bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECM-integrin signalling instructs cellular position sensing to pattern the early mouse embryo
Authors: Kim Esther Jeong Yoon , Sorokin Lydia , Hiiragi Takashi
Published: December 2021

Development entails patterned emergence of diverse cell types within the embryo. In mammals, cells positioned inside the embryo give rise to the inner cell mass (ICM), which eventually forms the embryo itself. Yet, the molecular basis of how these cells recognise their ‘inside’ position to instruct their fate is unknown. Here, we show that provision of extracellular matrix (ECM) to isolated embryonic cells induces ICM specification and alters the subsequent spatial arrangement between epiblast (EPI) and primitive endoderm (PrE) cells that emerge within the ICM. Notably, this effect is dependent on integrin β1 activity and involves apical-to-basal conversion of cell polarity. We demonstrate that ECM-integrin activity is sufficient for ‘inside’ positional signalling and is required for correct EPI/PrE patterning. Thus, our findings highlight the significance of ECM-integrin adhesion in enabling position sensing by cells to achieve tissue patterning.
Deep-learning reconstruction for ultra-low-dose lung CT: Volumetric measurement accuracy and reproducibility of artificial ground-glass nodules in a phantom study
Authors: mikayama ryoji , Shirasaka Takashi , Kojima Tsukasa , Sakai Yuki , Yabuuchi Hidetake , Kondo Masatoshi , Kato Toyoyuki
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The lung nodule volume determined by CT is used for nodule diagnoses and monitoring tumor responses to therapy. Increased image noise on low-dose CT degrades the measurement accuracy of the lung nodule volume. We compared the volumetric accuracy among deep-learning reconstruction (DLR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) at an ultra-low-dose setting.

Methods

Artificial ground-glass nodules (6 mm and 10 mm diameters, −660 HU) placed at the lung-apex and the middle-lung field in chest phantom were scanned by 320-row CT with the ultra-low-dose setting of 6.3 mAs. Each scan data set was reconstructed by DLR, MBIR, and HIR. The volumes of nodules were measured semi-automatically, and the absolute percent volumetric error (APEvol) was calculated. The APEvol provided by each reconstruction were compared by the Tukey-Kramer method. Inter- and intraobserver variabilities were evaluated by a Bland-Altman analysis with limits of agreements.

Results

DLR provided a lower APEvol compared to MBIR and HIR. The APEvol of DLR (1.36%) was significantly lower than those of the HIR (8.01%, p = 0.0022) and MBIR (7.30%, p = 0.0053) on a 10-mm-diameter middle-lung nodule. DLR showed narrower limits of agreement compared to MBIR and HIR in the inter- and intraobserver agreement of the volumetric measurement.

Conclusions

DLR showed higher accuracy compared to MBIR and HIR for the volumetric measurement of artificial ground-glass nodules by ultra-low-dose CT.

Advances in knowledge

DLR with ultra-low-dose setting allows a reduction of dose exposure, maintaining accuracy for the volumetry of lung nodule, especially in patients which deserve a long-term follow-up.
Gestor de ideias geniais
Authors: Sarfati Gilberto , Wilner Adriana , Santos Aline Lilian dos
Published: December 2021

O empreendedor Ziv Aviram transformou importantes inovações israelenses em negócios bilionários, sendo fundador de empresas como Mobileye e Orcam e sócio de outras 50 startups tecnológicas.
Sabemos o que estamos fazendo?
Authors: Monetti Fabiano
Published: December 2021

Gerenciar organizações como máquinas traz a percepção confortável de que a realidade pode ser controlada, mas é reconhecendo a complexidade que podemos nos capacitar a tomar decisões mais conscientes e consequentes.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
Authors: Μπαμπάτσικου Νεφέλη
Published: December 2021

Η 8η Μαΐου 1945 σηματοδότησε το τέλος του Β' Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου στην Ευρώπη και θεωρητικά την αρχή της παγκόσμιας ειρήνης και ανοικοδόμησης. Η Γερμανία είχε χάσει τον πόλεμο, έναν πόλεμο που προκάλεσε εκατομμύρια θύματα και μια κατεστραμμένη Ευρώπη. Παρότι η Γερμανία ηττήθηκε και καταστράφηκε, η οικονομική της δυναμική δεν καταστράφηκε αλλά υπέβοσκε "εγκλωβισμένη κάτω από τα ερείπια". Συγκεκριμένα, η γη της εξακολουθούσε να είναι πολύτιμη, η γεωγραφική της θέση μεταξύ Ανατολής και Δύσης ήταν ακόμη στρατηγική και η βιομηχανία της μπορούσε να ανοικοδομηθεί από το καταρτισμένο και εξειδικευμένο εργατικό της δυναμικό και όλα αυτά ενώ ξεκινούσε ένας νέος πόλεμος, ο Ψυχρός Πόλεμος. Η διατριβή αυτή εξετάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η ταχεία και ακραία μετατόπιση της αμερικανικής εξωτερικής πολιτικής προς τη (Δυτική) Γερμανία από το 1945 έως το 1950 αιτιολογήθηκε στον αμερικανικό λαό και εν συνεχεία έγινε αποδεκτή από αυτόν. Συγκεκριμένα, η συγγραφέας της μελέτης εξέτασε εάν ο αμερικανικός Τύπος ήταν το μέσο που διαμόρφωσε την αμερικανική κοινή γνώμη προκειμένου να συγκεντρώσει υποστήριξη για την μεταβαλλόμενη αμερικανική εξωτερική πολιτική ή εάν και η κοινή γνώμη επηρέασε τη θέση του Τύπου απέναντι στην αμερικανική εξωτερική πολιτική. Ένα σχετικό ερώτημα είναι πώς η κοινή γνώμη και ο Τύπος επηρέασαν την εξωτερική πολιτική και πώς οι υπεύθυνοι διαμόρφωσης της εξωτερικής πολιτικής προσπάθησαν να διαμορφώσουν την κοινή γνώμη μέσω του Τύπου. Για τη μελέτη αυτής της τριγωνικής σχέσης (εξωτερική πολιτική, Τύπος, κοινή γνώμη) η συγγραφέας επέλεξε ορισμένα έντυπα μέσα ενημέρωσης ευρείας κυκλοφορίας (Washington Post, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, TIME, LIFE) και ορισμένα έντυπα μέσα ενημέρωσης ειδικού ενδιαφέροντος και συγκεκριμένου πολιτικού προσανατολισμού (Commentary, Human Events, Nation) καθώς και τα αποτελέσματα των δημοσκοπήσεων του οργανισμού Gallup για την μέτρηση της αμερικανικής κοινής γνώμης. Η μελέτη έδειξε ότι σε πολιτικό επίπεδο, η απειλή του Ψυχρού Πολέμου και ο κίνδυνος της κομμουνιστικής επέκτασης επισκίασαν γρήγορα το παρελθόν της Γερμανίας και μετέτρεψαν τη χώρα από εχθρό σε σύμμαχο. Τα έντυπα μέσα ενημέρωσης ευρείας κυκλοφορίας, ήδη από τον περίφημο «Λόγο της Ελπίδας» του Μπερνς τον Σεπτέμβριο του 1946 ή και νωρίτερα ακόμα, πρόθυμα αποδύθηκαν στην προπαγάνδιση του ψυχροπολεμικού αφηγήματος, στο οποίο η Δυτική Γερμανία κατείχε ρόλο στρατηγικού συμμάχου για τις ΗΠΑ. Η διακυβέρνηση Τρούμαν επιδοκίμασε τα μέσα αυτά ενώ αποδοκίμασε σε ένα βαθμό, τα μικρότερα έντυπα  που διατήρησαν μια πιο ισορροπημένη και όσο το δυνατόν αμερόληπτη στάση. Με τη στάση της πλειοψηφίας του Τύπου ευθυγραμμίστηκε από πολύ νωρίς και η πλειοψηφία του αμερικανικού λαού που συμμετείχε στις δημοσκοπήσεις του οργανισμού Gallup.  Τέλος, η συγγραφέας χρησιμοποίησε το «μοντέλο προπαγάνδας», που αναπτύχθηκε από τους καταξιωμένους κοινωνικούς επιστήμονες Edward S. Herman και Noam Chomsky, για να καταδείξει τους τρόπους με τους οποίους τα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρουσιάζουν τις ειδήσεις ώστε να «κατασκευαστεί» δημόσια συναίνεση.
Candidate gene family-based and case-control studies of susceptibility to high Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in African children: a protocol
Authors: Nyangiri Oscar A. , Edwige Sokouri A. , Koffi Mathurin , Mewamba Estelle , Simo Gustave , Namulondo Joyce , Mulindwa Julius , Nassuuna Jacent , Elliott Alison , Karume Kévin , Mumba Dieudonne , Corstjens P.L.A.M , Casacuberta-Partal M. , van Dam G.J. , Bucheton Bruno , Noyes Harry , Matovu Enock ,   TrypanoGEN+ Research Group of the H3Africa Consortium
Published: December 2021

Background: Approximately 25% of the risk of Schistosoma mansoni is associated with host genetic variation. We will test 24 candidate genes, mainly in the Th2 and Th17 pathways, for association with S. mansoni infection intensity in four African countries, using family based and case-control approaches.

Methods: Children aged 5-15 years will be recruited in S. mansoni endemic areas of Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We will use family based (study 1) and case-control (study 2) designs. Study 1 will take place in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Uganda and the DRC. We aim to recruit 100 high worm burden families from each country except Uganda, where a previous study recruited at least 40 families. For phenotyping, cases will be defined as the 20% of children in each community with heaviest worm burdens as measured by the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) assay. Study 2 will take place in Uganda. We will recruit 500 children in a highly endemic community. For phenotyping, cases will be defined as the 20% of children with heaviest worm burdens as measured by the CAA assay, while controls will be the 20% of infected children with the lightest worm burdens. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) will be genotyped on the Illumina H3Africa SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) chip and genotypes will be converted to sets of haplotypes that span the gene region for analysis. We have selected 24 genes for genotyping that are mainly in the Th2 and Th17 pathways and that have variants that have been demonstrated to be or could be associated with Schistosoma infection intensity.  

Analysis: In the family-based design, we will identify SNP haplotypes disproportionately transmitted to children with high worm burden. Case-control analysis will detect overrepresentation of haplotypes in extreme phenotypes with correction for relatedness by using whole genome principal components.
Application of 360° virtual reality videos in the assessment of paranoia in schizophrenia patients: a pilot study
Authors: Kruk Dawid , Plencler Iga , Walecki Piotr , Daren Artur , Stankiewicz Przemysław , Proniewska Klaudia , Nowak Agnieszka , Cechnicki Andrzej , Siwek Marcin
Published: December 2021

Cel pracy

Wirtualna rzeczywistość (ang. Virtual reality - VR) znajduje szerokie zastosowanie w psychiatrii, w tym w zaburzeniach psychotycznych. Główną zaletą VR jest jej wysoka trafność ekologiczna i możliwość kontroli środowiska wirtualnego. Naszym głównym celem było zbadanie, czy podobnie do komputerowo generowanej VR, VR w formie filmów 360 stopni jest w stanie wywołać stan paranoi u podatnych osób.

Metoda

Szesnastu pacjentów ze schizofrenią i dwadzieścia trzy osoby zdrowe zbadano za pomocą Skali Lęku Społecznego Leibowitza, a dodatkowo w grupie pacjentów zastosowano Skalę Syndromu Pozytywnego i Negatywnego (PANSS-6) oraz Skalę Urojeń Petersa (PDI). Przy pomocy gogli VR uczestnicy oglądali cztery filmy 360 stopni zawierające i niezawierające sytuacje społeczne. W międzyczasie dokonywano ciągłego pomiaru akcji serca badanych. Po ekspozycji obie grupy oceniano za pomocą Skali Stanu Paranoi Społecznej (ang. Social State Paranoia Scale - SSPS) oraz Po ekspozycji obie grupy oceniano za pomocą Skali stanu paranoi społecznej (ang. Social State Paranoia Scale - SSPS) i pytano o chwilowy lęk i poczucie obecności.

Wyniki

Pacjenci ze schizofrenią przejawiali wyższy chwilowy lęk, choć wyniki SSPS nie różniły się istotnie między grupami. W grupie kontrolnej częstość akcji serca obniżyła się pomiędzy pierwszym filmem niespołecznym i społecznym, natomiast w grupie pacjentów nie różniła się istotnie. W grupie pacjentów stwierdzono istotną korelację między myśleniem paranoicznym na co dzień (PDI) a przejawianym w VR (SPSS).

Wnioski

Podsumowując, reakcje paranoiczne mogą być wywoływane u pacjentów ze schizofrenią za pomocą filmów 360 stopni.
Doświadczenie migracji jako element tożsamości miasta
Authors: Matykiewicz Aleksandra
Published: December 2021

The Experience of Migration as an Element of City’s Identity: The Example of Berlin
The modern Federal Republic of Germany is a migrant country. It has been de facto from the beginning of its existence, but as a political declaration this statement was adopted only at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, when it began to formulate a long-term migration policy – at the central, federal and local level. The case of Berlin is interesting for several reasons – the city as a separate federal state is a compact research object (it has a small space, but a separate administrative structure and a clear identity resulting, inter alia, from past experiences). In addition, a significant percentage of foreigners, migrants and their descendants live in the city today, which forces the authorities of the Bundesland to define their own immigration and integration policy. The phenomenon of migration is also an inherent part of the city’s history, it was an impulse for its development and building its present position. The subject of the article is the influence of the experience of migration on the contemporary identity of the city and the policy of the Bundesland’s authorities.
Kędzierzyn-Koźle – dziedzictwo przeszłości w kulturze miasta przemysłowego na pograniczu etniczno-kulturowym
Authors: Nycz Edward
Published: December 2021

Kędzierzyn-Koźle – The Heritage of the Past in the Culture of the Industrial City Functioning in the Ethnic and Cultural Frontier
The article draws attention to the issues of symbolic functioning of the city which was formed of two different entities as a result of political and economic decisions. In the 20th century, the history of a traditional city got entwined with a modernistic industrial city which was taking shape. As a result, ideologies and politics impacted on the newly-established conurbation. The city denotes not only the material sphere, but also its urban community, which, in the case of the places under study, was basically historically complicated. The method of description is the ‘culturalistic’ orientation in the study of the city and also the (emotional) sociology of Silesia of the Rev. Emil Szramek. The author’s reflections touch upon ideas, facts as well as the real city’s organism shaped in its longterm and short-term perspective.
Bolzano: miasto dwóch narodów, dwóch dyktatur i wspólnego, trudnego dziedzictwa
Authors: Fijał Małgorzata Maria
Published: December 2021

Bolzano: A City of Two Nations, Two Dictatorships and a Common, Difficult Heritage
This paper analyses the case of Bolzano as a border city situated between Italy and Austria that had to deal with the unresolved issue of “difficult history” and “difficult heritage” after World War II. A particular emphasis is placed on the fascist Victory Monument as a symbol of the antagonism between the Italian and German-speaking population of the city, and the exhibition “BZ ‘18-’45: One Monument, One City, Two Dictatorships” as an example of dealing with “difficult heritage”.
Creative Spaces Where Cultures Meet: Between Theory and Practice
Authors: Betlej Alina
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of creative spaces where cultures meet. The empirical material subjected to analysis consists of the results of interviews conducted with cultural managers. The qualitative analysis is extended by a sociological approach based on literature criticism and the analytical-synthetic method. The main question posed is how creativity is experienced by cultural managers who organize cultural events in specific spaces related to the concept of multicultural dialogue. Creativity is considered both as a subjective property and as a social construct that is context-dependent. The paper argues that norms and values influence the experience of urban creativity and that creative endeavors can influence the social and economic development of a city. The paper explores the relationship between culture and creativity in space and assesses its creative potential. In particular, the results may help to shape theoretical consensus on the function of creativity at intercultural meeting points in the process of social change.
The Role of Feedback in Dynamic Crowdsourcing Contests: A Structural Empirical Analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhaohui (Zoey) , Huang Yan , Beil Damian R.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we empirically examine the impact of performance feedback on the outcome of crowdsourcing contests. We develop a dynamic structural model to capture the economic processes that drive contest participants’ behavior and estimate the model using a detailed data set about real online logo design contests. Our rich model captures key features of the crowdsourcing context, including a large participant pool; entries by new participants throughout the contest; exploitation (revision of previous submissions) and exploration (radically novel submissions) behaviors by contest incumbents; and the participants’ strategic choice among these entry, exploration, and exploitation decisions in a dynamic game. Using counterfactual simulations, we compare the outcome of crowdsourcing contests under alternative feedback disclosure policies and award levels. Our simulation results suggest that, despite its prevalence on many platforms, the full feedback policy (providing feedback throughout the contest) may not be optimal. The late feedback policy (providing feedback only in the second half of the contest) leads to a better overall contest outcome.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics department.
Arte da precariedade, cultura da alteridade. Thomas Hirschhorn e Georges Bataille
Authors: Fontes Filho Osvaldo
Published: December 2021

Este artigo focaliza a figura do artista engajado da atualidade, personificado por Thomas Hirschhorn, cuja obra trabalha nos limites da precariedade material. Seus trabalhos privilegiam o diálogo com o Outro, em empenho por repolitizar a arte.  Procura-se caracterizar o artista-produtor em seu apelo a Georges Bataille (1897-1962), teórico da transgressão que preconizou para a modernidade um dispêndio insensato de formas e energia como contrafação dos mecanismos regrados do consumo moderno. A reflexão explora, por fim, os recursos da cultura da alteridade absorvida por uma arte política, e os riscos que incorre de formalismo e de condescendência etnográfica no trato com os marginalizados da atualidade.
ENTRE O FALAR E O NÃO FALAR EM LÍNGUA ESTRANGEIRA: AS EMOÇÕES DE PROFESSORAS/ES EM FORMAÇÃO / To speak or not to speak in a foreign language: emotions of teachers in training
Authors: Andrade Neta Nair Floresta , Martins Suellen Thomaz de Aquino
Published: December 2021

Neste artigo, reunimos dois blocos de pesquisas independentes realizadas pelas autoras, em nossas respectivas áreas de atuação: Espanhol como Língua Estrangeira (ELE) e Inglês como Língua Estrangeira (English as a foreign language - EFL). No primeiro caso, as pesquisas se concentraram na influência das emoções na produção oral de professoras/es de ELE na formação inicial; no segundo, na de professoras/es de EFL em formação continuada imersiva. Nessa análise documental, de natureza qualitativa, revisamos os dados referentes às emoções e sentimentos atrelados à oralidade, com o objetivo de  compreender, especificamente, como se sentem as/os as/os professoras/es de Língua Espanhola e de Língua Inglesa em formação (inicial e continuada), quando desafiados(as) a falar na língua estrangeira, objeto de estudo e ou trabalho. Os resultados evidenciam as emoções, sentimentos e crenças que permeiam a formação identitária dessas/es profissionais das letras. Esse nível de congruência cognitiva e emocional nos faz suspeitar que há formas de sentir e de pensar características do processo de formação linguística e profissional da/o professora/or de línguas estrangeiras modernas. Dentre essas configurações emocionais -com todo o seu séquito cognitivo (pensamentos e crenças consonantes) - destacam-se, por um lado, o medo, o julgamento e a vergonha de falar na língua, mas, por outro, as emoções decorrentes da superação ao conseguir fazê-lo, como a tranquilidade, a alegria, a segurança.
EMOÇÕES E CRENÇAS NA APRENDIZAGEM DE LÍNGUA INGLESA: UM QUEBRA-CABEÇAS COM PEÇAS LASCADAS / Emotions and beliefs in English language learning: a dented-piece puzzle
Authors: Martins Ana Maria Dos Santos Garcia Ferreira
Published: December 2021

Estudos sobre crenças tem se organizado a partir de perspectivas conhecidas pelo termo viradas: discursiva, dialógica, sociocultural e afetiva ou emocional e ecológica. Nessas linhas, o conceito de emoções também vem sendo incorporado como um construto interligado às crenças, capaz de influenciá-las e de ser influenciado por elas. Este trabalho apresenta um recorte de uma pesquisa de doutorado que investigou as crenças de professores de inglês em formação sobre a pronúncia de inglês. A pesquisa foi realizada com 12 acadêmicos do Curso de Licenciatura em Letras Inglês de uma universidade pública do sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar crenças e emoções em dois grupos: a) as emoções contidas em metáforas conceituais processadas das falas dos participantes; b) as emoções expressas pelos participantes frente o aspecto paradoxal e contraditório de suas crenças. Os dados apontam uma profunda relação entre crenças, emoções e identidade, e destacam os sentimentos de medo, frustração, desconforto, alegria, satisfação, alívio e confusão. A análise indica dificuldades para lidar com os aspectos paradoxais e contraditórios das crenças no que diz respeito aos discursos e anseios pessoais. O trabalho pode contribuir com outras pesquisas que tratam de emoções no ensino de aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras.
INTERVIEW WITH DEVON WOODS / Entrevista com Devon Woods
Authors: Woods Devon , Gomes Gysele Da Silva Colombo , Barcelos Ana Maria Ferreira
Published: December 2021

On May 27th, 2021, we met virtually with Devon Woods. We asked him about his studies on beliefs and the relationship between beliefs and emotions and identity. We approached the decision-making process and its relationship to BAK (Beliefs, Assumptions and Knowledge). We also, discussed its relevance to English teaching communities, particularly here in Brazil. Devon Woods has always demonstrated to be amazed by the unseen and often unnoticed processes of interpretation that are involved in both personal and pedagogical types of communication. In the 1970s, he engaged in studies of learners’ and teachers’ cognition – their beliefs, interpretations and actions – and the interactions between them in language classrooms. As a product of his 1992 doctoral dissertation, we find his remarkable book “Teacher Cognition in Language Teaching” (1996), several articles, and the focus of the work of a number of graduate students published in the Carleton Papers in Applied Language Studies. The results of this conversation are what we present here in the form of an interview.
Unidade de média e alta densidade tecnológica: a comunicação como tecnologia para o cuidado
Authors: Ferreira Débora Oliveira , Lima Fabiana Rodrigues , Kappel Verônica Borges , Parreira Bibiane Dias Miranda , Contim Divanice , Goulart Bethania Ferreira
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: analisar as percepções dos familiares de recém-nascidos e lactentes internados em uma unidade neonatal sobre a comunicação com os profissionais de saúde. Metodologia: estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com cinco mães que possuíam filhos internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal e Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários Neonatal. Coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de grupo focal e a técnica utilizada para tratamento dos dados foi a análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados: a comunicação impacta no vínculo entre familiares e equipe de saúde, sendo essencial no aspecto técnico e emocional durante a hospitalização de seus filhos. Os familiares precisam ser informados quanto a notícias potencialmente negativas de forma delicada e acolhedora, bem como esclarecidos quanto aos equipamentos presentes no setor, amenizando o medo e receio. Conclusão: a comunicação revela-se como potente tecnologia em saúde e deve ocorrer de maneira clara e simples, contribuindo para uma assistência equânime e humanizada.
Contribuição da pesquisa convergente assistencial para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica
Authors: Dutra Bruna Karla , Silveira Laura Menezes , Bolela Fabiana , Lenhari Mariele , Stabile Angelita Maria
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: elaborar um protocolo para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica com a participação dos profissionais que o utilizarão, por meio do referencial da pesquisa convergente assistencial. Método: foi realizada uma entrevista individual e três encontros grupais com os profissionais. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o referencial de Morse e Field. O estudo foi aprovado por um Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: os cuidados citados nas entrevistas individuais foram organizados de acordo com o nível de evidência sugerido no Guideline da American Thoracic Society.  Nos encontros grupais os cuidados foram discutidos de acordo com a relevância na prevenção da pneumonia. Os cuidados elencados como relevantes compuseram a versão final do protocolo. Conclusão: o referencial da pesquisa convergente assistencial possibilitou a elaboração de um protocolo para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, com o envolvimento dos profissionais atuantes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.
Control of salinity in an estuary by a transition
Authors: Stommel Henry , Farmer Harlow G.
Published: December 2021

A theoretical reason is developed to explain why the mouth of a vertically stratified estuary should act as a constraint on the amount of salt water available for mixing in the estuary. Flume experiments designed to test this idea are described. The effect of tides on the control action
and application to various estuaries is discussed.
Group delay controls of the photons transmitting through two cavities coupled by an artificial atomic ensemble: controllable electromagnetically induced transparency-like effects
Authors: He Suirong , Li Yufen , Wei L. F.
Published: December 2021

As one of the typical quantum coherence phenomena, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) has been extensively applied to implement various quantum coherent manipulations, typically, e.g., optical quantum memories, photonic switches, and optical quantum computations, etc. By applying the input-output theory to the photonic transports through two cavities dispersively coupled by an artificial two-level atomic ensemble, we show here that the EIT-like effects could be observed. Particularly, the transparency windows and phase shift spectra of the transmitting photons could be engineered by manipulating the atomic levels in the ensemble to adjust the effective coupling strength between the cavities. As a consequence, the group delays of the transmitting photons can be manipulated by using the EIT-like effects. The proposal is demonstrated specifically with the experimental superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators coupled by the voltage-biased electrons on liquid Helium.
Tunable polarization volume gratings based on blue phase liquid crystals
Authors: Cho SeongYong , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Ozaki Masanori
Published: December 2021

A large-angle polarization volume grating (PVG) with circular-polarization selectivity is demonstrated using a three-dimensional chiral liquid crystal with simple cubic symmetry – the blue phase (BP) II. We confirm defect-free alignment of the BP crystal on a periodically patterned substrate down to a period of 700 nm, with Kossel diagrams and far-field diffraction patterns suggesting that the lattice becomes slanted within the cell to accommodate to the imprinted pattern. We further demonstrate a tunable PVG by exploiting the external field-responsivity of BPs, making this PVG attractive for a wide range of applications from tunable photonics to augmented reality.
Multiband topological states in non-Hermitian photonic crystals
Authors: Jiang Jiapei , Yan Bei , Peng Yuchen , Xie Jianlan , Shi Aoqian , Liu Jianjun
Published: December 2021

Novel phenomena found in non-Hermitian systems and robust edge states have attracted much attention. When non-Hermitian parameters (gain and loss) are above a critical value, the non-Hermitian photonic crystal (PC) bandgaps close, leading to a mixture of the topological edge state (TES) and topological corner state (TCS) with the bulk state. Meanwhile, new bandgaps also open, in which new TES and TCS can appear. Thus, with appropriate non-Hermitian parameters, TES can emerge in both the original bandgaps and the newly opened bandgaps. The results described here will further enrich understanding of the topological properties of non-Hermitian systems.
Corona virus fear among health workers during the early phase of pandemic response in Nepal: A web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Khanal Pratik , Paudel Kiran , Devkota Navin , Dahal Minakshi , Mishra Shiva Raj , Joshi Devavrat
Published: December 2021

Health workers involved in the COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. The study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of the pandemic. A web-based survey was conducted in April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with COVID fear. The presence of COVID-19 fear was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia. Nurses, health workers experiencing stigma, working in affected district, and presence of family members with chronic diseases were significantly associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear. Based on the study findings, it is recommended to improve the work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family members with chronic diseases.
Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as potential vectors for Leishmania martiniquensis and Trypanosoma sp. in northern Thailand
Authors: Sunantaraporn Sakone , Thepparat Arunrat , Phumee Atchara , Sor-Suwan Sriwatapron , Boonserm Rungfar , Bellis Glenn , Siriyasatien Padet
Published: December 2021

Biting midges of genusCulicoides(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the vectors of several pathogenic arboviruses and parasites of humans and animals. Several reports have suggested that biting midges might be a potential vector ofLeishmaniaparasites. In this study, we screened forLeishmaniaandTrypanosomaDNA in biting midges collected from near the home of a leishmaniasis patient in Lamphun province, northern Thailand by using UV-CDC light traps. The identification of biting midge species was based on morphological characters and confirmed using the Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The detection ofLeishmaniaandTrypanosomaDNA was performed by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes, respectively. All the amplified PCR amplicons were cloned and sequenced. The collected 223 biting midges belonged to seven species (Culicoides mahasarakhamense,C.guttifer,C.innoxius,C.sumatrae,C.huffi,C.oxystoma, andC.palpifer). The dominant species found in this study wasC.mahasarakhamense(47.53%).Leishmania martiniquensisDNA was detected in three samples of 106 specimens ofC.mahasarakhamensetested indicating a field infection rate of 2.83%, which is comparable to reported rates in local phlebotomines. Moreover, we also detectedTrypanosomasp. DNA in one sample ofC.huffi. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular detection ofL.martiniquensisinC.mahasarakhamenseas well as the first detection of avianTrypanosomainC.huffi. Blood meal analysis of engorged specimens ofC.mahasarakhamense,C.guttifer, andC.huffirevealed that all specimens had fed on avian, however, further studies of the host ranges ofCulicoidesare needed to gain a better insight of potential vectors of emerging leishmaniasis. Clarification of the vectors of these parasites is also important to provide tools to establish effective disease prevention and control programs in Thailand.
Short- and long-term effects of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or doxycycline on the gastrointestinal microbiome of growing cats
Authors: Stavroulaki Evangelia M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Pilla Rachel , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Sung Chi-Hsuan , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Jörg M. , Xenoulis Panagiotis G.
Published: December 2021

Antibiotic treatment in early life influences gastrointestinal (GI) microbial composition and function. In humans, the resultant intestinal dysbiosis is associated with an increased risk for certain diseases later in life. The objective of this study was to determine the temporal effects of antibiotic treatment on the GI microbiome of young cats. Fecal samples were collected from cats randomly allocated to receive either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20 mg/kg q12h) for 20 days (AMC group; 15 cats) or doxycycline (10 mg/kg q24h) for 28 days (DOX group;15 cats) as part of the standard treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. In addition, feces were collected from healthy control cats (CON group;15 cats). All cats were approximately two months of age at enrolment. Samples were collected on days 0 (baseline), 20 or 28 (AMC and DOX, respectively; last day of treatment), 60, 120, and 300. DNA was extracted and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and qPCR assays were performed. Fecal microbial composition was different on the last day of treatment for AMC cats, and 1 month after the end of antibiotic treatment for DOX cats, compared to CON cats. Species richness was significantly greater in DOX cats compared to CON cats on the last day of treatment. Abundance of Enterobacteriales was increased, and that of Erysipelotrichi was decreased in cats of the AMC group on the last day of treatment compared to CON cats. The abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria was increased in cats of the DOX group on days 60 and 120 compared to cats of the CON group. Only minor differences in abundances between the treatment groups and the control group were present on day 300. Both antibiotics appear to delay the developmental progression of the microbiome, and this effect is more profound during treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and one month after treatment with doxycycline. Future studies are required to determine if these changes influence microbiome function and whether they have possible effects on disease susceptibility in cats.
Obstructive sleep apnea increases risk of female infertility: A 14-year nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lim Zhu Wei , Wang I-Duo , Wang Panchalli , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Huang Song-Shan , Huang Chien-Chu , Tsai Pei-Yi , Wu Gwo-Jang , Wu Kuo-Hsiang , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine the risk of having OSA in a cohort of female subjects who are infertile and the odds of being infertile in women with OSA.

Patients and methods

A nationwide, case-control study of female patients 20 years or older diagnosed with female infertility living in Taiwan, from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2013 (N = 4,078). We identified women who were infertile and created a 2:1 matched control group with women who were not infertile. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to further estimate the effects of OSA on female infertility.

Results

In this 14- year retrospective study, we included 4,078 patients having an initial diagnosis of female infertility. Of those women with infertility, 1.38% had a history of OSA compared with 0.63% of fertile controls (p = 0.002). The mean ages in the study groups were 32.19 ± 6.20 years, whereas the mean ages in the control groups were 32.24 ± 6.37years. Women with OSA had 2.101- times the risk of female infertility compared to women without OSA (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that OSA is more commonly seen in infertile women and increases the odds that a woman will be infertile. More studies need to be done on the whether or not diagnosing and treating OSA can decrease the rate of infertility.
Genomic comparison and phenotypic profiling of small colony variants of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Zulkefli Noorfatin Jihan , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju , Mariappan Vanitha , Ngoi Soo Tein , Vadivelu Jamuna , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela , Chai Lay Ching , Chong Chun Wie , Yap Ivan Kok Seng , Vellasamy Kumutha Malar
Published: December 2021

Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) is an intracellular pathogen that causes melioidosis, a life-threatening infection in humans. The bacterium is able to form small colony variants (SCVs) as part of the adaptive features in response to environmental stress. In this study, we characterize the genomic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and metabolic phenotypes of B. pseudomallei SCV and wild type (WT) strains. Whole-genome sequence analysis was performed to characterize the genomic features of two SCVs (CS and OS) and their respective parental WT strains (CB and OB). Phylogenetic relationship between the four draft genomes in this study and 19 publicly available genomes from various countries was determined. The four draft genomes showed a close phylogenetic relationship with other genomes from Southeast Asia. Broth microdilution and phenotype microarray were conducted to determine the AMR profiles and metabolic features (carbon utilization, osmolytes sensitivity, and pH conditions) of all strains. The SCV strains exhibited identical AMR phenotype with their parental WT strains. A limited number of AMR-conferring genes were identified in the B. pseudomallei genomes. The SCVs and their respective parental WT strains generally shared similar carbon-utilization profiles, except for D,L-carnitine (CS), g-hydroxybutyric acid (OS), and succinamic acid (OS) which were utilized by the SCVs only. No difference was observed in the osmolytes sensitivity of all strains. In comparison, WT strains were more resistant to alkaline condition, while SCVs showed variable growth responses at higher acidity. Overall, the genomes of the colony morphology variants of B. pseudomallei were largely identical, and the phenotypic variations observed among the different morphotypes were strain-specific.
Sex differences in serum levels of 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol, and androstenediol in the young adults: A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry study
Authors: Tanabe Haruka , Mutai Hitoshi , Sasayama Daimei , Sasamoto Hidehiko , Miyashiro Yoshimichi , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Washizuka Shinsuke
Published: December 2021

Animal experiments have consistently shown that estrogen receptor β (ERβ)-selective ligands have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. In humans, endogenous ligands for ERβ include 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol (3βAdiol) and androstenediol (Δ5-diol). We determined, for the first time, the exact serum levels of 3βAdiol and Δ5-diol in young healthy volunteers using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). We investigated the effect of the menstrual cycle on the levels of these steroids in women; then, we performed a gender comparison. Blood samples were collected from 48 subjects: 23 women (mean age = 28.4±7.8 years) and 25 men (mean age = 31.4±7.8 years). We collected the blood samples of women at three time-points in the menstrual cycle: the early follicular phase, ovulatory or mid-cycle phase, and mid-luteal phase. A total of 92 blood samples were analyzed using LC–MS/MS. The levels of two well-studied steroids, namely dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 17β-estradiol (E2), were simultaneously measured. Depression rating scale (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Beck Depression Inventory-II and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology) scores were also recorded at the time of blood sampling. Significant differences in the levels of 3βAdiol and E2 and in the depression rating scale scores were observed over the duration of the menstrual cycle of the women. The levels of 3βAdiol and Δ5-diol were significantly lower in women than in men. E2 levels were higher in women than in men, and DHEA levels did not differ significantly between men and women. Further, women had higher scores than men on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Sex differences in depressive symptoms can be explained by 3βAdiol and Δ5-diol levels, and the effect of the menstrual cycle on mood can be explained by 3βAdiol and E2 levels, not by Δ5-diol level.
Differential expression of miRNAs involved in biological processes responsible for inflammation and immune response in lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease
Authors: Kohli Harjivan , Childs Brandon , Sullivan Travis B. , Shevtsov Artem , Burks Eric , Kalantzakos Thomas , Rieger-Christ Kimberly , Vanni Alex J.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To better understand the pathophysiology of lichen sclerosus (LS) urethral stricture disease (USD), we aimed to investigate expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tissue samples from men undergoing urethroplasty.

Methods

Urethral stricture tissue was collected from 2005–2020. Histologic features diagnostic of LS were the basis of pathologic evaluation. Foci of areas diagnostic for LS or non-LS strictures were chosen for RNA evaluation. In an initial screening analysis, 13 LS urethral strictures and 13 non-LS strictures were profiled via miRNA RT-qPCR arrays for 752 unique miRNA. A validation analysis of 23 additional samples (9 LS and 14 non-LS) was performed for 15 miRNAs. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed using DIANA-mirPath v. 3.0.

Results

In the screening analysis 143 miRNAs were detected for all samples. 27 were differentially expressed between the groups (false discovery p-value <0.01). 15 of these miRNAs individually demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC)>0.90 for distinguishing between between LS and non-LS strictures. 11-fold upregulation of MiR-155-5p specifically was found in LS vs. non-LS strictures (p<0.001, AUC = 1.0). In the validation analysis, 13 of the 15 miRNAs tested were confirmed to have differential expression (false discovery p-value <0.10).

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first study evaluating miRNA expression profiles in LS and non-LS USD. We identified several miRNAs that are differentially expressed in USD caused by LS vs other etiologies, which could potentially serve as biomarkers of LS USD. The top eight differentially expressed miRNAs have been linked to immune response processes as well as involvement in wound healing, primarily angiogenesis and fibrosis.
A livraria de Júlio Máximo de Oliveira Pimentel, 2.º Visconde de Vila Maior
Authors: Mota Guilhermina
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho caracteriza a biblioteca particular de Júlio Máximo de Oliveira Pimentel (1809-1884), 2.º Visconde de Vila Maior, que foi posta a leilão em março de 1887 na cidade de Coimbra, onde faleceu e em cuja Universidade foi reitor. Para além da enumeração da variedade de tipologia documental da biblioteca, são identificados os principais núcleos temáticos, assim como os idiomas mais representados. A publicação do catálogo, para efeitos da licitação, garante uma determinação rigorosa do valor da coleção, assim como facilita a comparação com outras colocadas a leilão em condições semelhantes, enquanto a articulação com informação complementar permite desenhar algumas das formas de aquisição a que o Visconde recorreu para a formação da sua biblioteca. O carácter muito sumário de grande parte das referências bibliográficas de que se compõe o catálogo, por outro lado, obrigou a um esforço significativo de identificação de cada um dos cerca de oitocentos itens. O resultado é uma revisão enriquecida e anotada do catálogo, que se encontra incluída neste trabalho, e que pretende contribuir para aprofundar o conhecimento de um singular homem de cultura, de ciência e da causa pública.
Estado nutricional e cáries dentárias em crianças e adolescentes cambojanas vulneráveis que vivem em Phnom Penh
Authors: G. Silva Maria-Raquel , Manac’h Justine , Rosado-Marques Vítor , Frias-Bulhosa José
Published: December 2021

A investigação tem demonstrado que durante a infância, a malnutrição está relacionada com a doença da cavidade oral mais prevalente no Camboja, a cárie dentária. Este estudo transversal avaliou o estado nutricional e a cárie dentária de 344 crianças e adolescentes cambojanos vulneráveis com idade entre os 6 e os 18 anos. O estado nutricional (peso corporal, estatura e índice de massa corporal para idade e sexo) e o índice CPOD (dentes cariados sem obturação) foram medidos e calculados. A maioria apresentava peso normal (56,7%), 36,6% com baixo peso, 6,7% com excesso de peso e 45,1% com baixa estatura para a idade e sexo. A prevalência de cárie dentária foi notavelmente alta (94,9%). Crianças de 6-11 anos apresentaram índice CPOD significativamente maior (6,7 ± 4,0) do que os adolescentes (4,0 ± 2,9 para 12-14 anos e 4,1 ± 1,6 para 15-18 anos, P <0,01). Além disso, os participantes com baixo peso apresentaram o maior índice CPOD (6,6 ± 3,8). Crianças vulneráveis e em situação de risco, na faixa etária dos 6 aos 11 anos e com baixo peso foram as mais afetadas, pelo que, a prevenção é urgente, principalmente nos dias de hoje. A literacia em alimentação e em saúde oral deve ser incentivada.
Augustus’ presentation of “empire” in his Res Gestae
Authors: Xiong Chen
Published: December 2021

Having defeated all his political enemies and expanded the rule of Rome enormously, Octavian, from 27 BC known as Augustus, ended the civil wars which had plagued the Late Republic and founded the system known as the Roman Principate. The Res Gestae purports to be a retrospective survey by Augustus of his own public achievements in restoring the res publica and conquering the world. It was published in Rome but the only surviving copies were found in the new and distant province of Galatia. In this paper I will try to explain how Augustus, as the founder of the new era known today as ‘the Roman Empire’, envisages and presents Roman rule under his leadership by analysing the content of the Res Gestae. From it we can see that there indeed emerges a concept similar to our ‘empire’. The narrative structure of the Res Gestae shows that Roman imperial rule is conceived of by Augustus in a scheme of core-periphery, in which the core is composed of the provinces under direct Roman control, while the periphery is an area of more vaguely subject people or places maintained by threats and intervention, or more weakly by ‘friendship’ (amicitia), which vary according to the historical specifics of contact between these areas or peoples and Rome. In both cases, whether subjection is in the name of the ‘rule’ or  the ‘friendship’ of Roman people, it is Augustus’ personal authority that appears to matter the most, which indicates that Augustus’ institution of a monarchic system was a decisive element in the development of this new holistic concept of Roman imperial rule.
Perspectives on Women in Plutarch’s Apophthegmata Laconica
Authors: Tanga Fabio
Published: December 2021

The paper analyzes role and reputation, words and behaviors, duties and activities of the female figures described and quoted in Plutarch’s Apophthegmata Laconica. Depending on status and context, the role played by women in Spartan families and society seems to be fundamental for several reasons, in crucial situations and in different historical periods. And Plutarch, relating anecdotes, customs and sayings of the Spartans, allows to identify a remarkable variety of perspectives on women and their field of action. So, the internal and external focus on Spartan women’s everyday life helps to show the female loyalty to a Spartan ‘system of values’, through a series of aphorisms that outline the contribution of women to the historical and political experience, tradition and literary narration of Sparta over the centuries.