bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative measures of bone mineral density from digital wrist radiographs
Authors: Robertson Greg , Wallace Robert , Simpson A. Hamish R. W. , Dawson Sarah P.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-established clinical technique, but it is not available in the acute trauma setting. Thus, it cannot provide a preoperative estimation of BMD to help guide the technique of fracture fixation. Alternative methods that have been suggested for assessing BMD include: 1) cortical measures, such as cortical ratios and combined cortical scores; and 2) aluminium grading systems from preoperative digital radiographs. However, limited research has been performed in this area to validate the different methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the evaluation of BMD from digital radiographs by comparing various methods against DXA scanning.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with distal radial fractures were included in the study. Each underwent posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs of the injured wrist with an aluminium step wedge. Overall 27 patients underwent routine DXA scanning of the hip and lumbar spine, with 13 undergoing additional DXA scanning of the uninjured forearm. Analysis of radiographs was performed on ImageJ and Matlab with calculations of cortical measures, cortical indices, combined cortical scores, and aluminium equivalent grading.

Results

Cortical measures showed varying correlations with the forearm DXA results (range: Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.343 (p = 0.251) to r = 0.521 (p = 0.068)), with none showing statistically significant correlations. Aluminium equivalent grading showed statistically significant correlations with the forearm DXA of the corresponding region of interest (p < 0.017).

Conclusion

Cortical measures, cortical indices, and combined cortical scores did not show a statistically significant correlation to forearm DXA measures. Aluminium-equivalent is an easily applicable method for estimation of BMD from digital radiographs in the preoperative setting. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):830–839.
3D printing in orthopaedic surgery: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Wong Pui Yan , Liu Chaoran , Chung Yik Lok , Wong Kwok Chuen , Tso Chi Yin , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Cheung Wing-Hoi , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang , Chui Chun Sing , Law Sheung Wai
Published: December 2021

Aims

The use of 3D printing has become increasingly popular and has been widely used in orthopaedic surgery. There has been a trend towards an increasing number of publications in this field, but existing literature incorporates limited high-quality studies, and there is a lack of reports on outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review with Level I evidence on the application and effectiveness of 3D printing.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used for the search criteria were ((3d print*) OR (rapid prototyp*) OR (additive manufactur*)) AND (orthopaedic). The inclusion criteria were: 1) use of 3D printing in orthopaedics, 2) randomized controlled trials, and 3) studies with participants/patients. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration Tool and PEDro Score. Pooled analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 21 studies were included in our study with a pooled total of 932 participants. Pooled analysis showed that operating time (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001), bone union time (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.040), accuracy (p < 0.001), and functional scores (p < 0.001) were significantly improved with 3D printing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in complications.

Conclusion

3D printing is a rapidly developing field in orthopaedics. Our findings show that 3D printing is advantageous in terms of operating time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, accuracy, and function. The use of 3D printing did not increase the risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):807–819.
Capitalizing on past success to build a vision for the future: editorial
Authors: Korotkova Olga
Published: December 2021

The new Editor-in-Chief, Olga Korotkova, acknowledges JOSA A’s past success and shares her vision for the Journal’s future.
Ultrasensitive sensor based on dynamic tunable dual plasmon-induced transparency of a three-graphene-layer structure
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yao Pengju , Gao Enduo , Liu Chao , Li Min , Ruan Banxian , Xu Hui , Zhang Baihui , Li Hongjian
Published: December 2021

Dual plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) is realized in the simple multilayer structure consisting of three graphene layers. The coupling mechanism between the three modes of three graphene layers is analyzed in detail. It is revealed that the dual PIT originates from the resonators with different quality factors by analog electromagnetic induction transparency (EIT) analysis and coupling mode theory (CMT). After that, the dual PIT expresses dynamic tunability by tuning applied bias voltage, which indicates that the structure proposed has potential application in modulators. Moreover, dual PIT in our proposed structure can be applied in the biosensor, and significantly improved sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) as high as 16,660 nm/RIU and 31.0924 have been obtained, which has obvious enhancement compared with many reported sensors. This work can deepen our understanding of PIT and pave the way to the design of graphene dual PIT sensors.
Survey of spatio-temporal couplings throughout high-power ultrashort lasers
Authors: Jeandet Antoine , Jolly Spencer W. , Borot Antonin , Bussière Benoît , Dumont Paul , Gautier Julien , Gobert Olivier , Goddet Jean-Philippe , Gonsalves Anthony , Irman Arie , Leemans Wim P. , Lopez-Martens Rodrigo , Mennerat Gabriel , Nakamura Kei , Ouillé Marie , Pariente Gustave , Pittman Moana , Püschel Thomas , Sanson Fabrice , Sylla François , Thaury Cédric , Zeil Karl , Quéré Fabien
Published: December 2021

The investigation of spatio-temporal couplings (STCs) of broadband light beams is becoming a key topic for the optimization as well as applications of ultrashort laser systems. This calls for accurate measurements of STCs. Yet, it is only recently that such complete spatio-temporal or spatio-spectral characterization has become possible, and it has so far mostly been implemented at the output of the laser systems, where experiments take place. In this survey, we present for the first time STC measurements at different stages of a collection of high-power ultrashort laser systems, all based on the chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) technique, but with very different output characteristics. This measurement campaign reveals spatio-temporal effects with various sources, and motivates the expanded use of STC characterization throughout CPA laser chains, as well as in a wider range of types of ultrafast laser systems. In this way knowledge will be gained not only about potential defects, but also about the fundamental dynamics and operating regimes of advanced ultrashort laser systems.
Dense spectral beam combining of quantum cascade lasers by multiplexing a pair of blazed gratings
Authors: Zhang Jun , Peng Hangyu , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Jiye , Qin Li , Ning Yongqing , Wang Lijun
Published: December 2021

A method of compressing spectral bandwidth in spectral beam combining (SBC) of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) by multiplexing a pair of blazed gratings arranged in a V-shaped configuration is proposed. The spectral interval can be compressed by increasing the number of diffractions via the round-trip propagation between gratings. Experimental results show that the SBC spectral interval of three diffractions is narrowed to 1/3 that of a single diffraction. The SBC power can be further improved within a given spectrum range by increasing the number of QCLs, which provides a feasible scheme to scale the SBC power and the brightness of QCLs.
General solution to the calculation of peak luminance of primaries in multi-primary display systems
Authors: Yao Binghui , Zhu Liquan , Yang Yuhua , Wang Guan , Gu Chun , Xu Lixin
Published: December 2021

For a display system, a wide-color gamut can significantly improve the viewing experience. It is known that an ultra-wide color gamut can be achieved using more primaries. However, for multi-primary displays (MPDs), choosing the parameters of the primaries (e.g., wavelength and luminance) is not trivial because the necessary theoretical foundation is still lacking. In this study, starting from three-primary display, we proposed a method for calculating all possible peak luminances of MPDs. This is done by mathematically representing the added new primaries with the original three primaries. Of all the possible results, by optimizing the peak luminance of each primary color, the theoretical gamut volume satisfying specific requirements could be obtained. The method provided can be extended to N primaries (N > 6). Using this method, we have successfully built a six-primary display system and used it to verify the validity of the method. Combined with the calculation of color gamut volume, the theoretical framework provided can be used to guide the selection of wavelength, spectrum width, and luminances of primaries in MPDs.
Achromatic doublet electrowetting prism array for beam steering device in foveated display
Authors: Lee Jooho , Won Yong Hyub
Published: December 2021

A foveated display is a technology that can solve the problem of insufficient angular resolution (relative to the human eye) for near-eye display. In a high-resolution foveated display, a beam steering element is required to track the human gaze. An electrowetting prism array is a transmissive non-mechanical beam steering device, that allows a light and compact optical system to be configured and a large aperture possible. However, the view is obstructed by the sidewall of the prism array. When the size of the cell prism is 7mm, the prism array has an 87% fill-factor. To push the fill-factor to 100%, the cell prisms were magnified using a lens array. Image processing was performed such that the image produced by the lens array was identical to the original. Beam steering by refraction is accompanied by chromatic dispersion, which causes chromatic aberration, making colors appear blurry. The refractive index condition to reduce chromatic dispersion was obtained using the doublet structure of the electrowetting prism. The chromatic dispersion was reduced by 70% on average.
Frequency axis for swept dual-comb spectroscopy with quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Gianella Michele , Vogel Simon , Wittwer Valentin J. , Südmeyer Thomas , Faist Jérôme , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: December 2021

In dual-comb spectroscopy, there is a one-to-one map between the frequencies of the measured beat notes and the frequencies of the optical comb lines. Its determination usually involves the use of one or more reference lasers with known frequencies. Quantum cascade laser frequency combs, however, are often operated in a free-running mode, and without a reference, the determination of the RF-to-optical frequency map is not trivial. Here, we propose a method by which the comb shift is measured with an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and the spectral point spacing is determined through the intermode beat measured on the laser electrodes. The frequency axis is accurate within ∼ 0.001 cm−1.
Third-order cascaded Raman shift in all-solid fluorotellurite fiber pumped at 1550 nm
Authors: Jiao Yadong , Jia Zhixu , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhipeng , Ohishi Yasutake , Qin Weiping , Qin Guanshi
Published: December 2021

In this Letter, we demonstrate a third-order cascaded Raman shift in an all-solid fluorotellurite fiber pumped by a 1550 nm nanosecond laser. The fluorotellurite glass with a composition of TeO2–BaF2–Y2O3 (TBY) has a usable Raman shift of ∼785 cm−1 and a Raman gain coefficient of ∼1.65 × 10−12 m/W at 1550 nm, which is approximately 25.4 times larger than that of silica glass. By using a 5.38 m fluorotellurite fiber as the Raman gain medium and a 1550 nm nanosecond laser as the pump light, a third-order cascaded Raman shift is obtained via spontaneous cascaded Raman amplification in the fluorotellurite fiber, causing the generation of the first-, second-, and third-order Stokes emissions that peak at 1765, 2049, and 2438 nm, respectively. For an average pump power of ∼491.5 mW, the output power of the generated first-, second-, and third-order Stokes light is approximately 14.1, 67.4, and 31.6 mW, respectively. The corresponding conversion efficiency is approximately 2.87%, 13.70%, and 6.43%, respectively. Our results show that fluorotellurite fibers are promising Raman gain media for constructing cascaded Raman fiber lasers with a wide range of wavelengths.
Towards compact and snapshot channeled Mueller matrix imaging
Authors: Zaidi Aun , McEldowney Scott , Lee Yun-Han , Chao Qing , Lu Lu
Published: December 2021

A polarization transformation can be fully described by a 4 × 4 matrix, known as the Mueller matrix. To fully image an object’s polarization response, one needs to compute the Mueller matrix at each pixel of the image. Standard divison-of-time Mueller matrix imaging, because of its sequential nature, is ill-suited to applications requiring immediate and real-time imaging and is also bulky owing to multiple moving parts. In this work, we propose a new method for compact, snapshot Mueller matrix imaging, based on structured polarization illumination, and division-of-focal plane imaging, which can, in a single-shot, fully capture the Mueller matrix information of a band-limited signal.
χ2-based AlGaAs phase sensitive amplifier with record gain, noise, and sensitivity
Authors: Yan Zhizhong , He Haoyu , Liu Han , Iu M. , Ahmed O. , Chen E. , Blakey P. , Akasaka Youichi , Ikeuchi T. , Helmy Amr S.
Published: December 2021

Phase sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) have the potential to empower substantial advances in emerging generations of optical communication systems as well as classical and quantum on-chip signal processing. While second order nonlinearity (

χ
2

) is stronger than third order nonlinearity (

χ
3

), it is seldom utilized in semiconductors to realize PSAs owing to the challenges of effectively phase matching the interacting waves as well as countering the two-photon absorption of the pump. In this work, we demonstrate the successful design, fabrication, and characterization of, to our knowledge, the first

χ
2

-based semiconductor PSA using an efficient phase matching approach and a pulsed pump, in an AlGaAs Bragg reflection waveguide. The reported AlGaAs PSA achieves on-chip in-phase gain approaching 30 dB, with a sensitivity of 0.005 photons per pulse. Its performance also approaches the theoretical minimal noise figure of 0 dB. With such performance metrics and its capability to operate in the single mode regime, this PSA could usher in a new era of on-chip quantum circuits.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic course in the number and severity of hospitalizations for other natural causes in a large urban center in Brazil
Authors: Brant Luisa C. C. , Pinheiro Pedro C. , Machado Isis E. , Correa Paulo R. L. , Santos Mayara R. , Ribeiro Antonio L. P. , Tupinambás Unaí , Santiago Christine F. , Souza Maria de Fatima M. , Malta Deborah C. , Passos Valéria M. A.
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic may indirectly impact hospitalizations for other natural causes. Belo Horizonte is a city with 2.5 million inhabitants in Brazil, one of the most hardly-hit countries by the pandemic, where local authorities monitored hospitalizations daily to guide regulatory measures. In an ecological, time-series study, we investigated how the pandemic impacted the number and severity of public hospitalizations by other natural causes in the city, during 2020. We assessed the number and proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and in-hospital deaths for all-natural causes, COVID-19, non-COVID-19 natural causes, and four disease groups: infectious, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neoplasms. Observed data from epidemiological week (EW) 9 (first diagnosis of COVID-19) to EW 48, 2020, was compared to the mean for the same EW of 2015–2019 and differences were tested by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The five-week moving averages of the studied variables in 2020 were compared to that of 2015–2019 to describe the influence of regulatory measures on the indicators. During the studied period, there was 54,722 hospitalizations by non-COVID-19 natural causes, representing a 28% decline compared to the previous five years (p<0.001). There was a concurrent significant increase in the proportion of ICU admissions and deaths. The greater reductions were simultaneous to the first social distancing decree or occurred in the peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations, suggesting different drivers. Hospitalizations by specific causes decreased significantly, with greater increase in ICU admissions and deaths for infectious, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases than for neoplasms. While the first reduction may have resulted from avoidance of contact with healthcare facilities, the second reduction may represent competing causes for hospital beds with COVID-19 after reopening of activities. Health policies must include protocols to address hospitalizations by other causes during this or future pandemics, and a plan to face the rebound effect for elective deferred procedures.
Exogenous salicylic acid-induced drought stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under hydroponic culture
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Aslam Zubair , Naz Maliha , Hussain Sadam , Javed Talha , Aslam Sadia , Raza Ali , Ali Hayssam M. , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Hano Christophe , Shabbir Rubab , Ahmar Sunny , Saeed Tasbiha , Jamal Muhammad Asif
Published: December 2021

Wheat is an important cereal crop, which is adversely affected by water deficit stress. The effect of induced stress can be reduced by the application of salicylic acid (SA). With the objective to combat drought stress in wheat, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse under hydroponic conditions. The treatments consisted of (a) no drought (DD0 = 0 MPa), mild drought (DD1 = -0.40 MPa) and severe drought (DD2 = -0.60 MPa) by applying PEG-8000, (b) two contrasting wheat varieties Barani-17 (drought tolerant) and Anaj-17 (drought-sensitive), and (c) foliar treatments of salicylic acid (0, 50 mM, 75 mM, and 100 mM). Evaluation of wheat plants regarding biochemical, physiological, and morphological attributes were rendered after harvesting of plants. Statistically, maximum shoot and root fresh and dry weights (18.77, 11.15 and 1.99, 1.81 g, respectively) were recorded in cultivar Barani-17 under no drought condition with the application of SA (100 mM). While, minimum shoot and root fresh and dry weights (6.65, 3.14 and 0.73, 0.61 g, respectively) were recorded in cultivar Anaj-2017 under mild drought stress without SA application. The maximum shoot length (68.0 cm) was observed in cultivar Barani-2017 under no drought condition with the application of SA (100 mM). While, maximum root length (59.67 cm) was recorded in cultivar Anaj-17 under moderate drought stress without application of SA. Further, minimum shoot length (28.67 cm) was recorded in Anaj-17 under moderate drought stress without SA application. Minimum root length (38.67 cm) was recorded in cultivar Barani-17 under no drought condition without SA application. Furthermore, maximum physio-biochemical traits, including membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyl content, photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, antioxidant enzymatic activities and relative water content (RWC) were found highest in cultivar Barani-17 under no drought stress and SA application at 100 mM. However, minimum values of these traits were recorded in cultivar Anaj-17 under severe drought stress without SA application. Our results also demonstrated that under severe drought, application of SA at 100 mM significantly increased leaf nitrogen (N), phosphrus (P) and potassium (K) contents and cultivar Barani-17 demonstrated significantly higher values than Anaj-17. The obtained results also indicated that the cultivation of wheat under drought stress conditions noticeably declines the morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes of the plants. However, the exogenous application of SA had a positive impact on wheat crop for enhancing its productivity.
Modelling RT-qPCR cycle-threshold using digital PCR data for implementing SARS-CoV-2 viral load studies
Authors: Gentilini Fabio , Turba Maria Elena , Taddei Francesca , Gritti Tommaso , Fantini Michela , Dirani Giorgio , Sambri Vittorio
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To exploit the features of digital PCR for implementing SARS-CoV-2 observational studies by reliably including the viral load factor expressed as copies/μL.

Methods

A small cohort of 51 Covid-19 positive samples was assessed by both RT-qPCR and digital PCR assays. A linear regression model was built using a training subset, and its accuracy was assessed in the remaining evaluation subset. The model was then used to convert the stored cycle threshold values of a large dataset of 6208 diagnostic samples into copies/μL of SARS-CoV-2. The calculated viral load was used for a single cohort retrospective study. Finally, the cohort was randomly divided into a training set (n = 3095) and an evaluation set (n = 3113) to establish a logistic regression model for predicting case-fatality and to assess its accuracy.

Results

The model for converting the Ct values into copies/μL was suitably accurate. The calculated viral load over time in the cohort of Covid-19 positive samples showed very low viral loads during the summer inter-epidemic waves in Italy. The calculated viral load along with gender and age allowed building a predictive model of case-fatality probability which showed high specificity (99.0%) and low sensitivity (21.7%) at the optimal threshold which varied by modifying the threshold (i.e. 75% sensitivity and 83.7% specificity). Alternative models including categorised cVL or raw cycle thresholds obtained by the same diagnostic method also gave the same performance.

Conclusion

The modelling of the cycle threshold values using digital PCR had the potential of fostering studies addressing issues regarding Sars-CoV-2; furthermore, it may allow setting up predictive tools capable of early identifying those patients at high risk of case-fatality already at diagnosis, irrespective of the diagnostic RT-qPCR platform in use. Depending upon the epidemiological situation, public health authority policies/aims, the resources available and the thresholds used, adequate sensitivity could be achieved with acceptable low specificity.
FaDA: A web application for regular laboratory data analyses
Authors: Danger Richard , Moiteaux Quentin , Feseha Yodit , Geffard Estelle , Ramstein Gérard , Brouard Sophie
Published: December 2021

Web-based data analysis and visualization tools are mostly designed for specific purposes, such as the analysis of data from whole transcriptome RNA sequencing or single-cell RNA sequencing. However, generic tools designed for the analysis of common laboratory data for noncomputational scientists are also needed. The importance of such web-based tools is emphasized by the continuing increases in the sample capacity of conventional laboratory tools such as quantitative PCR, flow cytometry or ELISA instruments. We present a web-based application FaDA, developed with the R Shiny package that provides users with the ability to perform statistical group comparisons, including parametric and nonparametric tests, with multiple testing corrections suitable for most standard wet-laboratory analyses. FaDA provides data visualizations such as heatmaps, principal component analysis (PCA) plots, correlograms and receiver operating curves (ROCs). Calculations are performed through the R language. The FaDA application provides a free and intuitive interface that allows biologists without bioinformatic skill to easily and quickly perform common laboratory data analyses. The application is freely accessible athttps://shiny-bird.univ-nantes.fr/app/Fada.
Improved targeting of human CD4+ T cells by nanobody-modified AAV2 gene therapy vectors
Authors: Hamann Martin V. , Beschorner Niklas , Vu Xuan-Khang , Hauber Ilona , Lange Ulrike C. , Traenkle Bjoern , Kaiser Philipp D. , Foth Daniel , Schneider Carola , Büning Hildegard , Rothbauer Ulrich , Hauber Joachim
Published: December 2021

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are considered non-pathogenic in humans, and thus have been developed into powerful vector platforms forin vivogene therapy. Although the various AAV serotypes display broad tropism, frequently infecting multiple tissues and cell types, vectors for specific and efficient targeting of human CD4+T lymphocytes are largely missing. In fact, a substantial translational bottleneck exists in the field of therapeutic gene transfer that would requirein vivodelivery into peripheral disease-related lymphocytes for subsequent genome editing. To solve this issue, capsid modification for retargeting AAV tropism, and in turn improving vector potency, is considered a promising strategy. Here, we genetically modified the minor AAV2 capsid proteins, VP1 and VP2, with a set of novel nanobodies with high-affinity for the human CD4 receptor. These novel vector variants demonstrated improved targeting of human CD4+cells, including primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified human CD4+T lymphocytes. Thus, the technical approach presented here provides a promising strategy for developing specific gene therapy vectors, particularly targeting disease-related peripheral blood CD4+leukocytes.
Beneficial impact of Ac3IV, an AVP analogue acting specifically at V1a and V1b receptors, on diabetes islet morphology and transdifferentiation of alpha- and beta-cells
Authors: Mohan Shruti , Lafferty Ryan , Tanday Neil , Flatt Peter R. , Moffett R. Charlotte , Irwin Nigel
Published: December 2021

Ac3IV (Ac-CYIQNCPRG-NH2) is an enzymatically stable vasopressin analogue that selectively activates Avpr1a (V1a) and Avpr1b (V1b) receptors. In the current study we have employed streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic transgenicIns1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFPandGluCreERT2;Rosa26-eYFPmice, to evaluate the impact of sustained Ac3IV treatment on pancreatic islet cell morphology and transdifferentiation. Twice-daily administration of Ac3IV (25 nmol/kg bw) to STZ-diabeticIns1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFPmice for 12 days increased pancreatic insulin (p<0.01) and significantly reversed the detrimental effects of STZ on pancreatic islet morphology. Such benefits were coupled with increased (p<0.01) beta-cell proliferation and decreased (p<0.05) beta-cell apoptosis. In terms of islet cell lineage tracing, induction of diabetes increased (p<0.001) beta- to alpha-cell differentiation inIns1Cre/+;Rosa26-eYFPmice, with Ac3IV partially reversing (p<0.05) such transition events. Comparable benefits of Ac3IV on pancreatic islet architecture were observed in STZ-diabeticGluCreERT2;ROSA26-eYFPtransgenic mice. In this model, Ac3IV provoked improvements in islet morphology which were linked to increased (p<0.05-p<0.01) transition of alpha- to beta-cells. Ac3IV also increased (p<0.05-p<0.01) CK-19 co-expression with insulin in pancreatic ductal and islet cells. Blood glucose levels were unchanged by Ac3IV in both models, reflecting the severity of diabetes induced. Taken together these data indicate that activation of islet receptors for V1a and V1b positively modulates alpha- and beta-cell turnover and endocrine cell lineage transition events to preserve beta-cell identity and islet architecture.
Different contra-sound effects between noise and music stimuli seen in N1m and psychophysical responses
Authors: Shirakura Masayuki , Kawase Tetsuaki , Kanno Akitake , Ohta Jun , Nakasato Nobukazu , Kawashima Ryuta , Katori Yukio
Published: December 2021

Auditory-evoked responses can be affected by the sound presented to the contralateral ear. The different contra-sound effects between noise and music stimuli on N1m responses of auditory-evoked fields and those on psychophysical response were examined in 12 and 15 subjects, respectively. In the magnetoencephalographic study, the stimulus to elicit the N1m response was a tone burst of 500 ms duration at a frequency of 250 Hz, presented at a level of 70 dB, and white noise filtered with high-pass filter at 2000 Hz and music stimuli filtered with high-pass filter at 2000 Hz were used as contralateral noise. The contralateral stimuli (noise or music) were presented in 10 dB steps from 80 dB to 30 dB. Subjects were instructed to focus their attention to the left ear and to press the response button each time they heard burst stimuli presented to the left ear. In the psychophysical study, the effects of contralateral sound presentation on the response time for detection of the probe sound of a 250 Hz tone burst presented at a level of 70 dB were examined for the same contra-noise and contra-music used in the magnetoencephalographic study. The amplitude reduction and latency delay of N1m caused by contra-music stimuli were significantly larger than those by contra-noise stimuli in bilateral hemisphere, even for low level of contra-music near the psychophysical threshold. Moreover, this larger suppressive effect induced by contra-music effects was also observed psychophysically; i.e., the change in response time for detection of the probe sound was significantly longer by adding contralateral music stimuli than by adding contra-noise stimuli. Regarding differences in effect between contra-music and contra-noise, differences in the degree of saliency may be responsible for their different abilities to disturb auditory attention to the probe sound, but further investigation is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Ecosystem dynamics after forest fire. Blideen Atlas case
Authors: Naziha Melouani , Leila Kadik
Published: December 2021

Human disturbances affect the majority of terrestrial ecosystems. The radical changes in the behaviour of ecological systems, partial or total destruction of plant biomass, often with the death of fundamental entities. Of these disturbances, fires affect many terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, by changing their floristic composition, their structure and their functioning; the global average annual forest area burned is estimated at 65 million ha. The Mediterranean basin, a hotspot, annually loses between 0.5 and 1 million hectares of forest. In Algeria, the annual average of areas destroyed by fire is between 45,000 and 50,000 ha. Our work set out to study the changes in the plant coverage of the land one year after the passage of fire. We studied the effects at the floristic, ecological and dynamic level in a forest ecosystem located in the north of Algeria (Atlas Blideen). The phytoecological inventory of vegetation (74 surveys, 162 species) was carried out from subjective sampling. To highlight the different groupings in the study area, classical statistical treatments (factorial analysis of correspondences) were applied to the floristic and ecological data. The results of computer processing made it possible to individualize and classify four plant groups according to the degree of the fire. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of these groups shows a therophytization of the flora, due to the regression of the forest cover (disappearance of the phanerophytes) caused by the passage of fire, with a floral procession represented mainly by Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae and an index disturbance which greatly exceeds 50%. However, some tree and shrub taxa such as cork oak, holm oak and Pistacia lentiscus tree have the capacity to reappear by rejecting the calcined stumps.
Apigenin induces oxidative stress in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells
Authors: Jittapalapong Sathaporn , Poompoung Thapanee , Sutjarit Samak
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim: Apigenin (API) is an estrogenic compound found in many plants. Sertoli cells reside in the testis and are a key target of environmental toxicants. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxicity, especially oxidative stress of API in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.

Materials and Methods: Mouse Sertoli TM4 cells were treated with 50 and 100 μM API for 48 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, glutathione reductase (GR) activities, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated using various assays.

Results: Treatment with API at both 50 and 100 μM decreased viability and GR activity but increased LDH activity, ROS production, and MDA levels in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.

Conclusion: Exposure to API induced oxidative stress in mouse Sertoli TM4 cells.
Floristic division of Soviet Middle Asia
Authors: Kamelin Rudolf V.
Published: December 2021

New floristic zoning of Central Asia is demonstrated briefly consuming the original map. Essential features of floras’ composition and similarity, their endemism level, peculiarities of floristic complexes and florocenotypes and furthermore the analysis of taxa included to the flora determine the zoning. Some particularities of large regions of Central Asia are described briefly.
Carex delongii (Cyperaceae), a new sedge from Russia
Authors: Shekhovtsova Irina N. , Lashchinskiy Nikolay N. , Shekhovtsov Sergey V.
Published: December 2021

While performing vegetation surveys in the southern part of the Lena delta, a new species of Carex from section Phacocystis has been found. Morphologically, Carex delongii sp. nov. is most close to C. cespitosa and C. minuta but differs from the former in smaller inflorescences, shorter pistillate spikes, narrow and soft leaves, oblong-ovoid (vs. ovoid) utricles; from the latter, it is distinguished by having smaller spikes and larger utricles. This relationship is also confirmed by molecular data. A detailed description of Carex delongii, its comparison with related species, illustrations, characteristics of habitat and phylogenetic position are reported.
Phylogenetic position of Phlojodicarpus villosus (Apiaceae) based on ITS and trnH-psbA nucleotide sequences
Authors: Valuyskikh Olga E. , Shadrin Dmitry M.
Published: December 2021

The aim of our work was to obtain chloroplast (trnH-psbA) and nuclear (ITS1-ITS2) DNA nucleotide sequences and identify the phylogenetic position of Phlojodicarpus villosus (Apiaceae). This species of vascular plants is represented in the Urals by isolated relic populations and is included in the regional Red Data Books. There is no data on P. villosus nucleotide sequences in the international open genetic databases. We studied two herbarium specimens of P. villosus, one collected from the Ural part of its range in the Komi Republic (Northern Urals) and the second collected from the main part of its range in the Magadan Region (Kolyma Highlands). Combining nuclear and chloroplast markers made it possible to reliably determine phylogenetic position of P. villosus within the tribe Selineae (subfamily Apioideae, family Apiaceae). We found ITS1-ITS2 and trnH-psbA nucleotide sequences to be sufficiently informative to identify specimens of this genus. High polymorphism of P. villosus sequences obtained from different parts of its range (Northern Urals and Kolyma Highlands) and the presence of evolutionary events (deletions) require more detail study of P. villosus and other Phlojodicarpus taxa by DNA barcoding methods.
The Impact of Digital Navigation on Travel Behaviour
Authors: Metz David
Published: December 2021

Digital navigation – the combined use of satellite positioning, digital mapping and route guidance – is in wide use for road travel yet its impact is little understood. Evidence is emerging of significant changes in use of the road network, including diversion of local trips to new major road capacity and increased use of minor roads, which have problematic implications for investment decisions and for the management of the network. However, the ability of digital navigation to predict estimated time of arrival under expected traffic conditions is a welcome means of mitigating journey time uncertainty, which is one of the undesirable consequences of road traffic congestion. There is very little available information about the impact of digital navigation on travel behaviour, a situation that needs to be remedied to enhance the efficiency of road network operation.Digital navigation – the combined use of satellite positioning, digital mapping and route guidance – is in wide use for road travel yet its impact is little understood. Evidence is emerging of significant changes in use of the road network, including diversion of local trips to new major road capacity and increased use of minor roads, which have problematic implications for investment decisions and for the management of the network. However, the ability of digital navigation to predict estimated time of arrival under expected traffic conditions is a welcome means of mitigating journey time uncertainty, which is one of the undesirable consequences of road traffic congestion. There is very little available information about the impact of digital navigation on travel behaviour, a situation that needs to be remedied to enhance the efficiency of road network operation.
Programa Federal de Vivienda - Techo Digno para sectores medio-bajos
Authors: Barenboim Cintia Ariana , Aused Jose María
Published: December 2021

Durante las últimas décadas, en nuestro país el desarrollo urbano estuvo definido por las pautas del mercado inmobiliario para los sectores sociales que no necesitaban financiamiento. Sin embargo, en el 2009 ciertas políticas habitacionales orientadas para los sectores de menores recursos que buscaban la generación de empleo, se extendieron hacia los sectores medios.

En este contexto, el objetivo radica en el análisis de la política habitacional nacional a través del Programa Federal Construcción de Vivienda Techo Digno dado que tuvo características propias en su implementación en la ciudad de Rosario.

Los puntos centrales se vinculan con la descripción del Programa (objetivo, beneficiarios, líneas de acción), previamente exponiendo el Programa Federal I y II, y con el alcance de los cuatro proyectos en Rosario (ubicación, integración al tejido urbano, cantidad de viviendas, prototipos).

En suma, en el 2004, el Estado vuelve a tomar protagonismo en la política habitacional con el Programa Federal incluyendo en el 2009 a los sectores medios con Techo Digno. Sin embargo, se accede a la vivienda y no a la ciudad, localizadas las urbanizaciones en el borde urbano noroeste, donde se amplían las infraestructuras, pero carecen de servicios y equipamientos completos.
Mensaje
Authors: Pallarés Torres María Eugenia
Published: December 2021

Mensaje
Os espaços abertos comunais nos empreendimentos do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida
Authors: Azevedo de Lima Márcia
Published: December 2021

O artigo discute a importância dos espaços abertos comunais, tais como ruas, calçadas, praças e áreas verdes, para a qualidade da habitação social. Utiliza como objeto de estudo empreendimentos do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida, localizados no município de São Leopoldo/ RS, para verificar a satisfação dos moradores com os espaços abertos comunais dos conjuntos habitacionais, bem como o impacto desta avaliação no desempenho do conjunto e satisfação dos moradores com o local onde moram. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados incluem múltiplos métodos de coleta de dados e análises que possibilitaram complementariedade entre os dados obtidos. Os resultados confirmam que os espaços abertos comunais não são adequados às necessidades dos moradores e as praças e áreas verdes não apresentam boa localização dentro dos empreendimentos, o que dificulta a apropriação e manutenção destes espaços. Dessa forma, são avaliados de forma negativa pelos moradores, não são utilizados e afetam o desempenho do conjunto e satisfação com o local onde moram. Concluindo, é ressaltada a importância de espaços abertos comunais nos conjuntos habitacionais de interesse social que atendam às necessidades dos moradores, na busca da produção de espaços residenciais mais qualificados.
La académica malabarista y la ausencia de políticas universitarias de conciliación: Un estudio comparado de trabajo académico y familia en Chile y España
Authors: Montes-López Estrella , Simbürger Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Este artículo analiza la relación entre el trabajo académico y la vida familiar a partir de dos investigaciones sobre carrera académica y género desarrolladas en Chile y España. A partir de 36 entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a profesoras universitarias, se abordan el desarrollo de la carrera académica, las condiciones de trabajo y los factores que dificultan o facilitan la conciliación entre el trabajo académico y el ámbito familiar, como la presencia o ausencia de políticas de género en las universidades. Los resultados de investigación, en ambos contextos, muestran que es el individuo el actor responsable de conciliar los tiempos de trabajo y vida; que existe un fuerte sesgo de género en el que los hombres apenas aparecen como figuras corresponsables, y que la universidad tampoco se responsabiliza de crear un entorno que facilite la conciliación.
Mit Umweltethik gegen Pandemien? Zum Unterschied von Ethik und Politik
Authors: Eser Uta
Published: December 2021

Reaktion auf L. N. Bossert, L. M. Schlegel inGAIA30/2 (2021): Mit Umweltethik gegen Pandemien: Warum Tierrechte und Naturschutz auch den Menschen nutzenWelche Rolle spielt Umweltethik im Kampf gegen Pandemien und Naturzerstörung? Sie begründet, welcher Umgang mit der Natur gut und richtig ist. Zwischen der Begründung des richtigen Handelns und dessen praktischer Herbeiführung besteht jedoch eine unaufhebbare Differenz. Denn: Ob Forderungen nach mehr Tier-, Natur- und Gesundheitsschutz Gehör finden, hängt weniger von ethischen Begründungen als von politischen Kräfteverhältnissen ab.
Intended and unintended effects of statutory deposit return schemes for single-use plastic bottles: Lessons learned from the German experience
Authors: Rhein Sebastian , Sträter Katharina Friederike
Published: December 2021

Several EU countries discuss introducing deposit systems for single-use bottles to mitigate pollution. However, as an analysis of the German experiences indicates, the introduction of a deposit on single-use beverage containers might unintendedly compromise the endeavor to implement
a circular economy. Such unintended effects need to be considered to enable the implementation of a circular economy that prioritizes reduction and reuse compared to recycling.High levels of environmental pollution and low recycling rates have triggered a debate on deposit return systems
for single-use beverage containers (BCs) within the European Union. In 2003, Germany statutorily implemented a deposit for single-use BCs, which operates alongside a historically grown deposit system for multi-use bottles. The long-standing German practice can be used as a source of relevant
experiences. These experiences show that the introduction of a single-use deposit is a double-edged sword: on the one hand, it caused an increase in return and recycling rates of single-use BCs. On the other hand, there were unintended effects on the long-standing multi-use system and, thus,
on the endeavor to implement a circular economy where reduction and reuse are prioritized rather than recycling. It seems that the introduction of a single-use deposit system promotes a narrow mode of thinking and a focus on recycling, which hinders the revitalization of multi-use BC systems.
The EU’s debate on single-use deposit lacks critical consideration of such unintended effects. The discussion of the German experiences might help to avoid unintended effects that hinder the establishment of a circular economy.
“Don’t let me be misunderstood”
Authors: Strauß Stefan
Published: December 2021

Research and development as well as societal debates on the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) often focus on crucial but impractical ethical issues or on technocratic approaches to managing societal and ethical risks with technology. To overcome this, more practical, problem-oriented analytical perspectives on the risks of AI are needed. This article proposes an approach that focuses on a meta-risk inherent in AI systems: deep automation bias. It is assumed that the mismatch between system behavior and user practice in specific application contexts due to AI‑based automation is a key trigger for bias and other societal risks. The article presents the main factors of (deep) automation bias and outlines a framework providing indicators for the detection of deep automation bias ultimately triggered by such a mismatch. This approach intends to strengthen problem awareness and critical AI literacy and thereby create some practial use.
Clinical evaluation of shoulder ROM in volleyball and handball players in youth categories
Authors: Benda Petr , Nováková Tereza , Žáková Lenka
Published: December 2021

Aims. The aim of this study was to clarify whether volleyball and handball players, as representatives of the so-called overhead athletes, already have an increased ROM and specific local hypermobility in the shoulder joints in the junior categories. These changes are described by goniometric measurements and hypermobility tests according to Sachse and Beighton. The results are examined with respect to gender and sport specialization.
Methods. Ninety-five subjects without previous shoulder joint injury aged 16 to 19 years, including 73 volleyball and handball players, were tested. The cohort included 33 men, 40 women, 34 handball players and 39 volleyball players. The control group consisted of 22 participants, including 11 men and 11 women. The majority (90.5%) of the study participants were right-hand dominant. Only 9.5% of the participants were left-handed. Measurements were taken with a goniometer with digital display and hypermobility tests according to Sachse and Beighton.
Results. In a selected group of volleyball and handball players, the ROM of the shoulder joints of the dominant arm was significantly greater in three ways: into extension, horizontal adduction and external rotation. On the other hand, the ROM of their shoulder joints in internal rotation is smaller and the research group has significant hypermobility in the glenohumeral (scapulohumeral) joint compared to the control group. Our study showed that females compared to males playing volleyball and handball have a significantly higher degree of internal rotation of both dominant and non-dominant arms. No significant differences were found when comparing volleyball and handball players. The difference in ROM between the dominant and non-dominant arms of volleyball and handball players was shown in extension and external rotation.
Vybrané právní aspekty otroctví v Hostině u Trimalchiona
Authors: Skoupá Lenka
Published: December 2021

This paper deals with the portrayal of slavery in the specific chapter of Petronius’ Satyricon. The main aim of the paper is to compare the information we gain about slavery from the legal sources with the way these institutions are then portrayed within the Satyricon. Specifically, the paper focuses on the legal aspects of entry into slavery (birth, self-sale), transfer of ownership (sale and warranty for goods) and manumission.
Bělovský, P. Obligace z kontraktu. Smlouva a její vymahatelnost v římském právu
Authors: Dostalík Petr
Published: December 2021

Book review on BĚLOVSKÝ, P. Obligace z kontraktu. Smlouva a její vymahatelnost v římském právu. Praha: Auditorium, 2021, 359 s.
První svazky ediční řady Dílo Karla Engliše. Vzpomínky na T. G. Masaryka. Tož poslouchejte, jak jsme budovali republiku
Authors: Vojáček Ladislav
Published: December 2021

Book review on Vzpomínky na T. G. Masaryka. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2021, 63 s. and Tož poslouchejte, jak jsme budovali republiku. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2021, 251 s.