bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal muscle metabolism in sea-acclimatized king penguins: I. Thermogenic mechanisms
Authors: Roussel Damien , Le Coadic Marion , Rouanet Jean-Louis , Duchamp Claude
Published: September 2020

At fledging, king penguin juveniles undergo a major energetic challenge to overcome the intense and prolonged energy demands for thermoregulation and locomotion imposed by life in cold seas. Among other responses, sea acclimatization triggers fuel selection in skeletal muscle metabolism toward lipid oxidation in vitro, which is reflected by a drastic increase in lipid-induced thermogenesis in vivo. However, the exact nature of skeletal muscle thermogenic mechanisms (shivering and/or non-shivering thermogenesis) remains undefined. The aim of the present study was to determine in vivo whether the capacity for non-shivering thermogenesis was enhanced by sea acclimatization. We measured body temperature, metabolic rate, heart rate, and shivering activity in fully immersed king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) exposed to water temperatures ranging from 12°C to 29°C. Results from terrestrial pre-fledging juveniles were compared with those from sea-acclimatized immatures. The capacity for thermogenesis in water was as effective in juveniles as in immatures, while the capacity for non-shivering thermogenesis was not reinforced by sea acclimatization. This result suggests that king penguins mainly rely on skeletal muscle contraction (shivering or locomotor activity) to maintain endothermy at sea. Sea-acclimatized immature penguins also exhibited higher shivering efficiency and oxygen pulse (amount of oxygen consumed or energy expended per heart-beat) than pre-fledging juvenile birds. Such increase in shivering and cardiovascular efficiency may favor a more efficient activity-thermoregulatory heat substitution providing penguins the aptitudes to survive the tremendous energetic challenge imposed by marine life in cold circumpolar oceans.
The origin of the high stability of 3′-terminal uridine tetrads: contributions of hydrogen bonding, stacking interactions, and steric factors evaluated using modified oligonucleotide analogs
Authors: Andrałojć Witold , Pasternak Karol , Sarzyńska Joanna , Zielińska Karolina , Kierzek Ryszard , Gdaniec Zofia
Published: September 2020

RNA G-quadruplexes fold almost exclusively into parallel-stranded structures and thus display much less structural diversity than their DNA counterparts. However, also among RNA G-quadruplexes peculiar structural elements can be found which are capable of reshaping the physico-chemical properties of the folded structure. A striking example is provided by a uridine tetrad (U-tetrad) placed on the 3′-terminus of the tetramolecular G-quadruplex. In this context, the U-tetrad adopts a unique conformation involving chain reversal and is responsible for a tremendous stabilization of the G-quadruplex (ΔTmup to 30°C). In this report, we attempt to rationalize the origin of this stabilizing effect by concurrent structural, thermal stability, and molecular dynamics studies of a series of G-quadruplexes with subtle chemical modifications at their 3′-termini. Our results provide detailed insights into the energetics of the “reversed” U-tetrad motif and the requirements for its formation. They point to the importance of the 2′OH to phosphate hydrogen bond and preferential stacking interactions for the formation propensity and stability of the motif.
O cuidado ao idoso com transtorno mental em uma instituição de longa permanência no Sudoeste de Minas Gerais: relatos de cuidadores e equipe de enfermagem
Authors: Martins Graziele Alves , Gomes Lilian Cristiane
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: identificar o cuidado ao idoso institucionalizado com transtorno mental, as principais dificuldades e percepções da equipe diante do cuidado e de seu impacto na relação profissional-paciente. Métodos: estudo transversal e descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa. A amostra foi constituída de oito profissionais, entre membros da equipe de enfermagem e cuidadores de idosos, em uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos de um município do sudoeste mineiro. A coleta de dados foi realizada na própria instituição, por meio de gravação das verbalizações (depoimentos) dos participantes, mediante roteiro padronizado de entrevista individual, contendo variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais para a caracterização da amostra, bem como três questões disparadoras concernentes ao objetivo do estudo. Para a interpretação dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica da análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados: entre os entrevistados, houve predomínio de profissionais do sexo feminino, com nível médio de escolaridade e curto tempo de formação e de atuação em instituições de longa permanência para idosos. Ao investigar o cuidado ao idoso com transtorno mental, evidenciaram-se duas categorias temáticas: lidando com as reações de agressividade do idoso e seu impacto no cuidado; despreparo/ insegurança do profissional e a falta de recursos. Conclusão: os achados reiteram a necessidade de capacitação de recursos humanos na área de Gerontologia, com ênfase em Saúde Mental, assim como a atuação de uma equipe multidisciplinar junto aos idosos institucionalizados.
Determinants of safe delivery utilization among Indonesian women in eastern part of Indonesia
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Sebayang Susy Katikana , Astutik Erni , Hadisuyatmana Setho , Has Eka Mishbahatul Mar'ah , Kuswanto Heri
Published: September 2020

Background: Improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality are part of the United Nations global Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Ensuring every woman’s right to safe delivery is critical for reducing the maternal mortality rate. Our study aimed to identify determinants of safe delivery utilization among women in the eastern Indonesia.

Methods: This study was cross-sectional and used a secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). A total of 2,162 women who had their last child in the five years preceding the survey and lived in the eastern part of Indonesia were selected as the respondents. Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression were used to understand the determinants of safe delivery.

Results: Higher child rank and interval ≤2 years (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19-0.47), unwanted pregnancy at time of becoming pregnant (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05-2.08), richest wealth quintile (OR: 5.59, 95% CI: 3.37-9.30), more than four antenatal care visits (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 2.73-4.79), rural residence, good composite labor force participation, and a good attitude towards domestic violence were found to be significantly associated with delivery at health facility. Higher child rank and interval ≤2 years (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29-0.83), husband/partner having completed secondary or higher education (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.48-3.22), being in the richest wealth quintile, and four other factors were found to be significantly associated with the assistance of skilled birth attendants.

Conclusions: This research extends our knowledge on the determinants of safe delivery among women in the eastern part of Indonesia. This study revealed that the economic status of household remains an important issue in improving safe delivery among women in eastern part of Indonesia. An open innovation and partnership process to improve safe delivery program that engages the full range of stakeholders should be developed based on economic situation.
Case Report: IgG multiple myeloma and chronic myeloid leukemia in a single patient
Authors: Swaminathan Neeraja , Gupta Sorab , Dourado Claudia
Published: September 2020

A 58-year-old man presented with recurrence of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after complete molecular remission in the setting of non-compliance with imatinib. He was restarted on imatinib and was also noted to have IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The patient re-achieved molecular remission after resumption of imatinib, but his MGUS progressed to smoldering myeloma and he was eventually diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) and initiated on treatment for MM with thalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone. He has responded well to treatment of the myeloma and continues concurrent maintenance imatinib treatment for CML and is being evaluated for bone marrow transplant. The association of two concurrent hematological malignancies, CML and MM, is very rare and has been infrequently reported in literature. The pathophysiology of this has not yet been fully understood. This case report reviews the various theories to explain this and discusses the potential challenges of simultaneous treatment of MM and CML.
A protocol for a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Hennessy Marita , Dennehy Rebecca , Meaney Sarah , Devane Declan , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: September 2020

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) was recently re-defined by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. Before this, and indeed still in some countries, RM was defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. While the incidence of RM depends on the definition employed and population studied, it is generally accepted to affect 1-6% of women of reproductive age. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for RM have been published by some professional organisations. While there are CPGs on miscarriage in Ireland, there are none concerning RM specifically. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and describe published CPGs for the management, investigation and/or follow-up of RM within high-income countries. Electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid®; 1946), Embase® (Elsevier; 1980), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost; 1994), Web of Science™ (Thomson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier; 2004), and Open Grey (INIST-CNRS; 2011)), selected guideline repositories, and the websites of professional societies will be searched to identify CPGs, published within the last 20 years, for potential inclusion. Two reviewers will review abstracts and full texts independently against the eligibility criteria. Characteristics and recommendations of included CPGs will be extracted by one reviewer and double-checked by another. Two reviewers will use the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version 2 (AGREE II) instrument independently to assess the quality of the included CPGs. Narrative synthesis will be conducted to appraise and compare CPGs and their recommendations or guidance therein. The identification, appraisal and description of published CPGs in other high-income countries will be a valuable first step in informing efforts to promote the optimisation and standardisation of RM care.
Plastic response of conical shells with stiffeners to blast loading
Authors: Lellep Jaan , Puman Ella
Published: September 2020

The inelastic response of circular conical shells to the blast loading is studied. The impact loading is applied at the initial time moment and it is removed at a certain instant of time. The load intensity depends of the coordinate of the shell. The material of the shell is a perfect plastic one obeying the Johansen yield condition and the associated flow law. It is assumed that the frustum of the cone is furnished with ring stiffeners made of the same material. A theoretical method for the evaluation of the stress strain state of the shell and for determination of maximal residual deflections is developed.
First record of Chilomima clarkei (Amsel) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae) in Amapá state, Brazil
Authors: Adaime Ricardo , Santos Rodrigo Souza , Lopes Lima Adilson , Emille Veloso dos Santos Jhulie , Specht Alexandre
Published: September 2020

The present study reports Chilomima clarkei (Amsel) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infesting stems of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae) in Amapá state, Brazil, for the first time. Considering the importance of this species as a pest, it is necessary to publicize its occurrence and provide information about the main symptoms of the attacked plants and morphological characters of development stages to identify it quickly in crops. As there are no registered products for this pest's control, producers are advised to pay attention to any sign of infestation. To avoid it from spreading, they are also recommended to remove and burn all the infested parts detected in the plantations, in addition to selecting healthy manivas (stem cuttings) at the time of replanting, preventing the infestation of new crops.
A STEEEP Hill to Climb: A Scoping Review of Assessments of Individual Hospitalist Performance
Authors: Dow Alan W , Chopski Benjamin , Cyrus John W , Paletta‐Hobbs Laura E , Qayyum Rehan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Although ensuring high‐quality care requires assessment of individual hospitalist performance, current assessment approaches lack consistency and coherence. The Institute of Medicine's STEEEP framework for quality healthcare conceptualizes quality through domains of “Safe,” “Timely,” “Effective,” “Efficient,” “Equitable,” and “Patient Centered.” This framework may be applicable to assessing individual hospitalists.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review sought to identify studies that describe variation in individual hospitalist performance and to code this data to the domains of the STEEEP framework.

METHODS

Via a systematic search of peer‐reviewed literature that assessed the performance of individual hospitalists in the Medline database, we identified studies that described measurement of individual hospitalist performance. Forty‐two studies were included in the final review and coded into one or more domains of the STEEEP framework.

RESULTS

Studies in the Safe domain focused on transitions of care, both at discharge and within the hospital. Many studies were coded to more than one domain, especially Timely, Effective, and Efficient. Examples include adherence to evidence‐based guidelines or Choosing Wisely recommendations. The Patient Centered domain was most frequently coded, but approaches were heterogeneous. No included studies addressed the domain Equitable.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying the STEEEP framework to the published literature on assessment of individual hospitalist performance revealed strengths and weaknesses. Areas of strength were assessments of transitions of care and application of consensus guidelines. Other areas, such as equity and some components of safe practice, need development. All domains would benefit from more practical approaches. These findings should stimulate future work on feasibility of multidimensional assessment approaches.
Influência do distanciamento social no nível de atividade física durante a pandemia do COVID-19
Authors: Costa Cícero Luciano Alves , Costa Tiago Maia , Barbosa Filho Valter Cordeiro , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Siqueira Rômmulo Celly Lima
Published: September 2020

Este estudo investigou como as medidas de distanciamento social para o combate ao COVID-19 tem influenciado o nível de atividade física. Um questionário estruturado sobre as práticas de atividade física antes e durante o período de distanciamento social foi disponibilizado on-line para coleta das informações dos 2004 adultos (18 anos ou mais de idade) residentes em municípios das cinco regiões brasileiras. Utilizou-se teste Qui-quadrado para avaliar associações entre o nível de atividade física anterior e durante o período da pandemia. Associações entre variáveis intervenientes foram verificadas através do odds ratio. Os participantes reduziram o nível de atividade física após a adoção das medidas de distanciamento social. O maior nível de atividade física durante a pandemia está associado ao sexo masculino, residir em região metropolitana e não pertencer a grupos de risco. Embora estes fatores já influenciassem o nível de atividade física antes da pandemia, os resultados do odds ratio indicaram que no período da pandemia os fatores sexo, região e risco apresentaram reduções no seu poder de predição. Questões levantadas neste estudo podem auxiliar o planejamento de ações voltadas ao incentivo da prática de atividade física em períodos de crise.
Preference Elicitation for Participatory Budgeting
Authors: Benadè Gerdus , Nath Swaprava , Procaccia Ariel D. , Shah Nisarg
Published: September 2020

Participatory budgeting enables the allocation of public funds by collecting and aggregating individual preferences. It has already had a sizable real-world impact, but making the most of this new paradigm requires rethinking some of the basics of computational social choice, including the very way in which individuals express their preferences. We attempt to maximize social welfare by using observed votes as proxies for voters’ unknown underlying utilities, and analytically compare four preference elicitation methods: knapsack votes, rankings by value or value for money, and threshold approval votes. We find that threshold approval voting is qualitatively superior, and also performs well in experiments using data from real participatory budgeting elections.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
A Branch-and-Price Algorithm for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Demands and Probabilistic Duration Constraints
Authors: Florio Alexandre M. , Hartl Richard F. , Minner Stefan , Salazar-González Juan-José
Published: September 2020

In many routing applications, it is necessary to place limits on the duration of the individual routes. When demands are stochastic and restocking during route execution is allowed, the durations of the resulting routes are also stochastic. In this paper, we consider the vehicle routing problem with stochastic demands and probabilistic duration constraints (VRPSD-PDC). We assume optimal restocking, which means that, during the route execution, replenishment trips to the depot are performed in an optimal way. The resulting optimization problem calls for a set of routes with minimal total expected cost for visiting all customers, such that the duration of each route, with a given probability, does not exceed a prescribed limit. We solve the VRPSD-PDC with a novel branch-and-price algorithm. An orienteering-based completion bound is proposed to control the growth of labels in the pricing algorithm. Feasibility of a priori routes is verified by applying Chebyshev’s bounds, by Monte Carlo simulation and statistical inference, or by analytically deriving the distribution of the route duration. Consistency checks are incorporated into the branch-and-price framework to detect statistical errors. Computational experiments are performed with demands following binomial, Poisson, or negative binomial probability distributions and with duration constraints enforced at the levels of 90%, 95%, and 98%. Optimal solutions to the VRPSD-PDC may contain routes that serve an expected demand that is larger than the capacity of the vehicle. These solutions actively employ optimal restocking to reduce traveling costs and the number of required vehicles. Sensitivity analyses indicate that high demand variability negatively impacts the solution, both in terms of total expected cost and the number of routes employed.
COVID-2019 – Time to Use Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries Arrest in General Dental Practice?
Authors: Timms Laura , Deery Chris , Stevens Claire , Rodd Helen
Published: September 2020

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is applied topically to arrest caries and has an increasing evidence base to support its efficacy, both in the primary dentition and to arrest root caries in older patients. It can be used as a non-aerosol generating procedure and is a simple technique. It has a side-effect of discolouring caries black, a factor which requires discussion with patients and their carers prior to application. Due to its efficacy and simplicity, it is a useful intervention for the management of caries.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Caries is a common condition in the UK, and silver diamine fluoride offers a simple alternative management technique when case selection is appropriate.
Holistic care in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei: the clinical nurse specialist role in a rare malignancy of the abdomen and pelvis
Authors: Staunton Oonagh
Published: September 2020

This article explores the complexities of providing holistic nursing care to patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), an uncommon cancer of the abdomen and pelvis. It focuses on patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Patient outcomes can be optimised with robust specialist referral pathways, effective communication and increased professional awareness of rare diseases. The quality of care can be assured with service development and innovation at the point of delivery, backed up by ongoing training, support and best-practice guidelines. The clinical nurse specialist plays an especially vital role in advanced PMP. This involves co-ordination of multidisciplinary care and community support. It also includes patient advocacy, clinical consultancy and psychosocial support, as well as the personalisation of patient-centred care and education for the many and varied individual needs of patients and their families at a very emotive time. This is demonstrated in a national specialised service that was established In Ireland in 2013. It serves patients with rare peritoneal malignancies, who had previously had to travel to the UK for surgical management. The service has continued to develop in practice and innovation for this patient cohort.
FIXED CONVENTIONAL SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM: COMPONENTS OF COST AND ECONOMY OF SCALE
Authors: Ben Luis Humberto Bahú , Peiter Marcia Xavier , Robaina Adroaldo Dias , Torres Rogério Ricalde , Kirchner Jardel Henrique
Published: September 2020

The costs involved in the implementation and operation of irrigation systems are of paramount importance for the economic planning of irrigated agriculture. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the implantation, fixed and annual variables costs, and the occurrence of economies of scale for a fixed conventional sprinkler irrigation system for different area sizes and slope in the impulsion line. Thus, irrigation projects were developed for areas of 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ha and slopes in the pumping pipe of 7 and 15%. Also, this work evaluated the implementation, annual fixed and variable costs and their components and the occurrence of economy of scale. The implementation, fixed and variable costs increased as the size of the area increased, but for the fixed and implementation costs, an increase was observed due to the exponential cost of the pipes and their greater participation in the total cost and the variable cost was because the maintenance follows the implementation cost. Therefore, the cost with the pipelines has greater participation in the implementation of the system. The cost of implementation and the total fixed and variable costs raised with the increases in the size of the irrigated area. The variable cost of energy is constant as area size is increased and the raise is by approximately 5.2%, as the slope increases from 7 to 15%. The increasing in the size of the irrigated area provides diseconomies of scale.
Lossy mode resonance in an etched-out optical fiber taper covered by a thin ITO layer
Authors: Golant E. I. , Pashkovskii A. B. , Golant K. M.
Published: September 2020

The results of the rigorous calculation of mode fields in double adiabatic, single-mode etched-out optical fiber tapers coated with thin indium tin oxide films are discussed in the context of their application as environment refractive index sensors. It is shown that at only two particular thicknesses covering the homogeneous section of the taper ITO film about 100 nm and 177 nm, the lossy mode resonance is observed in the wavelength range of 1.50–1.55 µm. Moreover, the sensitivity of a sensor based on a 177 nm coating is significantly higher, and the resonance width is significantly lower than that of a sensor with a 100 nm coating. Optimal from the viewpoint of the figure of merit, values for the diameter of a homogeneous section of the etched fiber are defined.
Design of continuously variant metasurfaces for conformal transformation optics
Authors: Ruffato Gianluca , Romanato Filippo
Published: September 2020

Metasurfaces optics and structured light represent two emerging paradigms which are revolutionizing optics in a wide range of fields, from imaging to telecommunications, both in the classical and single-photon regimes. In this work, we present and describe a method for the design of high-resolution geometric-phase metasurfaces in the form of continuously variant sub-wavelength gratings, and we demonstrate how this technique is suitable for harmonic phase masks implementing conformal optical transformations. In this framework, we revisit the metasurface design of blazed gratings and spiral phase plates, the so-called q-plates, and we extend the method to the metasurface implementation of two conformal mappings, the log-pol and the circular-sector transformation, which have been exploited successfully to perform the generation, sorting and manipulation of structured light beams carrying orbital angular momentum.
Development and evaluation of a hand-held fiber-optic Raman probe with an integrated autofocus unit
Authors: Yang Wei , Knorr Florian , Popp Jürgen , Schie Iwan W.
Published: September 2020

Current implementations of fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy probes are frequently based on non-contact probes with a fixed focus and thus and have to precisely maintain the probe-to-sample distance to ensure a sufficient signal collection. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel hand-held fiber-optic Raman probe design, which is based on a liquid lens autofocusing unit, combined with a distance sensor and an in-house developed algorithm to precisely determine the probe-to-sample distance. The reported probe significantly improves the signal stability even for hand-held operation, while reducing distance-dependent artifacts for the acquisition of Raman spectra and can improve the acquisition of Raman spectra in a variety of applications.
Terahertz photoconductive waveguide emitter with excitation by a tilted optical pulse front
Authors: Islam Qamar-Ul , Meng Fanqi , Thomson Mark D. , Roskos Hartmut G.
Published: September 2020

We explore the tilted-pulse-front excitation technique to control the superradiant emission of terahertz (THz) pulses from large-area photonconductive semiconductor switches. Two cases are studied. First, a photoconductive antenna emitting into free space, where the propagation direction of the optically generated THz beam is controlled by the choice of the tilt angle of the pump pulse front. Second, a THz waveguide structure with an integrated photoconductive window for the generation of THz radiation, where the injection of the THz radiation into a waveguide mode is optimized by the pulse front tilt. By providing long interaction lengths, such a waveguide-based optical-pump/THz-probe set-up may provide a new platform for the study of diverse short-lived optically induced excitations.
A novel design of double chirped pulse amplification laser systems for fourth-order dispersion control
Authors: Wu Fenxiang , Wang Cheng , Hu Jiabing , Zhang Zongxin , Yang Xiaojun , Liu Xingyan , Liu Yanqi , Ji Penghua , Bai Peile , Qian Jiayi , Gui Jiayan , Xu Yi , Leng Yuxin
Published: September 2020

A novel design of double chirped pulse amplification laser systems implementing a combination of negatively and positively chirped pulse amplification is proposed for the first time. Without utilizing any extra dispersion compensation element, this design can sufficiently cancel out the second-, third- and especially fourth-order dispersion simultaneously, just by optimizing the parameters of the stretcher and compressor in first chirped pulse amplification stage which applies negatively chirped pulse amplification. The numerical results indicate that near Fourier-transform-limited pulse duration about 20fs can be achieved in high-peak-power femtosecond laser systems up to multi-Petawatt level. This design not only provides a feasible solution for the dispersion control in high-contrast and high-peak-power femtosecond laser systems, but also can avoid the degradation of temporal contrast induced by seed energy loss in the presence of additional dispersion compensation components.
Single pixel hyperspectral Cherenkov-excited fluorescence imaging with LINAC X-ray sheet scanning and spectral unmixing
Authors: Cao Xu , Jiang Shudong , Gunn Jason R. , Bruza Petr , Pogue Brian W.
Published: September 2020

Cherenkov light induced from megavolt (MV) X-rays during external beam radiotherapy serves as an internal light source to excite phosphors or fluorophores within biological tissues for molecular imaging. The broad spectrum of Cherenkov light leads to significant spectral overlap with any luminescence emission and, to overcome this problem, a single pixel hyperspectral imaging methodology was demonstrated here by coupling the detection with light sheet scanning and filtered back projection reconstruction of hyperspectral images. Thin scanned sheets of MV X-rays produce Cherenkov light to illuminate the planes deep within the tissue-simulating media. A fluorescence probe was excited by Cherenkov light, and a complete hyperspectral sinogram of the data was obtained through translation and rotation of the beam. Hyperspectral 2D images finally were reconstructed. Through this approach of spectral unmixing, it was possible to resolve hyperspectral images of both the Cherenkov and resulting fluorescence intensity from molecular sensors.
Lidar system based on lens assisted integrated beam steering
Authors: Cao Xianyi , Qiu Gaofeng , Wu Kan , Li Chao , Chen Jianping
Published: September 2020

We present a demonstration of solid-state light detection and ranging (Lidar) at 1550 nm by applying integrated two-dimensional (2D) lens assisted beam-steering (LABS) technology. LABS has O(logN) power consumption for N antennas and allows a simple control complexity with digital signal input. A time-of-flight coaxial Lidar is demonstrated with this beam-steering technology. The integrated beam-steering chip and lens both transmit and receive the light. The Lidar has 16 scanning angles, 19.5 m ranging distance, and a 3 cm ranging error. This Letter proves the potential application of 2D LABS in Lidar and paves the way for a fully integrated Lidar system.
Subcycle spatiotemporal compression of infrared pulses in χ(2) semiconductors
Authors: Hofstrand A. , Moloney J. V.
Published: September 2020

Using a full-field propagator model, we report on the emergence of highly localized, subcycle solitonic structures for few-cycle long-wave-infrared (LWIR) pulses propagating through optical semiconductor materials with efficient quadratic nonlinearities and broad anomalous transmission windows. We briefly discuss the theoretical basis for the observed spatiotemporal carrier-wave dynamics and compare it to simulations of a weakly perturbed pulse’s propagation through two currently grown, low-loss IR semiconductor crystals.
Diagnóstico del hiperparatiroidismo primario
Authors: Delgado-Gómez Manuel , De La Hoz-Guerra Sonsoles , Garcia-Duque María , Vega-Blanco María , Blanco-Urbaneja Irune
Published: September 2020

Introducción y objetivo: Describir la etiopatogenia y el diagnóstico diferencial entre el hiperparatiroidismo primario y otras causas de hipercalcemia. Síntesis: El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPP) es una enfermedad endocrina frecuente, que se define de forma convencional como la existencia de hipercalcemia en presencia de niveles elevados de hormona paratiroidea (PTH). Aunque la forma más común de presentación en la actualidad sea como hipercalcemia asintomática, la elevada morbilidad asociada con esta patología requiere que se realice un diagnóstico precoz y preciso, tanto de la etiología como de sus complicaciones, para poder llevar a cabo un manejo adecuado de los pacientes afectados.
Fisiología de las glándulas paratiroides. Disfunción y parámetros funcionales de laboratorio en paratiroides
Authors: Santiago-Peña Luis Francisco
Published: September 2020

El calcio y el fósforo están implicados en importantes funciones del organismo, tanto a nivel intracelular como extracelular. Por ello, deben existir mecanismos reguladores que mantengan las concentraciones de calcio y fósforo en sus intervalos de normalidad. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar la fisiología de la glándula paratiroides, así como el papel de la vitamina D y del factor de crecimiento de fibroblatos 23 (FGF 23) en el metabolismo fosfocálcico y también interpretar las alteraciones analíticas para el adecuado estudio de las patologías del metabolismo fosfocálcio.
Tratamiento con radioyodo de la patología tiroidea
Authors: Tamayo-Alonso Pilar , Garcia-Talavera Paloma , Martín-Gómez Enrique , Cañadas-Salazar Jose , Díaz-González Luis Gonzaga
Published: September 2020

El tratamiento de la patología con radioyodo (RAI) se viene realizando desde hace más de 7 décadas. Sin embargo, no existe consenso en cuanto a indicaciones, dosis y otros aspectos relacionados con el cuidado de los pacientes. La razón de ello es la ausencia de ensayos clínicos prospectivos bien diseñados para resolver estos interrogantes en cuanto al tratamiento con 131I, a pesar de la alta prevalencia de las enfermedades tiroideas. El tratamiento con 131I está indicado en el tratamiento del hipertiroidismo, producido por la enfermedad de Graves, por el adenoma tóxico y por el bocio multinodular tóxico; del bocio multinodular no tóxico y del carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT). El objetivo del tratamiento con RAI en caso del hipertiroidismo y del bocio multinodular no tóxico es disminuir la función tiroidea y/o disminuir el volumen de la glándula tiroides. En el caso del CDT, los objetivos de la administración de RAI tras la cirugía son la ablación de los restos tiroideos, el tratamiento adyuvante de la enfermedad microscópica sospechada no confirmada y el tratamiento de la enfermedad persistente loco-regional o metastásica. A la espera de los resultados de ensayos clínicos actualmente en: marcha, el tratamiento con 131I está justificado no solo en los pacientes de alto riesgo, sino también en los pacientes de riesgo bajo (T > 1 cm) e intermedio.
Renal ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide in chronic kidney disease dogs
Authors: Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Sutayatram Saikaew , Buranakarl Chollada , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim: Renal fibrosis is a well-established pathological alteration associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in several species and progresses as CKD advances. Although a renal biopsy is the gold standard for determining renal fibrosis, it is an invasive, impractical method for clinical practice. In humans, ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography (SWE), a novel advanced diagnostic imaging tool, can evaluate renal parenchyma stiffness, and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (uPIIINP), a promising renal fibrosis biomarker in humans, has increasingly been use applied to reduce the biopsies. This study compares renal tissue elasticity observed through SWE Young's modulus (E) values between healthy dogs (HD) and those with CKD. Materials and Methods: The E value acquired by SWE, uPIIINP levels, and renal function were evaluated in 15 CKD dogs and 15 HD. Results: The renal cortical E values were significantly higher than the renal medullary E values in both groups (p<0.001). Renal cortical and medullary E values in CKD dogs were significantly higher than in HD (p<0.01). Cortical E values had greater significant correlations with renal functional parameters than the medullary E values and had a significant positive correlation with concentrations of plasma creatinine (Cr) (p<0.001); blood urea nitrogen (p<0.01); urine protein Cr ratio (p<0.01); and fractional excretions of sodium (p<0.05), potassium (p<0.05), chloride (p<0.05), and magnesium (p<0.001) while they had a negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p<0.05) and urine osmolality to plasma osmolality ratio (p<0.05). The uPIIINP to Cr (uPIIINP/Cr) ratios of CKD dogs were higher than those of HD (p<0.001). Moreover, the uPIIINP/Cr levels presented significant correlations with the renal cortical E values (p<0.01) and also the renal functional parameters. Conclusion: SWE offers a complementary, non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool for evaluating renal tissue stiffness in CKD dogs with renal function deterioration. In addition, uPIIINP levels are associated with renal function and structural changes in dogs. Therefore, the uPIIINP level might be a non-invasive, complementary, and promising biomarker for evaluating renal fibrosis in canine CKD.
Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Morishita Daisuke , Tomita Toshihiko , Mori Sumire , Kimura Takeshi , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Miwa Hiroto
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION:

This is the first prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a stimulant laxative compared with an osmotic agent for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation.

METHODS:

Patients were randomly administered stimulant laxative (senna, 1.0 g), osmotic agent (magnesium oxide [MgO], 1.5 g), or placebo for 28 consecutive days. The primary endpoint was overall symptom improvement. Secondary endpoints were spontaneous bowel movement (SBM), complete SBM, and patient assessment of constipation quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS:

Ninety patients (mean age, 42 years; 93% women; mean duration of symptoms, 9.9 years) were enrolled; all completed the study. The response rate for overall improvement was 11.7% in the placebo group, 69.2% in the senna group, and 68.3% in the MgO group (P < 0.0001). Change in SBM was significantly greater in the senna and MgO groups than that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Similarly, change in complete SBM was significantly greater in the senna and MgO groups than that in the placebo group (P < 0.01). On the patient assessment of constipation QOL, significant improvements were seen in the senna and MgO groups compared with those in the placebo group (senna, P < 0.05; MgO, P < 0.001). The frequency of severe treatment-related adverse events was 0%.

DISCUSSION:

Senna and MgO significantly improved the frequency of bowel movements and QOL score and seem to be effective in the treatment of constipation.
Polski gwarowy przysłówek przyboś, na przyboś i nazwisko Przyboś
Authors: Gałecki Zygmunt
Published: September 2020

The author proves that the etymology of the surname Przyboś came from the lexicalised adverb przyboś, na przyboś (walk), “to wear shoes on bare feet, with a bare foot, (walk) slightly barefoot”, that came from the adjective przybosy. The surname did not stem from either compound names such as Przybysław, Przybywój or from the verb przybyć, contrary to what has been stated in the historical and etymological dictionary Nazwiska Polaków by Kazimierz Rymut.
Numerical approach to the controllability of fractional order impulsive differential equations
Authors: Kumar Avadhesh , Vats Ramesh K. , Kumar Ankit , Chalishajar Dimplekumar N.
Published: September 2020

In this manuscript, a numerical approach for the stronger concept of exact controllability (total controllability) is provided. The proposed control problem is a nonlinear fractional differential equation of order\alpha \in (1,2]with non-instantaneous impulses in finite-dimensional spaces. Furthermore, the numerical controllability of an integro-differential equation is briefly discussed. The tool for studying includes the Laplace transform, the Mittag-Leffler matrix function and the iterative scheme. Finally, a few numerical illustrations are provided through MATLAB graphs.
Stiffness in Running: A Narrative Integrative Review
Authors: Jaén-Carrillo Diego , Roche-Seruendo Luis E. , Felton Lauren , Cartón-Llorente Antonio , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: September 2020

Researching running spatiotemporal parameters has deepened knowledge of the spring-mass model and its capacity to estimate and predict kinetic and kinematic variables. However, although the impact of lower-limb stiffness on athletic performance seems considerable, recognition of lower-limb stiffness among coaches and practitioners remains sparse. This review highlights factors influencing lower-limb stiffness during running and their relationship to injury prevention and performance. Current knowledge of lower-body stiffness during running is integrated and new scientific scope offered. Because the different variables are correlational, it is strongly recommended not to measure their effects on lower-limb stiffness individually. The spring-mass model behavior when altering variables such as footwear or foot-strike pattern needs cautious examination. Although both stretch-shortening cycle and lower-limb stiffness are key parameters in elastic strain energy storage and release during sport activities, hormonal fluctuations (particularly associated with the menstrual cycle) should draw special attention because they affect musculotendinous stiffness properties and therefore may influence athletic performance and injury prevalence. Introducing lower-limb strength training would improve the characteristics of stiffness in running, contributing to maximized performance and reduced injury risk.
Novel Insight into Tribology of Carbon Black Soot Particles in Engine Oil
Authors: Tortora Angela Maria , Zijlstra Gerrit , Veeregowda Deepak Halenahally
Published: September 2020

An investigation into the interaction between soot and steel surfaces can improve the development of soot wear–resistant lubricants. In this study, we have tested the wear response of carbon black (CB; a surrogate for engine soot) on different steel surfaces using the high-frequency reciprocating rig and scanning electron microscopy – energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results show that CB in 0W20 reacts to the preconditioned steel surface differently than the nonpreconditioned steel surface. Chemisorption of zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP) on the steel surface prior to the wear test resulted in severe wear, but the shear-induced chemisorption of ZDDP on the steel surface showed the least wear. Changes in wear were related to the concentration of zinc and phosphorus, which represent antiwear phosphate film on the surface. Chemisorption of ZDDP prior to the test triggered an aggressive response by CB, as there was a complete removal of antiwear phosphate film. Thus, unprotected steel was exposed to sulfur, a corrosion enhancer in the lubricant that resulted into micropitting and grooves on the disk surface, a representation of the corrosion–abrasion wear mechanism. Shear-induced chemisorption of ZDDP on steel surface allowed retention of antiwear phosphate films. As a result, there were no grooves or severe micropitting on the steel surface, indicating a protection against CB. This study shows that preconditioning the steel can have a profound effect on the soot wear mechanism.
Effects of Neuronic Shutter Observed in the EEG Alpha Rhythm
Authors: Alexander Kevin E. , Estepp Justin R. , Elbasiouny Sherif M.
Published: September 2020

The posterior alpha (α) rhythm, seen in human electroencephalogram (EEG), is posited to originate from cycling inhibitory/excitatory states of visual relay cells in the thalamus. These cycling states are thought to lead to oscillating visual sensitivity levels termed the “neuronic shutter effect.” If true, perceptual performance should be predictable by observed α phase (of cycling inhibitory/excitatory states) relative to the timeline of afferentiation onto the visual cortex. Here, we tested this hypothesis by presenting contrast changes at near perceptual threshold intensity through closed eyelids to 20 participants (balanced for gender) during times of spontaneous α oscillations. To more accurately and rigorously test the shutter hypothesis than ever before, α rhythm phase and amplitude were calculated relative to each individual’s retina-to-primary visual cortex (V1) conduction delay, estimated from the individual’s C1 visual-evoked potential (VEP) latency. Our results show that stimulus observation rates (ORs) are greater at a trough than a peak of the posterior α rhythm when phase is measured at the individual’s conduction delay relative to stimulus onset. Specifically, the optimal phase for stimulus observation was found to be 272.41°, where ORs are 20.96% greater than the opposing phase of 92.41°. The perception-phase relationship is modulated by α rhythm amplitude and is not observed at lower amplitude oscillations. Collectively, these results provide support to the “neuronic shutter” hypothesis and demonstrate a phase and timing relationship consistent with the theory that cycling excitability in the thalamic relay cells underly posterior α oscillations.
Using Messy, Authentic Data to Promote Data Literacy & Reveal the Nature of Science
Authors: Schultheis Elizabeth H. , Kjelvik Melissa K.
Published: September 2020

Authentic, “messy data” contain variability that comes from many sources, such as natural variation in nature, chance occurrences during research, and human error. It is this messiness that both deters potential users of authentic data and gives data the power to create unique learning opportunities that reveal the nature of science itself. While the value of bringing contemporary research and messy data into the classroom is recognized, implementation can seem overwhelming. We discuss the importance of frequent interactions with messy data throughout K–16 science education as a mechanism for students to engage in the practices of science, such as visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting data. Next, we describe strategies to help facilitate the use of messy data in the classroom while building complexity over time. Finally, we outline one potential sequence of activities, with specific examples, to highlight how various activity types can be used to scaffold students' interactions with messy data.
The role of vaspin in porcine corpus luteum
Authors: Kurowska Patrycja , Mlyczyńska Ewa , Dawid Monika , Grzesiak Małgorzata , Dupont Joelle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

Vaspin, visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor, plays important roles in inflammation, obesity, and glucose metabolism. Our recent research has shown the expression and role of vaspin in the function of ovarian follicles. However, whether vaspin regulates steroidogenesis and luteolysis in the corpus luteum (CL) is still unknown. The aim of this study was first to determine the expression of vaspin and its receptor GRP78 in porcine CL at the early, middle, and late stages of the luteal phase. Next, we investigated the hormonal regulation of vaspin levels in luteal cells in response to luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), and prostaglandin PGE2 and PGF2α. Finally, we determined vaspin’s direct impact on luteal cells steroidogenesis, luteolysis and kinases phosphorylation. Our results are the first to show higher vaspin/GRP78 expression in middle and late vs early stages; immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic vaspin/GRP78 localization in small and large luteal cells. In vitro, we found that LH, P4, PGE2, and PGF2α significantly decreased vaspin levels. Furthermore, vaspin stimulated steroidogenesis by the activation of the GRP78 receptor and protein kinase A (PKA). Also, vaspin increased the ratio of luteotropic PGE2 to luteolytic PGF2α secretion via GRP78 and mitogen-activated kinase (MAP3/1). Moreover, vaspin, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased GRP78 expression, while it, in a time-dependent manner, increased kinases PKA and MAPK3/1 phosphorylation. Taken together, we found that vaspin/GRP78 expression depends on the luteal phase stage and vaspin affects luteal cells endocrinology, indicating that vaspin is a new regulator of luteal cells steroidogenesis and CL formation.