bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic and laparoscopic liver surgery for colorectal liver metastases: an experience from a German Academic Center
Authors: Rahimli Mirhasan , Perrakis Aristotelis , Schellerer Vera , Gumbs Andrew , Lorenz Eric , Franz Mareike , Arend Jörg , Negrini Victor-Radu , Croner Roland Siegfried
Published: December 2020

Background

Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is increasing in incidence. The aim of this work was to present our experience by reporting short-term and long-term outcomes after MILS for CRLM with comparative analysis of laparoscopic (LLS) and robotic liver surgery (RLS).

Methods

Twenty-five patients with CRLM, who underwent MILS between May 2012 and March 2020, were selected from our retrospective registry of minimally invasive liver surgery (MD-MILS). Thirteen of these patients underwent LLS and 12 RLS. Short-term and long-term outcomes of both groups were analyzed.

Results

Operating time was significantly longer in the RLS vs. the LLS group (342.0 vs. 200.0 min; p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the laparoscopic vs. the robotic group regarding length of postoperative stay (8.8 days), measured blood loss (430.4 ml), intraoperative blood transfusion, overall morbidity (20.0%), and liver surgery related morbidity (4%). The mean BMI was 27.3 (range from 19.2 to 44.8) kg/m2. The 30-day mortality was 0%. R0 resection was achieved in all patients (100.0%) in RLS vs. 10 patients (76.9%) in LLS. Major resections were carried out in 32.0% of the cases, and 84.0% of the patients showed intra-abdominal adhesions due to previous abdominal surgery. In 24.0% of cases, the tumor was bilobar, the maximum number of tumors removed was 9, and the largest tumor was 8.5 cm in diameter. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 84, 56.9, and 48.7%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year overall recurrence-free survival rates were 49.6 and 36.2%, respectively, without significant differences between RLS vs. LLS.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive liver surgery for CRLM is safe and feasible. Minimally invasive resection of multiple lesions and large tumors is also possible. RLS may help to achieve higher rates of R0 resections. High BMI, previous abdominal surgery, and bilobar tumors are not a barrier for MILS. Laparoscopic and robotic liver resections for CRLM provide similar long-term results which are comparable to open techniques.
Network of inter-basin traffic in intrinsically disordered PUMA protein
Authors: de Aquino Belisa R. H. , Cieplak Marek
Published: December 2020

The equilibrium dynamics of the intrinsically disordered proteins is thought to consist of transitions between many basins in the free-energy landscape. This picture can be demonstrated by studying networks defined on the discretized plane: conformational end-to-end distances vs. radii of gyration. The bin sizes are defined by the time scale involved in monitoring the molecular dynamics evolution. We investigate the behavior of PUMA protein that is intrinsically disordered when not bound into a complex. We derive its inter-basin kinetic graph with a coarse-grained model and show that its features are qualitatively consistent with the disconnectivity graphs derived previously for this system by using all-atom simulations.
Charting the unknown currents of cellular flows and forces
Authors: Dahmann Christian , Classen Anne-Kathrin
Published: December 2020

One of the central questions in developmental biology concerns how cells become organized into tissues of the correct size, shape and polarity. This organization depends on the implementation of a cell's genetic information to give rise to specific and coordinated cell behaviors, including cell division and cell shape change. The execution of these cell behaviors requires the active generation of mechanical forces. However, understanding how force generation is controlled and, importantly, coordinated among many cells in a tissue was little explored until the early 2000s. Suzanne Eaton was one of the pioneers in this emerging field of developmental tissue mechanics. As we briefly review here, she connected the quantitative analysis of cell behaviors with genetic assays, and integrated physical modeling with measurements of mechanical forces to reveal fundamental insights into epithelial morphogenesis at cell- and tissue-level scales.
Understanding the role of lipids and lipoproteins in development
Authors: Palm Wilhelm , Rodenfels Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Lipids exert diverse functions in living organisms. They form cellular membranes, store and transport energy and play signalling roles. Some lipid species function in all of these processes, making them ideal candidates to coordinate metabolism with cellular homeostasis and animal development. This theme was central to Suzanne Eaton's research in the fruit fly, Drosophila. Here, we discuss her work on membrane lipid homeostasis in changing environments and on functions for lipids in the Hedgehog signalling pathway. We further highlight lipoproteins as inter-organ carriers of lipids and lipid-linked morphogens, which communicate dietary and developmental signals throughout the organism.
FROM LANGUAGE TEACHERS TO LANGUAGE LEARNING ADVISORS: A JOURNEY MAP
Authors: Tassinari Maria Giovanna , Mozzon-McPherson Marina
Published: December 2020

This article examines the development of the practice of advising in language learning (ALL) and the related establishment of a distinctive role for language learning advisors (LLAs) in the context of Modern Languages in Higher Education. It firstly defines ALL, its principles and interdisciplinary contributions to the construction of reflective dialogue which lies at the heart of advising; these come, inter alia, from counselling, psychology, and coaching. Secondly, it discusses the gradual shift from two distinctive practices (language teaching and advising for language learning) to a more highly integrated academic practice which utilises intentional, skilful reflective dialogue as its distinctive professional feature for successful, sustained, learning conversations. Thirdly, it illustrates this shift through advisors’ professional development stories and their professional needs. Finally, it identifies areas for further research and professional preparation of ALL practitioners and concludes by reflecting on the challenges facing universities, and the positive contribution which ALL can make to address them.
Method for assessing the spatiotemporal resolution of structured illumination microscopy (SIM)
Authors: Boualam Abderrahim , Rowlands Christopher J.
Published: December 2020

A method is proposed for assessing the temporal resolution of structured illumination microscopy (SIM), by tracking the amplitude of different spatial frequency components over time, and comparing them to a temporally-oscillating ground-truth. This method is used to gain insight into the performance limits of SIM, along with alternative reconstruction techniques (termed ‘rolling SIM’) that claim to improve temporal resolution. Results show that the temporal resolution of SIM varies considerably between low and high spatial frequencies, and that, despite being used in several high profile papers and commercial microscope software, rolling SIM provides no increase in temporal resolution over conventional SIM.
Coordinate transformation method for modeling three-dimensional photonic structures with curved boundaries
Authors: Liu Haitao
Published: December 2020

The coordinate transformation method (C method) is a powerful tool for modeling photonic structures with curved boundaries of discontinuities. As a modal method upon the Fourier basis, the C method has superior computational efficiency and rich physical intuitiveness compared to other full-wave numerical methods. But presently the C method is limited to two-dimensional (2D) structures if the boundaries between adjacent z-invariant layers are of generally different profiles [with (x,y,z) being the Cartesian coordinate]. Here we report a nontrivial extension of the C method to the general case of three-dimensional (3D) structures with curved boundaries of different profiles between adjacent layers. This extension drastically enlarges the applicability of the C method to the various interesting structures in nanophotonics and plasmonics. The extended 3D-C method adopts a hybrid coordinate transformation which includes not only the z-direction coordinate transformation in the classical C method but also the x- and y-direction matched coordinates adopted in the Fourier modal method (FMM), so as to exactly model the curved boundaries in all the three directions. The method also incorporates the perfectly matched layers (PMLs) for aperiodic structures and the adaptive spatial resolution (ASR) for enhancing the convergence. A modified numerically-stable scattering-matrix algorithm is proposed for solving the equations of boundary condition between adjacent z-invariant layers, which are derived via a transformation of the full 3D covariant field-components between the different curvilinear coordinate systems defined by the different-profile top and bottom boundaries of each layer. The validity of the extended 3D-C method is tested with several numerical examples.
OSNR monitoring based on a low-bandwidth coherent receiver and LSTM classifier
Authors: Ye Huangbin , Jiang Hao , Liang Guowei , Zhan Qianxin , Huang Shuqiang , Wang Dawei , Di Hongwei , Li Zhaohui
Published: December 2020

Optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) monitoring is one of the core tasks of advanced optical performance monitoring (OPM) technology, which plays an essential role in future intelligent optical communication networks. In contrast to many regression-based methods, we convert the continuous OSNR monitoring into a classification problem by restricting the outputs of the neural network-based classifier to discrete OSNR intervals. We also use a low-bandwidth coherent receiver for obtaining the time domain samples and a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network as the chromatic dispersion-resistant classifier. The proposed scheme is cost efficient and compatible with our previously proposed multi-purpose OPM platform. Both simulation and experimental verification show that the proposed OSNR monitoring technique achieves high classification accuracy and robustness with low computational complexity.
Polarization-sensitive differential phase-contrast microscopy
Authors: Hur Sunwoong , Song Seungri , Kim Soocheol , Joo Chulmin
Published: December 2020

We present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, form of polarization microscopy capable of producing quantitative optic-axis and phase retardation maps of transparent and anisotropic materials. The proposed method operates on differential phase-contrast (DPC) microscopy that produces a phase image of a thin specimen using multi-axis intensity measurements. For polarization-sensitive imaging, patterned illumination light is circularly polarized to illuminate a specimen. The light transmitted through a specimen is split into two orthogonal polarization states and measured by an image sensor. Subsequent DPC computation based on the illumination patterns, acquired images, and the imaging model enables the retrieval of polarization-dependent quantitative phase images, which are utilized to reconstruct the orientation and retardation of the specimen. We demonstrate the validity of the proposed method by measuring the optic-axis and phase retardation maps of calibrated and various anisotropic samples.
Fabrication of silicon nanospheres placeable on a desired position for dielectric metamaterials in the visible region
Authors: Okatani Taiyu , Abe Yosuke , Nakazawa Takuya , Hane Kazuhiro , Kanamori Yoshiaki
Published: December 2020

We proposed a fabrication method for silicon nanospheres with diameters of 100-200 nm at arbitrary locations by using electron-beam lithography and hydrogen annealing. The nanospheres showed a strong magnetic field response in the visible region that was observed as scattered light emitted from the nanospheres. The scattering spectra were calculated by finite-difference time-domain simulation. Periodically arranged silicon nanospheres were successfully fabricated as designed, and the scattered light was measured by dark-field illumination microscopy. The scattering spectra were in the visible range, and the peak position was redshifted as the diameter increased.
Diversity and structural differences of bacterial microbial communities in rhizocompartments of desert leguminous plants
Authors: Zhou Ziyuan , Yu Minghan , Ding Guodong , Gao Guanglei , He Yingying
Published: December 2020

By assessing diversity variations of bacterial communities under different rhizocompartment types (i.e., roots, rhizosphere soil, root zone soil, and inter-shrub bulk soil), we explore the structural difference of bacterial communities in different root microenvironments under desert leguminous plant shrubs. Results will enable the influence of niche differentiation of plant roots and root soil on the structural stability of bacterial communities under three desert leguminous plant shrubs to be examined. High-throughput 16S rRNA genome sequencing was used to characterize diversity and structural differences of bacterial microbes in the rhizocompartments of three xeric leguminous plants. Results from this study confirm previous findings relating to niche differentiation in rhizocompartments under related shrubs, and they demonstrate that diversity and structural composition of bacterial communities have significant hierarchical differences across four rhizocompartment types under leguminous plant shrubs. Desert leguminous plants showed significant hierarchical filtration and enrichment of the specific bacterial microbiome across different rhizocompartments (P< 0.05). The dominant bacterial microbiome responsible for the differences in microbial community structure and composition across different niches of desert leguminous plants mainly consisted of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. All soil factors of rhizosphere and root zone soils, except for NO3—N and TP underC.microphyllaand the twoHedysarum spp., recorded significant differences (P< 0.05). Moreover, soil physicochemical factors have a significant impact on driving the differentiation of bacterial communities under desert leguminous plant shrubs. By investigating the influence of niches on the structural difference of soil bacterial communities with the differentiation of rhizocompartments under desert leguminous plant shrubs, we provide data support for the identification of dominant bacteria and future preparation of inocula, and provide a foundation for further study of the host plants-microbial interactions.
Exploring the Relevance and Reliability of Fair Value Accounting
Authors: Fukui Yoshitaka , Saito Shizuki
Published: December 2020

While the FASB had regarded relevance and reliability as two of the most important qualitative characteristics for years, it replaced reliability with faithful representation revising its Concepts Statement No. 2 in 2010. Even if fair values are relevant for the measurement of assets and liabilities, these figures are not necessarily reliable or verifiable. We believe this point is the central message of Ramanna, K. (2022). Unreliable accounts: How regulators fabricate conceptual narratives to diffuse criticism. Accounting, Economics and Law: A convivium forthcoming. The application of fair value measurement has been substantially extended recently to income recognition of not-for-trading financial instruments and even non-financial assets. Is this extension due to the primacy of relevance over reliability, or the relaxing of requirement for reliability toward faithful representation? Whatever measurement method we use, it is absolutely necessary to construct a system of concepts on which the purpose of measurement should be established. In spite of the fact that any measurement method is a means to intended purposes, if we first chose a particular method and applied it to every situation slavishly, we would become similar to a bogus doctor selling a fake drug as panacea valid for any disease.
Compression and tension behavior of the prosthetic foam materials polyurethane, EVA, Pelite™ and a combination of polyurethane and EVA: a preliminary study
Authors: Lutfi Siti Nur Nabilah , Abd Razak Nasrul Anuar , Ali Sadeeq , Gholizadeh Hossein
Published: December 2020

Materials with low-strength and low-impedance properties, such as elastomers and polymeric foams are major contributors to prosthetic liner design. Polyethylene-Light (Pelite™) is a foam liner that is the most frequently used in prosthetics but it does not cater to all amputees’ limb and skin conditions. The study aims to investigate the newly modified Foam Liner, a combination of two different types of foams (EVA + PU + EVA) as the newly modified Foam Liner in terms of compressive and tensile properties in comparison to Pelite™, polyurethane (PU) foam, and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Universal testing machine (AGS-X, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) has been used to measure the tensile and compressive stress. Pelite™ had the highest compressive stress at 566.63 kPa and tensile stress at 1145 kPa. Foam Liner fell between EVA and Pelite™ with 551.83 kPa at compression and 715.40 kPa at tension. PU foam had the lowest compressive stress at 2.80 kPa and tensile stress at 33.93 kPa. Foam Liner has intermediate compressive elasticity but has high tensile elasticity compared to EVA and Pelite™. Pelite™ remains the highest in compressive and tensile stiffness. Although it is good for amputees with bony prominence, constant pressure might result in skin breakdown or ulcer. Foam Liner would be the best for amputees with soft tissues on the residual limbs to accommodate movement.
LIRKIS Global Collaborative Virtual Environments: Current State and Utilization Perspective
Authors: Hudák Marián , Korečko Štefan , Sobota Branislav
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in the field of web technologies, including the increasing support of virtual reality hardware, have allowed for shared virtual environments, reachable by just entering a URL in a browser. One contemporary solution that provides such a shared virtual reality is LIRKIS Global Collaborative Virtual Environments (LIRKIS G-CVE). It is a web-based software system, built on top of the A-Frame and Networked-Aframe frameworks. This paper describes LIRKIS G-CVE and introduces its two original components. The first one is the Smart-Client Interface, which turns smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets, into input devices. The advantage of this component over the standard way of user input is demonstrated by a series of experiments. The second component is the Enhanced Client Access layer, which provides access to positions and orientations of clients that share a virtual environment. The layer also stores a history of connected clients and provides limited control over the clients. The paper also outlines an ongoing experiment aimed at an evaluation of LIRKIS G-CVE in the area of virtual prototype testing.
Die Notwendigkeit globaler Philosophie
Authors: Gosepath Stefan
Published: December 2020

When ‘we’ in the West talk about philosophy, we most often mean ‘Western Philosophy’, i. e. philosophy with ancient roots in Greece from the pre-Socratic period onwards until today, thereby neglecting other cultures and traditions, whose history of philosophical thinking is at least as old and important. This neglect of other philosophical traditions is a problem in general, since it is unfair, hegemonic, ignorant, and imprudent. The article argues that there are instrumental as well as intrinsic reasons to diversify and globalize the philosophical canon. Different philosophical traditions should engage more substantially with each other to solve philosophical problems. The idea of global philosophy encourages us to look beyond our respective cultural traditions to improve on our current approach of solving philosophical problems by our own lights.
Research on the vibro-acoustic propagation characteristics of a large mining two-stage planetary gear reducer
Authors: Yang Wei , Tang Xiaolin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a computational model is proposed to predict the noise radiation of a planetary gear reducer. In addition, a system-level vibro-acoustic model of a two-stage planetary gear reducer is also established, and the dynamic contact equations of engagement are deduced to investigate the dynamic loads at the interface of bearing-housing and ring-housing in operation, using a large mining two-stage planetary reducer as a test mechanism. Moreover, the frequency response of the planetary transmission has been derived, the radiation noises from the two-stage planetary gear train are analyzed, the simulation results agree well with the experimental results. This research can be guide structural optimization of planetary gear mining reducer.
Surgically induced deficiency of sex hormones modulates coronary vasodilation by estradiol in hypertension
Authors: Rouver Wender do Nascimento , Ferreira Cassiano Ricardo Souza , Delgado Nathalie Tristão Banhos , Santos Roger Lyrio dos
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The effect of oestrogen in hormonal dysfunction is not clear, especially in the coronary vascular bed. This study aimed at estradiol action (E2) in the coronary vascular bed from sham-operated and gonadectomized female and male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Methods

Male and female SHRs had their mean arterial pressure (MAP) and baseline coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) determined. The effects of E2 (10 μM) were evaluated in isolated hearts by in bolus infusion before and after endothelium denudation (0.25 μM sodium deoxycholate) or perfusion with 100 μM NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 2.8 μM indomethacin, 0.75 μM clotrimazole, L-NAME after endothelium denudation, L-NAME plus indomethacin, or 4 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA).

Results

MAP was higher in males than in females, with gonadectomy increasing in females and reducing in males. CPP was higher in female group, remaining unaltered after gonadectomy. E2-induced vasorelaxation was observed in all groups, with no differences having been found between sexes even after gonadectomy. Perfusion with TEA, L-NAME, L-NAME plus indomethacin, and L-NAME after endothelium removal attenuated the relaxing response in all groups. Clotrimazole inhibited vasorelaxation only in female groups, and indomethacin did so only in gonadectomized groups. Endothelium participation was confirmed in female groups and in the gonadectomized male group.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the vasodilator effect of E2 was mediated by an indirect mechanism – via endothelium – as well as by direct action – via vascular smooth muscle – in both groups. The characterization of these mechanisms in coronary arteries might shed light on the functional basis of hormonal dysfunction symptoms in hypertension.
Inverse problem of shape identification from boundary measurement for Stokes equations: Shape differentiability of Lagrangian
Authors: Kovtunenko Victor A. , Ohtsuka Kohji
Published: December 2020

For Stokes equations under divergence-free and mixed boundary conditions, the inverse problem of shape identification from boundary measurement is investigated.
Taking the least-square misfit as an objective function, the state-constrained optimization is treated by using an adjoint state within the Lagrange approach.
The directional differentiability of a Lagrangian function with respect to shape variations is proved within the velocity method, and a Hadamard representation of the shape derivative by boundary integrals is derived explicitly.
The application to gradient descent methods of iterative optimization is discussed.
Glycated hemoglobin variability and microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Er Eren , Ata Aysun , Evin Ferda , Altınok Yasemin Atik , Demir Günay , Özen Samim , Darcan Şükran , Gökşen Damla
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has proven to be indicative in the development of microvascular complications. In this study, the contribution of HbA1c variability to microvascular complications was evaluated.

Methods

Twenty-one cases with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who developed microvascular complications and 39 cases without complications, that were similar in terms of gender, age of diagnosis, insulin treatment, insulin doses (U/kg), and mean HbA1c levels were included.

Results

Mean age of T1DM diagnosis was 5.87 ± 3.93 years in the complication group and 4.63 ± 3.33 years in the control group. Nephropathy was detected in 17 cases, neuropathy in 8 cases, and retinopathy in 1 case. Nephropathy occurred at a mean age of 11.52 ± 4.12 years and neuropathy at 14.13 ± 5.68 years. The mean HbA1c during follow-up was similar in the group with complications and the control group (8.60 ± 0.63 vs. 8.84 ± 1.32). Adjusted HbA1c-standard deviation (SD) and HbA1c-variation coefficient (CV) values were 1.30 ± 0.65 and 14.36 ± 6.23 in the group with complications (p=0.014), and 0.91 ± 0.37 and 10.59 ± 4.01 in the control group (p=0.013). In the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)-analysis for microvascular complications, the limit value HbA1c-CV was 11.99 (sensitivity: 61.9%, specificity: 71.9%). This value for HbA1c-SD was 0.9699 (sensitivity: 71.43%, specificity: 66.67%)

Conclusions

This study has shown that long-term fluctuations in HbA1c are associated with the development of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes.
Comparison of pregnancy outcomes after second trimester amniocentesis between procedures performed by experts and non-experts
Authors: Wisetmongkolchai Tanapak , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Tongsong Theera , Jatavan Phudit
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To compare the rate of fetal loss in pregnancy after second trimester amniocentesis between procedures performed by experts and non-experts and to assess other pregnancy complications as secondary outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on singleton pregnancies that underwent mid-trimester amniocenteses in a single institution. The fetal loss rates of procedures performed by experts and non-experts were collected and analyzed. Other adverse pregnancy outcomes were also examined.

Results

In total, 14,450 amniocenteses were performed during the study period. These included 11,357 (78.6%) procedures in the group expert operators and 3,093 (21.4%) procedures in the group non-expert operators. In the non-expert group, the fetal loss rate was slightly increased but not significantly (p=0.24).In addition, the higher number of spontaneous abortions was associated with blood-stained amniotic fluid sample (p<0.001; RR=9.28). Multiple needle insertions also increased in the non-expert group significantly. However, no difference in pregnancy outcomes was found between in single and multiple needle insertions.

Conclusions

The amniocentesis procedures performed by the non-experts was not increase the fetal loss rate. However, the other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight and fetal growth restriction were significantly increased in the non-expert group.
High-efficiency and high-speed germanium photodetector enabled by multiresonant photonic crystal
Authors: Song Jinwen , Yuan Shuai , Cui Chengcong , Wang Yuxi , Li Zhiyong , Wang Alan X. , Zeng Cheng , Xia Jinsong
Published: December 2020

High-efficiency and high-speed photodetectors with broadband responses are playing pivotal roles for wavelength-division multiplexing optical communications. Germanium photodetectors on silicon platforms exhibit potential cost advantage due to the compatibility for monolithic integration with silicon-based electronic circuits for signal amplification and processing. In this article, we report a normal incidence, germanium photodetector enabled by guided-mode resonances in photonic crystal, which successfully resolved the compromise between quantum efficiency, wavelength coverage and bandwidth requirement, a drawback usually faced by conventional photodetectors operating at normal incidence. The resonant photonic crystal structure is designed to support multiple resonances in the target wavelength range. With an intrinsic absorption layer thickness of 350 nm, the device achieved a high external quantum efficiency of 50% at 1550 nm, along with an enhancement around 300% for the entire C-band. Using a mesa diameter of 14 μm, the fabricated device exhibited a 3-dB bandwidth of 33 GHz and obtained clear eye diagrams at bit rate up to 56 Gbps. This work provides a promising method to design high-efficiency, high-speed, normal incidence germanium photodetectors for optical interconnect systems.
Nanoscale confinement of energy deposition in glass by double ultrafast Bessel pulses
Authors: del Hoyo Jesus , Meyer Remi , Furfaro Luca , Courvoisier Francois
Published: December 2020

Ultrafast laser pulses spatially shaped as Bessel beams in dielectrics create high aspect ratio plasma channels whose relaxation can lead to the formation of nanochannels. We report a strong enhancement of the nanochannel drilling efficiency with illumination by double pulses separated by a delay between 10 and 500 ps. This enables the formation of nanochannels with diameters down to 100 nm. Experimental absorption measurements demonstrate that the increase of drilling efficiency is due to an increase of the confinement of the energy deposition. Nanochannel formation corresponds to a drastic change in absorption of the second pulse, demonstrating the occurrence of a phase change produced by the first pulse. This creates a highly absorbing, long-living state. Our measurements show that it is compatible with the semi-metallization of warm dense glass which takes place within a timescale of <10 ps after the first laser pulse illumination.
Raman scattering in high-refractive-index nanostructures
Authors: Raza Søren , Kristensen Anders
Published: December 2020

The advent of resonant dielectric nanomaterials has provided a new path for concentrating and manipulating light on the nanoscale. Such high-refractive-index materials support a diverse set of low-loss optical resonances, including Mie resonances, anapole states, and bound states in the continuum. Through these resonances, high-refractive-index materials can be used to engineer the optical near field, both inside and outside the nanostructures, which opens up new opportunities for Raman spectroscopy. In this review, we discuss the impact of high-refractive-index nano-optics on Raman spectroscopy. In particular, we consider the intrinsic Raman enhancement produced by different dielectric resonances and their theoretical description. Using the optical reciprocity theorem, we derive an expression which links the Raman enhancement to the enhancement of the stored electric energy. We also address recent results on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy based on high-refractive-index dielectric materials along with applications in stimulated Raman scattering and nanothermometry. Finally, we discuss the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a tool for detecting the optical near-fields produced by dielectric resonances, complementing reflection and transmission measurements.
Effect of nano-silica slurry on engineering, X-ray, and γ-ray attenuation characteristics of steel slag high-strength heavyweight concrete
Authors: Ban Cheah Chee , Khalaf Mohammed A. , Ramli Mahyuddin , Ahmed Naser M. , Abunahel Bassam M. , Dawood Eethar Thanon , Ameri Farshad
Published: December 2020

High molar mass materials (nano-silica slurry [NSS] and aggregate of steel furnace slag [ASFS]) can improve concrete shielding properties. However, only a few studies have been reported in this regard. Hence, this paper aims to determine the effect of NSS and ASFS on the properties of the resulting steel slag heavyweight concrete (SSHWC). The use of NSS in this study is a novel contribution. Furthermore, the maximum percentage of NSS to be introduced into the concrete for maximum effect was also optimized. This study also implemented an investigation program with six concrete mixtures prepared using ASFS as the primary by-product aggregate. The engineering, X-ray, and γ-ray attenuation characteristics of the SSHWC were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of NSS in SSHWC at the optimal content of 3% by weight of cement improved the X-ray shielding by 6.4%. Besides, all the concrete’s engineering and γ-rays’ properties were enhanced correspondingly.
Is There Such a Thing as “Religion”? In Search of the Roots of Spirituality
Authors: Benson Bruce Ellis
Published: December 2020

That there exists something like religion seems self-evident. Anthropologists, we are told, have discovered that all cultures have a religion of some kind. But what is “religion”? If we trace the concept to its origins in religio, we see that our current definition of the term is considerably different. The Latin term religio has to do with virtue or fulfilling one’s obligations to one’s family and community. It has nothing immediately to do with gods, the supernatural, and the afterlife. In contrast, “religion” – something to do with a kind of belief or faith – took about a millennium to take shape. At stake here is a distinction that continues to grow in importance with the increasing number of “nones,” people who consider themselves “non-religious” but are sometimes willing to label themselves “spiritual.” Such a distinction is only meaningful to the extent there is a difference. My paper begins by establishing the nature and the scope of the question. Then I consider Husserl’s idea of returning to the origin – the Ursprung. In effect, Husserl’s quest can be considered an archaeology. Yet an archaeology of religion or even “spirituality” turns out to be impossible. In light of that, I ask: Is there something like primordial religion – something that we could likewise experience today? I suggest that we can find it in Plato, Aristotle, and Kant – an awe or wonder in face of the complexity of the universe. William Cantwell Smith speaks of “the archaic meaning of religio as that awe that men felt in the presence of an uncanny and dreadful power of the unknown.” That awe in religio and philosophy seem to be fundamentally the same. But, if that is the case, then the distinction between “religious” and “spiritual” may not have any real basis.
Astatine-211 labelled a small molecule peptide: specific cell killing in vitro and targeted therapy in a nude-mouse model
Authors: Liu Weihao , Tang Yu , Ma Huan , Li Feize , Hu Yingjiang , Yang Yuanyou , Yang Jijun , Liao Jiali , Liu Ning
Published: December 2020

Extensive interest in the development of α-emitting radionuclides astatine-211 (211At) stems from the potential superiority for the treatment of smaller tumors, disseminated disease, and metastatic disease. VP2, a small molecule fusion peptide, can specifically bind to the VPAC1 receptor which is over-expressed in malignant epithelial tumors. In our recent study, we performed the preparation of 211At labelled VP2 through a one-step method. In this work, we explored the targeted radionuclide therapy with [211At]At-SPC-VP2 in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity and specific cell killing of [211At]At-SPC-VP2 were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Compared with the [211At]NaAt, the VPAC1-targeted radionuclide compound [211At]At-SPC-VP2 showed more effective cytotoxicity in vitro. Targeted radioactive therapy trial was carried out in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft mice. For the therapy experiment, 4 groups of mice were injected via the tail vein with 370 kBq, 550 kBq, 740 kBq, 3 × ∼246 kBq of [211At]At-SPC-VP2, of which the second and third injections were given 4 and 8 days after the first injection, respectively. As controls, animals were treated with saline or 550 kBq [211At]NaAt. The body weight and tumor size of mice were monitored before the administration and every 2 days thereafter. Cytotoxic radiation of partial tissue samples such as kidneys, liver and stomach of mice were assessed by immunohistochemical examination. The tumor growth was inhibited and significantly improved survival was achieved in mice treated with [211At]At-SPC-VP2, two-fold prolongation of survival compared with the control group, which received normal saline or 550 kBq [211At]NaAt. No renal or hepatic toxicity was observed in the mice receiving [211At]At-SPC-VP2, but gastric pathological sections showed 211At uptake in stomach resulting in later toxicity, highlighting the importance of further enhancing the stability of labelled compounds.
Epistemic logic: All knowledge is based on our experience, and epistemic logic is the cognitive representation of our experiential confrontation in reality
Authors: Nesher Dan
Published: December 2020

Epistemic Logic is our basic universal science, the method of our cognitive confrontation in reality to prove the truth of our basic cognitions and theories. Hence, by proving their true representation of reality we can self-control ourselves in it, and thus refuting the Berkeleyian solipsism and Kantian a priorism. The conception of epistemic logic is that only by proving our true representation of reality we achieve our knowledge of it, and thus we can prove our cognitions to be either true or rather false, and otherwise they are doubtful. Therefore, truth cannot be separated from being proved and we cannot hold anymore the principle of excluded middle, as it is with formal semantics of metaphysical realism. In distinction, the intuitionistic logic is based on subjective intellectual feeling of correctness in constructing proofs, and thus it is epistemologically encapsulated in the metaphysical subject. However, epistemic logic is our basic science which enable us to prove the truth of our cognitions, including the epistemic logic itself.
Die unerwartete Kristallstruktur des Cäsium-Dodekahydro-Monocarba-closo-Dodekaborats Cs[CB11H12]
Authors: Bareiß Kevin U. , Friedly Alexandra , Schleid Thomas
Published: December 2020

The cesium dodecahydro-monocarba-closo-dodecaborate Cs[CB11H12] crystallizes with an unexpected trigonal crystal structure having the lattice parameters a = 2094.73(3) and c = 1324.56(2) pm (c/a = 0.632) for Z = 18. The non-centrosymmetric space group R3 allows an ordering of the unsymmetric [CB11H12]– anions in a way that the least electronegative vertices of the pseudo-icosahedral cages avoid close proximity to the Cs+ cations. Hence there are channels at [0 0 z], [1/3
2/3
z] and [2/3
1/3
z], into which the C–H bonds of the [CB11H12]– units are pointing. There are two crystallographically independent Cs+ cations and [CB11H12]– anions present with unsurprising interatomic distances (d(C–B) = 166–181 pm, d(B–B) = 170–183 pm, d(B–H) = d(C–H) ≈ 110 pm) for the latter. Both Cs+ cations have contact to 18 hydrogen atoms (d(Cs–H) = 296–427 pm) stemming from six unevenly face-grafting [CB11H12]– anions, where only B–H bonds are involved. This fact is nicely reflected by IR and Raman spectroscopy. According to a 6/6 motif of the ions with highly distorted mutual octahedral coordination spheres of their centres of gravity, the crystal structure of Cs[CB11H12] follows roughly a rock salt-like arrangement. This becomes even more evident, when order-disorder transitions starting at T = 60 °C lead to more highly symmetrical structures with orientationally disordered [CB11H12]– anions.
Izbeglice (Refugees), azilanti (Asylum Seekers) and ilegalni migranti (Illegal Migrants) in Administrative and Public Discourse in Serbia
Authors: Stojić Mitrović Marta
Published: December 2020

The present discourse concerning asylum and irregular migration, with all its concepts and institutions, techniques and code of conduct, was introduced in the Republic of Serbia through the EU Accession process. As a prerequisite for visa liberalization with the EU (achieved in 2009), Serbia signed readmission agreements with the EU and its member-states and adopted the Asylum Law (Zakon o azilu 2007) and the Law on Foreigners (Zakon o strancima 2008). However, related notions and legal instruments existed in the periods that preceded it. In this text I offer a diachronic overview of conceptual and procedural differences and discuss their entanglements, merging, spilling over and confrontation. In such a way, my aim is to point out their use as political statements in particular, as performatives affecting national and international political contexts.
THE ROLES OF ISLAMIC SOCIAL FINANCE IN THE ERA OF POST-COVID-19: POSSIBLE PROSPECTS OF WAQF INSTITUTIONS FOR ECONOMIC REVIVAL
Authors: Ainol-Basirah A.W. , Siti-Nabiha A.K.
Published: December 2020

This paper sought to provide an overview of current waqf projects and revenue generation activities by waqf institutions in Malaysia and to further analyse the roles that waqf institutions can play, along with their potential prospects, in helping to stabilise the economic struggle faced during the post-Covid-19 period, especially among vulnerable groups of people and society at large. The findings showed that there is currently positive progress and growth in waqf projects, although some realignment is needed to meet the needs of society in the post-pandemic period. The current waqf model, in particular the cash waqf initiative, needs to be improved to allow for the implementation of a comprehensive economic survival plan through waqf instruments.
THE PERSPECTIVE OF STUDENTS ON DRIVERS AND BENEFITS OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING INCORPORATION INTO QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA
Authors: Lim Chai-Chai , Toh Tien-Choon , Lew Yoke-Lian , Lau Chin-Xian , Goh Kai-Chen , Masrom Md Asrul Nasid , Zainordin Nadzirah , Loo Siaw-Chuing
Published: December 2020

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very useful tool that facilitates architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals and stakeholders in planning, designing and constructing the buildings through 3D models. BIM can be widened to building operations and data storage which can be accessible by owners and others. Such data help owners and stakeholders to generate results according to the information gained through BIM models. The objectives of this study were to identify the perspective of students on drivers of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession and to identify the perspective of students on benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession. A questionnaire survey was carried out to gain the students’ perspective on drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Specifically, this study investigated twelve drivers and fourteen benefits of BIM incorporation into the quantity surveying profession. The top three drivers were improving the capacity to provide whole-life value to the client, desire for innovation to remain competitive and strong support from university management and industry. The top three benefits were BIM provides fast, effective and efficient quantity take-off and cost estimation, time savings in the preparation of estimating cost and improved visualization for better understanding of designs for measurement and minimise omissions. For future research, it is recommended that the study be replicated at other regions so that a clearer view of this topic can be obtained. Besides, qualitative research methods could be used in identifying other drivers and benefits not covered in this study. By answering the questions in the survey form, the students were able to gain some knowledge on BIM and its importance to the quantity surveying profession. Also, it would be interesting to include industrial practitioners in this kind of study, allowing comparisons of the results between academia and industry at a later stage. Nonetheless, this study benefited the undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme, universities, colleges and other institutions that offered the quantity surveying programmes at various levels and quantity surveyors working in the construction industry by exposing them to a comprehensive list of drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession. In a way, this study helped promoted BIM and its implementation in the field of quantity surveying in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Prevention of Great Obstetrical Syndromes in pregnant women with bioavailable progesterone resistance
Authors:   Odessa National Medical University, Odessa, Nosenko O.M.
Published: December 2020

The article presents modern literature data on the role of defective deep placentation in the development of great obstetrical syndromes, bioavailable progesterone and its receptors in the formation of the placenta and the development of pregnancy, mechanisms of development of resistance to bioavailable progesterone, and a scheme of the pathogenesis of progesterone deficiency during pregnancy as one of the main causes of great obstetrical syndromes. Modern data on the development of resistance to bioavailable progesterone in adolescence, in patients with endometrioid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss are presented. The therapeutic possibilities of prophylaxis of great obstetrical syndromes with resistance to bioavailable progesterone are described. Research data on the use of highly selective progestogen with increased affinity for progesterone receptors dydrogesterone for the prevention of great obstetrical in pregnant women with resistance to bioavailable progesterone are presented. Key words: great obstetrical syndromes, defective deep placentation, progesterone, progesterone receptors, bioavailable progesterone resistance, adolescence, endometrioid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss, prevention, dydrogesterone.
Cheek-Pieces with Zoomorphic Images of the Samara-Ural Region Nomads in the VI–IV Centuries BC
Authors:   Samara State Social and Pedagogical University, Myshkin Vladimir
Published: December 2020

The article illustrates a study of cheek-pieces with zoomorphic images used by the nomads of the Samara-Ural region at the end of the VI–IV centuries BC. A review of 79 cheek-pieces is presented, as well as their characteristics. As a result of the excavations, two chronological groups of such horse gear are identified. The date of the early group refers to the second half of the VI–V centuries BC. It is characterized by rod-like straight and arcuate curved bronze, iron, bimetallic double-hole bit shank with zoomorphic ends. The most common endings are decorated with realistic sculptural images of the heads of birds of prey / griffins, wolves and horses. Combinations of the heads of a predatory animal and a bird of prey, a predatory animal and a horse, a camel and a horse, as well as the head of a bird of prey and a hoof are rare images. The late group refers to the period of the end of the V–IV centuries BC. This group is characterized by the following cheek-pieces: S-shaped with endings shaped as horse hooves; L-shaped with curved endings shaped as a horse’s hoof or an open-work plate, which is a stylized image of a bird’s paw, the claws of which are transformed into the heads of birds or animals. A significant difference between these two groups is stated and based on their composition, motives (plots) of images and their stylistics. The mapping of the findings allowed to record the concentration of the most numerous groups of cheek-pieces (straight lines with endings in the form of the heads of birds of prey / griffins, wolves, horses, and S-shaped bit shanks with endings in the form of horse hooves) on the territory of the steppes, adjoining the western slopes of the Ural Mountains. These are mainly steppes in the basin of the middle and lower reaches of the river Ilek.