bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta-review of effective doses in dental and maxillofacial cone beam CT using the ROBIS tool
Authors: Al-Okshi Ayman , Horner Keith , Rohlin Madeleine
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To apply the ROBIS tool for assessment of risk of bias (RoB) in systematic reviews (SRs) in a meta-review on effective doses (EDs) in dental and maxillofacial cone beam CT.

Methods:

Three electronic databases and reference lists of included SRs were searched. Eligible SRs were classified as having low, high or unclear RoB. Findings of SRs were synthesised and data from primary studies combined to relate ED to field of view (FOV) and operating potential (kV).

Results:

Seven SRs were included: three displayed low RoB, three high and one had unclear RoB. Only one SR related ED to image quality. Deficiencies in reporting of eligibility criteria, study selection and synthesis of results in SRs were identified. FOV height had a significant relationship with ED, explaining 27.2% of its variability. Median ED for three FOV categories differed significantly. Operating potential had a weak relationship with ED, with no significant difference in median ED between three operating potential groups.

Conclusion:

The ROBIS tool should have a role for meta-reviews of different aspects of radiology. The disappointing results for RoB might be remedied by developing standards to improve the quality of reporting of primary dosimetry studies and of SRs. Future dosimetry studies should always relate ED to image quality or diagnostic accuracy.

Advances in knowledge:

This meta-review is the first to implement ROBIS for SRs of ED and identified that trustworthiness of some SRs is questionable. The percentage change in average ED per cm increase in FOV height could be calculated, emphasizing the importance of FOV as a determinant of ED in CBCT.
Damage caused by Cerambyx dux (Faldermann, 1837) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in apple orchards in northwestern Syria
Authors: Ali Ali
Published: May 2021

Results of a field study showed Cerambyx dux (Fladermann) to be a major economic pest of domestic apple orchards in northwestern Syria. Higher levels of attack were detected on trees with larger trunk diameters. All trees with trunk diameters > 10 cm were infested (5 to 7 infestation holes per tree). For trees with trunk diameters of 5 to 10 cm, the level of infestation was 87.8% (2 to 4 infestation holes per tree). No attack by the longhorn beetle C. dux was detected on trees with a trunk diameter < 5 cm.
Case Report: PsAPSASH syndrome: an alternative phenotype of syndromic hidradenitis suppurativa treated with the IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab
Authors: Nikolakis Georgios , Kreibich Katja , Vaiopoulos Aristeidis , Kaleta Katarzyna , Talas Joud , Becker Markus , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: May 2021

Syndromic hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a form of symptom constellations, which differs from the familial and genetic form and comprises predominantly osteoarticular manifestations. Many forms include pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PASH), pyogenic arthritis (PAPASH), spondyloarthritis (PASS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsaPASH) and are categorized in the autoinflammatory syndromes. anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-1a blockade are between the therapeutic approaches that improve skin symptoms and prevent permanent osteoarticular damage. This case report refers to the successful treatment of a mixed phenotype of the aforementioned symptoms using the IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab after initial treatment with adalimumab. The therapy improved both cutaneous and reported osteoarticular symptoms. Different approaches for these recalcitrant HS syndromes are essential in order to achieve long-term remission for those patients.
Academic promotion and leadership: ‘moving the needle’ for the enhancement of gender equality in Tunisian higher education institutional members of the RMEI network following the TARGET framework
Authors: Chouari Monia , Ghiss Moncef , Zabaniotou Anastasia
Published: May 2021

Although job opportunities, recruitment criteria, health insurance and social welfare are equally available regardless of sex, academic promotion at higher education institutions (HEIs) has so far been a challenging issue for women more than men. Even though there are not legislative policies or political strategies proscribing gender discrimination, the under-representation of women in high profile positions is thought-provoking as it was found by this study on collecting segregating data at the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences of Sousse (FAHSS) and to a lesser degree at the National Engineering School of Sousse (ENISO). Given insufficient research in the area under investigation, and despite the shortage of data needed for examination, this study makes use of and analyses the available data collected from Sousse University. Built upon the findings, this paper sets forth to examine impediments as challenges to progress which are encountered by women. Despite the belief that gender parity has been acquired, it is still a challenge to progress to endorse the culture of gender equality at higher education institutions. The study entails the activities of the gender equality committee created at Sousse University in 2018 with the support of the Mediterranean Network of Engineering Schools (RMEI) and under the framework of the EU TARGET project entitled ‘Taking a reflexive approach to gender equality at Institutional transformation’.
Protecting antiquities in early modern Rome: the papal edicts as paradigms for the heritage safeguard in Europe
Authors: Mannoni Chiara
Published: May 2021

The edicts issued in Rome between the fifteenth and the eighteenth centuries are the earliest legislation conceived for the preservation and supervision of heritage in Europe. Not only did such regulations aim to protect monuments, antiquities, and – at a later stage – paintings from the risks of damage and deterioration, but also established a legal framework against their illegal exportation and excavation. 

In this study the gradual development of this vast corpus of legislation is considered within the variations of artistic scholarship, legal knowledge, artistic taste, and the art market in Europe between 1400s and 1700s. The mutual implications of juridical constructs and practices of supervision are evaluated together with interdisciplinary factors – such as the rise of collections and museums – to shed light on the development of the concepts of ‘heritage protection’ in early modern Rome. Specific analysis will also involve the gradual expansion of the definition of ‘antiquity’ and ‘artefact’ in papal legislation, as well as the establishment of innovative instruments to prevent and circumvent misdemeanours. 

One final consideration is given to the launch of local procedures of heritage protection in other states in Europe. Considering the cultural and historical backgrounds of each individual place, this study will demonstrate that the idea of safeguarding what was thought of as ‘collective heritage’ emerged consistently in eighteenth-century Europe following the paradigms of the papal edicts.
Estética literaria de las dictaduras latinoamericanas del siglo XX: teoría de análisis
Authors: Loeza Alejandro
Published: May 2021

El artículo plantea una interpretación estética de las narrativas latinoamericanas del siglo XX para analizar las dictaduras desde la literatura. El planteamiento de análisis de la estética literaria revela la profundidad que la narrativa latinoamericana adquirió ante las dinámicas contra la libertad por parte de los procesos históricos y políticos de la región. El planteamiento teórico recurre a obras emblemáticas de la llamada novela de dictador para ejemplificar la estética del compromiso, para dar paso al análisis de obras que no mencionan directamente a dictadores y tiranías, pero que su estética se corresponde con la represión política y la anulación de las libertades civiles.
Comparative evaluation of the Phoenix®, VITEK® 2, E-test® and microdilution test for vancomycin susceptibility testing in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bloodstream infection
Authors: Rodrigues Daiana C. S. , Costa Ana Paula P. , Santos Paulo Roberto V. , Marques Elizabeth A. , Neto José F. N. , Leão Robson S.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia causes significant morbidity and mortality, mainly by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Currently, vancomycin is the main choice for the treatment of infections by MRSA. Broth microdilution (BMD) remains the gold standard for measuring vancomycin MIC. However, most clinical laboratories employ practical methods in the routines, but these methods may not determine accurate vancomycin MIC values. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VITEK®2, Phoenix® and Etest® methods against BMD. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 strains (27 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and 51 MRSA) were isolated from bloodstream infections. The vancomycin MIC was determined following CLSI and the manufacturers' recommendations. We also performed SCCmec typing, in order to identify their vancomycin MIC ratio values. Results: Most of all isolates showed values of MIC = 1 μg/mL by BMD and Phoenix®, while Etest® and VITEK® 2 determined the majority with MIC = 1.5 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, Etest® and VITEK® 2 tended to overestimate and underestimate, respectively, the MIC values. Three MRSA isolates that were vancomycin susceptible by the BMD were vancomycin-intermediate by Etest®. The SCCmec II (39%) and IV (51%) were the most frequent, and there was no relationship between the type of SCCmec and the MIC values. Conclusions: The results showed that vancomycin MICs vary according to the test method. It is essential that clinicians consider the differences in MIC results determined by different methods, since the MIC value is generally the parameter used by clinicians to select the appropriate therapy.
Influence of gender and age on distal femur shape. Are there any relevant differences?
Authors: Loures Fabrício B. , Felippe Thales G. , Góes Matheus P. A. , Góes Rogério F. A. , Kinder André , Labronici Pedro José
Published: May 2021

Objective: Evaluate the possible sex differences in the shapeof the distal femur and the age group influence on morphometry.Methods: Five measurements on 124 knees wereevaluated using magnetic resonance imaging, 62 male and62 female. The age ranged between 40 and 80 years, and thepatients were divided into two age groups. Three factors wereanalyzed, allowing the bone classification regarding its width,shape, and symmetry. Results: The male group showed absolutemeasurements greater than the female, but there wereno sex differences in the shape of the knee. Younger patientshad more trapezoidal knees and a higher rate of asymmetrybetween condyles. After analyzing the factors, regardingtheir width, 31 knees were considered standard, 47 narrow,and 46 wide. As for the shape of the knee, 12 were consideredstandard, 58 rectangular, and 54 trapezoidal. About the condylessymmetry, 23 were classified as symmetrical and 101asymmetrical. There was a great interpersonal variation in theshape of the knee, regardless of the sex. Conclusion: The shapeof the distal femur presents great interpersonal variation,going beyond the simple division between wide or narrow.This variation is influenced by the patients’ age, but not thesex. Level of evidence: 4
Religiosidade e Espiritualidade no Processo de Luto de Pais cujos Filhos Morreram Crianças
Authors: Reis Cristine Gabrielle da Costa dos , Quintana Alberto Manuel , Nardino Fernanda
Published: May 2021

Diante da complexidade dos fatores que envolvem a perda de um filho, o objetivo deste artigo foi compreender o papel da religiosidade e da espiritualidade no processo de luto de pais cujos filhos morreram crianças. Para tanto, foram realizadas 11 entrevistas com pais que haviam perdido os filhos crianças dentro de um intervalo de 4 meses a 1 ano e 4 meses. Os dados, coletados entre maio e outubro de 2015, foram analisados sob a perspectiva da análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados mostraram que os pais atribuíram a causa da morte à vontade de Deus, o que permitiu conferir uma razão à perda. A partir da crença da vida após a morte, acreditaram que seus filhos poderiam estar vivos em outra dimensão, o que favoreceu o sentimento de esperança no reencontro. As relações com a fé variaram, de modo que alguns pais se direcionaram em busca da religiosidade, outros questionaram suas crenças prévias e outros se revoltaram contra Deus. Assim, destaca-se a necessidade de considerar os aspectos subjetivos em conjunto com as ferramentas que podem auxiliar na elaboração da perda, a fim de que haja um manejo adequado do luto parental.
Representações Sociais sobre Feminismo em Brasileiros/as
Authors: Patias Naiana Dapieve , Ferreira Tayná Da Silva , Gaspodini Icaro Bonamigo , Prata-Ferreira Paula Andréa , Freitas Clarissa Pinto Pizarro de
Published: May 2021

O que se pensa e o que se fala sobre o feminismo é relevante para compreender os fatores que influenciam em sua adesão por parte da sociedade. Este estudo teve o intuito de investigar as representações sociais de feminismo em brasileiros/as e variáveis associadas. Participaram do estudo 731 brasileiros/as com idades de 18 a 79 anos, a maior parte do gênero feminino (78%). Por meio de um questionário online, foi apresentada uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos e duas vinhetas: Vinheta Um (mãe, feminista e negra) e Vinheta Dois (universitária, antifeminista e branca). A análise de dados deu-se por meio de estatística descritiva e comparação entre grupos pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. A amostra total indicou que pessoas mais velhas, com filhos e com alguma religião atribuíram características mais positivas à Vinheta Dois. A amostra do gênero feminino atribuiu características mais positivas a Vinheta Um. Variáveis como a escolaridade, renda e áreas de conhecimento não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas no que diz respeito à atribuição de características às vinhetas.
AULAS DE IDIOMAS E INCOMUNICAÇÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR TECNOLÓGICA: ENSINO ONLINE EM UM CONTEXTO DE INCERTEZAS
Authors: Rosa Gleice De Divitiis
Published: May 2021

Repentinamente e sem quaisquer avisos, a pandemia de covid-19, no ano de 2020, obrigou docentes de todas as partes do planeta a se reinventarem e a reconstruírem as suas práticas. Diante desse contexto de incertezas, as plataformas online de ensino-aprendizagem (muitas adaptadas para essa finalidade) surgiram como a única alternativa para manter as aulas nesse panorama de escolas e universidades fechadas, em que a interação professor-aluno é feita exclusivamente por meio de um dispositivo com acesso à internet. Nesse aspecto, as aulas de idiomas tiveram que ser replanejadas para que atividades de conversação e compreensão auditiva não fossem impactadas. No entanto, todo esse cenário descrito é um terreno fértil para o fenômeno da incomunicação, definido por Wolton (2006) como falhas no processo de comunicação. Assim, o presente trabalho terá como objetivo investigar as aulas de Inglês e Comunicação e Expressão ministradas em uma faculdade pública de tecnologia, localizada na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, e verificar como a incomunicação pode prejudicar a condução das aulas online. Tratar-se-á, portanto, de um estudo de caso, baseado nas obras de Menezes (2005), Wolton (2006, 2011), Künsch (2007), Yin (2015), Carneiro et al (2020) e Santos (2020). Como resultados, verificou-se que o principal gerador de incomunicação nas aulas remotas é a ausência/queda da conexão com a internet, seguida de outros fatores.
“E DAÍ?”: produções multimodais sobre vidas perdidas
Authors: Bernardo Sandra Pereira , Velozo Naira De Almeida , Alves Bruna De Morais
Published: May 2021

Análises de duas produções multimodais sobre a conduta do presidente do Brasil frente à COVID-19 à luz da Teoria da Metáfora e da Integração Conceptuais (LAKOFF; JOHNSON, 2002[1980]; FAUCONNIER; TURNER, 2002; FORCEVILLE, 2006, 2008), a fim de descrever estruturas e processos cognitivos subjacentes à construção de sentidos dos objetos selecionados. As análises revelam redes de escopo duplo em ambas as representações conceptuais das produções, que objetivam, por meio da mesclagem de sinais linguístico, imagético, gestual e sonoro contar uma história de vulnerabilidade e perdas ocasionadas pela postura negacionista e leviana do chefe da nação.
O nível de formação dos professores da educação superior brasileira - 2010 a 2018
Authors: Rosa Chaiane De Medeiros
Published: May 2021

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o nível de formação dos professores da educação superior brasileira no período de 2010 a 2018. Para tal foi realizada pesquisa documental, em consulta às sinopses estatísticas do Censo da Educação Superior, divulgadas pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais “Anísio Teixeira”, e também a dados da pós-graduação, publicados pela GeoCapes, no período de 2010 a 2018. Além disso, para amparar a análise dos dados, foram consultados documentos reguladores da educação e realizada pesquisa bibliográfica, em consulta a autores que discutem a formação de professores, especialmente da educação superior. Como resultado, verificou-se o aumento do número de professores; a ampliação da formação em nível de mestrado e doutorado, especialmente no setor público, com destaque para as instituições federais; e a descentralização dos professores mais bem qualificados das regiões Sul e Sudeste do país.
Parfor na Amazônia Paraense: contribuições para a qualidade da educação do município de Óbidos-PA
Authors: Oliveira Liliam Aquino , Ferreira Aline Da Silva , De Oliveira Iamila Brito
Published: May 2021

Este estudo objetivou conhecer e analisar as contribuições do Parfor para o campo educacional paraense, tendo como ponto de partida as práticas desenvolvidas no município de Óbidos-Pará, no recorte temporal compreendido entre 2010 a 2019, considerando os resultados das avaliações de larga escala. A investigação foi desenvolvida com abordagem quanti-qualitativa, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e empírica, incluindo a aplicação de entrevistas tanto a sujeitos previamente determinados quanto definidos aleatoriamente. Entre os resultados, tem-se que o Parfor teve expressiva contribuição quantitativa para a formação do quadro docente, e as conclusões são que efeitos sobre a educação municipal são mais elucidados no aspecto quantitativo, de modo mais contundente no primeiro ciclo do ensino fundamental.
Introducing an ANP-led temporal artery biopsy service for patients with suspected giant cell arteritis
Authors: Cooper John
Published: May 2021

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an uncommon autoimmune inflammatory vasculopathy that can lead to the destruction and occlusion of various arteries that consequently can cause serious complications such as stroke or sight loss. It is seen as a medical emergency. The most commonly affected vessel in GCA is the temporal artery in the side of the head, hence the condition is sometimes also referred to as ‘temporal arteritis’. This article discusses the introduction of an advanced nurse practitioner-led temporal artery biopsy service.
Delirium in adult patients in intensive care: nursing interventions
Authors: Bento Ana Filipa Gaudêncio , Sousa Patrícia Pontífice
Published: May 2021

Background:

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome of high incidence in the critically ill patient. It is characterised by changes in acute attention and cognition, has a multifactorial aetiology and has a negative impact on the patient's clinical situation and future quality of life. Prevention of delirium and early identification can reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Consequently, it is vital that intensive care unit (ICU) nurses perform targeted patient monitoring to identify acute cognitive changes.

Objective:

To identify nursing interventions directed at the prevention and management of delirium in adult patients in ICU.

Method:

A scoping review was undertaken based on the principles recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results:

Seven studies were selected for inclusion. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological nursing interventions were identified.

Conclusion:

The interventions identified were predominantly aimed at the prevention of delirium. The training of nurses and wider clinical team in preventing and identifying this syndrome is crucial.
How the convention on human rights affects a patient's right to life
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: May 2021

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, continues his series on human rights and health care and considers the right to life under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (1950)
The education needs of health professionals conservatively managing genital oedema: UK survey findings
Authors: Noble-Jones Rhian , Thomas Melanie J , Gabe-Walters Marie
Published: May 2021

Background:

Adults and children report genital oedema but prevalence is unknown. Pre-registration nurse training rarely includes genital oedema and postgraduate training opportunities are rare.

Aim:

To identify the education needs of health professionals regarding management of genital oedema.

Method:

An electronic survey was cascaded to health professionals through relevant professional groups and social media.

Findings:

Of 149 UK respondents, most manage patients with genital oedema but only 2% felt current training was sufficient. Of 138 responding regarding supplemental training, only a half had completed genital oedema specific education, usually of 1–4 hours' duration. Confidence in knowledge was up to 22.5% higher in those with genital oedema education, even accounting for years of experience. The most common top three individual needs were compression, contemporary surgical and medical management and patient assessment. Educational resources are needed and both offline and online formats were suggested; collaborative events with urology/pelvic health are essential.

Conclusion:

Health professionals working in lymphoedema care have (unmet) specific education needs regarding genital oedema management. The desire for both offline and online resources reflects the necessity of accessing learning at a distance and on an ‘as needed’ basis.
McNamara's Fallacies in Dentistry. 2: Tooth Surface Loss Fallacies
Authors: Kelleher Martin GD
Published: May 2021

Given the number of perceived myths and fallacies in relation to tooth substance loss, this article seeks to address these using a wide variety of clinical cases as examples and by way of scientific references.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The incidence of tooth wear is increasing, so an understanding of the myths and truths surrounding its treatment is valuable.
Stressful Life Events as a Trigger for Autoimmune Disease? A Case Report on Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Authors: Devine Robert , Simms Melanie
Published: May 2021

This case discusses the acute presentation of a patient with mucous membrane pemphigoid to an emergency dental department. Mucous membrane pemphigoid is a rare condition, but its presentation can be severe and concerning for both the patient and clinician. The case presents the manifestations of florid desquamative gingivitis and extensive mucosal erosions due to burst bullae. We discuss the possible causes of the condition in this patient, likely to be the stress of recent cardiac surgery, as well as exploring the efficacy of diagnostic tools, treatment options and adverse effects of corticosteroid treatment.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Correct and timely diagnosis of vesiculobullous disorders has notable impacts on patient outcomes and quality of life.
ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION IN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A COMPARATIVE BETWEEN G7 AND BRICS COUNTRIES
Authors: Silva Carla Carolinne dos Santos , Cavalcanti André Luiz , Rodrigues Ricardo Gouveia
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study is to investigate a possible difference in entrepreneurial intention between developed and developing countries. For this purpose, we used the data of the year 2014 of the Adult Population Survey, made available by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). The intentional sample was defined based on two groups: developed countries belonging to the G7 and developing countries, belonging to BRICS. To test the hypotheses, we used non-parametric tests for categorical data. The results show that BRICS countries have greater entrepreneurial intention when compared to the G7 countries. In addition, the BRICS countries do not have the same perception and entrepreneurial intention; finally, we found that men have a greater entrepreneurial intention when compared to women. The study contributes to the literature of entrepreneurship, more particularly when it comes to entrepreneurial profile and intention, advancing with comparative studies between countries with different economic, cultural and social characteristics.
Bowtie-based plasmonic metal nanoparticle complexes to enhance the
opto-electronic performance of thin-film solar cells
Authors: Shaky Mustafa Mohammad , Chowdhury Mustafa Habib
Published: May 2021

This computational study investigates the possibility of using different multi-particle
plasmonic nanoparticle complexes to enhance the opto-electronic
performance of thin-film solar cells (TFSCs). The nanoparticle
complexes are in a bowtie nanocomplex (BNC) configuration, whereby
each of the BNCs comprises a set of bowtie nanoantenna and a spherical
nanoparticle. The results show that such plasmonic BNCs significantly
enhance the opto-electronic performance of thin-film solar cells when
compared to a bare TFSC or a TFSC modified with a single plasmonic
nanoparticle. These results indicate a potential new, to the best of
our knowledge, avenue of designing high-performance TFSCs of the
future.
Developing a normative database for retinal perfusion using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Tan Bingyao , Sim Yin Ci , Chua Jacqueline , Yusufi Dheo , Wong Damon , Yow Ai Ping , Chin Calvin , Tan Anna C. S. , Sng Chelvin C. A. , Agrawal Rupesh , Gopal Lekha , Sim Ralene , Tan Gavin , Lamoureux Ecosse , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: May 2021

Visualizing and characterizing microvascular abnormalities with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has deepened our understanding of ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Two types of microvascular defects can be detected by OCTA: focal decrease because of localized absence and collapse of retinal capillaries, which is referred to as the non-perfusion area in OCTA, and diffuse perfusion decrease usually detected by comparing with healthy case-control groups. Wider OCTA allows for insights into peripheral retinal vascularity, but the heterogeneous perfusion distribution from the macula, parapapillary area to periphery hurdles the quantitative assessment. A normative database for OCTA could estimate how much individual’s data deviate from the normal range, and where the deviations locate. Here, we acquired OCTA images using a swept-source OCT system and a 12×12 mm protocol in healthy subjects. We automatically segmented the large blood vessels with U-Net, corrected for anatomical factors such as the relative position of fovea and disc, and segmented the capillaries by a moving window scheme. A total of 195 eyes were included and divided into 4 age groups: < 30 (n=24) years old, 30-49 (n=28) years old, 50-69 (n=109) years old and >69 (n=34) years old. This provides an age-dependent normative database for characterizing retinal perfusion abnormalities in 12×12 mm OCTA images. The usefulness of the normative database was tested on two pathological groups: one with diabetic retinopathy; the other with glaucoma.
Fresnel diffraction is a basic quantum mechanical effect
Authors: Tavassoly M. Taghi
Published: May 2021

Using the Fresnel–Kirchhoff integral, we express the state of the light that diffracts from an aperture to a point, by superposition of two or more waves. The amplitudes of the waves are determined by the distances of the point from the ray optics borders of the emerging beams. The interference approach to the Fresnel diffraction leads to a universal formulation of the normalized intensity distribution on the diffraction pattern that determines the state of the incident light, the parameters of the aperture, and its distance from the observation plane, uniquely. In the photon approach, according to the uncertainty principle, confining the position of a photon to an aperture changes the probable propagation direction of the photon in an interval that leads to the diffraction of the photon or light. Thus, the normalized intensity distribution on the diffraction pattern is the probability distribution of a photon. To this probability distribution, a probability amplitude distribution is associated that diffracts similar to a wave in Fresnel diffraction. Applying the introduced approach to the study of the diffraction, from different simple apertures and phase steps, we deduce general behaviors of the Fresnel diffraction and show it is involved in all aspects of light phenomena.
Efficient optical proximity correction based on virtual edge and mask pixelation with two-phase sampling
Authors: Chen Guodong , Li Sikun , Wang Xiangzhao
Published: May 2021

Optical proximity correction (OPC) is a widely used resolution enhancement technique (RET) in optical lithography to improve the image fidelity and process robustness. The efficiency of OPC is very important, especially for full-chip modification with complicated circuit layout in advanced technology nodes. An efficient OPC method based on virtual edge and mask pixelation with two-phase sampling is proposed in this paper. All kinds of imaging distortions are classified into two categories of imaging anomalies, the inward shrinkage anomaly and the outward extension anomaly. The imaging anomalies are detected around the corners and along the boundaries of the mask features with several anomaly detection templates. Virtual edges are adaptively generated according to the local imaging anomalies. The virtual edges are shifted to adjust the distribution of transparent regions on the mask and modify the local imaging anomalies. Several constraints and strategies are applied for efficient modifications and global control of the contour fidelity. In addition, the diffraction-limited property of the imaging system is fully utilized to separate the imaging evaluations at a coarse sampling level and the mask modifications at a fine sampling level, through the mask pixelation with two-phase sampling. It accelerates the imaging evaluations and guarantees the modification resolution as well. Simulations and comparisons demonstrate the superior modification efficiency of the proposed method.
Wavelength-dependent holographic impedance metasurfaces
Authors: Li Yun Bo , Li He , Wang Hai Peng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2021

Impedance metasurface can establish a link between an electromagnetic surface wave and spatial wave and hence has attracted much attention of researchers in recent years. The holographic method, which is well known in the optical area, has also the great ability to shape the radiated beams in the microwave band by introducing the concept of surface impedance. Here, we propose a method to shape the radiated beams at two different wavelengths using single-layer multiplexing holographic impedance metasurface with in-plane feeding. For one wavelength, the generated broadside beam in the far field has the left-hand circular polarization, while the broadside beam in the other wavelength has the right-hand circular polarization. The radiation performance under different wavelengths are controlled independently due to the novel design of two eigen-modes in the impedance unit cell, in which the ratio of the two wavelengths can be large enough. To verify the proposed design experimentally, we fabricate a metasurface sample, and good agreement is observed between the simulation and measurement results.
Superluminal light propagation in a normal dispersive medium
Authors: Sabegh Zahra Amini , Mahmoudi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

The propagation of a Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam through a dispersive medium is investigated. The effect of the doughnut-like intensity profile of the probe LG beam on the group velocity is studied. We find an analytical expression for the group velocity out of the optical axis and compare with its projection onto the propagation axis. It is turned out that the group velocity vector is along the optical axis at the waist of the beam and the Rayleigh range. We numerically and analytically investigate the effect of the helical phase front of the coupling LG field on the group velocity of the probe LG field in a four-level double V-type quantum system. Our analysis predicts a strange behavior for the group velocity of the probe LG beam inside a normal dispersive medium in the gain region so that it can exceed the speed of light in free space, leads to the gain-assisted superluminal light propagation in normal dispersion. Such an unusual propagation of the LG beam results from the distortion of its helical phase front via the classical interference of the planar and LG fields. The obtained results may find some potential applications in increasing the velocity of the information transmission in optical communications.
What we can and what we cannot see with extracellular multielectrodes
Authors: Chintaluri Chaitanya , Bejtka Marta , Średniawa Władysław , Czerwiński Michał , Dzik Jakub M. , Jędrzejewska-Szmek Joanna , Kondrakiewicz Kacper , Kublik Ewa , Wójcik Daniel K.
Published: May 2021

Extracellular recording is an accessible technique used in animals and humans to study the brain physiology and pathology. As the number of recording channels and their density grows it is natural to ask how much improvement the additional channels bring in and how we can optimally use the new capabilities for monitoring the brain. Here we show that for any given distribution of electrodes we can establish exactly what information about current sources in the brain can be recovered and what information is strictly unobservable. We demonstrate this in the general setting of previously proposed kernel Current Source Density method and illustrate it with simplified examples as well as using evoked potentials from the barrel cortex obtained with a Neuropixels probe and with compatible model data. We show that with conceptual separation of the estimation space from experimental setup one can recover sources not accessible to standard methods.
Whole genome sequencing of a snailfish from the Yap Trench (~7,000 m) clarifies the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation to the deep sea
Authors: Mu Yinnan , Bian Chao , Liu Ruoyu , Wang Yuguang , Shao Guangming , Li Jia , Qiu Ying , He Tianliang , Li Wanru , Ao Jingqun , Shi Qiong , Chen Xinhua
Published: May 2021

Hadal environments (depths below 6,000 m) are characterized by extremely high hydrostatic pressures, low temperatures, a scarce food supply, and little light. The evolutionary adaptations that allow vertebrates to survive in this extreme environment are poorly understood. Here, we constructed a high-quality reference genome for Yap hadal snailfish (YHS), which was captured at a depth of ~7,000 m in the Yap Trench. The final YHS genome assembly was 731.75 Mb, with a contig N50 of 0.75 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 1.26 Mb. We predicted 24,329 protein-coding genes in the YHS genome, and 24,265 of these genes were successfully functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that YHS diverged from a Mariana Trench snailfish approximately 0.92 million years ago. Many genes associated with DNA repair show evidence of positive selection and have expanded copy numbers in the YHS genome, possibly helping to maintain the integrity of DNA under increased hydrostatic pressure. The levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a potent protein stabilizer, are much higher in the muscles of YHS than in those of shallow-water fish. This difference is perhaps due to the five copies of the TMAO-generating enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 gene (fmo3) in the YHS genome and the abundance of trimethylamine (TMA)-generating bacteria in the YHS gut. Thus, the high TMAO content might help YHS adapt to high hydrostatic pressure by improving protein stability. Additionally, the evolutionary features of the YHS genes encoding sensory-related proteins are consistent with the scarce food supply and darkness in the hadal environments. These results clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of hadal organisms to the deep-sea environment and provide valuable genomic resources for in-depth investigations of hadal biology.
RACK1 modulates polyglutamine-induced neurodegeneration by promoting ERK degradation in Drosophila
Authors: Xie Jun , Han Yongchao , Wang Tao
Published: May 2021

Polyglutamine diseases are neurodegenerative diseases caused by the expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts within different proteins. Although multiple pathways have been found to modulate aggregation of the expanded polyQ proteins, the mechanisms by which polyQ tracts induced neuronal cell death remain unknown. We conducted a genome-wide genetic screen to identify genes that suppress polyQ-induced neurodegeneration when mutated. Loss of the scaffold protein RACK1 alleviated cell death associated with the expression of polyQ tracts alone, as well as in models of Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) and Huntington’s disease (HD), without affecting proteostasis of polyQ proteins. A genome-wide RNAi screen for modifiers of this rack1 suppression phenotype revealed that knockdown of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, POE (Purity of essence), further suppressed polyQ-induced cell death, resulting in nearly wild-type looking eyes. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that RACK1 interacts with POE and ERK to promote ERK degradation. These results suggest that RACK1 plays a key role in polyQ pathogenesis by promoting POE-dependent degradation of ERK, and implicate RACK1/POE/ERK as potent drug targets for treatment of polyQ diseases.
Revisiting density-dependent fecundity in schistosomes using sibship reconstruction
Authors: Neves M. Inês , Gower Charlotte M. , Webster Joanne P. , Walker Martin
Published: May 2021

The stability of parasite populations is regulated by density-dependent processes occurring at different stages of their life cycle. In dioecious helminth infections, density-dependent fecundity is one such regulatory process that describes the reduction in egg production by female worms in high worm burden within-host environments. In human schistosomiasis, the operation of density-dependent fecundity is equivocal and investigation is hampered by the inaccessibility of adult worms that are located intravascularly. Current understanding is almost exclusively limited to data collected from two human autopsy studies conducted over 40 years ago, with subsequent analyses having reached conflicting conclusions. Whether egg production is regulated in a density-dependent manner is key to predicting the effectiveness of interventions targeting the elimination of schistosomiasis and to the interpretation of parasitological data collected during monitoring and evaluation activities. Here, we revisit density-dependent fecundity in the two most globally important humanSchistosomaspp. using a statistical modelling approach that combines molecular inference on the number of parents/adult worms in individual human hosts with parasitological egg count data from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We find a non-proportional relationship betweenS.haematobiumegg counts and inferred numbers of female worms, providing the first clear evidence of density-dependent fecundity in this schistosome species. We do not find robust evidence for density-dependent fecundity inS.mansonibecause of high sensitivity to some modelling assumptions and the lower statistical power of the available data. We discuss the strengths and limitations of our model-based analytical approach and its potential for improving our understanding of density dependence in schistosomiasis and other human helminthiases earmarked for elimination.
Towards a versatile and economic Chagas Disease point-of-care testing system, by integrating loop-mediated isothermal amplification and contactless/label-free conductivity detection
Authors: Figueredo Federico , Stolowicz Fabiana , Vojnov Adrián , Coltro Wendell K. T. , Larocca Luciana , Carrillo Carolina , Cortón Eduardo
Published: May 2021

Rapid diagnosis by using small, simple, and portable devices could represent one of the best strategies to limit the damage and contain the spread of viral, bacterial or protozoa diseases, principally when they can be transmitted by air and are highly contagious, as some respiratory viruses are. The presence of antibodies in blood or serum samples is not the best option for deciding when a person must be quarantined to stop transmission of disease, given that cured patients have antibodies, so the best diagnosis methods rely on the use of nucleic acid amplification procedures. Here we present a very simple device and detection principle, based on paper discs coupled to contactless conductivity (C4D) sensors, can provide fast and easy diagnostics that are needed when an epidemic outbreak develops. The paper device presented here solves one of the main drawbacks that nucleic acid amplification tests have when they are performed outside of central laboratories. As the device is sealed before amplification and integrally disposed in this way, amplimers release cannot occur, allowing repetitive testing in the physician’s practice, ambulances, or other places that are not prepared to avoid cross-contamination of new samples. The use of very low volume samples allows efficient reagent use and the development of low cost, simple, and disposable point-of-care diagnostic systems.
Prediction of direct carbon emissions of Chinese provinces using artificial neural networks
Authors: Jin Hui
Published: May 2021

Closely connected to human carbon emissions, global climate change is affecting regional economic and social development, natural ecological environment, food security, water supply, and many other social aspects. In a word, climate change has become a vital issue of general concern in the current society. In this study, the carbon emission data of Chinese provinces in 1999–2019 are collected and analyzed, so as to identify the carbon emission of direct consumption per 10,000 residents in each province (including each municipal city and autonomous region) and the entire nation based on population data. The Arc Geographic Information Science Engine (ArcGIS Engine) and C#.NET platform are employed to call the MATLAB neural network toolbox. A model is selected and embedded in the prediction system to develop the entire system. This study demonstrates that the carbon emissions per resident in Northern China are significantly higher than those in Southern China, with the rate of carbon emissions continuing to increase over time. Compared with other models, the Elman neural network has a higher carbon emission prediction accuracy, but with more minor errors. For instance, its accuracy and prediction performance are improved by 55.93% and 19.48%, respectively, compared with the Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). The prediction results show that China is expected to reach its peak carbon emission in around 2025–2030. The above results are acquired based on the concept of carbon emissions and neural network model theories, supported by GIS component technology and intelligent methods. The feasibility of BPNN, Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Elman neural network models for predicting residential carbon emissions is analyzed. This study also designs a comprehensive, integrated and extensible visual intelligent platform, which is easy to implement and stable in operation. The trend and characteristics of carbon emission changes from 2027 to 2032 are explored and predicted based on the data about direct carbon emissions of Chinese provincial residents from 1999 to 2019, purposed to provide a scientific basis for the control and planning of carbon emissions.
BMSCs differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes alleviated the inflammation and demyelination of EAE mice models
Authors: Liu Guo-yi , Wu Yan , Kong Fan-yi , Ma Shu , Fu Li-yan , Geng Jia
Published: May 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, progressive neuroinflammatory disease associated with autoimmunity. Currently, effective therapeutic strategy was poorly found in MS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is widely used to study the pathogenesis of MS. Cumulative research have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem Cells (BMSCs) transplantation could treat EAE animal models, but the mechanism was divergent. Here, we systematically evaluated whether BMSCs can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes to alleviate the symptoms of EAE mice. We used Immunofluorescence staining to detect MAP-2, GFAP, and MBP to evaluate whether BMSCs can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The effect of BMSCs transplantation on inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in EAE mice were detected by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, respectively. Inflammatory factors expression was detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively. Our results showed that BMSCs could be induced to differentiate into neuron cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytein vivoandin vitro, and BMSCs transplanted in EAE mice were easier to differentiate than normal mice. Moreover, transplanted BMSCs reduced neurological function scores and disease incidence of EAE mice. BMSCs transplantation alleviated the inflammation and demyelination of EAE mice. Finally, we found that BMSCs transplantation down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ, and up-regulated the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-β. In conclusion, this study found that BMSCs could alleviate the inflammatory response and demyelination in EAE mice, which may be achieved by the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in EAE mice.
Nystagmus in adult patients with acute otitis media or otitis media with effusion without dizziness
Authors: Kim Chang-Hee , Lee Jiyeon , Choi BoYoon , Shin Jung Eun
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and patterns of nystagmus in adult patients with acute otitis media (AOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME) without dizziness or vertigo, and discuss possible mechanisms. From February 2018 to November 2018, 34 consecutive patients with AOM or OME without dizziness were included. Nystagmus was examined with video Frenzel glasses. Of 34 adult AOM or OME patients without dizziness, nystagmus was observed in 28 patients (82%). In unilateral AOM or OME (n = 30), the most commonly observed nystagmus pattern was irritative-type direction-fixed nystagmus (n = 13), followed by paretic-type direction-fixed nystagmus (n = 8), and direction-changing positional nystagmus (n = 4). In bilateral AOM or OME (n = 4), direction-fixed nystagmus and direction-changing positional nystagmus were observed in two and one patients, respectively. Nystagmus was observed in as many as 82% of adult AOM or OME patients even though they did not complain of dizziness, and the pattern of nystagmus was either direction-fixed or direction-changing. Direct effect of inflammatory mediators penetrated from the middle ear and biochemical alteration in the inner ear fluids due to blood-perilymph barrier dysfunction may result in the presence of nystagmus in AOM or OME patients without dizziness.