bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of sequencing strategies for whole-genome imputation with hybrid peeling
Authors: Ros-Freixedes Roger , Whalen Andrew , Gorjanc Gregor , Mileham Alan J. , Hickey John M.
Published: April 2020

Background

For assembling large whole-genome sequence datasets for routine use in research and breeding, the sequencing strategy should be adapted to the methods that will be used later for variant discovery and imputation. In this study, we used simulation to explore the impact that the sequencing strategy and level of sequencing investment have on the overall accuracy of imputation using hybrid peeling, a pedigree-based imputation method that is well suited for large livestock populations.

Methods

We simulated marker array and whole-genome sequence data for 15 populations with simulated or real pedigrees that had different structures. In these populations, we evaluated the effect on imputation accuracy of seven methods for selecting which individuals to sequence, the generation of the pedigree to which the sequenced individuals belonged, the use of variable or uniform coverage, and the trade-off between the number of sequenced individuals and their sequencing coverage. For each population, we considered four levels of investment in sequencing that were proportional to the size of the population.

Results

Imputation accuracy depended greatly on pedigree depth. The distribution of the sequenced individuals across the generations of the pedigree underlay the performance of the different methods used to select individuals to sequence and it was critical for achieving high imputation accuracy in both early and late generations. Imputation accuracy was highest with a uniform coverage across the sequenced individuals of 2× rather than variable coverage. An investment equivalent to the cost of sequencing 2% of the population at 2× provided high imputation accuracy. The gain in imputation accuracy from additional investment decreased with larger populations and higher levels of investment. However, to achieve the same imputation accuracy, a proportionally greater investment must be used in the smaller populations compared to the larger ones.

Conclusions

Suitable sequencing strategies for subsequent imputation with hybrid peeling involve sequencing ~2% of the population at a uniform coverage 2×, distributed preferably across all generations of the pedigree, except for the few earliest generations that lack genotyped ancestors. Such sequencing strategies are beneficial for generating whole-genome sequence data in populations with deep pedigrees of closely related individuals.
New genetic variant in the SERPINC1 gene: hereditary Antithrombin deficiency case report, familial thrombosis and considerations on genetic counseling
Authors: Polyak Margarita E. , Zaklyazminskaya Elena V.
Published: April 2020

Background

Inherited deficiency of the antithrombin (hereditary antithrombin deficiency, AT deficiency, OMIM #613118) is a relatively rare (1:2000–3000) autosomal-dominant disorder with high risk of venous thromboembolism. Mutations in the serpin family C member 1 gene (SERPINC1) can lead to Quantitative (type I) and Qualitative (type II) types of antithrombin deficiency. We describe a new genetic variant in the SERPINC1 gene and our approach to variant interpretation.

Case presentation

We observed a 29 y.o. female proband with the episode of venous thrombosis at the age of 18 and family history of thrombosis. The antithrombin level in our patient was low, 44–48% (AT deficiency type I). A new genetic variant c.662G > C (p.W221S) in the SERPINC1 gene was detected in proband and affected father but was absent in healthy sister. We used in silico tools to evaluate the possible impact of p.W221S variant on protein structure and function. In mutated SERPINC1 protein a new N-linked glycosylation site is formed, however, it is unclear if the glycosylation at 219–221 site is possible.

Conclusion

The proband was provided with appropriate genetic counseling and referred to a hematologist. Based on all the evidence we classify the p.W221S variant as variant of unknown clinical significance. In this paper we discuss some aspects of genetic counseling, variant interpretation and thromboembolic prophilaxis.
The urinary microbiome shows different bacterial genera in renal transplant recipients and non-transplant patients at time of acute kidney injury – a pilot study
Authors: Gerges-Knafl Daniela , Pichler Peter , Zimprich Alexander , Hotzy Christoph , Barousch Wolfgang , Lang Rita M. , Lobmeyr Elisabeth , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina , Wagner Ludwig , Winnicki Wolfgang
Published: April 2020

Background

In the past urine was considered sterile. Through the introduction of next generation sequencing, it has become clear that a urinary microbiome exists. Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a major threat to kidney transplant recipients. Remarkable changes in the urinary metabolome occur during AKI, which may influence the urinary microbiome. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the urinary microbiome in renal transplant recipients (RTX) and non-transplant recipients (nRTX) at time of AKI.

Methods

In this cross-sectional pilot-study the urinary microbiome of 21 RTX and 9 nRTX with AKI was examined. Clean catch morning urine samples were obtained from all patients on the first day of AKI diagnosis. AKI was defined according to KDIGO guidelines. Urinary microbiota and the urinary metabolome during AKI were assessed in one patient. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed. Sequences were processed using UPARSE-pipeline for operational taxonomic units (OTU) and taxon finding.

Results

We successfully extracted and sequenced bacterial DNA from 100% of the urine samples. All 30 patients revealed at least 106,138 reads. 319 OTU and 211 different genera were identified. The microbiotic diversity richness in the RTX group was no different from the nRTX group. Eighteen genera were solely present in nRTX and 7 in RTX.

Conclusions

The urinary microbiome at time of AKI showed different bacterial genera in RTX compared to nRTX. The nRTX group exhibited no different diversity to the RTX group. Irrespective of the status of a previous renal transplantation, the urinary microbiome comprised > 210 different genera. An intraindividual change in microbiota diversity and richness was observed in one study patient during recovery from AKI.
Ammonia and coma – a case report of late onset hemizygous ornithine carbamyltransferase deficiency in 68-year-old female
Authors: Marquetand Justus , Freisinger Peter , Lindig Tobias , Euler Sebastian , Gasser Michael , Overkamp Dietrich
Published: April 2020

Background

Acute hyperammonemia without signs of common causes in the elderly might be challenging to identify. We report the oldest case known to date of a female patient with late onset ornithine carbamyltransferase deficiency (OTC), which was unmasked after a protein overload due to nutritional supplements. Our case illustrates how environmental factors (protein overload) in previously unknown OTC in the elderly leads to hyperammonemic encephalopathy and highlights that early treatment prevents persisting neurological deficits and should be considered in absence of common causes of hyperammonemic encephalopathy.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old woman presented with acute confusion, which progressed into a deep coma (Glasgow-Coma-Scale score 3) within a few hours.

The only remarkable finding was a plasma ammonia (NH3) concentration of 697 μmmol/l (range 12–47 μmmol/). Third party history revealed that the patient disliked meat for most of her life (meat = protein, which needs to be metabolized) and had taken nutritional supplements (since supplements often have a high protein-ratio) 2 days before the symptoms started. Protein catabolism results in NH3, which is metabolized via the urea cycle. Consequently, the acute hyperammonemia in our patient was thought to be related to an inherited metabolic disorder, which only unmasked itself as a result of an overload of the corresponding metabolite (in this case protein). Since ornithine carbamyltransferase deficiency (OTC) is the most common inherited urea cycle disorder, this diagnosis became likely and was confirmed later via genetic and metabolic testing (amino acids, orotic acid, etc.). After 2 weeks of treatment (dialysis, low-protein-diet, nitrogen-lowering medication) the patient was discharged in a healthy condition without any neurological deficits.

Conclusion

OTC is a x-chromosomal linked disorder, that usually manifests in newborn infants and children, but also rarely in adults and even rarer in the elderly (50- till 60-years-old), where it is probably underdiagnosed. In case of hyperammonemic encephalopathy – regardless of the underlying cause -, treatment should be started early to prevent persisting neurological deficits. OTC should be considered in absence of common causes of hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Metusela Christine , Usherwood Tim , Lawson Kenny , Angus Lisa , Kmet Walter , Ferdousi Shahana , Reath Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Background

Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches.

Methods

We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation.

Results

Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care.

Conclusions

Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.
Readmissions after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy—a national population-based study
Authors: Dranichnikov Paul , Graf Wilhelm , Cashin Peter H.
Published: April 2020

Background

Comprehensive readmission morbidity studies after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are scarce. This study aimed to investigate readmissions and in-hospital morbidity after CRS and HIPEC.

Methods

The national in-hospital patient register was used to identify patients via the HIPEC ICD code JAQ10 2004–2014. Data were retrieved from the index CRS/HIPEC treatment and from all HIPEC-related readmissions within 6 months. Univariate/multivariate logistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors for reinterventions and readmissions.

Results

A total of 519 patients (mean age 56 years) had a mean hospital stay of 27 days. Within 6 months, 150 readmissions for adverse events were observed in 129 patients (25%) with 67 patients requiring an intervention (13%). Totally 179 patients (34%) required a reintervention during the first 6 months with 85 (16%) requiring a reoperation. Of these 179 patients, 83 patients (46%) did not undergo the intervention at the HIPEC centre. Gastric resection was the only independent risk factor for in-hospital intervention, and advanced age for readmission.

Conclusion

Morbidity causing HIPEC-related readmission was higher than expected with almost half of the interventions occurring outside the HIPEC centre. Gastric resection and high age are independent predictors of morbidity and readmission.
A LASSO-derived risk model for long-term mortality in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Yi-ming , Li Zhuo-lun , Chen Fei , Liu Qi , Peng Yong , Chen Mao
Published: April 2020

Background

The formal risk assessment is essential in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this study, we develop a risk model for the prediction of 3-year mortality for Chinese ACS patients with machine learning algorithms.

Methods

A total of 2174 consecutive patients who underwent angiography with ACS were enrolled. The missing data among baseline characteristics were imputed using the MissForest algorithm based on random forest method. In model development, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) derived Cox regression with internal tenfold cross-validation was used to identify the predictors for 3-year mortality. The clinical performance was assessed with decision curve analysis.

Results

The average follow-up period was 27.82 ± 13.73 months; during the 3 years of follow up, 193 patients died (mortality rate 8.88%). The Kaplan–Meier estimate of 3-year mortality was 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.890.92). After feature selection, 6 predictors were identified: Age,” “Creatinine,” “Hemoglobin,” “Platelets,” “aspartate transaminase (AST)” and “left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)”. At tenfold internal validation, our risk model performed well in both discrimination (area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 0.768) and calibration (calibration slope was approximately 0.711). As a comparison, the AUC and calibration slope were 0.701 and 0.203 in Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score, respectively. Additionally, the highest net benefit of our model within the entire range of threshold probability for clinical intervention by decision curve analysis demonstrated the superiority of it in daily practice.

Conclusion

Our study developed a prediction model for 3-year morality in Chinese ACS patients. The methods of missing data imputation and model derivation base on machine learning algorithms improved the ability of prediction. .

Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR-OOC-17010433. Registered 17 February 2017–Retrospectively registered
The impact of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) and voltage-gated potassium KCNQ/Kv7 channels on primary microglia function
Authors: Vay Sabine Ulrike , Flitsch Lea Jessica , Rabenstein Monika , Monière Helena , Jakovcevski Igor , Andjus Pavle , Bijelic Dunja , Blaschke Stefan , Walter Helene Luise , Fink Gereon Rudolf , Schroeter Michael , Rueger Maria Adele
Published: April 2020

Background

Microglia are essential to maintain cell homeostasis in the healthy brain and are activated after brain injury. Upon activation, microglia polarize towards different phenotypes. The course of microglia activation is complex and depends on signals in the surrounding milieu. Recently, it has been suggested that microglia respond to ion currents, as a way of regulating their activity and function.

Methods and results

Under the hypothesis that HCN and KCNQ/Kv7 channels impact on microglia, we studied primary rat microglia in the presence or absence of specific pharmacological blockade or RNA silencing. Primary microglia expressed the subunits HCN1-4, Kv7.2, Kv7.3, and Kv7.5. The expression of HCN2, as well as Kv7.2 and Kv7.3, varied among different microglia phenotypes. The pharmacological blockade of HCN channels by ZD7288 resulted in cell depolarization with slowly rising intracellular calcium levels, leading to enhanced survival and reduced proliferation rates of resting microglia. Furthermore, ZD7288 treatment, as well as knockdown of HCN2 RNA by small interfering RNA, resulted in an attenuation of later microglia activation—both towards the anti- and pro-inflammatory phenotype. However, HCN channel inhibition enhanced the phagocytic capacity of IL4-stimulated microglia. Blockade of Kv7/KCNQ channel by XE-991 exclusively inhibited the migratory capacity of resting microglia.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that the HCN current contributes to various microglia functions and impacts on the course of microglia activation, while the Kv7/KCNQ channels affect microglia migration. Characterizing the role of HCN channels in microglial functioning may offer new therapeutic approaches for targeted modulation of neuroinflammation as a hallmark of various neurological disorders.
Exogenous activation of cannabinoid-2 receptor modulates TLR4/MMP9 expression in a spinal cord ischemia reperfusion rat model
Authors: Jing Na , Fang Bo , Li Zhe , Tian Ayong
Published: April 2020

Background

Cannabinoid-2 receptor (CB2R) plays an important role in the cascading inflammation following ischemic injury. The toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) signal pathway is involved in blood-brain barrier dysfunction induced by ischemia stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of exogenous activation of CB2R on attenuating neurological deficit and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption during rat spinal cord ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury, through modulation of the TLR4/MMP9 axis.

Methods

Animals were intraperitoneally pretreated with TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242, CB2R agonist JWH-133 with or without CB2R antagonist AM630, or equivalent volume of vehicle 1 h before undergoing 14-min occlusion of descending aorta or sham operation. One, two, three, and 7 days after reperfusion, hindlimb locomotor function was evaluated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Scale, BSCB integrity was detected by measurement of Evans blue (EB) extravasation and spinal cord edema. The protein expression levels of CB2R, tight junction protein Zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), TLR4, MMP9, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and NF-κB p-p65 were determined by western blot. The MMP9 activity was analyzed by gelatin zymography. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the perivascular localization of CB2R, TLR4, MMP9, and reactive astrocytes, as well as the colocalization of CB2R, TLR4, and MMP9 with reactive astrocytes.

Results

JWH-133 pretreatment attenuated hindlimb motor functional deficit and BSCB leakage, along with preventing downregulation of ZO-1 and upregulation of TLR4/MMP9, similar to the effects of TAK-242 preconditioning. JWH-133 or TAK-242 pretreatment reduced the perivascular expression of TLR4/MMP9 and reactive astrocytes following injury. JWH-133 pretreatment also downregulated MyD88/NF-κB level, MMP9 activity, and the astrocytic TLR4/MMP9 after I/R injury.

Conclusions

Exogenous activation of CB2R by JWH-133 attenuated neurological deficit and BSCB disruption after spinal cord I/R injury via inhibition of TLR4/MMP9 expression.
Mechanisms and rejuvenation strategies for aged hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Li Xia , Zeng Xiangjun , Xu Yulin , Wang Binsheng , Zhao Yanmin , Lai Xiaoyu , Qian Pengxu , Huang He
Published: April 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging, which is accompanied by reduced self-renewal ability, impaired homing, myeloid-biased differentiation, and other defects in hematopoietic reconstitution function, is a hot topic in stem cell research. Although the number of HSCs increases with age in both mice and humans, the increase cannot compensate for the defects of aged HSCs. Many studies have been performed from various perspectives to illustrate the potential mechanisms of HSC aging; however, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear, blocking further exploration of aged HSC rejuvenation. To determine how aged HSC defects occur, we provide an overview of differences in the hallmarks, signaling pathways, and epigenetics of young and aged HSCs as well as of the bone marrow niche wherein HSCs reside. Notably, we summarize the very recent studies which dissect HSC aging at the single-cell level. Furthermore, we review the promising strategies for rejuvenating aged HSC functions. Considering that the incidence of many hematological malignancies is strongly associated with age, our HSC aging review delineates the association between functional changes and molecular mechanisms and may have significant clinical relevance.
Defining and predicting service utilisation in young adulthood following childhood treatment of an eating disorder
Authors: McClelland Jessica , Simic Mima , Schmidt Ulrike , Koskina Antonia , Stewart Catherine
Published: April 2020

Background

Eating disorder services are often separated into child and adolescent eating disorder services (CAEDSs) and adult eating disorder services (AEDSs). Most patients in CAEDSs present with first-episode illness of short duration, which with appropriate treatment, have a good prognosis. However, some individuals receive further treatment as adults. Little is known about service utilisation in adulthood following childhood/adolescent treatment of an eating disorder.

Aims

This study aims (a) to estimate the proportion of patients in a CAEDS who use mental health services as young adults, (b) to delineate service utilisation following treatment in CAEDSs and (c) to identify factors in CAEDSs that predict service utilisation in young adulthood.

Method

A consecutive cohort of 322 patients (aged 13–17 years) seen in a CAEDS in the UK over a 5-year period were included in this audit. Data regarding their use of UK-wide adult mental health services as young adults (i.e. when aged 18–25) were extracted from local and national hospital records.

Results

A total of 68.3% of CAEDS patients received no mental health treatment as young adults. Although 13% of people seen in a CAEDS had brief eating disorder treatment as young adults, 10% received longer/or more intensive eating disorder treatment. Overall, 10.8% transitioned directly to an AEDS and 7.6% were re-referred following discharge from CAEDS. In our sample, older age and increased use of CAEDSs predicted increased eating disorder treatment in young adulthood.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that most people seen in CAEDSs do not receive further mental health treatment as young adults. Several features in CAEDSs distinguish mental health service utilisation in young adulthood, which were identified clinically and could be targeted during treatment.
Defining Undertreatment and Overtreatment in Older Adults With Cancer: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: DuMontier Clark , Loh Kah Poh , Bain Paul A. , Silliman Rebecca A. , Hshieh Tammy , Abel Gregory A. , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Driver Jane A. , Dale William
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

The terms undertreatment and overtreatment are often used to describe inappropriate management of older adults with cancer. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review of the literature to clarify the meanings behind the use of the terms.

METHODS

We searched PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL (EBSCO) for titles and abstracts that included the terms undertreatment or overtreatment with regard to older adults with cancer. We included all types of articles, cancer types, and treatments. Definitions of undertreatment and overtreatment were extracted, and categories underlying these definitions were derived through qualitative analysis. Within a random subset of articles, C.D. and K.P.L. independently performed this analysis to determine final categories and then independently assigned these categories to assess inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Articles using the terms undertreatment (n = 236), overtreatment (n = 71), or both (n = 51) met criteria for inclusion in our review (n = 256). Only 14 articles (5.5%) explicitly provided formal definitions; for the remaining, we inferred the implicit definitions from the terms’ surrounding context. There was substantial agreement (κ = 0.81) between C.D. and K.P.L. in independently assigning categories of definitions within a random subset of 50 articles. Undertreatment most commonly implied less than recommended therapy (148; 62.7%) or less than recommended therapy associated with worse outcomes (88; 37.3%). Overtreatment most commonly implied intensive treatment of an older adult in whom the harms of treatment outweigh the benefits (38; 53.5%) or intensive treatment of a cancer not expected to affect an older adult in his/her remaining lifetime (33; 46.5%).

CONCLUSION

Undertreatment and overtreatment of older adults with cancer are imprecisely defined concepts. We propose new, more rigorous definitions that account for both oncologic factors and geriatric domains.
In vitro-virtual-reality: an anatomically explicit musculoskeletal simulation powered by in vitro muscle using closed loop tissue-software interaction
Authors: Richards Christopher T. , Eberhard Enrico A.
Published: April 2020

Muscle force-length dynamics are governed by intrinsic contractile properties, motor stimulation and mechanical load. Although intrinsic properties are well-characterised, physiologists lack in vitro instrumentation accounting for combined effects of limb inertia, musculoskeletal architecture and contractile dynamics. We introduce in vitro virtual-reality (in vitro-VR) which enables in vitro muscle tissue to drive a musculoskeletal jumping simulation. In hardware, muscle force from a frog plantaris was transmitted to a software model where joint torques, inertia and ground reaction forces were computed to advance the simulation at 1 kHz. To close the loop, simulated muscle strain was returned to update in vitro length. We manipulated 1) stimulation timing and, 2) the virtual muscle's anatomical origin. This influenced interactions among muscular, inertial, gravitational and contact forces dictating limb kinematics and jump performance. We propose that in vitro-VR can be used to illustrate how neuromuscular control and musculoskeletal anatomy influence muscle dynamics and biomechanical performance.
Transmutation of conformal singularities
Authors: Wu Xiaoting , Chen Ying , Chen Huanyang
Published: April 2020

We prove that a conformal singular material is equivalent to a uniform and anisotropic material by transmutation. The trajectories before and after transmutation are compared for both attractive and repulsive cases, indicating the more accurate paths near singularities after transmutation. We further study the splitting effects when a beam impinges on the singular point, and observe different behaviors for attractive and repulsive cases.
Temperature-dependent Förster resonance energy transfer from upconversion nanoparticles to quantum dots
Authors: Zhang Weina , Li Juan , Lei Hongxiang , Li Baojun
Published: April 2020

The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the β-NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+/NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to ZnCdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as a function of temperature (77–427 K) is demonstrated. With an increasing of temperature, both the intensity and peak position of QDs emission variated, which is attributed to the combining of the FRET and thermal quenching effect. By analyzing the dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra on temperature, the UCNP + QD sample can be considered as dual thermal probes with high sensitivity based on either the UCL or the spectral shift of QD emission under 980 nm excitation. The lifetime of the UCNP and UCNP + QD samples are collected to investigate the dynamics of the FRET at various temperatures, showing a decrease and then an increase of the FRET efficiency from UCNPs to QDs with temperature from 77 to 427 K. This result is mainly attributed to the variation of the Förster distance R0 with the increasing of temperature. The work will be significant to detect the nanoscale interaction and it can be widely applied in biomedical, sensing and imaging.
Achieving broadband absorption and polarization conversion with a vanadium dioxide metasurface in the same terahertz frequencies
Authors: Song Zhengyong , Zhang Jiahe
Published: April 2020

We present the bifunctional design of a broadband absorber and a broadband polarization converter based on a switchable metasurface through the insulator-to-metal phase transition of vanadium dioxide. When vanadium dioxide is metal, the designed switchable metasurface behaves as a broadband absorber. This absorber is composed of a vanadium dioxide square, silica spacer, and vanadium dioxide film. Calculated results show that in the frequency range of 0.52-1.2 THz, the designed system can absorb more than 90% of the energy, and the bandwidth ratio is 79%. It is insensitive to polarization due to the symmetry, and can still work well even at large incident angles. When vanadium dioxide is an insulator, a terahertz polarizer is realized by a simple anisotropic metasurface. Numerical calculation shows that efficient conversion between two orthogonal linear polarizations can be achieved. Reflectance of a cross-polarized wave can reach 90% from 0.42 THz to 1.04 THz, and the corresponding bandwidth ratio is 85%. This cross-polarized converter has the advantages of wide angle, broad bandwidth, and high efficiency. So our design can realize bifunctionality of broadband absorption and polarization conversion between 0.52 THz and 1.04 THz. This architecture could provide one new way to develop switchable photonic devices and functional components in phase change materials.
Role of polarization-mode coupling in the crosstalk between cores of weakly-coupled multi-core fibers
Authors: Antonelli Cristian , Riccardi Gabriele , Hayashi Tetsuya , Mecozzi Antonio
Published: April 2020

We develop a theory of crosstalk in weakly-coupled multi-core fibers that accounts for the effect of intra-core polarization-mode coupling. We show that random polarization-mode coupling plays a critical role, just like other polarization-independent effects such as fiber bending and twist, in explaining the observed incoherent crosstalk in weakly-coupled multi-core fibers.
Spectrally dependent roll-off in visible-light optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rubinoff Ian , Soetikno Brian , Miller David A. , Rischall Isabella , Fawzi Amani , Kuranov Roman , Zhang Hao F.
Published: April 2020

Recent development of visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) has introduced new applications for noninvasive spectroscopic imaging. However, the measured spectra may be altered by spectrally dependent roll-off (SDR). We formulated a mathematical model for SDR that accounted for nonuniform wavenumber spacing, optical aberrations, and misalignments in the spectrometer. We simulated SDR based on this model and found strong agreement with measurements from a vis-OCT system. We verified that SDR altered spectroscopic measurements of fully oxygenated blood. We corrected these alterations by normalizing each spectrally dependent A-line by the measured SDR of the spectrometer. Our investigations of SDR are critical for informing OCT spectrometer design, alignment, and spectroscopic measurements.
Simultaneous balancing of geometric transformation and linear polarizations using six-fold-mirror geometry over the visible region
Authors: Banerjee Suchandra , Chipman Russell , Otani Yukitoshi
Published: April 2020

The presence of optical rotation due to the Berry phase and coating-induced linear polarizations across a set of rays deteriorate the form of a point spread function. In this Letter, we model an optical system with six aluminum coated fold mirrors, and we show how to balance geometric transformation, linear retardance, and linear diattenuation simultaneously. We minimize the linear polarizations by arranging the six fold mirrors in three pairs of crossed-fold-mirror geometry. In the same optical model, we also show that geometric transformation induced by the first set of three mirrors is canceled out by the second set of three mirrors by rotating the eigen-polarizations in opposite direction with the same amount. We perform experimental verification using a spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeter over the visible spectral range.
Bloch waves at the surface of a single-layer coating D-shaped photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Gonzalez-Valencia Esteban , Del Villar Ignacio , Torres Pedro
Published: April 2020

Bloch surface wave (BSW) platforms are particularly interesting for light confinement and surface sensitivity, as an alternative to the metal-based surface plasmon polaritons (SPP). However, most of the reported BSW platforms require depositing a large number of alternating dielectric layers to realize the excitation of the surface waves. In this Letter, we demonstrate an experimentally feasible D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) platform consisting of only a single dielectric layer on its flat surface, which can sustain Bloch waves at the boundary between the dielectric layer and the PCF cladding. The presence of the dielectric layer modifies the local effective refractive index, enabling a direct manipulation of the BSWs. In addition, the D-shaped structure provides direct contact with the external medium for sensing applications with an ultrahigh sensing figure of merit (

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The Use of Aviation Biofuels as an Airport Environmental Sustainability Measure: The Case of Oslo Gardermoen Airport
Authors: Baxter Glenn
Published: April 2020

In recent times, there has been a growing trend by airports and airlines to use aviation biofuel as an environment sustainability measure. Using an instrumental qualitative case study research design, this paper examines the evolution of sustainable aviation fuels at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. Oslo Airport Gardermoen was the first airport in the world to offer the first airport in the world to offer aviation biofuels to all airlines in 2016. The qualitative data were examined by document analysis. The study found that the use of sustainable aviation biofuels has delivered tangible environmental benefits to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. The usage of aviation biofuels has enabled the airport, and the airlines using sustainable aviation biofuels, to reduce their greenhouse gases by 10-15%. Also, as part of Norway’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Norwegian Government have mandated that the aviation fuel industry must mix 0.5% advanced biofuel into jet fuel from 2020 onwards.  Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment’s goal is that by 2030, 30% of the airline fuel will be sustainable in nature and will have a positive climate effect. Avinor, the operator of Norway’s airports, has a goal that by 2030, 30 % of aviation fuel supplied in Norway should be sustainable biofuel – this follows the Norwegian government’s mandate.
Uma entrevista com Emanuel Dias
Authors: Dias Emanuel , Porto Gabriela
Published: April 2020

» Professor Adjunto de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial – Universidade de Pernambuco. » Chefe do Setor de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial – Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz. » Ex-Reitor da Universidade de Pernambuco (1999-2006). » Ex-Presidente do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial (2001-2003). » Ex-Vice-Presidente do Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) (2008-2012). » Ex-Presidente da Comissão de Ensino do Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) (2003-2013). » Professor dos Programas de Mestrado, Doutorado e Pós-Doutorado da Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE).
Customer segmentation using bisecting k-means algorithm based on recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) model
Authors: Puspitasari Novianti , Widians Joan Angelina , Setiawan Noval Bayu
Published: April 2020

Information on customer loyalty characteristics in a company is needed to improve service to customers. A customer segmentation model based on transaction data can provide this information. This study used parameters from the recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) model in determining customer segmentation and bisecting k-means algorithm to determine the number of clusters. The dataset used 588 sales transactions for PT Dinar Energi Utama in 2017. The clusters formed by the bisecting k-means and k-means algorithm were tested using the silhouette coefficient method. The bisecting k-means algorithm can form the best customer segmentation into three groups, namely Occasional, Typical, and Gold, with a silhouette coefficient of 0.58132.
Quality of life of the elderly
Authors: Rosenfeld Lilia
Published: April 2020

Drawing on Simone de Beauvoir’s call for a change perspective on old age, as perceive, this article reviews the literature for factors and aspects that influence the quality of life of the elderly. Simone de Beauvoir saw old age as the individual’s unending struggle with the indifference that elderly people encounter, and with pain and illnesses. The improvement in the situation of the elderly cannot be accomplished by merely raising pensions and providing fair housing; rather it is necessary to have a more profound change – a change of life (de Beauvior, 1996). Hence, improving the quality life of elderly people necessitates a more holistic approach, that considers physical functioning, mental, social, environmental and cognitive condition in addition to traditional aspects involving health and economic aspects.
Sytuacja dydaktyczna z perspektywy kompetencji komunikacyjnych nauczycieli akademickich
Authors: Jakubczak-Chodźko Magdalena
Published: April 2020

Jakubczak-Chodźko Magdalena, Sytuacja dydaktyczna z perspektywy kompetencji komunikacyjnych nauczycieli akademickich [The didactic situation from the perspective of academic teacher communication skills]. Kultura – Społeczeństwo – Edukacja nr 2(14) 2018, Poznań 2018, pp. 111–117, Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-0422. DOI 10.14746/kse.2018.14.9.

This article shows a mode of perception of the relevant didactic situation from the perspective of teacher-held communicatio skills. Using the analysis of rationality, presented are new areas of perception of teacher competence. In addition, with the aid of the approach presented by Jürgen Habermas, it was possible to analyse the significance of communication skills as key in the teaching profession.
THE CORONAVIRUS IN LIBERAL AND ILLIBERAL DEMOCRACIES AND THE FUTURE OF GLOBALIZED WORLD
Authors: BRZECHCZYN KRZYSZTOF
Published: April 2020

The aim of this article is to compare the effectiveness of two political systems: liberal democracy and illiberal democracy in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The analysis has been carried out on the basis of the theoretical assumptions and conceptualization of non-Marxian historical materialism. In the first part of my article, I present the concept of ‘regulative credit” which has been introduced in that theory. In standard socio-political conditions, the growth of power regulations is usually contested by citizens. However, in a situation of danger, when social order is undermined, citizens support the authorities’ extraordinary regulations. This social support, called regulative credit, lasts as long as the danger persists. In chapter two, I characterize shortly liberal and illiberal democracies. In liberal democracy, there is a balance between different branches of power, and citizens share a socio-political consciousness of the individualistic type. In illiberal democracy, the executive branch of power – although it has been democratically chosen – has an advantage over the two other kinds of power, and citizens share a socio-political consciousness of the collectivist type. Those differences result in diverse reactions of the authorities to a situation of threat. The political authorities of an illiberal democracy react faster in comparison with the political authorities in liberal democracies that react slower. Also, the attitude of citizens toward the introduced restrictions varied. Societies of illiberal democracies are more self-disciplined and more willing to accept restrictions from above. Whereas societies of liberal democracies are more individualistic and less willing to accept limitations. In the fourth part of my paper, I analyze briefly the influence of the pandemic on globalization processes and on the relations between the EU and the nation states in Europe. In the summary (chapter five), I predict that the mass use of modern technologies to control social life and strengthening of the sovereignty of nation states will be the two most important effects of the pandemic.
Samorząd terytorialny w perspektywie personalizmu społecznego
Authors: Wójcik Stanisław
Published: April 2020

W artykule zarysowano program naprawczy samorządu terytorialnego w oparciu o nowy prąd doktrynalny – personalizm społeczny. Wskazuje on nowe możliwości reformowania ustroju i funkcjonowania samorządu, postaw osobowych. Jest to nowa droga rozwoju społeczności lokalnych promująca idee i wiedzę humanistyczną, etyczną, próbuje skorygować dominujący nurt liberalizmu, który coraz bardziej podlega degeneracji.
Morphometry of inland Common TernsSterna hirundoin Croatia and Slovenia
Authors: Kralj Jelena , Martinović Miloš , Tome Davorin , Jurinović Luka , Galov Ana , Svetličić Ida
Published: April 2020

Morphometric data on Common Terns breeding in Croatia and Slovenia are presented herewith for the first time. 130 breeding adult Common TernsSterna hirundowere measured between 2016 and 2019 along the Sava and Drava Rivers. Sex was determined for 53 birds: 22 males and 31 females. Significant sexual differences were found for head and bill length, length of bill to skull, and bill depth. Croatian and Slovenian terns had slightly shorter wings and tails compared to birds from the Netherlands, Germany and England and were lighter than birds from Germany and Italy. Head, bill and tarsus lengths were similar to those in north European populations. Contrary to results from Scotland, in our studied population, birds with head and bill lengths >79.0 mm could not be sexed as males reliably.
Sustained Visual Priming Effects Can Emerge from Attentional Oscillation and Temporal Expectation
Authors: Wang Muzhi , Huang Yan , Luo Huan , Zhang Hang
Published: April 2020

Priming refers to the influence that a previously encountered object exerts on future responses to similar objects. For many years, visual priming has been known as a facilitation and sometimes an inhibition effect that lasts for an extended period of time. It contrasts with the recent finding of an oscillated priming effect where facilitation and inhibition alternate over time periodically. Here we developed a computational model of visual priming that combines rhythmic sampling of the environment (attentional oscillation) with active preparation for future events (temporal expectation). Counterintuitively, it shows that both the sustained and oscillated priming effects can emerge from an interaction between attentional oscillation and temporal expectation. The interaction also leads to novel predictions, such as the change of visual priming effects with temporal expectation and attentional oscillation. Reanalysis of two published datasets and the results of two new experiments of visual priming tasks with male and female human participants provide support for the model's relevance to human behavior. More generally, our model offers a new perspective that may unify the increasing findings of behavioral and neural oscillations with the classic findings in visual perception and attention.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThere is increasing behavioral and neural evidence that visual attention is a periodic process that sequentially samples different alternatives in the theta frequency range. It contrasts with the classic findings of sustained facilitatory or inhibitory attention effects. How can an oscillatory perceptual process give rise to sustained attention effects? Here we make this connection by proposing a computational model for a “fruit fly” visual priming task and showing both the sustained and oscillated priming effects can have the same origin: an interaction between rhythmic sampling of the environment and active preparation for future events. One unique contribution of our model is to predict how temporal contexts affects priming. It also opens up the possibility of reinterpreting other attention-related classic phenomena.
A Causal Role for Mouse Superior Colliculus in Visual Perceptual Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Lupeng , McAlonan Kerry , Goldstein Sheridan , Gerfen Charles R. , Krauzlis Richard J.
Published: April 2020

The superior colliculus (SC) is arguably the most important visual structure in the mouse brain and is well known for its involvement in innate responses to visual threats and prey items. In other species, the SC plays a central role in voluntary as well as innate visual functions, including crucial contributions to selective attention and perceptual decision-making. In the mouse, the possible role of the SC in voluntary visual choice behaviors has not been established. Here, we demonstrate that the mouse SC of both sexes plays a causal role in visual perceptual decision-making by transiently inhibiting SC activity during an orientation change detection task. First, unilateral SC inhibition-induced spatially specific deficits in detection. Hit rates were reduced, and reaction times increased for orientation changes in the contralateral but not ipsilateral visual field. Second, the deficits caused by SC inhibition were specific to a temporal epoch coincident with early visual burst responses in the SC. Inhibiting SC during this 100-ms period caused a contralateral detection deficit, whereas inhibition immediately before or after did not. Third, SC inhibition reduced visual detection sensitivity. Psychometric analysis revealed that inhibiting SC visual activity significantly increased detection thresholds for contralateral orientation changes. In addition, effects on detection thresholds and lapse rates caused by SC inhibition were larger in the presence of a competing visual stimulus, indicating a role for the mouse SC in visual target selection. Together, our results demonstrate that the mouse SC is necessary for the normal performance of voluntary visual choice behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mouse superior colliculus (SC) has become a popular model for studying the circuit organization and development of the visual system. Although the SC is a fundamental component of the visual pathways in mice, its role in visual perceptual decision-making is not clear. By investigating how temporally precise SC inhibition influenced behavioral performance during a visually guided orientation change detection task, we identified a 100-ms temporal epoch of SC visual activity that is crucial for the ability of mice to detect behaviorally relevant visual changes. In addition, we found that SC inhibition also caused deficits in visual target selection. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of the SC for visual perceptual choice behavior in the mouse.
Simulación y programación del sistema que rige el péndulo compuesto
Authors: Nieves Vanegas Sergio Samuel
Published: April 2020

El estudio sobre el problema del péndulo compuesto por teorías de aproximación permite comprender el comportamiento numérico de la ecuación diferencial que rige dicho suceso. En este análisis se soluciona la ecuación diferencial de forma analítica y numérica, para la solución numérica se utilizó el método de Runge-Kutta de cuarto orden para un sistema de ecuaciones diferenciales, posteriormente se calculan las raíces usando los métodos de Bisección y de Newton de la función que se obtiene de solucionar la ecuación diferencial del péndulo compuesto utilizando el razonamiento analítico. También se hace el análisis y comparación de la efectividad de los métodos empleados tanto para la solución de ecuaciones diferenciales como para el cálculo de raíces.