bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-cost and High-resolution Lidar with Wavelength Division Multiplexed Laser Array and Polarization-Interleaved Grating Couplers
Authors: Wang Zhonghan , Wang Qiang , Han Xu , Fang Yuxi , He Yuxuan , Geng Wenpu , Pan Zhongqi , Yue Yang
Published: January 2021

By using wavelength division multiplexed laser array developed for optical communication, solid-state Lidar can achieve dramatic cost reduction. Angular resolution can be significantly increased using polarization-interleaved grating couplers that combine two orthogonal polarizations.
Label-free Diagnosis of ‘Sporulated’ Encapsulated Cells for in situ Monitoring during Short-term Storage and Delivery
Authors: Chong Lydia , Zhang Jingyi , Lee Elizabeth , Song Juha , Yong Derrick
Published: January 2021

We have demonstrated the use of Raman spectroscopy as a label-free tool for diagnosing encapsulated cells preserved via chemically-induced ‘sporulation’. This offers a nondestructive and in situ means of cell quality assessment in cell logistics. © 2020 The Author(s)
Retinal Projection Type Multi-view Near-eye Display Using MEMS Mirror
Authors: Jo Youngjin , Yoo Chanhyung , Yoo Dongheon , Lee Byoungho
Published: January 2021

We propose a retinal projection type near-eye display with multiple viewpoints. A new optical design can expand the eyebox, a physically constrained problem in the retinal projection display. The proposed method utilizes a MEMS mirror to generate multiple viewpoints based on time multiplexing method. Since the multiple viewpoints are toward the center of the eyeball, it is possible to provide a continuous image corresponding to the eye rotation without eye tracker. We demonstrate proof-of-concept that provides expanded eyebox through the simulation.
Adaptive modulation function measurements of a human retina in the presence of SCE-I
Authors: Ghosh Sumit
Published: January 2021

Study of adaptive modulation function of a human retina in presence of SCE-I has been made. We measured the incoherent sine wave response and then obtained the modulations in the images using periodic triangular targets.
Enhancement on Computer-Generated Hologram Optimization via Norm Shifting
Authors: Yoo Dongheon , Lee Byoungho
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel technique for optimizing computer-generated holograms (CGHs) designed for a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM). While a CGH is iteratively updated via gradient descent algorithm, we dynamically scale the reconstructed intensity profile so that its norm value matches the target intensity profile. The feasibility of this method to improve the reconstruction quality is verified through numerical simulation results.
Numerical Simulations for Dynamically Determining Laser Beam Quality Based on Phase Modulation
Authors: Meng Lingqiang , Wang Yikun , Yin Lu , Jia Jianjun , Wang Jianyu
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new way, which is based on defocus phase modulation and paraxial ray-tracing theory, is paved for determining laser beam quality dynamically. Theoretical considerations are verified by numerical simulations.
Giant directional preference of quantum matter waves impinging on planar inclusions
Authors: Constantinos Valagiannopoulos
Published: January 2021

Quantum engineering applications have recently attracted huge funding and industrial interest. One basic functionality in corresponding devices is the angular filtering of impinging particle beams, realized here via a quantum Fabry-Perot resonator.
Acoustic characteristics of laser-induced underwater shock waves across the water-air interface
Authors: Yellaiah J. , Kiran P. Prem
Published: January 2021

The characteristics of acoustic emissions emanated from the optical breakdown of water and their propagation across the water-air interface as a function of laser energy in temporal and spectral-domains are presented.
Optical Response Function and Modified Fresnel Coefficients of a 2D material as Perfect Sheet
Authors: Simon Rhenish C. , Hermosa Nathaniel
Published: January 2021

We introduce an optical response function for 2D materials in the perfect sheet (infinitesimally thin sheet) model. This response function is integrated in the matrix formalism for calculating electromagnetic wave propagation.
High Spectro-temporal Purity Single-photons Using Pump Pulse Engineering in Silicon Micro-racetrack Resonators
Authors: Burridge Ben M. , Faruque Imad I. , Rarity John G. , Barreto Jorge
Published: January 2021

Single photons with high spectro-temporal purity are critical for photonic quantum information processing. We engineer laser pulses driving a micro-racetrack resonator to obtain SFWM photons with 98.0±0.3% purity, surpassing traditional 92% purities.
Strong Photon Coupling and Confinement in an On-Chip Liquid-Based Brillouin Laser
Authors: Sfendla Yasmine L. , He Xin , Harris Glen I. , Baker Christopher G. , Sawadsky Andreas , Sachkou Yauhen P. , Forstner Stefan , Bowen Warwick P.
Published: January 2021

Photons counter-propagating in a silica microcavity exchange excitations at a rate faster than their decay rate, by scattering off superfluid surface oscillations.
Microjoule-level 20 fs UV pulses for the investigation of molecular dynamics via attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Chang Kristina F. , Reduzzi Maurizio , Poullain Sonia M. , Kobayashi Yuki , Neumark Daniel M. , Leone Stephen R.
Published: January 2021

A method for generating 20 fs UV pump pulses for attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy is presented. An application of the setup to the real-time mapping of conical intersection dynamics and coherent nuclear motion in CH3I is demonstrated.
Lensed GRIN Fiber-Optic Fabry-Perot Interferometers
Authors: Riesen Nicolas , Phillips Nicholas , Priest Craig , Nguyen Linh V. , Lancaster David G.
Published: January 2021

Fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometers developed using collimating graded-index fiber tips are shown to allow for dramatic improvements in fringe visibility of up to 10-fold for long pathlength, small FSR, cavities
Optimized Cone-Shaped Motheye Structures for Fused Silica Glass Windows
Authors: Tu Chaoran , Menyuk Curtis. R. , Shaw L. Brandon , Sanghera Jasbinder S. , Busse Lynda E.
Published: January 2021

We computationally varied the dimensions of cone-shaped motheye structures to optimize the transmission efficiency over a broad wavelength range. We show that optimized cone-shaped motheye structures can theoretically achieve > 99.5% transmission from 0.5 µm–2 µm.
Optical Quantum Bits Locked on Dielectric Surface
Authors: Bahrim Cristian
Published: January 2021

We propose to create optical quantum bits through quantum entanglement of two circularly polarized laser beams coupled by one stronger linearly polarized laser beam on the atomic dipoles of a dielectric surface.
Nonresonant Nonlinear Absorption in n-Ge, GaAs, and ZnSe in the Long-wave Infrared
Authors: Matteo Daniel , Pigeon Jeremy , Tochitsky Sergei , Ben-Zvi Ilan , Joshi Chan
Published: January 2021

We measure nonlinear absorption in semiconductors using nanosecond and picosecond CO2 laser pulses. Absorption strength scales inversely with band gap energy. Effective absorption coefficients in n-Ge are unchanged over intensities from 0.1-2 GW/cm2.
Single-shot readout of a solid-state spin in a decoherence-free subspace
Authors: Farfurnik Demitry , Pettit Robert M. , Luo Zhouchen , Waks Edo
Published: January 2021

We propose and theoretically study the single-shot readout capabilities of spins within a Quantum Dot molecule decoherence-free subspace utilizing microwave π-pulses and optical cycling.
Influence of the Femtosecond Laser Irradiation on the Aqueous Dispersions of the Biological Nanomaterial
Authors: Ichkitidze L. P. , Markov A. G. , Burdukova O. A. , Gerasimenko A. Yu. , Telyshev D. V. , Savelyev M. S. , Vasilevsky P. N. , Selishchev S. V.
Published: January 2021

It has been established that carbon nanotubes and their aggregates can be arranged in the form of a linear chain under the action of laser radiation in an aqueous dispersion of a biological composite nanomaterial.
QuantumSkynet: A High Dimensional Quantum Computing Simulator
Authors: Giraldo-Carvajal Andrés , Jaramillo-Villegas Jose A.
Published: January 2021

Recent advances in high dimensional quantum computing systems demonstrate the feasibility of this paradigm. Here, we introduce QuantumSkynet, a cloud-based high dimensional quantum computing simulator. This platform allows simulations of qudit-based quantum gates and circuits.
Supercontinuum Generation in Er/Yb Doped Amplifier using Dissipative Optical pulses
Authors: Morales-Díaz M. , Herrera-Hernández L. A. , González-Espinoza C. , Santiago-Hernández H. , Pottiez O. , Ibarra-Escamilla B. , Durán-Sánchez M.
Published: January 2021

Supercontinuum generated directly from an Erbium/Ytterbium fiber amplifier and their dependence on pump power has been experimentally reported. Waveforms of pulses remain unchanged in contrast with respective spectra from 0.1 to 12 W pump power.
Spatiotemporal structure of ultrafast pulses with orbital angular momentum
Authors: García-Álvarez Rauĺ , Porras Miguel A.
Published: January 2021

We reveal non-trivial dynamics in the propagation of ultrafast vortices, including fundamental limitations on their duration and strong propagation distortions, even in vacuum. These effects must be considered for a correct analysis of experiments.
Mode Transition Gratings for Improved Slow-Light Transmission in Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Anderson Stephen , Huang Zhaoran Rena
Published: January 2021

The coupling into the slow mode of an integrated photonic grating is improved by a Mode Transition Grating. Antagonistic perturbations to the grating parameters create a controllable band edge shift of only a few nanometers.
Nonscattering Large Purcell Enhancement in Topological Photonic Structure
Authors: Qian Zhiyuan , Li Zhichao , Hao He , Shan Lingxiao , Dong Jianwen , Gong Qihuang , Gu Ying
Published: January 2021

We propose the one-dimension topological photonic structure containing resonant metal nanorod, providing large Purcell enhancement of 4 × 103γ0 while all scattering light is guided into edge state, simultaneously accompanied with obvious reduction of absorption.
Experimental Studies of Carbon Nanotubes Deposition onto Fiber Tips of Multimodal Interference Devices
Authors: Cuando-Espitia Natanael , Bernal-Martínez Juan , Hernández-Romano Iván , Torres-Cisneros M. , May-Arrioja D. A.
Published: January 2021

Light-induced deposits of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are obtained in multimodal interference (MMI) fiber tips. Differences between deposits obtained with solutions with and without surfactant were observed.
Digital signal analysis in water using blue and green laser diodes
Authors: Vargas Stacey K. , Bromberger Kevin
Published: January 2021

Digital data generated by a bit error rate tester was modulated onto visible laser diodes. The modulated signal, traveled through a 3.70 meter long PVC pipe filled with water, and maintained a zero bit error.
Quantifying Thermo-Electro-Mechanics for Manipulation and Rotation of single Dielectric particles under Laser Illumination
Authors: Kollipara Pavana Siddhartha , Lin Linhan , Chen Zhihan , Peng Xiaolei , Liu Yaoran , Zheng Yuebing
Published: January 2021

Spatially varying thermoelectric field around nanoparticles in laser-induced thermal gradients is derived for the first time. The proposed theory is experimentally validated for optical trapping, rotation, and pulling of dielectric nanoparticles.
Carrier transport and electron–lattice interactions of nonlinear optical crystals CdGeP2, ZnGeP2, and CdSiP2
Authors: Sooriyagoda Rishmali , Piyathilaka Herath P. , Zawilski Kevin T. , Schunemann Peter G. , Bristow Alan D.
Published: January 2021

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy is employed to investigate temperature-dependent properties of bulk chalcopyrite crystals (

C
d
G
e
P

2

,

Z
n
G
e
P

2

, and

C
d
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i
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). The complex spectra provide refraction and absorption as a function of temperature, from which electron–phonon coupling and average phonon energies are extracted and linked to the mechanics of the A- and B-site cations. AC conductivity spectra provide carrier densities and electron scattering times, the temperature dependence of which are associated with unintentional shallow dopants. Temperature dependence of the scattering time is converted into carrier mobility and modeled with microscopic transport mechanisms such as polar optical phonon, acoustic phonons, deformation potential, ionized impurity, and dislocation scattering. Hence, analysis links the terahertz optical and electronic properties to relate microscopic carrier transport and carrier–lattice interactions.
Efficient realization of quantum search algorithm using quantum annealing processor with dissipation: erratum
Authors: Homid A. H. , Abdel-Aty A. , Abdel-Aty M. , Badawi A. , Obada A.-S. F.
Published: January 2021

This article corrects a misprint in Eqs. (4) and (6) of J.
Opt. Soc. Am. B 32, 2025
(2015)JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.32.002025.
A few-mode fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for quantum communication applications
Authors: Alarcón A. , Xavier G. B.
Published: January 2021

We show that telecom few-mode fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometers can be used for quantum communication protocols where the LP01 and LP11
a
modes are employed to encode spatial qubits.
Advanced Characterization and Sensing with Squeezed Optomechanical Systems
Authors: Pooser R. C. , Savino N. , Batson E. , Beckey J.L. , Garcia J. , Lawrie B.J.
Published: January 2021

Optomechanical systems have applications in nanoscale materials characterization and ultralight dark matter detection. Here we outline a quantum optomechanics readout method based on truncated nonlinear interferometry for sensing below the standard quantum limit.
Towards Attosecond Science with Industrial-Grade Lasers
Authors: Chini Michael
Published: January 2021

Rotational nonlinearity of molecular gases can be harnessed to generate more than two octaves of bandwidth and compress 280 fs, 400 µJ pulses from a commercial Yb:KGW laser amplifier to 1.6 cycles for attosecond pulse generation.
Exciton-Trion-Polaritons in Two-Dimensional Materials: Correlated Many Body States of Matter and Light
Authors: Rana Farhan , Koksal Okan , Jung Minwoo , Shvets Gennady , Manolatou Christina
Published: January 2021

Excitons and trions in doped two dimensional (2D) materials are strongly coupled due to Coulomb interactions. In photonic microstructures, these Coulomb-coupled exciton-trion states can also be strongly coupled with light to give rise to coherent exciton-trion-polaritons. We present experimental and theoretical results on these exciton-trion-polaritons.
Assessing the non-radiative relaxation of molecular cavity polaritons using ultrafast dynamical spectroscopy
Authors: Avramenko Aleksandr G. , Rury Aaron S.
Published: January 2021

Cavity polariton formation involves the coupling of molecules to a resonant cavity mode. We determine how changes in the number of photoexciations in a polariton impacts the population of a lower lying excited state .
Understanding Carrier Specific Dynamics in CH3NH3PbBr3 by Femtosecond Tabletop Extreme Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
Authors: Sharma Aastha , Leveillee Josh , Verkamp Max , Schleife André , Vura-Weis Josh
Published: January 2021

We show that tabletop high-harmonic extreme ultraviolet transient absorption spectroscopy measures transitions from the Br 3d core to the valence and conduction band of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite, enabling us to observe carrier specific dynamics.
The relationship between income poverty and child hospitalisations in New Zealand: Evidence from longitudinal household panel data and Census data
Authors: Shackleton Nichola , Li Eileen , Gibb Sheree , Kvalsvig Amanda , Baker Michael , Sporle Andrew , Bentley Rebecca , Milne Barry J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Very little high quality evidence exists on the causal relationship between income poverty and childhood health. We provide a comprehensive overview of the association between household income poverty and hospitalisations for children.

Methods

We used New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to link income poverty data from the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE; n = 21,759 households) and the 2013 New Zealand Census (n = 523,302 households) to publicly funded hospital records of children aged 0–17 (SoFIE: n = 39,459; Census, n = 986,901). Poverty was defined as equivalised household income below 60% of the median income, calculated both before and after housing costs, and using both self-reported and tax-recorded income.

Results

Correlations for the association between income poverty and hospitalisation were small (ranging from 0.02 to 0.05) and risk ratios were less than 1.35 for all but the rarest outcome—oral health hospitalisation. Weak or absent associations were apparent across age groups, waves of data collection, cumulative effects, and for estimates generated from fixed effects models and random effect models adjusted for age and ethnicity. Alternative measures of deprivation (area-level deprivation and material deprivation) showed stronger associations with hospitalisations (risk ratios ranged from 1.27–2.55) than income-based poverty measures.

Conclusion

Income poverty is at best weakly associated with hospitalisation in childhood. Measures of deprivation may have a stronger association. Income measures alone may not be sufficient to capture the diversity of household economic circumstances when assessing the poverty-health relationship.
Modified full-face snorkel masks as reusable personal protective equipment for hospital personnel
Authors: Kroo Laurel , Kothari Anesta , Hannebelle Melanie , Herring George , Pollina Thibaut , Chang Ray , Peralta Dominic , Banavar Samhita P. , Flaum Eliott , Soto-Montoya Hazel , Li Hongquan , Combes Kyle , Pan Emma , Vu Khang , Yen Kelly , Dale James , Kolbay Patrick , Ellgas Simon , Konte Rebecca , Hajian Rozhin , Zhong Grace , Jacobs Noah , Jain Amit , Kober Filip , Ayala Gerry , Allinne Quentin , Cucinelli Nicholas , Kasper Dave , Borroni Luca , Gerber Patrick , Venook Ross , Baek Peter , Arora Nitin , Wagner Philip , Miki Roberto , Kohn Jocelyne , Kohn Bitran David , Pearson John , Arias-Arco Beatriz , Larrainzar-Garijo Ricardo , Herrera Cristián Muñiz , Prakash Manu
Published: January 2021

Here we adapt and evaluate a full-face snorkel mask for use as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, who lack appropriate alternatives during the COVID-19 crisis in the spring of 2020. The design (referred to as Pneumask) consists of a custom snorkel-specific adapter that couples the snorkel-port of the mask to a rated filter (either a medical-grade ventilator inline filter or an industrial filter). This design has been tested for the sealing capability of the mask, filter performance, CO2 buildup and clinical usability. These tests found the Pneumask capable of forming a seal that exceeds the standards required for half-face respirators or N95 respirators. Filter testing indicates a range of options with varying performance depending on the quality of filter selected, but with typical filter performance exceeding or comparable to the N95 standard. CO2 buildup was found to be roughly equivalent to levels found in half-face elastomeric respirators in literature. Clinical usability tests indicate sufficient visibility and, while speaking is somewhat muffled, this can be addressed via amplification (Bluetooth voice relay to cell phone speakers through an app) in noisy environments. We present guidance on the assembly, usage (donning and doffing) and decontamination protocols. The benefit of the Pneumask as PPE is that it is reusable for longer periods than typical disposable N95 respirators, as the snorkel mask can withstand rigorous decontamination protocols (that are standard to regular elastomeric respirators). With the dire worldwide shortage of PPE for medical personnel, our conclusions on the performance and efficacy of Pneumask as an N95-alternative technology are cautiously optimistic.
Treatment outcomes, antibiotic use and its resistance pattern among neonatal sepsis patients attending Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Zia Rabia , Malik Iram , Ahmad Nafees , Sarwar Sajjad
Published: January 2021

Background

Sepsis is one of the major causes of neonatal mortality in Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes, antibiotic use and its resistance pattern among neonatal sepsis patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. We also aimed to identify the factors affecting mortality in neonatal sepsis patients.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric wards of the Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. All eligible neonatal sepsis patients who were registered at the study site from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 were included in the study. The data collection form included information on patient’s characteristics, antibiotic use and its sensitivity pattern, laboratory and microbiological data, and final treatment outcomes. Treatment outcomes included, discharged (with treatment success), leave against medical advice (LAMA), discharged on request (DOR) and death. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to find the independent factors associated with death. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among the total 586 patients, 398 (67.9%) were male, 328 (56%) were preterm, 415 (70.8%) were diagnosed with early onset sepsis, 299 (51%) were born with low birth weight. Most of the patients (n = 484, 82.6%) were treated with amikacin+cefotaxime at the start of treatment. Culture was positive in 52 (8.9%) patients and the most commonly identified bacteria included, Klebsiella species (n = 19, 36.5%) followed by E. coli (n = 15, 28.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 8, 15.4%). The identified bacterial isolates showed high level of resistance against the antibiotics initiated at the start of the treatment, while resistance against piperacillin+tazobactam, imipenem, vancomycin and linezolid was very low. Just under half of the patients (n = 280, 47.8%) successfully completed the treatment (i.e., discharged with treatment success), while 123 (21%) patients died during treatment. In multivariable binary logistic regression, the factors which still remained significantly associated with neonatal death included, preterm delivery (AOR 9.59; 95% CI 4.41, 20.84), sub-optimal birth weight (AOR 5.13; 95% CI 2.19, 12.04), early onset sepsis (AOR 2.99; 95% CI 1.39, 6.41) and length of hospital stay (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67, 0.88).

Conclusion

The mortality rate associated with sepsis was high in our study cohort. The bacterial isolates showed high level of resistance against the antibiotics started as the empiric therapy. Rational use of antibiotics can decrease the adverse outcomes in neonatal sepsis patients.
Does the principle of investment diversification apply to the starting pitching staffs of major league baseball teams?
Authors: Roebber Paul J.
Published: January 2021

Financial advisors often emphasize asset diversification as a means of limiting losses from investments that perform unexpectedly poorly over a particular time period. One might expect that this perceived wisdom could apply in another high stakes arena–professional baseball–where player salaries comprise a substantial portion of a team’s operational costs, year-to-year player performance is highly variable, and injuries can occur at any time. These attributes are particularly true in the case of the starting pitching staffs of professional baseball teams. Accordingly, this study analyzes starting pitcher performance and financial data from all Major League Baseball teams for the period 1985–2016 to determine whether the standard investment advice is applicable in this context, understanding that the time horizon for success for an investor and a baseball team may be distinct. A multiple logistic regression model of playoff qualification probability, based on realized pitcher performance, measures of luck, and starting pitcher staff salary diversification is used to address this question. A further stratification is conducted to determine whether there are differences in strategy for teams with allocated financial resources that are above or below league average. We find that teams with above average resources increase their post-season qualification probability by focusing their salary funds on a relative few starting pitchers rather than diversifying that investment across the staff. Second, we find that pitcher performance must align with that investment in order for the team to have a high qualification probability. Third, the influence of luck is not negligible, but those teams that allocate more overall funds to their pitching are more resilient to bad luck. Thus, poorly resourced teams, who are generally unable to bid for pitchers at the highest salary levels, must adopt alternative strategies to maintain their competitiveness.
Harmonic organisation conveys both universal and culture-specific cues for emotional expression in music
Authors: Athanasopoulos George , Eerola Tuomas , Lahdelma Imre , Kaliakatsos-Papakostas Maximos
Published: January 2021

Previous research conducted on the cross-cultural perception of music and its emotional content has established that emotions can be communicated across cultures at least on a rudimentary level. Here, we report a cross-cultural study with participants originating from two tribes in northwest Pakistan (Khow and Kalash) and the United Kingdom, with both groups being naïve to the music of the other respective culture. We explored how participants assessed emotional connotations of various Western and non-Western harmonisation styles, and whether cultural familiarity with a harmonic idiom such as major and minor mode would consistently relate to emotion communication. The results indicate that Western concepts of harmony are not relevant for participants unexposed to Western music when other emotional cues (tempo, pitch height, articulation, timbre) are kept relatively constant. At the same time, harmonic style alone has the ability to colour the emotional expression in music if it taps the appropriate cultural connotations. The preference for one harmonisation style over another, including the major-happy/minor-sad distinction, is influenced by culture. Finally, our findings suggest that although differences emerge across different harmonisation styles, acoustic roughness influences the expression of emotion in similar ways across cultures; preference for consonance however seems to be dependent on cultural familiarity.
Cytogenetic characterization and mapping of the repetitive DNAs in Cycloramphus bolitoglossus (Werner, 1897): More clues for the chromosome evolution in the genus Cycloramphus (Anura, Cycloramphidae)
Authors: Bueno Gislayne de Paula , Gatto Kaleb Pretto , Gazolla Camilla Borges , Leivas Peterson T. , Struett Michelle M. , Moura Maurício , Bruschi Daniel Pacheco
Published: January 2021

Cycloramphus bolitoglossus (Werner, 1897) is a rare species with a low population density in the Serra do Mar region of Paraná and Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. Currently, it has been assigned to the Near Threatened (NT) category in the Brazilian List of Endangered Animal Species. Here, we described the karyotype of this species for the first time and investigated the patterns of some repetitive DNA classes in the chromosomes using molecular cytogenetic approaches. We isolated, sequenced and mapped the 5S rDNA and the satellite DNA PcP190 of C. bolitoglossus, as well as mapped the telomeric sequences and seven microsatellites motifies [(GA)15, (CA)15, (GACA)4, (GATA)8, (CAG)10, (CGC)10, and (GAA)]10. Cycloramphus bolitoglossus has 2n = 26 chromosomes and a fundamental number (FN) equal to 52, with a highly conserved karyotype compared to other genus members. Comparative cytogenetic under the phylogenetic context of genus allowed evolutionary interpretations of the morphological changes in the homologs of pairs 1, 3, and 6 along with the evolutionary history of Cycloramphus. Two subtypes of 5S rDNA type II were isolated in C. bolitoglossus genome, and several comparative analysis suggests mixed effects of concerted and birth-and-death evolution acting in this repetitive DNA. The 5S rDNA II subtype “a” and “b” was mapped on chromosome 1. However, their different position along chromosome 1 provide an excellent chromosome marker for future studies. PcP190 satellite DNA, already reported for species of the families Hylidae, Hylodidae, Leptodactylidae, and Odontophrynidae, is scattered throughout the C. bolitoglossus genome, and even non-heterochromatic regions showed hybridization signals using the PcP190 probe. Molecular analysis suggests that PcP190 satellite DNA exhibit a high-level of homogenization of this sequence in the genome of C. bolitoglossus. The PcP190 satDNA from C. bolitoglossus represents a novel sequence group, compared to other anurans, based on its hypervariable region. Overall, the present data on repetitive DNA sequences showed pseudogenization evidence and corroborated the hypothesis of the emergence of satDNA from rDNA 5S clusters. These two arguments that reinforced the importance of the birth-and-death evolutionary model to explain 5S rDNA patterns found in anuran genomes.
Impact of first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Weighting the risk of infection and flare
Authors: Zucchi Dina , Tani Chiara , Elefante Elena , Stagnaro Chiara , Carli Linda , Signorini Viola , Ferro Francesco , Trentin Francesca , Fulvio Giovanni , Cardelli Chiara , Di Battista Marco , Governato Gianmaria , Figliomeni Antonio , Mosca Marta
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) cohort; to assess correlations with disease characteristics and rheumatic therapy; and to evaluate the occurrence of treatment discontinuation and its impact on disease activity.

Materials and methods

SLE patients monitored by a single Italian centre were interviewed between February and July 2020. Patients were considered to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 infections in case of 1) positive nasopharyngeal swab; 2) positive serology associated with COVID19 suggesting symptoms. The following data were also recorded: clinical symptoms, adoption of social distancing measures, disease activity and treatment discontinuation.

Results

332 patients were enrolled in the study. Six patients (1.8%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with the incidence being significantly higher in the subgroup of patients treated with biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (p = 0.005), while no difference was observed for other therapies, age at enrollment, disease duration, type of cumulative organ involvement or adoption of social isolation. The course of the disease was mild. Thirty-six patients (11.1%) discontinued at least part of their therapy during this time period, and 27 (8.1%) cases of disease flare were recorded. Correlation between flare and discontinuation of therapy was statistically significant (p<0.001). No significant increase of rate of flare in a subgroup of the same patients during 2020 was observed.

Conclusion

Treatment discontinuation seems to be an important cause of disease flare. Our findings suggest that abrupt drug withdrawal should be avoided or evaluated with caution on the basis of individual infection risk and comorbidities.
Sex differences in susceptibility, severity, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019: Cross-sectional analysis from a diverse US metropolitan area
Authors: Vahidy Farhaan S. , Pan Alan P. , Ahnstedt Hilda , Munshi Yashasvee , Choi Huimahn A. , Tiruneh Yordanos , Nasir Khurram , Kash Bita A. , Andrieni Julia D. , McCullough Louise D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Sex is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the epidemiology and outcome of many diseases. This also appears to hold for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Evidence from China and Europe has suggested that mortality from COVID-19 infection is higher in men than women, but evidence from US populations is lacking. Utilizing data from a large healthcare provider, we determined if males, as compared to females have a higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, and if among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, male sex is independently associated with COVID-19 severity and poor in-hospital outcomes.

Methods and findings

Using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from a COVID-19 Surveillance and Outcomes Registry (CURATOR). Data were extracted from Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A total of 96,473 individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swab specimens via Polymerized Chain Reaction (PCR) tests were included. For hospital-based analyses, all patients admitted during the same time-period were included. Of the 96,473 patients tested, 14,992 (15.6%) tested positive, of whom 4,785 (31.9%) were hospitalized and 452 (9.5%) died. Among all patients tested, men were significantly older. The overall SARS-CoV-2 positivity among all tested individuals was 15.5%, and was higher in males as compared to females 17.0% vs. 14.6% [OR 1.20]. This sex difference held after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, marital status, insurance type, median income, BMI, smoking and 17 comorbidities included in Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) [aOR 1.39]. A higher proportion of males (vs. females) experienced pulmonary (ARDS, hypoxic respiratory failure) and extra-pulmonary (acute renal injury) complications during their hospital course. After adjustment, length of stay (LOS), need for mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in males as compared to females.

Conclusions

In this analysis of a large US cohort, males were more likely to test positive for COVID-19. In hospitalized patients, males were more likely to have complications, require ICU admission and mechanical ventilation, and had higher mortality than females, independent of age. Sex disparities in COVID-19 vulnerability are present, and emphasize the importance of examining sex-disaggregated data to improve our understanding of the biological processes involved to potentially tailor treatment and risk stratify patients.
Bacterial dormancy: A subpopulation of viable but non-culturable cells demonstrates better fitness for revival
Authors: Wagley Sariqa , Morcrette Helen , Kovacs-Simon Andrea , Yang Zheng R. , Power Ann , Tennant Richard K. , Love John , Murray Neil , Titball Richard W. , Butler Clive S.
Published: January 2021

The viable but non culturable (VBNC) state is a condition in which bacterial cells are viable and metabolically active, but resistant to cultivation using a routine growth medium. We investigated the ability of V. parahaemolyticus to form VBNC cells, and to subsequently become resuscitated. The ability to control VBNC cell formation in the laboratory allowed us to selectively isolate VBNC cells using fluorescence activated cell sorting, and to differentiate subpopulations based on their metabolic activity, cell shape and the ability to cause disease in Galleria mellonella. Our results showed that two subpopulations (P1 and P2) of V. parahaemolyticus VBNC cells exist and can remain dormant in the VBNC state for long periods. VBNC subpopulation P2, had a better fitness for survival under stressful conditions and showed 100% revival under favourable conditions. Proteomic analysis of these subpopulations (at two different time points: 12 days (T12) and 50 days (T50) post VBNC) revealed that the proteome of P2 was more similar to that of the starting microcosm culture (T0) than the proteome of P1. Proteins that were significantly up or down-regulated between the different VBNC populations were identified and differentially regulated proteins were assigned into 23 functional groups, the majority being assigned to metabolism functional categories. A lactate dehydrogenase (lldD) protein, responsible for converting lactate to pyruvate, was significantly upregulated in all subpopulations of VBNC cells. Deletion of the lactate dehydrogenase (RIMD2210633:ΔlldD) gene caused cells to enter the VBNC state significantly more quickly compared to the wild-type, and adding lactate to VBNC cells aided their resuscitation and extended the resuscitation window. Addition of pyruvate to the RIMD2210633:ΔlldD strain restored the wild-type VBNC formation profile. This study suggests that lactate dehydrogenase may play a role in regulating the VBNC state.
On the Problems of Periodization and Features of the Russian Enlightenment
Authors: Shirokova M.A.
Published: January 2021

In connection with the concept of the "new Enlightenment" formulated in the recent anniversary report of the Club of Rome, the author of the article analyzes the phenomenon of the Enlightenment in Russia. The points of view of domestic and foreign researchers on the positive and negative aspects of the Enlightenment, the reasons for the crisis of the "classical" Enlightenment and the need for its renewal are considered. One of the most important problems of the European Enlightenment of the 18th century - the crisis of public morality. The enlighteners borrowed the norms and values of traditional morality from religious consciousness, but sought to combine them with the guidelines for the rationalization and secularization of society and man. In Russia, this trend also took place, but the Russian Enlightenment is characterized by a more expressed axiologism, an orientation towards the mutual complementarity of moral values, scientific knowledge and socio-political progress.

The author also refers to the discussion about the chronological framework of the Russian Enlightenment, highlighting its three stages: Christianization of Ancient Rus; Europeanization of the Russian Empire in the 18th century; the formation of an independent science, culture and philosophy since the 1830s. In addition, the article talks about the dialectical unity and struggle of cultural and civilizational paradigms in the Enlightenment of Russia. It is concluded that the Russian philosophy, created in the polemics of Slavophiles and Westernizers, realized Kant's idea of the essence of Enlightenment -the ability to use one's own mind.
Ceramic Ware from the Mounds of the Pazyryk Culture of Xinjiang
Authors: Mu Ts.
Published: January 2021

This article presents offer a detailed description of the potteries discovered during the excavation of the Pazyryk community mounds in Xinjiang (China). Based on the fruitful achievements made by Chinese archaeologists, it takes into account the specifics concerning descriptions, dating as well as interpretations. The available artifacts are manifested in two illustrations and enable to carry out a comparative analysis of similar items found in the Altai Mountains in Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Furthermore, the article considers the prospects for investigating connections with other closely located cultures and issues of finding the origins and features of the already-established ceramic production. A comprehensive research of clay vessels from the Pazyryk burial items makes it possible to present their manufacturing techniques, and to reconstruct other domains of life support system for independent societies that resided in different regions of Altai and kept contact with other people, including those from the southern and eastern parts of Xinjiang. This requires a systematization of mass materials and the utilization of natural scientific methods in its study.
Expansão Rápido da Maxila: Um tratamento Atemporal
Authors: Araújo Marília Carolina de , Bocato Jéssica Rico , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire
Published: January 2021

A Ortodontia vem se transformando: a cada década que passa, encontramos novos meios para o tratamento ortopédico e ortodôntico. Alinhadores, planejamento digital, escaneamento intrabucal, aparelhos confeccionados por meio de impressões em 3D e aparelhos expansores ancorados em mini-implantes são alguns dos exemplos da “nova Ortodontia”. Porém, entre tantas novidades, algumas práticas são atemporais. Sabemos que alguns dos tratamentos são amplamente utilizados pelos ortodontistas, mesmo estando fora dos holofotes. Nossa boa e antiga Expansão Rápida da Maxila (ERM) é um exemplo disso.
Arco duplo para intrusão de primeiros molares superiores
extruídos em espaços de perda precoce de primeiros molares inferiores.
Authors: Bastos Marden
Published: January 2021

São comuns os casos de perda precoce de primeiros molares inferiores que resultam em inclinação mesial dos segundos molares inferiores e extrusão dos primeiros molares superiores no espaço das extrações. Existem várias formas de intruir os primeiros molares superiores, como, por exemplo, o uso de dois mini-implantes, um na vestibular e outro na palatina, com o uso de elásticos em cadeia que criam um sistema seguro e eficiente, com forças bem controladas e movimento previsível. Quando a instalação dos mini-implantes não é possível, uma alternativa eficiente é o uso de um arco duplo, com arco de NiTi 0,014” passando pelo dente extruído e um arco de aço 0,018” ancorando os demais dentes.
Avaliação do atrito e da rugosidade de três diferentes arcos de níquel-titânio
Authors: Almeida Marcio Rodrigues , Vasconcelos Juliana de Brito , Giunco Joseli Santos de Almeida , Almeida Renato Rodrigues de , Gonini Junior Alcides , Lopes Murilo Baena
Published: January 2021

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a força de atrito e a rugosidade de superfície de três diferentes fios de níquel-titânio. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados três fios distintos, todos da mesma espessura (0,016” x 0,022”): NiTi Superelástico Flexy Blue-Ti (Orthometric, Marí- lia / SP, Brasil); NiTi Superelástico Black (Ortho-Organizers, Carlsbad, CA, EUA); e NiTi Thermal Smart (Orthometric, Marília / SP, Brasil). Para cada tipo, dez amostras, de 30mm cada, foram testadas. Os fios foram adaptados em um braquete autoligado de incisivo inferior, fixado em um conector de PVC com resina acrílica, em duas angulações diferentes (0o e 5o), simulando situações clínicas distintas. A força de atrito foi avaliada em uma máquina universal de ensaios (EMIC), e a rugosidade de superfície foi avaliada utilizando-se um rugosímetro. Para verificação da normalidade dos dados, adotou-se o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov; e, para comparação entre os grupos, o teste ANOVA, seguido do teste de Tukey, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: O fio Blue-Ti apresentou menor atrito (0,065 Mpa), seguido do fio NiTi Black (0,174 Mpa) e do fio NiTi termoativado (0,244 Mpa). Ao se avaliar a rugosidade de superfície, o menor valor foi encontrado no fio NiTi Black (0,254 Ra), seguido pelos fios Blue-Ti (0,269 Ra) e NiTi-termo (0,358 Ra), sem, no entanto, apresentar diferença estatisticamente significativa. CONCLUSÃO: O fio superelástico Blue-Ti apresentou menor atrito, em ambas as angulações (0o e 5o). Quanto à rugosidade de superfície, não houve diferença entre os fios estudados.
Junção amelocementária, o ambiente cervical e os cuidados necessários: 20 anos depois
Authors: Consolaro Alberto , Neuvald Lilian
Published: January 2021

Depois de 20 anos da publicação da pesquisa que mudou o conhecimento sobre a junção amelocementária e passou a ser um dos artigos mais citados mundialmente sobre o assunto clareamento dentário e reabsorção cervical externa, será aqui relatada a contribuição desse trabalho na compreensão de algumas situações clínicas que envolvem a região cervical dos dentes, como: a reab- sorção cervical externa, a hipersensibilidade dentinária pós-clareamento, a abfração e outras, especialmente as relacionadas à clínica ortodôntica.
Связанная нестационарная задача термоэлектроупругости для длинного полого цилиндра
Authors: Шляхин Дмитрий Аверкиевич , Shlyakhin Dmitriy Averkievich , Кальмова Мария Александровна , Kal'mova Mariya Alexandrovna
Published: January 2021

Построено новое замкнутое решение связанной нестационарной задачи термоэлектроупругости для длинного пьезокерамического радиально поляризованного цилиндра при удовлетворении на его лицевых поверхностях граничных условий теплопроводности 1-го и 3-го рода. Рассматривается случай, когда скорость изменения температурного поля не оказывает влияние на инерционные характеристики упругой системы, что позволяет включить в исходные расчетные соотношения рассматриваемой задачи линейные уравнения равновесия, электростатики и теплопроводности относительно радиальной компоненты вектора перемещений, электрического потенциала, а также функции изменения температурного поля. В расчетах применяется классический закон теплопроводности Фурье.
Для решения задачи используется математический аппарат неполного разделения переменных в виде обобщенного биортогонального конечного интегрального преобразования, основанного на многокомпонентном соотношении собственных вектор-функций двух однородных краевых задач. Важным моментом в процедуре структурного алгоритма данного метода является выделение сопряженного оператора, без которого невозможно осуществить решение несамосопряженных линейных задач математической физики.
Построенные расчетные соотношения дают возможность определить напряженно-деформированное состояние, температурное и электрическое поля, индуцируемые в пьезокерамическом элементе при произвольном температурном внешнем воздействии. Анализ численных результатов позволяет определить толщину стенки цилиндра, при которой электрическое поле приводит к перераспределению температурного поля. Установлено, что скорость изменения объема пьезокерамического тела при внешнем температурном воздействии не оказывает существенного влияния на температурное поле.
Разработанный алгоритм расчета находит свое применение при проектировании нерезонансных пьезоэлектрических датчиков температуры.
Using the monocyte activation test as a stand-alone release test for medical devices
Authors: Brown Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

Monocyte activation tests (MAT) are widely available but rarely used in place of animal-based pyrogen tests for safety assessment of medical devices. To address this issue, the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Eval­uation of Alternative Toxicological Methods and the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. convened a workshop at the National Institutes of Health on September 18-19, 2018. Participants included representatives from MAT testing laboratories, medical device manufacturers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radio­logic Health (CDRH), the U.S. Pharmacopeia, the International Organization for Standardization, and experts in the development of MAT protocols. Discussions covered industry experiences with the MAT, remaining challenges, and how CDRH’s Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) Program, which qualifies tools for use in evaluating medical devices to streamline device development and regulatory evaluation, could be a pathway to qualify the use of MAT in place of the rabbit pyrogen test and the limulus amebocyte lysate test for medical device testing. Workshop outcomes and fol­low-up activities are discussed.
An Analysis of Feature Selection Algorithm and their Optimization - A Scrutiny
Authors: Nayagi S. Bharani , Angel T.S. Shiny
Published: January 2021

The eradication of correlated evidence of the enormous volume of the directory is designated as data mining. Extracting discriminate knowledge associate with the approach is performed by a feature of knowledge. Knowledge rejuvenation is carried out as features and the process is delineated as a feature selection mechanism. Feature selection is a subset of features, acquired more information. Before data mining, Feature selection is essential to trim down the elevated dimensional information. Without feature selection pre-processing techniques, classification required interminable calculation duration which might lead to intricacy. The foremost intention of the analysis is to afford a summary of feature selection approaches adopted to evaluate the extreme extensive features.