bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of hyaluronidase reduces invasion and establishment of Haemonchus contortus larvae in sheep
Authors: Yang Xiangshu , Khan Sawar , Zhao Xiaochao , Zhang Jiayan , Nisar Ayesha , Feng Xingang
Published: August 2020

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous endoparasite of small ruminants, which is responsible for huge economic losses in livestock sector. Hyaluronidase produced by infective larvae of H. contortus can degrade hyaluronic acid present in the host’s abomasal tissue. Thus, it facilitates larval tissue invasion and early establishment. We herein explored this ability of hyaluronidase in H. contortus, and tested whether hyaluronidase is utilized as a virulence factor by H. contortus while establishing the infection. We first successfully blocked the hyaluronidase gene in L3 larvae by RNA interference (RNAi), which was subsequently confirmed by qPCR, enzymatic activity, and immunohistochemistry assays. Using these larvae we then conducted in vivo and in vitro assays on sheep to assess the effects of hyaluronidase suppression on larval invasion and establishment of infection. The in vivo assay showed a significant drop in worm burden in siRNA treated group in comparison to control group. During in vitro assay we applied an ovine ex vivo model where siRNA treated group of larvae showed significantly reduced invasion of the abomasal tissue explants as compared to control group. These findings indicate that hyaluronidase plays a key role in host’s tissue invasion and larval establishment, and it is used as a virulence factor by H. contortus while establishing the infection. As an invasive virulence molecule, its functional research is thus conducive to the prevention of haemonchosis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Research on core strength training of aerobics based on artificial intelligence and sensor network
Authors: Jia Liqiang , Li Lingshu
Published: August 2020

The traditional training system based on case teaching is according to the analysis of past competitions and training cases to carry out the strength training of aerobics special movements. The training results cannot be evaluated intelligently and accurately, and the performance of dynamic analysis is poor. To address this problem, the core training system of strength quality of aerobics special movements based on artificial intelligence is designed to realize the intelligent training of the strength quality of aerobics special movements. Through the study of fuzzy paradigm system, intelligent functions such as optimization and decision-making of intelligent fuzzy network are realized. The design system architecture framework includes the modules of sensor, receiver, database, and analysis decision. The core chip of the system is the main control module of Atmega1280 MCU for man-machine interaction, so as to realize the comprehensive training of the strength quality of aerobics special movements. Information collection module is used to collect information on strength training information such as instrument, movement, and language. The problem of phase distortion in signal transmission process is processed by FIR filter. Through information management module, trainee information management and training results statistics and queries are implemented. In the system software part, the system software structure diagram and system startup and landing procedure are given. By analyzing the working process of the module, the strength of aerobics special movements is analyzed. Experimental results show that the designed system can achieve real-time and stable strength training for aerobics special movements and improve training efficiency.
Existence of fractional order semianalytical results for enzyme kinetics model
Authors: Alrabaiah Hussam , Ali Amjad , Haq Fazal , Shah Kamal
Published: August 2020

This research work investigates the existence of semianalytical solutions of a chemical kinematics model. We develop the conditions for the existence of the solutions for a proposed enzyme kinetics model, via tools of the fixed point theory. The semianalytical results were obtained with the help of Laplace transformation and Adomian decomposition method. The results established by the proposed techniques are in the form of infinite series. Furthermore, with extending homotopy perturbation method (HPM), we develop a series solutions for the considered model. By using Matlab, we present the approximate solution for both methods up to a few series terms.
South American auroral reports during the Carrington storm
Authors: Hayakawa Hisashi , Ribeiro José R. , Ebihara Yusuke , Correia Ana P. , Sôma Mitsuru
Published: August 2020

The importance of the investigation of magnetic superstorms is not limited to academic interest, because these superstorms can cause catastrophic impact on the modern civilisation due to our increasing dependency on technological infrastructure. In this context, the Carrington storm in September 1859 is considered as a benchmark of observational history owing to its magnetic disturbance and equatorial extent of the auroral oval. So far, several recent auroral reports at that time have been published but those reports are mainly derived from the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we analyse datable auroral reports from South America and its vicinity, assess the auroral extent using philological and astrometric approaches, identify the auroral visibility at − 17.3° magnetic latitude and further poleward and reconstruct the equatorial boundary of the auroral oval to be 25.1° ± 0.5° in invariant latitude. Interestingly, brighter and more colourful auroral displays were reported in the South American sector than in the Northern Hemisphere. This north–south asymmetry is presumably associated with variations of their magnetic longitude and the weaker magnetic field over South America compared to the magnetic conjugate point and the increased amount of magnetospheric electron precipitation into the upper atmosphere. These results attest that the magnitude of the Carrington storm indicates that its extent falls within the range of other superstorms, such as those that occurred in May 1921 and February 1872, in terms of the equatorial boundary of the auroral oval.
Web-based adaptive presentation techniques to enhance learning outcomes in higher education
Authors: Elmabaredy Ahmed , Elkholy Ebada , Tolba Abdul-Aziz
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop and compare two different techniques of adaptive presentation techniques (adaptive multimedia/ frames). Moreover, this study aimed at investigating the effect of both treatments on improving learning outcomes. The participants are two experimental groups: Group A (n = 35) were taught content through the multimedia-based technique, and group B (n = 35) were taught content through the frame-based technique. The results showed that the adaptive presentation techniques have an effect on enhancing students’ learning outcomes. Also, the comparison of the techniques showed a significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups in favor of group A. The study concluded that the adaptive multimedia-based technique showed higher impact relatively than the frame-based technique. In light of these results, it is recommended that an expansion of the use of web-based adaptive presentation techniques WAPT for enhancing students’ learning in higher education is needed.
Content validity of patient-reported outcomes for use in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Trudeau Jeremiah J. , He Jianming , Rose Esther , Panter Charlotte , Randhawa Sharan , Gater Adam
Published: August 2020

Background

The lower-risk (low and intermediate-1 risk based on IPSS) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has a negative impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) instruments, which are used to collect patients’ HRQoL data, should have established content validity in the target population to ensure that the instrument is comprehensive and comprehensible. The present study was conducted to evaluate the content validity of the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale (QUALMS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) PRO instruments in patients with lower-risk MDS.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, qualitative study, 16 patients aged ≥18 years with lower-risk MDS, who were RBC transfusion dependent, literate and fluent in US-English were interviewed. Interviews were semi-structured comprising of two parts: concept elicitation (CE) explored symptoms and impacts important to patients, and cognitive debriefing (CD) assessed understanding and relevance of the QUALMS and FACT-An. A conceptual model was developed, which was used to map the concepts that emerged during CE onto the QUALMS and FACT-An to assess concept coverage and suitability of the instruments.

Results

The median age of participants was 67.5 years (range: 51–91), with half being female (n = 8). Nine (56.2%) participants had intermediate-1-risk MDS and 10 (62.5%) were relapsed or refractory to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent treatment. Fatigue/tiredness (100.0%), shortness of breath (87.5%), weakness (81.2%), and low energy (75.0%) were reported most commonly and were the most bothersome symptoms as well. Of seven high-level HRQoL domains identified, activities of daily living (n = 16, 100.0%), physical functioning (n = 15, 93.8%), emotional wellbeing (n = 13, 81.3%), social functioning (n = 12, 75.0%), sleep disturbance (n = 9, 56.3%), and impact on work (n = 9, 56.3%) were the most commonly reported. For CD, the QUALMS and FACT-An were found to be mostly relevant and very well understood; response options were easy to use, and recall period was appropriate.

Conclusion

Both QUALMS and FACT-An demonstrated a strong face and content validity in patients with lower-risk MDS, suggesting that these instruments are appropriate for assessing HRQoL in this population.
Strategies to target long non-coding RNAs in cancer treatment: progress and challenges
Authors: Fathi Dizaji Behdokht
Published: August 2020

Background

Long non-coding RNAs are important regulators of gene expression and diverse biological processes. Their aberrant expression contributes to a verity of diseases including cancer development and progression, providing them with great potential to be diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, they can have a key role in personalized cancer medicine.

This review aims at introducing possible strategies to target long ncRNAs therapeutically in cancer. Also, chemical modification of nucleic acid-based therapeutics to improve their pharmacological properties is explained. Then, approaches for the systematic delivery of reagents into the tumor cells or organs are briefly discussed, followed by describing obstacles to the expansion of the therapeutics.

Main text

Long ncRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, whose activity can modulate all hallmarks of cancer. They are expressed in a very restricted spatial and temporal pattern and can be easily detected in the cells or biological fluids of patients. These properties make them excellent targets for the development of anticancer drugs. Targeting methods aim to attenuate oncogenic lncRNAs or interfere with lncRNA functions to prevent carcinogenesis. Numerous strategies including suppression of oncogenic long ncRNAs, alternation of their epigenetic effects, interfering with their function, restoration of downregulated or lost long ncRNAs, and recruitment of long ncRNAs regulatory elements and expression patterns are recommended for targeting long ncRNAs therapeutically in cancer. These approaches have shown inhibitory effects on malignancy. In this regard, proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells have been inhibited and apoptosis has been induced in different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of oncogenic long ncRNAs and upregulation of some growth factors (e.g., neurotrophic factor) have been achieved.

Conclusions

Targeting long non-coding RNAs therapeutically in cancer and efficient and safe delivery of the reagents have been rarely addressed. Only one clinical trial involving lncRNAs has been reported. Among different technologies, RNAi is the most commonly used and effective tool to target lncRNAs. However, other technologies need to be examined and further research is essential to put lncRNAs into clinical practice.
Depression and suicidality among Egyptian renal transplant recipients
Authors: El-Mahalawy Naglaa , Saad Ahmed , Rabei Samah , Elrassas Hanan , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Elmissiry Marwa , Aly Rami
Published: August 2020

Background

High rates of depression and suicidality risk have been reported after renal transplantation. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders and suicidality risk among Egyptian renal transplant recipients and their demographic and clinical correlates.

Results

The prevalence of depressive disorders among renal transplant recipients was (32.2%). Major depression (16.5%), adjustment disorder depressive type (9.13%) while dysthymic disorder occurred in (6.5%). Suicidality risk was present among 31.3% of the sample. Hopelessness was the commonest depressive symptoms within the depressed patients. There was a statistically significant association of depression and risk of suicidality, with age, educational attainment, employment, and the presence of side effects of medication. However, there was no significant correlation between depression or suicidality, with marital status, type of donor, duration of dialysis, and associated other medical illnesses. Despite there was no relation between gender and severity of depression, yet male recipients showed more pronounced suicidal risk.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression and suicidality is quite high among post renal transplantation recipients (PRTRs). Early psychiatric evaluation and intervention together with regular long term follow-up from the multi-disciplinary team are necessary for recipients after renal transplant operation.
Mental health, smoking and poverty: benefits of supporting smokers to quit
Authors: Salt Vicky , Osborne Ciaran
Published: August 2020

Smoking rates among people with common mental health conditions remain around 50% higher than those in the wider population; this is a significant cause of the 10–20-year reduced life expectancy of people with mental health conditions. However, the effects of smoking go far beyond physical health. Research estimates that smokers with mental health conditions could be spending as much as £2200 a year on tobacco, pushing an estimated 130 000 people with a common mental disorder into poverty. The Government has set a target for England to be smokefree by 2030; however, without a dramatic increase in support, smokers with mental health conditions risk being left behind. Action on Smoking and Health provides the secretariat for the Mental Health & Smoking Partnership. The Partnership aims to reduce the inequality in smoking rates between people with mental health conditions and the wider population. It brings together Royal Colleges, third-sector organisations, trade unions and academia to review progress and highlight areas for further action.
Efficacy of interventions to reduce coercive treatment in mental health services: umbrella review of randomised evidence
Authors: Barbui Corrado , Purgato Marianna , Abdulmalik Jibril , Caldas-de-Almeida José Miguel , Eaton Julian , Gureje Oye , Hanlon Charlotte , Nosè Michela , Ostuzzi Giovanni , Saraceno Benedetto , Saxena Shekhar , Tedeschi Federico , Thornicroft Graham
Published: August 2020

Background

Coercive treatment comprises a broad range of practices, ranging from implicit or explicit pressure to accept certain treatment to the use of forced practices such as involuntary admission, seclusion and restraint. Coercion is common in mental health services.

Aims

To evaluate the strength and credibility of evidence on the efficacy of interventions to reduce coercive treatment in mental health services. Protocol registration:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/S76T3.

Method

Systematic literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Campbell Collaboration, and Epistemonikos from January 2010 to January 2020 for meta-analyses of randomised studies. Summary effects were recalculated using a common metric and random-effects models. We assessed between-study heterogeneity, predictive intervals, publication bias, small-study effects and whether the results of the observed positive studies were more than expected by chance. On the basis of these calculations, strength of associations was classified using quantitative umbrella review criteria, and credibility of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results

A total of 23 primary studies (19 conducted in European countries and 4 in the USA) enrolling 8554 participants were included. The evidence on the efficacy of staff training to reduce use of restraint was supported by the most robust evidence (relative risk RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.87; suggestive association, GRADE: moderate), followed by evidence on the efficacy of shared decision-making interventions to reduce involuntary admissions of adults with severe mental illness (RR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.92; weak association, GRADE: moderate) and by the evidence on integrated care interventions (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.95; weak association, GRADE: low). By contrast, community treatment orders and adherence therapy had no effect on involuntary admission rates.

Conclusions

Different levels of evidence indicate the benefit of staff training, shared decision-making interventions and integrated care interventions to reduce coercive treatment in mental health services. These different levels of evidence should be considered in the development of policy, clinical and implementation initiatives to reduce coercive practices in mental healthcare, and should lead to further studies in both high- and low-income countries to improve the strength and credibility of the evidence base.
Artificial Pancreas With Carbohydrate Suggestion Performance for Unannounced and Announced Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Viñals Clara , Beneyto Aleix , Martín-SanJosé Juan-Fernando , Furió-Novejarque Clara , Bertachi Arthur , Bondia Jorge , Vehi Josep , Conget Ignacio , Giménez Marga
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the safety and performance of a new multivariable closed-loop (MCL) glucose controller with automatic carbohydrate recommendation during and after unannounced and announced exercise in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Research Design and Methods

A randomized, 3-arm, crossover clinical trial was conducted. Participants completed a heavy aerobic exercise session including three 15-minute sets on a cycle ergometer with 5 minutes rest in between. In a randomly determined order, we compared MCL control with unannounced (CLNA) and announced (CLA) exercise to open-loop therapy (OL). Adults with T1D, insulin pump users, and those with hemoglobin (Hb)A1c between 6.0% and 8.5% were eligible. We investigated glucose control during and 3 hours after exercise.

Results

Ten participants (aged 40.8 ± 7.0 years; HbA1c of 7.3 ± 0.8%) participated. The use of the MCL in both closed-loop arms decreased the time spent <70 mg/dL of sensor glucose (0.0%, [0.0-16.8] and 0.0%, [0.0-19.2] vs 16.2%, [0.0-26.0], (%, [percentile 10-90]) CLNA and CLA vs OL respectively; P = 0.047, P = 0.063) and the number of hypoglycemic events when compared with OL (CLNA 4 and CLA 3 vs OL 8; P = 0.218, P = 0.250). The use of the MCL system increased the proportion of time within 70 to 180 mg/dL (87.8%, [51.1-100] and 91.9%, [58.7-100] vs 81.1%, [65.4-87.0], (%, [percentile 10-90]) CLNA and CLA vs OL respectively; P = 0.227, P = 0.039). This was achieved with the administration of similar doses of insulin and a reduced amount of carbohydrates.

Conclusions

The MCL with automatic carbohydrate recommendation performed well and was safe during and after both unannounced and announced exercise, maintaining glucose mostly within the target range and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia despite a reduced amount of carbohydrate intake.

Register Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03577158
Transient activation of the Notch-her15.1 axis plays an important role in the maturation of V2b interneurons
Authors: Mizoguchi Takamasa , Fukada Michi , Iihama Miku , Song Xuehui , Fukagawa Shun , Kuwabara Shuhei , Omaru Shuhei , Higashijima Shin-ichi , Itoh Motoyuki
Published: August 2020

In the vertebrate ventral spinal cord, p2 progenitors give rise to two interneuron subtypes: excitatory V2a interneurons and inhibitory V2b interneurons. In the differentiation of V2a and V2b cells, Notch signaling promotes V2b fate at the expense of V2a fate. Later, V2b cells extend axons along the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord and express the inhibitory transmitter GABA. Notch signaling has been reported to inhibit the axonal outgrowth of mature neurons of the central nervous system; however, it remains unknown how Notch signaling modulates V2b neurite outgrowth and maturation into GABAergic neurons. Here, we have investigated neuron-specific Notch functions regarding V2b axon growth and maturation into zebrafish GABAergic neurons. We found that continuous neuron-specific Notch activation enhanced V2b fate determination but inhibited V2b axonal outgrowth and maturation into GABAergic neurons. These results suggest that Notch signaling activation is required for V2b fate determination, whereas its downregulation at a later stage is essential for V2b maturation. Accordingly, we found that a Notch signaling downstream gene, her15.1, showed biased expression in V2 linage cells and downregulated expression during the maturation of V2b cells, and continuous expression of her15.1 repressed V2b axogenesis. Our data suggest that spatiotemporal control of Notch signaling activity is required for V2b fate determination, maturation and axogenesis.
Does Telemedicine Reduce Emergency Room Congestion? Evidence from New York State
Authors: Sun Shujing , Lu Susan F. , Rui Huaxia
Published: August 2020

Overcrowding in emergency rooms (ERs) is a common yet nagging problem. It not only is costly for hospitals but also compromises care quality and patient experience. Our paper provides solid evidence that telemedicine can significantly improve ER care delivery, especially in the presence of demand and supply fluctuations. We believe such findings are critical for ERs, due to the special setting of unscheduled arrivals leading to high unpredictability of patient traffic. Additional evidence suggests that the efficiency gained from telemedicine does not come at the expense of lower care quality or higher medical expenditure, which points to telemedicine as a feasible solution to the ER overcrowding problem. For healthcare practitioners, our paper highlights the general applicability of telemedicine through the “hub and spoke” architecture. Besides increasing patients’ access to more immediate care from specialists who were not available otherwise, telemedicine enables flexible resource allocation for any hospitals, regardless of where hospitals are located. Our research also provides ground for policymakers to incentivize hospitals to adopt telemedicine in ER, which we believe is critical given the relatively low adoption rate, the lack of direct evidence on its effectiveness, and the current inflexibility of reimbursement policies regarding the application of ER telemedicine.
The Restaurant Meal Delivery Problem: Dynamic Pickup and Delivery with Deadlines and Random Ready Times
Authors: Ulmer Marlin W. , Thomas Barrett W. , Campbell Ann Melissa , Woyak Nicholas
Published: August 2020

We consider a stochastic dynamic pickup and delivery problem in which a fleet of drivers delivers food from a set of restaurants to ordering customers. The objective is to dynamically control a fleet of drivers in a way that avoids delays with respect to customers’ deadlines. There are two sources of uncertainty in the problem. First, the customers are unknown until they place an order. Second, the time at which the food is ready at the restaurant is unknown. To address these challenges, we present an anticipatory customer assignment (ACA) policy. To account for the stochasticity in the problem, ACA postpones the assignment decisions for selected customers, allowing more flexibility in assignments. In addition, ACA introduces a time buffer to reduce making decisions that are likely to result in delays. We also consider bundling, which is the practice of assigning multiple orders at a time to a driver. Based on real-world data, we show how ACA is able to improve service significantly for all stakeholders compared with current practice.
El mercado inmobiliario en cuba: carencias legislativas y
tributarias
Authors: Pleyán Carlos García
Published: August 2020

50 años después de la promulgación de la Ley de Reforma Urbana, que canceló los
procesos de especulación urbana en Cuba, en el año 2011 el gobierno de Raúl
Castro modificó la Ley de la Vivienda abriendo la posibilidad de la libre
compraventa de viviendas y, con ello, el funcionamiento de un creciente mercado
inmobiliario. Ocho años después de esa medida ya comienzan a percibirse los
efectos en la geografía social y económica de las ciudades y se evidencian las
carencias legislativas y tributarias de un marco regulatorio concebido para otra
realidad socioeconómica. Es urgente la actualización de la normativa jurídica,
el perfeccionamiento del registro y el catastro urbano, así como la introducción
de nuevos instrumentos fiscales que controlen los incipientes procesos de
gentrificación urbana.
Early forest-fire detection using scanning polarization lidar
Authors: Xian Jinhong , Xu Wenjing , Long Chuande , Song Qingchun , Yang Shaochen
Published: August 2020

As forest terrain is complex, containing leaves and other obstacles, it is difficult to distinguish the signal of forest-fire smoke when using single-channel lidar. To address this difficulty, a scanning micropulse polarization lidar system is developed, and a new method to detect forest fires is proposed in this study. Based on the characteristics of the depolarization ratio of in-scene obstacles, a matrix is constructed to remove obstacle signals, which in turn reduces the misidentification rate. Artificial forest-fire tests are carried out to verify the correctness of the proposed method and the feasibility of early forest-fire detection using the scanning polarization lidar system. In the working mode, the developed polarizing lidar system can locate a forest fire within three minutes with the proposed method. The experimental results show that forest fires can be accurately detected in real time when using scanning polarization lidar.
High accuracy cross-sectional shape analysis by coherent soft x-ray diffraction
Authors: Hoshino Tetsuya , Shiono Masahiko , Saswatee Banerjee , Aoki Sadao , Sakurai Kenji , Itoh Masahide
Published: August 2020

When the scatterer size is less than 100 wavelengths, the effect of
diffraction is large. The analysis of diffraction is important for 3D
shape measurement. However, in soft x rays, shapes suitable for
rigorous diffraction analysis have been limited to ellipses and
periodic structures. We have developed a method to expand this to any
shape (isolated triangle, rectangle, etc.). Experimentally, we
measured the respective widths of the cross section of a
column consisting of two layers and showed that the
resolution was at least a few wavelengths. For this purpose, we have
also developed a fast simulation method with a small memory size.
Analyzing mode index mismatch and field overlap for light guidance in negative-curvature fibers
Authors: Deng Ang , Hasan Imran , Wang Yuxi , Chang Wonkeun
Published: August 2020

We numerically investigate the role of cladding geometries in two widely used anti-resonant hollow-core fiber designs with negative curvatures, the tubular negative-curvature fiber and ice-cream-cone negative-curvature fiber. The confinement loss governed by the inhibited coupling between the modes in the core and cladding is thoroughly examined systematically against the core-cladding curvature for both types. We show that, in addition to the mode-index mismatch, the mode-field overlap also plays a key role in determining the loss. Simultaneously, we find the ice-cream-cone negative-curvature fiber can exhibit better loss performance than the tubular design within a specific range of the curvature. This enhancement is achieved without sacrificing the transmission bandwidth and is relatively robust against the fabrication error.
Nonlinear properties of laser-processed polycrystalline silicon waveguides for integrated photonics
Authors: Aktas Ozan , MacFarquhar Stuart J. , Oo Swe Z. , Tarazona Antulio , Chong Harold M. H. , Peacock Anna C.
Published: August 2020

We report nonlinear optical characterization of cm-long polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) waveguides at telecom wavelengths. Laser post-processing of lithographically-patterned amorphous silicon deposited on silica-on-silicon substrates provides low-loss poly-Si waveguides with surface-tension-shaped boundaries. Achieving optical losses as low as 4 dB cm-1 enabled us to demonstrate effects of self-phase modulation (SPM) and two-photon absorption (TPA). Analysis of the spectral broadening and nonlinear losses with numerical modeling reveals the best fit values of the Kerr coefficient n2=4.5×10−18 m W-1 and TPA coefficient βTPA=9.0×10−12 m2 W-1, which are within the range reported for crystalline silicon. On-chip low-loss poly-Si paves the way for flexible integration of nonlinear components in multi-layered photonic systems.
Graphene-enabled electrically tunability of metalens in the terahertz range
Authors: Zhang ZhaoKun , Qi XiangQian , Zhang JianFa , Guo ChuCai , Zhu ZhiHong
Published: August 2020

In general, the functions of most metalenses cannot be adjusted dynamically after being fabricated. Here, we theoretically propose an electrically tunable metalens composed of single-layered and non-structured doped graphene loaded with ribbon-shaped metallic strip arrays with varied widths and gaps. The combination of the different widths and gaps can provide full phase coverage from 0 to 2π, which is necessary for a plane wave to be focused. The metalens exhibits obvious tunability of focal length and focal intensity as we varied the Fermi levels of the doped graphene at 10 THz. The focus is able to be shifted within 90.4 µm (∼3λ), with maximum focusing efficiency up to 61.62%. The tunable metalens can also be expanded to other operation frequencies from mid-infrared to terahertz range by properly designing structural parameters. The metalens consisting of nanostructured metal and non-structured graphene utilizes mature metal nanostructure preparation process and avoids the graphene processing, which consequently facilitates the fabrication and promotes the application.
Time-stretch spectroscopy for fast infrared absorption spectra of acetylene and hydroxyl radicals during combustion
Authors: Mance J. G. , La Lone B. M. , Madajian J. A. , Turley W. D. , Veeser L. R.
Published: August 2020

We have developed a diagnostic that uses time-domain spectroscopy to measure transient infrared absorption spectra in gases. Using a time-stretch Fourier transform approach, we can determine pressure, temperature, and gas concentrations with sub-microsecond time resolution for over two milliseconds. We demonstrate high-resolution (0.015 nm), time-resolved spectral measurements in an acetylene-oxygen gas mixture undergoing combustion. Within a 5 µs period during the reaction, the acetylene line intensities decrease substantially, and new spectra appear that are consistent with the hydroxyl (OH) radical, a common by-product in the combustion, deflagration, and detonation of fuels and explosives. Post-reaction pressures and temperatures were estimated from the OH spectra. The technique measures spectra from 1520 to 1620 nm using fiber optics, photodetectors, and digitizers. No cameras or spectrometers are required.
Roadmap on 3D integral imaging: sensing, processing, and display
Authors: Javidi Bahram , Carnicer Artur , Arai Jun , Fujii Toshiaki , Hua Hong , Liao Hongen , Martínez-Corral Manuel , Pla Filiberto , Stern Adrian , Waller Laura , Wang Qiong-Hua , Wetzstein Gordon , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Yamamoto Hirotsugu
Published: August 2020

This Roadmap article on three-dimensional integral imaging provides an overview of some of the research activities in the field of integral imaging. The article discusses various aspects of the field including sensing of 3D scenes, processing of captured information, and 3D display and visualization of information. The paper consists of a series of 15 sections from the experts presenting various aspects of the field on sensing, processing, displays, augmented reality, microscopy, object recognition, and other applications. Each section represents the vision of its author to describe the progress, potential, vision, and challenging issues in this field.
Quantitative phase imaging in dual-wavelength interferometry using a single wavelength illumination and deep learning
Authors: Li Jiaosheng , Zhang Qinnan , Zhong Liyun , Tian Jindong , Pedrini Giancarlo , Lu Xiaoxu
Published: August 2020

In this manuscript, we propose a quantitative phase imaging method based on deep learning, using a single wavelength illumination to realize dual-wavelength phase-shifting phase recovery. By using the conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN), from one interferogram recorded at a single wavelength, we obtain interferograms at other wavelengths, the corresponding wrapped phases and then the phases at synthetic wavelengths. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified by simulation and experiments. The results demonstrate that the measurement range of single-wavelength interferometry (SWI) is improved by keeping a simple setup, avoiding the difficulty caused by using two wavelengths simultaneously. This will provide an effective solution for the problem of phase unwrapping and the measurement range limitation in phase-shifting interferometry.
Calibration method of a laser beam based on discrete point interpolation for 3D precision measurement
Authors: Kang Jiehu , Wu Bin , Sun Zefeng , Wang Jiang
Published: August 2020

A laser beam used as a visualizing measuring axis is an important technique in 3D shape measurement. A highly accurate calibration method of a laser beam based on discrete point interpolation is proposed in this paper. A flexible control field constructed by a laser tracker, a theodolite and a target plane with 5 high-precision machining holes is presented. The discrete point interpolation model is established by the coordinates of holes measured by a laser tracker and the angles of holes measured by a theodolite. The coordinates of laser spots on the target plane are obtained based on the angles and discrete point interpolation model, and the direction vector of the laser beam is obtained by linear fitting. The optimal measurement pose of a theodolite is analyzed by the simulation results. The experimental results show that the RMSE of linear fitting of laser beams is no more than 14 µm within a 5 m distance, the RMSE of the spatial points is 0.09 mm and the RMSE of the reconstructed distance is 0.09 mm.
Generalized model of optical single sideband generation using dual modulation of DML and EAM
Authors: Bo Tianwai , Kim Hoon
Published: August 2020

The dual modulation of a directly modulated laser (DML) and an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is known to be an effective way to generate an optical single sideband (SSB) signal in highly compact and cost-effective fashions. Two theoretical models were developed for this dual modulation scheme under the assumptions of negligible intensity modulation of DML and/or zero chirp of EAM. In this paper, we develop a generalized model of dual modulation scheme without those assumptions. We show theoretically that the previous models can be unified as special cases of our generalized model. We evaluate the validity of our model using numerical simulations and experiments. The results show that our model estimates the modulation conditions for optical SSB generation accurately over wide ranges of modulation frequency and EAM’s chirp. We also show experimentally that we can achieve an optical sideband suppression ratio higher than 40 dB by using our generalized model. This is >25 dB higher than the ratios obtained from the previous models.
Ultra-narrowband visible light absorption in a monolayer MoS2 based resonant nanostructure
Authors: Zhang Jianfa , Hong Qilin , Zou Jinglan , Meng Qi , Qin Shiqiao , Zhu Zhihong
Published: August 2020

Enhance light absorption in two-dimensional (2D) materials are of great importance for the development of many optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors, modulators and thermal emitters. In this paper, a resonant nanostructure based on subwavelength gratings of monolayer molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is proposed. It is shown numerically that the excitation of guided modes in the proposed structure leads to perfect absorption in the visible range. The linewidth of the absorption spectrum can be narrow down to 0.1 nm. The resonance wavelength exhibits an almost linear dependence on the incidence angle. The proposed structure provides a method to design ultra-narrowband absorbers and similar designs can be applied to other 2D materials. It may find applications for optical filters, directional thermal emitters, 2D materials based lasers and others.
Resurrecting place: Visual representation and the poetic imagination
Authors: Spooner Tom
Published: August 2020

With reference to an ongoing practice-based project, illustration in this article is considered for its capacity as an authorial practice able to complement and communicate ideas emanating from academic research. This article discusses the phenomenon of ‘place’, specifically, place as a lived concrete site comprising both physical and emotional phenomena and culminating in a meaningful experience of ‘being-in-the-world’. With particular reference to more marginal settings of everyday public experience, this article argues that as a result of current cultural phenomena relating to the economic and practical necessities of daily action, and historical developments in western thinking, place is an idea that is commonly obscured from daily experience. Through the teachings of phenomenology and early German romanticism, this article explores ideas that, through visual representation, meaningful notions of place can be resuscitated and transmitted between the illustrator and viewer. Further, through discussion of ideas emerging from postmodernism, conditions that affect our experience and expectations of place in the present are also addressed. Whilst place as a lived and meaningful totality is invariably informed by structures of subjectivity, visual representation is considered here, for its usefulness in appealing to meaningful, poetic dimensions of wider human experience.
Applications, challenges, and strategies in the use of nanoparticles as feed additives in equine nutrition
Authors: Reddy P. Ravi Kanth , Yasaswini Duvvuru , Reddy P. Pandu Ranga , Zeineldin Mohamed , Adegbeye M. J. , Hyder Iqbal
Published: August 2020

The rapid expansion of nanotechnology has been transforming the food industry by increasing market share and expenditure. Although nanotechnology offers promising benefits as feed additives, their usage in equines is primarily geared toward immunotherapy, hyper-immunization techniques, drug delivery systems, grooming activities, and therapeutic purposes. Nanoparticles could be engaged as alternatives for antibiotic feed additives to prevent foal diarrhea. Gold nanoparticles are proved to provide beneficial effects for racehorses by healing joint and tendon injuries. Because of the poor bioavailability of micro-sized mineral salts, the usage of nano-minerals is highly encourageable to improve the performance of racehorses. Nano-Vitamin E and enzyme CoQ10 for equines are no longer a simple research topic because of the increased commercial availability. Employing nanotechnology-based preservatives may offer a promising alternative to other conventional preservatives in preserving the quality of equine feed items, even during an extended storage period. While nanoparticles as feed additives may provide multitudinous benefits on equines, they could elicit allergic or toxic responses in case of improper synthesis aids or inappropriate dosages. The safety of nano-feed additives remains uninvestigated and necessitates the additional risk assessment, especially during their usage for a prolonged period. To adopt nano-feed additives in horses, there is an extreme paucity of information regarding the validity of various levels or forms of nanoparticles. Further, the currently available toxicological database on the topic of nano-feed additives is not at all related to equines and even inadequate for other livestock species. This review aims to provide new insights into possible future research pertaining to the usage of nano-feed additives in equines.
Understanding the Increased Fruit Content of Soluble Proteins, Sugars, Certain Enzyme Activities, and Certain Polyphenols in Context to Date Fruit Ripening
Authors: Alqarni Saad Salman M. , Bazzi Mohammad D
Published: August 2020

Introduction: To understand the increased fruit content of soluble proteins, sugars, certain enzymes activities, and certain polyphenols in context to date fruit ripening. Materials and Methods: The study collected four varieties of date fruits from a farm in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In it, 10-14-day intervals separated the various stages of maturity. The process of sample preparation and extraction includes the samples of fruits at different stages of maturation. Results and Discussion: The Polyphenols oxidize activity appeared to decline with further maturation of date fruit. There was an increase in the protein content and the reducing sugar in all varieties of dates. The changes in the total sugar and reducing sugar occurred due to the increased enzyme’s activity. Conclusion: The reducing sugar increased in all varieties of the date fruit. The coordination of the enzyme might influence the quality of the ripening of date fruits.
Evaluation of Alternative Components in Growth Media of Lactobacillus brevis for Halal Probiotic Preparation
Authors: Pratiwi Riyona Desvy , Zanjabila Sabighoh , Fairuza Dian , Aminah Aminah , Praharyawan Swastika , Fuad Asrul Muhamad
Published: August 2020

Probiotic has been widely used in functional food because of numerous advantages for health. MRS broth is commonly used as standard medium in studying lactobacilli. However, in some communities - like muslim and vegetarian society, components in MRS broth/medium become an issue. Beef extract and peptone – animal derived substances as nitrogen sources in the MRS medium should be avoided for the vegetarian. Meanwhile, for the muslim society, all components must be halal-certified including those animal derived ingredients. Therefore, several alternative sources for beef extract and peptone substitution were studied. Combination of alternative nitrogen sources was applied. In order to increase the effect of the alternative nitrogen sources, alternative carbon sources were also included. This is the first report about effects of L. brevis media components on cells growth to expression level of surface layer protein (Slp). Whey, lactose, sucrose, and galactose showed high contribution to L. brevis growth. However, the tested concentration of those substances were not sufficient to obtain equal bacterial growth and Slp expression than that of MRS broth. In addition, yeast extract appeared necessary to maintain cell wall and Slp expression.
Assessment of Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease of Indonesian Rice Germplasms Using SSR Markers
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Tasliah Tasliah , Prasetiyono Joko , Mahrup Mahrup
Published: August 2020

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a serious disease in rice plants worldwide. Yield losses caused by Xoo can be as high as 50% in some parts of Asia. Xa7 gene can potentially confer a broad resistance to BLB. Evaluation of disease resistance characteristics in early breeding generations of rice is important to develop varieties with better resistance. This study reports the evaluation of 167 Indonesian rice germplasms against three BLB isolates/pathotypes in a green house setting and the genotyping of 56 Indonesian rice germplasm using 12 SSR markers linked to Xa7 BLB resistance gene. The majority of the indigenous rice germplasms was found to be susceptible to three BLB isolates/pathotypes tested. Sate Liko from Bantul, Yogyakarta, Horeg from Cirebon, West Java and Sijem from Malang, East Java revealed consistent resistance to three isolates/pathotypes tested based on BLB evaluation in a greenhouse, UPGMA analysis, and genotyping. Pathotype XII displayed more virulence to Indonesian rice varieties tested compared to pathotypes VI and V. The association analysis using the General linear model identified six markers associated with BLB resistance and two markers were highly associated (RM20589 and RM20590). This information will be useful for future studies of BLB resistance in rice plants.
Risk factors for sleep problems in infants
Authors: Lestari Hesti , Wahani Audrey Mety Iriani , Wilar Rocky , Herwansyah Permatami
Published: August 2020

Background Sleep disorders in infants can cause developmental problems, suboptimal growth, behavioral disorders, fatigue, irritability, impulsiveness, and poor mother-infant bonding.

Objective To evaluate possible risk factors for sleep disorders in infants.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy infants aged 3-6 months. Subjects were selected using proportional random sampling from four different primary healthcare facilities in Manado, North Sulawesi. Their parents completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Sleep disorder was defined as the presence of one or more conditions including sleep duration less than 9 hours at night (from 19.00 until 07.00), waking up at night (from 22.00 until 06.00) more than 3 times, and more than 1 hour waking at night.

Results Of 112 subjects, 58 (51.8%) were male. Subjects’ mean age was 4.21 (SD 0.829) months and 76 (67.86%) experienced sleep disorders. Sleep disorders had significant associations with low socioeconomic status (OR 17; 95%CI 3.8 to 75.8), middle school or lower maternal education (OR 44.5; 95%CI 9.8 to 202), non-supine sleeping position (OR 8.8; 95%CI 1.9 to 39.7), parental use of electronic devices (OR 156.2; 95%CI 35.1 to 692.9), and non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR 85.2; 95%CI 21.1 to 344.2). Correlative analyses also revealed that electronic media usage had the strongest association with sleep disorders, followed by breastfeeding pattern, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and sleeping position ( 0.839, 0.771, 0.624, 0.433, and 0.309, respectively).  However, there were no significant correlations upon  multivariate analysis.

Conclusion Parental use of electronic media before sleeping is the strongest risk factor for sleep disorders among infants, followed by non-exclusive breastfeeding pattern, low maternal education, low socioeconomic status, and non-supine sleeping position. However, none of these correlations were significant upon multivariate analysis, this show that all these factors influence sleep together