bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Molecular Survey of Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Patients with Nosocomial and Non- Nosocomial Infections
Authors: Rouhi Samaneh , Ramazanzadeh Rashid
Published: January 2019

Background:

Resistance to antimicrobial agents in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) including carbapenems is a prominent problem in patients. The aim of this study is surveying Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing P. aeruginosa isolated from patient specimens with nosocomial and non-nosocomial infections in Kurdistan province, Iran.

Methods:

In total, 146 Pseudomonas spp. were collected (December 2015 to August 2017). P. aeruginosa isolates were detected by phenotypic and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) of gyrB gene. Combination disk (CD) phenotypic test was used for the identification of MBL-producing strains and PCR was applied for identification of blaIMP and blaVIM genes in P. aeruginosa. Sensitivity and specificity of phenotypic tests were calculated as well. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used for data analysis (p≤0.05).

Results:

A total of 134 (91.78%) and 133 (91.09%) P. aeruginosa were detected using PCR and the phenotypic test, respectively. Fifty-six (41.79%) clinical isolates were isolated from patients with nosocomial infection. CD test proved that 67 out of 134 (50%) P. aeruginosa isolates were positive for MBL, of which 11 (8.20%) carried blaIMP gene. No significant relationship was found between MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and blaIMP genes; as well as between MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and blaIMP genes with age, sex, city of residence, inpatient/outpatient and specimen's type (p≥0.05).

Conclusion:

Presence of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa strains and blaIMP genes were proved in this study; thus more precaution should be taken in the administration of carbapenem antibiotics to patients.
mRNA Expression Profile of SFKs and Involvement of SFKs in the Regulation of LPS-Induced Erk1/2 Signaling in PBMCs of Active BD Patients
Authors: Irtegun-Kandemir Sevgi , Icen-Taskin Irmak , Bozkurt Mehtap , Kalkanli-Tas Sevgi
Published: January 2019

Background:

Behcet’s Disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder affecting
large vessels, lungs joints, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. The pathogenesis of BD remains
poorly understood. Identifying the key signaling pathway is crucial for a complete understanding of the
pathogenesis of BD.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine mRNA expression level of Src family kinases
(SFKs) members and their involvement in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mitogen-activated protein
kinases (MAPKs) regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of active BD patients.

Methods:

Twenty- five active BD patients and twenty-five healthy controls were included in the study.
PBMCs were isolated from total blood by density gradient centrifugation. The mRNA expression levels
of SFKs members were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The effect of SFKs
activity on LPS-induced activation MAPKs (Erk1/2, p38 and JNK) was examined by Western blot.

Results:

The mRNA expression levels of Hck, Src, Lyn, Yes and Fyn were found to be slightly decreased
in active BD patients compared to the control subjects, but a slight change in mRNA level of
SFKs members did not impact on protein levels and protein activity. LPS-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation
was significantly increased in the absence of SFKs activity in active BD patients. However, inhibition
of SFKs activity had no effect on LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in both controls
and active BD patients.

Conclusion:

SFKs downregulate LPS-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation in PBMCs of active BD patients.
Efficacy of Fluorescence Technology vs Conventional Oral Examination for the Early Detection of Oral Pre-Malignant Lesions. A Clinical Comparative Study
Authors: Saini Rajiv , Cantore Stefania , Saini Sugandha R. , Mastrangelo Filiberto , Ballini Andrea , Santacroce Luigi
Published: January 2019

Background and Objective:

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignancies that affect human beings across the world and early detection of oral cancer is believed to reduce the morbidity significantly. Fluorescence diagnosis is emerging as a promising method in the differentiation of cancerous lesions and thus helping in the determination of resolution for the surgical resection of affected area of malignancy very accurately. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an autofluorescence hand held device (OralID) to detect oral premalignant lesions.

Methods:

98 potentially high-risk oral cancer patients were divided into two groups (n=49/group). Both the groups were first examined by conventional oral examination under white light and oral findings were noted. Subjects under group B were further examined under fluorescence light through hand held device, i.e. OralID. After the examinations, a surgical biopsy sample was taken from the suspected lesions under local anaesthesia from both the groups to confirm the diagnosis through histopathological analysis.

Results:

The positive potential malignant lesions (PMLs) observed in Group A when compared with biopsy reporting was 89.47% true positive while in Group B was 95.24%. The sensitivity reported of Group A was 89.47% and Group B was 97.56%. We observed 8.09% more sensitivity and 11.36% more specificity when we incorporate adjunctive the fluorescence examination using OralID.

Conclusion:

Results from this study suggests that OralID is a true adjunct to conventional oral examination in detecting early potential malignant changes in subjects visiting for regular dental check-up.
Dimensionality Reduction Technique in Decision Making Using Pythagorean Fuzzy Soft Matrices
Authors: Bajaj Rakesh Kumar , Guleria Abhishek
Published: January 2019

Background:

Dimensionality reduction plays an effective role in downsizing the data having irregular factors and acquires an arrangement of important factors in the information. Sometimes, most of the attributes in the information are found to be correlated and hence redundant. The process of dimensionality reduction has a wider applicability in dealing with the decision making problems where a large number of factors are involved.

Objective:

To take care of the impreciseness in the decision making factors in terms of the Pythagorean fuzzy information which is in the form of soft matrix. The perception of the information has the parameters - degree of membership, degree of indeterminacy (neutral) and degree of nonmembership, for a broader coverage of the information.

Methods:

We first provided a technique for finding a threshold element and value for the information provided in the form of Pythagorean fuzzy soft matrix. Further, the proposed definitions of the object-oriented Pythagorean fuzzy soft matrix and the parameter-oriented Pythagorean fuzzy soft matrix have been utilized to outline an algorithm for the dimensionality reduction in the process of decision making.

Results:

The proposed algorithm has been applied in a decision making problem with the help of a numerical example. A comparative analysis in contrast with the existing methodologies has also been presented with comparative remarks and additional advantages.

Conclusion:

The example clearly validates the contribution and demonstrates that the proposed algorithm efficiently encounters the dimension reduction. The proposed dimensionality reduction technique may further be applied in enhancing the performance of large scale image retrieval.
Design of Dynamic Morphological Analyser for Hindi Nouns Using Rule Based Approach
Authors: Kumar Ishan , Dhir Renu , Lehal Gurpreet Singh , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar
Published: January 2019

Background:

A grammar checker can be used as a proof reading tool, which depends upon
the basic definition of the words. If words are not defined correctly or are not being tagged with
correct grammatical meaning, the results will not be accurate.

Objective:

To attain this accuracy, Morphological analyser plays a crucial role. In Hindi, as the
whole structure and meaning of a sentence depends upon a Noun, so it is mandatory to tag a Noun
word properly. But, to tag a Noun with its correct grammatical meaning is a challenging chore.

Methods:

To tag a word, the word is being input in the tool, which is firstly searched inside the dictionary.
If the word is not found in the dictionary, then the grammar rules are applied to analyse the
word. As noun, contains names also, so some times the rules are not possible to apply on the words.
In that scenario, words are manually tagged and then added to dictionary for further use. Grammar
tag set of 650 tags is used to generate more accurate results. All the words are stored in a database.
The performance is measured by using Precision and Recall. Furthermore, this technique can be extended
to define other categories of grammar like verb, adjective, adverb, etc.

Results:

This paper represents a method for a Rule-Based Morphological Analyser for Hindi Nouns
only. It utilizes-a dictionary and a rule-based approach for defining words with their grammatical
meanings using the morphological analyser. The designed morph which has been discussed in this
work stores all the words in a database. As this morph analyser uses a set of 650 plus grammatical
tag sets (for complete Hindi morphological analyser), the user will always get more accurate results.
The Authors have preferred both time and accuracy over memory space, which is not a big issue
these days. Therefore this approach can be used for both types of morphological approach.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, this method can be extended to the other categories of the Hindi Grammar
like Adverbs, Adjectives, and Verbs, etc. The results are very promising and are expected to
provide even more advancement to the existing strategies and methodologies.
Performance Analysis of Kalman Filter in Computed Tomography Thorax for Image Denoising
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Lechner Jörg , Agarwal Basant
Published: January 2019

:

Medical image processing is a very important field of study due to its large number of
applications in human life. For diagnosis of any disease, several methods of medical image acquisition
are possible such as Ultrasound (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography
(CT). Depending upon the type of image acquisition, different types of noise can occur.

Background:

The most common types of noises in medical images are Gaussian noise, Speckle
noise, Poisson noise, Rician noise and Salt & Pepper noise. The related noise models and distributions
are described in this paper. We compare several filtering methods for denoising the mentioned
types of noise.

Objective:

The main purpose of this paper is to compare well-known filtering methods such as
arithmetic mean, median and enhanced lee filter with only rarely used filtering methods like Kalman
filter as well as with relative new methods like Non-Local Means (NLM) filter.

Methods:

To compare these different filtering methods, we use comparative parameters like Root
Mean Square Error (RMSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Structural Similarity
(MSSIM), Edge Preservation Index (EPI) and the Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI).

Results:

The processed images are shown for a specific noise density and noise variance. We show
that the Kalman filter performs better than Mean, Median and Enhanced Lee filter for removing
Gaussian, Speckle, Poisson and Rician noise.

Conclusion:

Experimental results show that the Kalman filter provides better results as compared to
other methods. It could be also a good alternative to NLM filter due to almost equal results and lower
computation time.
Локализация и трансформация нелинейных возбуждений вблизи границы раздела сред с различными знаками нелинейности
Authors: Савотченко С.Е.
Published: January 2019

AbstractContact states at the interface of nonlinear media with anharmonicities of different signs are considered. A model that represents a boundary-value problem for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation is proposed. Several types of stationary states that depend on energy and describe local states in the vicinity of the interface, localization of nonlinear waves passing through the interface, and transformation of such waves are obtained for the system under study. Dispersion relations that make it possible to determine the energies of such states are derived. Explicit expressions for the energies of stationary states are obtained in the limiting cases.
Влияние изменения газодинамической разгрузки на лазерное инициирование композита ТЭН-алюминий
Authors: Адуев Б.П. , Нурмухаметов Д.Р. , Звеков А.А. , Лисков И.Ю. , Белокуров Г.М. , Нелюбина Н.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractThresholds of explosive decomposition H _cr under irradiation using the first harmonic of a pulsed neodymium laser (14 ns) are experimentally determined for pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with aluminum nanoparticles (100 nm) at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1 wt %. Amplitudes of optoacoustic signals are measured versus concentrations of impurities in the sample at a fixed laser fluence. The experiments are performed in two regimes. In the first one, the irradiated surface of the sample is covered with a finite-weight glass plate that impedes the gas-dynamic unloading. In the second regime, an external pressure of no less than 10^7 Pa is applied to the glass plate to prevent the gas-dynamic unloading. The interpretation of the experimental effects is proven by the results of theoretical simulation.
Заселенность метастабильного состояния A^3Sigma-=SUB=-u-=/SUB=- молекулярного азота в условиях плазмохимического синтеза нитридов металлов
Authors: Струнин В.И. , Струнина Н.Н. , Байсова Б.Т.
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe absolute population of the B ^3Π_ g state of molecular nitrogen is calculated from the intensity of electron-vibrational bands of the first positive system. The absolute population of the metastable A ^3Σ_ u state of nitrogen molecules is calculated based on the solution of the balance equation. It is established that the population of the metastable state of molecular nitrogen increases with a decrease in the pressure and increase in the current intensity of the glow discharge. The results of determining the population of the A ^3Σ_ u state of nitrogen molecules under conditions of simultaneous excitation of glow and vacuum arc discharges are presented.
Аномальная электропроводность и намагниченность в сплавах системы Fe-Cr-Ni аустенитно-мартенситного класса
Authors: Протасов Е.А. , Петровский В.Н. , Миронов В.Д.
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe have measured the temperature dependence of the resistivity and magnetization of a special steel of the Fe–Cr–Ni austenite–martensite class in a wide temperature range (77–1100 K). It is found that at temperatures 77–170 K, the resistivity of the material almost remains unchanged, but upon a further increase in temperature, the resistivity sharply increases, which is probably a result of disordering. In addition, anomalous behavior of resistivity with vanishing spontaneous magnetization is observed at 910 K, which is associated with the ferromagnet–paramagnet phase transition. Comparison of the measured ρ( T ) dependence with the analogous dependence for 12Kh18N10T austenite stainless steel has not revealed features typical of Fe–Cr–Ni steel.
Твердотельный изгибно-вибрационный датчик низкочастотного магнитного поля на основе пьезоэлектрического эффекта
Authors: Панич А.Е. , Радченко Г.С. , Скрылев А.В. , Панич А.А. , Малыхин А.Ю.
Published: January 2019

AbstractOptimal geometrical and electrophysical parameters are calculated theoretically; the effective response of a solid-state hybrid “magnet–carbon—piezoelectric” sensor is studied experimentally. Experiments are performed under the action of an external magnetic field of low-frequency flexural resonances (from 1 to 230 Hz). Theoretical calculations have formed the basis for designing an experimental prototype of the instrument. The frequency dependence of the direct piezoelectric response to the applied small-signal varying magnetic action is constructed.
Самоорганизация разномасштабных структурных групп в малоуглеродистой проволоке под действием интенсивного волочения
Authors: Самойленко З.А. , Ивахненко Н.Н. , Пушенко Е.И. , Варюхин В.Н. , Пашинская Е.Г. , Ткаченко В.М. , Завдовеев А.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe peculiarities of the mechanical parameters and atomic structure of wires made of 08G2S steel subjected to severe drawing with a combination of shear and classical circular drawing of different diameters. The split form of interference maximums (211) in X-ray diagrams of samples is evidence for delamination in families of the mentioned planes into contracted and extended groups, which is accompanied by the partial order–disorder phase transition with formation of the amorphized fraction from fragments of nanosized atomic groups of these planes (clusters). The dependence on steel deformation revealed the nature of the change in the symmetry of the distribution of structural groups relative to the angular position of the diffraction maximum from the planes (211). It is established that with increased deformation (ε > 30%) the intensities of coherent and incoherent X-ray Cr K _α-emissions vary quantitatively, which proves the development of self-organizing processes contributing to the increase in the volume fraction of the order relative to the disorder in 08G2S steel, even subject to severe mechanical loading.
Поверхностный тепловой интерфейс для мощных арсенид-галлиевых гетероструктурных полевых транзисторов
Authors: Пашковский А.Б. , Куликова И.В. , Лапин В.Г. , Лукашин В.М. , Приступчик Н.К. , Манченко Л.В. , Калина В.Г. , Лопин М.И. , Закурдаев А.Д.
Published: January 2019

AbstractApplication of heat-conducting coatings for cooling of high-power FETs based on heterostructures with arsenide–gallium substrate is theoretically analyzed. When the basic technology for manufacturing of transistors is employed in the absence of additional efforts aimed at a decrease in the thermal resistance of the substrate, the application of an additional thermal interface that represents a heat-conducting dielectric coating makes it possible to substantially decrease the overheating of the transistor channel. A several-fold decrease in such overheating can be reached using variations in the thickness of the coating and modification of the transistor structure and working regimes.
Замедляющая система двойная сдвинутая импедансная гребенка"
Authors: Давидович М.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractUsing the partial domain method, surface integral equations are obtained for slow-wave systems of double shifted combs taking dissipation on all metal surfaces into account. The case of aliquot comb periods is considered. The quadratic functionals are proposed as dispersion equations. A method to solve complex dispersion equations in the form of functionals for complex constants of propagation is proposed by means of their joint iterations with integral equations. The results of calculating the dispersion with allowance for dissipation in several structures considered are presented.
Многострийные кольцевые полевые эмиттеры с защитными металл-фуллереновыми покрытиями
Authors: Соминский Г.Г. , Тумарева Т.А. , Тарадаев Е.П. , Рукавицына А.А. , Гиваргизов М.Е. , Степанова А.Н.
Published: January 2019

AbstractA technology of creation of annular silicon field emitters with bilayer metal–fullerene coating has been developed and their performance has been studied. It has been shown that annular emitters with a surface area of about 0.3 cm^2 provide a current up to 100–110 mA and stably operate under conditions of technical vacuum (~10^–7 Torr).
Установка для измерения времени жизни нейтрона с большой гравитационной ловушкой при низкой температуре
Authors: Серебров А.П. , Коломенский Е.А. , Фомин А.К. , Коптюхов А.О. , Краснощекова И.А. , Васильев А.В. , Прудников Д.М. , Шока И.В. , Чечкин А.В. , Чайковский М.Е. , Варламов В.Е. , Иванов С.Н. , Пирожков А.Н. , Geltenbort P. , Zimmer O. , Jenke T. , van der Grinten M.G.D. , Tucker M.A.H.
Published: January 2019

AbstractCurrently the most accurate measurements of neutron lifetime are being performed at the Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute with ultracold neutrons (UCNs) stored in a gravitational trap. A modified setup with a large gravitational trap and cooling to 10–15 K is presented. The results of measurements of temperature dependence of UCN losses in collisions with walls, which were coated with a perfluorinated grease (Fomblin UT 18), at 300–77 K, are detailed. The probable heat inflow to the trap is estimated, and the feasibility of cooling to indicated temperatures in experiments with the modified setup is demonstrated.
Соударения медленных электронов с молекулами тимина
Authors: Чернышова И.В. , Контрош Е.Э. , Шпеник О.Б.
Published: January 2019

AbstractUsing a hypocycloidal electron spectrometer, the total scattering cross section of slow (0–9 eV) electrons and the dissociative electron attachment cross section for thymine molecules in the gas phase were measured. The ionization cross section for a thymine molecule was studied in the energy range of 9–32 eV. Some features were found in the scattering cross section, caused by the formation and decay of short-lived states of the molecular negative ion. Three of them ( E = 0.32, 1.71, and 4.03 eV) relate to shape resonances; the others, which are observed for the first time, refer to the Feshbach resonances (or core-excited resonances). In the total dissociative attachment cross section in the energy range of E < 4 eV, a clear structure is observed due to the formation of a negative ion (T–H)^–, and a less intense structure associated with the total contribution of fragment thymine ions is found above 4 eV. The correlation of the features found in the total scattering cross section and in the dissociative attachment cross section is assessed. The absolute total scattering cross section was obtained by normalizing the measured curve to the theoretical calculation. In the total ionization cross section, features are observed that are associated both with the effect of the formation of fr-agment ions and with ionization due to the ejection of electrons from the orbitals of the outer shell of the molecule.
Вероятности радиационных переходов в спектрах никелеподобных ионов Cd XXI, In XXII, Sn XXIII
Authors: Логинов А.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractProbabilities of electric-dipole 3 d ^94 p → 3 d ^10, 3 d ^94 s transitions in the spectra of nickel-like ions Cd XXI, In XXII, and Sn XXIII are calculated semiempirically in the intermediate coupling scheme. The radial integrals necessary for obtaining absolute values of the probabilities are calculated in the length form with Hartree–Fock functions.
Динамика термолюминесценции при двойном лазерном Vis-IR возбуждении молекул эозина с кислородом и наночастицами серебра в пленке поливинилбутираля
Authors: Константинова Е.И. , Минаев Б.Ф. , Цибульникова А.В. , Боркунов Р.Ю. , Царьков М.В. , Антипов Ю.Н. , Самусев И.Г. , Брюханов В.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractElectronic and vibrational energy transfer processes taking place in molecular complexes in a polymer are investigated under dual-wavelength (visible at λ = 532 nm and IR at wavelength λ = 10.6 μm) laser photoexcitation of eosin molecules ( С = 4 × 10^–4 М) in air and without it ( р ≈ 10^–4 Torr) in thin polyvinyl butyral (PVB) films containing silver nanoparticles ( R ≈ 36 nm) prepared by laser ablation. Generation of singlet oxygen, singlet–triplet annihilation, and enhancement of plasmon quenching of dye fluorescence are studied. Thermal-energy transfer processes in thin PVB films following pulsed IR excitation are simulated, and the temperature conductivity coefficients of the polymer films in the presence of silver nanoparticles are calculated. Low-temperature processes in PVB films containing dye molecules taking place after IR excitation are investigated, and the mechanism for accelerating intercombination S _1 → Т _1 transitions as a result of thermal heating and intramolecular vibrational-energy distribution is explained.
Исследование строения, ионной, молекулярной подвижности и термических свойств гидратов пентафторидоцирконата аммония
Authors: Войт Е.И. , Слободюк А.Б. , Диденко Н.А.
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe effect of hydrate number on the structural changes, thermal properties, and ionic (molecular) mobility character in NH_4ZrF_5 ⋅ H_2O, NH_4ZrF_5 ⋅ 0.75H_2O crystal hydrates have been investigated by the methods of IR, Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (^1H, ^19F, including ^19F MAS), and TG-DTA spectroscopy. Differences in crystal hydrate structures—anion structure, molecular state of water, and O–H⋅⋅⋅F, N–H⋅⋅⋅F hydrogen bond strengths—have been corroborated by IR and Raman spectroscopy data. Isotropic chemical shifts of magnetic inequivalent positions have been determined and attributed to crystal structures of the studied compounds by the method of ^19F MAS NMR. It has been established that the removal of water molecules from NH_4ZrF_5 ⋅ H_2O and NH_4ZrF_5 ⋅ 0.75H_2O results in the transformation of chain or layered structures accompanied by the increase of the number of bridge bonds while retaining or increasing the dimensionality of the anion structural motif. According to the ^1H NMR data, the NH $$_{4}^{ + }$$ cation diffusion in NH_4ZrF_5 occurs only in the temperature range of 370–520 K.
Фотостабильность растворов димегина, фотодитазина и радахлорина
Authors: Багров И.В. , Дадеко А.В. , Киселев В.М. , Муравьева Т.Д. , Стародубцев А.М.
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe compare the photostability of one porphyrin and two chlorine photosensitizers. We show that a higher photostability of dimegine compared to photoditazine and radachlorin is determined both by their different chemical natures and by the fact that the aggregation ability of porphyrin dyes is higher than that of chlorine dyes, which in the solution leads to efficient formation of dimers and higher-order complexes.
Мгновенные спекл-структуры в частично когерентном оптическом волновом поле с широкими частотным и угловым спектрами
Authors: Рябухо В.П. , Максимова Л.А. , Мысина Н.Ю. , Лякин Д.В. , Рябухо П.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe consider the hypothesis of instantaneous volume speckle structures in a partially coherent optical wave field of frequency-broadband radiation from an extended light source. We discuss the spatiotemporal correlation properties of instantaneous speckle structures and the relation of these properties with the spatiotemporal coherent properties of the wave field. We show that the instantaneous speckle structures determine spatial fluctuations of the wave field and its spatial coherent properties. Using numerical calculations of the field of wave perturbations in the near-field diffraction region of the extended light source, we obtain images of instantaneous speckle structures in the longitudinal cross section of the wave field and investigate the correlation properties of the spatial distribution of the instantaneous intensity of the wave field in the direction of its propagation as functions of the width of the frequency spectrum and the width of the angular spectrum of the field. We show that the longitudinal length of instantaneous speckles can be determined either by the width of the frequency spectrum of the field, or the width of its angular spectrum, or, jointly, by the width of the frequency spectrum and the width of the angular spectrum of the field. We find conditions under which instantaneous speckle structures propagate, experiencing decorrelation changes during their propagation, to a distance that is determined by the width of the angular spectrum of the field.
Об ускорении релятивистской частицы импульсом излучения
Authors: Розанов Н.Н.
Published: January 2019

AbstractConcerning direct acceleration of charges by pulses of electromagnetic (laser) radiation with arbitrary shapes, we have found a relationship between the components of the mechanical momentum of a relativistic (but not ultrarelativistic) particle. In a wide range of conditions, the energy transferred by the radiation to a particle to be accelerated is determined by the electric area of the laser pulse, i.e., by the integral of the electric field strength over the pulse time. This indicates that it is promising to develop schemes for generation of quasi-unipolar radiation laser pulses, in which the strength of the dominant component of the electric field does not change its sign during the main pulse duration.
Двухстадийный зондовый атомизатор для зеемановской атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии с высокочастотной модуляцией поляризации излучения
Authors: Хайбуллин Р.Р. , Ирисов Д.С. , Салихова О.Б. , Захаров Ю.А.
Published: January 2019

AbstractA two-stage probe atomizer for direct analysis of samples that strongly smoke when evaporating (oil, food suspensions, etc.) by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry with high-frequency modulation of the polarization of the transmission radiation has been proposed. The effective ventilation of the atomizer and independent heating of the tungsten probe in a strong magnetic field of the atomizer have been provided for sensitive detection of atomic absorption pulses without overlapping of the transmission beam by the probe. The performance of the atomizer has been illustrated on the MGA-915MD spectrometer by the behavior of the signals of the Ag and Al test elements depending on the heating modes, probe position, and diameter of the dosing hole of a graphite furnace. The range of concentrations to be determined has been extended by a factor of 50, while maintaining an error at a level that is acceptable for quantitative analysis.
Акустооптический гиперспектральный модуль для гистологического исследования микрообъектов
Authors: Польщикова О.В. , Мачихин А.С. , Рамазанова А.Г. , Братченко И.А. , Пожар В.Э. , Данилычева И.В. , Катунина О.Р. , Данилычев М.В.
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe problem of the development of an adjustable video-spectrometer unit based on an acousto-optic tunable filter has been considered. This unit is embedded into an optical system of microscopes for hyperspectral analysis of microscopic objects. For this purpose, light–energy conjugation of the filter with microscopes is performed. We have calculated the conjugating optical system, which yields an equality of field of view for a wideband and spectral channel. The experimental model of the developed device has been described. Examples of detection for test objects and histological sections along with the calculation results of the spectral parameters for various skin tissues are given. The developed video-spectrometer unit considerably extends the functionality of microscopes and can be widely used to solve various problems of biomedical diagnostics.
Web-Based Stress Management Program for University Students in Indonesia: Systematic Cultural Adaptation and Protocol for a Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Juniar Dilfa , van Ballegooijen Wouter , Karyotaki Eirini , van Schaik Anneke , Passchier Jan , Heber Elena , Lehr Dirk , Sadarjoen Sawitri Supardi , Riper Heleen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The number of university students experiencing stress is increasing, which often leads to adverse effects such as poor grades, academic probation, and emotional problems. Unfortunately, most of these problems remain untreated because of limited professional resources and fear of stigma. Several Web-based stress management interventions are now available for student populations, but these treatments are not yet available in Indonesia. To make treatment for stress more acceptable in Indonesia, a cultural adaptation process is needed, and part of the process is assessing the feasibility of the adapted intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the first two stages of a cultural adaptation process and the protocol of a feasibility study that will assess the acceptability of a culturally adapted stress management intervention for university students in Indonesia.

METHODS

Focus group discussions with Indonesian university students were held, and input from Indonesian psychologists was gathered for developing the adapted intervention. A single-group feasibility study with a pre-post design will be conducted. We will recruit at minimum 50 university students who have an elevated level of stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales–42 stress subscale score ≥15), identify themselves as being of Indonesian culture (eg, able to speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently), and are studying at a university in Indonesia. The primary endpoints of this study will be rates of participant satisfaction, system usability, dropout rates, and level of adherence. We will also use qualitative data to assess the adapted intervention more thoroughly. Secondary study endpoints will be quality of life, stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Feasibility parameters (eg, participant satisfaction, system usability, and level of adherence) will be summarized with descriptive statistics. Two-tailed paired within-group t tests will be used to analyze stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The enrollment of pilot study is currently ongoing. First results are expected to be ready for analysis in the second half of 2019. The project was funded as part of a PhD trajectory in 2015 by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first studies to assess the feasibility of a culturally adapted Web-based stress management intervention for university students in Indonesia. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11493
A fully automated conversational agent with artificial intelligence capabilities (Youper) for treating depression and anxiety: A nonrandomized feasibility trial (Preprint)
Authors: Vargas Jose Hamilton , Marafon Thiago Antonio , Couto Diego Fernando , Giglio Ricardo , Yan Marvin , Rolle Camarin
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, are significant global concerns. Many people with these conditions don't get the help they need because of the high costs of medical treatment and the stigma attached to seeking help. Digital technologies represent a viable solution to these challenges. However, these technologies are often characterized by relatively low adherence and their effectiveness largely remains empirical unverified. While digital technologies may represent a viable solution for this persisting problem, they often lack empirical support for their effectiveness and are characterized by relatively low adherence. Conversational agents using artificial intelligence capabilities have the potential to offer a cost-effective, low-stigma and engaging way of getting mental health care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Youper, a mobile application that utilizes a conversational interface and artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults.

METHODS

1,012 adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety participated in a real-world setting study, entirely remotely, unguided and with no financial incentives, over an 8-week period. Participants completed digital versions of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After the eight-week study period, depression (PHQ-9) scores of participants decreased by 48% while anxiety (GAD-7) scores decreased by 43%. The RCI was outside 2 standard deviations for 93.0% of the individuals in the PHQ-9 assessment and 90.7% in the GAD-7 assessment. Participants were on average 24.79 years old (SD 7.61) and 77% female. On average, participants interacted with Youper 0.9 (SD 1.56) times per week.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that Youper is a feasible, acceptable, and effective intervention for adults with depression and anxiety.

CLINICALTRIAL

Since this study involved a nonclinical population, it wasn't registered in a public trials registry.
Student Evaluation of Interprofessional Experiences Between Medical and Graduate Biomedical Students
Authors: Levine Corri B. , Ansar Maria , Dimet Andrea , Miller Austin , Moon Joon , Rice Christopher , Schaeffer August , Andersson Jourdan , Ekpo-Otu Shaunte , McGrath Erica , Sarraj Huda
Published: January 2019

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) has fostered increased collaboration and appreciation for different disciplines among health professionals but has yet to be established in a translational research setting. Interprofessional experiences (IPEx) implemented early in student training could increase translational research productivity.Methods and findings: Ten students involved in an IPE curriculum wrote autoethnographic accounts that were coded and emergent themes were grouped through constant comparative analysis. IPE led to improvements in communication, trust, appreciation, and an increased desire to seek IPE in future careers. Challenges included administrative barriers and interpersonal conflicts.Conclusions: Participants found IPE beneficial to their careers and developed a respect for each other’s discipline. To implement IPE, institutions should consider possible administrative challenges and inclusion of conflict management training.
La dinámica educativa intercultural y la inclusión educativa
Authors: Pibaque Pionce Martiza Sandra , Baque Pibaque Liliana Margarita , Ayón Villafuerte Libia Soledad , Ponce Merino Shirley
Published: January 2019

La investigación pretende establecer los cambios sociales y movimientos migratorios de las últimas décadas modifican el campo social y necesitan ser asociadas a la educación intercultural como nuevas necesidades y conflictos derivados de estos cambios. La diversidad cultural y su diversidad es lo que se denota en la revisión de la literatura y se pone a consideración que la inmigración extranjera provoca el auge de la reflexión y las preocupaciones pedagógicas. Objetivo. Acentuar que la inmigración ha explicitado dos elementos importantes en la dinámica educativa: La cultura como variable y la heterogeneidad como norma. Esto espera reconocer la necesidad de un cambio trascendental que vaya más allá de ciertas medidas superficiales y que afectan a la cultura. Materiales y métodos. Se establece una investigación pre-experimenta con una muestra que fue seleccionada de manera intencional y está integrada por 30 alumnos, Se aplicaron diferentes métodos, técnicas e instrumentos: el análisis documental, observación y encuestas. Resultados se establece que la cultura como variable y la heterogeneidad como norma están comprometidas con el éxito y están abiertas a un constante aprendizaje. Conclusiones. Se presentan dilemas de identidad en los maestros, producto de contradicciones en el proceso de enculturación bajo presiones inter y extra culturales, vinculado a los procesos de enculturación.
Clusterin Impairs Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity and Adipocyte Clusterin Associates With Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Bradley David , Blaszczak Alecia , Yin Zheng , Liu Joey , Joseph Joshua J. , Wright Valerie , Anandani Kajol , Needleman Bradley , Noria Sabrena , Renton David , Yearsley Martha , Wong Stephen T.C. , Hsueh Willa A.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

Components of the adipose tissue (AT) extracellular matrix (ECM) are recently discovered contributors to obesity-related cardiometabolic disease. We identified increased adipocyte expression of ECM-related clusterin (apolipoprotein J) in obese versus lean women by microarray. Our objective was to determine 1) whether subcutaneous AT adipocyte (SAd) clusterin and serum clusterin are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and known markers of cardiometabolic risk and 2) how clusterin may contribute to increased risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We validated increased clusterin expression in adipocytes from a separate group of 18 lean and 54 obese individuals. The relationship of clusterin gene expression and plasma clusterin with IR, cardiovascular biomarkers, and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was then determined. Further investigations in human cultured cells and in aged LDLR−/− mice prone to development of obesity-associated complications were performed.

RESULTS

SAd clusterin correlated with IR, multiple CVD biomarkers, and CVD risk, independent of traditional risk factors. Circulating human clusterin exhibited similar associations. In human adipocytes, palmitate enhanced clusterin secretion, and in human hepatocytes, clusterin attenuated insulin signaling and APOA1 expression and stimulated hepatic gluconeogenesis. LRP2 (megalin), a clusterin receptor, highly expressed in liver, mediated these effects, which were inhibited by LRP2 siRNA. In response to Western diet feeding, an increase in adipocyte clusterin expression was associated with a progressive increase in liver fat, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in aged LDLR−/− mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipocyte-derived clusterin is a novel ECM-related protein linking cardiometabolic disease and obesity through its actions in the liver.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Hemoglobin A1c as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Leong Aaron , Chen Ji , Wheeler Eleanor , Hivert Marie-France , Liu Ching-Ti , Merino Jordi , Dupuis Josée , Tai E Shyong , Rotter Jerome I. , Florez Jose C. , Barroso Inês , Meigs James B.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies show that higher hemoglobin A1c (A1C) predicts coronary artery disease (CAD). It remains unclear whether this association is driven entirely by glycemia. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to test whether A1C is causally associated with CAD through glycemic and/or nonglycemic factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To examine the association of A1C with CAD, we selected 50 A1C-associated variants (log10 Bayes factor ≥6) from an A1C genome-wide association study (GWAS; n = 159,940) and performed an inverse-variance weighted average of variant-specific causal estimates from CAD GWAS data (CARDIoGRAMplusC4D; 60,801 CAD case subjects/123,504 control subjects). We then replicated results in UK Biobank (18,915 CAD case subjects/455,971 control subjects) and meta-analyzed all results. Next, we conducted analyses using two subsets of variants, 16 variants associated with glycemic measures (fasting or 2-h glucose) and 20 variants associated with erythrocyte indices (e.g., hemoglobin [Hb]) but not glycemic measures. In additional MR analyses, we tested the association of Hb with A1C and CAD.

RESULTS

Genetically increased A1C was associated with higher CAD risk (odds ratio [OR] 1.61 [95% CI 1.40, 1.84] per %-unit, P = 6.9 × 10−12). Higher A1C was associated with increased CAD risk when using only glycemic variants (OR 2.23 [1.73, 2.89], P = 1.0 × 10−9) and when using only erythrocytic variants (OR 1.30 [1.08, 1.57], P = 0.006). Genetically decreased Hb, with concomitantly decreased mean corpuscular volume, was associated with higher A1C (0.30 [0.27, 0.33] %-unit, P = 2.9 × 10−6) per g/dL and higher CAD risk (OR 1.19 [1.04, 1.37], P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic evidence supports a causal link between higher A1C and higher CAD risk. This relationship is driven not only by glycemic but also by erythrocytic, glycemia-independent factors.
Type 1 Diabetes Risk in African-Ancestry Participants and Utility of an Ancestry-Specific Genetic Risk Score
Authors: Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Chen Wei-Min , Robertson Catherine C. , Bonnie Jessica K. , Farber Emily , Zhu Zhennan , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Brant Steven R. , Bridges S. Louis , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Kimberly Robert P. , Gregersen Peter K. , Rewers Marian J. , Steck Andrea K. , Black Mary H. , Dabelea Dana , Pihoker Catherine , Atkinson Mark A. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Divers Jasmin , Bell Ronny A. ,   SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth,   Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium, Erlich Henry A. , Concannon Patrick , Rich Stephen S.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

Genetic risk scores (GRS) have been developed that differentiate individuals with type 1 diabetes from those with other forms of diabetes and are starting to be used for population screening; however, most studies were conducted in European-ancestry populations. This study identifies novel genetic variants associated with type 1 diabetes risk in African-ancestry participants and develops an African-specific GRS.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We generated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data with the ImmunoChip on 1,021 African-ancestry participants with type 1 diabetes and 2,928 control participants. HLA class I and class II alleles were imputed using SNP2HLA. Logistic regression models were used to identify genome-wide significant (P < 5.0 × 10−8) SNPs associated with type 1 diabetes in the African-ancestry samples and validate SNPs associated with risk in known European-ancestry loci (P < 2.79 × 10−5).

RESULTS

African-specific (HLA-DQA1*03:01-HLA-DQB1*02:01) and known European-ancestry HLA haplotypes (HLA-DRB1*03:01-HLA-DQA1*05:01-HLA-DQB1*02:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01-HLA-DQA1*03:01-HLA-DQB1*03:02) were significantly associated with type 1 diabetes risk. Among European-ancestry defined non-HLA risk loci, six risk loci were significantly associated with type 1 diabetes in subjects of African ancestry. An African-specific GRS provided strong prediction of type 1 diabetes risk (area under the curve 0.871), performing significantly better than a European-based GRS and two polygenic risk scores in independent discovery and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic risk of type 1 diabetes includes ancestry-specific, disease-associated variants. The GRS developed here provides improved prediction of type 1 diabetes in African-ancestry subjects and a means to identify groups of individuals who would benefit from immune monitoring for early detection of islet autoimmunity.
Probiotics for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Women: Findings From the SPRING Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Callaway Leonie K. , McIntyre H. David , Barrett Helen L. , Foxcroft Katie , Tremellen Anne , Lingwood Barbara E. , Tobin Jacinta M. , Wilkinson Shelley , Kothari Alka , Morrison Mark , O’Rourke Peter , Pelecanos Anita , Dekker Nitert Marloes
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

Given the role of gut microbiota in regulating metabolism, probiotics administered during pregnancy might prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This question has not previously been studied in high-risk overweight and obese pregnant women. We aimed to determine whether probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis) administered from the second trimester in overweight and obese women prevent GDM as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 28 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal complications, maternal blood pressure and BMI, and infant body composition.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial of probiotic versus placebo in overweight and obese pregnant women in Brisbane, Australia.

RESULTS

The study was completed in 411 women. GDM occurred in 12.3% (25 of 204) in the placebo arm and 18.4% (38 of 207) in the probiotics arm (P = 0.10). At OGTT, mean fasting glucose was higher in women randomized to probiotics (79.3 mg/dL) compared with placebo (77.5 mg/dL) (P = 0.049). One- and two-hour glucose measures were similar. Preeclampsia occurred in 9.2% of women randomized to probiotics compared with 4.9% in the placebo arm (P = 0.09). Excessive weight gain occurred in 32.5% of women in the probiotics arm (55 of 169) compared with 46% in the placebo arm (81 of 176) (P = 0.01). Rates of small for gestational age (<10th percentile) were 2.4% in the probiotics arm (5 of 205) and 6.5% in the placebo arm (13 of 199) (P = 0.042). There were no differences in other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The probiotics used in this study did not prevent GDM in overweight and obese pregnant women.