bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes of CSF sTREM2 in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease: the CABLE study
Authors: Ma Ling-Zhi , Tan Lan , Bi Yan-Lin , Shen Xue-Ning , Xu Wei , Ma Ya-Hui , Li Hong-Qi , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: April 2020

Background

Loss of function of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2), a key receptor selectively expressed by microglia in the brain, contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Whether TREM2 levels are pathologically altered during the preclinical phase, and whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble TREM2 protein (sTREM2) has a relationship with major pathological processes including Aβ and tau deposition are still unclear.

Methods

According to the NIA-AA criteria, 659 cognitively normal participants from the Chinese Alzheimer’s Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) cohort were divided into four groups, stage 0 (normal Aβ1–42, T-tau and P-tau), stage 1 (low Aβ1–42, normal T-tau and P-tau), stage 2 (low Aβ1–42 and high T-tau or P-tau), and suspected non-AD pathology (SNAP) (normal Aβ1–42 and high T-tau or P-tau), to examine changes of CSF sTREM2 in the preclinical AD. Biomarker cut-off was based on the assumption that one-third of adults with normal cognition have AD pathology.

Results

The level of CSF sTREM2 in the stage 1 decreased compared with the stage 0 (P < 0.001), and then increased in the stage 2 (P = 0.008). SNAP individuals also had significantly increased CSF sTREM2 (P < 0.001). Results of multiple linear regressions also showed positive correlations of CSF sTREM2 with Aβ1–42 (β = 0.192, P < 0.001), T-tau (β = 0.215, P < 0.001) and P-tau (β = 0.123, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CSF sTREM2 levels are dynamic in preclinical AD. Aβ pathology is associated with a decrease in CSF sTREM2 in the absence of tau deposition and neurodegeneration. However, tau pathology and neurodegeneration are associated with an increase in CSF sTREM2.
Alternatively activated macrophages are associated with the α2AP production that occurs with the development of dermal fibrosis
Authors: Kanno Yosuke , Shu En , Niwa Hirofumi , Kanoh Hiroyuki , Seishima Mariko
Published: April 2020

Background

Fibrotic diseases are characterized by tissue overgrowth, hardening, and/or scarring because of the excessive production, deposition, and contraction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying these disorders remain unclear. It was recently reported that α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) is elevated in fibrotic tissue and that it is associated with the development of fibrosis. In the present study, we examined the mechanism underlying the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis.

Methods

To clarify the mechanism underlying the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis, we focused on high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which is associated with the development of fibrosis. The mouse model of bleomycin-induced fibrosis was used to evaluate the production of α2AP on the development of fibrosis.

Results

We found that HMGB1 induced the production of α2AP through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in fibroblasts. Next, we showed that macrophage reduction by a macrophage-depleting agent, clodronate, attenuated the progression of fibrosis and the production of α2AP and HMGB1 in the bleomycin-induced mice. We also showed that IL-4-stimulated alternatively activated macrophages induced the production of HMGB1, that IL-4-stimulated alternatively activated macrophage conditioned media (CM) induced pro-fibrotic changes and α2AP production, and that the inhibition of HMGB1 and RAGE attenuated these effects in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the blockade of IL-4 signaling by IL-4Rα neutralizing antibodies attenuated the progression of fibrosis and the production of α2AP and HMGB1 in the bleomycin-induced mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that alternatively activated macrophage-derived HMGB1 induced the production of α2AP through RAGE and that these effects are associated with the development of fibrosis. Our findings may provide a clinical strategy for managing fibrotic disorders.
Metformin rescues rapamycin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and attenuates rheumatoid arthritis with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kim Eun Kyung , Min Hong Ki , Lee Seon-Yeong , Kim Da-Som , Ryu Jun-Geol , Na Hyun Sik , Jung Kyoung Ah , Choi Jeong Won , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: April 2020

Background

Rapamycin, an inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein kinase mTOR, is an immunosuppressant used to treat renal transplant recipients, but it can cause endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction. Metformin is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and was reported to exert therapeutic effects against rheumatoid arthritis and obesity by improving mitochondrial dysfunction via the activation of fibroblast growth factor 21. We investigated the therapeutic effects of rapamycin–metformin combination therapy in obese mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were treated with rapamycin, metformin, or rapamycin–metformin, and their respiratory level and mitochondrial gene expression were assayed. Mice were fed a high-fat diet, immunized with type II collagen, and subsequently treated with rapamycin–metformin daily for 10 weeks.

Results

Rapamycin-treated cells exhibited dysfunction of mitochondrial respiration and decreased mitochondrial gene expression compared with rapamycin–metformin-treated cells. Moreover, rapamycin–metformin reduced the clinical arthritis score and the extent of histological inflammation and improved the metabolic profile in obese mice with CIA. Rapamycin–metformin enhanced the balance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rapamycin–metformin is a potential therapeutic option for autoimmune arthritis.
Single center experience on implementation of the postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) in Sri Lanka: a retrospective study
Authors: Dasanayake D. L. W. , Patabendige M. , Amarasinghe Y.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

to study the institutionalization of PPIUD services at Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara, Galle (THMG) and to study the feasibility, challenges and barriers for implementation.

Results

Total of 46,815 deliveries had occurred in the facility during the study period. Out of that 23,117 (49.4%) women had been counseled and 5775 (25.0%) of them were primigravida and 892 (3.9%) were teenage mothers. Total of 14,051 (60.8%) women were interviewed, but only 772 (5.5%) women consented for PPIUD. Consent withdrawal was seen in 29 (3.8%) cases. A total of 409 community health staff were trained for counseling and follow up. PPIUD uptake was 470 (3.4%) which is comparable to national figures. Follow up data at 1 year was available from 199 women and spontaneous expulsion had occurred in eight (6.7%) cases with no cases of perforation or failure in terms of pregnancy. This short report gives the impression that PPIUD can be successfully implemented in resource limited settings and this also provides a feedback for the policy makers to take the necessary actions to improve the uptake of this cost effective, safe PPFP method. A routine PPIUD service has been successfully established within a tertiary care maternity setting in Sri Lanka.
Leveraging machine learning and big data for optimizing medication prescriptions in complex diseases: a case study in diabetes management
Authors: Hosseini Mahsa Madani , Zargoush Manaf , Alemi Farrokh , Kheirbek Raya Elfadel
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a novel algorithm for optimizing decision variables with respect to an outcome variable of interest in complex problems, such as those arising from big data. The proposed algorithm builds on the notion of Markov blankets in Bayesian networks to alleviate the computational challenges associated with optimization tasks in complex datasets. Through a case study, we apply the algorithm to optimize medication prescriptions for diabetic patients, who have different characteristics, suffer from multiple comorbidities, and take multiple medications concurrently. In particular, we demonstrate how the optimal combination of diabetic medications can be found by examining the comparative effectiveness of the medications among similar patients. The case study is based on 5 years of data for 19,223 diabetic patients. Our results indicate that certain patient characteristics (e.g., clinical and demographic features) influence optimal treatment decisions. Among patients examined, monotherapy with metformin was the most common optimal medication decision. The results are consistent with the relevant clinical guidelines and reports in the medical literature. The proposed algorithm obviates the need for knowledge of the whole Bayesian network model, which can be very complex in big data problems. The procedure can be applied to any complex Bayesian network with numerous features, multiple decision variables, and a target variable.
Using real-time online preprocessed mouse tracking for lower storage and transmission costs
Authors: Purnama Fajar , Usagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2020

Pageview is the most popular webpage analytic metric in all sectors including blogs, business, e-commerce, education, entertainment, research, social media, and technology. To perform deeper analysis, additional methods are required such as mouse tracking, which can help researchers understand online user behavior on a single webpage. However, the geometrical data generated by mouse tracking are extremely large, and qualify as big data. A single swipe on a webpage from left to right can generate a megabyte (MB) of data. Fortunately, the geometrical data of each x and y point of the mouse trail are not always needed. Sometimes, analysts only need the heat map of a certain area or perhaps just a summary of the number of activities that occurred on a webpage. Therefore, recording all geometrical data is sometimes unnecessary. This work introduces preprocessing during real-time and online mouse tracking sessions. The preprocessing that is introduced converts the geometrical data from each x and y point to a region-of-interest concentration, in other words only heat map areas that the analyzer is interested in. Ultimately, the approach used here is able to greatly reduce the storage and transmission cost of real-time online mouse tracking.
Intramural metastasis to the appendix from ascending colon cancer: a case report
Authors: Abe Toshiya , Sakai Hiroshi , Hayashi Masataka , Nakamura So , Takesue Shin , Sada Masafumi , Kozono Shingo , Kitaura Yoshiki , Tanabe Yoshitaka , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Mine Mari , Tamiya Sadafumi , Nakano Toru
Published: April 2020

Background

Intramural metastasis is rare in colorectal cancer, especially metastasis of ascending colon cancer to the appendix.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for surgery for ascending colon cancer detected by medical examination. Colonoscopy identified a type-2 tumor in the ascending colon, which was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. Abdominal computed tomography revealed focal thickening of the ascending colon and middle of the appendix and swelling of the lymph nodes around the ileocolic artery. The patient underwent laparoscopic right hemi-colectomy with D3 lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings revealed that the ascending colon cancer was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with lymphatic and vascular invasion (stage IIIB; pT3N2M0). Additionally, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was observed mainly in the submucosa and muscularis propria of the appendix, which was approximately 10 cm proximal to the ascending colon cancer. These findings indicated intramural metastasis to the appendix from the ascending colon cancer. The patient experienced recurrence with lung metastasis 2.5 years after the first surgery.

Conclusions

Intramural metastasis of ascending colon cancer to the appendix is extremely rare. Because the risk of recurrence and the prognosis for intramural metastasis has not been clarified, careful follow-up is recommended.
Specific vagus nerve stimulation parameters alter serum cytokine levels in the absence of inflammation
Authors: Tsaava Téa , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir , Addorisio Meghan E. , Masi Emily Battinelli , Silverman Harold A. , Newman Justin E. , Imperato Gavin H. , Bouton Chad , Tracey Kevin J. , Chavan Sangeeta S. , Chang Eric H.
Published: April 2020

Background

Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is a widely used technique to treat a variety of conditions including chronic pain, motor impairment, headaches, and epilepsy. Nerve stimulation to achieve efficacious symptomatic relief depends on the proper selection of electrical stimulation parameters to recruit the appropriate fibers within a nerve. Recently, electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve has shown promise for controlling inflammation and clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. This application of vagus nerve stimulation activates the inflammatory reflex, reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines during inflammation.

Methods

Here, we wanted to test whether altering the parameters of electrical vagus nerve stimulation would change circulating cytokine levels of normal healthy animals in the absence of increased inflammation. To examine this, we systematically tested a set of electrical stimulation parameters and measured serum cytokine levels in healthy mice.

Results

Surprisingly, we found that specific combinations of pulse width, pulse amplitude, and frequency produced significant increases of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF), while other parameters selectively lowered serum TNF levels, as compared to sham-stimulated mice. In addition, serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly increased by select parameters of electrical stimulation but remained unchanged with others.

Conclusions

These results indicate that electrical stimulation parameter selection is critically important for the modulation of cytokines via the cervical vagus nerve and that specific cytokines can be increased by electrical stimulation in the absence of inflammation. As the next generation of bioelectronic therapies and devices are developed to capitalize on the neural regulation of inflammation, the selection of nerve stimulation parameters will be a critically important variable for achieving cytokine-specific changes.
Fostering students’ socioscientific decision-making: exploring the effectiveness of an environmental science competition
Authors: Garrecht Carola , Eckhardt Marc , Höffler Tim Niclas , Harms Ute
Published: April 2020

To make informed decisions has been acknowledged as an essential ability to negotiate socioscientific issues. However, many young people show an inadequate understanding of how to make well-informed decisions, particularly in contexts that are connected to environmental problems. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of an environmental science competition (BundesUmweltWettbewerb, BUW) to foster students’ socioscientific decision-making. Two different instruments, a paper-pencil test (N = 196 students) and retrospective interviews (N = 10 students), have been used in two successive studies. In addition, both of the applied instruments are investigated theoretically using the “assessment triangle” of the National Research Council (National Research Council, Knowing What Students Know, 2001) as a framework. The results of our studies indicate that participating in the environmental science competition predominantly fosters students’ socioscientific decision-making in its pre-selectional phase. We further argue that promoting the selectional phase of decision-making requires explicit and instructional guidance. With respect to the assessment of socioscientific decision-making, a focus on either structural (decision-making strategies) or contextual (decision content) conditions is argued. Outcomes are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications.
Storytelling Through Music: A Multidimensional Expressive Arts Intervention to Improve Emotional Well-Being of Oncology Nurses
Authors: Phillips Carolyn S. , Volker Deborah L. , Davidson Kristin L. , Becker Heather
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

Rates of burnout among health care professionals are rising. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of cancer care, and maintenance of their well-being is crucial to delivering high-quality care to people with cancer. The purpose of this pilot study was to implement a novel intervention, Storytelling Through Music, and examine the effects on depression, insomnia, loneliness, self-awareness, self-compassion, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction in oncology nurses.

METHODS:

This two-group (intervention and control), quasi-experimental study of a 6-week intervention combined storytelling, reflective writing, songwriting, and stress management skills.

RESULTS:

Participants (N = 43) were predominately white (98%), with 27% reporting Hispanic ethnicity, and female (95%); their average oncology experience was 8.5 years. Both groups improved significantly over time on all measures. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group also had significantly less loneliness ( F[3, 98] = 7.46; P < .001) and insomnia ( F[3, 120] = 5.77; P < .001) and greater self-compassion ( F[3, 105] = 2.88; P < .05) and self-awareness ( F[3, 120] = 2.42; P < .10).

CONCLUSION:

There are few opportunities for health care professionals to reflect on the impact of caregiving. The Storytelling Through Music intervention provided a structured space for reflection by participants, individually and among their peers, which decreased loneliness and increased self-compassion. Both factors relate to the burnout that affects the oncology health care workforce.
Novel Acclimatization and Acclimation Strategies for Hot Climates
Authors: Song Kaoru , Richter Madeline , Waxenbaum Joshua , Samblanet Kyle , Lu Myro
Published: April 2020

Exercising in hot, humid temperatures increases the risk for heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild heat edema to severe heat stroke. With increasing globalization in the world of sports, athletes are sometimes expected to compete in unforgiving conditions that expose them to these risks. In an effort to improve exercise capacity and reduce the risk of serious heat injury, many athletes are recommended to undergo heat acclimatization program prior to competing in climates with elevated average temperature. This article will look at current recommendations as well as studies on differing techniques for acclimatization and acclimation, with hopes to provide guidance for the modern-day clinician and athletes.
Evaluating DCA-based method performances for RNA contact prediction by a well-curated data set
Authors: Pucci Fabrizio , Zerihun Mehari B. , Peter Emanuel K. , Schug Alexander
Published: April 2020

RNA molecules play many pivotal roles in a cell that are still not fully understood. Any detailed understanding of RNA function requires knowledge of its three-dimensional structure, yet experimental RNA structure resolution remains demanding. Recent advances in sequencing provide unprecedented amounts of sequence data that can be statistically analyzed by methods such as direct coupling analysis (DCA) to determine spatial proximity or contacts of specific nucleic acid pairs, which improve the quality of structure prediction. To quantify this structure prediction improvement, we here present a well curated data set of about 70 RNA structures of high resolution and compare different nucleotide–nucleotide contact prediction methods available in the literature. We observe only minor differences between the performances of the different methods. Moreover, we discuss how robust these predictions are for different contact definitions and how strongly they depend on procedures used to curate and align the families of homologous RNA sequences.
EFFECT OF PEANUT TYPES ON PATTIES ANALOGUE CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Novikasari Nur Annisa Metya , Wati Anita Kurnia , Khikmah Nur , Muflihati Iffah
Published: April 2020

Patties analogs are products made from vegetable protein that is not from meat but resembles the nature of meat. Patties analog has several features, including being made or formulated so that the nutritional value is higher than the original meat. The purpose of the study was to determine the process of making patties analog, to determine the formulation of mung bean flour, kidney bean flour and peanut flour combined with wheat flour, to produce the best patties analog. Moreover, it is to determine the yield’s physical, chemical, and sensory of patties analog produced. The main ingredients used are kidney bean flour, mung bean flour, and peanut flour, as well as additional ingredients such as oyster mushrooms, high protein wheat flour, and seasonings with the same percentage. Based on the analysis of the water content of the three samples, the highest value is the water content of kidney bean flour patties (25.88%). The highest ash content is indicated by mung bean flour patties which is equal to 0.08%. The highest fat content obtained by peanut patties with a value of 0.4% and the highest WHC is found in peanut patties that is 2.9867%. Meanwhile, based on the organoleptic test, the most preferred patty analog by panelists is a patty made of mung bean flour.
Bioactive compounds content of Snake Fruit Peel, Aloe Vera, and Stevia Extracts as Raw Material of Functional Drinks
Authors: Khairi Amalya Nurul , Nurkhasanah Nurkhasanah
Published: April 2020

The objective of the research is to analyze the content of the bioactive compounds of extracts made of snake fruit skin, Aloe vera, and Stevia as materials to make functional drinks. Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss. cultivar has flavonoid, tannin, and a bit of alkaloid on its fruit peel. Aloe vera and Stevia also known to have antioxidant compounds. Aloe vera controls the metabolism of carbohydrates and maintaining homeostasis of glucose. The research methods are divided into steps: 1) the extraction of Snake fruit peel, Aloe vera, and Stevia; 2) the formulation of the functional drink; 3)the evaluation of antioxidant, total phenol, and tannin levels of the formulated extracts. The research used Randomized Group Design (RGD) of two factors, and each factor consists of 4 levels and 2 levels. Factor I=the ratio of snake fruit peel:Aloe vera extract (10:90 (v/v); 30:70 (v/v); 70:30 (v/v); 90:10 (v/v)) and factor II= addition of Stevia filtrate (2%; 4%) (v/v total). The best nutrient of the formulated functional drink is obtained by the composition of 90% snake fruit peel extract, 10% aloe vera, and 4% stevia. The snake fruit peel extract significantly affects the antioxidant activity and total phenol composition, aloe vera extract has an insignificant effect on active compounds, and stevia affects the tannin level of the functional drink.
Nurses' experiences of pain management in end-of-life dementia care: a literature review
Authors: May Kerry , Scammell Janet
Published: April 2020

Background:

Nurses play an important role in assessing and managing pain. However, this is often poorly managed for people living with dementia.

Aim:

To explore nurses' experiences of pain management in end-of-life dementia care.

Methods:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic narrative review of research papers published in English between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. Data sources were CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect and SocIndex. Articles focused on nursing at the end of life and pain management in people with dementia.

Findings:

Eight articles were retrieved that met the search criteria. Four studies used qualitative methodology, two quantitative and two mixed methods. Studies from the UK dominated (n=5), the remainder were from Sweden, Norway and the US. Following thematic analysis, three themes were identified: training and education in pain management at the end of life for people with dementia, challenges in identifying pain and pain assessment tool use.

Conclusion:

The review revealed inadequate education for nurses concerning end-of-life care for people living with dementia, notably concerning pain recognition and use of assessment tools. It is recommended that specialist education is mandated for all nurses working with this client group to improve care delivery.
Design, fabrication and characterization of a distributed Bragg reflector for reducing the étendue of a wavelength converting system
Authors: Gao Boxuan , George John Puthenparampil , Beeckman Jeroen , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: April 2020

In this work, the design, fabrication and characterization are reported for a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) filter with a specific wavelength and angular dependency, which aims to improve the light collection from a wavelength-converter-based light source into a smaller angle than the full angle Lambertian emission. The desired design is obtained by optimizing the transmission characteristics of a multi-layer structure. Titania (TiO2) and silica (SiO2) are used as high and low refractive index materials, respectively. The deposition is made by electron beam evaporation without substrate heating, followed by a post-annealing procedure. The optical properties of the evaporated layers are analyzed by ellipsometer and spectrometer measurements. The angular and wavelength dependency of the fabricated DBR is in good agreement with simulations for the designed structure.
High power continuous wave operation of single mode quantum cascade lasers up to 5 W spanning λ∼3.8-8.3 µm
Authors: Lu Quanyong , Slivken Steven , Wu Donghai , Razeghi Manijeh
Published: April 2020

In this work, we report high power continuous wave room-temperature operation single mode quantum cascade lasers in the mid-infrared spectral range from 3.8 to 8.3 µm. Single mode robustness and dynamic range are enhanced by optimizing the distributed feedback grating coupling design and the facet coatings. High power single mode operation is secured by circumventing the over-coupling issue and spatial hole burning effect. Maximum single-facet continuous-wave output power of 5.1 W and wall plug efficiency of 16.6% is achieved at room temperature. Single mode operation with a side mode suppression ratio of 30 dB and single-lobed far field with negligible beam steering is observed. The significantly increased power for single mode emission will boost the QCL applications in long-range free-space communication and remote sensing of hazardous chemicals.
Ultra-high capacity for three-dimensional optical data storage inside transparent fluorescent tape: erratum
Authors: Yuan Xupeng , Zhao Miao , Guo Xinjun , Li Yao , Yu Yang , Gan Zongsong , Ruan Hao
Published: April 2020

In Opt.
Lett. 45, 1535
(2020)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.387278, there was an error
regarding the corresponding author assignment. That error is corrected
here.
High-temperature stable fiber Bragg gratings with ultra strong cladding modes written using the phase mask technique and an infrared femtosecond laser: erratum
Authors: Abdukerim Nurmemet , Grobnic Dan , Hnatovsky Cyril , Mihailov Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

In this erratum, we correct the mistakes in Eqs. (2) and (2a) in
Opt. Lett.
45, 443 (2020).OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.381111
High-power picosecond deep-UV source via group velocity matched frequency conversion
Authors: Willenberg Benjamin , Brunner Fabian , Phillips Christopher R. , Keller Ursula
Published: April 2020

Powerful ultrashort pulses in the deep-ultraviolet (deep-UV) are beneficial for diverse applications from fundamental science to industrial materials processing. However, reaching high powers via conventional approaches is challenging due to three central issues: dispersion, multiphoton absorption, and optical damage. Here, we simultaneously overcome these issues with a novel fifth-harmonic generation architecture optimized for group velocity matching. We use tilted pulse fronts, including a noncollinear geometry in the final sum-frequency generation stage. This enables lower intensities and longer crystals, thereby favoring the birefringently phase matched

χ

(
2
)

process over higher-order multiphoton absorption processes. Moreover, we demonstrate low-loss cascaded

χ

(
2
)

-based spatiotemporal flattening of the input pulses, which enhances the uniformity of the conversion efficiency throughout the beam profile. Through these techniques, we realize a picosecond deep-UV generation source at 206 nm with record-high 2.5 W average output power and a repetition rate of 100 kHz. This result paves the way for a new era of high-power ultrafast deep-UV lasers.
Coherently refreshing hypersonic phonons for light storage
Authors: Stiller Birgit , Merklein Moritz , Wolff Christian , Vu Khu , Ma Pan , Madden Stephen J. , Eggleton Benjamin J.
Published: April 2020

Acoustic waves can serve as memory for optical information; however, propagating acoustic phonons in the gigahertz (GHz) regime decay on the nanosecond time scale. Usually this is dominated by intrinsic acoustic loss due to inelastic scattering of the acoustic waves and thermal phonons. Here we show a way to counteract the intrinsic acoustic decay of the phonons in a waveguide by resonantly reinforcing the acoustic wave via synchronized optical pulses. We experimentally demonstrate coherent on-chip storage in amplitude and phase up to 40 ns, 4 times the intrinsic acoustic lifetime in the waveguide. Through theoretical considerations, we anticipate that this concept allows for storage times up to microseconds within realistic experimental limitations while maintaining a GHz bandwidth of the optical signal.
Multi-core fiber integrated multi-port beam splitters for quantum information processing
Authors: Cariñe J. , Cañas G. , Skrzypczyk P. , Šupić I. , Guerrero N. , Garcia T. , Pereira L. , Prosser M. A. S. , Xavier G. B. , Delgado A. , Walborn S. P. , Cavalcanti D. , Lima G.
Published: April 2020

Multi-port beam splitters are cornerstone devices for high-dimensional quantum information tasks, which can outperform the two-dimensional ones. Nonetheless, the fabrication of such devices has proven to be challenging with progress only recently achieved with the advent of integrated photonics. Here, we report on the production of high-quality

N
×
N

(with

N
=
4
,
7

) multi-port beam splitters based on a new scheme for manipulating multi-core optical fibers. By exploring their compatibility with optical fiber components, we create four-dimensional quantum systems and implement the measurement-device-independent random number generation task with a programmable four-arm interferometer operating at a 2 MHz repetition rate. Due to the high visibilities observed, we surpass the one-bit limit of binary protocols and attain 1.23 bits of certified private randomness per experimental round. Our result demonstrates that fast switching, low loss, and high optical quality for high-dimensional quantum information can be simultaneously achieved with multi-core fiber technology.
Ultrabroadband and sensitive cavity optomechanical magnetometry
Authors: Li Bei-Bei , Brawley George , Greenall Hamish , Forstner Stefan , Sheridan Eoin , Rubinsztein-Dunlop Halina , Bowen Warwick P.
Published: April 2020

Magnetostrictive optomechanical cavities provide a new optical readout approach to room-temperature magnetometry. Here we report ultrasensitive and ultrahigh bandwidth cavity optomechanical magnetometers constructed by embedding a grain of the magnetostrictive material Terfenol-D within a high quality (

Q

) optical microcavity on a silicon chip. By engineering their physical structure, we achieve a peak sensitivity of

26
  
pT
/

Hz

comparable to the best cryogenic microscale magnetometers, along with a 3 dB bandwidth as high as 11.3 MHz. Two classes of magnetic response are observed, which we postulate arise from the crystallinity of the Terfenol-D. This allows single crystalline and polycrystalline grains to be distinguished at the level of a single particle. Our results may enable applications such as lab-on-chip nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and magnetic navigation.
Computational 4D imaging of light-in-flight with relativistic effects
Authors: Zheng Yue , Sun Ming-Jie , Wang Zhi-Guang , Faccio Daniele
Published: April 2020

Light-in-flight imaging enables the visualization and characterization of light propagation, which provides essential information for the study of the fundamental phenomena of light. A camera images an object by sensing the light emitted or reflected from it, and interestingly, when a light pulse itself is to be imaged, the relativistic effects, caused by the fact that the distance a pulse travels between consecutive frames is of the same scale as the distance that scattered photons travel from the pulse to the camera, must be accounted for to acquire accurate space–time information of the light pulse. Here, we propose a computational light-in-flight imaging scheme that records the projection of light-in-flight on a transverse x−y plane using a single-photon avalanche diode camera, calculates

z

and

t

information of light-in-flight via an optical model, and therefore reconstructs its accurate (

x

,

y

,

z

,

t

) four-dimensional information. The proposed scheme compensates the temporal distortion in the recorded arrival time to retrieve the accurate time of a light pulse, with respect to its corresponding spatial location, without performing any extra measurements. Experimental light-in-flight imaging in a three-dimensional space of

375
  
mm
×
75
  
mm
×
50
  
mm

is performed, showing that the position error is 1.75 mm, and the time error is 3.84 ps despite the fact that the camera time resolution is 55 ps, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed scheme. This work provides a method to expand the recording and measuring of repeatable transient events with extremely weak scattering to four dimensions and can be applied to the observation of optical phenomena with ps temporal resolution.
THE ROLE OF STUDENT YOUTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANTI-CORRUPTION CIVIL SOCIETY: ILLUSION OR REALITY?
Authors: Akulova Tatiana N. , Plaksina Nadejda V. , Smirnova Elena V.
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the role and participation of students in building a «new» type of civil society from the perspective of an anti-corruption component. According to the authors, the most important criterion for the structure and construction of statehood is the propaganda of a negative attitude to corruption as a phenomenon that undermines public confidence in government bodies, government institutions, and public social institutions. The problem of the fight against corruption is relevant and at the present stage of the formation of our state requires active role participation. An important role and significance is assigned to students in the formation of the basic and key areas of modern state strategies in the anti-corruption vector. The authors substantiate the special role of students in the construction of a new formation by the absence of stable stereotypes due to age. The article presents and analyzes the results of a study on the attitude of students to fundamental changes in the Government of the Russian Federation, reveals ideas about the program for the development of the state and society in the near future from the perspective of students' opinions.
COVID-19 And SARS-COV-2 Infection And Virulence: Hypothesis I
Authors: Tung H.Y. Lim
Published: April 2020

SARS-COV-2 is the etiologic agent of COVID-19. There is currently no effective means of preventing infections by SARS-COV-2, except through restriction of population movement and contact. An understanding of the origin, evolution and biochemistry (molecular biology) of SARS-COV-2 is a prerequite to its control. There is no definitive answer as to the origin of SARS-COV-2. The evolution of SARS-COV-2 can be gleaned from a comparative study of its infectivity and virulence in different populations and environments. From an analysis of the infectivity and virulence of SARS-COV-2 in different parts of the world, it is submitted that there is no correlation between infectivity and virulence of SARS-COV-2. It is therefore hypothesized that SARS-COV-2 may be a rapidly mutating virus and identification of SARS-COV-2 strain(s) that has/have increased virulence is essential in the formulation of any effective vaccine or prophylactic that targets SARS-COV-2.
Malaria and Typhoid Fever Coinfection in the Hospital University of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Authors: Ibrahim Sangaré , Yacouba Sourabié , Wenceslas Bazié Wilfried , Constant Sirima , Fabrice Da , Soufiane Sanou Do , Jacques Zoungrana , Armel Poda , Salam Ouédraogo Abdoul , Sanata Bamba
Published: April 2020

Malaria and typhoid fever are two endemic infectious diseases in developing tropical countries including Burkina Faso. There are two distinct infectious diseases with many similar clinical signs. In each sanitary area, it is important to describe the "typhomalaria" epidemiology to elaborate adequate diagnosis algorithm and efficient treatment protocol. A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to October 2014 in the lab department of University Hospital Souro SANOU, Bobo-Dioulasso. All microscopy positive malaria during the study period was included. Serodiagnosis of Widal and Felix was performed systematically in all Plasmodium spmalaria cases. Titers of antibodies anti-agglutinin O equal or higher than 1/400 and/or 1/800 for anti-agglutinin H antibodies were considered positive for Salmonella sp. A total of 283 malaria cases were included in this study, majority falciparum malaria. In this malaria cases, 91 patients were seropositive for Salmonella sp. "Typhomalaria" co-infection prevalence was 34.3% (CI 95% (28.8%; 40.1%)). The patient with the normal hemoglobin rate had the highest prevalence of co-infection (46.7% versus 30.9; p=0.02). Malaria and typhoid fever co-infection was high (approximately 1/3 of malaria cases) in University hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso. This study revealed the need to explore typhoid fever in malaria confirmed cases, especially in persistent fevers and non-anemic situation despite adapting antimalarial treatment.
The Possibility of Using the Fresh Water Bivalve, Spathopsis Rubens, in The Nile River, El Mahmoudia Water Stream as Bioindicator For Pollution
Authors: Radwan E H , Mawgood A Abdel , Ghonim A Z , Nagar R El
Published: April 2020

Bivalves are used as bioindicators of heavy metals pollution because they are known to concentrate these elements, providing a time integrated indication of environmental contamination. Trace metals can reach high concentrations in sediments and also in aquatic organisms by bioaccumulation through the food chain. Six heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Cu) were collected and investigated from Abu Hummus, El Behara. The concentration of Hg was high in winter as 2.3µg/g in sediment. The Zn concentration was high in summer in sediment as 8.1µg/g. The Pb concentration was high in winter in water as 3.3µg/l. The concentration of Fe in sediment was high in summer as 492 µg/g. The concentration of Mg was high in sediment as 408µg/g. The concentration of Cu was high in summer in sediment as 301µg/g. The mean concentrations of Fe in the present study are within the permissible limits of law 48/1982 (<1 mg/l) and the guideline of (WHO, 1993) which is <1 mg/l. The mean concentration level of copper is within the permissible limits of law 48/1982 (<1.0 mg/l). The mean levels of the heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Cu) detected in the present study in the water stream are less than the permissible limits recommended by (USEPA, 2005). In the present study there is a significance between all seasons in the protein content in the soft tissue of Spathopsisrubensas the mean concentration level in Spring was reported as 102.83mg/g which is higher then that of autumn 100.5mg/g, summer 93.33 mg/g and winter 80.50 mg/g. In the present study the mean activity level of GPx in spring was higher than the other seasons such as spring 31.33u/g ˃ summer 28.33 u/g ˃Autumn 26.67 u/g ˃ winter 20.50u/g. The mean activity level of SOD in summer was higher than the other seasons such as summer 38.83 u/g ˃ spring 33.33 U /g ˃Autumn 28.83U/g ˃ winter 22.83U/g. The mean activity level of CAT in spring was higher than the other seasons such as spring 25.67u/g ˃ summer and autumn19.83u/g ˃ winter 15.17u/g. The mean activity level of MDA in winter was 30.50 U/g ˃ summer 22.50U/g ˃ autumn 18.0 U/g ˃ spring 16.83U/g. In the present study it was found that the mean activity level of MDA increased in winter at the same time the mean activity level of CAT, SOD and GPx were decreased in winter. Negative correlation was reported between CAT and Hg in winter as r=-0.88*. A positive correlation coefficient in winter was found between SOD activity level and CAT activity level as r=0.838*.
Comparative Evaluation of Participation and Diagnostic Yield of Colonoscopy vs Fecal Immunochemical Test vs Risk-Adapted Screening in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Interim Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (TARGET-C)
Authors: Chen Hongda , Lu Ming , Liu Chengcheng , Zou Shuangmei , Du Lingbin , Liao Xianzhen , Dong Dong , Wei Donghua , Gao Yi , Zhu Chen , Zhu Liming , Zheng Weifang , Xiao Haifan , Kong Yunxin , Yin Huiping , Zhou Hai , Ying Rongbiao , Wang Baoquan , Zhang Juan , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Yuhan , Wang Hong , Guo Lanwei , Liu Li , Ren Jiansong , Shi Jufang , Li Ni , Miao Xiaoping , Brenner Hermann , Dai Min
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION:

In colorectal cancer screening, implementing risk-adapted screening might be more effective than traditional screening strategies. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of a risk-adapted screening strategy with colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening.

METHODS:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 6 centers in China since May 2018. Nineteen thousand five hundred forty-six eligible participants aged 50–74 years were recruited and randomly allocated into 1 of the 3 screening groups in a 1:2:2 ratio: (i) one-time colonoscopy (n = 3,916), (ii) annual FIT (n = 7,854), and (iii) annual risk-adapted screening (n = 7,776). Based on the risk-stratification score, high-risk subjects were referred for colonoscopy and low-risk ones were referred for FIT. All subjects with positive FIT were referred for diagnostic colonoscopy. The detection rate of advanced neoplasm was the primary outcome. The study is registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR1800015506).

RESULTS:

For baseline screening, the participation rates of the colonoscopy, FIT, and risk-adapted screening groups were 42.5% (1,665/3,916), 94.0% (7,386/7,854), and 85.2% (6,628/7,776), respectively. For the intention-to-screen analysis, the detection rates of advanced neoplasm were 2.40% (94/3,916), 1.13% (89/7,854), and 1.66% (129/7,776), with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 2.16 (1.61–2.90; P < 0.001) for colonoscopy vs FIT, 1.45 (1.10–1.90; P < 0.001) for colonoscopy vs risk-adapted screening, and 1.49 (1.13–1.97; P < 0.001) for risk-adapted screening vs FIT, respectively. The numbers of subjects who required a colonoscopic examination to detect 1 advanced neoplasm were 18 in the colonoscopy group, 10 in the FIT group, and 11 in the risk-adapted screening group.

DISCUSSION:

For baseline screening, the risk-adapted screening approach showed a high participation rate, and its diagnostic yield was superior to that of FIT at a similarly low load of colonoscopy.
Quantification of phenolic derivatives and antioxidant activity of the leaves of Chamaecrista diphylla (L.) Greene (Fabaceae))
Authors: Reis José Diogo Evangelista , Gomes Paulo Wender Portal , Muribeca Abraão de Jesus Barbosa , Castro Marcela Natalia Rocha de
Published: April 2020

Based on chemotaxonomy, the specie Chamaecrista diphylla (L.) Greene became the object of study of this work, since it is part of the same genus of C. nictitans, where there are proanthocyanidins, which act against the Herpes Simplex Virus. Thus, this work aimed to determine the compounds phenol content and antioxidant potential of extracts and fractions of leaves C. diphylla. Quantitative analysis showed ethyl acetate fraction (F-AcOEt) and ethanolic extract (EE) showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and condensed tannins. Referent at antioxididant activity, the EC50 value for F-AcOEt (0.11 mg.mL-1) was better than the ascorbic acid standard (0.13 mg.mL-1), indicating a strong activity. It can also be noted that the content of flavonoids and condensed tannins are strongly correlated with antioxidant activity. Therefore, it is suggested that C. diphylla specie have secondary metabolites, flavonoids and tannins, with promising biological actions for application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
Effectiveness of Early Rehabilitation for Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kobata Tomohiro , Hasebe Kiyotaka , Momosaki Ryo
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose:

Most patients become physically inactive after vertebral compression fracture and thus need help for early mobilization. This study sought to investigate the effect of early rehabilitation on activities of daily living in patients following acute vertebral compression fracture.

Methods:

We conducted this retrospective cohort study with a hospital-based database created by the Japan Medical Data Center and comprising data from a Diagnosis Procedure Combination survey from more than 100 acute care hospitals across Japan. Data of consecutive inpatients hospitalized because of thoracic and/or lumbar compression fractures from 2014 to 2018 were extracted. We compared characteristics and outcomes between patients who underwent early rehabilitation (early rehabilitation group) and those who did not undergo rehabilitation (no rehabilitation group). The primary outcome measure was Barthel Index improvement.

Results:

After applying exclusion criteria, a total of 8493 eligible patients with acute vertebral compression fracture were included in this study. The unadjusted data showed significantly greater Barthel Index improvement (72.5% vs 60.3, P < .001) and a higher rate of discharge to home (82.9% vs 77.4, P < .001) among patients in the early rehabilitation group compared with the no rehabilitation group. After adjustment by propensity score analysis, significant between-group differences were found.

Conclusion:

Early rehabilitation could possibly be a feasible alternative for maintenance of the Barthel Index in patients with acute vertebral compression fracture.