bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detrimental effects of excessive fatty acid secretion on female sperm storage in chickens
Authors: Wen Chaoliang , Mai Chunning , Wang Bin , Li Junying , Sun Congjiao , Yang Ning
Published: April 2020

Background

Female sperm storage (FSS), the maintenance of sperm inside the female reproductive tract for an extended period of time, is pervasive among organisms with internal fertilization. Because FSS enables asynchronous mating and fertilization, it could be extremely important to reproduction. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying prolonged preservation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we used chicken, a typical oviparous animal, to determine the mechanisms ensuring sperm functionality in sperm storage tubules (SSTs).

Results

We performed an insemination experiment on over two thousand hens at two periods, and found that the FSS capabilities varied widely among individuals. Except for the differences in the SST density between the two groups with distinct FSS abilities, we quantitatively profiled small-molecule metabolites derived from SST cells, and identified 28 metabolites with differential expression. In particular, high levels of lipids, fatty acids and lipid peroxidation product were observed in hens with low FSS capability. Pathway analysis showed that these differential metabolites were significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, we detected the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level of SSTs, and found that chickens with a lower FSS ability had a significantly higher content of lipid peroxidation end-product, which was 2.4-fold greater than chickens with a higher FSS capability, and no significant difference was found in the total antioxidant capacity between these two groups.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that the long-term storage of sperm and the maintenance of their function in the female reproductive tract require an adequate microenvironment. The superabundance of fatty acids secreted by SST cells had detrimental effects on sperm storage in the female reproductive tract. Lipid peroxidation produces toxic biological substances that may cause irreversible damage to resident spermatozoa, resulting in short-term sperm retention and decreased fertility. Our findings provide new avenues for studying sperm storage and sustaining fertility.
Lung function and microbiota diversity in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cuthbertson Leah , Walker Alan W. , Oliver Anna E. , Rogers Geraint B. , Rivett Damian W. , Hampton Thomas H. , Ashare Alix , Elborn J. Stuart , De Soyza Anthony , Carroll Mary P. , Hoffman Lucas R. , Lanyon Clare , Moskowitz Samuel M. , O’Toole George A. , Parkhill Julian , Planet Paul J. , Teneback Charlotte C. , Tunney Michael M. , Zuckerman Jonathan B. , Bruce Kenneth D. , van der Gast Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic infection and concomitant airway inflammation is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although chronic infection in CF is undeniably polymicrobial, involving a lung microbiota, infection surveillance and control approaches remain underpinned by classical aerobic culture-based microbiology. How to use microbiomics to direct clinical management of CF airway infections remains a crucial challenge. A pivotal step towards leveraging microbiome approaches in CF clinical care is to understand the ecology of the CF lung microbiome and identify ecological patterns of CF microbiota across a wide spectrum of lung disease. Assessing sputum samples from 299 patients attending 13 CF centres in Europe and the USA, we determined whether the emerging relationship of decreasing microbiota diversity with worsening lung function could be considered a generalised pattern of CF lung microbiota and explored its potential as an informative indicator of lung disease state in CF.

Results

We tested and found decreasing microbiota diversity with a reduction in lung function to be a significant ecological pattern. Moreover, the loss of diversity was accompanied by an increase in microbiota dominance. Subsequently, we stratified patients into lung disease categories of increasing disease severity to further investigate relationships between microbiota characteristics and lung function, and the factors contributing to microbiota variance. Core taxa group composition became highly conserved within the severe disease category, while the rarer satellite taxa underpinned the high variability observed in the microbiota diversity. Further, the lung microbiota of individual patient were increasingly dominated by recognised CF pathogens as lung function decreased. Conversely, other bacteria, especially obligate anaerobes, increasingly dominated in those with better lung function. Ordination analyses revealed lung function and antibiotics to be main explanators of compositional variance in the microbiota and the core and satellite taxa. Biogeography was found to influence acquisition of the rarer satellite taxa.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that microbiota diversity and dominance, as well as the identity of the dominant bacterial species, in combination with measures of lung function, can be used as informative indicators of disease state in CF.
Metabolic regulation of calcium pumps in pancreatic cancer: role of phosphofructokinase-fructose-bisphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3)
Authors: Richardson D. A. , Sritangos P. , James A. D. , Sultan A. , Bruce J. I. E.
Published: April 2020

Background

High glycolytic rate is a hallmark of cancer (Warburg effect). Glycolytic ATP is required for fuelling plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs), responsible for extrusion of cytosolic calcium, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Phosphofructokinase-fructose-bisphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3) is a glycolytic driver that activates key rate-limiting enzyme Phosphofructokinase-1; we investigated whether PFKFB3 is required for PMCA function in PDAC cells.

Methods

PDAC cell-lines, MIA PaCa-2, BxPC-3, PANC1 and non-cancerous human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs) were used. Cell growth, death and metabolism were assessed using sulforhodamine-B/tetrazolium-based assays, poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP1) cleavage and seahorse XF analysis, respectively. ATP was measured using a luciferase-based assay, membrane proteins were isolated using a kit and intracellular calcium concentration and PMCA activity were measured using Fura-2 fluorescence imaging.

Results

PFKFB3 was highly expressed in PDAC cells but not HPSCs. In MIA PaCa-2, a pool of PFKFB3 was identified at the plasma membrane. PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK15, caused reduced cell growth and PMCA activity, leading to calcium overload and apoptosis in PDAC cells. PFK15 reduced glycolysis but had no effect on steady-state ATP concentration in MIA PaCa-2.

Conclusions

PFKFB3 is important for maintaining PMCA function in PDAC, independently of cytosolic ATP levels and may be involved in providing a localised ATP supply at the plasma membrane.
Progress of infrared guided-wave nanophotonic sensors and devices
Authors: Ma Yiming , Dong Bowei , Lee Chengkuo
Published: April 2020

Nanophotonics, manipulating light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, is an appealing technology for diversified biochemical and physical sensing applications. Guided-wave nanophotonics paves the way to miniaturize the sensors and realize on-chip integration of various photonic components, so as to realize chip-scale sensing systems for the future realization of the Internet of Things which requires the deployment of numerous sensor nodes. Starting from the popular CMOS-compatible silicon nanophotonics in the infrared, many infrared guided-wave nanophotonic sensors have been developed, showing the advantages of high sensitivity, low limit of detection, low crosstalk, strong detection multiplexing capability, immunity to electromagnetic interference, small footprint and low cost. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent progress of research on infrared guided-wave nanophotonic sensors. The sensor configurations, sensing mechanisms, sensing performances, performance improvement strategies, and system integrations are described. Future development directions are also proposed to overcome current technological obstacles toward industrialization.
PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression in Peripheral CD4/CD8+ T Cells Is Restored in the Partial Remission Phase in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Li Xia , Zhong Ting , Tang Rong , Wu Chao , Xie Yuting , Liu Fang , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: April 2020

Context

Partial remission (PR) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is accompanied by downregulation of the immune response. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are important immunosuppressive molecules, but their changes in the PR phase are unclear.

Objective

We investigated the dynamic changes of PD-1/PD-L1 expression on T cells around the PR phase in T1D.

Methods

Ninety-eight T1D patients were recruited cross-sectionally and grouped according to PR status into nonremitters (individuals who did not undergo PR during the disease course; n = 39), pre-PR (n = 15), mid-PR (n = 30), and post-PR (n = 14) subgroups. PR was defined according to C-peptide level ≥300 pmol/L or index of insulin-adjusted hemoglobin A1c ≤9 as recommended. Among all the 98 patients, 29 newly diagnosed individuals were prospectively followed up for 1 year. The dynamic changes of PD-1/PD-L1 expression, frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-35+ Tregs among peripheral CD4/CD8+ T cells were determined.

Results

PD-1/PD-L1 on CD4+/CD8+ T cells showed a dynamic change around the PR phase: lowest in pre-PR phase, restored in mid-PR phase, and declined again in post-PR phase. Conversely, this pattern did not occur for nonremitters. Notably, PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells in mid-PR was positively correlated with the length of the PR phase. The percentages of circulating Tregs and IL-35+ Tregs showed no relation to PR.

Conclusions

The PR phase is associated with restoration of PD-1/PD-L1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, suggesting that PD-1/PD-L1 may be a potential target for prolonging this phase in T1D.
Stress and associated risk factors among the elderly: a cross-sectional study from rural area of Thailand
Authors: Seangpraw Katekaew , Auttama Nisarat , Kumar Ramesh , Somrongthong Ratana , Tonchoy Prakasit , Panta Pitakpong
Published: April 2020

Background. Stress is a common mental health problem of the elderly population that affects their quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the level of stress and associated factors among the elderly living in rural areas of Thailand. 

Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two sub-districts of rural Thailand and interviewed 403 elderly persons.  We used simple random sampling technique from a list of registered elderly individuals and conducted face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire. The questionnaire were piloted, validated and pretested beforehand. Multiple linear regression was applied for data analysis. This study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the University of Phayao, Thailand.

Results. The mean age of the participants was 68 and two thirds (67%) were female. Less than 43% of the participants had moderate, and one third (34%) had high levels of stress. More than half of participants had low level stress management. Stress was significantly associated with alcohol and illness with a predictive power of 3.0% [(R = 0.173, R Square = 0.030) (p<0.05)].

Conclusion. We conclude that risk factors such as alcohol and illness affect elderly population living in rural areas of Thailand to a major extent in terms of stress.
The role of salivary contents and modern technologies in the remineralization of dental enamel: a narrative review
Authors: Farooq Imran , Bugshan Amr
Published: April 2020

Human enamel once formed cannot be biologically repaired or replaced. Saliva has a significant role in remineralization of dental enamel. It not only has a buffering capacity to neutralize the oral cavity’s low pH generated after acidic encounters, but also acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which have a positive role in enamel’s remineralization. This review discusses how salivary contents, like proteins and enzymes, have a natural role in enamel’s mineralization. In addition, the presence of ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, in saliva further enhances its capability to remineralize the demineralized enamel surface. The review further examines modern innovative technologies, based on biomimetic regeneration systems, including dentin phosphoproteins, aspartate-serine-serine, recombinant porcine amelogenin, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and nano-hydroxyapatite, that promote enamel remineralization. Fluoride boosters like calcium phosphates, polyphosphates, and certain natural products can also play an important role in enamel remineralization.
Usos e possibilidades metodológicas para os estudos qualitativos em Administração: explorando a análise temática
Authors: Silva Manuela Ramos da , Barbosa Marcos Antonio de Souza , Lima Lucas Gabriel Bezera
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a Análise Temática como técnica de análise científica de abordagem qualitativa e seu uso nas pesquisas em Administração. Para tanto, apresentam-se os caminhos de utilização e possibilidades metodológicas, a partir da discussão teórica baseada em autores como Alhojailan (2012), Braun e Clarke (2006), Cunliffe (2011), Vaismoradi et al. (2013) e King e Brooks (2017), assim como da exemplificação a partir de duas pesquisas que fizeram uso dessa técnica. Espera-se contribuir para o entendimento do que seja Análise Temática, oferecendo novas possibilidades de pesquisas qualitativas.
QUASI-PERIODIC PULSATIONS IN SOLAR AND STELLAR FLARES. REVIEW
Authors: Kupriyanova Elena , Kolotkov Dmitrii , Nakariakov Valery , Kaufman Anastasiia
Published: April 2020

This paper provides an overview of the state-of-the-art studies of oscillatory processes in solar and stellar flares, based on modern observational data from ground-based and space-borne instruments with high temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution in different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. We examine the mecha-nisms that generate flare emission and its quasi-periodic modulation. We discuss similarities and differences be-tween solar and stellar flares, and address associated problems of superflares on the Sun and space weather. Quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) of flare emission are shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing both the flare processes themselves and the parameters of flaring plasmas and accelerated particles. We consider types of QPPs, their statistical properties, and methods of analysis, taking into account the non-stationarity of the QPPs’ parameters. We review the proposed mechanisms of QPPs and summarize open questions.
INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF GEOMETRY OF THE HELIOSPHERIC NEUTRAL CURRENT SHEET AND SOLAR ACTIVITY ON MODULATION OF GALACTIC COSMIC RAYS WITH A METHOD OF MAIN COMPONENTS
Authors: Gololobov Peter , Krivoshapkin Prokopy , Krymsky Germogen , Gerasimova Sardaana
Published: April 2020

The work studies the cumulative modulating effect of the geometry of the interplanetary magnetic field's neutral current sheet and solar activity on propagation of galactic cosmic rays in the heliosphere. The role of each factor on the modulation of cosmic rays is estimated using a method of main components. The application of the method to experimental data on solar activity, to the tilt angle of the neutral sheet, and cosmic ray intensity for a long period from 1980 to 2018 allows us to reveal the temporal dynamics of roles of these factors in the modulation. The modulation character is shown to strongly depend on the polarity of the Sun’s general magnetic field. Results of the study confirm the existing theoretical concepts of the heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays and reflect its peculiarities for almost four full cycles of solar activity.
The New EFQM Model: What is Really New and Could Be Considered as a Suitable Tool with Respect to Quality 4.0 Concept?
Authors: Nenadál Jaroslav
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The paper offers a set of original information based on critical analysis of description two last versions of excellence models presented by the European Organisation for Quality Management (EFQM). The principle goal is to present the main advantages and weaknesses of the latest version of The EFQM Model, especially from a practical point of view with respect to a Quality 4.0 era.Methodology/Approach: Comparative analysis of two relevant documents (EFQM, 2012; EFQM, 2019a) was used as a key method. Discussions with 18 quality professionals from Czech production organisations served as a complementary approach.Findings: The basic structure of a new model was completely changed. But the description of certain recommendations by way of guidance points are superficial and confusing. It lays stress on the necessity to transform organisations for the future as well as on comprehensive feedback from key stakeholders.Research Limitation/implication: The latest version of The EFQM Model was published in November 2019, and general knowledge related to this version is naturally limited. Published studies or publicly available experience completely absent. That is why a more in-depth literature review focused on the latest version of The EFQM Model could not be included in this text.Originality/Value of paper: The paper brings an original set of information that was not published yet before. The value of this set should be examined not only from theoretical but primarily from a practical viewpoint.
Policy spotlight
Authors: Davies John
Published: April 2020

This regular feature aims to provide key political news in relation to dentistry and an update of the Faculty’s policy activities. You can find out more in the Government Relations and Media Centre sections of the FDS website.
Modeling and mitigation of fiber nonlinearity in wideband optical signal transmission [Invited]
Authors: Semrau Daniel , Sillekens Eric , Bayvel Polina , Killey Robert I.
Published: April 2020

The adoption of open optical networks (OONs) requires the development of open and effective network planning tools, enabling the use of multi-vendor or white-box transport solutions. Such tools for studying and planning optical networks must be able to take into account the physical layer impairments, including fiber nonlinearity. The use of wideband wavelength division multiplexing in OONs, with channel frequencies extending across the short, conventional, and long bands and beyond, offers a pathway to increasing data rates through the installed fiber infrastructure. However, achievable information rates are limited by the resulting signal distortion due to fiber nonlinearity as signal bandwidths are increased, in particular, inter-channel stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS). In this paper, we describe the nonlinear effects observed in wideband transmission systems, and review recently developed analytical tools, based on the Gaussian noise (GN) model of nonlinear interference with the inclusion of ISRS. Using the ISRS GN model, we assess the impact of fiber nonlinearity on the achievable information rates in transmission systems with bandwidths of up to 12 THz. We demonstrate the use of the model in the optimization of launch power spectral profiles for a variety of dynamic gain equalizer arrangements in a 1000 km standard single-mode fiber link, using particle swarm optimization and the steepest descent algorithm. Such nonlinear models and optimization methods could be applied in OON planning tools, for example, in optical link emulators to estimate quality-of-transmission and data throughput, and in impairment-aware software-defined network control and management.
Noise-like pulse generation around 1.3-µm based on cascaded Raman scattering
Authors: Lin Ja-Hon , Liao Ting-Yu , Yang Cheng-Yu , Zhang Deng-Gui , Yang Chin-Yi , Lee Yin-Wen , Das Shyamal , Dhar Anirban , Chandra Paul Mukul
Published: April 2020

Based on cascaded Raman scattering, near-infrared (NIR) noise-like pulses (NLPs) were successfully demonstrated using a Yb-doped fiber amplifier system. Through a nonlinear fiber amplifier using a germanium-zirconia-silica Yb3+-doped single mode fiber as a gain fiber, the fourth-order Stokes wave (4
th
-SW) can be excited to extend the emission peak of approximately 1.2-µm and a 3-dB bandwidth of approximately 130 nm. To further shift the wavelength more efficiently toward 1.3 µm, filtered NLPs with an emission peak at 1075 nm were adopted as seeded pulses to excite the fifth-order Stokes wave (5
th
-SW) because of the better conversion efficiency of stimulated Raman scattering without gain competition with Yb-doped fiber. The generated NIR NLPs were shown to be an excellent light source for the photoluminescence emission from three photon absorption of perovskite to illustrate the red shift of the emission peak owing to the reabsorption effect.
Suspended slotted photonic crystal cavities for high-sensitivity refractive index sensing
Authors: Gao Yan , Dong Penghui , Shi Yaocheng
Published: April 2020

We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a suspended slotted photonic crystal (SSPhC) cavity sensor based on the silicon-on-insulator platform. The sensing performance can be dramatically enhanced by the optimized SSPhC cavity as most of the light energy can be distributed in the low index region (∼57%). By measuring the spectrum response of the cavity sensor immersed in NaCl solutions with different mass concentrations, an ultra-high sensitivity around 656 nm/RIU has been experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, the whole size of the cavity sensor (including the grating couplers) is 320 × 40 µm2, making the high-sensitivity device attractive for the realization of large-scale multi-channel on-chip sensors.
Topography-induced variations of localized surface plasmon resonance in tip-enhanced Raman configuration
Authors: Youssef Azza Hadj , Zhang Jiawei , Dörfler Andreas , Kolhatkar Gitanjali , Merlen Alexandre , Ruediger Andreas
Published: April 2020

We report on topography-induced changes of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhanced luminescence of gold tip on SrTiO3 nanostructures with apertureless scanning near-field optical microscopy (aSNOM) in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) configuration. Our experimental and simulated results indicate that the averaged refractive index of the dielectric environment of the tip apex containing both air and SrTiO3 in variable volume ratios, is dependent on the topography of the sample. This reveals that the local topography has to be taken into consideration as an additional contribution to the position of the LSPR.
On-chip sub-wavelength Bragg grating design based on novel low loss phase-change materials
Authors: Faneca Joaquin , Trimby Liam , Zeimpekis Ioannis , Delaney Matthew , Hewak Daniel W. , Gardes Frederic Y. , Wright C. David , Baldycheva Anna
Published: April 2020

We propose a reconfigurable and non-volatile Bragg grating in the telecommunication C-band based on the combination of novel low-loss phase-change materials (specifically Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 and Sb2S3) with a silicon nitride platform. The Bragg grating is formed by arrayed cells of phase-change material, whose crystallisation fraction modifies the Bragg wavelength and extinction ratio. These devices could be used in integrated photonic circuits for optical communications applications in smart filters and Bragg mirrors and could also find use in tuneable ring resonators, Mach–Zehnder interferometers or frequency selectors for future laser on chip applications. In the case of Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, crystallisation produces a Bragg resonance shift up to ∼ 15 nm, accompanied with a large amplitude modulation (insertion loss of 22 dB). Using Sb2S3, low losses are presented in both states of the phase change material, obtaining a ∼ 7 nm red-shift in the Bragg wavelength. The gratings are evaluated for two period numbers, 100 and 200 periods. The number of periods determines the bandwidth and extinction ratio of the filters. Increasing the number of periods increases the extinction ratio and reflected power, also narrowing the bandwidth. This results in a trade-off between device size and performance. Finally, we combine both phase-change materials in a single Bragg grating to provide both frequency and amplitude modulation. A defect is introduced in the Sb2S3 Bragg grating, producing a high quality factor resonance (Q ∼ 104) which can be shifted by 7 nm via crystallisation. A GSST cell is then placed in the defect which can modulate the transmission amplitude from low loss to below -16 dB.
Anisoplanatic adaptive optics in parallelized laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Pozzi Paolo , Smith Carlas , Carroll Elizabeth , Wilding Dean , Soloviev Oleg , Booth Martin , Vdovin Gleb , Verhaegen Michel
Published: April 2020

Inhomogeneities in the refractive index of a biological microscopy sample can introduce phase aberrations, severely impairing the quality of images. Adaptive optics can be employed to correct for phase aberrations and improve image quality. However, conventional adaptive optics can only correct a single phase aberration for the whole field of view (isoplanatic correction) while, due to the highly heterogeneous nature of biological tissues, the sample induced aberrations in microscopy often vary throughout the field of view (anisoplanatic aberration), limiting significantly the effectiveness of adaptive optics. This paper reports on a new approach for aberration correction in laser scanning confocal microscopy, in which a spatial light modulator is used to generate multiple excitation points in the sample to simultaneously scan different portions of the field of view with completely independent correction, achieving anisoplanatic compensation of sample induced aberrations, in a significantly shorter time compared to sequential isoplanatic correction of multiple image subregions. The method was tested in whole Drosophila brains and in larval Zebrafish, each showing a dramatic improvement in resolution and sharpness when compared to conventional isoplanatic adaptive optics.
Experimental realization of arbitrary activation functions for optical neural networks
Authors: Pour Fard Monireh Moayedi , Williamson Ian A. D. , Edwards Matthew , Liu Ke , Pai Sunil , Bartlett Ben , Minkov Momchil , Hughes Tyler W. , Fan Shanhui , Nguyen Thien-An
Published: April 2020

We experimentally demonstrate an on-chip electro-optic circuit for realizing arbitrary nonlinear activation functions for optical neural networks (ONNs). The circuit operates by converting a small portion of the input optical signal into an electrical signal and modulating the intensity of the remaining optical signal. Electrical signal processing allows the activation function circuit to realize any optical-to-optical nonlinearity that does not require amplification. Such line shapes are not constrained to those of conventional optical nonlinearities. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the activation function improves the performance of an ONN on the MNIST image classification task. Moreover, the activation circuit allows for the realization of nonlinearities with far lower optical signal attenuation, paving the way for much deeper ONNs.
Suppression of reverberations at fiber tips for optical ultrasound sensing
Authors: Ma Xiangdong , Liu Bingxue , Cai Yiqi , Jia Donglin , Fu Bo , Xu Lijun , Ma Jianguo
Published: April 2020

Fabry–Perot-based ultrasound sensors at fiber tips have performed high sensitivity and immunity of electromagnetic interference with a relatively compact size. Nevertheless, the reverberation at fiber tips causes a strong noise that degrades the sensing capability. Here we propose a fiber optical-based ultrasound sensor with three design approaches to reduce the reverberation, including designs with an eccentric core, absorptive shield, and arc edge. The effect was experimentally validated with a photoacoustic signal excitation. Compared with bare single-mode fibers in simulation, the low-reverberation design increased the signal-to-noise ratio by 32.1 dB with identical excitation. The experimental results demonstrated the “clean” response with almost invisible reverberations, which was validated by a commercial hydrophone. This research solved the reverberation problems and provided a low-noise design for fiber optic ultrasound sensing.
Graphene Q-switched Tb:LiYF4 green laser
Authors: Chen H. , Yao W. , Uehara H. , Yasuhara R.
Published: April 2020

We report the

Q

-switched operation of a

T
b

3
+

-laser for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The passive

Q

-switching was realized by a 15%

T
b

:

L
i
Y
F

4

gain medium and a single-layer graphene saturable absorber. An average output power of 744 mW at 544 nm was achieved with slope efficiency of 41%, pulse width of 2.9 µs, and repetition rate of 38.7 kHz. The corresponding pulse energy and peak power were calculated to be 19.2 µJ and 6.6 W, respectively.
Raza, Memoria y Políticas de Representación en El botón de nácar (2015)
Authors: Carvajal Gustavo
Published: April 2020

Este artículo examinará el reciente documental de Patricio Guzmán, El botón de nácar (2015). En El botón de nácar, Guzmán enfoca su mirada sobre la desaparición de los pueblos originarios del extremo Sur de Chile y su relación con el exterminio de prisioneros políticos durante la dictadura del General Augusto Pinochet (1973–90). Este trabajo intentará demostrar cómo Guzmán al relacionar estas dos experiencias de exterminio, quizás inadvertidamente, perpetúa representaciones raciales cuestionables de los pueblos australes (Aonikenk, Selknam, Haush, Kawéskar y Yagán). En particular, este artículo invitará a pensar en las imprevistas consecuencias representacionales que puede tener para la construcción identitaria de estos pueblos su vinculación con la memoria de violaciones a los derechos humanos en Chile. Así, espero re-leer producciones culturales sobre los pueblos originarios y la memoria chilena del terrorismo de Estado a través de la perspectiva de la representación racial y su polémica articulación con otras agendas políticas.
The Demon of Technology
Authors: Postiglione Enrico
Published: April 2020

Contemporary advanced technology seems to raise new and fundamental questions as it apparently provides a human subject with an infinite range of incoming possibilities. Accordingly, research on the implications of technology is massive and splits into hard critics and faithful supporters. Yet, technological activities cannot be defined in terms of their products alone. Indeed, every technological behaviour unfolds the very same tension against what would have been naturally impossible, in absence of that same behaviour. Thus, the debate on technology appears to be independent from any level of technological sophistication, and so its roots can be traced back in the dawn of Western thought. In this article, I argue that the faithful and sceptic views today at stake on hard-technology can be explained as a revival of the twofold attitude towards demons, developed in the history of Western thought. I show how demons have always embodied the human natural limits and the incomprehensible aspects of reality. Exactly as in the case of demons, hard-technology is now seen as a fearful destroyer of both nature understood as a complex system and human naturalness or as a trustful way to save humanity from decay, which complements what is naturally imperfect and, then, perfectible. Yet, none of these irreducible approaches opens a satisfactory path towards the solution of the contemporary issues on technology. On the contrary, by drawing upon ancient Greek neutral demonology the debate on technology may be definitively returned to its teleological and ethical dimension.
Crisis of Socialism and Effects of Capitalist Restoration
Authors: Cockshott Paul
Published: April 2020

The main criticism leveled at the socialist economies was that a planned economy was inherently less efficient than a market one, due to the sheer scale of the bureaucratic task involved with planning a major economy. But the collapse of the Soviet and later the Russian economy under Mikhail Gorbachev and then Boris Yeltsin was an economic disaster that was otherwise unprecedented during times of peace. The world's second superpower was reduced to the status of a minor bankrupt economy with a huge decline in industrial production and in living standards.
Bechmann, G., Petermann, Th. (Hrsg.): Interdisziplinäre Technikforschung
Authors: Bechmann Gotthard
Published: April 2020

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Diskurse als Mittel der Konfliktaustragung im Bereich der Technikfolgen-Abschätzung
Authors: Hennen L.
Published: April 2020

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European Network on Industry, Innovation & Territory - EUNIT
Authors: Redaktion TATuP
Published: April 2020

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Telematic Cities - Perspektiven nachhaltiger Stadtentwicklung
Authors: Redaktion TATuP
Published: April 2020

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OLAV HOHNMEYER, RICHARD L. OTTINGER, KLAUS RENNINGS (Hrsg.): Social Costs and Sustainability. Valuation and Implementation in the Energy and Transport Sector
Authors: Fleischer T.
Published: April 2020

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Biodiversität. Wissenschaftliche Grundlagen und gesellschaftliche Relevanz
Authors: Gutmann M.
Published: April 2020

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Tagung "Nachhaltiges Wachstum? - Schnittstellen in der Arbeit der Sachverständigenräte für Wirtschaft und Umwelt"
Authors: Klein-Vielhauer S.
Published: April 2020

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W poszukiwaniu ontologii populizmu – dylematy definicyjne
Authors: Lipiński Artur
Published: April 2020

Populizm jest kategorią budzącą spory od początku naukowej refleksji nad tym zjawiskiem. Jak pokazuje niniejszy artykuł jest to nie tylko pochodną różnicy między badaczami, odmiennie hierarchizującymi znaczenie poszczególnych elementów konstytutywnych. Co ważniejsze, badacze często różnią się nawet co do tego, które elementy są koniecznymi elementami zjawiska. Różnice te wynikają więc z odmiennych spojrzeń na status ontologiczny populizmu. Pociąga to za sobą skłonność do korzystania z innych danych empirycznych oraz odmiennej metodologii. Celem niniejszego tekstu jest krytyczna analiza najbardziej typowych, jak i nowych pomysłów dotyczących statusu ontologicznego populizmu. Artykuł usiłuje ponadto wskazać na potencjalne obszary zgodności pomiędzy poszczególnymi ujęciami populizmu: jako ideologii o cienkim rdzeniu, dyskursu, strategii i organizacji, stylu politycznego, mobilizacji, dyskursywnego i stylistycznego repertuaru, ramy interpretacyjnej.
Polityka młodzieżowa w województwie zachodniopomorskim – wymiar lokalny i regionalny
Authors: Szulc Marta
Published: April 2020

W artykule podjęto tematykę polityki młodzieżowej w województwie zachodniopomorskim. Autorka w szczególności skupiła się na aspekcie lokalnym i regionalnym tejże polityki.

Jego celem jest diagnoza sytuacji polityki młodzieżowej w województwie zachodniopomorskim na poziomie regionalnym i lokalnym. Autorka postawiła następujące pytania badawcze: czy system funkcjonowania polityki młodzieżowej działa prawidłowo, jaki jest zakres tematyczny działalności rad młodzieży, czy młodzież angażująca się w politykę młodzieżową zna mechanizmy jej funkcjonowania w województwie zachodniopomorskim, czy Sekretariat ds. Młodzieży Województwa Zachodniopomorskiego oraz Rada Młodzieży Województwa Zachodniopomorskiego spełniają swoją funkcję dotyczącą prowadzenia polityki młodzieżowej w województwie zachodniopomorskim. Aby znaleźć odpowiedzi na powyższe pytania badawcze użyto: metody analizy danych zastanych, badania ankietowego oraz techniki wywiadów.

Przeprowadzone analizy wykazały rozpoznawalność i widoczność działań SdsM WZ i RMWZ w regionie. Pokazały, że RMWZ ma coraz wyraźniejszy wpływ na politykę młodzieżową oraz województwo zachodniopomorskie. Za pomocą analiz danych zaobserwowano prawidłową dynamikę powstawania rad młodzieży w województwie. Zdiagnozowano również pewne problemy polityki młodzieżowej tj. brak budżetu, brak współpracy z dorosłymi oraz niskie zaangażowanie młodzieży. Te elementy wymagają, w opinii autorki, dalszej pracy podmiotów zaangażowanych w politykę młodzieżową.
From Political Mobilization to Political Security. How Has the Approach to Security Changed Over Centuries and Why Has It Depended on Political Relations?
Authors: Skarzyński Ryszard , Kużelewska Elżbieta
Published: April 2020

The paper discusses relations between political mobilization, security and political relations. Security is understood as a social phenomenon, clearly explained by Clausewitz in his book On War. According to Clausewitz, political relations are of key significance for understanding the phenomenon of security. This thesis is not challenged, however, it is necessary to explain why political relations are necessary.

The paper consists of four parties. The first part explores security and its evolution from a historical perspective. The second part analyses relations between a war and political mobilization. In our opinion, war is something more than simple continuation of politics by other means. Part three discusses the personal security, which was not a priority for the states. The problem of security appeared in its complex form only when people became ready to fight as a result of political mobilization, and with the creation of stable political organization. Section 4 describes political security and its consequences.

We conclude that the product of the global political mobilization is polyarchy which principally changes the problem of social and political security. Within the framework of regional polyarchy the system of security of states in the area occupied by it is possible. As a result of creating a global polyarchy the universal system of security has become real. The role of army has changed and to an ever decreasing extent fulfils the function of a traditional army. Mercenaries lost their importance (however, not completely) and later also the military troops acting on behalf of the state.
A descriptive study of brand equity of india's popular online shopping sites
Authors: Sandhe Ashutosh Anil
Published: April 2020

The focus of this research was to measure consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) of India’s most popular online retailing websites Amazon and Flipkart.  However, for the sake of confidentiality and copyright, their names were not revealed anywhere in the paper.  This was done with the help of Aaker’s and Keller’s concept of brand equity.  A sample of 1000 respondents from across the state of Gujarat, India was examined.  CBBE was measured by calculating mean scores of overall brand equity and its factors like brand loyalty, perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association, attitude and purchasing intention.  The correlation coefficient between factors and brand equity was considered as weight. The research revealed through the data which retail site had a higher brand equity.  One interesting fact that was identified was how keenly both the brands are trying to woo their customers.  The results showed very similar trends.  A positive relation was found between brand equity and its factors.  Based on this relationship the research concluded with a regression model where brand equity was the dependent variable and factors were independent variables.  It was observed that the factor ‘brand loyalty’ had the lowest mean value suggesting that with competition and wider choice to consumer, brand loyalty tends to be lower.  Favorable attitude was observed for both brands with highest mean values among all factors.
Matching pursuit algorithm for enhancing EEG signal quality and increasing the accuracy and efficiency of emotion recognition
Authors: Momennezhad Ali
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we suggest an efficient, accurate and user-friendly brain-computer interface (BCI) system for recognizing and distinguishing different emotion states. For this, we used a multimodal dataset entitled “MAHOB-HCI” which can be freely reached through an email request. This research is based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals carrying emotions and excludes other physiological features, as it finds EEG signals more reliable to extract deep and true emotions compared to other physiological features. EEG signals comprise low information and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs); so it is a huge challenge for proposing a robust and dependable emotion recognition algorithm. For this, we utilized a new method, based on the matching pursuit (MP) algorithm, to resolve this imperfection. We applied the MP algorithm for increasing the quality and SNRs of the original signals. In order to have a signal of high quality, we created a new dictionary including 5-scale Gabor atoms with 5000 atoms. For feature extraction, we used a 9-scale wavelet algorithm. A 32-electrode configuration was used for signal collection, but we used just eight electrodes out of that; therefore, our method is highly user-friendly and convenient for users. In order to evaluate the results, we compared our algorithm with other similar works. In average accuracy, the suggested algorithm is superior to the same algorithm without applying MP by 2.8% and in terms of f-score by 0.03. In comparison with corresponding works, the accuracy and f-score of the proposed algorithm are better by 10.15% and 0.1, respectively. So as it is seen, our method has improved past works in terms of accuracy, f-score and user-friendliness despite using just eight electrodes.
ISO/TS 20914:2019 – a critical commentary
Authors: Farrance Ian , Frenkel Robert , Badrick Tony
Published: April 2020

The long-anticipated ISO/TS 20914, Medical laboratories – Practical guidance for the estimation of measurement uncertainty, became publicly available in July 2019. This ISO document is intended as a guide for the practical application of estimating uncertainty in measurement (measurement uncertainty) in a medical laboratory. In some respects, the guide does indeed meet many of its stated objectives with numerous very detailed examples. Even though it is claimed that this ISO guide is based on the Evaluation of measurement data – Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM), JCGM 100:2008, it is with some concern that we believe several important statements and statistical procedures are incorrect, with others potentially misleading. The aim of this report is to highlight the major concerns which we have identified. In particular, we believe the following items require further comment: (1) The use of coefficient of variation and its potential for misuse requires clarification, (2) pooled variance and measurement uncertainty across changes in measuring conditions has been oversimplified and is potentially misleading, (3) uncertainty in the results of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) do not include all known uncertainties, (4) the international normalized ratio (INR) calculation is incorrect, (5) the treatment of bias uncertainty is considered problematic, (6) the rules for evaluating combined uncertainty in functional relationships are incomplete, and (7) specific concerns with some individual statements.
An Interview with Charls Pearson
Authors: Pearson Charls , Campbell Cary
Published: April 2020

Current Peirce Section editor Cary Campbell, interviews previous section editor Charls Pearson, on his life and work studying and systematizing C. S. Peirce’s semiotic science. Central aspects of Pearson’s philosophical project are discussed, such as, in particular, his proposal that semiotic logic leads to an integrated methodology of research and inquiry, bridging phenomenology and science. Additionally, Pearson discusses his Universal Sign Structure Theory (USST), and comments on recent post-Peircean developments in biosemiotics.
Vermächtnis und Geschichte
Authors: Wentzer Thomas Schwarz
Published: April 2020

This article applies Waldenfels’ responsive phenomenology to the field of history. It suggests interpreting historical experience along the lines of the logic of pathos and response. Using Husserl’s introductory chapter ofThe Crisis of the European Sciencesand his autobiographical remarks as a case study, the article outlines a concept of diachronic responsiveness, which provides a phenomenological understanding of historical phenomena such as legacy, inheritance or witnessing. In particular, it analyses the temporal deferment lying at the heart of our notion of legacy, which Waldenfels captures as ‘diastasis’. Assuming that the human being must be understood as the ‘responsive being’ (Waldenfels), the article provides means to grasp the implications of this claim for our understanding of the concept of historical experience in contrast to approaches relying on hermeneutics or narrativity.
Psychiatric view for disorders of sex development: a 12-year experience of a multidisciplinary team in a university hospital
Authors: Şentürk Pilan Birsen , Özbaran Burcu , Çelik Didem , Özcan Tuğçe , Özen Samim , Gökşen Damla , Ulman İbrahim , Avanoğlu Ali , Tiryaki Sibel , Onay Hüseyin , Çoğulu Özgür , Özkınay Ferda , Darcan Şükran
Published: April 2020

Background

Psychiatric consultation is important in the follow-up of disorders of sex development (DSD) patients. In this study, we aimed to present the 12-year psychiatric follow-up data of the patients who were referred by Ege University Medical Faculty DSD Multidisciplinary Team and followed up in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Methods

Psychiatric data of 118 patients, who were followed by the DSD multidisciplinary team between 2007 and 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. The psychiatric diagnoses of the patients were evaluated according to semi-structured interview form Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children/Present and Lifetime Turkish Version.

Results

The mean age of the 118 cases was 13.21 years (±7.18). Endocrine diagnoses of the cases were 46 XX DSD in 35 (29.6%), 46 XY DSD in 81 (68.7%), and chromosome disorders in 2 (1.7%). There was at least psychiatric diagnosis in 36 (30.5%) cases. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 18, 15.3%). ADHD was most common in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 4, 22.4%) and androgen synthesis defects (ASD) (n = 4, 22.4%); depression was most common in complete gonadal dysgenesis and ASD (n = 3, 23.1%); and mental retardation was most common in ASD (n = 3, 37.5%).

Conclusions

In order to provide a healthy perspective for cases with DSD, it is important to make a psychiatric evaluation and to share observations and clinical findings in regular team meetings.
Photonic flat-band lattices and unconventional light localization
Authors: Tang Liqin , Song Daohong , Xia Shiqi , Xia Shiqiang , Ma Jina , Yan Wenchao , Hu Yi , Xu Jingjun , Leykam Daniel , Chen Zhigang
Published: April 2020

Flat-band systems have attracted considerable interest in different branches of physics in the past decades, providing a flexible platform for studying fundamental phenomena associated with completely dispersionless bands within the whole Brillouin zone. Engineered flat-band structures have now been realized in a variety of systems, in particular, in the field of photonics. Flat-band localization, as an important phenomenon in solid-state physics, is fundamentally interesting in the exploration of exotic ground-state properties of many-body systems. However, direct observation of some flat-band phenomena is highly nontrivial in conventional condensed-matter systems because of intrinsic limitations. In this article, we briefly review recent developments on flat-band localization and the associated phenomena in various photonic lattices, including compact localized states, unconventional line states, and noncontractible loop states. We show that the photonic lattices offer a convenient platform for probing the underlying physics of flat-band systems, which may provide inspiration for exploring the fundamentals and applications of flat-band physics in other structured media from metamaterials to nanophotonic materials.