bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-particle perovskite lasers: from material properties to cavity design
Authors: Polushkin Artem S. , Tiguntseva Ekaterina Y. , Pushkarev Anatoly P. , Makarov Sergey V.
Published: February 2020

Last decade, halide perovskites demonstrate high potential for efficient, tunable, and cheap photonic sources. Recently, single-particle perovskite lasers of various compositions and shapes with all dimensions close or smaller than the emitted wavelengths were demonstrated experimentally in a broad range of temperatures. In this review, we aim to cover not only the recent progress in the single-particle perovskite lasers but also provide a comprehensive analysis on strategies to achieve the most compact perovskite lasers with the best working parameters.
Frequency-multiplexed pure-phase microwave meta-holograms using bi-spectral 2-bit coding metasurfaces
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Rajabalipanah Hamid , Zhang Lei , Qiang Xiao , Abdolali Ali , Cui Tie Jun
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a dual-band reflective meta-hologram is designed providing two distinct information channels whose field intensity distributions can be independently manipulated at the same time. The proposed pure-phase meta-hologram is composed of several frequency-dispersive coding meta-atoms possessing each of 2-bit digital statuses of “00”, “01”, “10”, and “11” at either the lower (X-band) or the higher (Ku-band) frequency band. Relying on the weighted Gerchberg-Saxton phase retrieval algorithm, different illustrative examples have been provided to theoretically inspect the dual-band performance of our coding meta-hologram. Numerical simulations validate the proposed frequency multiplexing meta-holography with the ability to project two different high-quality images with low cross-talk on two X-band and Ku-band near-field channels located at distinct pre-determined distances from the metasurface plane. As proof of concept, two meta-hologram samples are fabricated, and the experimental results corroborate well the numerical simulations and theoretical predictions. The designed meta-hologram features all fascinating advantages of the coding metasurfaces while its performance overcomes that of previous studies due to providing two information channels rather than the conventional single-channel holography. The frequency multiplexing acquired by the proposed bi-spectral coding meta-hologram may provide great opportunities in a variety of applications, such as data storage and information processing.
All-optical modulation with 2D layered materials: status and prospects
Authors: Chen Haitao , Wang Cong , Ouyang Hao , Song Yufeng , Jiang Tian
Published: February 2020

Optical modulation technique plays a crucial role in photonics technologies, and there is an ever-increasing demand for broadband and ultrafast optical modulation in the era of artificial intelligence. All-optical modulation is known to be able to operate in an ultrafast way and has a broadband response, showing great potential in applications for ultrafast information processing and photonic computing. Two-dimensional (2D) materials with exotic optoelectronic properties bring tremendous new opportunities for all-optical modulators with excellent performance, which have attracted lots of attention recently. In this review, we cover the state-of-art all-optical modulation based on 2D materials, including graphene, transitional metal dichalcogenides, phosphorus, and other novel 2D materials. We present the operations mechanism of different types of all-optical modulators with various configurations, such as fiber-integrated and free-space ones. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by all-optical modulation, as well as offer some future perspectives for the development of all-optical modulation based on 2D materials.
Solar-blind deep-ultraviolet photodetectors based on solution-synthesized quasi-2D Te nanosheets
Authors: Cao Rui , Zhang Ye , Wang Huide , Zeng Yonghong , Zhao Jinlai , Zhang Liyuan , Li Jianqing , Meng Fanxu , Shi Zhe , Fan Dianyuan , Guo Zhinan
Published: February 2020

Solar-blind deep ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors with high responsivity (R) and fast response speed are crucial for practical applications in astrophysical analysis, environmental pollution monitoring, and communication. Recently, 2D tellurium has emerged as a potential optoelectronic material because of its excellent photoelectric properties. In this study, solar-blind DUV photodetectors are demonstrated based on solution-synthesized and air-stable quasi-2D Te nanosheets (Te NSs). An R of 6.5 × 104 A/W at 261 nm and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of higher than 2.26 × 106% were obtained, which are highest among most other 2D material-based solar-blind DUV photodetectors. Moreover, the photoelectric performance of the quasi-2D Te-based photodetector exhibited good stability even after ambient exposure for 90 days without any encapsulation. These results indicate that quasi-2D Te NSs provide a viable approach for developing solar-blind DUV photodetectors with ultrahigh R and EQE.
Into the Grey Zone, Or: How to Track Fading Multiculturalism in Southeastern Europe
Authors: Dippel Anne , Bopp-Filimonov Valeska
Published: February 2020

The exhibition ‘“We Live Word to Word.” Banat – Transylvania – Bukovina. Ethno graffiti of Southeastern Europe’ resulted from an interdisciplinary project seminar at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, based on a team ethnographic journey to Romania and Ukraine. Participants in the seminar, initiated in 2018, investigated how communities and togetherness have been constructed in multiethnic societies. The purpose was to find out what has remained of the region’s multicultural nature after the political changes of 1989. The team made their own observations, recorded interviews, and took notes, the resulting fragments of cultural diversity being later pieced together in the exhibition. Some contributions were colourful—even garish—while others were tender and withdrawn. Combined and linked, the final result seemed like a fleeting picture such as might have been sprayed from the aerosols of a street-artist—a sort of ‘ethnograffiti’. In this article, the authors reflect on how the exhibition was put together.
Effects of topiramate on adipocyte differentiation and gene expression of certain carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes
Authors: Sümer Ayşegül , Keha Eşref Edip , Menteşe Ahmet , Alver Ahmet
Published: February 2020

Background

Topiramate, an antiepileptic drug, besides its known effects in neurons, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and causes weight loss in treated subjects, but, the mechanisms of weight loss effect have not been yet identified..

Objective

In this study, effects of topiramate on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and expressions of carbonic anhydrase I, II, III, VA, VB were investigated to determine possible roles of carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes and adipocytes in weight loss effect of topiramate.

Material and methods

Adipocyte differentiation was detected by Oil Red O staining. Carbonic anhydrase I, II, III, VA, VB expressions were determined by Real-Time PCR method.

Results

It was found that topiramate induced adipogenesis at all concentrations (p < 0.0001). CA expressions increased significantly with adipogenesis (p = 0.0001). Topiramate stimulated adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells and reduced CA II, VA and VB and, an increased CA III expression was observed at low concentrations. CA II, VA and, VB expressions were found increased and CA III expression decreased at high topiramate concentrations.

Conclusion

It was concluded that changes in CA III expression were consistent with its reduction in obesity, alterations of CA II, VA and VB expressions could be attributed to compensation mechanism of cells.
A binuclear Cd(II) complex containing bridging pyrimidine-based ligands
Authors: Hosseini Samireh , Mardani Zahra , Moeini Keyvan , Carpenter-Warren Cameron , Slawin Alexandra M.Z. , Woollins J. Derek
Published: February 2020

In this work, a pyrimidine-based ligand,N′-(amino(pyrimidin-2-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2-carbohydrazonamide hydrate (APPH · H2O), and its binuclear complex of cadmium, [Cd(μ-APPH)Br]2,1, were prepared and identified by elemental analysis, FT-IR,1H NMR spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structure analysis of1revealed octahedrally coordinated cadmium centers with a CdN4Br2environment containing two bridging APPH ligands; each APPH ligand acts as an N4-donor (N2-donor toward each cadmium atom) and forms two five-membered chelate rings that are approximately perpendicular to each other. In the network of1, the N–H · · · Br hydrogen bonds form motifs such asR22(12, 14), R66(24, 26, …, 46).${\rm{R}}_{\rm{2}}^{\rm{2}}(12,{\rm{ }}14),{\rm{ R}}_{\rm{6}}^{\rm{6}}(24,{\rm{ }}26,{\rm{ }} \ldots ,{\rm{ }}46).$The crystal network is further stabilized by π-π stacking interactions between pyrimidine rings. The optimized structures of the ligand and complex were investigated along with their charge distribution patterns by density functional theory and natural bond orbital analysis, respectively.
Educational Attainment Better Increases the Chance of Breast Physical Exam for Non-Hispanic Than Hispanic American Women: National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Assari Shervin , Bazargan Mohsen
Published: February 2020

Background: The Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that the health effect of educational attainment is considerably smaller for members of racial and ethnic minority groups than for Whites. Objective: The current study explored the racial and ethnic differences in the association between educational attainment and breast physical exam (BPE) among women in the U.S. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS 2015) included 12 510 women who were Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black or White people. The independent variable was the level of educational attainment. The dependent variable was lifetime BPE. Age, region, marital status, and employment were the covariates. Race and ethnicity were the focal moderators. Logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results: Overall, higher educational attainment was associated with higher odds of BPE, net of all confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.09-1.13). Ethnicity showed a significant statistical interaction with educational attainment on BPE (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-1.00), which was suggestive of a smaller effect of high education attainment on BPE for Hispanic than non-Hispanic women. The same interaction could not be found for the comparison of White and Black women (OR = 0.98, 95% CI =0.94-1.02). Conclusion: In line with other domains, non-Hispanic White women show a larger amount of health gain from their educational attainment than Hispanic women. It is not ethnicity or class but ethnicity and class that shapes how people engage in pro-health behaviors. This result may help hospitals and healthcare systems to better reduce health disparities in their target populations.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): Mysterious Presentations and Challenging Points From Diagnosis to Management in Acute Care Settings; A Literature Review
Authors: Heydari Soleyman , Namdar Hosein , Behzadnia Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease considered to be the most common entity of a rare group of disorders known as auto-inflammatory syndromes which have acute presentations in emergency settings. Methods: A search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PubMed databases for articles published before January 2019 was performed using relevant keywords. Full-text English articles, including review articles, case series, and experimental studies, were evaluated. Unrelated studies were excluded. Based on the selected keywords, 440 studies were selected for review. Ultimately, 60 met the study criteria for final assessment. Results: Given the various symptoms and the multiplicity of differential diagnoses, physicians may easily miss diagnosing FMF. Accordingly, emergency medical staff must be trained in order to significantly reduce the number of medical errors and economic costs and to improve the quality of life of involved patients. Conclusion: Although FMF is already known to be an inflammatory entity, more study and investigation of it is required. There is an educational gap in both medical and general populations that should be filled by using new genetic testing and providing appropriate social and medical education.
Halogenation as a Strategy to Improve Antiplasmodial Activity: A Report of New 3-Alkylpyridine Marine Alkaloid Analogs
Authors: de Souza Barbosa Camila , Guimarães Daniel Silqueira Martins , Costa Alves Juliana da , de Brito Cristiana Ferreira Alves , Ribeiro-Viana Renato Márcio , de Pilla Varotti Fernando , Ribeiro Viana Gustavo Henrique
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Due to the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs as well as the lack of vaccination for malaria, there is an urgent demand for the development of new antimalarial alternatives. Recently, our research group developed a new set of 3-alkylpyridine marine alkaloid analogs, of which a compound known as compound 5 was found to be inactive against Plasmodium falciparum.Methods: Herein, we report a successful halogenation strategy to improve the antiplasmodial activity of compound 5 through the replacement of a hydroxyl group by chlorine (compound 6) and fluorine (compound 7) atoms. Results: Compounds 6 and 7 showed improved antiplasmodial activities (IC50 = 7.2 and 8.3 µM, respectively) 20 times higher than that of their precursor, compound 5 (IC50 = 210.7 µM). Ultraviolet-visible titration experiments demonstrated that halogenation of compound 5 did not alter its ability to bind its target, hematin. Conclusion: Halogenation can enhance the antiplasmodial activity of a compound without altering its mechanism of action.
Neuronal L-Type Calcium Channel Signaling to the Nucleus Requires a Novel CaMKIIα-Shank3 Interaction
Authors: Perfitt Tyler L. , Wang Xiaohan , Dickerson Matthew T. , Stephenson Jason R. , Nakagawa Terunaga , Jacobson David A. , Colbran Roger J.
Published: February 2020

The activation of neuronal plasma membrane Ca2+channels stimulates many intracellular responses. Scaffolding proteins can preferentially couple specific Ca2+channels to distinct downstream outputs, such as increased gene expression, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie the exquisite specificity of these signaling pathways are incompletely understood. Here, we show that complexes containing CaMKII and Shank3, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein known to interact with L-type calcium channels (LTCCs), can be specifically coimmunoprecipitated from mouse forebrain extracts. Activated purified CaMKIIα also directly binds Shank3 between residues 829 and 1130. Mutation of Shank3 residues949Arg-Arg-Lys951to three alanines disrupts CaMKII bindingin vitroand CaMKII association with Shank3 in heterologous cells. Our shRNA/rescue studies revealed that Shank3 binding to both CaMKII and LTCCs is important for increased phosphorylation of the nuclear CREB transcription factor and expression of c-Fos induced by depolarization of cultured hippocampal neurons. Thus, this novel CaMKII-Shank3 interaction is essential for the initiation of a specific long-range signal from LTCCs in the plasma membrane to the nucleus that is required for activity-dependent changes in neuronal gene expression during learning and memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPrecise neuronal expression of genes is essential for normal brain function. Proteins involved in signaling pathways that underlie activity-dependent gene expression, such as CaMKII, Shank3, and L-type calcium channels, are often mutated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Shank3 and CaMKII were previously shown to bind L-type calcium channels, and we show here that Shank3 also binds to CaMKII. Our data show that each of these interactions is required for depolarization-induced phosphorylation of the CREB nuclear transcription factor, which stimulates the expression of c-Fos, a neuronal immediate early gene with key roles in synaptic plasticity, brain development, and behavior.
Some Tasting Notes on Year-Old Sushi: Funazushi, Japan's Most Ancient and Potentially Its Most Up-to-Date Sushi
Authors: Rath Eric C.
Published: February 2020

Funazushi, a fermented food made with crucian carp, is often described as Japan's most ancient form of sushi. This article evaluates these historical claims and offers some tasting notes, exploring traditional versions of the dish and new interpretations that offer a possible future for sushi.

I could never write a global history of sushi without having eaten what has been called the most “ancient form” of sushi, the funazushi found in Shiga Prefecture (Hosking 1996: 43). So on a recent trip to Japan I set aside two days to try to eat as much funazushi as possible. This proved to be challenging for many reasons, not the least of which was the taste of funazushi, which many people find disagreeable. What I learned from the experience was less about sushi's past than a possibility for sushi's future.
What Is a Superfood Anyway? Six Key Ingredients for Making a Food “Super”
Authors: Butterworth Melinda , Davis Georgia , Bishop Kristina , Reyna Luz , Rhodes Alyssa
Published: February 2020

The category of superfoods first gained traction in the mid-1980s and has only become more prevalent since. Despite this popularity, contestations exist over the validity of the term, the science behind it, and its utility for consumers. However, systematic and scholarly investigations into the idea of the superfood remain limited. Using content and discourse analyses on global English-speaking news media, this paper examines the breadth of comestibles considered superfoods, the ways in which these foods are being mobilized to address particular health concerns, and the wider socio, political, and environmental contexts surrounding superfoods. Our analysis revealed a total of 217 foods were considered superfoods, and were linked to 71 conditions, that primarily emphasize the ability of individuals to optimize their health by preventing possible future illness. We contend that socio-environmental researchers have much to offer into critical investigations of the superfoods phenomenon.
The nonlocal boundary value problem with perturbations of mixed boundary conditions for an elliptic equation with constant coefficients. I
Authors: Baranetskij Ya.O. , Kalenyuk P.I. , Kopach M.I. , Solomko A.V.
Published: February 2020

In this article we investigate a problem with nonlocal boundary conditions which are multipoint perturbations of mixed boundary conditions in the unit square $G$ using the Fourier method. The properties of a generalized transformation operator $R: L_2(G) \to L_2(G)$ that reflects normalized eigenfunctions of the operator $L_0$ of the problem with mixed boundary conditions in the eigenfunctions of the operator $L$ for nonlocal problem with perturbations, are studied. We construct a system $V(L)$ of eigenfunctions of operator $L.$ Also, we define conditions under which the system $V(L)$ is total and minimal in the space $L_{2}(G),$ and conditions under which it is a Riesz basis in the space $L_{2}(G).$ In the case if $V(L)$ is a Riesz basis in $L_{2}(G),$ we obtain sufficient conditions under which nonlocal problem has a unique solution in form of Fourier series by system $V(L).$
Some distance based indices of graphs based on four new operations related to the lexicographic product
Authors: Dehgardi N. , Sheikholeslami S.M. , Soroudi M.
Published: February 2020

For a (molecular) graph, the Wiener index, hyper-Wiener index and degree distance index are defined as $$W(G)= \sum_{\{u,v\}\subseteq V(G)}d_G(u,v),$$ $$WW(G)=W(G)+\sum_{\{u,v\}\subseteq V(G)} d_{G}(u,v)^2,$$ and $$DD(G)=\sum_{\{u,v\}\subseteq V(G)}d_G(u, v)(d(u/G)+d(v/G)),$$ respectively, where $d(u/G)$ denotes the degree of a vertex $u$ in $G$ and $d_G(u, v)$ is distance between two vertices $u$ and $v$ of a graph $G$. In this paper, we study Wiener index, hyper-Wiener index and degree distance index of graphs based on four new operations related to the lexicographic product, subdivision and total graph.
Properties of integrals which have the type of derivatives of volume potentials for one ultraparabolic arbitrary order equation
Authors: Dron' V.S. , Ivasyshen S.D. , Medyns'kyi I.P.
Published: February 2020

In weighted Hölder spaces it is studied the smoothness of integrals, which have the structure and properties of derivatives of volume potentials which generated by fundamental solutions of the Cauchy problem for one ultraparabolic arbitrary order equation of the Kolmogorov type. The coefficients in this equation depend only on the time variable. Special distances and norms are used for constructing of the weighted Hölder spaces.

The results of the paper can be used for establishing of the correct solvability of the Cauchy problem and estimates of solutions of the given non-homogeneous equation in corresponding weighted Hölder spaces.
A new factor theorem for generalized absolute Riesz summability
Authors: Karakaş A.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is to consider an absolute summability method and generalize a theorem concerning $\left|\bar{N},p_{n}\right|_{k}$ summability of infinite series to ${\varphi-\mid{\bar{N},p_n;\delta}\mid}_k$ summability of infinite series by using almost increasing sequence. Furthermore, it is explained that a well known result dealing with $\left|\bar{N},p_{n}\right|_{k}$ summability is obtained when this generalization is restricted under special conditions.
Autoavaliação de saúde e as associações com a síndrome da fragilidade em idosos atendidos em serviço de Geriatria
Authors: Capra de Oliveira Dayane , Sposito Giovana , Abreu da Silva Vanessa , Da Cunha Leme Daniel Eduardo , D´Elboux Maria José
Published: February 2020

Objetivo: analisar a associação entre a autoavaliação de saúde e a síndrome da fragilidade em idosos atendidos no serviço de geriatria.Método: trata-se de um estudo longitudinal que teve na linha de base a participação de 150 idosos. Após oito anos de estudo, 54 idosos da amostra inicial receberam uma segunda avaliação. Os participantes foram avaliados e reavaliados quanto a autoavaliação de saúde que foi classificada em ruim, mais ou menos e boa, assim como, pelo fenótipo da fragilidade identificada por cinco componentes: fraqueza, lentidão, baixo nível de atividade física, exaustão e perda de peso não intencional. Aqueles com nenhum componente foi classificado como não-frágil, aqueles com um ou dois componentes foram classificados como pré-frágeis e aqueles com três ou mais componentes foram considerados frágeis. Para comparar as variáveis de autoavaliação de saúde (ruim, mais ou menos ou boa); classificação da fragilidade (não-frágil, pré-frágil e frágil) e componentes da fragilidade (fraqueza, lentidão, baixo nível de atividade física, exaustão e perda de peso não intencional ), foram realizados os testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher.Resultados: a autoavaliação de saúde “ruim” associou-se com os componentes “lentidão” e “exaustão” com maior frequência (87,5%) e (100,0%), respectivamente (p<0,05).Conclusão: a relação entre medidas subjetivas em saúde e a síndrome da fragilidade prevalente nos idosos, avigora a boa concordância da subjetividade em saúde e condições clínicas capaz de mostrar a relevância de instrumentos que consideram a percepção individual do estado de saúde junto ao rastreio de vulnerabilidade nesta população.
Non-linear Mixed Models in a Dose Response Modelling
Authors: Wijaya Madona Yunita
Published: February 2020

AbstractStudy designs in which an outcome is measured more than once from time to time result in longitudinal data. Most of the methodological works have been done in the setting of linear and generalized linear models, where some amount of linearity is retained. However, this still be considered a limiting factor and non-linear models is another option offering its flexibility. Non-linear model involves complexity of non-linear dependence on parameters than that in the generalized linear class. It has been utilized in many situations such as modeling of growth curves and dose-response modeling. The latter modeling will be the main interest in this study to construct a dose-response relationship, as a function of time to IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) dataset. The dataset comes from a clinical trial with 291 subjects measured during a 7 week period. Both linear and non-linear models are considered. A dose time response model with generalized diffusion function is utilized for the non-linear models. The fit of non-linear models are found to be more flexible than linear models hence able to capture more variability present in the data.Keywords: IBD; longitudinal; linear mixed model; non-linear mixed model. AbstrakDesain studi dimana hasil diukur berulang kali dari waktu ke waktu menghasilkan data longitudinal. Sebagian besar metodologi yang digunakan untuk menganalisis data longitudinal adalah model linear dan model linear umum (generalized linear model) dimana sejumlah linearitas tertentu dipertahankan. Asumsi linearitas ini masih dipandang memiliki keterbatasan dan model non-linear adalah pilihan metode lainnya yang menawarkan fleksibilitas. Model non-linear telah digunakan di berbagai macam situasi seperti model kurva pertumbuhan , model farmakokinetika, dan farmakodinamika, dan model respon-dosis. Model respon-dosis akan menjadi fokus dalam penelitian ini untuk membangun hubungan dosis-respon sebagai fungsi waktu dari data IBD dengan menggunakan model linear dan non-linear. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa model non-linear lebih fleksibel daripada model linear sehingga mampu menangkap lebih banyak variabilitas yang ada di dalam data.Keywords: IBD; longitudinal; model linear; model non-linear.
ACCELERATION MEASUREMENT OF ROAD VEHICLES BY MOBILE PHONE
Authors: Ivanov Atanas
Published: February 2020

The paper reviews existing solutions for the application of an acceleration sensor built into a mobile phone. A drawback of the results published in the available literature is that the experimental studies are performed in laboratory conditions and that high-complexity procedures and algorithms are used. It is necessary to perform field surveys, taking into account the factors influencing the measurement of the acceleration with a mobile phone. The studies and results obtained are complementary to those available from the literature in that the measurements are made "on the road". Factors that influence measurement accuracy in real-life conditions are defined. The results obtained show that mobile phones, regardless of brand and model, should be used to make such measurements and comparisons before being used for such purposes in order to make objective results and conclusions in scientific developments.
ANALYSIS OF COLOR AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEN EGG YOLKS FROM DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS
Authors: Georgieva-Nikolova Mariya , Genchev Atanas , Zlatev Zlatin
Published: February 2020

In the present work an analysis of the separability of hen egg yolks from different manufacturers is made using image and spectral processing and analysis techniques. Apparent properties of three types of egg yolks were determined and a comparative analysis of these properties was made. Discriminant and SVM (Support vector machines) classifiers were used for classification. A general classification error with lower values ​​is obtained with the b (Lab) color component. In the studies of the spectral characteristics of egg yolks from different manufacturers, the highest accuracy of separation of the target areas is obtained with the kernel SVM classifier combined with the kernel variant of the principal components. When using this classifier, general classification errors of up to 1% were obtained. The results confirm the hitherto known research in this area because the major part of the chicken egg yolk properties studied are visible properties that can be analyzed in the visible spectrum of the reflected light.
YOGHURT WITH GOJI BERRY FRUITS (LICIUM BARBARUM L.)
Authors: Taneva Ira
Published: February 2020

A yoghurt was obtained with the addition of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) fruits. The sequence of technological operations has been established. The active acidity of the yoghurt samples was determined during coagulation and in the storage period for 20 days (1, 10 and 20 days). During storage, pH and syneresis decreases. As a result of organoleptic assessments, yogurt with a 4% addition of goji berry fruits is preferred after a control sample. The study shows that goji berries can be used in the production of yoghurt as a functional nutritional ingredient.
Nitrate content in fruits and vegetables from commercial chains in Bulgaria
Authors: Dineva Snejana
Published: February 2020

The aim of this monitoring is to evaluate the nitrate content in vegetables and fruits from the commercial chain in Bulgaria. The vegetables were purchased from the food chains in June and July. The measurements of NO3- ions were carried out with a Greentest appliance, Model ECO 5. Four samples from the conducted monitoring were with higher NO3- amount that is allowed for trade and accepted as healthy (potato, radish, and strawberries). The content of NO3- in fresh potato were 645 mg/kg at the accepted safety level 250 mg/kg. The level of nitrates also was higher in the both samples of radish 3700 mg/kg and 2934 mg/kg at accepted level as safety for consumption 1500 mg/kg. This small survey suggests that on the market in the country are still in the trade food products with not enough good quality.
The study of the correlations between handgrip strength and some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity of elite and sub-elite Olympic style weightlifting athletes
Authors: Erdağı Kenan
Published: February 2020

Background and Study Aim: Handgrip strength is widely used as a functionality parameter of the upper extremity and general health. The measurement of handgrip strength by dynamometry is a low cost, noninvasive method of simple applicability. The study aims to find out handgrip strength and its correlation with some anthropometric characteristics of the upper extremity and weightlifting performance of elite (international medalists) and sub-elite (national medalists) Olympic style weightlifting athletes. Material and Methods: We obtained anthropometric measurements of upper extremity of elite athletes (n=25 male, n= 20 female) and sub-elite athletes (n=25 male, n=29 female) in the study. Dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength measurements of the groups were obtained by a Jamar dynamometer, according to the recommendations of the American Association of Hand Therapists. Results:No statistically significant difference was observed in non-dominant handgrip strength of male elite and sub-elite weightlifting athletes. Similarly, no significant difference was observed in between some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity and dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength of female elite and sub-elite weightlifting athletes. We didn’t find any asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength of study groups. We found a significant correlation between dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength of male and female elite athletes and their height, body weight, BMI and weightlifting performance. Conclusions: Consequently, we might explain that adding special exercises into the general trainings of athletes to develop handgrip strength might contribute to the weightlifting performance of the athletes.
The effect of altitude and progressive exercise activity on the profile of testosterone changes and Some of immunity markers in active student basketball team
Authors: Rahmani Ghobadi Maria , Taghavi Dehaghani Sepehr , Nazari Mohammadreza
Published: February 2020

Background and Study Aim. Training activities and altitude cause some of changes in the physiological adaptations and also athletic functionality. The purpose of this study was the effect of altitude and progressive exercise activity on the profile of testosterone changes and Some of immunity markers in active student basketball team.
Material and Methods. As to subjects this survey, 36 active male students with an average age of (19.5± 0.83) were selected from 36 athletes with a maximum rate of oxygen uptake of about (VO2max=58.66± 2.9). The subjects, who were tested in the sea level f and post IAE (8 of periodical ascending to the height of 2800 meters for 3 days), were then asked on cycle ergometer (starting with 100 watts, increasing 25 watts every 3 minutes, with the work-to-rest ratio of 3 to 1) to exhaustion. The initial blood sampling of the subjects was done 72 hours before the main test to determine the similar conditions of the subjects, and to measure the initial level of Testosterone hormone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles, in the sea level. Also, the blood sampling of both after and before the progressive exercise activity and the IAE stage were done. The serumal concentration of testosterone was measured via Elisa method and the amounts of lymphocytes and neutrophiles were determined using Cell-Counter set. For statistical analysis, using the tests of Kolmogorov and Smirnov, repeated measurements were done in the level of  (p≤0.05). The complete process of analyzing the result was done through the software SPSS22.
Results. The outcomes of the present survey show the amount of lymphocytes and neutrophiles after a session of progressive exercise activity have had a meaningful increase (p<0.05). But, the increase rate of testosterone was not meaningful difference  (p>0.05). Testosterone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles showed a meaningful increase after progressive exercise activity in IAE conditions (p<0.05).  Also, the amounts of Testosterone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles, before IAE has not shown a meaningful rise, when compared to sea level conditions (p>0.05).  
Conclusions. It seems that, even though these changes were not meaningful, they were effective in reducing both the functionality of the subjects and the exhaustion duration. Therefore, it seems that repeated IAE sessions over three days can provide physiological adaptations to height and decrease Prevent performance.
Tillich e Adorno: a cultura como um ponto de intersecção
Authors: Da Silva Daniel Vieira
Published: February 2020

A teologia da cultura de Paul Tillich é uma das maiores contribuições deixadas pelo autor na maneira de se fazer teologia ainda hoje. Pois a partir de uma relação entre religião e cultura, sem desconsiderar os atributos de ambas, se complementam em uma interrelação de substância e forma. O que dentre outras coisas permite dialogar direta e indiretamente com temas e autores não necessariamente ligados à teologia. Por isso, a proposta deste artigo é desenvolver um diálogo entre Tillich e Theodor W. Adorno por meio da importância que o tema da cultura possui para eles. E então perceber os desafios da experiência religiosa em uma sociedade de massas, administrada sob uma razão tecnológica. Além da cultura, vários outros elementos conceituais cruzam os caminhos desses autores, como, por exemplo, o interesse pelo socialismo e por Karl Marx. Além dos infortúnios históricos de uma Alemanha tomada pelo nazismo e o desafio de um exílio nos Estados Unidos, a amizade nem sempre tão presentes, mas perdurada e consentida ao longo do tempo.
Doente de Brasil: uma análise tillichiana da situação atual no Brasil
Authors: Dumer Pablo Fernando
Published: February 2020

Este artigo se propõe a analisar a situação atual do Brasil inserindo-se no processo vivo de reflexão, questionamento e reação às consequências sociais e antropológicas do momento político e econômico contemporâneos. Para isso, parte inicialmente da reflexão da escritora Eliane Brum acerca da corrosão das relações desde o conceito de autoverdade e dialoga com a teologia da cultura de Paul Tillich, seu contexto e as chaves teológicas, buscando inspiração e energia para o papel da teologia e da religiosidade no processo de articulação de resposta, reafirmação e resistência à diluição da verdade. Como pesquisa bibliográfica, visita artigos de Brum e obras de Tillich para atualizar a teologia da cultura do contexto e situação atuais do Brasil.
External Validation of a Venous Thromboembolic Risk Score for Cancer Outpatients with Solid Tumors: The COMPASS-CAT Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Model
Authors: Spyropoulos Alex C. , Eldredge Joanna B. , Anand Lalitha N. , Zhang Meng , Qiu Michael , Nourabadi Soheila , Rosenberg David J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Current risk assessment models (RAMs) for prediction of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the outpatient cancer population have shown poor predictive value in many of the most common cancers. The Comparison of Methods for Thromboembolic Risk Assessment with Clinical Perceptions and AwareneSS in Real Life Patients-Cancer Associated Thrombosis (COMPASS-CAT) RAM was derived in this patient population and predicted patients at high risk for VTE even after initiation of chemotherapy. We sought to externally validate this RAM.

Materials and Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years who presented to a tertiary care center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, with invasive breast, ovarian, lung, or colorectal cancers were included. The COMPASS-CAT RAM was applied using our health system's tumor registry and variables that were identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-9 and -10 codes of the electronic health record and independent chart review. The primary endpoint at 6-month study follow-up was documented VTE.

Results

A total of 3,814 patients were included. Documented VTE at 6-month follow-up occurred in 5.85% of patients. Patients stratified into low/intermediate- and high-risk groups had VTE rates of 2.27% and 6.31%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive value of the RAM were 95%, 12%, 97.73%, and 6.31%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy via receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated at 0.62 of the area under the curve.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective external validation study of the COMPASS-CAT RAM for VTE in patients with cancer undergoing active treatment, model discrimination was moderate and calibration was poor. The model had good negative predictive value. Further prospective validation studies—especially within 6 months of cancer diagnosis—are needed before the model can be implemented into routine clinical practice for primary thromboprophylaxis of high-VTE-risk patients with cancer with solid tumors.

Implications for Practice

This study provides further guidance for researchers and clinicians in determining clinical and laboratory risk factors associated with development of venous thromboembolism among the ambulatory population of patients being treated for lung, breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer. It validates the COMPASS-CAT risk model that was developed in this cancer population and suggests that further prospective validation of the model, with more focus on patients within 6 months of their index cancer diagnosis, would likely enhance the accuracy and usefulness of this model as a clinical prediction tool.
Bundled Payment Reform and Dialysis Facility Closures in ESKD
Authors: Norouzi Sayna , Zhao Bo , Awan Ahmed , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Ho Vivian , Erickson Kevin F.
Published: February 2020

Significance Statement

Inclusion of injectable medications into an expanded ESKD payment bundle in 2011 led to concerns that dialysis facilities facing higher costs might close, disrupting the delivery of and access to care. The authors analyzed US Renal Data System registry data to compare facility closures before versus after the payment reform and examined whether patient-, facility-, and geography-related factors influenced closures. Closures affected ≤1.1% of dialysis facilities and ≤2221 patients in a given year. The relative likelihood of experiencing a closure decreased by 37% immediately after enactment of the payment bundle and by an additional 6% per year thereafter, indicating that the payment reform did not increase the risk of closures. However, closure risk increased slightly following payment reform for some high-risk populations, whereas it decreased in others.

Background

In 2011, inclusion of injectable medications into an expanded ESKD payment bundle prompted concerns that dialysis facilities facing higher costs might close, disrupting care delivery and access to care. Whether this policy change influenced dialysis facility closures is unknown.

Methods

To examine whether facility closures increased after 2011 and whether factors influencing closures changed, we analyzed US Renal Data System registry data to identify all patients receiving in-center hemodialysis from 2006 through 2015 and to track dialysis facility closures. We used interrupted time series logistic regression models and estimated marginal effects to examine immediate and longer-term changes in the likelihood of being affected by facility closures following payment reform. We also examined whether associations between selected predictors of closures indicating populations at “high risk” of closure (patient characteristics, facility characteristics, and geography-related characteristics) and closures changed after payment reform.

Results

Dialysis facility closures were uncommon over the study period. In adjusted models, the relative odds of experiencing a closure declined by 37% (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.59 to 0.67) immediately after payment reform and declined by an additional 6% (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91 to 0.97) annually thereafter, corresponding to a 0.3% lower absolute probability of closure in 2015 in association with payment reform. Patients who were black and who dialyzed at small, hospital-based facilities experienced slight increases in closures following payment reform, whereas Hispanic and Medicare/Medicaid dual-eligible patients experienced slight decreases in closures.

Conclusions

Expansion of the ESKD payment bundle was not associated with increased closure of dialysis facilities, although the likelihood of closures changed slightly for some higher-risk populations.
An Investigation of Waiting Times of Patients Admitted to the General Surgery Clinic from an Emergency Department
Authors: YÜKSEL Melih , KAYA Halil , ÇAVDAR Faruk , ERAYBAR ATMACA Suna , İŞLER Yeşim
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground/Aims:The study aimed to determine the waiting times of the
patients admitted to the general surgery clinic from an emergency department
and to investigate the effectiveness of services.Methods:1564 patients over the age
of 18 admitted to the General Surgery Clinic from the emergency department of Health
University BursaTraining and Research Hospital between 01.01.2018 and
31.12.2018 were included. Age, gender, admission and waiting times, the
diagnoses, and surgical history or hospitalization were retrospectively
analyzed. The difference between the admission time to the emergency department
and the admission time to the general surgery clinic was accepted as waiting
time.Results:56% of the patients (n: 876) were male and the
mean age was 49.9. The mean waiting time in the emergency department was 440.85
minutes and the mean hospital stay was 4.67 days. The minimum waiting time was in
abdominal trauma (249.49 min) whereas the longest waiting time was in
mesenteric ischemia (732.27 min) in the emergency department.Conclusions: We believe that having a separate and senior
team in emergency services of work-intensive departments such as general
surgery will contribute to shortening waiting times and providing faster and
more effective health care.
Compare of outcomes of minimally invasive and open surgical techniques in patients with symptomatic lumbar spine stenosis on the background of scoliotic deformity
Authors: Mlyavykh S. G. , Bokov A. E. , Aleynik A. Ya. , Yashin K. S.
Published: February 2020

Objective: to compare the results of minimally invasive and open surgery in the treatment of the patients with combined symptomatic degenerative stenosis and scoliotic deformity of the lumbar spine.
Patients and methods. A retrospective comparative analysis of the long-term results of 54 patients was performed. The patients were devided in two groups: open surgery (group 1, n=39) and minimally invasive surgery (group 2, n=15). Different approaches were used based on the type of deformity (according to Berzhano and Lamartine), localization and extent of lumbar stenosis. The evaluation of volume of decompression, blood loss, time of surgery and postoperative treatment, intraoperative complications, pain and patients condition were measured using clinical scales ODI, ZCQ, SF-12 was performed.
Results. No differences in the type of deformity, the severity of stenosis and clinical manifestations between groups were discovered before treatment. All characteristics of the surgery (except the intraoperative complications) blood loss, duration of surgery, and hospital stay were significantly less in the minimally invasive group. Postoperative assessment has shown in group 1 greater regression of axial pain syndrome (p=0.03), in group 2 greater regression of radicular syndrome (p=0.03). Assessment of quality of life based on questionnaires after 2 years has revealed no differences between groups.
Conclusion. Using of minimally-invasive decompression and decompression-stabilizing surgical technologies in patients with combined stenosis and deformity of the lumbar spine allow to eliminate the syndromes of neural compression, provide sufficient correction of segmental relationships and improve the quality of life.
De Quervain’s disease (etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment). Part II
Authors: Novikov A. V. , Shchedrina M. A. , Petrov S. V.
Published: February 2020

De Quervains disease, despite its low prevalence, is accompanied by pain syndrome, dysfunction and a decrease in the strength of the hand. This leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life of the patient, disruption of his work and daily activities. Patients with de Quervains disease, make up a significant part of those who turn to orthopedists, surgeons, rehabilitation doctors. However, the individual features of the structure of the first back canal of each person, formed in the process of phylogenesis, the lack of data on the exact cause of the disease cause the complexity of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In the first part of the lecture, devoted to de Quervains disease, modern literature data concerning the features of the anatomical structure of the first back canal, the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are summarized. It also presents a description of the clinical picture of de Quervains disease, tests and instrumental methods of diagnosis, the algorithm of examination of the patient with this pathology.
The key bacterial cell division protein FtsZ as a novel antibacterial drug target
Authors: Rahman Mujeeb , Wang Ping , Wang Na , Chen Yaodong
Published: February 2020

The number of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains is currently increasing; thus, the determination of drug targets for the development of novel antimicrobial drugs is urgently needed. FtsZ, the prokaryotic homolog of the eukaryotic tubulin, is a GTP-dependent prokaryotic cytoskeletal protein that is conserved among most bacterial strains. In vitro studies revealed that FtsZ self-assembles into dynamic protofilaments or bundles, and it forms a dynamic Z-ring at the center of the cell, leading to septation and consequent cell division. The potential role of FtsZ in the blockage of cell division makes FtsZ a highly attractive target for developing novel antibiotics. Researchers have been working on synthetic molecules and natural products as inhibitors of FtsZ. Accumulating data suggest that FtsZ may provide the platform for the development of novel antibiotics. In this review, we summarize recent advances on the properties of FtsZ protein and bacterial cell division, as well as on the development of FtsZ inhibitors.
Whole Blood Processing (SepMate) v1
Authors: Sun Yang , Lee David , Ye Jimmie
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To purify PBMCs from 20 or 50mL whole blood (per donor). SepMate tubes will be used with Lymphoprep to ease processing time and effort.