bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory response and MAPK and NF-κB pathway activation induced by natural street rabies virus infection in the brain tissues of dogs and humans
Authors: Liu Shu Qing , Xie Yuan , Gao Xin , Wang Qian , Zhu Wu Yang
Published: October 2020

Background

Street rabies virus (RABV) usually infects hosts at peripheral sites and migrates from motor or sensory nerves to the central nervous system. Several studies have found that inflammation is mild in a mouse model of street RABV infection. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of street RABV in naturally infected dogs or humans are not well understood.

Methods

Brain tissues collected from 3 dogs and 3 humans were used; these tissue samples were collected under the natural condition of rabies-induced death. The inflammatory response and pathway activation in the brain tissue samples of dogs and humans were evaluated by HE, IHC, ARY006, WB and ELISA. The clinical isolate street RABV strains CGS-17 and CXZ-15 from 30 six-week-old ICR mice were used to construct the mouse infection model presented here.

Results

Neuronal degeneration and increased lymphocyte infiltration in the cerebral cortex, especially marked activation of microglia, formation of glial nodules, and neuronophagy, were observed in the dogs and humans infected with the street RABV strains. The various levels of proinflammatory chemokines, particularly CXCL1, CXCL12, CCL2, and CCL5, were increased significantly in the context of infection with street RABV strains in dogs and humans in relation to healthy controls, and the levels of MAPK and NF-κB phosphorylation were also increased in dogs and humans with natural infection. We also found that the degrees of pathological change, inflammatory response, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway activation were obviously increased during natural infection in dogs and humans compared with artificial model infection in mice.

Conclusion

The data obtained here provide direct evidence for the RABV-induced activation of the inflammatory response in a dog infection model, which is a relatively accurate reflection of the pathogenic mechanism of human street RABV infection. These observations provide insight into the precise roles of underlying mechanisms in fatal natural RABV infection.
Posterior column osteotomy plus unilateral cage strutting for correction of lumbosacral fractional curve in degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Longjie , Sun Zhuoran , Jiang Shuai , Li Weishi
Published: October 2020

Background

Inadequate release of the posterior spinal bone elements may hinder the correction of the lumbosacral fractional curve in degenerative lumbar scoliosis, since the lumbosacral junction tends to be particularly rigid and may already be fused into an abnormal position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome and complications of posterior column osteotomy plus unilateral cage strutting technique on lumbosacral concavity for correction of fractional curve in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients.

Methods

Thirty-two degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients with lumbosacral fractional curve more than 15° that were surgically treated by posterior column osteotomy plus unilateral cage strutting technique were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ medical records were reviewed to identify demographic and surgical data, including age, sex, body mass index, back pain, leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, operation time, blood loss, and instrumentation levels. Radiological data including coronal balance distance, Cobb angle, lumbosacral coronal angle, sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis, and lumbosacral lordotic angle were evaluated before and after surgery. Cage subsidence and bone fusion were evaluated at 2-year follow-up.

Results

All patients underwent the operation successfully; lumbosacral coronal angle changed from preoperative 20.1 ± 5.3° to postoperative 5.8 ± 5.7°, with mean correction of 14.3 ± 4.4°, and the correction was maintained at 2-year follow-up. Cobb’s angle and coronal balance distance decreased from preoperative to postoperative; the correction was maintained at 2-year follow-up. Sagittal vertical axis decreased, and lumbar lordosis increased from preoperative to postoperative; the correction was also maintained at 2-year follow-up. Lumbosacral lordotic angle presented no change from preoperative to postoperative and from postoperative to 2-year follow-up. Postoperatively, there were 8 patients with lumbosacral coronal angle more than 10°, they got the similar lumbosacral coronal angle correction, but presented larger preoperative Cobb and lumbosacral coronal angle than the other 24 patients. No cage subsidence was detected; all patients achieved intervertebral bone fusion and inter-transverse bone graft fusion at the lumbosacral region at 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Posterior column osteotomy plus unilateral cage strutting technique on the lumbosacral concavity facilitate effective correction of the fractional curve in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients through complete release of dural sac as well as the asymmetrical intervertebral reconstruction by cage.
Enhancement of intestinal epithelial barrier function by Weissella confusa F213 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus FBB81 probiotic candidates in an in vitro model of hydrogen peroxide-induced inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fatmawati Ni Nengah Dwi , Gotoh Kazuyoshi , Mayura I. Putu Bayu , Nocianitri Komang Ayu , Suwardana Gede Ngurah Rsi , Komalasari Ni Luh Gede Yoni , Ramona Yan , Sakaguchi Masakiyo , Matsushita Osamu , Sujaya I. Nengah
Published: October 2020

Objective

Weissella confusa F213 (WCF213) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus FBB81 (LrFBB81) are two probiotic candidates isolated from humans in our previous study. Their functional activity on the mucosal barrier has not yet been adequately investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of these strains on maintaining mucosal integrity in vitro. Caco-2 cell monolayers were pretreated with WCF213 and LrFBB81 before being exposed to hydrogen peroxide. The integrity of mucosal cells was evaluated by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER), flux of FITC-labelled dextran, and ZO-1 protein distribution with the help of an immunofluorescence method.

Results

WCF213 was found to significantly maintain the TER better than the control hydrogen peroxide-treated cells (p < 0.001), followed by the strain combination, and LrFBB81 alone (p < 0.05). The permeability of mucosa was also successfully maintained by the WCF213 strain. This was illustrated by the significant reduction in the flux of FITC-labelled dextran (p < 0.05), which was larger than that exhibited by the other groups. The ZO-1 distribution of strain-treated cells showed less disruption than hydrogen peroxide-treated cells, consistent with the TER and FITC experimental results. These findings indicate that WCF213 and LrFBB81 plays important roles in the maintenance of mucosal integrity in a strain-dependent manner.
Prevalence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates at a university hospital in Northern Cyprus: a pilot study
Authors: Amin Danyar Hameed M. , Guler Emrah , Baddal Buket
Published: October 2020

Objective

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a healthcare problem worldwide. There are no reports on the virulence characteristics of MRSA in Northern Cyprus (NC). This study aimed to determine the presence of pvl among MRSA isolates from patients admitted to a university hospital in NC using molecular methods. Fifty S. aureus strains were included in this study. BD Phoenix automated identification system was used for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by disc diffusion assay. Presence of nuc and mecA genes was tested by multiplex PCR. Detection of pvl gene was performed by single-target PCR.

Results

Out of 50 S. aureus isolates identified as MRSA by BD Phoenix system, 3 were susceptible to cefoxitin with disc diffusion assay and were confirmed as methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). All isolates (n = 50, 100%) tested positive for the presence nuc gene and 68% (n = 34/50) were mecA positive. pvl was detected in 27.7% (n = 13/47) of the MRSA isolates. Among PVL-positive MRSA isolates, 69.2% (9/13) were inpatients. PVL-MRSA was more common in isolates from deep tracheal aspirate (30.8%, 4/13) and abscess/wound (23.1%, 3/13). This represents the first study of PVL presence among MRSA in hospital setting in NC.
Characterization of volatile fatty-acid utilization in Escherichia coli aiming for robust valorisation of food residues
Authors: Sjöberg Gustav , Gustavsson Martin , van Maris Antonius J. A.
Published: October 2020

Valorisation of food residues would greatly benefit from development of robust processes that create added value compared to current feed- and biogas applications. Recent advances in membrane-bioreactor-based open mixed microbial cultures, enable robust conversion of fluctuating streams of food residues to a mixture of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). In this study, such a mixed stream of VFAs was investigated as a substrate for Escherichia coli, a well-studied organism suitable for application in further conversion of the acids into compounds of higher value, and/or that are easier to separate from the aqueous medium. E. coli was cultured in batch on a VFA-rich anaerobic digest of food residues, tolerating up to 40 mM of total VFAs without any reduction in growth rate. In carbon-limited chemostats of E. coli W3110 ΔFadR on a simulated VFA mixture, the straight-chain VFAs (C2-C6) in the mixture were readily consumed simultaneously. At a dilution rate of 0.1 h−1, mainly acetic-, propionic- and caproic acid were consumed, while consumption of all the provided acids were observed at 0.05 h−1. Interestingly, also the branched isovaleric acid was consumed through a hitherto unknown mechanism. In total, up to 80% of the carbon from the supplied VFAs was consumed by the cells, and approximately 2.7% was excreted as nucleotide precursors in the medium. These results suggest that VFAs derived from food residues are a promising substrate for E. coli.
Analysis of a coupled system of fractional differential equations with non-separated boundary conditions
Authors: Luo Danfeng , Zada Akbar , Shaleena Shaleena , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: October 2020

Solutions to fractional differential equations is an emerging part of current research, since such equations appear in different applied fields. A study of existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions to a coupled system of fractional differential equations with non-separated boundary conditions is the main target of this paper. The existence and uniqueness results are obtained by employing the Leray–Schauder fixed point theorem and the Banach contraction principle. Additionally, we examine different types of stabilities in the sense of Ulam–Hyers such as Ulam–Hyers stability, generalized Ulam–Hyers stability, Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability, and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability. To prove the effectiveness of our main results, we study a few interesting examples.
Safety and efficacy of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in bilateral transversus abdominis plane block in children undergoing major abdominal surgery
Authors: Abdelwahab Wael Abd Elmoneim Mohamed , Elzahaby Hany Mohamed , ElGendy Hanaa Abd Allah , Elwahab Ahmad Taha Saeed Abd , Hussien Rania Maher
Published: October 2020

Background

This prospective randomized controlled double-blind clinical study was conducted on 52 patients of both genders divided into two groups (26 patients each). Local anaesthetic solution of isobaric bupivacaine 0.25% (0.3 ml/kg) was prepared. Group A received bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with bupivacaine and dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) while group B received bilateral TAP block with bupivacaine and volume of saline equal to the amount of dexamethasone given in group A. Patients were observed for FLACC pain scale at the time of discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit and then every 2 h for 36 h after the operation. This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine on the quality of bilateral US-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in children undergoing major abdominal surgery

Results

Dexamethasone added to local anaesthetic in ultrasound-guided TAP block significantly decreased FLACC score at 8, 10, and 12 up to 24 h postoperatively, The time to the first requested analgesia was prolonged in the dexamethasone group (P = 0.000). The total dose of acetaminophen consumption over 36 h after surgery was also reduced (P = 0.000), but no difference was found regarding the total dose of rectal diclofenac (P = 0.068).

Conclusion

Adding dexamethasone to isobaric bupivacaine TAP block reduces postoperative pain and analgesic requirements compared to isobaric bupivacaine TAP block alone in children undergoing major abdominal surgery.
Frequency of cannabis use and alcohol-associated adverse effects in a representative sample of U.S. adolescents and youth (2002–2014) a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ramadan Majed M. , Banta Jim E. , Bahjri Khaled , Montgomery Susanne B.
Published: October 2020

Background

While the link between frequent cannabis use and alcohol use disorders is well documented, it is not clear whether alcohol drinkers who use cannabis less frequently are also vulnerable to alcohol use disorders. We estimate the association of frequency of past 12-months cannabis use with alcohol-associated adverse effects variables in the same time frame: alcohol dependence, heavy drinking, driving under alcohol influence, alcohol-related interpersonal problems, use after interpersonal problems, alcohol-related risky behaviors, and alcohol-related legal problems.

Methods

We analyzed data from U.S. individuals aged 12 to 25 years who participated in annual, cross-sectional U.S. National Surveys on Drug Use and Health from 2002 to 2014. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of cannabis use with six alcohol-associated adverse effects variables. Frequency of cannabis use served as the primary independent variable, and were divided into four categories: frequent use (21–30 days per month), less frequent use (1–20 days per month), no use over the past 12 months, and no lifetime cannabis use. Alcohol dependence and six alcohol-associated adverse effects variables served as our primary outcomes.

Results

The study included 465,090 respondents aged 12 to 25 years, among all past-year cannabis users, (47.5%) were less frequent (1–20 days/month) users. Less frequent cannabis use was highest among male, 15–25-year-olds, and non-Hispanic white 11.8, 84 and 10.6%, respectively. In adjusted models, past-year less frequent cannabis use (1–20 days/month) was significantly associated with past-year alcohol dependence (adjusted odds ratio aOR 5.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5–6.4); heavy drinking in the past-year (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 3.2–3.5); alcohol-related interpersonal problems in the past-year (aOR 7.33, 95% CI 7.0–7.5); use after interpersonal problems (aOR 5.17, 95% CI 4.8–5.5); alcohol-related risky behaviors (aOR 7.29, 95% CI 7.0–7.5), and, driving under influence of alcohol (aOR 7.19, 95% CI 6.9–7.4). No cannabis use past-year were more likely to report alcohol dependence (aOR 2.81, 95% CI 2.6–3) compared with no lifetime cannabis use.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that within the general population, not only frequent cannabis user (21–30 days per month) but even less frequent cannabis use (1–20 days/month) was significantly associated with past-year alcohol dependence and alcohol-associated adverse effects than no lifetime cannabis use. These adverse alcohol-related outcomes associated with less frequent cannabis use, should be taken under careful consideration in alcohol use disorder treatment setting and policy planning.
Ceramic bricks containing Ni ions from contaminated biomass used as an adsorbent
Authors: Simón Daiana , Quaranta Nancy , Gass Sebastián , Procaccini Raúl , Cristóbal Adrián
Published: October 2020

This article shows how pine sawdust residues can be used to adsorb nickel ions from synthetic solutions and then to produce porous bricks for civil construction using a mixture of natural clay and biomass containing the adsorbed metals. The adsorption tests were performed by mixing NiCl2 solutions with pine sawdust during a fixed stirring period of 24 h. The set was filtered and the filtrate was analysed. Highest efficiency adsorbate/adsorbent ratio was 50 mL of 1 M NiCl2 solution and 20 g L− 1 of pine sawdust. This was the contaminated biomass sample used in the manufacture of the bricks. This paper analyses the properties of the bricks achieved and compares them with bricks without added biomass, porous bricks containing zinc and commercial bricks. The obtained values of bulk density, apparent specific weight, apparent porosity, water absorption, apparent volume, weight loss on ignition, compressive strength, flexural modulus of rupture and efficiency retention of metal in the brick, demonstrate that the ceramic pieces obtained are optimal for construction.
Pneumorrhachis causing cauda equina syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shafqat Areez , Magableh Hamzah M. F. , Shafqat Shameel , Islam Syed Shafqat Ul
Published: October 2020

Background

Pneumorrhachis (PR) describes the rare presence of intraspinal air, mainly following traumatic or iatrogenic procedures. According to the localization of air in the spinal canal, PR has been classified into internal (subdural) and external (epidural). PR rarely manifests in neurological deficits and usually resolves spontaneously without recurrence, with air being passed directly into the bloodstream.

Here, we report a case of external PR occurring spontaneously (without any underlying trauma or surgical interventions) manifesting as neurological deficits. This is an extremely rare finding with only a limited number of cases in the literature.

Case presentation

We report a case of spontaneous external PR manifesting as neurological symptoms in a 62-year-old male diabetic patient with chronic low backpain who developed numbness in his perineal region mainly on the left side. His medical history was normal, without trauma or surgical intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in the past 2 years demonstrated degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, including end plates and disc spaces, with intervertebral disc vacuum phenomenon (VP); the CT additionally showed intraspinal air in the epidural space at L5-S1 levels compressing the cauda equina. A diagnosis of spontaneous external PR was made. A follow-up MRI upon exacerbation of neurological deficits showed an increase in air locule size. Our patient was managed conservatively on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) and was advised for regular follow-ups. No aspiration or surgery has been performed to date.

Conclusions

Spontaneous external pneumorrhachis manifesting as neurological symptoms is extremely rare. Due to degenerative disc disease producing vacuum phenomenon, we propose that spontaneous PR secondary to intradiscal VP be considered as part of the differential for radicular symptoms, especially with increasing age. The most effective noninvasive investigation for the diagnosis of PR is CT. MRI is less beneficial in the case of PR as gas and calcifications are hard to distinguish, both being of low-intensity signals on all MR sequences.
Evolving Best Practice for Take-Home Cancer Drugs
Authors: Pardhan Aliya , Vu Kathy , Gallo-Hershberg Daniela , Forbes Leta , Gavura Scott , Kukreti Vishal
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE:

Take-home cancer drugs (THCDs) have become a standard treatment of many cancers. Robust guidelines have been developed for intravenous chemotherapy drugs, but few exist for THCDs with a focus on decentralized models. Hence, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) established the Oncology Pharmacy Task Force (OPTF) to develop consensus-based recommendations on best practices for THCDs to ensure that patients receive safe, consistent, high-quality care in the community once they leave the cancer center/practice with a prescription.

METHODS:

The OPTF included 34 members with comprehensive representation. Guidance from leading authorities was extracted through literature review, thematically analyzed, and synthesized to develop 29 recommendations. The consensus process (> 70% agreement) included a three-step modified Delphi method followed by an extensive review process.

RESULTS:

Sixteen recommendations were developed: training and education for providers (2), drug access (1), prescribing (4), patient and family/caregiver education (3), communication (1), dispensing (3), monitoring for patient adherence and adverse effects (1), and incident reporting (1).

CONCLUSION:

Through a rigorous methodology, the OPTF derived a robust set of recommendations similar to the ASCO/Oncology Nursing Society and ASCO/National Community Oncology Dispensing Association guidelines, further validating and strengthening the applicability across multiple jurisdictions, including those with decentralized models. Unique aspects in a decentralized model include the need for two pharmacy professionals, with one doing cognitive verification of the script and the other dispensing the medication; moreover, they optimize interprofessional communication between community providers and the cancer center/practice health care team.
Bioflavonoids in neuroimmune pathology: mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects
Authors:   Federal State Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Markova Evgeniya , Goldina Irina , Savkin Ivan
Published: October 2020

В монографии, на основании данных современной литературы и результатов оригинальных исследований авторов, представлены основные биологические функции биофлавоноидов в организме человека, в том числе их роль в регуляции физиологических процессов, защитных реакций организма, а также в коррекции патологических нарушений при широком спектре хронических заболеваний с нейроиммунными механизмами в патогенезе. Акцент сделан на распространенных по всему миру, и на территории России в частности, растениях семейства Вересковые, рода Vaccinium, флавоноиды в составе которых обладают выраженными лечебно-профилактическими свойствами. Монография предназначена для научных сотрудников, врачей различного профиля, в круг интересов которых входят проблемы психонейроиммунологиии функционального питания; для магистрантов и студентов высших учебных заведений по профилю медицины, биологии, психологии, фармакологии, равно как и для широкого круга читателей, интересующихся лечебными свойствами растений.
Bioflavonoids in neuroimmune pathology: mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects. Part II
Authors:   Federal State Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Markova Evgeniya , Goldina Irina ,   Federal State Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Savkin Ivan ,   Federal State Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology
Published: October 2020

В монографии на основании данных современной российской и зарубежной литературы, а также результатов собственных исследований авторов, представлены особенности структуры и биологических функций биофлавоноидов в организме человека, в том числе их роль в регуляции окислительно-восстановительного баланса, воспаления, пролиферативных процессов, а также нейропротекторные и иммуномодулирующие свойства. Описаны эффекты биофлавоноидов в коррекции патологических нарушений при широком спектре социально-значимых хронических заболеваний, а также при заболеваниях с нейроиммунными механизмами в патогенезе. Основное внимание уделено активности биофлавоноидов растений семейства Розоцветные, представители которых широко распространены на территории Российской Федерации, имеют большое народно-хозяйственное значение и содержат значительное количество биофлавоноидов. Монография предназначена для научных сотрудников, врачей различного профиля, магистрантов и студентов высших учебных заведений по профилю медицины, биологии, психологии, фармакологии, равно как и для широкого круга читателей, интересующихся лечебно-профилактическими свойствами растений и проблемами функционального питания.
Numerical series
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Pankratova Larisa
Published: October 2020

В представленном учебном пособии рассмотрены основные понятия и положения теории чис-ловых рядов, приведены достаточ-но подробные образцы решения различных познавательных упраж-нений, связанных с исследованием указанных рядов. Сформулированы задания для самостоятельной рабо-ты студентов. Пособие предназначено для использования в образовательном процессе студентами математиче-ских специальностей и направле-ний подготовки вузов. Книга будет полезна преподавателям математи-ки высших учебных заведений при подготовке к лекционным и прак-тическим занятиям, а также при ор-ганизации внеаудиторной работы обучающихся.
The River Araxes in the Roman Poetry
Authors: Babnis Tomasz
Published: October 2020

The River Araxes In the Roman Poetry

The Araxes flowing through the Armenian Highlands was one of the rivers mentioned quite often in Roman poetry from the Augustan Age up to the 5th century. In line with the traditional tendency of classical literature, the Araxes was usually shown as a pars pro toto of a country, in this case Armenia, which was one of the aims of the Roman eastern policy and the object of rivalry between the Empire and Parthia/Persia. The great majority of references to the Araxes was connected with the theme of Roman expansion in the East (especially with the campaign of Tiberius in 20 BC and later with the Roman-Parthian war 58–63 AD), which can be observed best in the recurrent motif of a bridge across this river, a clear-cut symbol of Roman domination over Armenia and – more generally – over all of the East.
Integrated Planning for Multimodal Networks with Disruptions and Customer Service Requirements
Authors: Wagenaar Joris , Fragkos Ioannis , Zuidwijk Rob
Published: October 2020

Multimodal carriers are third-party logistics providers who utilize multiple modes of transportation to deliver timely door-to-door services to their customers. Notwithstanding frequent service disruptions, customers have ever-increasing expectations for on-time deliveries, posing significant challenges to tactical planning. Inspired by the operations of actual carriers, we study the tactical decision planning of multimodal freight networks, considering operational disruptions, timetabling restrictions, and explicit customer service requirements. Despite our focus on tactical planning, our models integrate long-term commitments by penalizing deviations from strategic goals with last-minute operational planning decisions, which are recourse actions aiming to accommodate service disruptions. After improving the dual bound of our initial formulation, we provide reduced-sized models for the special cases of nonpropagating delays and nonreactive last-minute decisions. This latter formulation is utilized to construct scenario-based and trip-based heuristics, which we combine in a hybrid search loop. Our computational study illustrates that our approach attains high-quality solutions for real-sized instances that are otherwise unsolvable by off-the-shelf optimization software, and a significant improvement over a nontrivial rolling horizon benchmark.
Despandemização: Projeto de Trauma
Authors: Vaz Rafael De Oliveira Lattanzi
Published: October 2020

A pandemia no Brasil é o projeto de uma angústia coletiva. É o marco fundador de um novo nacionalismo, necessário para preencher a lacuna criada após os últimos anos de vigorosa polarização política. Como peça ideológica, confere nova imagem-identidade ao brasileiro, propagando-se mediante constante, porém sutil, inquietação no senso comum. Enquanto pandemizar foi um movimento de isolamento impulsionador de reflexões e visibilização de fraturas, despandemizar o país é o movimento de inviabilização de cidadanias e o apagamento das rupturas. A pandemia só pôde avançar até o tédio de si impedir o individualismo. O propósito da angústia e do alento à ela pela ilusão da aestesis marca essa cidadania desinformada, guiada pelo dissenso e pelas respostas agressivas condicionadas. Ao final, o thauma da pandemia cede lugar será o da privação de liberdades inexistentes, e não a violência do extermínio silenciado. A única solução para substituição da imoralidade da autoindulgência é uma ética do tempo. O ensaio é breve e constitui-se em peça reflexiva. No decorrer do texto, entremeiam-se relatos em primeira pessoa e discussão filosófica, ilustrando o movimento do filosofar e inquietações de foro íntimo. Os relatos procuram reproduzir os problemas, hipóteses e demais ideias no fluxo em que se situaram.
Diagnóstico de enfermagem síndrome de terminalidade em idosos com demência avançada: mapeamento cruzado
Authors: Passarelles Dayana Medeiros do Amaral , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , Almeida Antonia Rios , Silva Daniel Espiríto Santo da , Pereira Shimmenes Kamacael
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: identificar elementos da Síndrome de terminalidade a partir do cruzamento de termos registrados pelos enfermeiros no cuidado ao fim de vida em idosos com demência avançada. Método: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, da ferramenta metodológica mapeamento cruzado. Foram coletados registros dos últimos 10 dias de vida de 38 prontuários de pessoas com demência avançada. Resultados: foram identificados 97 termos de respostas humanas, e através do mapeamento cruzado, foram elencados 22 diagnósticos de enfermagem, desses 11 diagnósticos de enfermagem apresentaram relevância estatística em 50% ou mais dos pacientes e oito diagnósticos de enfermagem apresentaram-se relevantes estatisticamente quando avaliados de acordo com a prevalência nas 380 observações. A Síndrome de terminalidade foi verificada em todas 380 avaliações, em média 7,5 diagnósticos da síndrome foram observados. Conclusão: a alta prevalência da Síndrome de terminalidade sustenta a inclusão do diagnóstico de enfermagem na Taxonomia II da NANDA-I, dado que os enfermeiros já a observam e a registram em sua prática.
Kilohertz frame rate snapshot hyperspectral imaging of metal reactive materials
Authors: Alemohammad Milad , Wainwright Elliot R. , Stroud Jasper R. , Weihs Timothy P. , Foster Mark A.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate a kilohertz frame rate snapshot hyperspectral imaging
system suitable for high-speed imaging, which we name snapshot
hyperspectral imager for emission and reactions (SHEAR). This system
splits the sensor of a single high-speed camera to simultaneously
capture a conventional image and a spectrally sheared response of the
scene under study. Given the small, point-source-like nature of
burning metal micro-particles, the spectral response of the species is
captured without the need for a slit, as is needed in conventional
imaging spectrometers. We pair robust image registration techniques
with sparse reconstruction algorithms to computationally disentangle
overlapping spectra associated with many burning particles over the
course of a combustion experiment. As a proof-of-concept experiment,
representative physical vapor deposited Al:Zr composite particles are
ignited, and their burn evolution is recorded at a frame rate of 2 kHz
using this method. We demonstrate operation over two distinct
wavelength ranges spanning hundreds of nanometers in wavelength and
with sub-nanometer resolution. We are able to track hundreds of
individual Al:Zr particles in a single high-speed video, providing
ample statistics of burn time, temperature, and AlO emission timing in
a high-throughput method. The demonstrated technology is
high-throughput, flexible in wavelength, inexpensive, and relatively
easy to implement, and provides a much needed tool for in situ composite metal fuel diagnostics.
Numerical dark-field imaging using deep-learning
Authors: Meng Zhang , Ding Liqi , Feng Shaotong , Xing FangJian , Nie Shouping , Ma Jun , Pedrini Giancarlo , Yuan Caojin
Published: October 2020

Dark-field microscopy is a powerful technique for enhancing the imaging resolution and contrast of small unstained samples. In this study, we report a method based on end-to-end convolutional neural network to reconstruct high-resolution dark-field images from low-resolution bright-field images. The relation between bright- and dark-field which was difficult to deduce theoretically can be obtained by training the corresponding network. The training data, namely the matched bright- and dark-field images of the same object view, are simultaneously obtained by a special designed multiplexed image system. Since the image registration work which is the key step in data preparation is not needed, the manual error can be largely avoided. After training, a high-resolution numerical dark-field image is generated from a conventional bright-field image as the input of this network. We validated the method by the resolution test target and quantitative analysis of the reconstructed numerical dark-field images of biological tissues. The experimental results show that the proposed learning-based method can realize the conversion from bright-field image to dark-field image, so that can efficiently achieve high-resolution numerical dark-field imaging. The proposed network is universal for different kinds of samples. In addition, we also verify that the proposed method has good anti-noise performance and is not affected by the unstable factors caused by experiment setup.
Ultralow power consumption of a quantum cascade laser operating in continuous-wave mode at room temperature
Authors: Cheng Fengmin , Zhang Jinchuan , Guan Yanjiao , Yang Pengchang , Zhuo Ning , Zhai Shenqiang , Liu Junqi , Wang Lijun , Liu Shuman , Liu Fengqi , Wang Zhanguo
Published: October 2020

We report an ultralow power consumption of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) emitting at λ ∼ 4.6 µm operating in continuous-wave mode at room temperature. The ultralow power consumption is achieved by using a high gain active region and shortening the device size. For the device with a 0.5-mm-long cavity and 3.2-µm-wide ridge, the threshold power consumption is as low as 0.26 W with an optical output power of 12.6 mW at 10 °C in continuous-wave mode, which represents the world's most advanced level. Furthermore, the threshold power consumption varies linearly with the operating temperature, where the linear change rate of 2.3 mW/K from 10 to 40 °C is low. As a result, the devices also show low threshold power consumption values of 0.33 W even at 40 °C in continuous-wave mode with an optical output power of 6.1 mW. In addition, the lasers can maintain a single-mode operation due to the short cavity length even if no distributed feedback grating is applied.
Planar solar concentrator composed of stacked waveguides with arc-segment structures and movable receiving assemblies
Authors: Teng Tun-Chien , Kuo Chi-Hsuan , Li Yun-Jhong
Published: October 2020

In this study, we proposed a two-staged, transparent, planar solar concentrator composed of stacked waveguide sheets with an arc-segment structure array and movable receiving assemblies, which operated in a hybrid tracking approach. The stacked waveguide sheets carrying the arc-segment structures as TIR collectors could provide high concentration ratios and coupling efficiency with wide angular tolerance in the first stage. The following movable receiving assembly composed of light guide channels (LGCs) and compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) laterally slid according to the incidence angles to receive the earlier concentrated light for further concentration and provide the PV cells on the ends of CPCs with uniform irradiance in the second stage. The simulation results demonstrated that the optimal model could provide an average efficiency of 0.87, an average uniformity of 0.875, and an average concentration ratio of 738 over a whole year regarding the light source with AM 1.5D wavelengths in the working range of PV cells.
Exploring the emission mechanism of dichromatic white-light quantum-dot light-emitting diodes using wavelength-resolved transient electroluminescence analysis
Authors: Yuan Qilin , Wang Ting , Wang Rong , Zhao Jialong , Zhang Hanzhuang , Ji Wenyu
Published: October 2020

Exploring electroluminescence (EL) processes is extremely vital to fabricate efficient white-light quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). A model white QLED consisting of a bilayer CdSe/ZnSeS quantum-dot

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QDs contribute to the blue and yellow emissions, respectively, in the dichromatic white QLED. Wavelength-resolved transient EL (TrEL) results demonstrate that the excitons are mainly formed on the

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QDs. Further, the TrEL decays of both white and monochromic devices reveal that the emission behavior of the white QLED is closely related to that of the monochromic device, but is minimally affected by the interactions between different emission units. The simulation results performed by the solar cell capacitance simulator model agree well with the experimental data. Our results show an insight into the EL processes in the white device QLED and demonstrate a powerful tool to investigate emission behavior of the white QLEDs.
Nanostructuring improves the coupling of dielectric waveguides with plasmonic nanoresonators
Authors: Vyas Hardik , Hegde Ravi
Published: October 2020

Certain metallic nanostructures exhibiting localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) are capable of sensing extremely low-volume analytes down to attoliters, especially when used in a single particle configuration. Incorporating them into integrated photonics sensing platforms could result in a reduced limit of detection (LOD), and increased dynamic range and multiplexing capabilities. Despite the potential of this platform, several challenges remain, like low coupling efficiencies between integrated waveguides and plasmonic nanoantennae, and the need for off-chip readout. We numerically investigate the optical response of phase shifted Bragg grating (PSBG) and sub-wavelength grating (SWG) waveguides loaded with plasmonic nanoresonators in silicon nitride (Si3N4) integrated photonics platform operating in an aqueous environment. In comparison with a strip waveguide, a 3-4 times improvement in coupling, up to 5 times improvement in local intensity enhancement and 6-7 times improvement in intensity-shift sensitivity are predicted for the structured waveguide configurations. In particular, the PSBG configuration exhibited slightly improved coupling and intensity-shift sensitivity compared to the SWG configuration. On the other hand, the device footprint of the SWG configuration was only a fifth of that of PSBG and also exhibited nearly two times larger local intensity enhancement. A systematic study of the design space and sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the optimal configuration for single-ID single-wavelength refractometric sensing, on-chip excitation and off-chip readout, and SERS sensing.
Risk factors associated with stillbirth of piglets born from oxytocin-assisted parturitions
Authors: Nam Nguyen Hoai , Sukon Peerapol
Published: October 2020

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different risk factors on stillbirth of piglets born from oxytocin-assisted parturitions. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from a total of 1121 piglets born from 74 Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred sows from a herd. Logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between stillbirth and different risk factors including parity (1, 2, 3-5, and 6-10), gestation length (GL) (112-113, 114-116, and 117-119 days), litter size, birth order (BO), sex, birth interval (BI), cumulative farrowing duration, birth weight (BW), crown rump length, BW deviation, body mass index, ponderal index (PI), and the use of oxytocin during expulsive stage of farrowing. Results: The incidence of stillbirth at litter level and stillbirth rate was 59.5% (44/74) and 8.1% (89/1094), respectively. The final multivariate logistic regression selected BO, BI, PI, GL, and parity as the five most significant risk factors for stillbirth. Increased BO and BI, GL <114 and >116 days, parity 6-10, and low PI increased the stillbirth rate in piglets. Conclusion: Several factors previously determined as risks for stillbirth in exogenous oxytocin-free parturitions also existed in exogenous oxytocin-assisted parturitions. One dose of oxytocin at fairly high BO did not increase stillbirth, whereas two doses of oxytocin were potentially associated with increased values.
Avaliação ecotoxicológica da água residuária do café por meio de bioensaios com Danio rerio
Authors: Vieira de Souza Erick Duarte , Henriques Juscelino Alves , Gardiman Junior Bnvindo Sirtoli , Vieira Áquila Filipi Silva e
Published: October 2020

Ensaios ecotoxicológicos com organismos bioindicadores permitem obter respostas rápidas acerca do potencial toxicológico de determinados efluentes. Organismos aquáticos como peixes, vêm sendo amplamente estudados por pesquisadores devido a sua eficiência no monitoramento ecotoxicológico, pois algumas espécies sofrem alterações comportamentais, fisiológicas e morfológicas detectadas em um curto espaço de tempo. Assim, objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a ecotoxicidade da água residuária do café (ARC), através de bioensaios padronizados com espécie Danio rerio, um peixe bioindicador conhecido como “paulistinha”. O organismo-teste supracitado foi exposto a diferentes concentrações de amostras de ARC diluídas em água, sem alimentação e sem renovação da solução-teste, a fim de avaliar a concentração letal por um período de 48 horas (CL50-48h). Os organismos-teste foram expostos a amostras do efluente equivalentes a (1,67%, 3,33% e 5% de ARC). Ao final de cada ensaio, observou-se a letalidade provocada por cada concentração. Registrou-se os seguintes percentuais de mortalidade: 84%, 60% e 20% para as concentrações 5%, 3,33% e 1,67% de ARC, respectivamente. De acordo com os resultados obtidos e considerando a norma padrão utilizada, pode-se afirmar que quanto maior a concentração da ARC maior será a CL50-48h. Portanto, é essencial o estudo das características poluidoras da ARC para eleger um tratamento adequado, assim faz-se necessário o incentivo à pesquisa e ao desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias de modo a remover os compostos contaminantes e minimizar o impacto ambiental deste efluente.
Power Series.Orthogonal Operational Expansions
Authors: Aballe Vazquez Pablo Enrique
Published: October 2020

Formulation of the classic Taylor series as an orthogonal concept based on identifying the expansions coefficients as differential transformation applied to a unique function; definition of operational orthogonality by analogy with the Hilbert space and identification of the nth derivative at a point based on the improper integral on the positive semiaxis ; deduction of inversion integrals for Laplacen transforms for analytical functions.
The Case for Climate Hope
Authors: Roser Dominic
Published: October 2020

Many speeches on climate change try to balance their hard message by ending with an upbeat call for hope. However, such calls for hope are often taken to be nothing more than a bit of hot air. And, if the calls for hope are in fact taken seriously, they are not always spared from criticism. Against such sceptical views, this article defends the cultivation of hope as justifiable and good - and thus also as a relevant consideration in policymaking. The considerations for and against hope are illustrated throughout by application to climate change but the argument should be generalizable to other policy contexts. Given the broad range of definitions of hope in the literature, the article first grapples with the concept itself. It settles on an understanding of hope as a desire for, and a mental emphasis on, an object which is believed to possibly, but not certainly, come about. Based on this concept, the article then shows that the belief in the possibility of limiting temperature increase to 1.5°C as well as the desire to achieve this goal and the mental emphasis on this goal are justifiable. Justifiability is a low bar and the next step therefore consists in an examination of five considerations which are relevant in a moral »cost-benefit analysis« of hope: the temptation for wishful thinking, the disappointment of seeing hopes go unfulfilled, the distraction from other goals, the motivating power of hope, and the pleasure of hoping. The first three speak against hoping, though their weight depends on the probability of the object of hope coming about. The last two speak in favour of hoping. While the case for hope should not rest too strongly on its motivating power given that this case is beset by uncertainty, the pleasures of hoping are sometimes not given enough weight. The latter is often wrongly taken to be too superficial a benefit. The final section points out that the moral evaluation of hope depends on who cultivates hope in whom.
Wie wird demokratisches Handeln nachhaltig?
Authors: Braam Anna
Published: October 2020

Anna Braam widmet sich in ihrem Beitrag der Frage, wie demokratisches Handeln nachhaltig(er) werden kann. Ausgangspunkt bildet die These, dass Nachhaltigkeit in der Politik sowohl über eine Öffnung politischer Prozesse zugunsten junger Menschen durch die Einführung eines Kinder- und Jugendwahlrechts als auch über die Verankerung sogenannter Zukunftsinstitutionen hergestellt werden kann. Während eine Wahlreform auf die temporale Generationengerechtigkeit, d.h. ein faires Verhältnis zwischen Jung und Alt etwa hinsichtlich ihrer Partizipationszugänge, abzielt, sind die Zukunftsinstitutionen Sinnbild für ein intertemporales Verständnis von Generationengerechtigkeit, welches die noch nicht Geborenen in den Blick nimmt. Konkret stellt die Autorin sieben Möglichkeiten vor, wie bereits heute zukünftige Generationen besser in der Politik repräsentiert werden können - beispielsweise über einen Zukunftsrat, eine Stärkung der gesetzlichen Nachhaltigkeitsprüfung oder Bürgerräten für die Zukunft.
Radikalisierung im Cyberspace
Authors: El-Wereny Mahmud
Published: October 2020

Viele radikale Gruppierungen nutzen den Cyberspace intensiv, um ihre Ideologien zu verbreiten. Für den Salafismus dient die Onlinewelt nicht nur als Medium zur Verbreitung seiner Botschaft, sondern auch als zentrales Kommunikationsmittel zur Mobilisierung und Rekrutierung neuer Mitglieder. Mahmud El-Wereny widmet sich der Darstellung und Analyse ausgewählter Internetseiten, um die Frage zu beantworten, ob die virtuelle Welt des Salafismus im deutschsprachigen Raum eine Quelle islamistischer Radikalisierung darstellt. Seine Ergebnisse regen dazu an, adäquate Alternativangebote zu schaffen, die der Attraktivität salafistischer Propaganda entgegenwirken, Jugendliche für Mediennutzung sensibilisieren und sie dazu befähigen, religiöse Inhalte kritisch zu reflektieren.
Kampf um Mitbestimmung
Authors: Thünken Oliver , Morgenroth Sissy , Hertwig Markus , Fischer Alrun
Published: October 2020

Wenn Arbeitgeber*innen systematisch gegen Betriebsräte und Gewerkschaften vorgehen und damit grundlegendes Arbeitsrecht unter Druck gerät, stellt sich die Frage, wie Belegschaften und Interessenvertretungen auf diese Angriffe noch reagieren können. Entlang von betrieblichen Fallstudien dokumentieren die Autor*innen exemplarische Fälle und arbeiten Potenziale und Herausforderungen der Mitbestimmung heraus. Dabei wird u.a. erörtert, was mit einer möglichen Einleitung rechtlicher Schritte einhergeht, wie über eine forcierte Öffentlichkeitsarbeit erfolgreich Solidarität organisiert werden kann und wie wichtig die aktive Einbeziehung der Belegschaft im Kampf um Mitbestimmung ist.