bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of polyisoprenoids from Avicennia lanata and Avicennia alba leaves on the gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR in human colorectal adenocarcinoma WiDr cells
Authors: Qurrohman Taufiq , Hasibuan Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun , Nuryawan Arif , Sumaiyah Sumaiyah , Siregar Etti Sartina , Basyuni Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Background: Mangrove plants produce polyisoprenoid compounds. Polyisoprenoids have been proven to have anticancer properties. This study investigated the inhibitory activity of polyisoprenoids derived from the leaves of mangrove plants Avicennia alba and Avicennia lanata regarding the expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR genes against human colorectal adenocarcinoma WiDr cells.

Methods: Anticancer activity was tested through the MTT assay method performed on WiDr cells. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry and double staining. Gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR was observed using the RT-PCR method.

Results: Cytotoxic activity against WiDr cells showed that the IC50 for A. alba and A. lanata was 258.14 ug/mL and 243.32 ug/mL, respectively. This observation indicated the possibility to develop moderate anticancer agents. The cell cycle showed that inhibition of A. alba and A. lanata occurred in the late phase of apoptosis S (10.60 and 10.51%) and G2-M1 (22.05 and 23.84%), which was higher than negative and positive control cells. Furthermore, the polyisoprenoids derived from A. alba and A. lanata leaves exhibited anticancer activity in WiDr cells through the downregulated gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, and EGFR as well as the upregulated gene expression of P53.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that polyisoprenoids obtained from A. alba and A. lanata leaves are promising chemopreventive agents for colon cancer.
GRAMMATICAL ASPECT OF ENGLISH LOW COLLOQUIALISMSIN ITS TRANSLATION INTO RUSSIAN (BASED ON NOVEL WRITTEN BY S. GIBBONS "COLD COMFORT FARM" AND J. K. TOOLE "A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES")
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Gerasimenko Irina , Kharakhorina Anfisa ,   Northeastern state university
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the grammatical aspect of English low colloquialisms in its translation into Russian, which have so far been marginalized both in linguistics and in translation theory. The research topic contributes to understanding the necessity of a more detailed study of grammatical aspect of English low colloquialisms in order to identify the most suitable methods of translation.
THE VARIABILITY TRANSLATION OF REALITIES(ON THE MATERIAL "MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES" INTO RUSSIAN AND GERMAN LANGUAGES)
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Kasymbekova Anara
Published: December 2020

We investigate the translation methods of realities in fiction. The analysis includes 3 translations of A. Christie's novel "Mysterious Affair at Styles" into Russian and German. Comparison of the original and the translations reveals different frequency and different success of the translation task.
SOME PROBLEMS OF TRANSLATION RECEPTIONOF GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM LYRICS
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Krasheninnikov Andrey , Garipov Arseniy ,   Northeastern state university
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the features of creative approaches in the translation of poems by G. Benn, one of the prominent representatives of German expressionism. The author analyzes the poem “Negerbraut” from the signature cycle “Morgue” and its two translations made by V. Toporov and V. Mikushevich. Preliminary conclusions are drawn on the adequacy of translation decisions when translating poems by this author.
ОDE OF G. R. DERZHAVIN "ON DEATH OF PRINCE MESHCHERSKY" IN E. P. MESHCHERSKY'S TRANSLATION ON THE FRENCH LANGUAGE
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Pinkovsky Vitaly
Published: December 2020

In article translation of an ode of G. R. Derzhavin «On death of prince Meshchersky» on the French language is examined. (Translation has executed by E. P. Meshchersky.) The author considers successful features of translation, and also kinds of translational errors and on concrete examples shows consequences of their occurrence in the text and result of wrong translation transfer from the point of view of influence on the reader.
TWO GLORIES
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Semenov Aleksey , Dvoryanova Anastasiya ,   Moscow City University
Published: December 2020

The article discusses one of the many examples of the interaction of a word and a visual image. Given the peculiarities of the linguistic situation of the era of Peter I, the authors argue that the potential multiplicity of the image of the character Slava is due to the semantics of the name of this allegorical figure. The paired describing of Slava is probably the result of the ongoing Western European influence, offering new examples of the embodiment of this character, as well as the consequence of the development of this figure in Russian art as a satellite character.
CONTEXTUAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE WORD IN EXPRESSING THE POSITION OF THE HEROES OF F. M. DOSTOEVSKY'S NOVEL "BESY"
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Skleynis Galina
Published: December 2020

The article attempts to show how the contextual (the very nature of the statement, the meaning of which is revealed in the context) and lexical level of speech characteristics of heroes-nihilists, ideological suicides allows us to understand their hidden desires, to reveal behind the demonstrative desire to" declare self-will " religious doubts and thirst for life-the key to spiritual revival.
THE USE OF FICTION IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO STUDENTS OF NON-LINGUISTIC FACULTIES
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Shlangman Marina
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the issue of teaching students the strategies and technologies of literary translation. Recommendations to teachers on work with texts of fiction are given.
ABOUT INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STUDIUM FUNDAMENTALE (STUDIUM GENERALE) AT THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES ZITTAU / GÖRLITZ
Authors:   Zittau, Schneider Günter
Published: December 2020

The article presents the interdisciplinary and general education courses in Studium fundamentale. In doing so, a way of the university for more interdisciplinary teaching offers for listeners of all faculties is described. It describes a way of integrating intercultural education into bachelor's programs (engineering, social sciences, natural sciences and economics). A number of sources provide further information on the state of general education at universities and colleges in Saxony.
SOME ASPECTS OF TEACHING THE JAPANESE LANGUAGEIN THE NORTH-EASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Daisuke Akiba , Ponomarchuk Sergey ,   Northeastern state university
Published: December 2020

In this article, the authors consider some aspects of teaching the Japanese language in an unnatural language environment, using the example of the philological faculty of Nizhny Novgorod State University. The article summarizes the experience of a native Japanese teacher, notes both the positive aspects (creating the conditions of the language environment) and the difficulties that participants in the educational process encounter (relevance of the content of educational materials; level of students' independence in learning). In addition, one of the authors notes the fact that the Japanese language teaching methodology shows tendencies towards the widespread use of IT technologies, as well as online educational platforms for the development, primarily, of students' communication skills.
THE SOCIOPRAGMATIC ASPECT OF VERNACULAR (BASED ON CH.DICKENS'S NOVEL "THE PICKWICK PAPERS")
Authors:   Northeastern state university, Burdina Anastasia , Gerasimenko Irina ,   Northeastern state university
Published: December 2020

The article explores the linguistic characteristics of various social groups through the socio- and pragmalinguistic aspects in the work of the English novelist Ch. Dickens «The Pickwick Papers». The authors analyzed and systematized the data obtained in the course of comparing the speech of people with different social status.
Tree Bounds for Sums of Bernoulli Random Variables: A Linear Optimization Approach
Authors: Padmanabhan Divya , Natarajan Karthik
Published: December 2020

We study the problem of computing the tightest upper and lower bounds on the probability that the sum of n dependent Bernoulli random variables exceeds an integer k. Under knowledge of all pairs of bivariate distributions denoted by a complete graph, the bounds are NP-hard to compute. When the bivariate distributions are specified on a tree graph, we show that tight bounds are computable in polynomial time using a compact linear program. These bounds provide robust probability estimates when the assumption of conditional independence in a tree-structured graphical model is violated. We demonstrate, through numericals, the computational advantage of our compact linear program over alternate approaches. A comparison of bounds under various knowledge assumptions, such as univariate information and conditional independence, is provided. An application is illustrated in the context of Chow–Liu trees, wherein our bounds distinguish between various trees that encode the maximum possible mutual information.
Strong and Weak Equilibria for Time-Inconsistent Stochastic Control in Continuous Time
Authors: Huang Yu-Jui , Zhou Zhou
Published: December 2020

A new definition of continuous-time equilibrium controls is introduced. As opposed to the standard definition, which involves a derivative-type operation, the new definition parallels how a discrete-time equilibrium is defined and allows for unambiguous economic interpretation. The terms “strong equilibria” and “weak equilibria” are coined for controls under the new and standard definitions, respectively. When the state process is a time-homogeneous continuous-time Markov chain, a careful asymptotic analysis gives complete characterizations of weak and strong equilibria. Thanks to the Kakutani–Fan fixed-point theorem, the general existence of weak and strong equilibria is also established under an additional compactness assumption. Our theoretic results are applied to a two-state model under nonexponential discounting. In particular, we demonstrate explicitly that there can be incentive to deviate from a weak equilibrium, which justifies the need for strong equilibria. Our analysis also provides new results for the existence and characterization of discrete-time equilibria under infinite horizon.
JD.com: Transaction-Level Data for the 2020 MSOM Data Driven Research Challenge
Authors: Shen Max , Tang Christopher S. , Wu Di , Yuan Rong , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2020

To support the 2020 MSOM Data Driven Research Challenge, JD.com, China’s largest retailer, offers transaction-level data to MSOM members for conducting data-driven research. This article describes the transactional data associated with over 2.5 million customers (457,298 made purchases) and 31,868 stock keeping units (SKUs) over the month of March in 2018. We also present potential research questions suggested by JD.com. Researchers are welcome to develop econometric models or data-driven models using this database to address some of the suggested questions or examine their own research questions.

History: Gad Allon served as guest editor-in-chief for this article. This paper has been accepted as part of the 2020 MSOM Data Driven Research Challenge.
Targeting, Deployment, and Loss-Tolerance in Lanchester Engagements
Authors: Atkinson Michael P. , Kress Moshe , MacKay Niall J.
Published: December 2020

Incorporating Imperfect Targeting, Deployment Restrictions, and Morale into Combat Models
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO ENTRE A ABORDAGEM DE TRANSITIVIDADE VERBAL E OBJETO DIRETO NA GRAMÁTICA NORMATIVA DE ROCHA LIMA E NA GRAMÁTICA DESCRITIVA DE MOURA NEVES
Authors: Cazumbá Bárbara
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho analisa as abordagens da transitividade verbal e do objeto direto realizadas na Gramática Normativa da Língua Portuguesa de Rocha Lima (2011) e na Gramática de usos do português de Moura Neves (2011). O principal objetivo é demonstrar como as duas perspectivas de análise linguística – normativa e descritiva – são relevantes para o ensino de língua, a partir do momento em que dão bases para que alunos e professores possam refletir sobre a gramática do idioma. Inicialmente, faz-se uma revisão acerca da história das teorias linguísticas, demonstrando as características fundamentais de análise de cada uma e já apontando as diferenças entre uma teoria formalista e uma teoria funcionalista. Após, apresentam-se as estruturas das gramáticas a serem estudadas para, enfim, observar como cada uma apresenta a noção de transitividade verbal e de objeto direto. Por fim, reflete-se sobre o ensino de língua nas escolas e como cada gramática pode se relacionar com esse ensino.
Bila Sorj: socióloga e pioneira dos estudos de gênero no Brasil
Authors: Candido Marcia Rangel , Daflon Verônica Toste
Published: December 2020

Nossa entrevistada, Bila Sorj, é socióloga, historiadora e professora titular da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Pioneira, Bila foi uma das estudiosas que colaboraram para a formação do campo de estudos de gênero no Brasil. Durante sua formação, ela fez graduação e mestrado em Sociologia na University of Haifa e doutorado em Sociologia pela Manchester University. Hoje, Bila é coordenadora do NESEG – Núcleo de Estudos de Sexualidade e Gênero, do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sociologia e Antropologia (PPGSA) da UFRJ, onde desenvolve pesquisas sobre estudos de gênero e relações de trabalho, família e políticas públicas. É autora de diversos artigos e livros nacionais e estrangeiros sobre o assunto. Em nossa curta entrevista, perguntamos a ela como se posiciona com relação ao assunto de nossa revista: as autoras clássicas e seu lugar nas ciências sociais.
Raça e Violência Sexual: Âmbito de Aplicação da Vitimodogmática?
Authors: Bessoni Boudoux Salgado Amanda , Macri Júnior José Roberto
Published: December 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar como a raça pode influenciar na aplicação da lei nos casos de violência sexual. Para tanto, parte-se da concepção da vitimodogmática como teoria que valora o comportamento da vítima para aferição da responsabilidade do agressor. Pretende-se estudar quais comportamentos das vítimas são levados em consideração nos casos de estupro, discutindo se esses comportamentos são efetivamente jurídico-penalmente relevantes. A intersecção entre raça e violência sexual será discutida precisamente em dois pontos: (I) sob a perspectiva do homem negro, com a construção do estereótipo do agressor sexual, tem-se que a palavra da vítima tende a ganhar credibilidade e o comportamento da ofendida torna-se irrelevante; (II) sob a perspectiva da mulher negra, tem-se uma maior desproteção legal, haja vista que comportamentos mal valorados em uma análise vitimodogmática são pressupostos.
Confidence among midwifery students in providing postnatal care at completion of training in selected midwifery schools in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Mutinke , Maimbolwa Margaret C , Sianchapa Brenda , Kwaleyela Concepta , Musenge Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims

Quality midwifery education is important in empowering student midwives with the confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the provision of quality postnatal care. The study aimed to assess confidence in providing postnatal care among midwifery students upon completion of training at selected midwifery schools in Zambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2016 at 5 of the 13 midwifery schools in Zambia. The sample comprised 194 finalist midwifery students who were purposively selected. Ethical approval was sort from the University of Zambia Research and Ethics Committee and participants signed informed consent forms. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20, and the chi-squared test was used to analyse the significance of the relationship between variables, with significance set at 0.05.

Results

Almost all (97%) student midwives were confident in their ability to provide postnatal care independently. Most stated that they had enough time to practice in the skills laboratory (63%) and were confident when they practiced on mothers and their babies for the first time (62%). The majority (82.5%) were satisfied with the supervision they received from their mentors. Confidence to provide postnatal care independently was significantly associated with the confidence to practice for the first time on mothers and their newborns (P=0.007) and with satisfaction with clinical supervision (P=0.004).

Conclusions

Student midwives were confident in their ability to provide postnatal care. Time spent practicing in the skills laboratory and the amount of clinical supervision were two factors that enhanced students' confidence. Midwifery schools must emphasise clinical practice and supervision in order to produce confident midwives.
Feminism, midwifery and the medicalisation of birth
Authors: Davison Clare
Published: December 2020

Dr Clare Davison examines the perception of women and midwifery through ages
Responding to change: ethical choices to improve your practice and reduce your environmental footprint
Authors: Hool Claire
Published: December 2020

Are you looking at ways to improve your business so that it is more environmentally friendly and pleasing to an untapped market of conscious clientele, but are unsure where to start? Claire Hool breaks down the jargon and the buzzwords to help aesthetic practitioners make ethical decisions that are right for you, your business and your patients
Using platelet-rich plasma to treat hair loss and thinning
Authors: Sister Daniel
Published: December 2020

Hair loss and thinning have always been a huge concern for men and women across the globe. Numerous treatments have been tried and tested, ranging rom folk remedies to chemical products. Unfortunately, none have proven a regular efficacy, without mentioning the possible side effects. So, for a long time, the only real option was hair graft. Now, with technological advances in both growth factors and stem cells, we have a possible solution that is efficient, safe and reproducible: platelet-rich plasma.
Body contouring using a combination of non-invasive energy-based devices
Authors: Torres Ariel
Published: December 2020

In this article, the author will be reviewing fat anatomy and physiology, as well as outlining how fat is distributed. Only after this baseline knowledge is established, can a comprehensive discussion on how to body contour by reducing fat be discussed thoroughly. The way cellulite develops and why females are predisposed to it is also detailed, followed by emphasis on the chronology in a holistic slimming approach (first is fat loss, then toning, followed by firming, anti-cellulite, figure shaping and spot reduction), the proper sequence of treating from the inside going out or from the inner visceral fat to the outer subcutaneous fat, from the deep reserve fat of the subcutaneous fat towards the superficial fat of the subcutaneous fat, and what ‘specific’ parameters should be used for each ‘separate’ energy (for example, infrared, radiofrequency and skin curving) after discussing the vast myriad technologies involved in different non-invasive energy based devices, including those employing lasers, primarily for aesthetic purposes, but consequently with health benefits.
The changing face of education during a global pandemic
Authors: Dennison Tracey
Published: December 2020

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many, if not most, areas of society, it has provided teachers and educators with a unique opportunity to build upon and develop their learning strategies. Tracey Dennison details more
Determination of Moisture Sorption Isotherms of Rice and Husk Flour Composites
Authors: Luthra Kaushik , Shafiekhani Soraya , Sadaka Sammy S. , Atungulu Griffiths G.
Published: December 2020

Highlights

Moisture sorption isotherms of rice and husk flour composites were determined.

Adsorption isotherms were best modeled by the Chung-Pfost and Oswin equations.

Desorption isotherms were best modeled by the Polynomial and Chung-Pfost equations.

The Modified Oswin model was the best for both adsorption and desorption.

Abstract. Empirical models describing isotherms specifically for adsorption and desorption have not been described for rough rice and husk flour composites. Such models are vital for process control and monitoring operations which use rice husk and rice flours or their mixtures for food or material processing. The current study was undertaken to determine the moisture sorption isotherms of rice husk flour, rough rice flour and their mixtures subjected to different temperature levels. Effects of rice husk flour to rough rice flour ratio of 0:1 (0.0%), 1:49 (2.0%), 1:16 (5.9%), and 1:0 g/g (100.0%) on rough rice moisture isotherms at temperature levels of 20°C, 40°C, and 60°C were investigated. The dynamic dewpoint isotherm technique (DDI) was used to generate accurate isotherms. Several empirical models were tested to fit the experimental EMC data. All the isotherms showed typical sigmoidal type 2 shapes. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) over equilibrium relative humidity (water activity) ranging from 10% to 95% showed temperature dependence. Hysteresis was evident for all samples, with a decreasing level at a higher temperature. Rice husk flour to rough rice flour ratio, as a factor, showed a significant effect on the EMC of rough rice. The EMC decreased with an increase in rice husk flour levels. Chung-Pfost and Oswin were the two best models for describing adsorption isotherm, and Polynomial and Chung-Pfost were the best models for fitting the desorption isotherm. Modified Oswin model was the best model amongst the two-variable models for describing both adsorption and desorption isotherms. Keywords: Empirical models, Equilibrium moisture content, Rice husk flour, Rough rice flour, Sorption isotherms.
Droplet Deposition Behavior on a Pear Leaf Surface under Wind-Induced Vibration
Authors: Xi Te , Li Chao , Qiu Wei , Wang Hui , Lv Xiaolan , Han Changjie , Ahmad Fiaz
Published: December 2020

Highlights

Droplet deposition behavior on pear leaf surfaces under wind-induced vibration was investigated.

The factors and limiting conditions affecting the vibration and spreading of droplets were analyzed.

A mathematical model of the vibration and spreading of droplets on pear leaves was constructed.

Abstract. Pear trees, a kind of fruit tree prone to diseases and insects, are sprayed 7-8 times a year in northern China and 8-10 times a year in the hot and humid areas of southern China. Air-assisted spraying is also the mainstream application technique for pear trees at present. To study the deposition behavior of droplets on pear leaves under the effect of air flow, the movement states of fluorescent droplets at different initial leaf angles and different leaf positions were measured with a high-speed camera. Based on the combined effect of the microstructure and the vibration of pear leaves, the factors and limiting conditions affecting the vibration and spreading of droplets were analyzed, and a mathematical model of the vibration and spreading of droplets on pear leaves was constructed. The experiment showed that the degree of influence of each factor on the velocity and acceleration of the droplets is in turn the inflow velocity, the drop position and the initial leaf angle. For pear hydrophilic plants, it is necessary to meet both conditions that the droplet velocity is less than the critical velocity of 1.1 m/s and the droplet acceleration is less than the critical acceleration of 20 m/s2 so that the droplet can deposit on the leaf surface. An inflow velocity of 7 m/s better facilitates droplet deposition and spreading. Keywords: Deposition behavior, Pear leaf, Wind-induced vibration.
Quality of Life Outcome and Support Disparities Among People With More Severe Impairments
Authors: Friedman Carli
Published: December 2020

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with more severe impairments often face service disparities. The aim of this study was to explore not only disparities in quality of life outcomes for people with IDD with severe impairments, but also disparities in the supports they receive from disability service organizations. Our analysis of Personal Outcome Measures interviews from 1,300 people revealed people with severe impairments experienced quality of life disparities in most domains, attributed to the fact that they also received fewer organizational supports than people with less severe impairments. By paying attention to person-centered outcomes, including these disparities, organizations' roles can shift from just providing services to supporting people to achieve the outcomes that are truly important to them.
Inclusion of Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Postsecondary Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Taylor Joshua P. , Rooney-Kron Magen , Whittenburg Holly N. , Thoma Colleen A. , Avellone Lauren , Seward Hannah
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine the association between inclusive education and postsecondary outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Despite decades-long advocacy efforts, most individuals with IDD never achieve meaningful paid employment or enroll in postsecondary education after graduation from high school. Although educational and workforce legislation has emphasized both inclusive education and competitive integrated employment for youth with IDD, no previous reviews have examined the strength of evidence for the former as a pathway to positive postsecondary outcomes. This systematic literature review searched peer-reviewed articles published between 1997 and 2018. A total of nine studies met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies found positive effects for inclusive education on either postsecondary employment or education using correlational designs. Limitations to the included studies as well as implications and recommendations for practice, policy, and future research are discussed.
Photonic nanojet generation under converging and diverging beams
Authors: Yousefi Maryam , Scharf Toralf , Rossi Markus
Published: December 2020

In practical applications of the photonic nanojet (PNJ), a microscope objective can be used to illuminate a microsphere. Under such conditions, it is difficult to determine the absolute position of the sphere with respect to the focal point of the incident beam. A small change in the axial position of the sphere can change the form of the incident wavefront from diverging to converging and will significantly influence the evolution of PNJ. In our paper, we report a systematic study of the PNJ properties, including the effective focal length and the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) by changing the source curvature. We treat the cases of diverging and converging wavefronts with different NAs (from 0.1 to 0.8) and sphere diameters (from

1.6
λ

to

33
λ

). We demonstrate that for a diverging source curvature, the effective focal length and FWHM of the PNJ increase as a function source NA for all the sphere diameters. By further increase of the source NA, for a NA of 0.8, the PNJ can be found only for sphere diameters less than

16
λ

(refractive index

n
=
1.5

). At larger diameters, the microsphere behaves like a diffractive–refractive lens, collimating the light and showing aberrations. For the converging source, the effective focal length and FWHM tend to decrease as a function of source NA, the PNJ localizing inside the sphere for

N
A

>
0.2

. Also, the PNJ shows similar behavior with respect to the NA of a converging source and sphere refractive index under plane wave illumination. Finally, we compare our theoretical 2D simulation results with 3D sphere geometries for diameters of

1.6
λ

and

8.3
λ

; we find similar behavior for converging and diverging source wavefront curvatures.
Light scattering by a spherical particle with a time-periodic
refractive index
Authors: Stefanou Ioannis , Pantazopoulos Petros Andreas , Stefanou Nikolaos
Published: December 2020

A rigorous time Floquet method for the calculation of scattering of electromagnetic waves by a homogeneous spherical object, characterized by a periodically varying-in-time isotropic permittivity, is presented. The method is applied to the study of Mie scattering by such a modulated dielectric particle. Our results are in excellent agreement with the quasistatic adiabatic approximation in the slow-modulation limit. At higher modulation frequencies, a remarkable spectral response, including resonant inelastic scattering and frequency conversion as well as energy transfer between the dynamic sphere and the electromagnetic field, is revealed and consistently explained.
Emergence of Fano response in trimer structure with asymmetric permittivity
Authors: Natanael Misael , Iskandar Alexander A. , Suryadharma Radius N. S.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we discuss the Fano response from a hybrid trimer composed of gold and silicon nanospheres. This allows the structure to exhibit plasmonic properties while having a versatile spectral tuning of its Fano response. We analyze the Fano response from the point of view of the individual subsystem as well as the coupling of supermodes of the structure. The coupling between the sustained non-orthogonal eigenmodes can be traced as a result of these modes sharing the same multipolar moments. With this, we provide insight into designing a hybrid structure with tunable Fano properties.
Polarization- and angle-insensitive ultrabroadband perfect metamaterial absorber for thermophotovoltaics
Authors: Chowdhary Ashish Kumar , Bhowmik Tanmay , Sikdar Debabrata
Published: December 2020

We report an ultrabroadband perfect metamaterial absorber, comprising a two-dimensional array of a hemi-ellipsoid shaped metallo-dielectric multilayered structure. What we believe, to the best of our knowledge, is an unprecedented average absorbance of

∼

99
%

is theoretically demonstrated in the 300 to 4500 nm spectral range at normal incidence. We use 20 pairs of molybdenum–germanium metallo-dielectric layers with tungsten as the ground metal placed on a silicon substrate. Our design is polarization-independent as well as angle-insensitive (up to 60°), making it a perfect “superabsorber.” Theoretical modeling based on effective medium theory validates our full-wave simulation results. The figure-of-merit calculations suggest that our superabsorber can outperform recently reported broadband absorbers. The proposed design has potential application in thermophotovoltaics for solar energy harvesting.
Using plasmonics and nanoparticles to enhance the efficiency of solar cells: review of latest technologies
Authors: Olaimat Melad M. , Yousefi Leila , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: December 2020

With the advances in the field of plasmonics, techniques for trapping and localizing light have become more feasible at the nanoscale. Several works have shown that plasmonics-based photovoltaic devices have yielded an improved absorption capability, enabling the design of thin-layered photovoltaic absorbers. In this review, we shed light on recent advances that employ plasmonics and nano-sized structures and thin-film technologies intended to increase solar cell efficiency. In this work, we provide an overview of the challenges associated with developing high-efficiency solar cells. Despite significant efforts by numerous groups to improve the efficiency of solar cells, practical realization of these concepts has yet to materialize. The conclusions made here hope to encourage researchers to re-examine the factors and challenges that could have created barriers to full realization of all concepts proposed over the past 15 years. In fact, because of the immense impact of improving the efficiency of solar cells on the environment and economy, it is hoped that this review encourages new technology paradigms that can be translated into commercially viable products.
Interplay of multiphoton absorption, Raman scattering, and third-order dispersion in soliton fiber lasers
Authors: Parmar Gurkirpal Singh , Malomed Boris A. , Jana Soumendu
Published: December 2020

We theoretically investigate the generation of dissipative solitons (DSs) and interactions between them in a fiber laser with higher-order dispersion and nonlinearity, multiphoton absorption, and gain dispersion or spectral filtering. A random component of the group-velocity dispersion (GVD) is taken into account too. The DSs are stabilized by the dynamical balance of the dispersion terms by the cubic–quintic nonlinearity, along with the balancing of the losses by a linear gain. Novel findings are presented for effects of the third-order GVD and intra-pulse stimulated Raman scattering on the formation and interactions of DSs in the system. A possibility of all-optical control of interactions between DSs by means of phase and temporal shifts between them is elaborated. The stability of the DSs against relatively large random-noise perturbations is explored too.
Temperature measurement using a multi-wavelength fiber ring laser based on a hybrid gain medium and Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Cai Xun , Luo Jian , Fu Hongyan , Bu Yikun , Chen Nan
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a multi-wavelength fiber ring laser (MWFRL) based on a hybrid gain medium and Sagnac interferometer (SI) used for temperature measurement has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Experiments have been carried out with polarization maintaining fibers (PMF) of different lengths, which are incorporated in the SI as sensing elements. Stable multi-wavelength oscillation at 1560 nm band is successfully achieved with the wavelength instability of ±0.08 nm and the signal-to-noise of 42 dB. The experimental results show that the wavelength change of the MWFRL with temperature variation has a good linear response and the temperature sensitivity of 1.8063 ± 0.00933 nm/°C is obtained when the length of the PMF is 1.7 m. As the length of PMF increases, the sensitivity can be improved.
Fifth-order optical nonlinear response of semiconducting 2D LTMD MoS2
Authors: Silva-Neto Manoel L. , Maldonado Melissa , de S. Menezes Leonardo , de Araújo Cid B. , Jawaid Ali M. , Busch Robert , Ritter Allyson J. , Vaia Richard A. , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: December 2020

The effective fifth-order susceptibility,

, of two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenide (LTMD) molybdenum disulfide (

) is reported here for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Using the

-scan technique with a laser operating at 800 nm, 1 kHz, 100 fs, we investigated the nonlinear behavior of

suspended in acetonitrile (concentration, 70 µg/ml). The effective nonlinear refractive index

, proportional to

, was measured for monolayer

nanoflakes, prepared by a modified redox exfoliation method. We also determined the value of the nonlinear refractive index

, which is related to the material’s effective third-order optical susceptibility real part,

. For comparison, we also investigated the nonlinear response of tungsten disulfide (

) monolayers, prepared by the same method and suspended in acetonitrile (concentration, 40 µg/ml), which only exhibited the third-order nonlinear effect in the same intensity range, up to

. Nonlinear absorption was not observed in either

or

.
Modulation format identification under stringent bandwidth limitation based on an artificial neural network
Authors: Huang Luyao , Xue Lei , Zhuge Qunbi , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: December 2020

A new method based on an artificial neural network (ANN) and asynchronous amplitude histograms (AAHs) is designed for modulation formats identification (MFI) in a bandwidth-limited intensity modulation direct detection (IM/DD) system. The proposed method recognizes modulation format features of AAHs and the signal is extracted before equalization algorithms such as FFE and CMA for limited bandwidth and chromatic dispersion (CD). Three IM/DD modulation formats, non-return-to-zero (NRZ), 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4), and 8-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM8) are recognized. The numerical simulation results manifest that MFI accuracy can reach up to 95% with a 30-40% bandwidth limitation. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of the method in the experiment, and 100% identification accuracy can be achieved even when the system is under 36.76% bandwidth limitation. The proposed method is implemented in DSP without extra hardware and is promising for optical performance monitoring in next-generation elastic optical networks (EONs).
Examining the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on human episodic memory with machine learning
Authors: Petrovskaya Aleksandra , Kirillov Bogdan , Asmolova Anastasiya , Galli Giulia , Feurra Matteo , Medvedeva Angela
Published: December 2020

We aimed to replicate a published effect of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS)-induced recognition enhancement over the human ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and analyse the data with machine learning. We investigated effects over an adjacent region, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In total, we analyzed data from 97 participants after exclusions. We found weak or absent effects over the VLPFC and DLPFC. We conducted machine learning studies to examine the effects of semantic and phonetic features on memorization, which revealed no effect of VLPFC tDCS on the original dataset or the current data. The highest contributing factor to memory performance was individual differences in memory not explained by word features, tDCS group, or sample size, while semantic, phonetic, and orthographic word characteristics did not contribute significantly. To our knowledge, this is the first tDCS study to investigate cognitive effects with machine learning, and future studies may benefit from studying physiological as well as cognitive effects with data-driven approaches and computational models.
The translation attenuating arginine-rich sequence in the extended signal peptide of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTPRJ/DEP1 is conserved in mammals
Authors: Karagyozov Luchezar , Grozdanov Petar N. , Böhmer Frank-D.
Published: December 2020

The signal peptides, present at the N-terminus of many proteins, guide the proteins into cell membranes. In some proteins, the signal peptide is with an extended N-terminal region. Previously, it was demonstrated that the N-terminally extended signal peptide of the human PTPRJ contains a cluster of arginine residues, which attenuates translation. The analysis of the mammalian orthologous sequences revealed that this sequence is highly conserved. The PTPRJ transcripts in placentals, marsupials, and monotremes encode a stretch of 10–14 arginine residues, positioned 11–12 codons downstream of the initiating AUG. The remarkable conservation of the repeated arginine residues in the PTPRJ signal peptides points to their key role. Further, the presence of an arginine cluster in the extended signal peptides of other proteins (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, NOTCH3) is noted and indicates a more general importance of this cis-acting mechanism of translational suppression.
Effects of interstitial carbon atoms on texture structure and mechanical properties of FeMnCoCr alloys
Authors: Qian Chenhao , Qiu Yuanhe , He Ziyang , Mu Weiwei , Tang Yongmeng , Wang Haijun , Xie Mengmeng , Ji Weixi
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a (Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10)100-xCx high-entropy alloy (HEA) was successfully prepared by using the vacuum arc melting method. The peak shape analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns, the EBSD observations, and the EDS spectra of the alloys with different compositions show that the characteristics of the dendrites and the hard phase, Cr23C6, into the initial single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) matrix becomes gradually visible as the carbon content increases from 0 to 4%. The crystal phase variations lead to a non-linear orientation of the microstructure, to a refinement of the grains, and to a higher elastic modulus. This study presents the solid saturation limit of the interstitial carbon atoms in such alloys and establishes an empirical relation between an alloy’s elastic modulus and its carbon content.
Medicines prescribed for asthma, discontinuation and perinatal outcomes, including breastfeeding: A population cohort analysis
Authors: Davies Gareth , Jordan Sue , Thayer Daniel , Tucker David , Humphreys Ioan
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To explore associations between exposures to medicines prescribed for asthma and their discontinuation in pregnancy and preterm birth [<37 or <32 weeks], SGA [<10th and <3rd centiles], and breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks.

Methods

Design. A population-based cohort study.

Setting. The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage [SAIL] databank in Wales, linking maternal primary care data with infant outcomes.

Population. 107,573, 105,331, and 38,725 infants born 2000–2010 with information on premature birth, SGA and breastfeeding respectively, after exclusions.

Exposures. maternal prescriptions for asthma medicines or their discontinuation in pregnancy.

Methods. Odds ratios for adverse pregnancy outcomes were calculated for the exposed versus the unexposed population, adjusted for smoking, parity, age and socio-economic status.

Results

Prescriptions for asthma, whether continued or discontinued during pregnancy, were associated with birth at<32 weeks’ gestation, SGA <10th centile, and no breastfeeding (aOR 1.33 [1.10–1.61], 1.10 [1.03–1.18], 0.93 [0.87–1.01]). Discontinuation of asthma medicines in pregnancy was associated with birth at<37 weeks’ and <32 weeks’ gestation (aOR 1.22 [1.06–1.41], 1.53 [1.11–2.10]). All medicines examined, except ICS and SABA prescribed alone, were associated with SGA <10th centile.

Conclusions

Prescription of asthma medicines before or during pregnancy was associated with higher prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly if prescriptions were discontinued during pregnancy. Women discontinuing medicines during pregnancy could be identified from prescription records. The impact of targeting close monitoring and breastfeeding support warrants exploration.
Structures of three MORN repeat proteins and a re-evaluation of the proposed lipid-binding properties of MORN repeats
Authors: Sajko Sara , Grishkovskaya Irina , Kostan Julius , Graewert Melissa , Setiawan Kim , Trübestein Linda , Niedermüller Korbinian , Gehin Charlotte , Sponga Antonio , Puchinger Martin , Gavin Anne-Claude , Leonard Thomas A. , Svergun Dimitri I. , Smith Terry K. , Morriswood Brooke , Djinovic-Carugo Kristina
Published: December 2020

MORN (Membrane Occupation and Recognition Nexus) repeat proteins have a wide taxonomic distribution, being found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Despite this ubiquity, they remain poorly characterised at both a structural and a functional level compared to other common repeats. In functional terms, they are often assumed to be lipid-binding modules that mediate membrane targeting. We addressed this putative activity by focusing on a protein composed solely of MORN repeats—Trypanosoma bruceiMORN1. Surprisingly, no evidence for binding to membranes or lipid vesicles by TbMORN1 could be obtained either in vivo or in vitro. Conversely, TbMORN1 did interact with individual phospholipids. High- and low-resolution structures of the MORN1 protein fromTrypanosoma bruceiand homologous proteins from the parasitesToxoplasma gondiiandPlasmodium falciparumwere obtained using a combination of macromolecular crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy. This enabled a first structure-based definition of the MORN repeat itself. Furthermore, all three structures dimerised via their C-termini in an antiparallel configuration. The dimers could form extended or V-shaped quaternary structures depending on the presence of specific interface residues. This work provides a new perspective on MORN repeats, showing that they are protein-protein interaction modules capable of mediating both dimerisation and oligomerisation.
How to better communicate the exponential growth of infectious diseases
Authors: Schonger Martin , Sele Daniela
Published: December 2020

Exponential growth bias is the phenomenon whereby humans underestimate exponential growth. In the context of infectious diseases, this bias may lead to a failure to understand the magnitude of the benefit of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Communicating the same scenario in different ways (framing) has been found to have a large impact on people’s evaluations and behavior in the contexts of social behavior, risk taking and health care. We find that framing matters for people’s assessment of the benefits of non-pharmaceutical interventions. In two commonly used frames, most subjects in our experiment drastically underestimate the number of cases avoided by adopting non-pharmaceutical interventions. Framing growth in terms of doubling times rather than growth rates reduces the bias. When the scenario is framed in terms of time gained rather than cases avoided, the median subject assesses the benefit of non-pharmaceutical interventions correctly. These findings suggest changes that could be adopted to better communicate the exponential spread of infectious diseases.
First known trace fossil of a nesting iguana (Pleistocene), The Bahamas
Authors: Martin Anthony J. , Stearns Dorothy , Whitten Meredith J. , Hage Melissa M. , Page Michael , Basu Arya
Published: December 2020

Most species of modern iguanas (Iguania, Iguanidae) dig burrows for dwelling and nesting, yet neither type of burrow has been interpreted as trace fossils in the geologic record. Here we describe and diagnose the first known fossil example of an iguana nesting burrow, preserved in the Grotto Beach Formation (Early Late Pleistocene, ~115kya) on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas. The trace fossil, located directly below a protosol, is exposed in a vertical section of a cross-bedded oolitic eolianite. Abundant root traces, a probable land-crab burrow, and lack of ghost-crab burrows further indicate a vegetated inland dune as the paleoenvironmental setting. The trace fossil matches dimensions and overall forms of burrows made by modern iguanas, and internal structures indicate active backfilling consistent with modern iguana nesting burrows. The trace fossil is also located on an island with a modern native species of rock iguana (Cyclura riyeli riyeli), suggesting a presence of iguanas on San Salvador since the Late Pleistocene. This nesting burrow may provide a search image for more fossil iguana burrows in The Bahamas and other places with long-established iguana species and favorable geological conditions for preserving their burrows.