bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inelastic strain in the hypocentral region of the 2000 Western Tottori earthquake (M 7.3) inferred from aftershock seismic moment tensors
Authors: Matsumoto Satoshi , Iio Yoshihisa , Sakai Shinichi , Kato Aitaro
Published: May 2020

Inelastic deformation due to seismic activity is an important signal that reflects fault evolution. In particular, aftershock sequences indicate the evolution of damage in a medium that has experienced a large earthquake. Herein, we discuss the inelastic strain rate surrounding the fault that produced the M 7.3 Western Tottori earthquake in 2000 using long-term aftershock analysis. To obtain high-resolution focal mechanisms 18 years after the earthquake occurrence, we conducted dense seismic observations in the focal area. The inelastic strain rate estimated from the aftershock seismic moment tensor data showed spatial variations within a range of 10−7–10−11 per year, 18 years after the main shock. By comparing the inelastic strain rates from immediately after the earthquake and 18 years later, we detected the increase in the spatial variations in the inelastic strain rate; the variations are as small as 102 (= 10−5/10−7) for the early stage but as large as 104 (= 10−7/10−11) for the later period. In addition, the decay of the rate during these two periods varied spatially from spatial bin to bin. Certain bins in the northern segment of the earthquake fault, southern edge of the fault, and surrounding the location of the preceding swarm activity to the M 7.3 event showed slower decay rates than the inverse of the lapse time since the occurrence of the M 7.3 earthquake. We modeled this decay rate change as the relaxation response of a power-law fluid to an elastic strain input from the large earthquake. Most parts of the fault can be explained by this model. However, the areas with low decay rates suggest the presence of a dragging mechanism, such as aseismic slip, at or around these locations.
Effect of flavophospholipol on fecal microbiota in weaned pigs challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Nair Saranya , Farzan Abdolvahab , Weese J. Scott , Poljak Zvonimir , Friendship Robert M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The heightened prevalence ofSalmonellaTyphimurium remains a public health and food safety concern. Studies have reported antibiotic, flavophospholipol, may have the ability to reduceSalmonellain swine, as well as alter the gut microbiota in favour of beneficial bacteria by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the fecal microbiota of weaned pigs receiving in-feed flavophospholipol and challenged withSalmonellaTyphimurium.

Results

Twenty-one weaned pigs were fed either a diet containing 4 ppm of flavophospholipol (treatment group) or a non-medicated feed (control group) for 36 days post-weaning (Day 1 to Day 36). The pigs were orally challenged with a 2 mL dose of 108 CFU/mL ofS.Typhimurium at Day 7 and Day 8. Community bacterial DNA extracted from fecal samples collected at Day 6 (before challenge) and Day 36 (28 days after challenge) were used to assess the fecal microbiota using the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene with Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing. Sequencing data were visualized using mothur and analyzed in JMP and R software. The fecal microbiota of pigs in the treatment group had differences in abundance of phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria) and genera (Lactobacillus, Roseburia,Treponema,unclassified Ruminococcaceae,Blautia,Streptococcus,Megasphaera,Dorea,Sporobacter,Peptococcus, unclassified Firmicutes,ClostridiumIV andCampylobacter)when compared to pigs that were controls, 28 days after challenge withSalmonella(P < 0.05). Specifically, results demonstrated a significant increase in phylum Proteobacteria (P = 0.001) and decrease in Firmicutes (P = 0.012) and genusRoseburia(P = 0.003) in the treated pigs suggestive of possible microbial dysbiosis. An increased abundance of generaLactobacillus(P = 0.012) was also noted in the treated group in comparison to the control.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, it is difficult to conclude whether treatment with 4 ppm of flavophospholipol is promoting favorable indigenous bacteria in the pig microbiota as previous literature has suggested.
Development of a computerized adaptive test to assess entrepreneurial personality
Authors: Postigo Álvaro , Cuesta Marcelino , Pedrosa Ignacio , Muñiz José , García-Cueto Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Background/objective

Entrepreneurial behavior is of great importance nowadays owing to its significance in the generation of economic, social, personal, and cultural wellbeing. This behavior is influenced by cognitive and personality characteristics, as well as by socioeconomic and contextual factors. Entrepreneurial personality is made up of a set of psychological traits including self-efficacy, autonomy, innovation, internal locus of control, achievement motivation, optimism, stress tolerance, and risk-taking. The aim of this research is the development of a computerized adaptive test (CAT) to evaluate entrepreneurial personality.

Method

A bank of 120 items was created evaluating various aspects of the entrepreneurial personality. The items were calibrated with the Samejima Graded Response Model using a sample of 1170 participants (Mage = 42.34; SDage = 12.96).

Results

The bank of items had an essentially unidimensional fit to the model. The CAT exhibited high accuracy for evaluating a wide range of θ scores, using a mean of 16 items with a very low standard error (M = 0.157). Relative validity evidence for the CAT was obtained with two additional tests of entrepreneurial personality (the Battery for the Assessment of the Enterprising Personality and the Measure of Enterpreneurial Tendencies and Abilities), with correlations of .908 and .657, respectively.

Conclusions

The CAT developed has appropriate psychometric properties for the evaluation of entrepreneurial people.
Characterization of the interleukin-17 effect on articular cartilage in a translational model: an explorative study
Authors: Sinkeviciute Dovile , Aspberg Anders , He Yi , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Önnerfjord Patrik
Published: May 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, chronic disease characterized by articular cartilage destruction. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 levels have been reported elevated in serum and synovial fluid of OA patients and correlated with increased cartilage defects and bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to characterize an IL-17-mediated articular cartilage degradation ex-vivo model and to investigate IL-17 effect on cartilage extracellular matrix protein turnover.

Methods

Full-depth bovine femoral condyle articular cartilage explants were cultured in serum-free medium for three weeks in the absence, or presence of cytokines: IL-17A (100 ng/ml or 25 ng/ml), or 10 ng OSM combined with 20 ng/ml TNFα (O + T). RNA isolation and PCR analysis were performed on tissue lysates to confirm IL-17 receptor expression. GAG and ECM-turnover biomarker release into conditioned media was assessed with dimethyl methylene blue and ELISA assays, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 activity assessment in conditioned media, and shotgun LC-MS/MS for identification and label-free quantification of proteins and protein fragments in conditioned media. Western blotting was used to validate MS results.

Results

IL-17RA mRNA was expressed in bovine full-depth articular cartilage and the treatment with IL-17A did not interfere with metabolic activity of the model. IL-17A induced cartilage breakdown; conditioned media GAG levels were 3.6-fold-elevated compared to untreated. IL-17A [100 ng/ml] induced ADAMTS-mediated aggrecan degradation fragment release (14-fold increase compared to untreated) and MMP-mediated type II collagen fragment release (6-fold-change compared to untreated). MS data analysis revealed 16 differentially expressed proteins in IL-17A conditioned media compared to untreated, and CHI3L1 upregulation in conditioned media in response to IL-17 was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions

We showed that IL-17A has cartilage modulating potential. It induces collagen and aggrecan degradation indicating an upregulation of MMPs. This was confirmed by zymography and mass spectrometry data. We also showed that the expression of other cytokines is induced by IL-17A, which provide further insight to the pathways that are active in response to IL-17A. This exploratory study confirms that IL-17A may play a role in cartilage pathology and that the applied model may be a good tool to further investigate it.
Hylan G-F20 and galactomannan joint flares are associated to acute synovitis and release of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: de Melo Nunes Rodolfo , Cunha Pablyana Leila Rodrigues , Pinto Ana Carolina Matias Dinelly , Girão Virgínia Claudia Carneiro , de Andrade Feitosa Judith Pessoa , Rocha Francisco Airton Castro
Published: May 2020

Background

Injection of Hylan G-F20 (HY) into joints may provoke local flares, which mechanisms may involve reaction to protein contaminants. We have previously developed a protein-free saline-soluble galactomannan derived from guar gum (GM) that displays both analgesia and chondroprotection in experimental osteoarthritis (OA). We now demonstrate that both GM and Hylan G-F20 (HY) promote mild synovitis with cytokine release after intra-articular injection.

Methods

Mice received 100 μg/25 μL GM or HY or saline into the knees. Joint pain was evaluated using von Frey test; cell influx, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and CXCL-1 (pg/mL) levels were assessed in joint lavage at 6 h. Synovia were excised for histopathology.

Results

Neither GM nor HY after being given into mice knee joints induced pain albeit promoting mild cell influx into joint washings as well as mild synovitis at histology, with no damage to the underlying cartilage. HY but not GM promoted IL-1 release into mice joints. Both compounds induced IL-6 and CXCL-1 release.

Conclusion

Intra-articular injection of HY or GM promote acute transient synovitis whilst not provoking detectable significant joint damage. Local administration of these polysaccharides induces acute intra-articular release of inflammatory cytokines, which may account for joint flares following viscosupplementation.
Evaluation of fecal Lactobacillus populations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: a pilot study
Authors: Muñana Karen R. , Jacob Megan E. , Callahan Benjamin J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological disorder of dogs characterized by recurrent seizures for which no underlying basis is identified other than a presumed genetic predisposition. The pathogenesis of the disorder remains poorly understood, but environmental factors are presumed to influence the course of disease. Within the growing body of research into the microbiota-gut-brain axis, considerable attention has focused on the protective role of Lactobacilli in the development and progression of neurological disease. Investigations into the association between the gut microbiome and epilepsy are in their infancy, but some preliminary findings support a role for Lactobacilli in drug resistant epilepsy. To date, there are no published studies evaluating the gut microbiome in dogs with epilepsy. This pilot study was undertaken to evaluate fecal Lactobacillus populations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to healthy dogs.

Results

Fecal samples were obtained from 13 pairs of dogs, consisting of a drug-naïve epileptic dog and a healthy dog from the same household and maintained on the same diet. Evaluation of large-scale microbial patterns based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing identified a household effect in the study population. Differential prevalence testing at the 16S rRNA gene sequence variant and genus levels did not identify any statistically significant differences between epileptic and control dogs. Quantitative PCR of Lactobacillus species isolated through culture revealed no statistically significant difference between the epileptic and control dogs (median concentration, 3.8 log10 CFU/g feces and 4.6 log10 CFU/g feces, respectively). Lactobacillus in culture was not killed by exposure to phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, or levetiracetam.

Conclusions

This pilot study did not identify any difference in large-scale microbial patterns or relative or absolute abundance of Lactobacillus species in drug-naïve epileptic dogs compared to healthy dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of the gut microbiome in disease progression and treatment response in dogs with epilepsy. Lactobacilli in culture were not killed or inhibited from growing when exposed to phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide or levetiracetam, suggesting that antiepileptic drug administration is less likely to be a confounding factor in future studies evaluating the role of Lactobacillus in epilepsy.
Predicting Lung Cancer Survival Using Probabilistic Reclassification of TNM Editions With a Bayesian Network
Authors: Sieswerda Melle S. , Bermejo Inigo , Geleijnse Gijs , Aarts Mieke J. , Lemmens Valery E.P.P. , De Ruysscher Dirk , Dekker André L.A.J. , Verbeek Xander A.A.M
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

The TNM classification system is used for prognosis, treatment, and research. Regular updates potentially break backward compatibility. Reclassification is not always possible, is labor intensive, or requires additional data. We developed a Bayesian network (BN) for reclassifying the 5th, 6th, and 7th editions of the TNM and predicting survival for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without training data with known classifications in multiple editions.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (n = 146,084). A BN was designed with nodes for TNM edition and survival, and a group of nodes was designed for all TNM editions, with a group for edition 7 only. Before learning conditional probabilities, priors for relations between the groups were manually specified after analysis of changes between editions. For performance evaluation only, part of the 7th edition test data were manually reclassified. Performance was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Two-year survival was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), and model calibration was visualized.

RESULTS

Manual reclassification of 7th to 6th edition stage group as ground truth for testing was impossible in 5.6% of the patients. Predicting 6th edition stage grouping using 7th edition data and vice versa resulted in average accuracies, sensitivities, and specificities between 0.85 and 0.99. The AUC for 2-year survival was 0.81.

CONCLUSION

We have successfully created a BN for reclassifying TNM stage grouping across TNM editions and predicting survival in NSCLC without knowing the true TNM classification in various editions in the training set. We suggest binary prediction of survival is less relevant than predicted probability and model calibration. For research, probabilities can be used for weighted reclassification.
Quantitative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research
Authors: Fedorov Andrey , Beichel Reinhard , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Clunie David , Onken Michael , Riesmeier Jörg , Herz Christian , Bauer Christian , Beers Andrew , Fillion-Robin Jean-Christophe , Lasso Andras , Pinter Csaba , Pieper Steve , Nolden Marco , Maier-Hein Klaus , Herrmann Markus D. , Saltz Joel , Prior Fred , Fennessy Fiona , Buatti John , Kikinis Ron
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

We summarize Quantitative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research (QIICR; U24 CA180918), one of the first projects funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Informatics Technology for Cancer Research program.

METHODS

QIICR was motivated by the 3 use cases from the NCI Quantitative Imaging Network. 3D Slicer was selected as the platform for implementation of open-source quantitative imaging (QI) tools. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) was chosen for standardization of QI analysis outputs. Support of improved integration with community repositories focused on The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Priorities included improved capabilities of the standard, toolkits and tools, reference datasets, collaborations, and training and outreach.

RESULTS

Fourteen new tools to support head and neck cancer, glioblastoma, and prostate cancer QI research were introduced and downloaded over 100,000 times. DICOM was amended, with over 40 correction proposals addressing QI needs. Reference implementations of the standard in a popular toolkit and standalone tools were introduced. Eight datasets exemplifying the application of the standard and tools were contributed. An open demonstration/connectathon was organized, attracting the participation of academic groups and commercial vendors. Integration of tools with TCIA was improved by implementing programmatic communication interface and by refining best practices for QI analysis results curation.

CONCLUSION

Tools, capabilities of the DICOM standard, and datasets we introduced found adoption and utility within the cancer imaging community. A collaborative approach is critical to addressing challenges in imaging informatics at the national and international levels. Numerous challenges remain in establishing and maintaining the infrastructure of analysis tools and standardized datasets for the imaging community. Ideas and technology developed by the QIICR project are contributing to the NCI Imaging Data Commons currently being developed.
Mechano-responsiveness of fibrillar adhesions on stiffness-gradient gels
Authors: Barber-Pérez Nuria , Georgiadou Maria , Guzmán Camilo , Isomursu Aleksi , Hamidi Hellyeh , Ivaska Johanna
Published: May 2020

Fibrillar adhesions are important structural and adhesive components in fibroblasts, and are required for fibronectin fibrillogenesis. While nascent and focal adhesions are known to respond to mechanical cues, the mechanoresponsive nature of fibrillar adhesions remains unclear. Here, we used ratiometric analysis of paired adhesion components to determine an appropriate fibrillar adhesion marker. We found that active α5β1-integrin exhibits the most definitive fibrillar adhesion localization compared to other proteins, such as tensin-1, reported to be in fibrillar adhesions. To elucidate the mechanoresponsiveness of fibrillar adhesions, we designed a cost-effective and reproducible technique to fabricate physiologically relevant stiffness gradients on thin polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels, embedded with fluorescently labelled beads. We generated a correlation curve between bead density and hydrogel stiffness, thus enabling a readout of stiffness without the need for specialized knowhow, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). We find that stiffness promotes growth of fibrillar adhesions in a tensin-1-dependent manner. Thus, the formation of these extracellular matrix-depositing structures is coupled to the mechanical parameters of the cell environment and may enable cells to fine-tune their matrix environment in response to changing physical conditions.
Stable mitochondrial CICIII2 supercomplex interactions in reptiles compared to homeothermic vertebrates
Authors: Bundgaard Amanda , James Andrew M. , Harbour Michael E. , Murphy Michael P. , Fago Angela
Published: May 2020

The association of complex I (CI), complex III (CIII) and complex IV (CIV) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain into stable high-molecular weight supercomplexes (SCs) has been observed in several prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but among vertebrates it has only been examined in mammals. The biological role of these SCs is unclear but suggestions so far include enhanced electron transfer between complexes, decreased production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) O2·− and H2O2, or enhanced structural stability. Here, we provide the first overview on the stability, composition and activity of mitochondrial SCs in representative species of several vertebrate classes to determine patterns of SC variation across endotherms and ectotherms. We found that the stability of the CICIII2 SC and the inclusion of CIV within SC varied considerably. Specifically, when solubilized by the detergent DDM, mitochondrial CICIII2 SCs were unstable in endotherms (birds and mammals) and highly stable in reptiles. Using mass-spectrometric complexomics, we confirmed that the CICIII2 is the major SC in the turtle, and that 90% of CI is found in this highly stable SC. Interestingly, the presence of stable SCs did not prevent mitochondrial H2O2 production and was not associated with elevated respiration rates of mitochondria isolated from the examined species. Together, these data show that SC stability varies among vertebrates and is greatest in poikilothermic reptiles and weakest in endotherms. This pattern suggests an adaptive role of SCs to varying body temperature, but not necessarily a direct effect on electron transfer or in the prevention of ROS production.
Hydrogen Adsorption/Desorption Properties of Anhydrous Metal Oxalates; Metal = Mg2+ and Ca2+
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuru , Kita Takuji , Tanaka Kazuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Hydrogen adsorption/desorption properties of magnesium oxalate and calcium oxalate (M(ox); M = Mg2+ and Ca2+) were measured at selected temperatures between 77 K and 200 K. The hydrogen uptake amounts were 0.037 wt% for Mg(ox) and 0.147 wt% for Ca(ox) at 87 K, 0.15 MPa. Hydrogen adsorption enthalpy for Ca(ox) was estimated as −16 ∼ −13 kJ/mol-H2, which indicated the contribution of charge-transfer interaction between Ca2+ and H2 molecule. Limited hydrogen uptake for both Mg(ox) and Ca(ox) were attributed to the intermolecular interaction between M2+ and oxygen atoms of surrounding M(ox) molecules.
N-Acylcarbazole as a Selective Transamidation Reagent
Authors: Kang Bubwoong , Yasuno Yoko , Okamura Hironori , Sakai Asumi , Satoh Tetsuya , Kuse Masaki , Shinada Tetsuro
Published: May 2020

N-acylation reaction offers an opportunity to develop an efficient synthesis of amide group-containing molecules. We found that N-acyl carbazoles showed remarkable selectivity in transamidation. Sterically less hindered primary amines are selectively acylated with N-acyl carbazoles without any additives. Various functional groups such as alcohol, phenol, indole, and aniline moieties are tolerated under mild conditions. The synthetic utility was displayed in one-pot synthesis of an N-acyl polyamine natural product. The terminal amines of spermidine were selectively benzoylated with N-benzoyl carbazole, followed by acetylation reaction accomplished the total synthesis in a highly efficient manner.
Positron emission tomography PET/CT harmonisation study of different clinical PET/CT scanners using commercially available software
Authors: Lowe Gerry , Spottiswoode Bruce , Declerck Jerome , Sullivan Keith , Sharif Mhd Saeed , Wong Wai-Lup , Sanghera Bal
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Harmonisation is the process whereby standardised uptake values from different scanners can be made comparable. This PET/CT pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of harmonisation of a modern scanner with image reconstruction incorporating resolution recovery (RR) with another vendor older scanner operated in two-dimensional (2D) mode, and for both against a European standard (EARL). The vendor-proprietary software EQ•PET was used, which achieves harmonisation with a Gaussian smoothing. A substudy investigated effect of RR on harmonisation.

Methods:

Phantom studies on each scanner were performed to optimise the smoothing parameters required to achieve successful harmonisation. 80 patients were retrospectively selected; half were imaged on each scanner. As proof of principle, a cohort of 10 patients was selected from the modern scanner subjects to study the effects of RR on harmonisation.

Results:

Before harmonisation, the modern scanner without RR adhered to EARL specification. Using the phantom data, filters were derived for optimal harmonisation between scanners and with and without RR as applicable, to the EARL standard. The 80-patient cohort did not reveal any statistically significant differences. In the 10-patient cohort SUVmax for RR > no RR irrespective of harmonisation but differences lacked statistical significance (one-way ANOVA F(3.36) = 0.37, p = 0.78). Bland-Altman analysis showed that harmonisation reduced the SUVmax ratio between RR and no RR to 1.07 (95% CI 0.96–1.18) with no outliers.

Conclusions:

EQ•PET successfully enabled harmonisation between modern and older scanners and against the EARL standard. Harmonisation reduces SUVmax and dependence on the use of RR in the modern scanner.

Advances in knowledge:

EQ•PET is feasible to harmonise different PET/CT scanners and reduces the effect of RR on SUVmax.
Greater Saphenous Vein Graft Revascularization of the Left Hepatic Artery after Resection of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Common Hepatic Artery Resection
Authors: Choi Jong Yun , Jung Ee Room , Choi Jangyoun , Kim Ki Hwan , Jung Sung-No , Seo Bommie Florence
Published: May 2020

Resection of biliary tract malignancies may require resection of the hepatic vasculature. While immediate revascularization of the liver is necessary, reconstruction is difficult when the original vessels are unavailable. We document a case in which a segment of the common hepatic artery was excised during tumor resection and the remaining proximal vessel displayed intima dissection. A greater saphenous vein was placed as a bridge between the remaining left hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery for successful revascularization.
Analyst Information Acquisition via EDGAR
Authors: Gibbons Brian , Iliev Peter , Kalodimos Jonathan
Published: May 2020

We identify analysts’ information acquisition patterns by linking EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) server activity to analysts’ brokerage houses. Analysts rely on EDGAR in 24% of their estimate updates with an average of eight filings viewed. We document that analysts’ attention to public information is driven by the demand for information and the analysts’ incentives and career concerns. We find that information acquisition via EDGAR is associated with a significant reduction in analysts’ forecasting error relative to their peers. This relationship is likewise present when we focus on the intensity of analyst research. Attention to public information further enables analysts to provide forecasts for more time periods and more financial metrics. Informed recommendation updates are associated with substantial and persistent abnormal returns, even when the analyst accesses historical filings. Analysts’ use of EDGAR is associated with longer and more informative analysis within recommendation reports.

This paper was accepted by Shiva Rajgopal, accounting.
Modelling and Simulation for Small Signal Stability of Multi-machine Power System under Various Disturbance Conditions
Authors: Swe Ohnmar
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the small signal stability of multi-machine power system over the 58-Bus, 26-Machine, Yangon Distribution Network and is validated with MATLAB software under various disturbance conditions. Time-domain solution analysis is employed to determine the small signal dynamic behavior of test system. Transtability model is used to perform time-domain simulation in SIMULINK. The simulation is carried out for normal condition, reference voltage of regulator (Vref) disturbance, mechanical torque (Tm)disturbance and network (fault) disturbance and the conditions of change in center of inertia for rotor angle (delta COI),  slip for center of inertia (slip COI), field current and mechanical torque are observed. According to the simulation results, perturbation of Vref shows only instability on the system. But ramping of Tm and network disturbance can cause large disturbance on the system and unstable conditions can be observed.
Assessing wrist pain: a simple guide
Authors: Prasad Ganesh , Bhalli Mustafa J
Published: May 2020

Wrist pain is a common presenting symptom, affecting any age group. Assessment of wrist pain can be very challenging for junior clinicians and non-specialists, especially in patients with a chronic condition. This article looks at the bony and neurovascular anatomy of the wrist joint and describes a simple guide to clinical assessment of wrist pathology, highlighting the awareness of red flag signs, which would warrant an immediate referral for secondary care input.
Apathy and depression during the recovery stage after stroke
Authors: Kawasaki Megumi , Hoshiyama Minoru
Published: May 2020

Background/Aims

Both apathy and depression occur during the recovery period following stroke; however, the relationship between post-stroke apathy and depression is still unclear. The present study investigated the clinical course of apathy and its association with depression, cognitive function and daily function during the recovery period after stroke.

Methods

A total of 42 patients (29 male and 13 female, aged 69.1 ± 12.4 years) who had experienced stroke participated in this study. Each participant was assessed using the Apathy Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Assessment of Attention and Trail-Making-Test parts A and B. Quality of life was evaluated using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Physical function and functional status were assessed using the Brunnstrom Stages of Stroke Recovery and Functional Independence Measure respectively.

Results

The incidence of apathy did not change from the time of admission to discharge. Apathy Scale score did not correlate with Self-rating Depression Scale score at admission, but it did correlate at the time of discharge. Patients with apathy after stroke suffered from greater cognitive disturbance and attention and executive dysfunctions than those without apathy. Total Functional Independence Measure score did not correlate with Apathy Scale or Self-rating Depression Scale score, but there was an association between Self-rating Depression Scale score and the Functional Independence Measure motor and Brunnstrom scores at discharge.

Conclusions

Apathy and depression had different relationships with cognitive and physical function during the recovery stage after stroke. The prevalence of apathy and depression changed, with the interrelationship between apathy and depression altering during the recovery period. Symptoms of apathy and depression should be distinguished from each other and appropriately evaluated to provide effective intervention to support physical and mental recovery after stroke.
An update on hypocalcaemia control
Authors: Husband James
Published: May 2020

Clinical milk fever (hypocalcaemia) is one of the most common metabolic diseases encountered in dairy cows. Subclinical hypocalcaemia in the first days post calving is very common but not often monitored on farm. If monitoring strategies are used the timing of sampling and the parity of animals is important in interpretation of results. Several studies show subclinical hypocalcaemia predisposes cows to an increased risk of diseases such as metritis and displaced abomasum as well as reduced reproductive performance and compromised milk yields. Targeted interventions with calcium supplementation can be effective in mitigating these risks. Preventative strategies normally focus on restricting dietary potassium in the lead up to calving and ensuring adequate magnesium status. Ca binding agents can also be very effective but it is a more expensive strategy.
Biosecurity
Authors: Carr John , Howells Mark
Published: May 2020

Biosecurity is a word coined to describe the concept where pathogens' access to a farm is restricted, controlled, reduced or eliminated. It must be remembered that biosecurity is not disease control or health management, it targets pathogen movement and numbers. ‘Disease’ is a description of a clinical syndrome, for example dysentery is the correct term for any pig with blood in the faeces and may not have anything to do with the pathogen Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. The absence of the B. hyodysenteriae organism will reduce the risk of a pig dying from dysentery, but mortality and production on poorly managed farms could be worse on ‘swine dysentery negative’ farms than on well managed farms where B. hyodysenteriae is rife.
Diagnosis and treatment of common ophthalmic disorders in South American camelids
Authors: Metzler Anne
Published: May 2020

The unique ophthalmic anatomy and generally tractable nature of camelids for ophthalmic examination make them an enjoyable species with which to work. In order to accurately diagnose ophthalmic disorders, it is imperative for the clinician to obtain a working knowledge of the normal ophthalmic anatomy and to be able to competently perform a complete ophthalmic examination. Common ophthalmic disorders ranging from the adnexa to the posterior segment will be reviewed.
Measuring the topological charge of orbital angular momentum radiation in single-shot by means of the wavefront intrinsic curvature
Authors: Paroli B. , Siano M. , Potenza M. A. C.
Published: May 2020

We show a method to measure the topological charge of orbital angular momentum radiation in single-shot by exploiting the intrinsic local curvature of the helicoidal wavefront. The method is based on oriented Hartmann cells in a suitable detection scheme. We show experimental results and propose a Shack–Hartmann configuration with sectored photodiodes to improve resolution and detection time. The method can be applied for telecommunication applications in the far field of the radiation beam and more in general to measure the topological charge from a small portion of the radiation wavefront.
Silicon nitride waveguide devices based on gradient-index lenses implemented by subwavelength silicon grating metamaterials
Authors: Badri S. Hadi , Gilarlue M. M.
Published: May 2020

The rapid development of photonic integrated circuits demands the design of efficient and compact waveguide devices such as waveguide tapers and crossings. Some components in the silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide platform are superior to their counterparts in the silicon waveguide platform. Designing a compact SiN waveguide taper and crossing is crucial to reduce the size of SiN photonic components. In this paper, we utilize the focusing property of the Luneburg lens to design an SiN taper connecting a 10-µm-wide waveguide to a 1-µm-wide waveguide. Three-dimensional full-wave simulations indicate that the designed 13-µm-long taper has an average transmission efficiency of 92% in the wavelength range of 1500–1600 nm. We also present an in-plane SiN waveguide crossing based on the imaging property of the square Maxwell’s fisheye lens designed with quasi-conformal transformation optics. The designed waveguide crossing occupies a compact footprint of

5.65

µ

m

×

5.65

µ

m

, while its average insertion loss is 0.46 dB in the bandwidth of 1500–1600 nm. To the best our knowledge, the designed SiN waveguide taper and crossing have the smallest footprints to date.
Mid-infrared tunable triple-band cross-polarization converter based on a periodic ellipse graphene patch with a slit
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Li Ping , Song Xiaowei
Published: May 2020

A novel triple-band, tunable, high-efficiency, mid-infrared reflected cross-polarization converter based on a graphene metasurface is proposed and studied, which comprised a periodic ellipse graphene patch with a slit, a dielectric spacer, and a metal gold substrate. Numerical simulations indicate that the proposed converter can convert a linearly polarized wave to its cross-polarized wave at three resonance frequencies due to the superimposition of the two reflected components with a near 180° or 0° phase difference. The polarization conversion ratios of the three bands are 98.29%, 98.42%, and 97.64%, respectively. The polarization converter can be dynamically tuned by changing the Fermi energy. Our proposed tunable polarization converter has great potential in the application of electromagnetic polarization control.
Transmission properties of periodically sparse patterned microring resonators
Authors: Wang Li , Zhou Yao , Ye Zifan , Zhao Jianxing , Zhou Jianhong
Published: May 2020

By using the transfer matrix method, we analyze the optical properties of periodically sparse patterned microring resonators in the resonator-waveguide system. The dispersion relation of a periodically sparse patterned microring is investigated theoretically. Two kinds of modes supported by the periodically sparse patterned microring resonators, traveling modes and stationary modes, are found. We also derive the reflectivity of the microring resonator side-coupled to a waveguide and find that just the stationary modes lead to total reflections. Traveling modes do not reflect, which can be used to extend free spectral range. All the transmission properties are confirmed by the finite-difference time-domain method numerically.
Optimization and performance analysis of SERS-active suspended core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Beffara Flavien , Humbert Georges , Auguste Jean-Louis , Perumal Jayakumar , Dinish U. S. , Olivo Malini
Published: May 2020

Recently, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active photonic crystal fiber (PCFs) probes have gained great interest for biosensing applications due to the tremendous advantages it has over the conventional planar substrate based SERS measurements, with improvements on the detection sensitivity and reliability in measurements. So far, two main approaches were employed to get the analyte molecule in the vicinity of nanoparticles (NPs) inside PCFs in order to achieve the SERS effect. In the first case, analyte and NPs are pre-mixed and injected inside the holes of the PCF prior to the measurement. In the second approach, controlled anchoring of the NPs inside the inner walls of the PCF was achieved prior to the incorporation of the analyte. Although many studies have been conducted using one configuration or the other, no clear trend is emerging on which one would be the best suited for optimizing the biosensing properties offered by SERS active-PCF. In this paper, we investigate the performances of both configurations along with their interplays with the core size of the PCF probe. We have fabricated several samples of a standard PCF design with different core sizes, and SERS measurements of a standard Raman-active molecule are realized in the same conditions for enabling direct comparisons of the SERS intensity and measurement reliabilities between each configuration, yielding clear directions on the optimization of the SERS-active PCF probe. We envision that this study will pave the way for next-generation clinical biosensors for body fluid analysis, as it exhibits high sensitivity and excellent reliability.
Polarization Möbius strips on elliptical paths in three-dimensional optical fields
Authors: Freund Isaac
Published: May 2020

Optical singularities in nonparaxial structured light are currently of special interest. Here we study polarization Möbius strips on elliptical paths surrounding lines of circular polarization in fully three-dimensional fields. We find that as the eccentricity, azimuthal orientation, or centering of the path changes, right-handed Möbius strips can change into left-handed ones, and vice versa, and that Möbius strips with one half twist can change into strips with three half twists, and vice versa. These transformations are shown to occur in a possibly unexpected way, not observed previously, that is universal for all two-component singularities.
Fully tailorable integrated-optic resonators based on chirped waveguide Moiré gratings
Authors: Cheng Rui , Jaeger Nicolas A. F. , Chrostowski Lukas
Published: May 2020

Integrated-optic cavity resonators, such as Fabry–Perot microcavities and microrings, are key building blocks of photonics integrated circuits and are used extensively in applications such as optical communications and microwave photonics. For a single, conventional, optical-cavity resonator, resonance peaks appear periodically in frequency and have Lorentzian shapes in nature, which generally cannot be broken. Here, we report on fully tailorable, integrated-optic resonators that allow for independent control of individual resonance or spectral peaks as regards their presence, linewidths and extinction ratios, resonant wavelengths, and shapes and bandwidths. The response shapes can be set to be Lorentzian, Gaussian-like, or square. The resonators are based on chirped waveguide Moiré gratings developed on a silicon-on-insulator platform. We also demonstrate that they can be implemented on compact Archimedean spiral shapes to have sizes comparable to microring and microdisk resonators, with no spectral degradation. The unprecedented spectral flexibility of these resonators makes them attractive for a variety of fields and will enable new avenues for exploration in relevant areas such as optical waveform synthesis and microwave photonics.
En la ciudad de Madrid todos los caminos conducen a Airbnb
Authors: Martínez Caldentey María Antonia , Murray Ivan , Blázquez Salom Macià
Published: May 2020

Desde el estallido de la crisis global en 2008, la turistización de la economía española se ha intensificado. La ciudad de Madrid, en este contexto, también ha ganado poder como espacio turístico. Este artículo analiza las tensiones entre el alquiler turístico y el alquiler residencial en la ciudad de Madrid. Este estudio se ha realizado mediante técnicas de análisis espacial, estadísticas y cartográficas, que nos permiten visualizar y cuantificar las variables relacionadas con el alquiler turístico y residencial en la ciudad. Aunque es cierto que en la actualidad la oferta de alquiler turístico está presente en cada uno de los distritos de Madrid, siguiendo un patrón espacial en forma de mancha de aceite, es en el casco histórico donde se concentran más de la mitad del total de ofertas gestionadas mediante Airbnb. Este artículo tiene como objetivos: 1) establecer los patrones espaciales del alquiler turístico, basados en el análisis de una muestra de ofertas de Airbnb en la ciudad de Madrid; 2) estimar la distribución espacial del alquiler residencial, así como, donde se enfrenta con el alquiler turístico; 3) evaluar los efectos de las medidas regulatorias del uso turístico de viviendas. El estudio ha concluido que el alquiler turístico llevado a cabo en la ciudad de Madrid sigue un patrón de explotación intensiva, donde el casco histórico es el núcleo de dicha actividad, siendo donde existe la mayor confrontación entre el alquiler residencial y el alquiler turístico.
Diferencias de género en los rendimientos del capital humano en el sector de la hostelería en España
Authors: Ons Cappa Míriam , Sánchez Ollero José Luis , García Pozo Alejandro
Published: May 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar para el sector de la hostelería española, las posibles diferencias de género en el impacto relativo sobre los salarios de las variables del capital humano y de otras de carácter personal y laboral. Para esto se emplea una versión extendida de la función salarial de Mincer (1974) y datos procedentes de la Encuesta de Estructura Salarial de 2014. Los resultados muestran para el sector de la hostelería la existencia de significativas diferencias de género en las estimaciones de todas las variables consideradas. En cambio, para el resto de sectores de servicios privados la excepción se encuentra en la variable educación, para la que sus tasas de rendimientos en las mujeres y los hombres son iguales. Para las mujeres de la hostelería, las variables del capital humano no contribuyen especialmente a aumentar su productividad. Además, la evidencia sugiere que estas mujeres permanecen en una situación de inseguridad laboral y de subempleo por insuficiencia de horas y están afectadas por la discriminación laboral.
Instagram: la red social con la mayor interacción para promover los destinos turísticos ecuatorianos
Authors: Avila Campoverde Fausto , Ugalde Cecilia
Published: May 2020

La importancia y los ingresos que genera la industria del turismo, la trascendencia de que las ciudades se comercialicen como destinos turísticos a través de una buena planificación de su comunicación de marca, aprovechando las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación, con mensajes que transmitan identidad de las localidades, transfiriendo valor y emoción hacia los miles de seguidores que las marcas tienen en el impactante mundo de las redes sociales, ha motivado que se realice este estudio con el objetivo de valorar la reacción que obtienen de la comunicación de marca difundida a través de las redes sociales Facebook, Twitter e Instagram, cinco municipios ecuatorianos que trabajan como destinos turísticos. Para medir los resulta-dos nos basamos en el modelo PRGS, (Presencia, Respuesta, Generación y Sugerencia) y en el engagement, a través de las herramientas Fanpage Karma y Twitomony. Entre los resulta-dos obtenidos figura que Instagram se presenta como la red social idónea para obtener más respuestas y por ende mayor engagement en sus seguidores; y, que las marcas con más segui-dores deben mejorar su comunicación para tener un mayor volumen de reacciones.
Análisis y valoración de la rentabilidad del turismo rural en la provincia de Ávila
Authors: Granell Navarro Javier
Published: May 2020

El turismo rural ha sido, en la última década uno de los sectores económicos con mayor desarrollo en la provincia de Ávila. Este trabajo pretende analizar la rentabilidad del modelo de negocio a partir una extrapolación de los datos medios de ingresos y costes obtenidos de distintas fuentes, ya sea mediante encuestas, estadísticas o declaraciones de los agentes económicos implicados en el sector.La estimación del flujo de caja del proceso mercantil, arroja un ratio de rentabilidad, muy bajo respecto a otro tipo de alquileres más productivos o con menor riesgo. Analizando las partidas, la amortización del inmovilizado es uno de los parámetros determinantes, debido a lo significativo de su porcentaje en los gastos de la actividad.El ajuste del sector ocasionado por la crisis económica ha supuesto la salida del mercado del 14% de los establecimientos de la provincia, y la destrucción de más de la mitad del los puestos de trabajo del personal empleado. Provocando una tensión bajista de los precios.Se exponen las líneas de trabajo futuras y los nichos de mercado que tienen mayor potencial para favorecer el desarrollo del sector, generando mayor productividad en el mismo.
La eclosión del turismo en los núcleos pioneros y sus seguidores. Menorca y las Baleares (1900-1936)
Authors: Méndez Vidal Alfons Xavier
Published: May 2020

En las primeras décadas del siglo XX, el turismo adquirió su madurez en un número muy limitado de lugares de la costa mediterránea. En su proximidad, otros puntos aprovecharon sus economías de situación para desarrollarse. A partir de la confrontación de la evolución del turismo en isla de Menorca con sus vecinas de Mallorca e Ibiza, se analizan los factores que permitieron a las comarcas seguidoras entrar en el incipiente mercado turístico.