bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoparticles in orthodontics, a new alternative in bacterial inhibition: in vitro study
Authors: Jasso-Ruiz Irania , Velazquez-Enriquez Ulises , Scougall-Vilchis Rogelio José , Morales-Luckie Raúl Alberto , Sawada Toshiko , Yamaguchi Ryozo
Published: August 2020

Background

The purpose of the study is to assess the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of surface-modified different orthodontic brackets with silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, using radiomarker.

Methods

In this study evaluated quantitatively the adherence of Streptococci to orthodontic brackets, 300 samples of orthodontic brackets were selected and classified in to 10 groups as follow: GIn (InVu-Roth), GIIn (System-AlexanderLTS), GIIIn (Gemini-Roth), GIVn (NuEdge-Roth), GVn (Radiance plus-Roth), GVI (InVu-Roth), GVII (System-AlexanderLTS), GVIII (Gemini-Roth), GIX (NuEdge-Roth), GX (Radiance plus-Roth). All the samples were sonicated and Streptococci were cultivated by gender. A radioactive marker (3H) was used to codify the bacteria and measure them. After that, the brackets were submerged in a radiolabelled solution, and the radiation was measured. The statistical analysis was calculated with ANOVA test (Sheffè post hoc).

Results

The results showed significant differences were found among the groups. GIIIn shown the lowest scores for both bacteria; in contrast, GIX for Streptococcus mutans and GVI for Streptococcus sobrinus were the highest values.

Conclusions

Surface modification of orthodontic brackets with silver nanoparticles can be used to prevent the accumulation of dental plaque and the development of dental caries during orthodontic treatment.
The impacts of infectious complications on outcomes in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Xun , Shi Ji-Yu , Wang Xia-Yu , Hu Yong , Cui Yun-Feng
Published: August 2020

Background

The occurrence of infectious complications characterizes the more severe forms of acute pancreatitis (AP) and is associated with high mortality. We investigated the effects of infection at different sites in patients with AP, including those with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 285 patients who met the inclusion criteria for AP and were admitted to Tianjin Nankai Hospital between January 2016 and September 2019. According to the source of the culture positivity during hospitalization, patients were divided into four groups: sterile group(n = 148), pancreatic infection group(n = 65), extrapancreatic infection group(n = 22) and combined infection group(n = 50). The source of infection, microbiology, biochemical parameters and prognostic indicators were analyzed.

Results

In terms of baseline characteristics, the four groups were similar in age, sex, aetiology, previous pancreatitis and diabetes. Compared with the severity of the disease in the other groups, the APACHE II scores(9.91 ± 4.65, 9.46 ± 5.05, respectively) and organ failure rate (40.9 and 50%, respectively)were higher in the extrapancreatic infection group and the combined infection group (P < 0.05). The frequency of surgical intervention and hospitalization time in patients with NP complicated with extrapancreatic infection was greatly increased (P < 0.05). Regarding the primary outcome, patients in the combined infection group had longer hospital stays (68.28 ± 51.80 vs 55.58 ± 36.24, P < 0.05) and higher mortality (24.0% vs 9.2%, P < 0.05) than patients in the pancreatic infection group. In addition, patients in the extrapancreatic infection group also showed high intensive care utilization (59.1%) and mortality rates (18.2%). Among the 137 AP patients with infection complications, 89 patients exhibited multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, and the mortality rate of patients with MDR bacterial infection was higher than that of patients with non-MDR bacterial infection (24.7% vs 3.6%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware that extrapancreatic infection (EPI) significantly aggravates the main outcome in pancreatic infection patients. Infection with MDR bacteria is also associated with AP mortality.
Family history of chronic illness, preterm gestational age and smoking exposure before pregnancy increases the probability of preeclampsia in Omo district in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study
Authors: Fikadu Kassahun , G/Meskel Feleke , Getahun Firdawek , Chufamo Nega , Misiker Direslign
Published: August 2020

Background

Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome that is considered a disorder specific to pregnancy. However, research indicates that diffuse maternal endothelial damage may persist after childbirth. On the other hand, women who had a history of pre-eclampsia are at an increased risk of vascular disease. Considering that the multifactorial nature of pre-eclampsia in a remote health setting, knowledge of risk factors of preeclampsia gives epidemiological significance specific to the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending perinatal service in Omo district Hospitals in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted among women visiting for perinatal service in Omo District public hospitals between February to August 2018. A total of 167 cases and 352 controls were included. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to examine the effect of the independent variable on preeclampsia using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 window compatible software. Variables with ap-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Factors that were found to have a statistically significant association with pre-eclampsia were primary relatives who had history of chronic hypertension (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.06–4.21), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.07–5.20), preterm gestation(AOR = 1.56, 95%CI, 1.05–2.32), and pre-conception smoking exposure (AOR = 4.16, 95%CI, 1.1–15.4).

Conclusions

The study identified the risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Early detection and timely intervention to manage pre-eclampsia, and obstetric care providers need to emphasize women at preterm gestation and a history of smoking before pregnancy.
Association of Vitamin D Pathway Gene CYP27B1 and CYP2R1 Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Endocrine Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Xiaoxi , Xie Zhiguo , Qin Jiabi , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: August 2020

Background

Studies on organ-specific autoimmune endocrine disorders showed correlations between disease risks and vitamin D pathways gene variants, such as CYP27B1 rs10877012 and rs4646536, or CYP2R1 rs10741657 single nucleotide polymorphisms. However, previous works presented inconsistent conclusions. Our study aimed at assessing the association of CYP27B1 and CYP2R1 polymorphisms with autoimmune endocrine disorder susceptibility using the meta-analysis method.

Methods

Case-control studies of the subject of interest were identified from the databases Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Studies that met inclusion and quality criteria were pooled. Observational outcomes were diagnosis of autoimmune Addison’s disease, Graves disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, or type 1 diabetes mellitus. Statistical analysis was performed using software STATA 16.0.

Results

A total of 14 studies involving 12 929 patients (2243 autoimmune Addison disease, 1253 Graves disease, 612 Hashimoto thyroiditis, 8821 type 1 diabetes), and 12 907 healthy control subjects were pooled for meta-analysis. The rs10877012 minor allele A and its homozygote and heterozygote conferred low overall disease risk (OR [odds ratio] = 0.748, 95% CI [confidence interval] 0.620-0.902 in dominant model; OR = 0.709, 95% CI 0.571-0.879 in recessive model; OR = 0.777, 95% CI 0.674-0.895 in the allele model). The population carrying rs4646536 minor allele C and its homozygote and heterozygote showed decreased overall autoimmune endocrine disorders risk (OR = 0.849, 95% CI 0.748-0.963; OR = 0.868, 95% CI 0.790-0.955; OR = 0.915, 95% CI 0.875-0.957 in the dominant, recessive, and allele model, respectively). No significant genetic association was found for rs10741657.

Conclusion

Our study suggested CYP27B1 polymorphisms rs10877012 minor allele A and rs4646536 minor allele C were negatively related to susceptibilities of organ-specific autoimmune endocrine diseases.
Maintenance of Acromegaly Control in Patients Switching From Injectable Somatostatin Receptor Ligands to Oral Octreotide
Authors: Samson Susan L , Nachtigall Lisa B , Fleseriu Maria , Gordon Murray B , Bolanowski Marek , Labadzhyan Artak , Ur Ehud , Molitch Mark , Ludlam William H , Patou Gary , Haviv Asi , Biermasz Nienke , Giustina Andrea , Trainer Peter J , Strasburger Christian J , Kennedy Laurence , Melmed Shlomo
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The phase 3 CHIASMA OPTIMAL trial (NCT03252353) evaluated efficacy and safety of oral octreotide capsules (OOCs) in patients with acromegaly who previously demonstrated biochemical control while receiving injectable somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs).

Methods

In this double-blind study, patients (N = 56) stratified by prior SRL dose were randomly assigned 1:1 to OOC or placebo for 36 weeks. The primary end point was maintenance of biochemical control at the end of treatment (mean insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] ≤ 1.0 × upper limit of normal [ULN]; weeks 34 and 36). Time to loss of IGF-1 response and proportion requiring reversion to injectable SRLs were assessed as broader control measures.

Results

Mean IGF-1 measurements were 0.80 and 0.97 × ULN for OOC and 0.84 and 1.69 × ULN for placebo, at baseline and end of treatment, respectively. Mean growth hormone (GH) changed from 0.66 to 0.60 ng/mL for OOCs and 0.90 to 2.57 ng/mL for placebo. Normalization of IGF-1 levels (≤ 1.0 × ULN) was maintained in 58.2% for OOCs vs 19.4% for placebo (P = .008); GH levels were maintained (< 2.5 ng/mL) in 77.7% for OOC vs 30.4% for placebo (P = .0007). Median time to loss of response (IGF-1 > 1.0 or ≥ 1.3 × ULN definitions) for patients receiving placebo was 16 weeks; for patients receiving OOCs, it was not reached for both definitions during the 36-week trial (P < .0001). Of the patients in the OOC group, 75% completed the trial on oral therapy. The OOC safety profile was consistent with previous SRL experience.

Conclusions

OOCs may be an effective therapy for patients with acromegaly who previously were treated with injectable SRLs.
A Field-based Three-Compartment Model Derived from Ultrasonography and Bioimpedance for Estimating Body Composition Changes
Authors: TINSLEY GRANT M. , RODRIGUEZ CHRISTIAN , WHITE SARAH J. , WILLIAMS ABEGALE D. , STRATTON MATTHEW T. , HARTY PATRICK S. , SMITH ROBERT W. , DELLINGER JACOB R. , JOHNSON BAYLOR A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between a field-based three-compartment (3CFIELD) model and a laboratory-based three-compartment (3CLAB) model for tracking body composition changes over time.

Methods

Resistance-trained males completed a supervised nutrition and resistance training intervention. Before and after the intervention, assessments were performed via air displacement plethysmography (ADP), bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), portable ultrasonography (US), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). ADP body density and BIS body water were used within the reference 3CLAB model, whereas US-derived body density and BIA body water were used within the 3CFIELD model. Two-compartment model body composition estimates provided by US and BIA were also examined. Changes in fat-free mass and fat mass were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, equivalence testing, Bland–Altman analysis, linear regression, and related validity analyses.

Results

Significant increases in fat-free mass (3CLAB, 4.0 ± 4.5 kg; 3CFIELD, 3.9 ± 4.2 kg; US, 3.2 ± 4.3 kg; BIA, 3.9 ± 4.2 kg) and fat mass (3CLAB, 1.3 ± 2.2 kg; 3CFIELD, 1.4 ± 2.2 kg; US, 2.1 ± 2.6 kg; BIA, 1.4 ± 2.9 kg) were detected by all methods. However, only the 3CFIELD model demonstrated equivalence with the 3CLAB model. In addition, the 3CFIELD model exhibited superior performance to US and BIA individually, as indicated by the total error (3CFIELD, 1.0 kg; US, 1.8 kg; BIA, 1.6 kg), 95% limits of agreement (3CFIELD, ±2.1 kg; US, ±3.3 kg; BIA, ±3.1 kg), correlation coefficients (3CFIELD, 0.79–0.82; US, 0.49–0.55; BIA, 0.61–0.72), and additional metrics.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated the potential usefulness of a 3CFIELD model incorporating US and BIA data for tracking body composition changes over time, as well as its superiority to US or BIA individually. As such, this accessible multicompartment model may be suitable for implementation in field or limited-resource settings.
China's Military and Paramilitary Activities in the East China Sea: Trends and Assessments for the U.S.-Japan Alliance
Authors: Kotani Tetsuo
Published: August 2020

executive summary: This essay examines China's paramilitary and military activities in the East China Sea, draws implications for the security of Japan and the broader region, and assesses crisis scenarios in the troubled waters around the Senkaku Islands and Taiwan. main argumentAssessments of China's paramilitary and military activities in the East China Sea indicate that Beijing is less likely to seek to physically seize the Senkaku Islands in the near future. The China Coast Guard's daily presence in the vicinity of the islands and occasional intrusions into Japan's territorial waters ably demonstrate Beijing's opposition to Japanese control of the Senkaku Islands. Such displays of opposition appeal to the Chinese people. However, should Taiwan eventually be reunified with mainland through either peaceful or coercive means, the Senkaku Islands would remain a "lost territory." Furthermore, reunification would shift the military balance in the East China Sea dramatically in favor China. In such a scenario, armed conflict over the Senkaku Islands would become more likely. policy implications
• Tokyo and Washington should begin bilateral planning for Taiwan contingency scenarios based on the 2015 U.S.-Japan defense guidelines. Without sufficient joint planning, the two allies will be at a disadvantage to respond to such a scenario. • Given China's massive theater missile capabilities, Tokyo and Washington need to fill the missile gap in the Pacific by co-developing intermediate-range missiles and deploying these in Japanese territory. • There is a need to further integrate Japanese and U.S. forces. The former is a resident force, while the latter is an expeditionary force, and Beijing could exploit this gap by a fait accompli in Taiwan or the Senkaku Islands. To avoid this scenario, Tokyo and Washington should establish a Standing Bilateral Joint Task Force in Japan's southwestern region with multi-domain operational capabilities.
Gray Zones and Vulnerability in the U.S.-Japan Alliance: Operational and Legal Dimensions
Authors: Takei Tomohisa
Published: August 2020

executive summary: This essay examines the gray-zone situation around the Senkaku Islands, assesses the vulnerabilities for the U.S.-Japan alliance, and proposes three measures to cope with the definitional and policy gaps between the two nations. main argumentThe vulnerabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance in a gray zone come from structural and internal gaps in domestic laws, interpretation of international law, and views on the operation of the military and law-enforcement agencies. While it is difficult to fix these issues in the short term, if these gaps are left unchallenged, managing gray-zone contingencies and close interoperability between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military will be affected. To avoid this outcome, three steps are recommended. The first is to deepen exchanges and promote shared understanding about the gaps among practitioners and legal advisers in Japan's National Security Secretariat and the U.S. National Security Council. The second is to create a Japanese version of the U.S. Department of Defense's Law of War Manual . The third is conducting various exercises that test the legal limits of a joint response. policy implications
• While Japan and the U.S. agree that the gray-zone concept is characterized by both a situational aspect and a time-and-space aspect, their conceptions differ in terms of where a gray zone ends and war begins due to dissimilar domestic laws. This variance in definition could be a potential vulnerability in a joint U.S.-Japan military response. • China seems to be working to achieve its political and territorial ambitions in five stages. Japan and the U.S. must agree on what stage in the process China is currently conducting operations and how to best counter it. • A key vulnerability of the U.S.-Japan alliance is rooted in the difference of interpretations on the right of self-defense. As allies, they must be able to understand and manage these differences in the event of a gray-zone contingency.
U.S.-Japan Coordination in an East China Sea Crisis
Authors: Niemeyer John P.
Published: August 2020

executive summary: This essay examines Japan's crisis-management system and security-related coordination with the U.S. in the case of an East China Sea or Senkaku Islands gray-zone scenario and offers a recommendation for possible improvement. main argumentProvocative actions involving the Senkaku Islands could generate a quickly evolving and complex crisis that would require close and agile coordination between Japan and the U.S. Numerous and various government entities would become involved and events may occur dynamically, which in turn could challenge the effectiveness of the existing peacetime coordination mechanism between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military. This essay proposes the establishment of a Standing Bilateral Joint Task Force as a possible way to strengthen U.S.-Japan defense-related coordination and improve both sides' capabilities to respond and contribute to whole-of-government crisis management. policy implications
• Opinions on China's real intentions for the East China Sea and Senkaku Islands range from possible invasion and occupation of the islands to a decades-long stand-off and waiting game. A related and key issue is how an East China Sea crisis might affect or involve Taiwan. • In a Senkaku Islands crisis, it is important to determine whether there would be certain trigger events to cause Japan and the U.S. to initiate crisis-management coordination, and whether such events could be determined in advance. • Given U.S. commitments in its security treaty with Japan, both governments and militaries should clearly define what governmental and political processes might be pursued to activate Article 5 in response to a defense scenario involving Japanese islands in the East China Sea.
The U.S.-China Trade War: Is Food China's Most Powerful Weapon?
Authors: Hongzhou Zhang
Published: August 2020

executive summary: This article examines the concept of "food power," analyzes China's use of food as a foreign policy instrument against the U.S. in the context of their trade war, and considers the potential implications. main argumentThe food power balance between the U.S. and China is affected by four key factors: scarcity, the concentration of supply, the degree of demand dispersion, and action independence. Since emerging as the leading food importer, China has successfully tipped the food power balance in its favor through overseas agricultural investment, import diversification, and cultivation of its own global agribusiness. In addition, the global food glut and the critical importance of rural support for Donald Trump's re-election campaign further increase China's leverage in bilateral food trade. With this newly gained food power, the Chinese government, which used to be a victim of U.S. food embargoes, has started using food as a foreign policy instrument to influence U.S. policy amid the ongoing trade war. While China appears to have achieved limited success against the Trump administration through food power, the potential costs to both China and the world of weaponizing food trade could be huge. policy implications
• While it is understandable that China seeks to leverage its newly gained food power against the U.S., serious caution must be exercised. There are severe liabilities for the global economy and adverse effects for both countries when food is weaponized. • So long as the food relationship is relatively symmetrical, the political leverage that food provides China against the U.S. is ephemeral because the balance of food power could easily be tipped in either direction. • Given China's increasing dependence on the global market for its food supply, a stable and flourishing food trade system will be critical to the country's overall food security. This means that attempts by China to use food as a foreign policy instrument are ultimately counterproductive.
Evolution of linear and nonlinear optical responses in single- and double-dressing quadphoton correlations
Authors: Feng Yuan , Zhang Zhaoyang , Ahmed Irfan , Li Sifan , Liu Yuliang , Cai Yin , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: August 2020

Research on entangled multipartite systems with controllable wave functions has attracted significant interest in the field of quantum optics. For quantum communications and quantum information processing, linear and nonlinear optical susceptibilities govern high-order correlations and entangled multiple-photon resources. In single- and double-dressing quadphoton correlations, we have observed the evolution of linear and nonlinear optical responses in the group delay and Rabi oscillation regimes. In the group delay regime, when linear susceptibility is evident, the quadphoton coincidence counting rate exhibits a rectangular profile. In the Rabi oscillation regime, the enhanced nonlinear susceptibility induced by strong laser dressing effects control quadphoton wave packets based on damped Rabi oscillation. Additionally, at different delay times, some photons exist in the group delay regimes, while others exist in the Rabi oscillation regimes, suggesting a coexistence mechanism. Additionally, there is a transition regime in which a portion of the photons are in both the group delay and Rabi oscillation regimes. By varying the power of the dressing field and optical depth, we realized the evolution between these two regimes for entangled quadphotons. Additionally, we demonstrate the shortening of coherence times under double-dressing conditions compared to single-dressing conditions. These results can help improving the length of coherence time and information capacity, which have great significance for the future development of long-distance and long coherent time quantum communication and quantum storage.
On-chip second-order spatial derivative of an optical beam by a periodic ridge
Authors: Mousavi Khaleghi Seyed Saleh , Karimi Parisa , Khavasi Amin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a very simple periodic ridge on a symmetric slab waveguide is used for implementing an on-chip CMOS-compatible second-order spatial differentiator. The reflection and transmission coefficients of this structure show that the second derivative is performed in the transmission when the optical beam normally incidents on the periodic ridge. Simulations confirm that the reason behind the second-order spatial differentiation of the incoming beam is the excitation of the guided mode of the periodic ridge. A Maxwell’s equation solver that utilizes the finite element method (FEM) is used to simulate this structure, and an eigenmode solver is utilized for the validation. The results of both methods have a very good agreement with each other.
Systematic and quantitative comparison of lattice and Gaussian light-sheets
Authors: Chang Bo-Jui , Dean Kevin M. , Fiolka Reto
Published: August 2020

The axial resolving power of a light-sheet microscope is determined by the thickness of the illumination beam and the numerical aperture of its detection optics. Bessel-beam based optical lattices have generated significant interest owing to their reportedly narrow beam waist and propagation-invariant characteristics. Yet, despite their significant use in lattice light-sheet microscopy and recent incorporation into commercialized systems, there are very few quantitative reports on their physical properties and how they compare to standard Gaussian illumination beams. Here, we measure the beam properties in the transmission of dithered square lattices, which is the most commonly used variant of lattice light-sheet microscopy, and Gaussian-based light-sheets. After a systematic analysis, we find that square lattices are very similar to Gaussian-based light-sheets in terms of thickness, confocal parameter, propagation length and overall imaging performance.
Band characterization of topological photonic crystals using the broadband Green’s function technique
Authors: Feng Zhaoyang , Tan Shurun , Tsang Leung , Li Erping
Published: August 2020

A novel method is developed in this paper to characterize the band diagram and band modal fields of gyromagnetic photonic crystals that support topological one-way edge states. The proposed method is based on an integral equation formulation that utilizes the broadband Green’s function (BBGF). The BBGF is a hybrid representation of the periodic lattice Green’s function with imaginary extractions that has accelerated convergence and is suitable for broadband evaluations. The effects of the tensor permeability of the gyromagnetic scatterers are incorporated in a new formulation of surface integral equations (SIEs) with BBGF as the kernel that can be solved by the method of moments. The results are compared against Comsol simulations for various cases to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Simulations results are illustrated and discussed for the modes of topological photonic crystals in relation to the physics of degeneracy, applied magnetic fields, and bandgaps.
High-sensitivity telecommunication-compatible photoconductive terahertz detection through carrier transit time reduction
Authors: Lu Ping-Keng , Turan Deniz , Jarrahi Mona
Published: August 2020

We present a telecommunication-compatible photoconductive terahertz detector realized without using any short-carrier-lifetime photoconductor. By utilizing plasmonic contact electrodes on a thin layer of high-mobility photoconductor, the presented detector offers a short transit time for the majority of the photocarriers in the absence of a short-carrier-lifetime photoconductor. Consequently, high-sensitivity terahertz detection is achieved with a record-high signal-to-noise ratio of 122 dB over a 3.6 THz bandwidth under an optical probe power of 10 mW. To achieve such a high sensitivity, the device geometry is chosen to maintain a high resistance and low Johnson Nyquist noise. This design approach can be widely applied for terahertz detection using various semiconductors and optical wavelengths, without being limited by the availability of short-carrier-lifetime photoconductors.
Dynamical generation of multiple focal spot pairs with controllable position and polarization
Authors: Zhang Yuxing , Chen Jian , Bai Chunyan , Zhang Dawei , Zhan Qiwen
Published: August 2020

We report a flexible method to dynamically generate multiple sub-wavelength focal spot pairs with adjustable polarization, position and number at the focal plane of a high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens. The desired incident field on the pupil plane can be analytically derived by employing the time-reversed method combined with the dipole antenna radiation theory. The numerical simulations of the corresponding tightly focused field are conducted using the Richards-Wolf vectorial diffraction theory. The validity of the presented method is demonstrated through experimental generation of several designed pupil fields with a versatile vectorial optical field generator and characterization of the produced focused fields with Stokes parameter measurements.
Diffractive tunable lens for remote focusing in high-NA optical systems
Authors: Bawart Martin , May Molly A. , Öttl Thomas , Roider Clemens , Bernet Stefan , Schmidt Michael , Ritsch-Marte Monika , Jesacher Alexander
Published: August 2020

Remote focusing means to translate the focus position of an imaging system along the optical axis without moving the objective lens. The concept gains increasing importance as it allows for quick 3D focus steering in scanning microscopes, leaves the sample region unperturbed and is compatible with conjugated adaptive optics. Here we present a novel remote focusing approach that can be used in conjunction with high numerical aperture optics. Our method is based on a pair of diffractive elements, which jointly act as a tunable auxiliary lens. By changing the mutual rotation angle between the two elements, we demonstrate an axial translation of the focal spot produced by a NA = 0.95 air objective (corresponding to NA = 1.44 for an oil immersion lens) over more than 140 µm with largely maintained focus quality. We experimentally show that for the task of focus shifting, the wavefront produced by the high-NA design is superior to those produced by a parabolic lens design or a regular achromatic lens doublet.
Deep red fluoride dots-in-nanoparticles for high color quality micro white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Tuyet Doan Thi , Hong Quan Vu Thi , Bondzior Bartosz , Dereń Przemysław Jacek , Velpula Ravi Teja , Trung Nguyen Hieu Pham , Tuyen Luu Anh , Hung Nguyen Quang , Nguyen Hoang-Duy
Published: August 2020

In this study, a novel nanostructure of fluoride red emitting phosphor is synthesized via soft templates. K2SiF6:Mn4+ nanocrystals in the range of 3-5 nm diameter are found inside the porous K2SiF6:Mn4+ nanoparticle hosts, forming unique dots-in-nanoparticles (d-NPs) structures with controlled optical properties. The porous K2SiF6:Mn4+ d-NPs exhibit a sharp and deep red emission with an excellent quantum yield of ∼95.9%, and ultra-high color purity with the corresponding x and y in the CIE chromaticity coordinates are 0.7102 and 0.2870, respectively. Moreover, this nanophosphor possesses good thermal stability in range of 300 K–500 K, under light excitation of 455 nm. The K2SiF6:Mn4+ d-NPs are covered onto a surface of 100×100 µm2 blue-yellow InxGa1−xN nanowire light-emitting diode (LED) to make warm white LEDs (WLEDs). The fabricated WLEDs present an excellent color rendering index of ∼95.4 and a low correlated color temperature of ∼3649 K. Porous K2SiF6:Mn4+ d-NPs are suggested as a potential red component for high color quality micro WLED applications.
Ultra-dense dual-polarization waveguide superlattices on silicon
Authors: Xie Yiwei , Yin Yanlong , Zhang Ming , Liu Liu , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: August 2020

A dual-polarization waveguide superlattice is designed and realized by using 340 nm-thick silicon photonic waveguides. The silicon waveguide superlattices are formed with periodically arranged waveguides. Each period consists of five optical waveguides with core-widths designed optimally for minimizing the crosstalk among the optical waveguides. The optimized core-widths are 390 nm, 320 nm, 260 nm, 360 nm, and 300 nm when the separation between two adjacent waveguides is as small as 0.8 µm. With this design, the silicon waveguide superlattice works with low crosstalk (nearly –18 dB or less) for both polarizations within the range of 1530 nm to 1560 nm, which agrees well with the theoretical analysis.
Silicon-on-insulator based multifunctional metasurface with simultaneous polarization and geometric phase controls
Authors: Shan Xin , Deng Liangui , Dai Qi , Zhou Zhou , Liang Congling , Li Zile , Zheng Guoxing
Published: August 2020

Enabled with both magnetic resonance and geometric phase, dielectric nanobrick based metasurfaces have shown their unusual abilities to produce high-definition and high-efficiency holographic images. Herein, we further show that such a metasurface can not only project a holographic image in far field but also record a grayscale image right at the metasurface plane simultaneously, merely with a single-celled nanostructure design approach. Specifically, each nanobrick in a unit-cell of the metasurface acts as a half-wave plate and it can continuously rotate the polarization direction of incident linearly polarized light. Governed by Malus law, light intensity modulation is available with the help of a bulk-optic analyzer and a continuous grayscale image appears right at the metasurface plane. At the same time, the concept of orientation degeneracy of nanostructures can be utilized to generate a 4-step geometric phase, with which a holographic image is reconstructed in far field. We experimentally demonstrate this multifunctional meta-device by employing the widely used silicon-on-insulator (SOI) material and all results agree well with our theoretical prediction. With the novel features of easiness in design, high efficiency, broadband spectrum response, strong robustness, high security and high information density, the proposed SOI-based metasurfaces will have extensive applications in optical information security and multiplexing.
Sensitive Mach–Zehnder interferometric sensor based on a grapefruit microstructured fiber by lateral offset splicing
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhou Yan , Liu Zhengyong , Chen Daru , Lu Chao , Tam Hwa-Yaw
Published: August 2020

A novel inline Mach-Zehnder interferometric (MZI) sensor based on a homemade grapefruit microstructured fiber (GMF) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensing unit consists of a short segment of a GMF sandwiched between two single mode fibers using lateral offset splicing. The fabrication of the GMF and the GMF-based MZI sensor was introduced. Mode analysis of the GMF and theoretical simulation of the proposed MZI sensor were investigated and matched well with experimental results. The sensing performance of the MZI sensor for temperature and strain was tested. The strain and temperature sensitivity are 1.97pm/μɛ and 37pm/°C, respectively. The compact size, low cost and high sensitivity makes the MZI sensor a good candidate for sensing application.
The assessment of trabecular bone score to improve the sensitivity of FRAX in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yalochkina Tatiana O. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Chernova Tatiana O. , Sazonova Natalia I. , Tarbaeva Natalya V. , Tsoriev Timur T. , Rozhinskaya Liudmila Y. , Melnichenko Galina A.
Published: August 2020

Aim. To estimate the trabecular bone score (TBS) for evaluation of fracture probability in order to make decisions about starting osteoporosis treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Materials and methods. We obtained the bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA) in patients with T2DM (with and without a history of osteoporotic fractures) versus the control group. Before and after TBS measurements we assessed the ten-year probability of fracture using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX).
Results. We enrolled 48 patients with T2DM, including 17 with a history of low-traumatic fracture, 31 patients without fractures and 29 subjects of a control group. BMD was higher in patients with T2DM compared to the control group at L1L4 (mean T-score 0.44, 95% CI -3.2 4.9 vs mean T-score 0.33, 95% CI -2.9 3.0 in a control group p=0.052) and Total Hip (mean T-score 0.51, 95% CI -2.1 3.0 vs mean T-score -0.03, 95% CI -1.4 1.2 in a control group p=0,025). The TBS and 10-year probability of fracture (FRAX) was not different in patients with T2DM versus the control group. However, when the TBS was entered as an additional risk factor, the 10-year probability of fracture became higher in patients with T2DM (10-year probability of fracture in T2DM- 8.68, 95% CI 0.3-25.0 versus 6.68, 95% CI 0.415.0 in control group, p=0.04). Among patients with diabetes with and without fractures the FRAX score was higher in subjects with fractures, but no difference was found in regards to BMD or TBS. Entering BMD and TBS values into the FRAX tool in subjects with diabetes and fractures decreased the FRAX score. However, patients with low-traumatic fractures should be treated for osteoporosis without a BMD, TBS or FRAX assessment.
Conclusion. TBS improves the results of FRAX assessment in patients with T2DM and should be entered while evaluating FRAX in patients with T2DM. However, additional research is needed to develop a more sensitive tool to evaluate fracture risk in patients with T2DM.
A view at sarcopenia by endocrinologist
Authors: Mokrysheva Natalia G. , Krupinova Julia A. , Volodicheva Victoriya L. , Mirnaya Svetlana S. , Melnichenko Galina A.
Published: August 2020

Sarcopenia is one of the syndromes that significantly affects the health and life of the patient. Sarcopenia is a polyetiological syndrome with a complex, insufficiently studied pathogenesis, in which endocrine factors play a leading role. Comorbidity of elderly patients creates difficulties in differential diagnosis of existing pathology. The combination of sarcopenia with various endocrine pathologies, such as obesity, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency leads to a more severe course of disease and a worse prognosis for the quality and life expectancy of the patient. In this case, in some situations, the patients condition can be improved by assessing pathogenetic causes and their elimination. Thus, the endocrinologist should pay more attention to the sarcopenia syndrome and its correction, as well as for its prevention at the earliest stages.
Allgrove syndrome: how to suspect the problem? Endocrinologists experience
Authors: Volkova Natalya I. , Davidenko Ilya Y. , Reshetnikov Igor B. , Brovkina Snezhana S.
Published: August 2020

Allgrove syndrome (Alacrimia, Achalasia, Adrenal insufficiency, AAAS) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disease characterized by chronic adrenal insufficiency, alacrimia and achalasia of the cardia. This disease is often associated with various neurological disorders, amyotrophy, in such cases, it is named 4A and 5A syndrome, but sometimes there is also 2A syndrom. The occurrence of the disease is due to a mutation in the gene AAAS (12q13), which encodes the protein ALADIN. Here is a clinical observation of a patient with Allgrove syndrome. The patient had a typical clinic: alacrimia, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, convulsive syndrome. However, a neurological disorder, manifested by convulsive syndrome, passed with time. Despite the full clinical picture, the diagnosis was made only after 14 years. Allgrove syndrome was verified through genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation c.43CT gene AAAS. Progression of the severity of alacrimia and need of glucocorticoids over time was noted. We shown the difficulty of diagnosis is due to the lack of awareness of clinicians about the disease, the importance of interdisciplinary interaction, as well as the need for follow-up of such patients.
FORECASTING CONSTRUCTION DELAY TIMES IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: Sanni-Anibire Muizz , Zin Rosli , Olatunji Sunday
Published: August 2020

High-rise buildings, which have become significant parts of the urban habitat, are particularly notorious for delayed completion times. Though there exist a plethora of studies on construction delays, the problem is insufficient research on prescriptive methods to mitigate delays. This study sought to employ Machine Learning (ML) techniques to learn from historical data on high-rise construction to forecast potential delay times. An input data containing 9 features and 12 cases were used. Initially, five feature sets were built based on the recursive feature elimination process. Further to that was the classification process that employs the following ML techniques: Multi-Linear Regression Analysis (MLRA), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to determine delay times. The predictive performance of these techniques was measured by co-efficient (R2) and Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSE). The best three models were SVM with 2 independent variables (R2 0.56, RMSE 1.6), ANN with 2 independent variables (R2 0.49, RMSE 1.83), and KNN with all independent variables (R2 0.46, RMSE 1.71). To improve the predictive performance of developed models, three best performing models were combined using fixed and trained rules. Results showed an improvement for a fixed rule based on minimum values with (R2 0.59, RMSE 1.65). The study has significant implications to avoid delays in high-rise projects to avoid delays, which first employs ML in for the first time.
EVALUATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Savva Georgia C. , Tantele Elia A. , Votsis Renos A.
Published: August 2020

Safe and healthy working conditions are a legal obligation in most countries. They can also serve as an investment in a healthy business that can lead to positive economic effects. Accidents at work and occupational diseases are neither predetermined nor unavoidable-they always have causes, which are preventable in many cases. International research on the return on investments in prevention proves that every euro invested in safety and health generates a potential benefit of more than two euros in positive economic effects. By building a strong prevention culture, these causes can be eliminated and work-related accidents and occupational diseases are prevented. In this paper, the Health and Safety (H&S) guidelines along their practical approaches of the Construction Sector in Cyprus are presented and evaluated. The applied methodology for the evaluation of the current H&S state is also presented. Through the evaluation, suggestions for future improvements are presented and discussed.
DEVELOPMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONSIDERING CYCLE ECONOMY
Authors: Eleftheriou Eleftherios , Tantele Elia A. , Votsis Renos A. , Charilaou Eleni
Published: August 2020

Waste is an area regulated by a large number of legislations at both international and European Union level. Building waste was recognized as a special waste stream in the 1990s and identified as a priority waste stream. This recognition for this waste stream was necessary because of the large proportion of this waste in proportion to the total amount of waste, but also the huge potential for reuse and recycling contained. The term used in Cyprus Legislation is Excavation, Construction and Demolition Waste, which includes waste from the construction and civil engineering works, and of natural and technological disasters. The aforementioned waste is also produced by the demolition of existing buildings as well as from renovation and maintenance work. They contain various ingredients-hazardous or not, and problems arise when their management doesn’t take into account the protection of the environment and public health. This paper deals with the management of Construction and Demolition Waste considering the Cycle economy, with a special focus on Cyprus, as well as the analysis of the existing strategy and policy on the national level. On this basis, solutions are proposed, and recommendations are noted where needed as to revising, updating and strengthening the existing policy.
Comparison of pain assessments made by patients and nurses in emergency services
Authors: Sucu Çakmak Nefise Cevriye , Çalışkan Nurcan
Published: August 2020

Aim: This research aimed to compare pain assessments made by patients and by nurses.

Method: This descriptive and comparative research was conducted in a state, a university and a private hospital emergency service monitoring unit that had the highest number of patient admissions in Ankara, Turkey. The research sample consisted of 175 patients and 35 nurses. For the collection of data, the following sources were consulted: the patient information form, the nurse information form and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. For evaluation of the data, number and percentage calculations, chi-square analysis, kappa compliance analysis and the Wilcoxon sign test were used. Written consent was received from the ethical council and hospitals as well as from nurses and patients.

Results: 74.3% of nurses stated that they do not think that the pain level expressed by the patient is always right. While the point average given by patients related to all dimensions define the characteristics of pain was 20.48 ± 10.10, the average given by nurses was 14.35 ± 8.46. There is a statistically significant difference between the point averages given by patients and nurses related to total dimensions of pain characteristics (p<0.05).

Conclusion: As a result, pain evaluations of nurses were found to be significantly lower than those of patients. It is suggested that the policies and procedures used in health personnel education institutes and health institutes related to pain management should be improved.
Maize Introgression Library Provides Evidence for the Involvement ofliguleless1in Resistance to Northern Leaf Blight
Authors: Kolkman Judith M , Strable Josh , Harline Kate , Kroon Dallas E , Wiesner-Hanks Tyr , Bradbury Peter J , Nelson Rebecca J
Published: August 2020

Plant disease resistance is largely governed by complex genetic architecture. In maize, few disease resistance loci have been characterized. Near-isogenic lines are a powerful genetic tool to dissect quantitative trait loci. We analyzed an introgression library of maize (Zea mays) near-isogenic lines, termed a nested near-isogenic line library for resistance to northern leaf blight caused by the fungal pathogen Setosphaeria turcica. The population was comprised of 412 BC5F4 near-isogenic lines that originated from 18 diverse donor parents and a common recurrent parent, B73. Single nucleotide polymorphisms identified through genotyping by sequencing were used to define introgressions and for association analysis. Near-isogenic lines that conferred resistance and susceptibility to northern leaf blight were comprised of introgressions that overlapped known northern leaf blight quantitative trait loci. Genome-wide association analysis and stepwise regression further resolved five quantitative trait loci regions, and implicated several candidate genes, including Liguleless1, a key determinant of leaf architecture in cereals. Two independently-derived mutant alleles of liguleless1 inoculated with S. turcica showed enhanced susceptibility to northern leaf blight. In the maize nested association mapping population, leaf angle was positively correlated with resistance to northern leaf blight in five recombinant inbred line populations, and negatively correlated with northern leaf blight in four recombinant inbred line populations. This study demonstrates the power of an introgression library combined with high density marker coverage to resolve quantitative trait loci. Furthermore, the role of liguleless1 in leaf architecture and in resistance to northern leaf blight has important applications in crop improvement.