specifications and keep the current and voltage ripple values relatively small. For this reason, this final project will design and implement solar charge controller equipped with MPPT P & O (Perturb and Observe) and boost converter, this method can maximize the power of the solar panel by 97.84% with a faster charging time for 27 minutes.Keywords—Light Fishing, MPPT, Perturb and Observe, Solar Charge Controller
Polypharmacy: the whys, the so whats and the what nexts
Authors: Bennett Frances , Sofat Reecha
Published: May 2020

There is an increasing awareness that polypharmacy – the use of multiple medicines by one individual – may bring harm as well as benefit. This has been termed ‘problematic polypharmacy’ and is associated with increased risk of admission to hospital, decreased quality of life and psychological harm. This article addresses the factors that may be contributing to the global rise of polypharmacy (the whys), the problems it can cause (the so whats), and some opportunities and strategies for improving and avoiding problematic polypharmacy in the future (the what nexts).
Youngstock housing design
Authors: Robertson Jamie
Published: May 2020

The design of livestock systems needs to address the requirements of the animals to be housed, as well as those for labour, safety, and sustainability, including finance. Youngstock housing is no different, except that the industry appears to have forgotten the first part, and insists on placing youngstock in general purpose buildings, or buildings that were originally designed for another purpose. The output data on calf health and performance is an indictment of the lack of the well-designed youngstock housing. The following is intended to promote further development of calf systems by addressing the basic design requirements for youngstock.

The basic requirements for space, bedding, ventilation, feed and water are all freely available in Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) publications ( AHDB 2018a , 2018b ).
Ipsilateral Spigelian hernia: just an infrequent variant?
Authors: Singh R , Jayamanne H , Stephenson BM
Published: May 2020

Spigelian hernias are generally considered to occur through solitary defects in the fascial layers of the anterior abdominal wall in the ‘Spigelian hernia belt’ but can be found anywhere along the line of the linea semilunaris. They are uncommon in children and in adults thought to be acquired and associated with obesity. We describe an unusual case of Spigelian herniation previously unreported and possibly previously unrecognised.
Twin equal-intensity foci with the same resolution generated by a modified precious mean zone plate
Authors: Xia Tian , Tao Shaohua , Cheng Shubo
Published: May 2020

A modified precious mean zone plate (MPMZP) is proposed to generate twin equal-intensity foci with the same resolution related to the precious mean. The MPMZP with a bigger copy number

C

can generate two equal-intensity foci with approximately the same resolution. The energy efficiencies of twin foci generated by the MPMZP are approximately the same. Moreover, the MPMZP with a helical phase can generate twin vortices with the same diameter. In addition, it is proven numerically that the MPMZP beam and the spiral-phase MPMZP beam have the self-reconstruction property. The construction method of the MPMZP is illustrated in detail. Moreover, it is proven in the simulations and experiments that twin equal-intensity foci generated by the MPMZP have the same resolution, and the spiral-phase MPMZP can produce twin vortices with the same diameter. The proposed zone plate can be used for optical lithography in two planes at the same extent, and applied to rotate different particles in two planes at the same speed and generate two of the same clear images at two planes related to the precious mean.
Ability of gas modulation to reduce the pickup of fluctuations in refractometry
Authors: Axner Ove , Silander Isak , Forssén Clayton , Zakrisson Johan , Zelan Martin
Published: May 2020

Gas modulation refractometry is a technique for assessment of gas
refractivity, density, and pressure that, by a rapid modulation of the
gas, provides a means to significantly reduce the pickup of
fluctuations. Although its unique feature has previously been
demonstrated, no detailed explication or analysis of this ability has
yet been given. This work provides a theoretical explanation, in terms
of the length of the modulation cycle, of the extent to which gas
modulation can reduce the pickup of fluctuations. It is indicated that
a rapid modulation can significantly reduce the influence of
fluctuations with Fourier frequencies lower than the inverse of the
modulation cycle length, which often are those that dominate. The
predictions are confirmed experimentally.
Superresolution effect due to a thin dielectric slab for imaging with radially polarized light
Authors: Meng Peiwen , Pereira S. F. , Dou Xiujie , Urbach H. P.
Published: May 2020

Improving the image quality of small particles is a classic problem and especially challenging when the distance between particles are below the optical diffraction limit. We propose a imaging system illuminated with radially polarized light combined with a suitable substrate that contains a thin dielectric layer to demonstrate that the imaging quality can be enhanced. The coupling between the evanescent wave produced in a designed thin dielectric layer, the small particles and the propagating wave forms a mechanism to transfer sub-wavelength information about the particles to the far field. The smallest distinguished distance reaches to 0.634λ, when the imaging system is composed of a high numerical aperture (NA=0.9) lens and the illumination wavelength λ = 632nm, beyond the diffraction limit 0.678λ. The lateral resolution can be further improved by combining the proposed structure with superresolution microscopy techniques.
Selective magnetic responses of silicon nanoparticles modulated by waveguide structures
Authors: Yang Aiping , Du Luping , Meng Fanfei , Chen Jiashuo , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: May 2020

High-refractive-index nanoparticles (NPs), such as silicon NPs, were considered as effective carriers in their response to a magnetic field at optical frequencies. Such NPs play an important role in many state-of-the-art technologies in nano-optics. Although the resonance properties of these NPs when varying their structural parameters have been studied intensely in the past few years, their interaction with the underlying substrate has seldom been discussed, in particular, when the substrate is a waveguide structure that significantly modulates the optical responses of the NPs. We proposed and studied a selective magnetic coupling system comprising a Si–NP on a metal-dielectric waveguide (MDW). The MDW structure supports either a transverse electric (TE) or a transverse magnetic (TM) mode that induces a large polarization dependence in the magnetic resonance. A new manifestation of the optical spin Hall effect was demonstrated in which a vertical rotating magnetic dipole excites a TE-type waveguide mode with a specific unidirectional emission. Making use of this polarization response, we developed a scanning imaging system that can selectively map the transverse or longitudinal magnetic field component of a focused beam depending on the type of MDW used in the system. This selective magnetic resonance coupling system is expected to be valuable for studying the fundamental interactions between the magnetic field and matter and for developing related nano-applications.
Femtosecond two-color source synchronized at 100-as-precision based on SPM-enabled spectral selection
Authors: Hua Yi , Zhou Gengji , Liu Wei , Xin Ming , Kärtner Franz X. , Chang Guoqing
Published: May 2020

We demonstrate both numerically and experimentally that self-phase modulation-enabled spectral selection generates wavelength tunable energetic pulses that are tightly synchronized to the excitation pulses. The synchronization quantified by relative timing jitter is at the 100-as precision level, at least 10 times lower than can be achieved by Raman soliton pulses derived from the same source laser. This ultrafast two-color source is suitable for many important applications that require tight pulse synchronization.
Dual-periodically poled lithium niobate microcavities supporting multiple coupled parametric processes
Authors: Zhang Li , Hao Zhenzhong , Luo Qiang , Gao Ang , Zhang Ru , Yang Chen , Gao Feng , Bo Fang , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun
Published: May 2020

Periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) microcavities with additional reciprocal vectors attract attention as a platform for efficient parametric nonlinear optical processes with wavelength and polarization flexibility. Here, we report the simultaneous realization of multiple coupled parametric processes in PPLN microdisk cavities with dual periods as a result of the significantly increased number of reciprocal vectors to fulfill quasi-phase matchings for a series of nonlinear processes. PPLN microdisks with up to

1.43
×

10

5

quality factors and unit domain size of 90 nm in width were fabricated using CMOS compatible microfabrication techniques and electrically poled with the help of piezoresponse force microscopy. The conversion efficiency of second-harmonic signal was measured to be

51
%

W

−
1

. Our work paves the way towards efficient cascaded parametric effects including third- and fourth-harmonic generations.
Exceso de equipaje. Por qué el turismo es un gran invento hasta que deja de serlo. Pedro Bravo
Authors: Capdepón Frías Margarita
Published: May 2020

Exceso de equipaje. Por qué el turismo deja de ser un gran invento hasta que deja de serloPedro Bravo. 2018. Barcelona: Ed. Debate. ISBN: 978-84-9992-862-3. 221 páginas.El libro hace una lectura crítica de muchos de los conflictos asociados actualmente al turismo a escala global y sus implicaciones políticas, socioeconómicas, medioambientales y territoriales. Y lo hace a través de distintos capítulos “protagonizados” por un determinado destino, tanto de España como de otras partes del mundo, a través de los cuales el autor explica los principales problemas que padece el sector. En ocasiones, estos lugares ejemplifican claramente, a modo de caso de estudio, los efectos y daños que el negocio turístico es capaz de ocasionar; en otras, ese territorio central actúa de hilo conductor de la problemática analizada.
Older people and creativity: What can a social pedagogical perspective add to this work?
Authors: Hunter Rob
Published: May 2020

While for some older people longevity is a blessing, for others it is a curse. This article draws on the author’s experience of working through the National Lottery Fund’s Ageing Better programme with groups of older people in Leicester, many of whom are marginalised in terms both of society and under-represented in research. Four psychosocial challenges are identified from this experience: handling change; chronic loneliness; meaninglessness; and loss of a social role. The article explores the significance of creativity whether linked to the participatory arts or creative thinking and problem solving in addressing these challenges. It acknowledges the value of the participatory arts but highlights problems of accessibility and sustainability. The article explores briefly the concept of ‘everyday creativity’ and touches on the underexplored areas of how creativity can link to freeing up some rigidities in mindset and opening older people up to new possibilities. Finally, it examines the principles and practices of social pedagogy. Despite there being very few examples of practice with older people in the UK named as social pedagogy, it is suggested that the perspective is highly relevant to this area of work. Not only do the values and skills match what is needed, but adopting a social pedagogical perspective across the sector might enhance the self-confidence of staff and volunteers, the quality of the work, and provide a much-needed common language. Psychosocial knowledge and skills could, with benefit, be integrated.
Virtuelle Realität, das Spiel der Zukunft
Authors: Holl Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Das Kapitel beschäftigt sich mit der Bedeutung von virtueller Realität für die Spiellandschaft. Dabei wird zunächst aus einer medienpsychologischen Sicht definiert, was virtuelle Realität ist. Dabei wird insbesondere der interaktive Charakter des Mediums betont, welcher anschließend vertiefend in Bezug auf den menschlichen Nutzer ausgeführt wird. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick gegeben, um zu verdeutlichen, welche Potentiale virtuelle Realität für die Zukunft im Allgemeinen und auf das Spiel bezogen haben könnte.
Cosméticos Sustentáveis e a Intenção de Compra de Consumidores no Brasil
Authors: Furtado Beatriz dos Anjos
Published: May 2020

Esse artigo tem como objetivo identificar os principais aspectos que os brasileiros consideram ao comprar cosméticos sustentáveis. Os cosméticos sustentáveis englobam produtos de beleza, perfumaria e higiene com preocupação sobre a formulação, saúde, descarte, o meio ambiente e a vertente social. Esse setor é um dos mais rentáveis do Brasil, destacando-se como o quarto maior do mundo. Os cosméticos sustentáveis têm diretrizes que devem estar em conformidade com o Instituto Biodinâmico de Certificações; apresentam-se dentre as especificações componentes naturais, orgânicos e livre de matérias-primas não renováveis. Considerando-se a revisão da literatura, gerou-se um modelo explicativo de quais aspectos são influenciadores nos consumidores que baseou o questionário aplicado. Foram coletadas 529 respostas com questões abertas no Brasil. Após a análise da frequência, foi verificado que certos aspectos respondem ao modelo proposto que contém as dimensões “Atitude de consumo ambiental”, “Bem-estar”, “Saúde”, “Grupos de Referência” e “Atributos percebidos” como preponderantes. Dentre os resultados obtidos, os aspectos qualidade, saúde, meio ambiente, preço, embalagem e teste em animais preponderaram como principais intenções de compra. Tais aspectos correspondem aos fatores internos e externos que guiam ao comportamento de compra. Esses achados podem auxiliar a despertar mais estudos sobre o setor cosmético na área de sustentabilidade na academia, podendo as organizações desenvolverem novos produtos e estratégias de marketing para esse segmento.
RESÚMENES DE TESIS: DOCTORADO EN FÍSICA
Authors: Collins Pablo Agustín
Published: May 2020

Estudio del llenado capilar en estructuras nano-porosas mediante técnicas interferométricasLuisa Guadalupe Cencha - lgcencha@gmail.comDirector: Dr. Raul UrteagaCo-Director: Dr. Claudio L. A. BerliLugar de realización: Grupo de Semiconductores Nanoestructurados, Instituto de Física del Litoral (UNL-CONICET)Fecha de defensa: 19 de diciembre de 2018
Assessment of natural aging and ecological surface treatments in earth renders
Authors: Santos Tânia , Gomes Ricardo , Faria Paulina
Published: May 2020

In conservation, earth renders can be used as sacrificial coatings. However, earth presents vulnerability when in contact with water. The application of ecological surface treatments on earth renders can be of great relevance, ensuring their durability while increasing eco-efficiency and extending its range of applications. The behaviour of a ready-mixed earth render applied in situ, on adobe and concrete block masonry experimental walls exposed outdoors with protection, and under controlled laboratory conditions, on hollow bricks, was evaluated after four years. Several superficial treatments were applied on the renders: linseed oil, mucilage of aloe vera and pasta and rice cooking water. The renders were characterized by non-destructive tests. The surface treatment with linseed oil presents good results and improves the durability of the earth render, giving it adequate protection against natural degradation.
Detection of circulating anti-skin antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and by ELISA: a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Van de gaer Otto , de Haes Petra , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: May 2020

Background

Both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) are available for the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD). Many studies have reported on the performance of ELISAs and concluded that ELISAs could replace IIF. This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of ELISA and IIF for the detection of autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 (DSG1), desmoglein 3 (DSG3), bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BP180) and bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BP230) to support the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and bullous pemphigoid (BP).

Methods

A literature search was performed in the PubMed database. The meta-analysis was performed using summary values and a bivariate random effect model.

Results

The five included studies on PV did not demonstrate significant differences between IIF and DSG3-ELISA (sensitivity 82.3% vs. 81.6%, p = 0.9284; specificity 95.6% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.5318; diagnostic odds ratio [DOR] 101.60 vs. 67.760, p = 0.6206). The three included studies on PF did not demonstrate significant differences between IIF and DSG1-ELISA (sensitivity 80.6% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.8501; specificity 97.5% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.3614; DOR 160.72 vs. 75.615, p = 0.5381). The eight included studies on BP showed that BP230-ELISA differed significantly from both IIF on monkey esophagus (MO) and BP180-ELISA with regard to DOR (11.384 vs. 68.349, p = 0.0008; 11.384 vs. 41.699, p = 0.0125, respectively)

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis shows that ELISA performs as well as IIF for diagnosing PV, PF and BP.