bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold determination in soil by ICP-MS: comparison of sample pretreatment methods
Authors: Tang Xiaodan , Li Bing , Lu Jilong , Liu Hongyan , Zhao Yuyan
Published: October 2020

At present, the direct gold determination in geological samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is still an arduous challenge due to both spectral and background interferences. It is very important and necessary to study the pretreatment processes; therefore, the polyurethane foam treatment and sample digestion methods are explored and compared here. The experimental results showed that the gold adsorption rate of treated foam was significantly improved as the impurities in the foam were cleaned up, and the potential difference of the liquid membrane was increased. Meanwhile, the combination of the foam enrichment and thiourea desorption achieved the selective adsorption and desorption of gold ions, eliminated the interference of coexisting ions, and perfected the detection limits. Compared with the traditional electric heating plate digestion method, microwave digestion, a closed digestion method, had the advantages of less sample and reagent dosage, short time consumption, high degree of automation, thorough digestion, good security, and environmental friendliness and met the requirements of green chemistry development. The proposed microwave digestion-foam enrichment-thiourea desorption-ICP-MS determination method was applied to the gold test in soil samples of the actual gold mining area. It has the great potential as a routine laboratory procedure.
Non-boundaries of style represented in fashion Instagram: a social media platform as a digital space–time
Authors: Suh Sungeun
Published: October 2020

This study qualitatively examines the “non-boundaries of style” represented in fashion on a social media platform. The term “non-boundary” refers to a nonlinear boundary or distinction based on the more flexible time and space in the digital era, rather than a space at a certain time. Based on a theoretical review of media ecology, that is, how the media environment transforms human experience and affects society and culture, the spatial and temporal aspects of digital platforms were characterized as transcendental, open social, realistic virtual, and aesthetic spaces in everyday lives. The fashion-related images from the Instagram account of global fashion influencer Susanna Lau (@susiebubble), uploaded from May 2012–June 2019, were then analyzed, including their titles, caption content, hashtags, and followers’ commentary. Analysis showed that the images represent a digital lifestyle and trace the non-boundaries of style across the binaries of work–leisure, public–private, real–virtual, and geography–culture.
Contextual interference in children with brain lesions: protocol of a pilot study investigating blocked vs. random practice order of an upper limb robotic exergame
Authors: Graser Judith V. , Bastiaenen Caroline H. G. , Keller Urs , van Hedel Hubertus J. A.
Published: October 2020

Background

If adults practice several motor tasks together, random practice leads to better transfer and retention compared to blocked practice. Knowledge about this contextual interference (CI) effect could be valuable to improve neurorehabilitation of children. We present the protocol of a randomised controlled pilot study investigating the feasibility of blocked practice vs. random practice of robot-assisted upper limb reaching in children with brain lesions undergoing neurorehabilitation.

Methods

Children with affected upper limb function due to congenital or acquired brain lesions undergoing neurorehabilitation will be recruited for a randomised controlled pilot study with a 3-week procedure. In the control week (1), two assessment blocks (robot-assisted reaching tasks, Melbourne assessment 2, subscale fluency), 2 days apart, take place. In the practice week (2), participants are randomly allocated to blocked practice or random practice and perform 480 reaching and backward movements in the horizontal and vertical plane using exergaming with an exoskeleton robot per day during three consecutive days. Assessments are performed before, directly after and 1 day after the practice sessions. In the follow-up week (3), participants perform the assessments 1 week after the final practice session. The primary outcome is the immediate transfer of the Melbourne Assessment 2, subscale fluency. Secondary outcomes are the immediate retention, 1-day and 1-week delayed transfer and retention and acquisition during the practice sessions. We will evaluate the feasibility of the inclusion criteria, the recruitment rate, the scheduling procedure, the randomisation procedure, the procedure for the participants, the handling of the robot, the handling of the amount of data, the choice of the outcome measures and the influence of other therapies. Furthermore, we will perform a power calculation using the data to estimate the sample size for the main trial.

Discussion

The protocol of the pilot study is a first step towards a future main randomised controlled trial. This low risk pilot study might induce some benefits for the participants. However, we need to place its results into perspective, especially concerning the generalisability, as it remains questionable whether improving reaching constrained within a robotic device will ameliorate daily life reaching tasks.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02443857
How stakeholders’ data literacy contributes to student success in higher education: a goal-oriented analysis
Authors: Yang Nan , Li Tong
Published: October 2020

Student success is becoming a shared vision for quality in higher education. Majority data in higher education have not been transformed into actionable insights for quality enhancement. Data are dispersed among stakeholders, and stakeholders’ data literacy influences the effectiveness of using data for student success. However, existing studies mainly focus on students’ data literacy; the analysis of other stakeholders’ data literacy for student success is still few. This study aims to explore how stakeholders’ data literacy contributes to student success in a holistic view. The salience model is used to identify core stakeholders. The goal-modeling language iStar is used to present how stakeholders contribute to student success. A competencies matrix of data literacy is used to discuss the specific data literacy competencies that stakeholders should focus on promoting student success. A survey is conducted to validate the goal-oriented analysis and the discussions on specific competencies of data literacy for stakeholders. The goal-oriented analysis presents the complexity of interactions and dependencies among stakeholders for student success. This study helps to raise stakeholders to be aware of the importance of their data literacy and the necessity of collaboration on exploiting vast available data for student success.
Adductor canal block to manage flexion contracture deformity (FCD) of knee before total knee replacement (TKR) ‐ a case report
Authors: Ashok Jadon , Pavan Sudarshan , Neelam Sinha , Swastika Chakraborty
Published: October 2020

Background

The fixed contracture deformity (FCD) which is often present in patients awaiting total knee replacement (TKR) affects the surgical outcome. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the severity of the FCD before the TKR surgery. Physiotherapy, including active stretching and exercise to increase range of motion are commonly practiced techniques. However, due to the presence of pain, patients are often unable to cooperate and perform exercise up-to the desired levels. We used continuous adductor canal block (CACB) in two patients with severe FCD scheduled for TKR surgery to decrease their pain during physiotherapy and to help them in increasing their range of motion to achieve early fitness for surgery. This approach is not documented and published earlier in the medical literature.

Case presentation

Two female patients aged 58 and 68 years were scheduled for TKR surgery with severe flexion contracture deformity of both limbs (70°–90°). Due to severe contracture deformity surgeon suggested improvement in ROM before surgery. Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block was given, and catheters were inserted in the adductor canal. Continuous infusion of local anesthetic and bolus injection before active stretching was given. Both patients had good pain relief in existing arthritic pain and pain during active stretching. The flexion deformity was reduced in both the patients up to 30°. The technique of adductor can block with continuous infusion also provided excellent postoperative analgesia and helped in early mobilization without affecting the muscle strength of lower limbs.

Conclusion

In two patients of severe flexion contracture deformity, the continuous adductor canal block helped to reduce the degree of deformity before the total knee replacement surgery. It also provided excellent pain relief in postoperative pain and helped in early postoperative mobilization without muscle weakness.
Evaluating visitor experience of digital interpretation and presentation technologies at cultural heritage sites: a case study of the old town, Zuoying
Authors: Liu Ying
Published: October 2020

Digital technologies are increasingly used in the interpretation and presentation process at cultural heritage sites, shifting the manner of heritage display from previous ways, which tended to be monolithic and static, to a more diversified, experiential, and interactive approach and enabling new connections between heritage and the public. Digital experience is gradually becoming an important component of visitors’ heritage experience. However, little attention has been paid to the influence and effects that these technologies have on the visitor experience, and a corresponding measurement framework for the heritage digital experience is still lacking. To contribute to the design, implementation, and management of digital display systems at cultural heritage sites, this research aims to evaluate visitors’ expectations, acceptance, and experience of digital interpretation and presentation technologies. A mixed methodology, combining questionnaires based on a digital experience evaluation framework and semi-structured interviews, was adopted and used in Old Zuoying City (OZC), a typical heritage site for the application of digital display technologies in Taiwan. Our study indicates that digital display technologies received high acceptance from heritage visitors and had a positive impact on some specific aspects, such as encouraging their exploration of and further learning about the site, helping them better visualize the richness of heritage, and creating new experiences of perceiving, engaging, and communicating with history. In addition, based on the survey findings, a number of recommendations for the current stage of digital display design are presented. The survey results and evaluation framework can be used as a reference for other research on heritage visitors and to improve digital interpretation and presentation design.
Mortality and suicide in schizophrenia: 21-year follow-up in rural China
Authors: Ran Mao-Sheng , Xiao Yunyu , Fazel Seena , Lee Yeonjin , Luo Wei , Hu Shi-Hui , Yang Xin , Liu Bo , Brink Maria , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Chen Eric Yu-Hai , Chan Cecilia Lai-Wan
Published: October 2020

Background

Little is known about the trend and predictors of 21-year mortality and suicide patterns in persons with schizophrenia.

Aims

To explore the trend and predictors of 21-year mortality and suicide in persons with schizophrenia in rural China.

Method

This longitudinal follow-up study included 510 persons with schizophrenia who were identified in a mental health survey of individuals (≥15 years old) in 1994 in six townships of Xinjin County, Chengdu, China, and followed up in three waves until 2015. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox hazard regressions were conducted.

Results

Of the 510 participants, 196 died (38.4% mortality) between 1994 and 2015; 13.8% of the deaths (n = 27) were due to suicide. Life expectancy was lower for men than for women (50.6 v. 58.5 years). Males consistently showed higher rates of mortality and suicide than females. Older participants had higher mortality (hazard ratio HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05) but lower suicide rates (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93–0.98) than their younger counterparts. Poor family attitudes were associated with all-cause mortality and death due to other causes; no previous hospital admission and a history of suicide attempts independently predicted death by suicide.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest there is a high mortality and suicide rate in persons with schizophrenia in rural China, with different predictive factors for mortality and suicide. It is important to develop culture-specific, demographically tailored and community-based mental healthcare and to strengthen family intervention to improve the long-term outcome of persons with schizophrenia.
Impact of Food and Drink Administration Vehicles on Paediatric Formulation Performance Part 2: Dissolution of Montelukast Sodium and Mesalazine Formulations
Authors: Martir J. , Flanagan T. , Mann J. , Fotaki Nikoletta
Published: October 2020

Paediatric medicines are not always age-appropriate, causing problems with dosing, acceptability and adherence. The use of food and drinks as vehicles for medicine co-administration is common practice, yet the impact on drug bioavailability, safety and efficacy remains unaddressed. The aim of this study was to use in vitro dissolution testing, under infant simulating conditions, to evaluate the effect of co-administration with vehicles on the dissolution performance of two poorly soluble paediatric drugs. Dissolution studies of mesalazine and montelukast formulations were conducted with mini-paddle apparatus on a two-stage approach: simulated gastric fluid followed by addition of simulated intestinal fluid. The testing scenarios were designed to reflect daily administration practices: direct administration of formulation; formulation co-administered with food and drinks, both immediately after mixing and 4 h after mixing. Drug dissolution was significantly affected by medicine co-administration with vehicles, compared to the direct administration of formulation. Furthermore, differences were observed on drug dissolution when the formulations were mixed with different vehicles of the same subtype. The time between preparation and testing of the drug-vehicle mixture also impacted dissolution behaviour. Drug dissolution was shown to be significantly affected by the physicochemical properties and composition of the vehicles, drug solubility in each vehicle and drug/formulation characteristics. Ultimately, in this study, we show the potential of age-appropriate in vitro dissolution testing as a useful biopharmaceutical tool for estimating drug dissolution in conditions relevant to the paediatric population. The setup developed has potential to evaluate the impact of medicine co-administration with vehicles on paediatric formulation performance.
Treatment-Induced Neuropathy of Diabetes in Youth: Case Series of a Heterogeneous and Challenging Complication
Authors: Alexandrou Eirene G , Corathers Sarah D , Lahoti Amit , Redel Jacob , Tellez Siobhan , Yayah Jones Nana-Hawa , Kim Ahlee
Published: October 2020

Treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes (TIND) is a small fiber neuropathy precipitated by rapid correction of hyperglycemia. Literature on TIND in pediatric diabetes is scarce. We present 7 cases of TIND in children and young adults, increasing awareness of this condition in pediatric diabetes and broadening the scope of published knowledge.
Evaluation and Management of the Physiologically Difficult Airway: Consensus Recommendations From Society for Airway Management
Authors: Kornas Rebecca L. , Owyang Clark G. , Sakles John C. , Foley Lorraine J. , Mosier Jarrod M. ,   on behalf of the Society for Airway Management’s Special Projects Committee
Published: October 2020

Multiple international airway societies have created guidelines for the management of the difficult airway. In critically ill patients, there are physiologic derangements beyond inadequate airway protection or hypoxemia. These risk factors contribute to the “physiologically difficult airway” and are associated with complications including cardiac arrest and death. Importantly, they are largely absent from international guidelines. Thus, we created management recommendations for the physiologically difficult airway to provide practical guidance for intubation in the critically ill. Through multiple rounds of in-person and telephone conferences, a multidisciplinary working group of 12 airway specialists (Society for Airway Management’s Special Projects Committee) over a time period of 3 years (2016–2019) reviewed airway physiology topics in a modified Delphi fashion. Consensus agreement with the following recommendations among working group members was generally high with 80% of statements showing agreement within a 10% range on a sliding scale from 0% to 100%. We limited the scope of this analysis to reflect the resources and systems of care available to out-of-operating room adult airway providers. These recommendations reflect the practical application of physiologic principles to airway management available during the analysis time period.
Epidural Administration of Ropivacaine Reduces the Amplitude of Transcranial Electrical Motor–Evoked Potentials: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Furutani Kenta , Tobita Toshiyuki , Ishii Hideaki , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Mitsuma Yusuke , Kamiya Yoshinori , Baba Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:

An epidurally administered local anesthetic acts primarily on the epidural nerve roots and can act directly on the spinal cord through the dural sleeve. We hypothesized that epidurally administered ropivacaine would reduce the amplitude of transcranial electrical motor–evoked potentials by blocking nerve conduction in the spinal cord. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

METHODS:

Thirty adult patients who underwent lung surgery were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups, based on the ropivacaine concentration: the 0.2% group, the 0.375% group, and the 0.75% group. The attending anesthesiologists, neurophysiologists, and patients were blinded to the allocation. The epidural catheter was inserted at the T5–6 or T6–7 interspace by a paramedian approach, using the loss of resistance technique with normal saline. General anesthesia was induced and maintained using propofol and remifentanil. Transcranial electrical motor–evoked potentials were elicited by a train of 5 pulses with an interstimulus interval of 2 milliseconds by using a constant-voltage stimulator and were recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle. Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) were evoked by electrical tibial nerve stimulation at the popliteal fossa. After measuring the baseline values of these evoked potentials, 10 mL of epidural ropivacaine was administered at the 0.2%, 0.375%, or 0.75% concentration. The baseline amplitudes and latencies recorded before administering ropivacaine were defined as 100%. Our primary end point was the relative amplitude of the motor-evoked potentials at 60 minutes after the epidural administration of ropivacaine. We analyzed the amplitudes and latencies of these evoked potentials by using the Kruskal-Wallis test and used the Dunn multiple comparison test as the post hoc test for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

The data are expressed as the median (interquartile range). Sixty minutes after epidurally administering ropivacaine, the motor-evoked potential amplitude was lower in the 0.75% group (7% [3%–18%], between-group difference P < .001) and in the 0.375% group (52% [43%–59%]) compared to that in the 0.2% group (96% [89%–105%]). The latency of SSEP was longer in the 0.75% group compared to that in the 0.2% group, but the amplitude was unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Epidurally administered high-dose ropivacaine lowered the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials and prolonged the onset latencies of motor-evoked potentials and SSEPs compared to those in the low-dose group. High-dose ropivacaine can act on the motor pathway through the dura mater.
Short- and Long-Term Stroboscopic Training Effects on Visuomotor Performance in Elite Youth Sports. Part 1: Reaction and Behavior
Authors: HÜLSDÜNKER THORBEN , GUNASEKARA NADIRA , MIERAU ANDREAS
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Recent research suggests that stroboscopic training is an effective tool to improve visual and visuomotor performance. However, many studies were limited by small samples, short training interventions, inexperienced athletes, and an exclusive focus on short-term effects. This first part of the study evaluates the short- and long-term effects of stroboscopic training on visuomotor reaction speed in elite athletes.

Methods

Forty-five young elite badminton athletes participated in this study, of which 32 (13.7 yr) were included in the final data analysis. Participants were assigned to an intervention (stroboscopic vision) or control group (normal vision). Both groups performed identical badminton-specific training drills implemented into the regular training schedule. Before and after a 10-wk training period and after a 6-wk retention interval, athletes performed a laboratory reaction test to determine EMG onset and visuomotor reaction time (VMRT). In addition, a field test investigated stroboscopic training effects on the quality of ball–racquet contact and net drop performance.

Results

VMRT decreased immediately after stroboscopic training (pre, 251 ms; post, 238 ms; P = 0.005, d = 0.63), and reactions remained significantly faster after the retention interval (retention, 241 ms; P = 0.041, d = 0.50). Analyses on EMG onset data suggested these adaptations were attributable to the premotor rather than the motor time. VMRT remained unchanged in the control group (pre, 252 ms; post, 256; retention, 253 ms; P > 0.99). Field test performance improvements were observed for the quality of ball–racquet contact and net drop performance; however, changes were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Stroboscopic training induced short- and long-term accelerations of visuomotor reaction speed in elite badminton players. Stroboscopic eyewear may be an effective training tool to accelerate visuomotor reactions in highly skilled athletes.
Aligning Information Technology and Business: The Differential Effects of Alignment During Investment Planning, Delivery, and Change
Authors: Saldanha Terence J. V. , Lee Dongwon , Mithas Sunil
Published: October 2020

Digital transformations often require firms to align and synchronize their information technology (IT) and business initiatives. In this context, one important question that managers face is where they should focus most when aligning IT and business for leveraging IT investment for firm performance. Authors argue that firms that focus on IT–business alignment at the later stages (i.e., IT delivery and IT change) are better able to translate their IT investment into revenue than firms that focus on IT–business alignment at the early stage (i.e., IT investment planning) of the IT lifecycle. They use archival data from more than 120 firms in India and find that the positive relationship between IT investment and firm revenue is stronger for firms that focus on IT delivery–business alignment or IT change–business alignment than for firms that focus on IT investment planning–business alignment. In addition, they find that at higher levels of IT investment, firms that focus on IT change–business alignment or IT delivery–business alignment have higher revenue than firms that focus on IT investment planning–business alignment, whereas at low levels of IT investment, firms that focus on IT investment planning–business alignment outperform firms that focus on IT delivery–business alignment or IT change–business alignment. Taken together, these findings can help managers to improve the success of their digital transformation efforts by tailoring their alignment efforts across planning, delivery, and change stages.
Understanding COVID-19 in at-risk patients
Authors: Perry Margaret Ann
Published: October 2020

People with underlying health conditions have been shown to be at greater risk from COVID-19. Margaret Ann Perry explains what has been learnt so far

Coronavirus and COVID-19 hit the headlines at the end of January 2020 when the first cases in the UK were confirmed. Since then the condition has continued to dominate the headlines as the number of deaths has risen around the world. People with underlying health conditions have been found to be at greater risk of severe disease. This article gives information on what has been learnt so far.
Homology Modeling of Bifunctional Enzyme Alanine Racemase from Taibaiella Chishuiensis
Authors: lemar Gulsanga , Danish Far Farid Ahmad
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT: Alanine Racemase from Taibaiella chishuiensis bacteria is one of the bifunctional enzymes that catalyze the L- and D-alanine racemization of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in bacteria and ligation (UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-Tripeptide-D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase). It had two EC numbers 5.1.1.1 and 6.3.2.10 respectively. This enzyme is an important target for antimicrobial drug productions or inhibitor design. However, the 3D structure of Alanine Racemase from Taibaiella or UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-tripeptide-D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase/alanine racemase has remained unknown. Thus, this study modeled and validated the 3D structure of the enzyme in the query. The bioinformatics tools/databases and software such as BRENDA, NCBI, UniProt, Clustal Omega, ProtParam, Swiss model, Phyre2, GOR, PROCHECK, and PyMOL were used for modeling, validation, and structural comparison. From the sequence and 3D structure analysis, it is indicated that Alanine racemase from Taibaiella had the same active and binding sites with the reference enzymes. Thus, we were able to study the similarities and differences in the sequence and structural properties of alanine racemase in two different bacteria. Finally, it was found that our enzyme has two parts for two different functions (racemization and ligation). The predicted model of alanine racemase of T. chishuiensis from this study could serve as a useful model for further study regarding the other bifunctional enzymes structure and function as well as drug design projects.
Performance evaluation of a digital holographic camera under variable source power and exposure time
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav , Pensia Lavlesh , Debnath Sanjit K. , Kumar Raj
Published: October 2020

In this work, quality evaluation of a reconstructed amplitude image in digital holography is presented. The digital holograms are recorded using three different digital holographic experimental configurations, namely, conventional off-axis digital holography, concave-lens-based digital holography, and the digital holographic camera developed for non-destructive testing applications [Opt. Lasers Eng. 137, 106359 (2021)OLENDN0143-816610.1016/j.optlaseng.2020.106359]. The quality of reconstructed images is measured by calculating the quality evaluation parameters such as speckle index, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and structural similarity index measure for these experimental configurations. Optimization of the power of the light source and exposure time of the recording sensor is performed for the three configurations based on the quality evaluation of reconstructed images. A comparison of the quality of reconstructed images is made for the three experimental configurations to analyze their performance for different source power and exposure time of the recording image sensor.
Drivers of spectral optical scattering by particles in the upper 500 m of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Organelli Emanuele , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Brewin Robert J. W. , Nencioli Francesco , Tarran Glen A.
Published: October 2020

Optical models have been proposed to relate spectral variations in the beam attenuation (cp) and optical backscattering (bbp) coefficients to marine particle size distributions (PSDs). However, due to limited PSD data, particularly in the open ocean, optically derived PSDs suffer from large uncertainties and we have a poor empirical understanding of the drivers of spectral cp and bbp coefficients. Here we evaluated PSD optical proxies and investigated their drivers by analyzing an unprecedented dataset of co-located PSDs, phytoplankton abundances and optical measurements collected across the upper 500 m of the Atlantic Ocean. The spectral slope of cp was correlated (r>0.59) with the slope of the PSD only for particles with diameters >1 µm and also with eukaryotic phytoplankton concentrations. No significant relationships between PSDs and the spectral slope of bbp were observed. In the upper 200 m, the bbp spectral slope was correlated to the light absorption by particles (ap; r<-0.54) and to the ratio of cyanobacteria to eukaryotic phytoplankton. This latter correlation was likely the consequence of the strong relationship we observed between ap and the concentration of eukaryotic phytoplankton (r=0.83).
Simulation and experimental study of laser-induced thermal deformation of spectral beam combination grating
Authors: Wang Hanbin , Song Yinglin , Yang Yifeng , Xian Yuqiao , You Yang , Liu Meizhong , Yuan Zhijun , Wei Taihui , He Bing , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2020

The multilayer dielectric (MLD) grating is a critical device for combining multiple laser beams into a single beam in a spectral beam combining (SBC) system. We established a theoretical thermal deformation model of the laser-irradiated MLD grating. Thermal deformation on the surface of the grating is simulated according to a series of parameters including the laser irradiation time, laser power density, and substrate size. To verify the model, we exposed a 960 l/mm, 50×50×1.5 mm3 grating to a laser power density of 3.61 kW/cm2 and observed the temperature change. We used a Twyman-Green interferometer to measure the interference fringes on the grating surface. Based on the Fourier-transform method and a Zernike polynomial fitting method, the real-time grating surface profile is reconstructed. The results show that substrate thickness increase or area decrease can reduce thermal deformation, the average decreases are 18.3% and 19.9%, respectively. The discussion and analysis of the grating thermal deformation are potentially valuable for designing grating to decrease the thermal deformation and improve the combined beam quality of a SBC system.
Bound states in the continuum enable modulation of light intensity in the Faraday configuration
Authors: Ignatyeva D. O. , Belotelov V. I.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, magneto-optical effect that reveals itself in light intensity modulation without polarization rotation in the Faraday configuration. We design a photonic crystal with a magnetized optical cavity that supports bound states in the continuum (BICs), since it simultaneously provides the extended state (continuum) for TM polarization, and the bound (localized) state in the form of a cavity mode for TE-polarized light. Magnetization of the photonic crystal in the Faraday configuration results in efficient polarization conversion and trapping of the acquired TE components of the TM incident light inside the magnetized optical cavity. As a result, a BIC manifests itself as a significant magneto-optical modulation of transmitted light intensity, while its polarization is preserved. Therefore, the proposed structure is promising for magnetic control of light in various applications.
Characterization and application of nonlinear plastic materials for
post-CPA pulse compression
Authors: Tamer I. , Hornung M. , Lukas L. , Hellwing M. , Keppler S. , Van Hull R. , Hein J. , Zepf M. , Kaluza M. C.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the three-fold post-chirped-pulse-amplification (post-CPA) pulse compression of a high peak power laser pulse using allyl diglycol carbonate (CR39), which was selected as the optimal material for near-field self-phase modulation out of a set of various nonlinear plastic materials, each characterized with respect to its nonlinear refractive index and optical transmission. The investigated materials could be applied for further pulse compression at high peak powers, as well as for gain narrowing compensation within millijoule-class amplifiers. The post-CPA pulse compression technique was tested directly after the first CPA stage within the POLARIS laser system, with the compact setup containing a single 1 mm thick plastic sample and a chirped mirror pair, which enabled a substantial shortening of the compressed pulse duration and, hence, a significant increase in the laser peak power without any additional modifications to the existing CPA chain.
Smart Dust und Micro Robots im industriellen Sektor
Authors: Holler Manuel , Dremel Christian , van Giffen Benjamin , Fuchs Rainer
Published: October 2020

Neben der massiven Erhöhung der Leistungsfähigkeit ist die radikale Miniaturisierung von Technologien ein zentraler Aspekt des digitalen Zeitalters – auch im Bereich der Robotik. In diesem Kontext stellen Smart Dust und Micro Robots mikro-elektro-mechanische Systeme im Sub-Millimeter-Bereich dar, je nach Ausprägung mit Sensorik‑, Verarbeitungs‑, Kommunikations- und Aktuatorikfähigkeiten ausgestattet. Dieser praxisorientierte Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Rolle von Smart Dust und Micro Robots im industriellen Sektor auf der Evidenzgrundlage von Fokusgruppen mit Industrievertretern. Interessierten Fach- und Führungskräften wird aufgezeigt, welche Potentiale resultieren, welche Hürden gemeistert werden müssen und welche strategische Aktivitäten es zur wertschöpfenden Nutzung in die Wege zu leiten gilt. Auch wenn heute in der Praxis noch schwierig umzusetzen, erkennt die Industrie diese Technologien und den damit verbundenen Mehrwert durchaus an.
A Rad51-independent pathway promotes single-strand template repair in gene editing
Authors: Gallagher Danielle N. , Pham Nhung , Tsai Annie M. , Janto Nicolas V. , Choi Jihyun , Ira Grzegorz , Haber James E.
Published: October 2020

The Rad51/RecA family of recombinases perform a critical function in typical repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs): strand invasion of a resected DSB end into a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) template sequence to initiate repair. However, repair of a DSB using single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a template, a common method of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, is Rad51-independent. We have analyzed the genetic requirements for these Rad51-independent events inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby creating a DSB with the site-specific HO endonuclease and repairing the DSB with 80-nt single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODNs), and confirmed these results by Cas9-mediated DSBs in combination with a bacterial retron system that produces ssDNA templatesin vivo. We show that single strand template repair (SSTR), is dependent on Rad52, Rad59, Srs2 and the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX) complex, but unlike other Rad51-independent recombination events, independent of Rdh54. We show that Rad59 acts to alleviate the inhibition of Rad51 on Rad52’s strand annealing activity both in SSTR and in single strand annealing (SSA). Gene editing is Rad51-dependent when double-stranded oligonucleotides of the same size and sequence are introduced as templates. The assimilation of mismatches during gene editing is dependent on the activity of Msh2, which acts very differently on the 3’ side of the ssODN which can anneal directly to the resected DSB end compared to the 5’ end. In addition DNA polymerase Polδ’s 3’ to 5’ proofreading activity frequently excises a mismatch very close to the 3’ end of the template. We further report that SSTR is accompanied by as much as a 600-fold increase in mutations in regions adjacent to the sequences directly undergoing repair. These DNA polymerase ζ-dependent mutations may compromise the accuracy of gene editing.
Vertical transmission of zika virus in Aedes albopictus
Authors: Lai Zetian , Zhou Tengfei , Zhou Jiayong , Liu Shuang , Xu Ye , Gu Jinbao , Yan Guiyun , Chen Xiao-Guang
Published: October 2020

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Aedes albopictus is an important vector of ZIKV worldwide. To date, most experiments have focused on the vertical transmission of ZIKV in Ae. aegypti, while studies on Ae. albopictus are very limited. To explore vertical transmission in Ae. albopictus, a series of laboratory studies were carried out.

Methodology/Principal findings

In this study, Ae. albopictus were blood-fed with ZIKV-infectious blood, and the ovaries and offspring viral infection rates were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). ZIKV was detected in the ovaries and oviposited eggs in two gonotrophic cycles. The minimum filial egg infection rates in two gonotrophic cycles were 2.06% and 0.69%, and the effective population transmission rate was 1.87%. The hatching, pupation, and emergence rates of infected offspring were not significantly different from those of uninfected offspring, indicating that ZIKV did not prevent the offspring from completing the growth and development process. ZIKV was detected in three of thirteen C57BL/6 suckling mice bitten by ZIKV-positive F1 females, and the viremia persisted for at least seven days.

Conclusions/Significance

ZIKV can be vertically transmitted in Ae. albopictus via transovarial transmission. The vertical transmission rates in F1 eggs and adults were 2.06% and 1.87%, respectively. Even though the vertical transmission rates were low, the female mosquitoes infected via the congenital route horizontally transmitted ZIKV to suckling mice through bloodsucking. This is the first experimental evidence of offspring with vertically transmitted ZIKV initiating new horizontal transmission. The present study deepens the understanding of the vertical transmission of flaviviruses in Aedes mosquitoes and sheds light on the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases.
A caminho da reforma administrativa
Authors: Azevedo Ana Carina
Published: October 2020

Desde os anos de 1950 vinham a desenvolver-se estudos e reflexões em torno da necessidade de melhorar o nível de produtividade da Administração Pública portuguesa. São feitas algumas tentativas de simplificação e desburocratização do trabalho administrativo, porém, estas mantêm-se parciais e não chegam a apresentar um plano de conjunto. Para superar estas limitações tornava-se necessário que as medidas reformistas fossem sistematizadas e coordenadas com os objetivos do desenvolvimento económico e social. E, para tal, deveria ser estabelecido um órgão técnico central impulsionador e coordenador da reforma. Sendo constantemente adiado, apenas em 1965 seria dado um passo concreto para a sua criação, com o surgimento do Grupo de Trabalho n.º 14 no seio da Comissão Interministerial de Planeamento e Integração Económica. Este organismo foi incumbido dos estudos preparatórios para a reforma administrativa e acabaria por ser responsável pela criação do órgão central afeto à mesma: o Secretariado da Reforma Administrativa. Partindo do seu espólio, em grande medida inédito, este artigo pretende analisar a constituição e os principais temas estudados pelo Grupo de Trabalho e o modo como estes ajudaram a definir as linhas orientadoras do Secretariado da Reforma Administrativa e do subsequente projeto de reforma da Administração Pública portuguesa.
Situación del Dietista-Nutricionista en el Sistema Nacional de Salud Español: Documento de posicionamiento del Grupo de Especialización en Nutrición Clínica y Dietética de la Academia Española de Nutrición y Dietética
Authors: Benítez Brito Nestor , Soto Célix María , Monasterio Jiménez Oihana , Cabo García Liliana , Álvarez Trenco Pamela
Published: October 2020

En España, la Ley 44/2003 de Ordenación de las Profesiones Sanitarias considera al Dietista-Nutricionista (DN) un profesional sanitario desde el año 2003. Esta norma con rango de ley habilita a este profesional como el experto sanitario de referencia en el tratamiento dietético-nutricional. Sin embargo, hasta ahora la presencia de este colectivo en el ámbito sanitario público español ha sido limitada, a pesar de los múltiples estudios que avalan la intervención coste-beneficio de este profesional en el Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). En visos de mejora, en el año 2009 se realizó la primera declaración de postura sobre la incorporación del colectivo de DN al SNS español. Ahora, transcurrida una década, se hace necesario valorar el grado de incorporación del colectivo, por lo que el Grupo de Especialización en Nutrición Clínica y Dietética de la Academia Española de Nutrición y Dietética emite este documento de posicionamiento para actualizar la situación del DN en el SNS.
Disease Course and Treatment Response of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases in Children With Liver Transplantation: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Ozdogan Elif , Doganay Latife , Can Demet , Arikan Cigdem
Published: October 2020

INTRODUCTION:

To describe the clinical and laboratory profile, natural course, treatment outcome, and risk factors of posttransplant esophageal and nonesophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs).

METHODS:

All children (aged <18 years) who underwent liver transplantation, between 2011 and 2019, in a single transplant center with a follow-up period of 1 year or more posttransplant and with a history of posttransplant endoscopic evaluation were included in this study.

RESULTS:

During the study period, 89 children met the inclusion criteria. Patients were followed for a median of 8.0 years. A total of 39 (44%) patients were diagnosed with EGID after transplantation. Of these, 29 (33%) had eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and 10 (11%) had eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis or enterocolitis. In comparison with the non-EGID group, patients with EGID were younger at transplant (P ≤ 0.0001), transplanted more frequently due to biliary atresia (P ≤ 0.0001), and had higher rates of pretransplant allergy (P = 0.019). In the posttransplant period, they had higher rates of mammalian Target of Rapamycin inhibitor use (P = 0.006), Epstein-Barr virus viremia (P = 0.03), post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (P = 0.005), and allergen sensitization (P ≤ 0.0001). In regression analysis, young age at transplant, age at diagnosis, pretransplant atopic dermatitis, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease were associated with an increased risk of EGID or EoE. Laboratory abnormalities such as anemia (P = 0.007), thrombocytosis (P = 0.012), and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.031) were more commonly observed in the eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis or enterocolitis group than in the EoE group. Following treatment, most patients had symptomatic resolution at 3 months and histologic resolution at 6 months postdiagnosis. Among the patients who had 5 years of follow-up, none recurred.

DISCUSSION:

EGID is a common posttransplant diagnosis, which seems to affect patients who are transplanted earlier and who have pretransplant atopy. Posttransplant EGID is responsive to treatment, but as histologic remission occurs after symptomatic resolution, the decision to perform control endoscopy should be delayed.

JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202101000-00031/inline-graphic1/v/2023-07-18T070732Z/r/image-tiff
Parametrização geotécnica para modelagem de suscetibilidade a escorregamentos translacionais em Fradinhos, Vitória-ES
Authors: Effgen Julia Frederica , Rocha Pablo de Azevedo , Pires Patrício José Moreira , Marchioro Eberval
Published: October 2020

Vitória tem tendência a desenvolver processos de escorregamentos translacionais, dadas as características climáticas e de relevo que possui. O modelo SHALSTAB foi utilizado, considerando a coesão dos solos, para avaliar a suscetibilidade a escorregamentos translacionais na bacia de drenagem de Fradinhos, localizada no Maciço Central de Vitória. A parametrização foi feita através de coleta de amostras de solo em três pontos distintos da bacia e realização de ensaios de cisalhamento direto, permeabilidade de carga variável e granulometria. Os solos amostrados têm características de Argissolos desenvolvidos a partir de colúvio, Latossolos e Cambissolos, com associação a declividade. Cerca de 95% da bacia foi modelada como de baixa instabilidade (log Q/T > -2,2), sendo áreas de caráter retilíneo e divergente, com declividade variável. Existe forte associação das áreas instáveis às drenagens, concavidades e zonas de alta declividade. A modelagem com resultados em chuva crítica, que considera a transmissividade hidráulica em sua formulação, tem as zonas de maior instabilidade (com potencial de iniciação de escorregamentos com menos de 2,5mm de chuva) associadas às convergências de drenagem e altas declividades. Ao redor do ponto de solo câmbico, com menor condutividade hidráulica e espessura do solo, a tendência a iniciação de escorregamentos com menor índice pluviométrico é maior. Ao redor do argissosolo formado a partir de colúvio, a chuva crítica para iniciação de escorregamento é maior, com exceção de zonas de alta convergência de fluxos e declividade. O modelo SHASTAB foi uma ferramenta eficiente para a geração de cenários críticos de suscetibilidade a escorregamentos rasos na bacia de Fradinhosm com maior propensão nas encostas côncavas e mais inclinadas.
From niche to mainstream: the dilemmas of scaling up sustainable alternatives
Authors: Augenstein Karoline , Bachmann Boris , Egermann Markus , Hermelingmeier Verena , Hilger Annaliesa , Jaeger-Erben Melanie , Kessler Alexandra , Lam David P.M. , Palzkill Alexandra , Suski Paul , von Wirth Timo
Published: October 2020

At the heart of transition research lies the question of how to “scale up” sustainable alternatives from a protected niche to the creation of mainstream practices.While upscaling processes are often seen as an essential element that contributes to societal transformation,
upscaling itself remains a fuzzy concept.We argue that some fundamental dilemmas of upscaling can be identified, for example, the different understanding of the concept by researchers and practitioners. The dilemmas should be addressed in a more reflexive way by those from the worlds of science
and practice who are involved in collaborative research settings.
Meeting the challenge of (co-)designing real-world laboratories: Insights from the Well-Being Transformation Wuppertal project
Authors: Rose Michael , Maibaum Katrin
Published: October 2020

As transdisciplinary and transformative research approaches, real-world laboratories (RwLs) come with many pitfalls. Their design and implementation place high demands on everyone involved, which means that realistically, things rarely go smoothly. The following Design Report
shares the lessons learned about establishing and adjusting communication and organisational structures in RwLs.What should we take into account when setting up real-world laboratories (RwLs)? In our analysis of the experience of (co-)designing three RwLs within the Well-Being Transformation
Wuppertal research project, we examine both the origin of the project proposal and its implementation, from management, communication and inter- and transdisciplinarity to actor dynamics and recruitment criteria for staff. We especially highlight the effects of the initial co-design phase
(project proposal) on the RwL’s implementation, focusing on the challenges which arose and how these were addressed.We conducted 19 semi-structured interviews, analysed relevant project documentation and reflected on the research team’s own experiences. The transdisciplinary and
transformative dimensions of the RwL approach are the areas where significant lessons were learned. RwLs are unique in their extraordinarily strong need to balance different roles and resources, even as many of their challenges and solutions resemble those which also arise in transdisciplinary
research. The uniqueness of RwLs lies in their objective to co-produce not only socially robust knowledge but also tangible real-world change through experimentation.