bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with internalized stigma for Indonesian individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in a community setting
Authors: Pribadi Teguh , Lin Esther C.‐L. , Chen Po‐See , Lee Shih‐Kai , Fitryasari Reziki , Chen Chih‐Hsuan
Published: February 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Internalized stigma in people diagnosed with mental illness has several negative outcomes; however, it remains unclear in an Indonesian context.

The human rights of people diagnosed with mental illness in Indonesia have been routinely violated because of the existing stigma against mental illness and deficiencies in the country's mental healthcare services.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the level of internalized stigma and related factors among Indonesians diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Almost one‐third of the subjects had moderate‐to‐severe levels of internalized stigma, among which discrimination was the strongest type.

Specifically, younger and unemployed people with more psychotic symptoms had higher levels of internalized stigma.

What are the implications for practice?

The provision of adequate pharmacological and psychosocial treatments to help people manage their psychotic symptoms is extremely important to ameliorate stigma.

Vocational rehabilitation and employment support for unemployed people may potentially reduce their internalized stigma and promote recovery.

Introduction

The human rights of people diagnosed with mental illness in Indonesia have been routinely violated because of societal stigma associated with mental illness and deficiencies in the country's mental healthcare services. Knowledge about internalized stigma among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in lower middle‐income Muslim countries is also scarce.

Aim

To identify the level of internalized stigma and related factors among people diagnosed with schizophrenia in Indonesia.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a purposive sample of 300 people diagnosed with schizophrenia from an urban Indonesian psychiatric hospital.

Results

Almost one‐third of the subjects had moderate‐to‐severe levels of internalized stigma, among which discrimination was the strongest type. Younger age, unemployment status and having psychotic symptoms significantly increased the risk of internalized stigma when analysed in a multivariable ordinal logistic regression.

Discussion

The present study firstly identified the high levels of internalized stigma among Indonesian individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Implications for practice

Mental health nurses are suggested to provide early anti‐stigma illness management and family psychoeducation interventions to people diagnosed with schizophrenia and their family caregivers, helping them to develop an optimistic understanding about the concept of schizophrenia and mitigating the negative consequences of public and internalized stigma.
Exploratory analysis of anti‐insulin antibodies in diabetic dogs receiving recombinant human insulin
Authors: Lester M. , O'Kell A. L.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To quantify anti‐insulin antibodies in diabetic dogs treated with recombinant human insulin and to determine if insulin dosage or duration of treatment differed between anti‐insulin antibody‐positive and ‐negative diabetic dogs.

Materials and Methods

Descriptive preliminary study using serum from 24 client‐owned diabetic dogs treated for a minimum of 2 weeks with recombinant human insulin, and 24 client‐owned healthy control dogs without diabetes. Sera were analysed by radioimmunoassay for anti‐insulin antibodies. The proportion of antibody positive dogs was compared between groups by Fisher's exact test.

Results

Four diabetic (16.6%) and no control dogs were anti‐insulin antibody positive.

Clinical Significance

These results indicate that treatment with recombinant human insulin may induce anti‐insulin antibodies in dogs, although this finding needs to be re‐investigated in a larger study to investigate the impact of anti‐insulin antibodies on glycaemic control.
Critical reflection in medical training and the biomedical world view
Authors: Wilson Hamish
Published: February 2020

Reflection has long been promoted as a means to encourage medical student professional development, but can it do more? This commentary encourages reflection to help students examine and critique the underlying assumptions of modern medicine.
A Comparison of the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark for obtaining the optimal depth of a right internal jugular venous catheter in pediatric cardiac patients
Authors: Samerchua Artid , Kongwatmai Kritanon , Boonsri Settapong , Pipanmekaporn Tanyong , Bunchungmongkol Nutchanart , Sukhupragarn Wariya , Visrutaratina Pannee
Published: February 2020

Background

The external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark have been introduced to provide estimation of the depth of right internal jugular venous catheter during insertion.

Aims

This study aimed to compare the accuracy, agreement, and reliability of the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark, confirmation being by transesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in children ages 1‐15 years. The catheter was placed at the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction guided by transesophageal echocardiography. The catheter depth derived from the transesophageal echocardiography, the external anatomical landmark, and the radiological landmark was recorded. The optimal zone of the catheter tip was 5 mm below and 10 mm above the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction. Accuracy was assessed by the difference between the transesophageal echocardiography and the external anatomical landmark or the radiological landmark. Agreement with Bland‐Altman plots and correlation were tested.

Results

Eighty participants, median age of 3 years, were enrolled. The median (IQR) differences between the depth of the transesophageal echocardiography and the external anatomical landmark or the radiological landmark were 0.30 (0, 0.70) and 0.10 (−0.20, 0.90) cm, respectively. Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated good agreement between the depths. The catheter tips were located in the optimal zone more frequently with the external anatomical landmark than the radiological landmark (94.7% vs 64.5%). The external anatomical landmark showed a stronger correlation to transesophageal echocardiography than the radiological landmark (r = .95 vs .83).

Conclusion

Both the external anatomical landmark and the radiological landmark enabled accurate estimation of the central venous catheter depth close to the superior vena cava and the right atrium junction. The external anatomical landmark is of more potential use than the radiological landmark in clinical practice.
The relative importance of phylogeny and habitat in determining the presence and prominence of a granula iridica in hooved mammals
Authors: Weyna Alisia , Dubielzig Richard R. , Hennelly Lauren
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between phylogeny and amount of shade in a species’ habitat regarding the presence or absence of an iridal granula iridica (GI) in a large sample of Artiodactyl and Perissodactyl clades and using online resources.

Methods

The Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) archives were searched for glass slide material from Artiodactyl (even‐toed) and Perissodactyl (odd‐toed) ungulates. The slides were examined, and the presence or absence of the GI was noted. The phylogenetic tree of the ungulate species was inferred using TimeTree (http://www.timetree.org), and the habitat data are derived from Animal Diversity Web (https://animaldiversity.org/). We assessed the probability of the presence of GI occurring given the amount of shade in a species’ environment using phylogenetic logistic regression.

Results

Forty‐eight artiodactyl species were able to be evaluated and tabulated. Nine perissodactyl species were able to be evaluated. The phylogenetic logistic regression showed that the probability of GI presence was lower in artiodactyl species that inhabited shaded environments (βshaded = −1.774). Arctiodacyl species inhabiting a nonshaded environment were slightly more probable to have the GI present (βnonshaded = 0.023), with species inhabitating ambiguously shaded environments having a high probability of GI presence (βambiguous = 2.214).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the GI may be a common morphological feature to shade the pupil in nonshaded environments, and, in its absence, increase the amount of light reaching the retina to improve vision in shaded environments for hooved mammals. Further research on the functional optics of the GI and studies that include additional ungulate species would further elucidate phylogenetic and ecological factors influencing the occurrence of GI in hooved mammals.
Distribución de los niveles séricos de amilasa en pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea en tratamiento con antimoniato de meglumina
Authors: Rodríguez Ángela Johanna , Macías Eva Lucía
Published: February 2020

El tratamiento de elección para la leishmaniasis es el antimoniato de meglumina, del cual se han reportado efectos pancreáticos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio con 90 pacientes entre agosto de 2010 y abril de 2011, y se observó la variabilidad de la amilasa al inicio, la mitad y el final del tratamiento con dosis de 20 mg/kg al día. Los promedios fueron: peso, 68±9,1 kg, edad, 24,73±4,45 años, y dosis del medicamento, 28,15±3,97 g. El sitio de lesión más frecuente fue en miembros superiores (44,4%). No hubo asociación significativa entre las variables peso, edad y gramos de medicamento. Se presentó alteración en 49,37% a la mitad de tratamiento y en 6,5% al final. Existen diferencias significativas en la amilasa reportada a mitad de tratamiento respecto a las dos tomas (p=0,000). En conclusión, se debe controlar la amilasa sérica, ya que se eleva, especialmente, a mitad de tratamiento.
Organizaciones inteligentes: evidencia empírica de una organización que aprende en Colombia (Hospital Universitario San Ignacio)
Authors: Duque Orozco Yenni Viviana , Castro-García Andrés Guillermo
Published: February 2020

El artículo se centra en la relevancia de conectar tanto el aprendizaje organizativo como la gestión del conocimiento con la implantación de prácticas de dirección de recursos humanos con un alto compromiso. A partir de estas ideas, se analiza el caso del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio y cómo pasaron de rojo a negro sus resultados financieros mediante una estrategia innovadora de intervención administrativa integral y mediante unas pautas empíricas basadas en dicha experiencia desde el direccionamiento del conocimiento y del talento humano. Se concluye que el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio se ha convertido en el ejemplo palpable de que una adecuada administración y un sentido de trabajo basados en el talento humano y en su efectividad al momento de la resolución de conflictos es el camino para conseguir una organización inteligente en el área de salud, establecida en la generación de conocimiento y en la estrategia de mejoramiento continuo.
Aspectos generales del síndrome de dolor crónico posquirúrgico. Revisión sistemática-cualitativa
Authors: Ricaurte Gracia Laura Nathaly , Rey Rodríguez Andrés Felipe , Ovalle Marroquín Diego Fernando
Published: February 2020

Introducción: El dolor crónico posquirúrgico (DCP) es motivo frecuente de consulta, tiene alta prevalencia y es incapacitante. Dura entre dos y tres meses, y su causa se limita a una cirugía previa sin importar su indicación o técnica.Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, Embase y LILACS sin límites de idioma ni diseño, en procura de evidencias entre enero de 1990 y febrero de 2011. Se incluyeron artículos que trataran algún aspecto del DCP. La calidad de la información se evaluó con herramientas del Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP-UK).Resultados: El DCP se asocia a la intensidad del dolor agudo postoperatorio y factores psicosociales del paciente. Algunas cirugías se asocian más. Analgesia preoperatoria, medicación del dolor agudo y la anestesia epidural son pilares para prevenir y disminuir la incidencia.Conclusiones: Son necesarios más estudios primarios sobre prevención y tratamiento del DCP, pues son escasos los reportes con calidad adecuada.
Trisomía 13 y sus alteraciones placentarias. Reporte de caso
Authors: Olaya Contreras Mercedes , Zarante Ana
Published: February 2020

Las alteraciones cromosómicas son una importante causa de muerte en humanos. Su diagnóstico cuenta con nuevas herramientas que están cada vez más al alcance y permiten correlacionar los hallazgos de los estudios fetales y placentarios; sin embargo, no en todas las instituciones de salud colombianas se cuenta con tales recursos. Se reporta un caso de trisomía 13, corroborada por hibridación fluorescente in situ (FISH) y se analizan las manifestaciones histológicas encontradas en la placenta, la cual sí puede ser estudiada de manera rutinaria.
Teoría de la compuerta (Ronald Melzack y Patrick D. Wall, 1965)
Authors: Acevedo González Juan Carlos
Published: February 2020

El conocimiento del dolor ha tenido momentos cruciales en los que el curso evolutivo se modificó y que cambiaron los conceptos aceptados y abrieron nuevos horizontes de investigación, entendimiento y tratamiento. Cuando Melzack y Wall desarrollaron la teoría de la compuerta aclararon fenómenos básicos del entendimiento del dolor y sustentaron múltiples tratamientos, que son la base de procedimientos actuales. Son cincuenta años que se cumplen de la publicación de aquel artículo en la revista Science (“Pain Mechanism: A New Theory. A Gate Control System Modulates Sensory Input from the Skin before it Evoques Pain Perception and Response”). Este se escribió en un contexto científico particular y a la luz de dos vidas diferentes que ilustran un proceso ejemplar de desarrollo de la ciencia. El análisis, aquí presentado, es no solo científico, sino humano de lo que ha sido este artículo para el entendimiento de las ciencias del dolor.
Cutting the Carbon from Concrete
Authors: Siegel R.P.
Published: February 2020

The production of concrete is responsible, by some estimates, for as much as 10 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, enough to be considered a major contributor. Given the impact that has now become apparent, research teams around the world are pursuing a number of impressive and effective technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production and use as a top priority. Some are being deployed cost-effectively today, while other, potentially even better solutions, are being developed in labs. This article delves deeper into some of these solutions and the challenges in their adoption.
Lombard effect: Minke whale boing call source levels vary with natural variations in ocean noise
Authors: Helble Tyler A. , Guazzo Regina A. , Martin Cameron R. , Durbach Ian N. , Alongi Gabriela C. , Martin Stephen W. , Boyle John K. , Henderson E. Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Minke whales were acoustically detected, localized, and tracked on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility from 2012 to 2017. Animal source levels (SLs) were estimated by adding transmission loss estimates to measured received levels of 42 159 individual minke whale boings. Minke whales off Hawaii exhibited the Lombard effect in that they increased their boing call intensity in increased background noise. Minke whales also decreased the variance of the boing call SL in higher background noise levels. Although the whales partially compensated for increasing background noise, they were unable or unwilling to increase their SLs by the same amount as the background noise. As oceans become louder, this reduction in communication space could negatively impact the health of minke whale populations. The findings in this study also have important implications for acoustic animal density studies, which may use SL to estimate probability of detection.
“Be Mindful Even Though It Hurts”: A Single-Case Study Testing the Effects of a Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Intervention on Injured Athletes’ Mental Health
Authors: Moesch Karin , Ivarsson Andreas , Johnson Urban
Published: February 2020

Injury is a serious setback for athletes and might jeopardize mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate if a mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention can improve mindfulness (nonreactivity and acting with awareness), acceptance, and well-being, and decrease the level of symptoms of anxiety and depression. A single-case design with multiple, staggered, and nonconcurrent baselines was used. Six seriously injured athletes took part in an 8-week intervention and repeatedly completed questionnaires on all variables for the duration of the study. The results showed that, on average, there were significant clinical changes between phases in nonreactivity, well-being, and acceptance. No effect was seen in the two remaining scales. On an individual level, two participants showed effects in all scales, two participants in some of the scales, and two participants in the scale nonreactivity. Results are discussed in light of existing research, and implications for practitioners’ clinical methods are presented.
U.S. takes aim at foreign influence
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Malakoff David
Published: February 2020

Defining "sensitive research" remains a sticking point.
Two Asian American women allege bias by HHMI
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: February 2020

Powerhouse institute rejects claims of race, sex bias in separate legal actions.
Breakdowns of the year
Authors: Stokstad Erik , Wadman Meredith , Pennisi Elizabeth , Malakoff David
Published: February 2020

What went wrong in the world of science in 2019.
Dissipation-induced structural instability and chiral dynamics in a quantum gas
Authors: Dogra Nishant , Landini Manuele , Kroeger Katrin , Hruby Lorenz , Donner Tobias , Esslinger Tilman
Published: February 2020

Chirality by dissipation

Quantum many-body systems can display exotic dynamics in the presence of dissipation. Dogra
et al.
studied such dynamics in a system consisting of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate located in an optical cavity and exposed to a standing wave of laser light. Light scattering off the atomic cloud and into the cavity resulted in two distinct, spatially patterned collective modes for the atoms. When the researchers then introduced dissipation to couple the two modes, the system followed a directed circular path through phase space, rotating between the modes.

Science
, this issue p.
1496
More than a merchant's trading route
Silk Roads: Peoples, Cultures, Landscapes
Susan Whitfield, editor
University of California Press, 2019. 480 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: February 2020

A vividly illustrated tome traces the cultural impacts of the Silk Road
The Aspergillus fumigatus Phosphoproteome Reveals Roles of High-Osmolarity Glycerol Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Promoting Cell Wall Damage and Caspofungin Tolerance
Authors: Mattos Eliciane Cevolani , Silva Lilian Pereira , Valero Clara , de Castro Patrícia Alves , dos Reis Thaila Fernanda , Ribeiro Liliane F. C. , Marten Mark R. , Silva-Rocha Rafael , Westmann Cauã , da Silva Carlos Henrique Tomich de Paula , Taft Carlton Anthony , Al-Furaiji Narjes , Bromley Michael , Mortensen Uffe H. , Benz J. Philipp , Brown Neil Andrew , Goldman Gustavo H.
Published: February 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus
is an opportunistic human pathogen causing allergic reactions or systemic infections, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are essential for fungal adaptation to the human host. Fungal cell survival, fungicide tolerance, and virulence are highly dependent on the organization, composition, and function of the cell wall. Upon cell wall stress, MAPKs phosphorylate multiple target proteins involved in the remodeling of the cell wall. Here, we investigate the global phosphoproteome of the Δ
sakA
and Δ
mpkC
A. fumigatus
and high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway MAPK mutants upon cell wall damage. This showed the involvement of the HOG pathway and identified novel protein kinases and transcription factors, which were confirmed by fungal genetics to be involved in promoting tolerance of cell wall damage. Our results provide understanding of how fungal signal transduction networks modulate the cell wall. This may also lead to the discovery of new fungicide drug targets to impact fungal cell wall function, fungicide tolerance, and virulence.
Quantitative Models of Phage-Antibiotic Combination Therapy
Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez Rogelio A. , Leung Chung Yin , Chan Benjamin K. , Turner Paul E. , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: February 2020

This work develops and analyzes a novel model of phage-antibiotic combination therapy, specifically adapted to an
in vivo
context. The objective is to explore the underlying basis for clinical application of combination therapy utilizing bacteriophage that target antibiotic efflux pumps in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. In doing so, the paper addresses three key questions. How robust is combination therapy to variation in the resistance profiles of pathogens? What is the role of immune responses in shaping therapeutic outcomes? What levels of phage and antibiotics are necessary for curative success? As we show, combination therapy outperforms either phage or antibiotic alone, and therapeutic effectiveness is enhanced given interaction with innate immune responses. Notably, therapeutic success can be achieved even at subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotic. These
in silico
findings provide further support to the nascent application of combination therapy to treat MDR bacterial infections, while highlighting the role of system-level feedbacks in shaping therapeutic outcomes.
Overview of the current concepts in the management of arteriovenous malformations of the brain
Authors: Unnithan A K A
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a lack of consensus in the management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain since ARUBA (A Randomised trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous malformations) trial showed that medical management is superior to interventional therapy in patients with unruptured brain AVMs. The treatment of brain AVM is associated with significant morbidity.

Objectives and methods

A review was done to determine the behaviour of brain AVMs and analyse the risks and benefits of the available treatment options. A search was done in the literature for studies on brain AVMs. Descriptive analysis was also done.

Results

The angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammatory cytokines are involved in the growth of AVMs. Proteinases such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 contribute to the weakening and rupture of the nidus. The risk factors for haemorrhage are prior haemorrhage, deep and infratentorial AVM location, exclusive deep venous drainage and associated aneurysms. The advancements in operating microscope and surgical techniques have facilitated microsurgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery causes progressive vessel obliteration over 2–3 years. Endovascular embolisation can be done prior to microsurgery or radiosurgery and for palliation.

Conclusions

Spetzler-Martin grades I and II have low surgical risks. The AVMs located in the cerebellum, subarachnoid cisterns and pial surfaces of the brainstem can be treated surgically. Radiosurgery is preferable for deep-seated AVMs. A combination of microsurgery, embolisation and radiosurgery is recommended for deep-seated and Spetzler-Martin grade III AVMs. Observation is recommended for grades IV and V.
Simulation of bunched electron-beam acceleration by the cylindrical TE113 microwave field
Authors: Orozco E. A. , González J. D. , Beltrán J. R. , Vergara V. E.
Published: February 2020

We report a detailed simulation of a bunched electron-beam accelerated in a TE[Formula: see text] cylindrical cavity immersed in a static inhomogeneous magnetic field using a relativistic full electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC). This type of acceleration concept is known as Spatial AutoResonance Acceleration (SARA) in which the magnetic field profile is such that it keeps the electron-beam in the acceleration regime along their trajectories. In this work, the numerical experiments are carried out including a bunched electron-beam with the concentrations in the range [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] in a TE[Formula: see text] cylindrical microwave field, at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and an amplitude of 15 kV/cm. The electron energy reaches values up to 250 keV without significant unfocusing effect that can be used as a basis to produce hard X-ray. Additionally, a comparison between the data obtained from the full electromagnetic PIC simulations and the results derived from the relativistic Newton–Lorentz equation in a single particle approximation is carried out.
Cosmological time evolution of the Higgs mass and gravitational waves
Authors: Calmet Xavier
Published: February 2020

We point out that gravitational wave detectors such as LISA have the potential of probing a cosmological time evolution of the Higgs boson self-coupling constant [Formula: see text] and thus the Higgs boson’s mass [Formula: see text]. The phase transition of the Standard Model could have been a first order one if the Higgs mass was below 72 GeV at a temperature [Formula: see text] GeV. Gravitational waves could thus have been produced during the electroweak phase transition. A discovery by LISA of a stochastic background of gravitational waves with a characteristic frequency [Formula: see text] Hz could be interpreted as a sign that the Higgs boson self-coupling constant was smaller in the past. This interpretation would be particularly tempting if the Large Hadron Collider did not discover any physics beyond the Standard Model by the time such waves are seen. The same mechanism could also account for baryogenesis.
Quantum fields and gravity: Expanding space-times
Authors: Parmeggiani Claudio
Published: February 2020

We discuss a proposal for a somewhat new formulation of quantum field theory (set in a four-dimensional manifold, the space-time) that includes an analysis of its implications for the evolution of Einstein-Friedmann cosmological models. The proposed theory displays two peculiar features: (i) a local Hilbert-Fock space is associated with each space-time point: we are dealing with a vector bundle whose fibers are Hilbert spaces; the operator-valued sections of the bundle are the quantum fields; (ii) the vacuum energy density is finite, being regularized in a space-time curvature dependent way, independently at each point. In fact everything is finite: self-masses, self-charges, quantum fluctuations: they depend on the space-time curvature and diverge only for a flat metric. In an Einstein-Friedmann model the vacuum (zero-point) energy density is consequently time-dependent and in general not negligible. Then it is shown that, for some choices of the parameters of the theory, the big-bang singularity is resolved and replaced by a bounce driven by the vacuum energy density, which becomes (very) large and negative near the bounce (negative by the contribution of the Fermi fields). But for large times (now, say) the Bose fields’ positive vacuum energy eventually overcomes the negative one and we are finally left with the present vacuum energy: positive and reasonably small.
Evolution of the Universe with two rotating fluids
Authors: Panov V. F. , Sandakova O. V. , Kuvshinova E. V. , Yanishevsky D. M.
Published: February 2020

An anisotropic cosmological model with expansion and rotation and the Bianchi type IX metric has been constructed within the framework of general relativity theory. The first inflation stage of the Universe filled with a scalar field and an anisotropic fluid is considered. The model describes the Friedman stage of cosmological evolution with subsequent transition to accelerated exponential expansion observed in the present epoch. The model has two rotating fluids: the anisotropic fluid and dust-like fluid. In the approach realized in the model, the anisotropic fluid describes the rotating dark energy.
Minimal length effects on Friedmann equations
Authors: Moumni Mustafa , Fouhal Ahlam
Published: February 2020

In this work, we study the effects of Generalized Uncertainty Principle on the evolution of the Universe through Friedmann’s equations. We show that the effects are equivalent to those of the cosmological constant and thus they constitute an additional contribution in the acceleration of the expansion of the Universe.
Nonclassical properties and entanglement generation in an optical cavity containing two atomic Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Zheng Ren-Fei , Jiang Qi-Hui , Zhou Lu , Zhang Wei-Ping
Published: February 2020

We consider the model of a weakly driven optical cavity containing two clouds of atomic Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs). Nonclassical photon correlations and correlations between the two atomic BECs are investigated under different cavity conditions including strong atom-field coupling and bad cavity regime. We show that the nonlinear interatom collisional interactions in BEC leads to a significant loss of cavity light coherence. Various types of nonclassical properties are investigated such as sub-Poissonian statistics, antibunching and entanglement. We show that the entanglement can be generated between BECs and the cavity field. The time evolution of entanglement is also numerically studied.
Continuous-variable multiparty quantum key agreement based on third party
Authors: Zhou Yi-Hua , Zhang Jing , Shi Wei-Min , Yang Yu-Guang , Wang Mao-Feng
Published: February 2020

General quantum key agreement (QKA) protocols require each participant to make the same contribution to the generation of a shared key, but this situation cannot meet the needs of government or military which require a third party only to control key agreement process. This paper proposed a continuous-variable quantum key agreement (CVQKA) protocol with multi-party Greenberg–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) entangled states generated by a third party. The third party prepares quantum states by sending multi-photon beam with higher emission frequency and stronger signal. Taking continuous variable as carrier, the information carried by each carrier increases, which improves the security key rate. In this paper, the third party controls but does not contribute to the final key. After receiving the states, each participant encodes his or her own key, adds a decoy state and sends it to the next participant, until receiving the quantum state that was encoded by all the participants. Then, participants can measure and calculate to get the final shared key. It shows that our protocol is easy to implement and has high efficiency. Security analysis shows that our protocol can resist collusion attacks, beam splitter attack, etc.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized by Natural Biopolymer Arabinogalactan
Authors: Demchenko A. G. , Sadykova V. S. , Lyundup A. V. , Sedyakina N. E. , Gromovykh T. I. , Feldman N. B. , Ananyan M. A. , Lutsenko S. V.
Published: February 2020

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver nitrate using arabinogalactan polysaccharide as a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The average size of nanoparticles, obtained by analyzing TEM-images, was 10.8[Formula: see text]nm; zeta potential [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mV. A study of the sol by electron diffraction showed that silver in the sample is in metallic form. The resulting preparation of silver nanoparticles showed both antibacterial and antifungal activity. A pronounced antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was demonstrated both in relation to conditionally pathogenic gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and B. coagulans) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Silver nanoparticles also possess antifungal activity against macromycete Fomitopsis sp., as well as two strains of micromycetes Trichoderma citrinoviride and Fusarium sporotrichioides. Using the methods of light and fluorescence microscopy, MTT-analysis and Real-time cell analysis, the cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles was investigated on HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. It was demonstrated that nanoparticles cause a suppression of cell metabolic and proliferative activity, as well as dose-dependent induction of cell death (average relative EC[Formula: see text] value was [Formula: see text]g/ml). The preparation of silver nanoparticles stabilized by arabinogalactan can be used in medicine, as a potential antimicrobial and antitumor agent.
Behavioural Changes in Mice after Getting Accustomed to the Mirror
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Suemitsu Shunsuke , Murakami Shinji , Kitamura Naoya , Wani Kenta , Takahashi Yu , Matsumoto Yosuke , Okamoto Motoi , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: February 2020

Patients with brain function disorders due to stroke or dementia may show inability to recognize themselves in the mirror. Although the cognitive ability to recognize mirror images has been investigated in many animal species, the animal species that can be used for experimentation and the mechanisms involved in recognition remain unclear. We investigated whether mice have the ability to recognize their mirror images. Demonstrating evidence of this in mice would be useful for researching the psychological and biological mechanisms underlying this ability. We examined whether mice preferred mirrors, whether plastic tapes on their heads increased their interest, and whether mice accustomed to mirrors learnt its physical phenomenon. Mice were significantly more interested in live stranger mice than mirrors. Mice with tape on their heads spent more time before mirrors. Becoming accustomed to mirrors did not change their behaviour. Mice accustomed to mirrors had significantly increased interest in photos of themselves over those of strangers and cage-mates. These results indicated that mice visually recognized plastic tape adherent to reflected individuals. Mice accustomed to mirrors were able to discriminate between their images, cage-mates, and stranger mice. However, it is still unknown whether mice recognize that the reflected images are of themselves.
Comparative Analyses Concerning Triaxial Compressive Yield Criteria of Coal with the Presence of Pore Water
Authors: Liu Rulin , Yu Yanbin , Cheng Weimin , Xu Qingfeng , Yang Haotian , Shen Jialong
Published: February 2020

The least absolute deviation is used as a metric to analyze the applicability of five yield criteria, to describe the yield characteristics of coal based on triaxial compressive strength tests on natural, water-saturated, and seepage coal samples with the presence of pore water. The results show that the strength of coal exhibits nonlinear characteristics with the increase of confining pressure, which the linear Coulomb criterion fails to authentically describe. Although the parabolic Mohr criterion can describe the nonlinearity feature more decently than the linear yield criterion, the fitting error is significant, and the uniaxial compressive strength of coal is overestimated. The Hoek-Brown criterion, quadratic polynomial criterion, and exponential criterion yield decent fitting quality for the coal rock. In particular, the exponential strength criterion can accurately reflect the actual uniaxial compressive strength of the rock. However, the differential principle yield stress for an infinite confining pressure calculated from the exponential strength criterion is lower than the measured value. Furthermore, by employing effective stress principle to analyze the yield criteria for the saturated and seepage coal samples, one can find that the quadratic polynomial criterion and the exponential criterion can also reflect the changes of yield characteristics during the fluid-solid coupling triaxial compression test.
A Feasibility Study on Monitoring Crustal Structure Variations by Direct Comparison of Surface Wave Dispersion Curves from Ambient Seismic Noise
Authors: Muhumuza K.
Published: February 2020

This work assesses the feasibility of the direct use of surface-wave dispersion curves from seismic ambient noise to gain insight into the crustal structure of Bransfield Strait and detect seasonal seismic velocity changes. We cross-correlated four years of vertical component ambient noise data recorded by a seismic array in West Antarctica. To estimate fundamental mode Rayleigh wave Green’s functions, the correlations are computed in 4-hr segments, stacked over 1-year time windows and moving windows of 3 months. Rayleigh wave group dispersion curves are then measured on two spectral bands—primary (10–30 s) and secondary (5–10 s) microseisms—using frequency-time analysis. We analyze the temporal evolution of seismic velocity by comparing dispersion curves for the successive annual and 3-month correlation stacks. Our main assumption was that the Green’s functions from the cross-correlations, and thus the dispersion curves, remain invariant if the crustal structure remains unchanged. Maximum amplitudes of secondary microseisms were observed during local winter when the Southern Ocean experiences winter storms. The Rayleigh wave group velocity ranges between 2.1 and 3.7 km/s, considering our period range studied. Interannual velocity variations are not much evident. We observe a slight velocity decrease in summer and increase in winter, which could be attributed to the pressure melting of ice and an increase in ice mass, respectively. The velocity anomalies observed within the crust and upper mantle structure correlate with the major crustal and upper mantle features known from previous studies in the area. Our results demonstrate that the direct comparison of surface wave dispersion curves extracted from ambient noise might be a useful tool in monitoring crustal structure variations.
E. coli Inactivation Kinetics Modeling in a Taylor-Couette UV Disinfection Reactor
Authors: Palacios-Contreras M. L. , Sierra-Espinosa F. Z. , Juárez K. , Silva-Martínez S. , Alvarez-Gallegos A. , Alvarez-Benítez M. L.
Published: February 2020

A simple model was developed to predict the survival behavior of E. coli subjected to UV disinfection in a Taylor-Couette reactor. The model includes the CFD evaluation of the counterrotating toroidal vortices developed within the annular space of two coaxial cylinders. The UV lamp was located within the diameter of the internal rotating cylinder. The residence time of the bacteria near the UV lamp is, therefore, a function of both the size of the vortex and its angular velocity. The effect of angular velocity on the formation of counterrotating toroidal vortices and their impact on the kinetics of UV microbial inactivation was experimentally evaluated. The kinetics of microbial inactivation follow an apparent first-order kinetic equation between 300 and 2000 revolutions per minute. Therefore, in this range of angular velocities, a set of k values (indirectly taking into account the hydrodynamic pattern and UV irradiance) was obtained for a given concentration of bacteria. Then, the set of k values was correlated with the range of angular velocities applied using the polynomial equation. A k value can be obtained for an unknown angular velocity through the polynomial equation. Therefore, a simulation curve of microbial inactivation can be obtained from the first-order kinetic equation. The efficiency of bacteria removal improves depending on the angular velocity applied. A good agreement is observed between the simulation of the survival behavior of the microorganisms subjected to UV disinfection with the experimental data.
Authentication of Processed Epimedii folium by EA-IRMS
Authors: He Fengyan , Li Mengyi , He Yi , Dong Zhe , Cao Jin , Dai Zhong , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: February 2020

Processing of crude drug is a key character of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which could enhance the efficacy and/or reduce the toxicity of crude drugs to fulfill different requirements of TCM clinical practice. Epimedii folium (EF) is a widely used TCM. As a traditional method of TCM, EF is processed with refined mutton fat before being used in clinical practice. It has been reported that processing EF with mutton fat could improve the bioavailability and intestinal absorption of epimedium flavonoids and thus enhances the pharmacological effects. For economic benefits, it is possible to adulterate processed EF with unprocessed drug or process EF with cheaper plant oils. In the present study, 17 batches of crude and processed EF samples were collected from the Chinese market and 10 batches of replica processed drugs were prepared with different edible plant oils and animal fats in our laboratory. Elemental analyzer coupled with isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) was applied to determine the δ13C values of the cyclohexane extracts of those samples. Significant differences could be observed in the results. EA-IRMS could be used to discriminate raw EF, processed EF, and EF processed with C3 plant oils.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Sweden: A Registry-Based Cross-Sectional Study of 13,538 Patients
Authors: Killasli Hassan , Sartorius Karin , Emtestam Lennart , Svensson Åke
Published: February 2020

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with nodules and fistula formation and scarring. It is a debilitating disease with a severe negative impact on quality of life. There is a need for increased knowledge about the social and lifestyle characteristics of patients with HS in general, and pregnant women in particular. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate and describe social characteristics and comorbidity in all HS patients in Sweden as well as to study the prevalence of lifestyle factors associated with negative impact on health and pregnancy in Swedish pregnant women with HS. Methods: A registry-based cross-sectional study was performed by record linkage between Swedish registers covering the entire population. A cohort of 13,538 HS patients diagnosed with HS in specialised care during the years 2001–2014 and a subgroup of 1,368 HS patients who had undergone pregnancy during 2010–2015 were defined and described. Aggregated public data on the entire Swedish population and all pregnancies in 2014 were described for reference. Results: The HS population had an average age of 44 years on December 31, 2014. The prevalence of HS was 0.14%. In comparison to the Swedish reference population the HS patients were more often women, unmarried (36 vs. 44% married), and had lower education (68 vs. 82% with an upper-secondary school degree or higher) and lower income (39 vs. 16% made SEK <100,000 a year). Comorbidity was 3% for inflammatory bowel disease and 8% for type 2 diabetes. The subgroup analysis showed high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and smoking in pregnant women with HS. Conclusions: The results from this comprehensive characterisation of Swedish HS patients may be used to improve preventive measures, information, and care for this vulnerable group.
On the Pre-demonstrative (hoti) Conception of Lunar Eclipse in Posterior Analytics B 8
Authors: Almeida Wellington Damasceno
Published: February 2020

My aim is to show that, in Posterior Analytics B 8, the conception of lunar eclipse brought about by pre-demonstrative knowledge (hoti) is deeply vague and radically different from the one obtained by demonstrative knowledge (dioti).
10 anos do Brasil Game Show
Authors: Amaral Carlos Cesar Domingos do
Published: February 2020

Esse é um livro remasterizado com a adição dos eventos de 2015 até 2017, o que completa o ciclo de 10 anos de Brasil Game Show. São 128 páginas para contar todas as histórias necessárias. Além dessa edição ser bilíngue (Português e Inglês). Ressaltando também uma melhor edição das fotos, assim como outras foram mantidas frente a primeira obra publicada em 2015. O livro retoma a história de vida de Marcelo Tavares, idealizador e presidente da BGS. Aparentemente os fatos são os mesmos, mas escritos de forma diferenciada, para que assim não fosse apenas uma cópia da primeira edição.
A criação da galeria das travestis no presídio central de Porto Alegre: uma análise a partir dos tensionamentos entre estrutura e ação
Authors: Cipriani Marcelli
Published: February 2020

O objeto deste artigo é a criação da galeria das travestis no Presídio Central de Porto Alegre, ocorrida no ano de 2012. Tem-se como objetivo analisar o espaço conhecido como “3a do H” a partir do tema da estrutura e da ação na teoria social contemporânea, conferindo-se ênfase às contribuições de dois autores que buscaram sintetizar essas dimensões do social: Anthony Giddens e Pierre Bourdieu. Os dados utilizados advêm da participação em duas pesquisas – a primeira, envolvendo as experiências de travestis com o sistema de segurança pública do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e a segunda ocupada com a compreensão das relações de poder internas ao PCPA. Argumenta-se que a galeria resultou das práticas sociais de variados atores – que, de modos distintos, repercutiram em um mesmo resultado. Ademais, embora a galeria tenha flexibilizado as regras estruturais referentes à transfobia no espaço carcerário, tal mudança coexistiu com sua reprodução no univ erso prisional.
Agenda decisória do Supremo Tribunal no período de transição democrática
Authors: Oliveira Fabiana Luci de
Published: February 2020

O artigo investiga as relações do STF com a política no período de transição democrática, verificando, a partir da agenda decisória em controle abstrato de constitucionalidade, se e em que medida a atuação do tribunal teve impacto na vida política, econômica e social do país. Para isso, utiliza como fonte de dados as Representações de Inconstitucionalidade (Rps) que ingressaram no STF entre os anos de 1978 e 1988, num total de 703 representações, visando responder a duas perguntas: 1) Qual o conteúdo da agenda decisória do STF no âmbito das Rps? e 2) Como o tribunal decidiu as representações interpostas? É possível concluir que o STF atuou como um órgão de governança, mediando conflitos ligados à administração dos estados, mas principalmente como espaço privilegiado para a deliberação de interesses econômicos e corporativos das carreiras públicas.
Por que prender?
Authors: Lages Lívia Bastos , Ribeiro Ludmila
Published: February 2020

Este trabalho pretende compreender o processo decisório instalado nas Audiências de Custódia, que buscam, a partir da apresentação dos presos em flagrante à autoridade judicial, garantir a decretação da prisão preventiva apenas aos casos extremos. Com base no acompanhamento de 380 Audiências de Custódia em Belo Horizonte no ano de 2018, procuramos analisar “como” essas decisões são produzidas e a partir “do que” a prisão é determinada. Nossos achados indicam que, a despeito da participação da pessoa presa, o processo decisório é cerimonial e norteado pelos documentos policiais, que facilitam a categorização dos sujeitos e dos crimes entre aqueles que devem ser liberados e aqueles que devem permanecer presos durante a investigação e o processo penal. Desse modo, concluímos que as Audiências de Custódia não têm representado um lócus de debate e de participação da pessoa presa na decisão judicial. Elas reiteram a categorização feita pelos policiais dos indivíduos entre “bandidos” e “não bandidos” e dos crimes entre “normais” e “anormais”, o que tem efeitos sobre a própria ideia de Estado Democrático de Direito.