bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechano-neurophysiological model of the fingertip for spatiotemporal firing pattern prediction of SA1 mechanoreceptors during embossed letter scanning
Authors: Hamasaki Toru , Yamada Daisuke
Published: February 2021

Numerical simulation can be used to observe spatiotemporal firing responses of tactile receptors during dynamic tactile exploration, and it provides a more understanding of the mechanism of tactile perception. In this study, we developed an improved mechano-neurophysiological model of the fingertip that employs a realistic fingertip structure and accurate contact mechanics while scanning embossed letters. To confirm the potential of the model, we simulated the spatiotemporal firing patterns of slowly adapting type-1 (SA1) mechanoreceptors while scanning the embossed letter “G” and compared the simulation result with the existing experimental data in neurophysiology. Although the experimental data were reconstructed from a single nerve fiber, the simulation simultaneously observed the responses of multiple SA1 receptors, which resulted in a more obscure “G” spatiotemporal firing pattern than that in the previous experiment. This result supports existing data from another psychophysical experiment that demonstrates that it is harder to recognize embossed letter “G” accurately during letter scanning. This finding suggests that the spatiotemporal firing pattern from multiple SA1 receptors may show an obscure “G” pattern while scanning the embossed letter “G”.
Wine Terroir Commitment in the Development of a Wine Destination
Authors: Capitello Roberta , Sidali Katia Laura , Schamel Günter
Published: February 2021

New conceptualizations propose the concept of terroir as referring to a place of distinctiveness that is able to create marketing value. However, the knowledge regarding the role of terroir in tourism marketing is still scarce. Specifically, the concept of resident commitment has received little attention in research on tourism marketing, and therefore there is a gap in knowledge on the components of resident commitment and the role it can play in the construction or renewal of a tourist destination. To fill this gap, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of residents’ commitment in consideration of terroir as referring to both a winegrowing region and a place of residence. The study aims to determine how residents’ commitment interacts with the brand dimensions identified in the marketing literature and consumer behavior research. In our theoretical framework we presented the wine terroir commitment (WTC) as a multidimensional grassroots construct and we empirically verified it by conducting a survey in a wine region, the Eisacktal Valley in South Tyrol (Italy). The findings show that Terroir Identification and Terroir Loyalty are two important antecedents of WTC as they mediate the exogenous latent variables of Terroir Prestige, and Wine Involvement as well as Resident Commitment and Terroir Experience, respectively. In the conclusions, we derive some recommendations for scholars and practitioners.
#YouToo: Notes on Sexual Harassment and Assault in the Academy
Authors: Faulkner Sandra L. , Adams Tony E.
Published: February 2021

In this collaborative autoethnography, we unmask our experiences with sexual assault and harassment in academic contexts through the use of a note format. We describe moments characterized by shame and anger, as well as moments of disciplining when we called out untoward behavior. We call attention to bystanders by describing instances of sexual harassment and assault in an article that will be read primarily by academics. This represents a feminist response to sexual harassment and assault in the academy in the hopes of challenging the normalized behavior.
Partners’ Attachment Insecurity and Stress Predict Poorer Relationship Functioning During COVID-19 Quarantines
Authors: Overall Nickola C. , Chang Valerie T. , Pietromonaco Paula R. , Low Rachel S. T. , Henderson Annette M. E.
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic presents acute, ongoing relationship challenges. The current research tested how (1) preexisting vulnerabilities assessed prior to the pandemic (attachment insecurity) and (2) stress as couples endured a mandated quarantine predicted residual changes in relationship functioning. Controlling for prequarantine problems, relationship quality, and family environment, greater partners’ attachment anxiety predicted greater relationship problems, lower relationship quality, and a less stable and cohesive family environment when people were experiencing more stress. Greater partners’ attachment avoidance predicted lower problem-solving efficacy and family cohesion. The effects of partners’ preexisting vulnerabilities and pandemic-related stress demonstrate the utility of key models in relationship science in identifying who is at most risk of relationship problems in the unprecedented context of a mandated quarantine. The results emphasize that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationship functioning will be shaped by the characteristics of partners with whom people are confined with during the pandemic.
Philosophical knowledge is warranted for the successful implementation of person-centred care
Authors: Andersson Maria
Published: February 2021

One potentially restrictive environment of person-centred care might be the intensive care unit (ICU) where RNs working in ICUs on a daily basis are caring for critically ill patients in a highly technological and stressful milieu. Nursing care for critically ill patients at the ICU is described as task-oriented and mainly based on the patient's medical needs. The purpose of this contemporary issue paper is to suggest that a photograph of the patient could be used as a tool to support RNs working in ICU in applying person-centred care and their understanding of the philosophical underpinnings for person-centred care. I additionally propose that philosophical understanding and knowledge among RNs working in ICU are an essential part of clinical practice if person-centred care implementations are to be sustainable.
Primary Sternal Cleft Repair in First Week of Life
Authors: Sinha Raina , Knod Jennifer , Dukleska Katerina , Mello Dennis
Published: February 2021

We present a full-term neonate with a postnatal diagnosis of a sternal cleft. Cardiac evaluation was otherwise remarkable for a patent ductus arteriosus and patent foramen ovale. Computed tomography scan confirmed the absence of a sternum except for a small inferior portion, including the xyphoid process. The patient underwent primary repair at five days of age through a midline incision where an absence of pericardium anteriorly was noted. She was extubated successfully the next day and discharged home on postoperative day 3. On follow-up examination, her sternum has been healing well without any clinical concerns. We advocate early repair of such defects in order to allow primary closure in a tension-free manner.
Oral Health Impacts on Flavor and Significance in Dental Treatment
Authors: Ellender G. , Moynihan P.
Published: February 2021

The mouth is pivotal in the generation of flavor, the pleasure of eating, and the selection of food. Flavor—representing the integration of olfaction (smell) with gustation (physiologic taste) and as influenced by oral somatosenses—is rarely afforded attention in oral research and dental practice. This article considers the interrelationship between oral health and flavor and highlights gaps in current knowledge. Altered oral function associated with operative and restorative treatment can feasibly alter the perception of flavor through diverse ways. Oral diseases and the generation of biofilms on restorative materials have potential to influence the oral microbiota and the perception of flavor. Alterations in masticatory function (through tooth loss, restorative materials, and prostheses with nonbiological surfaces and shapes) compounded by associated influences in the composition and quantity of saliva can affect the release of odorants and tastants from foods and beverages. Furthermore, changes occur in the perception of flavor throughout life and are significant in the aging and medically compromised population with the potential to affect nutrition and pleasure. Dental research and clinical practice should be at the forefront of biomedical science in understanding and promoting the importance and relevance of flavor in the well-being of patients. However, more research is required to guide clinical practice in consideration of olfactory and gustatory function as a component of total patient care.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This commentary highlights the research gaps in knowledge pertaining to the association between oral health and flavor and the significance of flavor to dental practice.
Receptor-Defined Breast Cancer in Five East African Countries and Its Implications for Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Popli Pallvi , Gutterman Elane M. , Omene Coral , Ganesan Shridar , Mills Douglas , Marlink Richard
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE

Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) are determinants of treatment and mortality for patients with breast cancer (BC). In East Africa, the estimated 5-year survival (37.7%) is far lower than the US average (90%). This meta-analysis investigates BC receptor subtypes within five East African countries to ascertain cross-country patterns and prioritize treatment needs.

METHODS

From a PubMed search, January 1, 1998-June 30, 2019, for all English-only BC articles for Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, eligible studies had receptor distributions for female BC samples ≥ 30 patients. Outcomes were proportions of ER+, PR+, and HER2-positive (HER2+), and/or molecular subtypes. Data included study characteristics and mean or median patient age. Using metaprop, Stata 16, we estimated pooled proportions (ES) with 95% CIs and assessed heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Among 36 BC studies with receptor data, 21 met criteria. Weighted mean age was 47.5 years and median, 48. Overall ES were as follows: 55% for ER-positive (ER+) (95% CI, 47 to 62), 23% for HER2+ (95% CI, 20 to 26), and 27% for triple-negative BC (TNBC) (95% CI, 23 to 32).

CONCLUSION

We found differences between countries, for example, lower distribution of TNBC in Ethiopia (21%) compared with Uganda (35%). ER+, the dominant BC subtype overall at 55%, emphasizes the need to prioritize endocrine therapy. Overall proportions of HER2+ BC (with or without ER+ or PR+), 23%, approached proportions of TNBC, 27%, yet HER2 testing and treatment were infrequent. Testing and reporting of receptor subtypes would promote delivery of more effective treatment reducing the mortality disparity.
Effects of Metreleptin on Patient Outcomes and Quality of Life in Generalized and Partial Lipodystrophy
Authors: Cook Keziah , Adamski Kelly , Gomes Aparna , Tuttle Edward , Kalden Henner , Cochran Elaine , Brown Rebecca J
Published: February 2021

Generalized and partial lipodystrophy are rare and complex diseases with progressive clinical and humanistic burdens stemming from selective absence of subcutaneous adipose tissue, which causes reduced energy storage capacity and a deficiency of adipokines such as leptin. Treatment options were limited before leptin replacement therapy (metreleptin) became available. This retrospective study evaluates both clinical and humanistic consequences of the disease and treatment.

Chart data were abstracted from a cohort of metreleptin-treated patients with generalized and partial lipodystrophy (n = 112) treated at the US National Institutes of Health. To quantify the quality-of-life consequences of the lipodystrophy disease attributes recorded in chart data, a discrete choice experiment was completed in 6 countries (US, n = 250; EU, n = 750). Resulting utility decrements were used to estimate the quality-adjusted life-year consequences of changes in lipodystrophy attribute prevalence before and after metreleptin.

In addition to metabolic impairment, patients with generalized and partial lipodystrophy experienced a range of lipodystrophy consequences, including liver abnormality (94%), hyperphagia (79%), impaired physical appearance (77%), kidney abnormality (63%), reproductive dysfunction (80% of females of reproductive age), and pancreatitis (39%). Improvement was observed in these attributes following initiation of metreleptin. Quality-adjusted life-year gains associated with 12 months of treatment with metreleptin were estimated at 0.313 for generalized and 0.117 for partial lipodystrophy, reducing the gap in quality of life between untreated lipodystrophy and perfect health by approximately 59% and 31%, respectively.

This study demonstrates that metreleptin is associated with meaningful clinical and quality-of-life improvements.
The thermal dependence and molecular basis of physiological color change in Takydromus septentrionalis (Lacertidae)
Authors: Guo Kun , Zhong Jun , Zhu Lin , Xie Fan , Du Yu , Ji Xiang
Published: February 2021

One of the main functions of physiological color change is thermoregulation. This change occurs much more rapidly than morphological color change, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the thermal dependence and molecular basis of physiological color change in lizards using Takydromus septentrionalis (Lacertidae) as the model system. Body color was thermally sensitive, becoming increasingly light as body temperatures deviated from the level (∼30°C) preferred by this species. We identified 3389 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lizards at 24°C and 30°C, and 1,097 DEGs between lizards at 36°C and 30°C. Temperature affected the cAMP signal pathway, motor proteins, cytoskeleton, and the expression of genes related to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and melanocyte-concentrating hormone (MCH). Our data suggest that the role of physiological color change in thermoregulation is achieved in T. septentrionalis by altering the arrangement of pigments and thus the amount of solar radiation absorbed and reflected. G protein-coupling system inhibits adenylate cyclase activity to transform ATP into cAMP and thereby causes rapid pigment aggregation. MCH deactivates the G proteins and thereby initiates pigment dispersion. This mechanism differs from that reported for teleost fish where MCH activates the G proteins and thereby causes pigment aggregation.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Conditional targeting of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase to lipid droplets
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Chitraju Chandramohan , Farese Robert V. , Walther Tobias C. , Burd Christopher G.
Published: February 2021

Phosphatidylethanolamine is an abundant component of most cellular membranes whose physical and chemical properties modulate multiple aspects of organelle membrane dynamics. An evolutionarily ancient mechanism for producing phosphatidylethanolamine is to decarboxylate phosphatidylserine and the enzyme catalyzing this reaction, phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, localizes to the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. We characterize a second form of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, termed PISD-LD, that is generated by alternative splicing of PISD pre-mRNA and localizes to lipid droplets and to mitochondria. Sub-cellular targeting is controlled by a common segment of PISD-LD that is distinct from the catalytic domain and is regulated by nutritional state. Growth conditions that promote neutral lipid storage in lipid droplets favors targeting to lipid droplets, while targeting to mitochondria is favored by conditions that promote consumption of lipid droplets. Depletion of both forms of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase impairs triacylglycerol synthesis when cells are challenged with free fatty acid, indicating a crucial role phosphatidylserine decarboxylase in neutral lipid storage. The results reveal a previously unappreciated role for phosphatidylserine decarboxylase in lipid droplet biogenesis.
Calcifying odontogenic cysts: A 20-year retrospective clinical and radiological review
Authors: Nel Chané , Robinson Liam , Roza Ana Luiza Oliveira Corrêa , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Nortjé Christoffel Johannes , van Heerden Willie FP
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs) exhibit diverse clinical behaviours and may be associated with other benign odontogenic tumours. In this study, the clinical and radiological features of COCs were analysed according to subtypes based on the classification by Praetorius et al. Emphasis was placed on cases exhibiting atypical or aggressive radiological appearances. This information may assist the clinician to better understand the radiological spectrum of COCs.

Methods:

Histologically confirmed cases of COCs were retrospectively reviewed in a 20-year period from three tertiary institutions. The following clinical information was reviewed: patient demographics, main complaint, clinical duration, anatomical site and detailed radiological features.

Results:

Twenty-seven cases of COCs were included in the study. Asymptomatic swelling was the main clinical presentation with infrequent reports of associated pain. COCs had an anterior mandibular predilection. Well-demarcated borders were seen in all cases with isolated cases showing focal areas with loss of demarcation. Unilocular lesions were more common than multilocular variants. Internal calcifications were frequent and six cases presented with associated odontomas. Maxillary COCs resulted in the displacement of the maxillary sinus and/or nasal cavity walls. Radiological signs of aggression, including cortical destruction, were noted in a few cases.

Conclusion:

Given the fact that COCs can present with a spectrum of clinical behaviours and radiological presentations, the academic debate regarding the cystic versus neoplastic nature of the entity is justifiable. The cases in the current sample presented with diverse presentations, ranging from indolent to lesions with significant growth and aggression.
Revisiting tRNA chaperones: new players in an ancient game
Authors: Porat Jennifer , Kothe Ute , Bayfield Mark A.
Published: February 2021

tRNAs undergo an extensive maturation process including posttranscriptional modifications that influence secondary and tertiary interactions. Precursor and mature tRNAs lacking key modifications are often recognized as aberrant and subsequently targeted for decay, illustrating the importance of modifications in promoting structural integrity. tRNAs also rely on tRNA chaperones to promote the folding of misfolded substrates into functional conformations. The best characterized tRNA chaperone is the La protein, which interacts with nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts to promote folding and offers protection from exonucleases. More recently, certain tRNA modification enzymes have also been demonstrated to possess tRNA folding activity distinct from their catalytic activity, suggesting that they may act as tRNA chaperones. In this review, we will discuss pioneering studies relating posttranscriptional modification to tRNA stability and decay pathways, present recent advances into the mechanism by which the RNA chaperone La assists pre-tRNA maturation, and summarize emerging research directions aimed at characterizing modification enzymes as tRNA chaperones. Together, these findings shed light on the importance of tRNA folding and how tRNA chaperones, in particular, increase the fraction of nascent pre-tRNAs that adopt a folded, functional conformation.
Standardizing a unique renewable energy supply chain: the SURESC Model
Authors: Finocchi Emiliano
Published: February 2021

This study intends to dig into the renewable energy industry and drawing from research on learning curves and energy polices, proposes a way to speed-up the energy shift from our fossil-fuel dependency to a green economy. Even though standard economic frameworks suggest that markets and not policy makers should decide winners and losers, we urge to accelerate renewable energy competitiveness, proposing that by limiting the number of renewable technologies where resources are allocated to at government level, we reduce the time within which renewables will achieve technological price parity with fossil fuels. In turn, by analyzing the energy demand and supply curves, the study suggests that this action will also mediate the relation between quantity and price, shifting only the supply curve, leaving the demand curve unaffected. It continues by proposing the standardization of a unique renewable energy supply chain model, later defined as the SURESC model.  For such, a deep analysis on existing green technologies will be performed proposing the implementation of a hydrogen through ammonia economy via ammonia for power as key factor for success. This is a preliminary study, first of its kind, intended to provide a holistic approach to a known problem.
Towards establishing extracellular vesicle-associated RNAs as biomarkers for HER2+ breast cancer
Authors: Hisey Colin L. , Tomek Petr , Nursalim Yohanes N.S. , Chamley Lawrence W. , Leung Euphemia
Published: February 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in breast cancer progression and hold immense promise as cancer biomarkers. However, difficulties in obtaining sufficient quantities of EVs for the identification of potential biomarkers hampers progress in this area. To circumvent this obstacle, we cultured BT-474 breast cancer cells in a two-chambered bioreactor with CDM-HD serum replacement to significantly improve the yield of cancer cell-associated EVs and eliminate bovine EV contamination. Cancer-relevant mRNAs BIRC5 (Survivin) and YBX1, as well as long-noncoding RNAs HOTAIR, ZFAS1, and AGAP2-AS1 were detected in BT-474 EVs by quantitative RT-PCR. Bioinformatics meta-analyses showed that BIRC5 and HOTAIR RNAs were substantially upregulated in breast tumours compared to non-tumour breast tissue, warranting further studies to explore their usefulness as biomarkers in patient EV samples. We envision this effective procedure for obtaining large amounts of cancer-specific EVs will accelerate discovery of EV-associated RNA biomarkers for cancers including HER2+ breast cancer.
Outcomes assessment pitfalls: challenges to quantifying knowledge gain in a sex education game
Authors: Bertozzi Elena , Bertozzi-Villa Amelia , Padankatti Swathi , Sridhar Aparna
Published: February 2021

Background: The use of videogames as a public health tool is rapidly expanding. Accurate assessment of the efficacy of such games is complicated by many factors. We describe challenges associated with measuring the impact of playing a videogame with information about human sexual anatomy and reproduction and discuss motivations for, and solutions to, these challenges.

Methods: The My Future Family Game (MFF) is a validated tool for collecting data about family planning intentions which includes information about human anatomy and sexual reproduction. We sought to assess the efficacy of the game as a tool for teaching sexual education using a pre-post model which was deployed in three schools in and around Chennai, India in summer of 2018.

Results: The MFF game was successfully modified to collect data about players’ pre-gameplay knowledge of sexual anatomy and processes. The post gameplay assessment process we used did not effectively assess knowledge gain. Designing assessments for games dealing with sexuality presents challenges including: effectively communicating about biological parts and processes, designing usable and intuitive interfaces with minimal text, ensuring that all parts of the process are fun, and integrating assessments into the game in a way that makes them invisible.

Conclusion: Games can be an effective means of gathering data about knowledge of sex and reproduction that it is difficult to obtain through other means. Assessing knowledge about human sexual reproduction is complicated by cultural norms and taboos, and technical hurdles which can be addressed through careful design. This study adds to the sparse literature in the field by providing information about pitfalls to avoid and best practices in this evolving area.
Using nominal group technique to compare patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on symptoms in multiple myeloma to inform the development of a self management tool for patients with relapsed myeloma
Authors: Cormican Orlaith , Dowling Maura
Published: February 2021

Background: The nominal group technique (NGT) allows stakeholders to directly generate items for needs assessment. The objective was to demonstrate the use of NGT to inform the development of a healthcare app in patients with relapsed myeloma. Healthcare professionals with experience in the care of patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma were invited to participate.

Methods: One NGT group was conducted. In the group, health care professionals working in haematology were asked to vote anonymously in order of highest priority, on symptoms previously highlighted by relapsed/refractory myeloma patients in four focus groups.

Results: A total of 18 healthcare professionals working in the area of haematology participated in the NGT discussion; consultants (n=6), haematology registrars (n=2), specialist nurses [Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist] (haematology) (n=3), staff nurse (n=1), and “other” health care professionals (n=6). Participants ranged in experience of working with myeloma patients from 2 years to over 27 years. The symptoms voted in highest priority were: Pain, Fatigue, Peripheral Neuropathy, Infection Risk and Steroid Induced Side Effects.

Conclusions: The NGT was an efficient method for obtaining information to inform a healthcare app.
Engaging publics in biobanking and genetic research governance - a literature review towards informing practice in India
Authors: Warrier Prasanna , Ho Calvin Wai-Loon , Bull Susan , Vaz Mario , Vaz Manjulika
Published: February 2021

Background: There is growing interest in advancing biobanking and genetic research in many countries, including India. Concurrently, more importance is being placed on participatory approaches involving the public and other stakeholders in addressing ethical issues and policymaking as part of a broader governance approach. We analyse the tools, purposes, outcomes and limitations of engaging people towards biobanking and genetic research governance that have been undertaken worldwide, and explore their relevance to India.

Methods: Papers to be reviewed were identified through a targeted literature search carried out using ProQuest and PubMed. Retrieved papers were analysed with the R package for Qualitative Data Analysis using inductive coding and thematic analysis, guided by the Framework Method.

Results: Empirical studies on public and community engagement in the context of biobanking and or genetic research show a predominance towards the end of the last decade, spanning 2007 to 2019. Numerous strategies—including public meetings, community durbars, focus group discussions, interviews, deliberations, citizen-expert panels and community advisory boards—have been used to facilitate communication, consultation and collaboration with people, at the level of general and specific publics. Engagement allowed researchers to understand how people’s values, opinions and experiences related to the research process; and enabled participants to become partners within the conduct of research.

Conclusions:  Constructs such as ‘co-production’, ‘engagement of knowledges’, ‘rules of engagement’ and ‘stewardship’ emerge as significant mechanisms that can address the ethical challenges and the governance of biobanking and genetic research in India. Given the inherent diversity of the Indian population and its varying cultural values and beliefs, there is a need to invest time and research funds for engagement as a continuum of participatory activity, involving communication, consultation and collaboration in relation to biobanking and genetic research. Further research into these findings is required to explore their effective employment within India
ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS IN THE WAREHOUSE
Authors: Sazonova Svetlana , Nikolenko S. , Akamsina N.
Published: February 2021

The analysis of the results of theoretical and experimental studies, normative and technical literature, using well-known techniques is carried out. The types of personal protective equipment used in dusty production areas of the construction industry are considered. Measures are proposed to improve the working conditions of workers in the warehouse for temporary storage of packaged bulk materials. A project for a power supply system has been developed to improve the lighting of warehouses and maintain lighting in case of certain emergencies. In the premises of the warehouse, it was proposed to use a supply and exhaust ventilation device with mechanical and natural motivation through the windows of the premises and the openings of the warehouse gates. A number of measures have been proposed to achieve a standardized noise level from ventilation units in a temporary storage warehouse for packaged bulk materials.
MODELING OF TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE
Authors: Sazonova Svetlana , Nikolenko S. , Osipov Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

Dangerous and harmful production factors are considered, the impact of which is experienced by workers during the construction of any facility. Analyzed: the reasons for the formation of these factors for various types of work; equipment, structures and materials, the impact of which on working personnel can also lead to adverse situations. It is noted that the means of individual protection must be selected, paying attention to what kind of work will be performed by the employee and under what conditions. The most effective personal protective equipment and technological methods for improving working conditions at the facility are proposed for use by the workers of the object under consideration. The results obtained can be used to improve the working conditions of workers in warehouses with raw materials.
Los derechos de la niñez desde sus voces. Desafíos para su reconocimiento político
Authors: Muñoz Rodríguez Mariela , Vuanello Roxana
Published: February 2021

La ampliación de derechos de la niñez fortalecida hace más de 30 años por la Convención Internacional de los derechos del niño nos lleva a revisar las significaciones actuales de sus derechos en niñes, niños y niñas de 9 a 12 años de edad. Para esto se realizó un estudio de método mixto anidado con predominio de componente cualitativo. Los niños, niñas y niñes asistían a dos escuelas públicas de Argentina. Los resultados muestran que sus reflexiones avanzan hacia el reconocimiento de derechos que no aparecen en la Convención y enriquecen sentidos de algunos ya presentes, entienden muchos de los derechos como colectivos y no sólo individuales, y nos interpela a quienes transitamos la adultez en las maneras de comprender e interactuar con la niñez.
La teoría de John Rawls en la jurisprudencia constitucional
Authors: Rico Sandoval Ronald Zuleyman
Published: February 2021

En este texto pretendemos exponer algunas de las ideas centrales de la Teoría de la Justicia del filósofo norteamericano John Rawls. En primer lugar, examinaremos las características generales de los dos principios de la justicia; en segundo lugar, analizaremos cómo dichos principios se desarrollan en un Estado democrático en lo que Rawls denomina la “secuencia de las cuatro etapas”. Expuesto lo anterior nos concentraremos en dos de esas cuatro etapas: por un lado, relacionaremos la segunda de las cuatro etapas con la teoría del poder constituyente, concepto central en el constitucionalismo moderno. Por otro lado, estudiaremos la última etapa de esa secuencia de cara al papel del juez en Colombia, en concreto con relación al control constitucional. Por último, intentaremos mostrar cómo ha sido la recepción del autor norteamericano en la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional colombiana.
On the Optimality of Affine Policies for Budgeted Uncertainty Sets
Authors: El Housni Omar , Goyal Vineet
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study the performance of affine policies for a two-stage, adjustable, robust optimization problem with a fixed recourse and an uncertain right-hand side belonging to a budgeted uncertainty set. This is an important class of uncertainty sets, widely used in practice, in which we can specify a budget on the adversarial deviations of the uncertain parameters from the nominal values to adjust the level of conservatism. The two-stage adjustable robust optimization problem is hard to approximate within a factor better than [Formula: see text] even for budget of uncertainty sets in which [Formula: see text] is the number of decision variables. Affine policies, in which the second-stage decisions are constrained to be an affine function of the uncertain parameters provide a tractable approximation for the problem and have been observed to exhibit good empirical performance. We show that affine policies give an [Formula: see text]-approximation for the two-stage, adjustable, robust problem with fixed nonnegative recourse for budgeted uncertainty sets. This matches the hardness of approximation, and therefore, surprisingly, affine policies provide an optimal approximation for the problem (up to a constant factor). We also show strong theoretical performance bounds for affine policy for a significantly more general class of intersection of budgeted sets, including disjoint constrained budgeted sets, permutation invariant sets, and general intersection of budgeted sets. Our analysis relies on showing the existence of a near-optimal, feasible affine policy that satisfies certain nice structural properties. Based on these structural properties, we also present an alternate algorithm to compute a near-optimal affine solution that is significantly faster than computing the optimal affine policy by solving a large linear program.
Patient-Type Bayes-Adaptive Treatment Plans
Authors: Skandari M. Reza , Shechter Steven M.
Published: February 2021

Treatment decisions that explicitly consider patient heterogeneity can lower the cost of care and improve outcomes by providing the right care for the right patient at the right time. “Patient-Type Bayes-Adaptive Treatment Plans” analyzes the problem of designing ongoing treatment plans for a population with heterogeneity in disease progression and response to medical interventions. The authors create a model that learns the patient type by monitoring patient health over time and updates a patient's treatment plan according to the information gathered. The authors formulate the problem as a multivariate state space partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). They provide structural properties of the optimal policy and develop several approximate policies and heuristics to solve the problem. As a case study, they develop a data-driven decision-analytic model to study the optimal timing of vascular access surgery for patients with progressive chronic kidney disease. They provide further policy insights that sharpen existing guidelines.
Increased crystalline lens coverage in optical coherence tomography with oblique scanning and volume stitching
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Manzanera Silvestre , Mompeán Juan , Ruminski Daniel , Grulkowski Ireneusz , Artal Pablo
Published: February 2021

A three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) crystalline lens imaging method based on oblique scanning and image stitching is presented. The method was designed to increase OCT imaging volume of crystalline lens in vivo. A long-range swept-source (SS)-OCT imaging system, which can measure the entire anterior segment of eye in a single acquisition, is used to acquire one central volume and 4 extra volumes with different angles between optical axis of OCT instrument and the pupillary axis. The volumes are then stitched automatically by developed software. To show its effectiveness and verify its validity, we scanned the subjects before and after pupil dilation drops and compared the experimental results. By determining the number of voxels representing the signal from the crystalline lens in 3-D OCT images, our method can provide around 17% additional volumetric lens coverage compared with a regular imaging procedure. The proposed approach could be used clinically in early diagnosis of cortical cataract. Wider field of view offered by this method may facilitate more accurate lens biometry in its peripheral zones, which potentially contributes to understanding of lens shape modifications of the accommodating eye.
Analytical seven-wave model for wave propagation in a degenerate dual-pump fiber phase sensitive amplifier
Authors: Chatterjee Debanuj , Bouasria Yousra , Goldfarb Fabienne , Bretenaker Fabien
Published: February 2021

We develop an analytical model to describe propagation of seven continuous waves [two strong pumps, a degenerate signal and idler, two high-order idlers (HOIs), and two high-order pumps (HOPs)] through a nonlinear fiber. The model is developed considering the pumps to be much stronger than the other waves. The seven-wave system is analyzed in terms of interactions among its four-wave subsystems: (i) pumps and degenerate signal and idler, (ii) pumps and HOIs, and (iii) pumps and HOPs. First we analyze the three four-wave subsystems, and then we move to the seven-wave system and compare the two analytical models. The analytical seven-wave model reveals that a strong coupling (mediated through four-wave-mixing processes) between the subsystem with the signal and the subsystem with the HOIs leads to an important role of the HOIs in influencing the signal gain of a degenerate dual-pump fiber phase sensitive amplifier (PSA). We find that the maximum PSA gain of the signal for such an amplifier can be significantly enhanced by launching the HOIs at the fiber input along with the signal. We compare the analytical results with those of a numerical seven-wave model, and for the anomalous dispersion regime, we find good agreement between the two when the system nonlinearity is weak, i.e., total nonlinear phase less than 0.6 rad.
Compensation of SOA-induced nonlinear phase distortions by optical phase conjugation
Authors: Sobhanan Aneesh , Pelusi Mark , Inoue Takashi , Venkitesh Deepa , Namiki Shu
Published: February 2021

To answer the question: “Is optical phase conjugation (OPC) capable of compensating nonlinear distortions caused by not only Kerr effect of optical fibre, but also the carrier dynamics of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs)?", we investigate the effectiveness of OPC-based nonlinear compensation for SOAs amplifying a few-channel WDM signal modulated with m-QAM. We use a pair of SOAs with an OPC stage sandwiched between the two so that the combination works as a low-distortion amplifier. Symbol-period longer than the gain recovery time is chosen in our experiments to avoid bit-pattern effects introduced by the SOA. We amplify a 12Gbaud, 16QAM modulated three-channel WDM signal with this technique in the back-to-back configuration which remarkably outperforms a single SOA in the nonlinear regime of operation with an average Q2 improvement better than 4 dB for an output power of 4 dBm. We further demonstrate the practical advantage of the low distortion higher output power capability of the SOA shown in the back-to-back result by carrying out a transmission of the amplified signal through a 160-km fibre, where relatively high launch power is desirable. We also study the case of 64QAM signals and show that approximately a 3 dB Q2 factor improvement can be obtained over single SOA, while without nonlinear phase distortion compensation, the demodulation is nearly impracticable.
Direction-sensitive detection of a spinning object using dual-frequency vortex light
Authors: Li Zhimeng , Liu Tong , Ren Yuan , Qiu Song , Wang Chen , Wang Hua
Published: February 2021

Rotational Doppler effect (RDE) has attracted much attention in recent years which opens new avenues to angular velocity measurement. However, most previous studies used single-frequency vortex light as the detection beam so that the rotational Doppler signal is in the low frequency domain where most of noise signals exist. In this article, we use the dual-frequency 2-fold multiplexed vortex light as the probe beam and transform the Doppler signals from the low frequency domain to the high frequency domain successfully. The results show hardly any noise compared with the measurement in the low frequency domain. More importantly, the direction of rotation can be obtained directly by comparing the modulated signal and the reference signal. Our work demonstrates a new detection method for the RDE and provides a reference for its practical application.
Fast and blind chromatic dispersion estimation with one sample per symbol
Authors: Wang Jingchuan , Chen Zexin , Fu Songnian , Wang Yuncai , Qin Yuwen
Published: February 2021

We propose a fast and blind chromatic dispersion (CD) estimation method by one sample per symbol after coherent detection. The CD estimation process is non-data aided, without the iterative scanning to obtain the CD values. Moreover, we identify that the proposed CD estimation method is transparent to the used modulation format and robust to the transmission impairments, including amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise and fiber nonlinearity. When the 35-GBaud DP-16QAM signal with a roll-off factor of 0.1 is transmitted over standard single mode fiber (SSMF) with a range from 320-km to 560-km, the error of CD estimation is less than 150-ps/nm under the condition of 8192 symbols used.
Role of emitter position and orientation on silicon nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Stamatopoulou P. Elli , Tserkezis Christos
Published: February 2021

High-index spherical dielectric nanoparticles are explored as templates for tailoring the fluorescence of nearby electric point-dipole-like emitters. The role of emitter orientation and position around the nanosphere on the modification of both its excitation and its emission rate is studied rigorously through derivation of appropriate analytic solutions. It is shown that dielectric nanoparticles, which support a richness of optical modes of electric or magnetic character and thus a variety of mechanisms for near-field enhancement, provide moderate fluorescence enhancement factors—as compared, e.g., to their plasmonic counterparts—which survive, however, for a wide range of emitter positions and orientations. Understanding the physical mechanisms governing this behaviour, which offers a promising route towards efficient control of the emission properties of randomly arranged emitters, is widely facilitated by the existence of analytic expressions such as the ones derived here. Further enhancement can be achieved by designing nanoparticle-aggregate antennas, or by combining dielectric and plasmonic components.
Characterization of field-effect mobility at optical frequency by microring resonators
Authors: Hsu Wei-Che , Li Erwen , Zhou Bokun , Wang Alan X.
Published: February 2021

A novel characterization method is proposed to extract the optical frequency field-effect mobility (

μ

op
,
FE

) of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials by a tunable silicon microring resonator with a heterogeneously integrated titanium-doped indium oxide

(
ITiO
)
/

SiO

2

/
silicon

metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. By operating the microring in the accumulation mode, the quality factor and resonance wavelength shift are measured and subsequently used to derive the

μ

op
,
FE

in the ultra-thin accumulation layer. Experimental results demonstrate that the

μ

op
,
FE

of ITiO increases from 25.3 to

38.4
  

cm

2

⋅

V

−
1

⋅

s

−
1

with increasing gate voltages, which shows a similar trend as that at the electric frequency.
Identification of drug resistance mutations among Mycobacterium bovis lineages in the Americas
Authors: Vázquez-Chacón Carlos Arturo , Rodríguez-Gaxiola Felipe de Jesús , López-Carrera Cruz Fernando , Cruz-Rivera Mayra , Martínez-Guarneros Armando , Parra-Unda Ricardo , Arámbula-Meraz Eliakym , Fonseca-Coronado Salvador , Vaughan Gilberto , López-Durán Paúl Alexis
Published: February 2021

Identifying the Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance mutation patterns is of the utmost importance to assure proper patient’s management and devising of control programs aimed to limit spread of disease. Zoonotic Mycobacterium bovis infection still represents a threat to human health, particularly in dairy production regions. Routinary, molecular characterization of M. bovis is performed primarily by spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) while next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches are often performed by reference laboratories. However, spoligotyping and MIRU methodologies lack the resolution required for the fine characterization of tuberculosis isolates, particularly in outbreak settings. In conjunction with sophisticated bioinformatic algorithms, whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis is becoming the method of choice for advanced genetic characterization of tuberculosis isolates. WGS provides valuable information on drug resistance and compensatory mutations that other technologies cannot assess. Here, we performed an analysis of the most frequently identified mutations associated with tuberculosis drug resistance and their genetic relationship among 2,074 Mycobacterium bovis WGS recovered primarily from non-human hosts. Full-length gene sequences harboring drug resistant associated mutations and their phylogenetic relationships were analyzed. The results showed that M. bovis isolates harbor mutations conferring resistance to both first- and second-line antibiotics. Mutations conferring resistance for isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, streptomycin, and aminoglycosides were identified among animal strains. Our findings highlight the importance of molecular surveillance to monitor the emergence of mutations associated with multi and extensive drug resistance in livestock and other non-human mammals.