bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric assessment of the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form 6a in women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain
Authors: Pokrzywinski Robin , Soliman Ahmed M. , Surrey Eric , Snabes Michael C. , Coyne Karin S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Endometriosis is a common problem in women of reproductive age and has impacts on health-related quality of life and productivity. Fatigue is an important part of the burden of endometriosis, it is not often included as an endpoint in clinical trials.

Objectives

The study assessed the psychometric properties of the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form 6a in women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain.

Methods

In a phase III double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT01620528), women aged 18–49 years with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-related pain were randomized to elagolix 150 mg once daily, elagolix 200 mg twice daily, or placebo for 6 months. PROMIS Fatigue and dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pelvic pain (NMPP) scores were assessed at baseline and months 1, 3, and 6, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was assessed at months 1, 3, and 6. Reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity (convergent and known groups validity), and responsiveness were evaluated.

Results

The analysis included 871 women, mean age 31.5 years. Internal consistency supported a single concept (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93). For the 238 patients with no change in PGIC at month 1, the intraclass correlation coefficient for the PROMIS Fatigue T-score was 0.7 and paired t-test statistically significant (2.84, p = 0.0049). Correlations with other measures were expected to be fairly low as concepts were not redundant. The PROMIS Fatigue discriminated among known groups with mean scores of 55.3, 62.3, and 65.8 at month 3 (PGIC improvement, no change, worsening, respectively). Statically significant discrimination, and change score responsiveness, were seen using clinically relevant anchors (dysmenorrhea and NMPP) at months 3 and 6 between responders and non-responders. Anchor-based (PGIC) responsiveness showed significant improvement from baseline to months 3 and 6 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

PROMIS Fatigue has good reliability, validity, and responsiveness in women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain.
Management of people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey among epileptologists in China
Authors: Xiao Zhenxu , Ding Ding , Li Shichuo , Hong Zhen
Published: October 2020

Background

Compared to the healthy people, people with comorbid medical conditions are more vulnerable in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including the people with epilepsy. Besides a consensus recommendation by multi-national epilepsy specialists, the situation of the epilepsy management during the pandemic has seldom been reported.

Methods

The China Association Against Epilepsy carried out an online nationwide survey among its board members in April 2020. One hundred and thirty board members from 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, and 4 municipalities across China responded to the questionnaires. They reported the situation of clinical practice and gave opinions on the management of people with epilepsy between January 13th and March 31st, 2020, a time period concentrated with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Results

The proportions of patients consulting through telephone or online (88.4%) and of patients with regular case review (93.9%) were highest in the high-risk area, as reported by the responders. The patients in the high-risk area were more likely to have increased episodes of seizures (17.7%), aggravated psychological disorders (30.2%), and less accessibility to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) (77.2%). Regular ASMs supply (74.6%), medical consultation (69.2%), and psychological aids (29.2%) were urgently needed for people with epilepsy.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the most common dilemma faced by people with epilepsy in policy circumstances during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. The opinions raised by Chinese epileptologists may provide reference for epilepsy care in other countries.
Trunnion fracture of femoral prosthesis following a large metal-on-metal uncemented total hip arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Eachempati Krishna Kiran , Dannana Chandra Sekhar , Apsingi Sunil , Ponnala Vinay Kishore , Boyapati Giridhar , Parameswaran Apurve
Published: October 2020

Background

Trunnion fracture of the femoral prosthesis is an extremely rare complication following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). There are very few reports in literature on trunnion fracture. All previously reported cases are of prostheses with smaller heads, unlike the large metal-on-metal articulation in our case, which is unique.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old male patient with juvenile idiopathic arthropathy presented to us with a fracture of the trunnion of his left THA, with no history of trauma. He had undergone staged bilateral THA for avascular necrosis of the hips 10 years ago (with AML-A stem and large metal-on-metal articulation bilaterally). We revised the THA and exchanged both femoral and acetabular components. He had a good functional outcome at 3 years’ follow up.

Conclusion

The primary reason for the trunnion fracture in our case was the faulty stem design of the AML [with a small (9/10) taper, and a large head], causing excessive bending moment at the trunnion, worsening the cantilever effect and leading to subsequent cyclic fatigue failure. Whilst gross trunnion failure (GTF) with dissociation of the head from the taper is commonly reported, trunnion fracture per se is a rare and devastating complication. The AML-A stem has since been recalled by the company and there is a need to constantly monitor these patients for potential trunnion-related complications.
Implementing a social network intervention: can the context for its workability be created? A quasi-ethnographic study
Authors: Ellis J. , Vassilev I. , James E. , Rogers A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Policy makers and researchers recognise the challenges of implementing evidence-based interventions into routine practice. The process of implementation is particularly complex in local community environments. In such settings, the dynamic nature of the wider contextual factors needs to be considered in addition to capturing interactions between the type of intervention and the site of implementation throughout the process. This study sought to examine how networks and network formation influence the implementation of a self-management support intervention in a community setting.

Methods

An ethnographically informed approach was taken. Data collection involved obtaining and analysing documents relevant to implementation (i.e. business plan and health reports), observations of meetings and engagement events over a 28-month period and 1:1 interviews with implementation-network members. Data analysis utilised the adaptive theory approach and drew upon the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The paper presents the implementation events in chronological order to illustrate the evolution of the implementation process.

Results

The implementation-network was configured from the provider-network and commissioning-network. The configuration of the implementation-network was influenced by both the alignment between the political landscape and the intervention, and also the intervention having a robust evidence base. At the outset of implementation, the network achieved stability as members were agreed on roles and responsibilities. The stability of the implementation-network was threatened as progress slowed. However, with a period of reflection and evaluation, and with a flexible and resilient network, implementation was able to progress.

Conclusions

Resilience and creativity of all involved in the implementation in community settings is required to engage with a process which is complex, dynamic, and fraught with obstacles. An implementation-network is required to be resilient and flexible in order to adapt to the dynamic nature of community contexts. Of particular importance is understanding the demands of the various network elements, and there is a requirement to pause for “reflection and evaluation” in order to modify the implementation process as a result of learning.
Total conservative parotidectomy for management of benign parotid neoplasms
Authors: El-Hafez Tarek Abd El-Rahman Abd , Khalil Yasser Abd El-Wahab , El Noaman Mohamed , Zayan Ahmad Helmy , El-Demerdash Ashraf Ali
Published: October 2020

Background

This study assesses the outcomes of total conservative parotidectomy in the management of benign parotid neoplasms. A retrospective review was conducted for all parotidectomies for benign superficial parotid neoplasms from 2013 to 2018. Facial nerve dysfunction, recurrence, and other side-effects were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 21 patients were included in our study. Our series included a pleomorphic adenoma (16 patients), Warthin tumor (4 patients), and oncocytoma (1 patient). Overall, 12 patients had temporary facial nerve paresis (57.1%), 3 patients had temporary paralysis (14.3%)—no reported cases of permanent paralysis—and 6 patients sustained postoperative good facial nerve function (28.6%). No recurrence was reported in our study period. Other side effects included hemorrhage (1 patient), hematoma (2 patients), seroma (4 patients), and partial skin flap necrosis (2 patients). As well, Frey’s syndrome was reported in 11 patients, and most of them were managed conservatively.

Conclusions

Total conservative parotidectomy is a valuable approach for removing parotid tumors. The rate of complications after this procedure (facial nerve dysfunction and recurrence) is low provided that the technique was performed with meticulous care.
Effect of point of care blood testing on physical health check completion in mental health services: mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Butler Joseph , de Cassan Simone , Glogowska Margaret , Fanshawe Thomas R. , Turner Phil , Walton Debbie , Lasserson Daniel , Bale Robert , Lennox Belinda , Hayward Gail
Published: October 2020

Background

Physical health outcomes in severe mental illness are worse than in the general population. Routine physical health check completion in this group is poor.

Aims

To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the impact of point of care (POC) blood testing on physical health check completion in community mental health services.

Method

In a prospective cohort design, we equipped an early intervention service (EIS) and a community mental health team (CMHT) with a POC blood testing device for 6 months. We compared rates of blood test and full physical health check completion in the intervention teams with a matched EIS and CMHT, historically and during the intervention. We explored attitudes to POC testing using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with patients and clinicians.

Results

Although the CMHT scarcely used the POC device and saw no change in outcomes, direct comparison of testing rates in the intervention period showed increased physical health check completion in the EIS with the device (rate ratio RR = 5.18; 95% CI 2.54–12.44; P < 0.001) compared with usual care. The rate was consistent with the EIS's increasing rate of testing over time (RR = 0.45; 95% 0.09–2.08; P = 0.32). Similar trends were seen in blood test completion. POC testing was acceptable to patients but clinicians reported usability, provision and impact on the therapeutic relationship as barriers to uptake.

Conclusions

POC testing was beneficial and acceptable to patients and may increase physical health check uptake. Further research, accounting for clinician barriers, is needed to evaluate its clinical and cost-effectiveness.
Panorama of Gynecologic Cancer in Brazil
Authors: Paulino Eduardo , de Melo Andreia Cristina , Silva-Filho Agnaldo Lopes , Maciel Luiza de Freitas , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos , Goss Paul , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angelica
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Little is known, or has been published previously, regarding consolidated data on the epidemiology of gynecologic cancers (GC) in Brazil. This article describes the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of women in Brazil affected with GC between the years of 2000 and 2017.

METHODS

Incidence, morbidity, and mortality data from patients with a diagnosis of one out of the five most common GC, cervical (CC), uterine (UC), ovarian (OC), vulvar (VvC), and vaginal (VgC), were obtained from three governmental sources of data.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2015 CC, OC, and VgC incidence rates (IRs) decreased, whereas the IRs for UC and VvC remained relatively stable. Data from 382,932 women with GC were analyzed. Most patients presented with locally advanced or advanced disease at diagnosis: 60.1% of patients with CC, 31.2% of patients with UC, 67.2% of patients with OC, 45.2% of patients with VvC, and 67.0% of patients with VgC. Time from diagnosis to first treatment was ≥ 60 days in 58.0% of patients with CC, 58.5% of patients with UC, 27.0% of patients with OC, 55.3% of patients with VvC, and 52.7% of patients with VgC. Regarding mortality rates (MRs), with the exception of CC, UC, and VvC, which showed a slight decrease, MRs remained stable between 2000 and 2017.

CONCLUSION

A comparison with international data indicates that Brazilian patients are diagnosed with more advanced disease and face a longer delay between diagnosis and first treatment. Despite advances in screening and treatment, GC mortality has not decreased satisfactorily in this country.
Optimized Management of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Response-Based Phase II Study (OMNIVORE)
Authors: McKay Rana R. , McGregor Bradley A. , Xie Wanling , Braun David A. , Wei Xiao , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Zakharia Yousef , Maughan Benjamin L. , Rose Tracy L. , Stadler Walter M. , McDermott David F. , Harshman Lauren C. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

In this phase II response-adaptive trial, we investigated the rational application of immune checkpoint blockade in renal cell carcinoma (RCC; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03203473 ).

METHODS

We enrolled patients with metastatic RCC with no prior checkpoint inhibitor exposure. All patients received nivolumab alone with subsequent arm allocation based on response. Patients with a confirmed partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) within 6 months discontinued nivolumab and were observed (arm A). Patients with stable disease or progressive disease (PD) after no more than 6 months of nivolumab received two doses of ipilimumab (arm B). The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with PR/CR at 1 year after nivolumab discontinuation (arm A) and proportion of nivolumab nonresponders who converted to PR/CR after ipilimumab (arm B).

RESULTS

Overall, 83 patients initiated treatment, of whom 96% had clear-cell histology, 51% were treatment naïve, and 67% had intermediate/poor-risk disease. Median follow-up was 19.5 months. Within 6 months, induction nivolumab resulted in a confirmed PR in 12% of patients (n = 10). Fourteen patients were not allocated to a study arm (seven because of toxicity, seven because of PD). Twelve patients (14%) were allocated to arm A and discontinued nivolumab, of whom five (42%; 90% CI, 18% to 68%) remained off nivolumab at ≥ 1 year. Of 57 patients (69%) allocated to arm B, two patients converted to a confirmed PR (4%; 90% CI, 1% to 11%), and no CRs were observed.

CONCLUSION

In this study, nivolumab followed by two doses of ipilimumab resulted in no CRs and a low PR/CR conversion. The number of patients evaluated for nivolumab discontinuation was too small to assess the value of this approach. Currently, our data do not support a response-adaptive strategy for checkpoint blockade in advanced RCC.
The Global Far North
Authors: Yeager Stephen
Published: October 2020

This essay describes a plan for Indigenizing medieval studies that has two elements. The first is an area of research inquiry, “The Global Far North, 500–1500 CE,” which moves past the written records of the Vinland sagas to privilege alternative forms of evidence about cultural contact in the defined period, particularly the oral traditional evidence of Indigenous communities. The project’s investigations will apply the emerging protocols for research ethics and for reciprocity with Indigenous communities, and they will aim to historicize and challenge settler notions of legality that rely on written documents. The essay concludes by arguing that teaching, service, and community outreach must be prioritized over publication as modes of professional activity more conducive to Indigenization’s political goals. Decolonizing medieval studies will require not only that we engage with Indigenous communities but also that we actively center their concerns and contributions at every step.
Mitochondria and the thermal limits of ectotherms
Authors: Chung Dillon J. , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: October 2020

Temperature is a critical abiotic factor shaping the distribution and abundance of species, but the mechanisms that underpin organismal thermal limits remain poorly understood. One possible mechanism underlying these limits is the failure of mitochondrial processes, as mitochondria play a crucial role in animals as the primary site of ATP production. Conventional measures of mitochondrial performance suggest that these organelles can function at temperatures much higher than those that limit whole-organism function, suggesting that they are unlikely to set organismal thermal limits. However, this conclusion is challenged by recent data connecting sequence variation in mitochondrial genes to whole-organism thermal tolerance. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of mitochondrial responses to thermal extremes and ask whether they are consistent with a role for mitochondrial function in shaping whole-organism thermal limits. The available data are fragmentary, but it is possible to draw some conclusions. There is little evidence that failure of maximal mitochondrial oxidative capacity as assessed in vitro sets thermal limits, but there is some evidence to suggest that temperature effects on ATP synthetic capacity may be important. Several studies suggest that loss of mitochondrial coupling is associated with the thermal limits for organismal growth, although this needs to be rigorously tested. Most studies have utilized isolated mitochondrial preparations to assess the effects of temperature on these organelles, and there remain many untapped opportunities to address these questions using preparations that retain more of their biological context to better connect these subcellular processes with whole-organism thermal limits.
The emergence of a New Wave in contemporary Greek cinema
Authors: Σηφάκη (Eirini Sifaki) Ειρήνη , Στάμου (Anastasia Stamou) Αναστασία , Παπαδοπούλου (Maria Papadopoulou) Μαρία
Published: October 2020

This book is about the birth of a new, dynamic and innovative cultural phenomenon - associated with a generation of talented Greek filmmakers and independent film producers - and the conditions that fostered its emergence in 2009. The New Wave or “Greek Weird Wave” (as it was originally named by the Press), despite emanating from a period of domestic economic and social hardship, managed, not only to attract attention beyond Greece and become critically acclaimed at international festivals, but also to catch the eye of the media, researchers and cultural managers globally.
Is it, indeed, a New Wave in contemporary Greek cinema? Which factors contributed to/or favored its emergence? How did the critical and scientific discourse affect the cultural evaluation and the legitimization of this new wave in the art world? In what way did certain marketing practices and strategies contribute to its development and promotion?
To this end, a collection of Greek and foreign journalistic and scientific texts, as well as, a study of marketing media practices for selected films published between January 2009 and September 2016, has been collated and examined. The analysis is based on a combination of qualitative research methods; such as, discourse analysis, content analysis, visual analysis and semiotics.
Previous research in the field of the sociology of culture and film studies has proved that the legitimization of cultural products and movements occurs, within a complex framework of intermediary factors, between the cultural creators and the audience. This book takes it a step further, to prove, through a thorough and extensive study, that the contribution of critical and scientific discourse, when combined with well-orchestrated marketing practices, can have an enormous impact in the cultural evaluation, legitimization and promotion of a cultural product in the cinema world.
Effects of various environments on number of cocoon and offspring in breeding of southern medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820
Authors: Ugural Bahadır , Serezli Ramazan
Published: October 2020

Breeding medicinal leeches in controlled environments is extremely important in order to prevent their extinction. Moreover, due to medicinal leeches coming into contact with the patient's blood, breeding medicinal leeches in hygienic conditions is essential to prevent possible complications.
In this study, breeding patterns of Hirudo verbana were studied in controlled conditions and the effects of various moist environments were examined. Peat, hydrogel and chopped sponge materials were compared in terms of number of cocoon and offspring in medicinal leech breeding. Peat and hydrogel environments didn’t show any statistically significant difference for number of cocoon and offspring breeding. Cocoon per leech was 3.13 ± 0.74 for peat and 2.80 ± 0.56 for hydrogel respectively. Offspring per cocoon was 11.81 ± 2.27 for peat and 12.52 ± 1.98 for hydrogel (P>0.05) respectively. In conclusion, hydrogel could be a new material for medicinal leech cocoon deposition environment especially for laboratory breeders.
Backyard fish farm features and farmers personal characteristics as correlates of profitability of aquaculture in Nigeria
Authors: GBIGBI Theophilus Miebi , ACHOJA Felix, Odemero
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to deepen understanding of how farmer personal features and farm characteristics affect the profitability of backyard fish farms in south- south Nigeria. In order to achieve the aim of the study, primary data were collected on farmer and farm-based variables, using questionnaire from randomly selected fish farmers in 2018. Nested regression models were estimated to evaluate the separate and combined effects of farmer and farm characteristics of profitability. The results indicates that the mean age was 41 years, 84.4% of them were male and majority (90.0%) had secondary education and above. The mean farming experience was 8 years with mean household size of 9 persons. The findings revealed that backyard fish farming was profitable with a total revenue of N2, 233,800 (6111.63 USD), a total cost of N1, 404,280 (3842.08 USD) with a net income of N829520 (2269.55 USD) and BCR of 1.59. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.59 implies that every N1.00 invested in backyard fish farming will yield additional income of N0.59k. The result shows that backyard fish farms profitability responds positively to farmers personal characteristics (age, years of experience, gender, education and family size). Farmer personal characteristics significantly and jointly explained 37% variation in profitability. Farm characteristics (stocking density and fertilizer) significantly and positively (p<0.05) influenced profitability of backyard fish farms. The most important cost factors that negatively affected profitability are unit cost of feeds, fingerlings and water supply. It was recommended that backyard fish farmers should increase stock size, acquire more education as human capital development and form cooperative societies to address the constraint of inadequate access to credit facilities.
The effect of green tea extract on the quality of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets in cold storage conditions
Authors: Duman Elifcan , Altınelataman Can
Published: October 2020

Despite its high nutritional value, antioxidants are used in aquaculture products that have a short lifetime, as in other foods, to maintain quality during preservation. The purpose of this study; It is to observe the oxidative stability of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets at 0-4 ℃ using green tea extract obtained by classical brewing method, which is a method that can be applied by the consumer with ease. Determined concentrations (0.4-0.8-1.2 g / ml) and immersion times (10-20 min) green tea extract is applied and the fillets stored at 0-4 Thiobarbituric acid reagents (TBARs) analysis, sensory analysis and color analysis were performed on days 0, 3, 6 and 9 of storage. Depending on the literature, although no significant effect is expected, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) analysis was also performed additionally. As a result of the analyzes, significant differences were found when the TBARs results of all samples with green tea extract applied were compared with the results of the control group after 9 days of storage (p <0.05). At the end of storage, the 4th group (0.8% g / ml-20min) gave the best results with 0.31 ± 0.009 μ mol MDA / g and there is a significant difference was found between the other groups (p <0.05). Green tea extract; As expected, it was determined that it did not have a significant antimicrobial and sensory effect. The color values caused a negative increase in the a * value, which expresses its green color as expected due to the color substances in its content, and a positive increase in the b * values, which express the yellow color. As a result of this study, it was found that green tea extract can be used as natural antioxidant in sea bass fillets.
Caudal osteology and its application to reconstruct phylogenetic relationship in the genus Garra
Authors: Sungur Sevil , Eagderi Soheil , Jalili Pariya , Cicek Erdogan
Published: October 2020

Among cyprinid family, little information is available about the phylogenetic relationships of the members of genus Garra in Iran. The structure of caudal skeleton as a valuable source in taxonomic studies of fishes can help to determine their systematic position. Hence, this study was conducted to compare the osteological features of caudal fin skeleton and reconstructing phylogenetic tree of the Iranian members of genus Garra. For this purpose, five specimens of every selected (except Iran blind carp with two specimens from each morphotype) taxon were cleared and stained to examine the osteological characteristics of their caudal fin skeleton. Also, Kura barbel (Barbus cyri) and Barzam (Capoeta trutta) were designed as outgroup. The results showed that members of Garra constitute a monophyletic group. The results revealed that the caudal skeleton features cannot discriminate the members of genus Garra at the level of species because of small number of extractable characters and their states.
Catch performance and remaining ratio on fishing hooks for different baits used in longline fishery
Authors: Aydın Celalettin
Published: October 2020

In this study, the catch performance and remaining ratio on fishing hooks of natural alive mud shrimp (Upogebia pusilla) (CCK), siliconized mud shrimp (SCK) and siliconized pellet (SP) were investigated in a longline. The trials were carried out monthly between May 2016 and April 2017 in Zeytinlikuyu district of Kıyıkislacik Village – Milas-Mugla province. The main body diameter has 0.70 mm, leader and snoods have 0.40 mm. The snood length and distance is 1.5 m and 4.0 m, respectively. 14 no straight hooks were used. Totally 150 hooks, 50 for each bait were used and each bait was replaced in 25 hooks. The individuals caught during the samplings were separated as CCK, SCK and SP, and each individual was measured as the precision of mm the total length (TL) and weighted of 0.01 g. Totally 191 individuals from seven families with 18 different species were caught. Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) was the abundant species with 48.7% in all bait type, and the followed by common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) with 10.5%, common two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) with 9.4% and annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis) with 8.9%. Of the 191 individuals, 55% (105 individuals) were caught with CCK, 33.5% (64 individuals) with SCK and 11.5% (22 individuals) with SP. The results of the trial with 3 different bait types were shoved that that there are significant differences between the catch rates of gilthead sea bream, annular and common two-banded sea bream (χ2, P<0.05). In paired tests between bait groups (CCK-SCK, CCK-SP and SCK-SP), there were no clear differences between the sizes of the individuals (ANOVA, P>0.05). Catch per unit effort (CPUE) values of CCK, SCK and SP were calculated as 0.05 n/h, 0.03 n/h and 0.01 n/h, respectively. In the same order, yield per unit effort (YPUE) values were determined as 7.28 g/h, 4.35 g/h and 2.99 g/h. When the remaining rate of baits on the hooks were evaluated, CCK gave the lowest rate with 6.32%2.01. It is thought that SCK should be used as an alternative particularly when natural mud shrimp cannot be utilized as alive or unable to be supplied due to the cold weather conditions and time restrictions. On the other hand, it is thought that performing such studies with bait made with natural binders such as gelatine instead of silicone will be extremely important in terms of less harm to both fish and nature.
Comparison of industrial-scale tubular photobioreactor to FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) panel photobioreactor on outdoor culture of Nannochloropsis oculata in the marine hatchery
Authors: Durmaz Yasar , Erbil Gökhun Çagatay
Published: October 2020

Microalgal culture is a key procedure in marine fish hatcheries, but this activity is far from optimized and has several problems remain to be solved. Nannochloropsis oculata are important to live feed organisms, which are used to rear the larvae of marine finfish. N. oculata were cultivated in tubular PBR and FRP panel PBR in a greenhouse. Tubular PBR was reached 701.7 x 106 cells mL-1 as its maximum cell density and FRP panel PBR was reached 245 x 106 cells mL-1 as maximum. Also, estimated maximum dry weights of tubular and FRP panel PBRs were calculated as 3.249 g L-1 and 1.47 g L-1, respectively. Consequently, tubular PBR was showed that it is more efficient than FRP panel PBR in this study.
Mortality Compression and Variability in Age at Death in India
Authors: Yadav Suryakant , Perianayagam Arokiasamy
Published: October 2020

The global rise of life expectancy at birth has attracted worldwide interest, especially in understanding the pace of mortality transition in developing countries. In this study, we assess the progress of mortality transition in India during four decades between 1970 and 2013. We estimate measures of mortality compression and variability in age at death to assess the trends and patterns in mortality compression for India as a whole and its twelve biggest states. The results reveal an unequivocal convergence pattern in mortality compression across the states underpinned by the reduction in premature mortality and emerging homogeneity in mortality. Results by gender show that women are more homogenous in their mortality across the country because of an explicit reduction in the Gini coefficients at age 10 by the age group of 15-29 years. Mortality compression has changed in recent decades because of the increased survival of women in their reproductive ages, which marked a distinct phase of mortality transition in India. The pace of mortality transition, however, varies; adult mortality decline was greater than senescent mortality decline. These results show that India has passed the middle stage of mortality transition and has entered an early phase of low mortality.
Health- and skill-related physical fitness profile of Brazilian children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Pedretti Augusto , Mello Júlio Brugnara , Gaya Anelise Reis , Pedretti Alessandro , Cezar Araujo Gaya Adroaldo
Published: October 2020

Since 1994, the Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP-Br) battery tests has been used to evaluate health- and skill-related physical fitness among aged 6-17 Brazilian schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to delineate the Brazilian children and youth’s physical fitness profile from a systematic review over studies that used the PROESP-Br proposal. The search was carried at PubMed, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, SciELO and Google Scholar. Original studies published between 1994 and 2017 about physical fitness (health and/or motor performance) with schoolchildren (children and/or adolescents) that used the PROESP-Br battery test were included. A total of 13.582 participants  were evaluated to health-related fitness and 276 to skill-related fitness from 18 included studies. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale adapted version. The results show that 27-30% of youngsters are at health “risk zone” for Body Mass Index (BMI), 70% for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), 50% and 65% for flexibility (FLEX) and muscular strength (MST), respectively. The data concerning skill-related fitness were inconsistent. In summary, the results suggest that Brazilian children and adolescents have low cardiovascular health level (BMI/CRF), mainly regarding CRF, and low muscle health level (FLEX/MST). We emphasize that the lack of studies regarding skill-related fitness, make it impossible to describe the profile of the components of this construct.
O tempo sentado está associado aos fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em adolescentes?
Authors: Castilho dos Santos Gessika , Campos Wagner de , Ferreira de Faria Waynne , Silva Jadson Marcio da , Bozza Rodrigo , Gomes Mascarenhas Luis Paulo , Zampier Ulbrich Anderson , Stabelini Neto Antonio
Published: October 2020

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a associação entre o tempo sentado e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em adolescentes. A amostra foi composta por 454 adolescentes (50,6% masculino) com idades entre 12 a 18 anos. O tempo diário despendido sentado e a prática de atividade física moderada-vigorosa foram avaliados por meio do recordatório de três dias de Bouchard. Os fatores de risco cardiometabólicos analisados foram: circunferência de cintura; glicose; HDL-C; triglicerídeos; e pressão arterial. Foi utilizada a análise de variância com dois fatores (sexo e quartis) para comparar os fatores de risco cardiometabólicos entre os quartis de tempo sentado. Para verificar a associação entre o tempo sentado e os fatores de risco cardiometabólicos foi empregado a regressão linear múltipla. Foi observado que os meninos pertencentes ao 4º quartil (maior tempo sentado) apresentaram valores mais elevados de glicose e triglicerídeos em comparação com seus pares com menos tempo. No sexo feminino, verificou-se que as pertencentes ao 3º e 4º quartil apresentaram maiores valores de triglicerídeos e glicose em comparação ao 1º quartil. Associações positivas e significativas foram observadas entre o tempo sentado e os valores de circunferência da cintura (β = 0,093; p < 0,05), glicose (β = 0,111; p < 0,05) e pressão arterial diastólica (β = -0,115; p < 0,05) mesmo após o ajuste para a prática de atividade física moderada-vigorosa. De acordo com os achados do presente estudo, conclui-se que os adolescentes que permaneceram maior tempo sentado apresentaram maiores valores de glicose, triglicerídeos e escore de risco cardiometabólico em comparação aos que despenderam menos tempo.
Salience and Mutual Fund Investor Demand for Idiosyncratic Volatility
Authors: Clifford Christopher P. , Fulkerson Jon A. , Jame Russell , Jordan Bradford D.
Published: October 2020

We find that mutual fund investors are more likely to both purchase and redeem funds with high idiosyncratic volatility (IV). Investors’ tendency to purchase high IV funds is largely driven by high IV funds having more extreme returns, which increases the salience of the fund. Including flexible controls for extreme past returns over multiple horizons decreases the effect of IV on new investment, and experimental evidence corroborates that increasing the salience of extreme returns increases investor demand for IV. Demand for IV is higher among retail investors and funds with otherwise lower salience. Collectively, the evidence suggests that extreme returns attract investor attention and contribute to investors’ risk seeking behavior when purchasing mutual funds.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Enhanced transmission through a Si-InSb-Si bimaterial subwavelength grating with slits at the terahertz range
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Yan , Shao Yao , Han Genquan , Hao Yue
Published: October 2020

Two groups of grating structures with subwavelength slits, composed of different materials are investigated to realize an extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) phenomenon. We find that the transmittance of a InSb grating at the frequencies corresponding to surface plasmon (SP) excitation is almost zero, which verifies the negative role of SPPs in transmission anomalies. And optical characteristics of these bimaterial grating structures are thoroughly analyzed by the transmittance spectrum and optical field intensity. In addition, the greatly enhanced transmission was achieved by changing the temperature, doping concentration, and the geometrical parameters of the InSb-Si-InSb bimaterial grating structure, and the optimized transmission can reach almost 94%. Besides, it is verified that the position of the peaks is strongly dependent on the depth of the slits. Last, we demonstrate the transmission of the InSb-Si-InSb bimaterial grating is higher than its counterparts, and the collimated beaming effect is also realized through it. These features make this structure an excellent candidate for plasmonic components in all optical and optoelectronic fields.
Multi-layer optical fiber surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on a sandwich structure of polydopamine-MoSe2@Au nanoparticles-polydopamine
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhang Jiahang , Jiang Junfeng , Xu Tianhua , Wang Shuang , Chang Pengxiang , Zhang Zhao , Ma Jinying , Liu Tiegen
Published: October 2020

An all-optical fiber multi-layer surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor based on a sandwich structure of polydopamine-MoSe2@Au nanoparticles-polydopamine (PDA-MoSe2@AuNPs-PDA) was designed for the detection of specific immunoreactions. By optimizing the multi-layer structure and the ratio of MoSe2: AuNPs, a sensitivity of 5117.59 nm/RIU has been obtained, which is more than double that of the only Au-filmed optical fiber SPR sensor. A large surface area was produced by integrating the MoSe2 primitive unit cell and the AuNPs into a hybrid plasmonic nanostructure of MoSe2@AuNPs, leading to optical fiber SPR signal amplification. The nanostructure of MoSe2@AuNPs was surrounded by the PDA layer to guarantee the efficient immobilization of the protein molecules on the optical fiber by strong covalent bond. This biosensor achieved a detection limit of 54.05 ng/mL for detecting the goat-anti-rabbit IgG, which demonstrated enhancements of 12.1%, 23.3% and 184.6% in comparison with three reported SPR biosensors decorated with PDA-AuNPs-PDA, PDA and Cysteamine-MoSe2@AuNPs-Cysteamine nanostructure, respectively. This biosensor achieved favorable selectivity and outstanding sensitivity compared with the reported SPR immuno-sensors, which will provide a miniaturized, rapid-response and label-free optical fiber bio-sensing platform for clinical diagnosis in the future.
Towards ultrahigh resolution OCT based endoscopical pituitary gland and adenoma screening: a performance parameter evaluation
Authors: Placzek Fabian , Micko Alexander , Sentosa Ryan , Fonollà Roger , Winklehner Michael , Hosmann Arthur , Andreana Marco , Höftberger Romana , Drexler Wolfgang , Leitgeb Rainer A. , Wolfsberger Stefan , Unterhuber Angelika
Published: October 2020

Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) for differentiating pituitary gland versus adenoma tissue has been investigated for the first time, indicating more than 80% accuracy. For biomarker identification, OCT images of paraffin embedded tissue are correlated to histopathological slices. The identified biomarkers are verified on fresh biopsies. Additionally, an approach, based on resolution modified UHR-OCT ex vivo data, investigating optical performance parameters for the realization in an in vivo endoscope is presented and evaluated. The identified morphological features–cell groups with reticulin framework–detectable with UHR-OCT showcase a promising differentiation ability, encouraging endoscopic OCT probe development for in vivo application.
Power efficient LED placement algorithm for indoor visible light communication
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Zhiyu , Guo Caili , Feng Chunyan
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a novel power-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) placement algorithm for indoor visible light communication (VLC). In the considered model, the LEDs can be designedly placed for high power efficiency while satisfying the indoor communication and illumination requirements. This design problem is formulated as a power minimization problem under both communication and illumination level constraints. Due to the interactions among LEDs and the illumination uniformity constraint, the formulated problem is complex and non-convex. To solve the problem, we first transform the complex uniformity constraint into a series of linear constraints. Then an iterative algorithm is proposed to decouple the interactions among LEDs and transforms the original problem into a series of convex sub-problems. Then, we use Lagrange dual method to solve the sub-problem and obtain a convergent solution of the original problem. Simulation results show that the proposed LED placement algorithm can harvest 14% power consumption gain when compared with the baseline scheme with centrally placed LEDs.
Single-shot wavelength-selective quantitative phase microscopy by partial aperture imaging and polarization-phase-division multiplexing
Authors: You Wu , Lu Wenlong , Liu Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

We propose a single-shot wavelength-selective quantitative phase microscopy by annular white-light illumination, polarization-phase-division, and parallel phase-shifting. Compared to conventional multi-wavelength incoherence digital holography, the proposed microscopy presents the following merits: no switching of illumination or mechanical scanning, high spatiotemporal phase sensitivity, and single-shot reconstruction at each wavelength. Experiments validate these characteristics by quantitative phase imaging of gratings, cells, and tissues.
Optical fiber surface waveguide with Fabry–Perot cavity for sensing
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang D. N. , Feng Gao , Wang Q. H. , Niu Y. D.
Published: October 2020

A parallel structured optical fiber Fabry–Perot interferometer sensor is proposed and demonstrated for refractive index and strain sensing with low temperature cross sensitivity. The device consists of two Fabry–Perot cavities fabricated by a femtosecond laser: one is inscribed in the fiber surface waveguide and used for sensing, and the other one is located in the fiber core for referencing. Part of the light propagating in the fiber core can be directed to the fiber surface waveguide via an

X

coupler. Because of the evanescent field, the light traveling along the fiber surface waveguide interacts with the surrounding medium and enables external refractive index sensing. The measurement sensitivity of the device is enhanced due to the Vernier effect associated with the parallel structured two Fabry–Perot interferometers. The sensitivities of

∼

843.3

n
m

/

R
I
U

and

∼

101.8

p
m

/

µ
ε

have been obtained for refractive index and strain, respectively, and the corresponding temperature cross sensitivities are

∼

9.6

×

10

−
6

R
I
U

/

∘

C

and

∼
7.956
×

10

−
2

µ
ε

/

∘

C

, respectively. The device is featured with high robustness, compact size, and large sensitivity.
Impact of inorganic nanoparticles on optical properties of low refractive index waveguiding polymers
Authors: Goldenberg Leonid M. , Köhler Mathias , Kahle Olaf , Dreyer Christian
Published: October 2020

The objective of this work is to improve the optical properties of low refractive index polymers used for waveguide by introduction of inorganic nanoparticles. Copolymers of fluorinated monomers and glycidyl methacrylate are used. Introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles into polymer matrix is performed by direct mixing; copolymerization with SiO2 nanoparticles modified by monomer, and in situ sol-gel formation of SiO2 during photochemical cross-linking and annealing catalyzed by photoacid generator. It is demonstrated that nanoparticles are able to decrease thermo-optic coefficient. It is also possible to fabricate waveguiding layers by direct introduction of nanoparticles without compromising of optical propagation losses.
Deposition and characterization of solution processed Se-rich Ge-Se thin films with specular optical quality using multi-component solvent approach
Authors: Slang Stanislav , Palka Karel , Jancalek Jiri , Kurka Michal , Vlcek Miroslav
Published: October 2020

The Ge25Se75, Ge20Se80 and Ge15Se85 thin films were deposited in specular optical quality from n-propylamine - methanol solvent mixture by spin-coating technique. As-prepared solution processed thin films were thermally stabilized to reduce the content of organic solvent residuals and optical properties, surface topography, composition, structure and chemical resistance of prepared Ge-Se thin films were studied in dependence of annealing temperature. Suitable thermal stabilization temperatures were found for each studied chalcogenide glass composition with respect to maintaining of thin films’ low surface roughness and targeted elemental composition. Stabilized thin films exhibited high refractive index, high chemical resistance, low surface roughness and structure close to source bulk glasses. The experiments proved that used n-propylamine - methanol solvent offered suitable way for preparation of high optical quality Ge-Se thin films by solution based deposition route.
Auxin apical dominance governed by the OsAsp1-OsTIF1 complex determines distinctive rice caryopses development on different branches
Authors: Chang Shu , Chen Yixing , Jia Shenghua , Li Yihao , Liu Kun , Lin Zhouhua , Wang Hanmeng , Chu Zhilin , Liu Jin , Xi Chao , Zhao Heping , Han Shengcheng , Wang Yingdian
Published: October 2020

In rice (Oryza sativa), caryopses located on proximal secondary branches (CSBs) have smaller grain size and poorer grain filling than those located on apical primary branches (CPBs), greatly limiting grain yield. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for developmental differences between CPBs and CSBs remains elusive. In this transcriptome-wide expression study, we identified the gene Aspartic Protease 1 (OsAsp1), which reaches an earlier and higher transcriptional peak in CPBs than in CSBs after pollination. Disruption of OsAsp1 expression in the heterozygous T-DNA line asp1-1+/–eliminated developmental differences between CPBs and CSBs. OsAsp1 negatively regulated the transcriptional inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis, OsTAA1 transcriptional inhibition factor 1 (OsTIF1), to preserve indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) apical dominance in CPBs and CSBs. IAA also facilitated OsTIF1 translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the nucleus by releasing the interaction of OsTIF1 with OsAsp1 to regulate caryopses IAA levels via a feedback loop. IAA promoted transcription of OsAsp1 through MADS29 to maintain an OsAsp1 differential between CPBs and CSBs during pollination. Together, these findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the distributed auxin differential between CPBs and CSBs to regulate distinct caryopses development in different rice branches and potential targets for engineering yield improvement in crops.