bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of High Power Two-Color 10 μm and 5 μm Picosecond Pulses in Nonlinear Crystals
Authors: Matteo Daniel , Welch Eric , Tochitsky Sergei , Schunemann Peter G. , Guha Shekhar , Joshi Chan
Published: August 2021

We report efficient second harmonic generation of picosecond CO2 laser pulses at intensities up to 50 GW/cm2 in GaSe, AgGaSe2, CdGeAs2, and Te. External energy conversion efficiency can reach 20% in AgGaSe2.
Guiding of Laser Pulses at the Theoretical Limit – 97% Throughput Hollow-Core Fibers
Authors: Jeong Young-Gyun , Piccoli Riccardo , Rovere Andrea , Zanotto Luca , Tempea Gabriel , Wilson Derrek , Ivanov Maksym , Ramirez Alicia , Morandotti Roberto , Légaré François , Razzari Luca , Schmidt Bruno E.
Published: August 2021

We describe a compact, 1-m-long, hollow-core fiber (HCF) with 97.4% transmission. 1mJ, 170fs pulses are compressed to 25fs with 92% total efficiency, energy stability of 0.6% RMS and an M2 parameter of about 1.05.
An ENOB-enhanced Optical Analog-to-digital Converter with Cascaded Step-size MMI and Modulo Operation
Authors: He Yan , Liu Chang , Qiu Jifang , Liu Yue , Li Yan , Wu Jian
Published: August 2021

We experimentally demonstrated an ENOB-enhanced optical ADC with modulo operation on 7-period optical input/output transfer function of cascaded step-size MMI. A 2.8-bit enhancement of ENOB was realized, compared to the previous one with only 1-period.
High Bit Resolution, Wavelength-Insensitive Coherent Electro-Optic Digital-to-Analog Converters Based on Circuit Topology
Authors: Kita Shota , Cong Guangwei , Nozaki Kengo , Maegami Yuriko , Ohno Morifumi , Yamamoto Noritsugu , Yamada Koji , Shinya Akihiko , Notomi Masaya
Published: August 2021

An electro-optic digital-to-analog converter consisting of Si cascaded Y branches presented wavelength-insensitive 4-bit-converted analog intensity with an identical input voltage of < 50 mV. The same configuration demonstrated up to 8-bit operation.
Switchable and Broadband Silicon Integrated Microwave Photonic Filter
Authors: Tao Yuansheng , Shu Haowen , Jin Ming , Tao Zihan , Wang Xingjun
Published: August 2021

A silicon integrated microwave photonic filter with switchable filtering response and sub-GHz bandwidth is experimentally demonstrated. The frequency tunable range of the notch and bandpass filtering functions are 3-25 GHz and 3-20 GHz, respectively.
An InP Reflective SOA-EAM for 10 Gb/s Colorless Multi-IFoF/mmWave Fiber-Wireless Uplink in 5G Networks
Authors: Atra Kebede , Ruggeri Eugenio , Cerulo Giancarlo , Provost Jean-Guy , Mekhazni Karim , Vagionas Chris , Garreau Alexandre , Pommereau Frederic , Gomez Carmen , Fortin Catherine , Paret Jean-Francois , Wilk Arnaud , Ware Cédric , Erasme Didier , Mallecot Franck , Miliou Amalia , Achouche Mohand
Published: August 2021

We experimentally present a 10-Gb/s Fiber Wireless IFoF/V-band uplink of four 625Mbaud 16QAM signals with a linear, high-power monolithically integrated reflective electro-absorption modulator with semiconductor optical amplifier for 5G mmWave fronthaul networks.
One-to-one coupling higher order modes in a fiber to higher order modes in silicon waveguide
Authors: Jimenez Gordillo Oscar A. , Dave Utsav D. , Lipson Michal
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate experimentally a mode converter between a silicon waveguide and a few-mode fiber compatible with mode-division multiplexing. We convert 4 TE modes of a silicon waveguide to the LP01,x, LP01,y, LP11a,x, LP11a,y modes of the fiber.
High Shift Efficiency O-band Spoked-Ring Modulator Allowing Fully Electro-Optic Channel Tuning in a 45nm CMOS Platform
Authors: Gevorgyan Hayk , Van Orden Derek , Onural Deniz , Gluhović Dorde , Zhang Bohan , Khilo Anatol , Stojanović Vladimir M. , Wade Mark T. , Popović Miloš A.
Published: August 2021

Vertical-junction microring modulators are demonstrated in a 45 nm CMOS platform, showing record O-band resonance-shift efficiency 30 GHz/V. This enables wavelength locking and tolerance/temperature compensation without thermal tuning, for efficient, wide parallel optical buses and cryogenic links.
All-optical sampling of few-cycle infrared waveforms using tunneling in a solid
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Gholam-Mirzaei Shima , Beetar John E. , Nesper Jonathan , Yousif Ahmed , Nrisimhamurty M. , Chini Michael
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate that tunneling and multiphoton excitation in a dielectric solid can provide an ultrafast temporal “gate” for characterizing high-energy, few-cycle waveforms. Using this technique, near- and mid-infrared pulses are measured.
Single-shot Measurement of Infrared Laser Waveforms using Multiphoton Photoconductivity in an Image Sensor
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Nesper Jonathan , Chini Michael
Published: August 2021

Perturbative nonlinear optics has long been leveraged to characterize the duration of femtosecond pulses in a single shot. We show that multiphoton photoconductivity in an image sensor allows single-shot measurement of few-cycle optical waveforms.
Reliable Characterization of Unstable Pulse Trains in Third-Order Versions of Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating
Authors: Jafari Rana , Trebino Rick
Published: August 2021

We show that the RANA approach, which reliably retrieves pulses in stable trains, reliably retrieves pulses in third-order FROG even in the presence of unstable pulse shapes. Importantly, it reliably indicates the presence of instability.
Steering the Slipstream: Moving Fronts to Tailor Terahertz Pulses
Authors: Schiff-Kearn Aidan , Gingras Lauren , Bernier Simon , Chamanara Nima , Agarwal Kartiek , Ménard Jean-Michel , Cooke David G.
Published: August 2021

Relativistically moving dielectric perturbations provide an exotic pathway for control over the spatiotemporal properties of light. We present our recent experimental results in applying this technique to the triggering and structuring of coherent terahertz pulses.
Generation of high-power, high-coherence millimeter-wave using microresonator solitons
Authors: Wang Beichen , Morgan Jesse S. , Sun Keye , Jahanbozorgi Mandana , Yang Zijiao , Woodson Madison , Estrella Steven , Beling Andreas , Yi Xu
Published: August 2021

100 GHz millimeter-waves are generated by photodetecting microresonator solitons. It provides 6 dB enhancement in output power and two orders of magnitude linewidth reduction when compared to mmWave generation method of two laser hetero- dyne detection.
Novel Materials-based Laser Acceleration
Authors: Deng Huiyang , Leedle Kenneth J. , Miao Yu , Black Dylan S. , Urbanek Karel , McNeur Joshua , Kozák Martin , Ceballos Andrew , Hommelhoff Peter , Solgaard Olav , Byer Robert L. , Harris James S.
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate the first laser acceleration based on novel dielectric materials (Al2O3 and Ga2O3) with high laser damage thresholds, opening a new venue for perfor- mance optimization of dielectric laser accelerators.
Integrated tegrated multiplexing and switching in wavelength, polarization and mode
Authors: Su Yikai , He Yu , Zhang Ruihuan , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2021

We review recent results on integrated silicon photonic chips for (de)multiplexing and switching, which operate in wavelength, polarization, and mode dimensions.
Compact, Broadband Waveguide Two-Mode (De)-Multiplexers based on Rapid Adiabatic Coupling
Authors: Fargas Cabanillas Josep M. , Zhang Bohan , Popović Miloš A.
Published: August 2021

The concept of rapid adiabaticity is applied to design a mode evolution based two-spatial-mode mux-demux chain, shorter than conventional adiabatic devices by a factor of 4. The 100-µm-long device measures <-26 dB cross-talk over 80 nm bandwidth and IL <0.2dB at 1550 nm.
Brightening and Control of Quenched Quantum Dots with Strong Terahertz Pulses
Authors: Gao Frank Y. , Shi J. , Zhang Z. , Utzat H. , Barotov U. , Farahvash A. , Han J. , Deschamps J. , Baik C.-W. , Bulović V. , Willard A. P. , Baldini E. , Gedik N. , Bawendi M. G. , Nelson K. A.
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate the reversible brightening of quenched quantum dot photoluminescence using high-field-strength short terahertz pulses. This effect is attributed to the removal of excess charges and the subsequent reduction in nonradiative Auger recombination.
THz Analysis of MAPbI3 at the Interface with Graphene and Silver Nanowire Electrodes
Authors: Huang Zhi-Wei , Hong Yu-Heng , Kuo Ting-Jui , Kao Tsung Sheng , Ahn Hyeyoung
Published: August 2021

We present the successful applications of THz spectroscopic analysis in realization of the suppressed tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition of graphene/MAPbI3 under solar cell operation conditions and its chemical degradation upon incorporating with AgNW bottom electrode.
Tunable coupling of chip-scale photonic molecules via thermal actuation
Authors: Woska Simon , Rietz Pascal , Karayel Osman , Kalt Heinz
Published: August 2021

Photonic molecules (PMs) are of great interest for, e.g., optical filters/sensors or topological and exceptional-point photonics. A key requirement for their versatile application is the tunability of the PM’s coupling strength. This important feature is realized in the here introduced widely and precisely tunable PM on an all-polymeric chip-scale platform. The PM consists of two disk-shaped whispering gallery mode cavities on a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) substrate. The coupling strength of the PM is controlled via the contraction of the LCE under an external stimulus like local heating. We reveal the reversible (de)coupling via the analysis of laser supermodes emitted from a dye-doped PM. The tunability of the PM’s coupling strength is apparent from the pronounced mode splittings observed in single-fiber transmission spectra and is consistent with coupled-mode theory. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the PM as an add-drop filter with a highly controllable intensity transfer. In this light, our PM on an LCE substrate represents a novel platform system for tunably coupled photonic resonators.
Single shot quantitative phase gradient estimation using Wigner-Ville distribution in digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Vishnoi Ankur , Gannavarpu Rajshekhar
Published: August 2021

In digital holographic microscopy, direct measurement of phase gradient is commonly required for investigations pertaining to cell morphology and feature detection. In this paper, we present the application of the Wigner-Ville distribution method for single shot quantitative phase gradient measurement in digital holographic microscopy. The method allows simultaneous extraction of phase derivatives along the horizontal and vertical dimensions to compute the phase gradient without the need of multiple images, filtering operations, or specialized experimental setups. Experimental results for imaging onion and cheek cells and standard calibration target, validates the potential of the proposed approach in digital holographic microscopy.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals pre-meiotic X-chromosome dosage compensation in Drosophila testis
Authors: Witt Evan , Shao Zhantao , Hu Chun , Krause Henry M. , Zhao Li
Published: August 2021

Dosage compensation equalizes X-linked expression between XY males and XX females. In male fruit flies, expression levels of the X-chromosome are increased approximately two-fold to compensate for their single X chromosome. In testis, dosage compensation is thought to cease during meiosis; however, the timing and degree of the resulting transcriptional suppression is difficult to separate from global meiotic downregulation of each chromosome. To address this, we analyzed testis single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from two Drosophila melanogaster strains. We found evidence that the X chromosome is equally transcriptionally active as autosomes in somatic and pre-meiotic cells, and less transcriptionally active than autosomes in meiotic and post-meiotic cells. In cells experiencing dosage compensation, close proximity to MSL (male-specific lethal) chromatin entry sites (CES) correlates with increased X chromosome transcription. We found low or undetectable levels of germline expression of most msl genes, mle, roX1 and roX2 via scRNA-seq and RNA-FISH, and no evidence of germline nuclear roX1/2 localization. Our results suggest that, although dosage compensation occurs in somatic and pre-meiotic germ cells in Drosophila testis, there might be non-canonical factors involved in the dosage compensation mechanism. The single-cell expression patterns and enrichment statistics of detected genes can be explored interactively in our database: https://zhao.labapps.rockefeller.edu/gene-expr/.
Pharmacological blood pressure control and outcomes in patients with hypertensive crisis discharged from the emergency department
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Liu Yen-Hung , Hsiao Ya-Luan , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Chen Pei-Shan , Chang Shih-Ni , Tsai Hsiu-Chen , Chen Chun-Hung , Kuo Chin-Chi
Published: August 2021

Pharmacological blood pressure (BP) intervention for high blood pressure is controversial for a wide spectrum of hypertensive crisis in the emergency department (ED). We evaluated whether medical control of BP altered the short- and long-term outcomes among patients with hypertensive crisis who were discharged from the ED under universal health care. This retrospective cohort comprised 22 906 adults discharged from the ED of a tertiary hospital with initial systolic BP ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 120 mmHg between 2010 and 2016. The main exposure was the use of antihypertensive medication during the ED stay. Clinical endpoints were revisits to the ED or inpatient admission (at 7, 30, and 60 days), cardiovascular mortality (at 1, 3, and 5 years), and incident stroke (at 1, 3, and 5 years). The associations between pharmacological intervention for BP and outcomes were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models. Of the patient data analyzed, 72.2% were not treated pharmacologically and 68.4% underwent evaluation of end-organ damage. Pharmacological intervention for BP was significantly associated with a 11% and 11% reduced risk of hospital revisits within 30 or 60 days of discharge from ED, respectively, particularly among patients with polypharmacy. No association between pharmacological intervention for BP and incident stroke and cardiovascular mortality was observed. A revision of diagnostic criteria for hypertensive crisis is essential. Although pharmacological intervention for BP may not alter the long-term risk of cardiovascular mortality, it significantly reduces short-term health care utilization.
Urinary neopterin and total neopterin measurements allow monitoring of oxidative stress and inflammation levels of knee and hip arthroplasty patients
Authors: Baxter-Parker Gregory , Roffe Lloyd , Moltchanova Elena , Jefferies Jay , Raajasekar Siddarth , Hooper Gary , Gieseg Steven P.
Published: August 2021

Knee and hip arthroplasty are common surgeries within an aging population. Some data has suggested that knee arthroplasty is more traumatic to the body than hip arthroplasty due to the increased complexity and load bearing nature of the joint. Here, we compare the stress of the two surgeries by measuring urinary neopterin and total neopterin as biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Urinary neopterin and total neopterin (neopterin + 7,8-dihydroneopterin) levels were analysed in 28 knee and 22 hip arthroplasty patients pre- and post-operatively to determine oxidative stress and inflammation levels. Total neopterin was 31.1% higher with knee arthroplasty (p<0.05). Urinary neopterin was 32.8% higher in the knee arthroplasty group versus hips. The increase in neopterin and total neopterin following a post-surgical decrease in levels was significant in both groups. Levels of neopterin and total neopterin were varied between patients, but all increased following surgery and subsided by day 28. The increased levels of urinary neopterin and total neopterin from knee arthroplasty indicate that knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty is a more significant trauma to the body than hip osteoarthritis and arthroplasty surgery. This is also shown by faster inflammatory resolution following hip arthroplasty.
Development of a novel NS1 competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the early detection of Zika virus infection
Authors: Roldán Julieta S. , Cassola Alejandro , Castillo Daniela S.
Published: August 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that has emerged as a global health threat after the 2015 outbreak in the Americas, where devastating congenital defects were documented. There are currently no vaccines to prevent ZIKV infections nor commercially available clinical diagnostic tests demonstrated to identify ZIKV without cross-reactive interference of related flaviviruses. Early diagnosis is critical when treating symptomatic patients and in preventing ZIKV transmission. In this context, the development of sensitive and accurate diagnostic methods are urgently needed for the detection of ZIKV acute infection. The aim of this study consisted of obtaining monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against denatured monomeric ZIKV Nonstructural protein 1 (ZNS1), a useful diagnostic marker for flavivirus early detection, in order to develop a highly specific and sensitive ZNS1 indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA). The production of hybridomas secreting ZNS1 mAbs was carried out through immunizations with denatured monomeric ZNS1. We selected 1F5 and 6E2 hybridoma clones, which recognized the heat-denatured ZNS1 hexameric form by indirect ELISA. Cross-reaction studies indicated that these mAbs specifically bind to a ZNS1 linear epitope, and that they do not cross-react with the NS1 protein from other related flaviviruses. The 1F5 mAb enabled the development of a sensitive and reproducible icELISA to detect and quantify small amounts of ZNS1 disease marker in heat-denatured human sera. Here, we establish a reliable 1F5 based-icELISA that constitutes a promising diagnostic tool for control strategies and the prevention of ZIKV propagation.
Comparing the signal enhancement of a gadolinium based and an iron-oxide based contrast agent in low-field MRI
Authors: van Zandwijk Jordy K. , Simonis Frank F. J. , Heslinga Friso G. , Hofmeijer Elfi I. S. , Geelkerken Robert H. , ten Haken Bennie
Published: August 2021

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in low-field MRI. Contrast agents (CA) in MRI have magnetic behavior dependent on magnetic field strength. Therefore, the optimal contrast agent for low-field MRI might be different from what is used at higher fields. Ultra-small superparamagnetic iron-oxides (USPIOs), commonly used as negative CA, might also be used for generating positive contrast in low-field MRI. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an USPIO or a gadolinium based contrast agent is more appropriate at low field strengths. Relaxivity values of ferumoxytol (USPIO) and gadoterate (gadolinium based) were used in this research to simulate normalized signal intensity (SI) curves within a concentration range of 0–15 mM. Simulations were experimentally validated on a 0.25T MRI scanner. Simulations and experiments were performed using spin echo (SE), spoiled gradient echo (SGE), and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences. Maximum achievable SIs were assessed for both CAs in a range of concentrations on all sequences. Simulations at 0.25T showed a peak in SIs at low concentrations ferumoxytol versus a wide top at higher concentrations for gadoterate in SE and SGE. Experiments agreed well with the simulations in SE and SGE, but less in the bSSFP sequence due to overestimated relaxivities in simulations. At low magnetic field strengths, ferumoxytol generates similar signal enhancement at lower concentrations than gadoterate.
Standardization of DNA amount for bisulfite conversion for analyzing the methylation status of LINE-1 in lung cancer
Authors: Pham Duong Anh Thuy , Le Son Duc , Doan Trang Mai , Luu Phuong Thu , Nguyen Uyen Quynh , Ho Son Van , Vo Lan Thi Thuong
Published: August 2021

Highly methylated Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements 1 (LINE-1) constitute approximately 20% of the human genome, thus serving as a surrogate marker of global genomic DNA methylation. To date, there is still lacking a consensus about the precise location in LINE-1 promoter and its methylation threshold value, making challenging the use of LINE-1 methylation as a diagnostic, prognostic markers in cancer. This study reports on a technical standardization of bisulfite-based DNA methylation analysis, which ensures the complete bisulfite conversion of repeated LINE-1 sequences, thus allowing accurate LINE-1 methylation value. In addition, the study also indicated the precise location in LINE-1 promoter of which significant variance in methylation level makes LINE-1 methylation as a potential diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer. A serial concentration of 5-50-500 ng of DNA from 275 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tissues were converted by bisulfite; methylation level of two local regions (at nucleotide position 300–368 as LINE-1.1 and 368–460 as LINE-1.2) in LINE-1 promoter was measured by real time PCR. The use of 5 ng of genomic DNA but no more allowed to detect LINE-1 hypomethylation in lung cancer tissue (14.34% versus 16.69% in non-cancerous lung diseases for LINE-1.1, p < 0.0001, and 30.28% versus 32.35% for LINE-1.2, p < 0.05). Our study thus highlighted the optimal and primordial concentration less than 5 ng of genomic DNA guarantees the complete LINE-1 bisulfite conversion, and significant variance in methylation level of the LINE-1 sequence position from 300 to 368 allowed to discriminate lung cancer from non-cancer samples.
Hemoglobin and adult height loss among Japanese workers: A retrospective study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Hayakawa Hidenobu , Takada Midori , Okada Takeo , Kiyama Masahiko
Published: August 2021

Height loss starting in middle age is reported to be associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality later in life. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Hypoxia and oxidative stress, which are known causes of cardiovascular disease, could be reduced by hemoglobin. Therefore, hemoglobin could be inversely associated with height loss. However, high body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for intervertebral disc disorder, a known cause of height loss in adults. High BMI might confound the association between hemoglobin and height loss. Therefore, we performed analyses stratified by BMI status. To clarify the association between hemoglobin and height loss, we conducted a retrospective study of Japanese workers (6,471 men and 3,180 women) aged 40–74 years. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quintile of height decrease per year. In men overall and men with BMI <25 kg/m2, hemoglobin was significantly inversely associated with height loss; but no association was observed for men with high BMI (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and for women. For men, after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for height loss with each 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in hemoglobin (1.0 g/dL for men and 0.8g/dL for women) were 0.89 (0.83, 0.95) for men overall, 0.82 (0.75, 0.89) for men who do not have high BMI, and 1.01 (0.92, 1.12) for men with high BMI. For women, the corresponding values were 0.97 (0.89, 1.06), 0.98 (0.89, 1.09), and 0.93 (0.75, 1.15) respectively. Hemoglobin is significantly inversely associated with height loss in men who do not have high BMI, but not in men with high BMI or women. These results help clarify the mechanisms underlying height loss, which has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of mortality in adults.
Prospective study on the association between serum amino acid profiles and depressive symptoms among the Japanese working population
Authors: Miki Takako , Eguchi Masafumi , Kochi Takeshi , Fukunaga Ami , Chen Sanmei , Nanri Akiko , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: August 2021

Objective

Accumulating evidence suggests that amino acids, particularly tryptophan and glutamate, play an important role in the pathology of depression, but prospective epidemiologic data on this issue is scarce. We examined the association between circulating amino acids and the risk of depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population.

Methods

Participants were 841 workers who were free from depressive symptoms and provided blood at baseline and completed 3-yr follow-up survey. 30 varieties of amino acid concentrations in serum were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Depressive symptoms were defined using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of depressive symptoms according to serum amino acids with adjustment for lifestyle factors.

Results

A total of 151 (18.0%) workers were newly identified as having depressive symptoms at the follow-up. Baseline tryptophan and glutamate concentrations in serum were not appreciably associated with the risk of depressive symptoms. Risk of depressive symptoms tended to increase with increasing arginine concentrations; the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for the highest versus lowest tertile of serum arginine was 1.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.96–2.83; P for trend = 0.07). No clear association was found for other amino acids.

Conclusions

Results of the present study do not support a significant role of circulating amino acids in the development of depressive symptoms among Japanese.
Biochemical and physicochemical indicators of the quality of milk and meat obtained from cows with brucellosis
Authors: Agoltsov Valeriy Alexandrovich , Veselovsky Stepan Yurievich , Popova Olga Mikhailovna , Giro Tatiana Mikhailovna , Solotova Nataliya Victorovna
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a disease occurring worldwide. Although it is mainly a cattle disease, it is extremely dangerous for humans. Milk and meat can be contaminated with Brucella. The present study aims to examine the biochemical and physicochemical indicators of the quality of milk and meat obtained from cows positively reacting to brucellosis in comparison with healthy animals.

Materials and Methods: Two groups of cattle meat samples (four muscles from different parts of the carcass) were obtained during slaughter at a specialized meat processing plant, and milk samples were examined from healthy animals (10 cows) and from cows positively responding to brucellosis (10 cows). For the milk samples, federal standards (GOST 32915- 2014 and GOST 25179-2014) and an atomic absorption spectrometer "Kvant-Z ETA" were used. To evaluate the chemical composition of the meat, the "Clover" apparatus and a tissue grinder (SM-3) were used.

Results: In the meat of cows that positively responded to brucellosis, compared with that of healthy animals, the amount of dry matter decreased by 1.2 times, amino ammonia nitrogen by 1.01 times, proteins by 1.2 times, fat by 1.28 times, volatile fatty acids by 1.09 times, tryptophan by 1.25 times, oxyproline by 1.14 times, and protein quality indicator by 1.21 times.

Conclusion: Despite the severity of brucellosis in cattle, the biochemical and physicochemical indicators of the quality of milk and meat obtained from the healthy and contaminated animals vary, although insignificantly.
Time to Negativity and Factors Associated with Persistent Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Positivity among Asymptomatic and Mildly Symptomatic Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Abraham Anitha , M.B Adarsh , Padinjath Kavitha , Nandakumar Meera Mini , Pilankatta Rajendra , Vaman Raman Swathy
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND The Covid-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly across the world & has become a global public health emergency. Infected patients tend to carry the virus for a longer period of time, which requires an early isolation and monitoring. Information on persistent RT-PCR positivity and time to negativity are lacking in our population. We wanted to assess the prevalence of persistent RT-PCR positivity, time to a negative test and factors related to it in our population. METHODS This is a retrospective medical record based observational study conducted among lab confirmed and admitted Covid-19 patients. After admission, repeat oropharyngeal swabs were taken at specific time intervals that varied from 3 - 5 days. A persistent RT-PCR positivity was defined as more than 3 repeat positive RT-PCR tests in a patient. RESULTS 118 Covid-19 positive patients were included in the study. Mean age was 40.58 yrs. (SD, 11.9 years). Median number of repeat RT-PCR tests was 3 (IQR, 2 – 4 repeats). Persistent RT-PCR positivity was seen in 15 (12.7 %) subjects. Median time taken to first negative RT-PCR test was 9 days (IQR, 6.7 - 13.25 days) and median duration of hospital stay of subjects was 14 (IQR, 10 – 18). Presence of hypertension, use of antibiotic azithromycin and use of angiotensin receptor blockers were found to be significant risk factors for persistent positivity. CONCLUSIONS Persistent RT-PCR positivity indicating prolonged viral shedding was seen in 12.7 % of patients. Hypertension and use of antibiotic azithromycin were independent risk factors of persistent RT-PCR positivity. The epidemiological burden of the finding needs to be assessed in a wider population with a larger sample size. KEY WORDS COVID-19, RT-PCR, Viral Persistence, Infectivity, Time to Negativity
Morphological Classification of Arch of Frohse and Its Implication in Compression of Deep Branch of Radial Nerve
Authors: Hafiz Daimi Syed Rehan , Bolla Srinivasa Rao , Khwaja Moizuddin Jawaduddin , Hiware Sanket Dadarao , Moosa Shajiya Sarwar , Begum Yousuf , Shaikh Siraj Ahmed Hasham , Badaam Asim Mohsin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Arcade of Frohse (AF) is a tendinous superior margin of superficial layer of supinator muscle which was first described by Frohse and Frankel in 1908. Since then it has been studied by many authors and held accountable as one of the essential components for compression of deep branch of radial nerve (DBRN) which leads to radial tunnel syndrome. Considering AF as an important element of compression, we made an attempt to classify it on the basis of its shape and to find out if any particular shape has a predominant role in compression of the nerve. We also observed the structure of superior and inferior margin of the supinator muscle. METHODS This study was conducted among 80 (70 males and 10 females) formalin fixed upper limbs present in the Department of Anatomy. The limbs were maintained in supine with slightly flexed position and dissection was performed to expose the supinator muscle. The proximal and distal borders of supinator muscles were examined meticulously with the help of magnified lens. The morphometric measurements were taken with the help of a digital caliper. RESULTS The FA is classified into four categories as loop, high arc, low arch and linear shaped. The most frequent shape observed was arch shaped (high and low arch) about 66%, followed by loop shaped (30%) and least was linear shaped (2.5%). On the basis of structure, the proximal and distal margin of supinator muscle was reported to be tendinous in majority of the cases. The distance of the AF from the fixed reproducible anatomical landmark like inter epicondylar line (IEL) was measured and the average distance found was 3.36 cm. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of different shapes would aid surgeons and radiologists for better approach towards diagnosis and management of supinator syndrome. The morphometric finding can be useful for surgeons to locate the superior margin of supinator (AF) in surgical procedures for decompression of DBRN in supinator syndrome. KEY WORDS Arcade of Frohse, Inter Epicondylar Line, Supinator Muscle, Deep Branch of Radial Nerve and Radial Tunnel Syndrome
A Study of Hematological Malignancies in Tripura Medical College & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital
Authors: Majumder Nabaneet , Nath Sayandeep
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Hematological malignancies are a major health problem in our society due to their high mortality and morbidity. It includes diverse and biologically distinct subgroups and can be defined as clonal neoplasm of hematopoietic stem cells characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature cells in bone marrow and spilling into peripheral blood. The patterns of subtypes of hematological malignancies vary in different populations and geographic areas because of genetic, environmental, dietary and social factors. Research of epidemiological features of leukemia are poorly reported in Tripura. The objective of the study was to get an idea about the pattern of hematological malignancies in our institute which will help to get an idea of the disease in our state and find out the incidence of hematological malignancies in Tripura Medical College, a tertiary care hospital in Tripura. METHODS This is a one-year prospective study, conducted in the Department of Pathology, Tripura Medical College & DR BRAM teaching hospital from July 2017 to June 2018. Medical records of all patients admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as a case of hematological malignancy were reviewed for demographic and clinical characteristics at diagnosis. Data analysis was performed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. RESULTS Our study included 19 diagnosed cases of hematological malignancies, of which 15 were of acute leukemia and 3 cases were of chronic leukemia. Amongst the cases of acute leukemia, 9 were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) whereas 6 were diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Out of chronic leukemic cases, all were diagnosed as CML. We reported a solitary case of multiple myeloma in a elderly male patient. Present study showed male predominance, invariably affecting the adults. Commonest form of leukemia in adults were AML followed by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) whereas all cases of ALL were found in children.The most common peripheral blood finding in hematological malignancy was pancytopenia followed by bicytopenia. CONCLUSIONS In our study, acute leukemia was the most common subtype of leukemia in all age groups. Of all leukemia cases, majority were of AML. Demographic characteristics were almost the same as other regional reports. Our observation is mostly comparable with other studies from India and the neighborhood countries. The differences observed in few demographic parameters may be due to geographic variation and genetic difference of study population. KEY WORDS Hematological Malignancies, Acute Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique with and without Strain Counter Strain Technique in Individuals with Non-Specific Neck Pain - A Pilot Study from Aurangabad, India
Authors: Kapur Karishma Anurag , Harsulkar Sunil Gopal Rao
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Evidence till date indicates high incidence of neck pain, and soft tissue techniques [muscle energy technique (MET), strain counter strain (SCS)] have proven to be effective for non-specific neck pain (NSNP). However, their comparative effect is yet to be proven, hence the present study attempted to investigate the comparative effectiveness of MET with SCS techniques in individuals with NSNP. METHODS Total 10 participants diagnosed with NSNP were included in the study. They were allocated into two groups utilizing convenient sampling. Group A received MET with SCS technique and Group B received MET with conventional physiotherapy. The interventions were given for 2 weeks, 3 sessions per week for 45 minutes. The outcome measures used in the study were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), range of motion (ROM) which were assessed before the intervention immediately after the first session and at 1st week and end of 2nd week. RESULTS Intragroup comparison found to be significantly reduced in terms of pain and neck disability index and improvement in cervical range of motion (P = < 0.05). However intergroup comparisons showed significant difference in Group A only at the end of 2nd week of intervention (P = < 0.05), but the results were not significant immediately and at the 1st week of intervention (P = > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that MET with SCS technique is more effective in reducing pain, neck disability and improving cervical range of motion. KEY WORDS MET, SCS, NSNP
Comparison of Efficacy of Oral Bromelain and Serratiopeptidase for the Control of Postoperative Sequelae Following Third Molar Surgery - A Comparative Study
Authors: Ramasubbu Subhashini , P. U. Abdul Wahab
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND Surgical removal of impacted third molar is widely carried out in general dental practice and is usually associated with postoperative inflammatory sequelae like pain, swelling, and trismus. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the efficacy of oral bromelain and Serratiopeptidase for the control of post-operative sequelae following surgical removal of impacted third molar. METHODS A randomized, comparative clinical study was conducted on sixty patients who were undergoing impacted third molar surgery, and were allocated into two groups each comprising 30 patients. Conventional drugs included Cap amoxicillin 500 mg bid, Tab. metronidazole 200 mg tid, and Tab. diclofenac sodium 50 mg bid that were given to both the groups. Group I was treated with Tab. bromelain 200 mg tid along with conventional treatment for 5 days. Group II received a combination of conventional treatment and Tab. Serratiopeptidase 10 mg bid for 5 days. The parameters such as measurement of pain, facial width and trismus were analysed on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7. RESULTS The study comprised of totally 60 otherwise healthy patients. The group of patients who received bromelain along with diclofenac sodium seemed to be effective in controlling post-operative sequelae like pain (P < 0.05), swelling (P < 0.05) but not trismus (P < 0.05) when compared to the group who received Serratiopeptidase with diclofenac sodium. CONCLUSIONS The intensified anti-inflammatory action of bromelain, was possibly by inhibiting the generation of bradykinin and negative action on the prostaglandin pathway. The present study assessed the clinical effect of bromelain and serratiopeptidase on pain, facial swelling and trismus. KEY WORDS Bromelain, Oral Bromelain, Serratiopeptidase, Proteolytic Enzyme, Third Molar Surgery
A Case of Posterolateral Corner Injury with Segond Fracture in Association with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear on MRI - A Case Report
Authors: Varma Amruta Dinesh , Dhande Rajasbala P. , Pattabiraman Suhasini , Gupta Rishabh , Vadlamudi Nagendra
Published: August 2021

Knee injuries are common in sports and depending on the mechanism of fall, injury of different ligaments can occur. Knee injury mostly involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and is the most common injury reported on MRI. It can be associated with posterolateral corner (PLC) injury and other osseous injuries, these injuries are rarely reported as they are very complex in structure. A detail knowledge about this complex helps to evaluate the associated ligaments as well. In association with anterior cruciate ligament injuries presence of a Segond fracture indicates occurrence of a concomitant or isolated injury to the posterolateral corner injury. The evaluation of these associated injuries along with anterior cruciate ligament aids in their repair and hence improving the postoperative outcome. Three main components of posterolateral corner are divided into three layers – superficial, middle, and deep. Clinically few tests have been advised to evaluate injury of different structures of knee joint. For example - McMurray's test and Ege's test are used to evaluate meniscus, Lachman test, Anterior drawer test and Pivot Shift Test are performed to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament tear while posterior drawer test is done to evaluate posterior cruciate ligament tear. Availability of special closely coupled extremity coils, high field systems, open system & extremity units have made MRI supplemental to clinical examination and plain radiographs for virtually all suspected disorders of knee. Here, we are presenting a case of MRI of knee injury involving posterolateral corner injury with anterior cruciate ligament tear and Segond fracture. Along with anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, other ligaments and osseous injury are associated as well. The other structures responsible for stabilizing the knee joints are posterolateral corner and meniscus, which when involved may need to be treated simultaneously with anterior cruciate ligament tear, for full re stabilization of knee joint. If any associated fracture is present, it has to be treated simultaneously as well.
Rhinoscleroma Masquerading as a Nasopharyngeal Malignancy
Authors: Parveen Sana , Jain Shraddha
Published: August 2021

Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, the causative agent of rhinoscleroma, is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular, non-motile, encapsulated bacillus. The organism has a very low infectivity necessitating a chronic exposure for infection. Prevalence is also high in developing countries like India. The factors responsible for this are attributed to poor hygiene, poor access to medications and overcrowded living conditions.1 Though entire respiratory mucosa can be affected, the organism has an affinity for nasal mucosa and thus nasal cavity is the most prevalent site accounting for 95–100 % of cases. In decreasing order of involvement nasopharynx (18 – 43 %), larynx (15 – 40 %), trachea (12 %) and bronchi (2 – 7 %) are the other sites.2 Our patient had bilateral nasal obstruction and discharge since 6 months as the only presenting complaint. Clinically there was no evidence of lymphadenopathy, but the CT scans of the paranasal sinuses showed heterogeneously ill-defined mass in the posterior nasal cavity, raising suspicion of a malignancy. Hence the case was further investigated.
Impact of Wi-Fi Energy on EZ Water
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Pollack Gerald
Published: August 2021

It is well known that there are three phases of water: gas, liquid and solid. Yet, recently, a fourth phase, known as Exclusion Zone (EZ) water, has been identified. The fourth phase is the major constituent in cells, which cannot function without an ample supply. Here, we report on how Wi-Fi, as an external source of disturbance, impacts EZ water. Thus, the size of EZ was measured under Wi-Fi exposure. It was tracked for 20 minute periods, and at various displacements of the Wi-Fi source. We found a diminution of EZ size by 15 - 20 %, and a negative impact of Wi-Fi on EZ size with shorter displacements. Thus, Wi-Fi exposure may impact cell functionality.
Batalla de Tacna:
Authors: Osorio Soto Gary Martín
Published: August 2021

Resumen: El presente artículo, investiga la interrelación de los hechos históricos y la identidad nacional peruana y la identidad local del pueblo de Tacna desde los acontecimientos ligados a la Batalla de Tacna en el contexto de la Guerra del Pacifico, mediante la evidencia arqueológica y contexto patriótico que yace en el Campo de Batalla del Alto de la Alianza y el fomento del imaginario nacional peruano a través de su patrimonio histórico material e inmaterial.
Modelagem Computacional de uma Blindagem de Nêutrons Utilizando Métodos Determinísticos
Authors: Muniz Tarcila Oliveira Matos , Oliveira Francisco Bruno Souza
Published: August 2021

Neste artigo, o problema denominado de fonte-fixa (blindagem de nêutrons) em meio não multiplicativo foi estudado. Assim, foi simulada computacionalmente a blindagem da fonte de nêutrons utilizando métodos numéricos determinísticos para estimar os fluxos escalares e angulares de nêutrons em um domínio unidimensional. A equação de transporte linearizada de Boltzmann para partículas neutras foi empregada na modelagem dos problemas estudados. Na resolução numérica da equação de Boltzmann, foram consideradas certas aproximações e empregados métodos numéricos consolidados para gerar soluções precisas. Os métodos numéricos Diamond Difference (DD), Step (ou Degrau) e Step Characteristic (Degrau Característico) foram utilizados nos problemas-modelo abordados. A configuração das blindagens era constituída de três materiais, variando-se a sequência da montagem e o tipo de material em função da interação material-nêutron. Foram simulados e analisados problemas-modelo de modo a identificar blindagens eficientes para o fluxo emergente de nêutrons.
Equações Diferenciais Estocásticas na Engenharia Química
Authors: Dos S. Vianna Jr. Ardson , Oliveira Christian Junior
Published: August 2021

O processo de geração de um modelo matemático deve ter como resultado uma simulação que represente o conjunto de dados experimentais. Diversos fenômenos na Natureza apresentam flutuações erráticas que são fenomenológicas. Um exemplo significativo é a trajetória que desenvolve um pólen que se movimenta na superfície de um rio, o movimento browniano. A Engenharia Química engloba diversos itens que são avaliados por processos estocásticos como otimização e controle de processos, difusão e cinética de reações químicas. No presente trabalho são apresentados conceitos fundamentais relacionados com equações diferenciais estocásticas, alguns exemplos clássicos e um em engenharia química. Para gerar as trajetórias amostrais foi usada a ferramenta aberta Python, especificamente a biblioteca sdeint do PyPI.
Tratamento superficial de armamento leve do Exército Brasileiro
Authors: Peixoto Marco Aurélio Milagres , Guimarães Caroline Jovine Bouças , Martins Amanda Luiza Bezerra Sandes , Peixoto Fernando Cunha , Mendes Álvaro José Boareto
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar os efeitos de três variáveis do sistema reacional do processo de fosfatização com manganês por imersão a quente empregado nos armamentos leves do Exército Brasileiro. A avaliação da influência destas variáveis foi feita através da realização de experimentos baseados em um planejamento fatorial com dois níveis para as três variáveis, sendo elas o tempo, a concentração do reagente fosfatizante e a concentração de íons ferroso no meio reacional. Os resultados mostraram que as variáveis selecionadas possuem efeitos de interação significativos, de forma que devem ser avaliadas em conjunto. Concluiu-se que: (1) o tempo é importante, em especial, para o ganho de massa do revestimento e para o refinamento dos cristais; (2) a concentração de reagente fosfatizante, por sua vez, mostrou-se extremamente impactante na cristalização bem definida dos revestimentos, na contribuição de manganês nos cristais e na obtenção de camadas com elevado peso; (3) a concentração de íons ferrosos contribuiu para o aparecimento de granulações mais grosseiras no revestimento fosfático.
Come Drive French North Africa: Cartographic and Guidebook Discourse in Michelin’s 1929 Maroc, Algérie, Tunisie
Authors: Olson Kory
Published: August 2021

En 1929, la compagnie Michelin publia son guide Maroc, Algérie, Tunisie pour célébrer le centenaire de l’arrivée des troupes françaises en Algérie et pour reconnaître les liens économiques et culturels entre la métropole et son empire africain. Cet article examine le discours cartographique du guide dans sa présentation d’une destination prête à accepter des automobilistes, un démographique prospère et croissant. Dans son guide, le premier à combiner les trois pays dans un seul manuel, Michelin présente un territoire français avec des instructions détaillées pour le traverser par des routes existantes. Michelin encourage également l’exploration des merveilles naturelles de la région par 26 excursions et leurs cartes simples. Cependant, c’est peut-être la “Nomenclature des villes” qui incarne mieux son but. Ici, Michelin fournit des classements utiles des hôtels et garages ainsi que des plans simples et clairs des 50 communes (grandes et petites). Ces plans guident le lecteur à travers un territoire inconnu et éliminent toute hésitation potentielle à traverser l’Afrique du Nord.