bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work environment factors and provider performance in health houses: a case study of a developing country
Authors: Yusefzadeh Hasan , Nabilou Bahram
Published: October 2020

Objective

Primary Health Care has determined the path to the goal of "Health for All". Defining standards in health facilities play a crucial role in achieving acceptable performance by Community Health Workers. The study aimed to assess the relationship between physical Work environment factors and performance in primary healthcare facilities named health houses in Urmia district health network in North West of Iran. Thirty-five health houses were selected and studied with simple random sampling method. Data collection instrument were a standard checklist.

Results

The results highlighted a statistically significant and positive correlation between technical equipment layout (P = 0.01, r = 0.641) with the performance of CHWs and the area of workplace (P = 0.05, r = 0.359) in health houses. Correlation between office equipment layout and performance was negative (P = 0.01, r = − 0.44). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the performance level was influenced by the staff-mix of CHWs in health houses, layout of technical equipment and layout of office equipment.
Correction to: Neurologically asymptomatic cerebral oligometastatic prostate carcinoma metastasis identified on [Ga]Ga-THP-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Ross M. I. , Bird N. , Mendichovszky I. A. , Rimmer Y. L.
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Explicit-implicit dual stream network for image quality assessment
Authors: Yang Guangyi , Ding Xingyu , Huang Tian , Cheng Kun , Jin Weizheng
Published: October 2020

Communications industry has remarkably changed with the development of fifth-generation cellular networks. Image, as an indispensable component of communication, has attracted wide attention. Thus, finding a suitable approach to assess image quality is important. Therefore, we propose a deep learning model for image quality assessment (IQA) based on explicit-implicit dual stream network. We use frequency domain features of kurtosis based on wavelet transform to represent explicit features and spatial features extracted by convolutional neural network (CNN) to represent implicit features. Thus, we constructed an explicit-implicit (EI) parallel deep learning model, namely, EI-IQA model. The EI-IQA model is based on the VGGNet that extracts the spatial domain features. On this basis, the number of network layers of VGGNet is reduced by adding the parallel wavelet kurtosis value frequency domain features. Thus, the training parameters and the sample requirements decline. We verified, by cross-validation of different databases, that the wavelet kurtosis feature fusion method based on deep learning has a more complete feature extraction effect and a better generalisation ability. Thus, the method can simulate the human visual perception system better, and subjective feelings become closer to the human eye. The source code about the proposed EI-IQA model is available on githubhttps://github.com/jacob6/EI-IQA.
Flip & Pair – a strategy to augment a blended course with active-learning components: effects on engagement and learning
Authors: Kannan Vijayanandhini , Kuromiya Hiroyuki , Gouripeddi Sai Preeti , Majumdar Rwitajit , Madathil Warriem Jayakrishnan , Ogata Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Blended learning technique has adapted many new digitized tools to facilitate students with flexible and self-phased learning opportunities. The flipped classroom strategy, one of the blended learning models has been limited by low engagement of students in the online component. In the present study, we augment a Flip and Pair (F&P), an active-learning strategy into the blended learning course. Following the AB type single group quasi-experimental design, we evaluated the effects of F&P strategy on the student’s engagement and learning while orchestrating it for an undergraduate engineering physics course. Our results highlighted that there is a positive correlation between the engagement (computed based on learning logs of TEEL (Technology-enhanced and Evidence-based Education and Learning) platform in the F&P activities with that of the performance score (knowledge quizzes and final exam). F&P strategy had a better contribution compared to Flip and Traditional Teaching (F&TT) strategy with respect to both engagement and performance. Also, students exhibited a positive perception of learning and engagement. Based on our findings, we identified the key instructional measures that an instructor can follow to increase student engagement while using the F&P strategy.
Intensified hemodialysis for complicated pregnancy in a primigravida with advanced maternal age: a case report with literature review focusing on appropriate hemodialysis management during pregnancy
Authors: Arai Hiroyuki , Mori Keita P. , Yokoi Hideki , Mizuta Ken , Ogura Jumpei , Suginami Ko , Endo Tomomi , Ikeda Yoshihiro , Matsubara Takeshi , Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Yanagita Motoko
Published: October 2020

Background

Pregnancy in dialysis patients is rare but challenging both for nephrologists and obstetricians. Although intensified hemodialysis is effective to achieve favorable clinical outcomes in this clinical setting, the evidence concerning reliable parameters for the optimal dialysis prescription is scarce. Herein, we report a case of a primigravida with advanced maternal age who underwent a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery at full term managed by intensified hemodialysis, and discuss reliable indicators of the appropriate dialysis prescription.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old primigravida with end-stage renal disease was referred to our department for hemodialysis management during pregnancy. She had a history of multiple gynecologic disorders, including cervical dysplasia, right tubal ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion; consequently, she conceived through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. After pregnancy was confirmed, an intensified hemodialysis schedule with weekly duration of 36 hours was employed to prevent volume overload and the accumulation of hyperosmotic substances. Utilizing maternal blood pressure, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels and fetal development as indicators of volume status, we incremented her dry weight by 300–400 g per week in the first and second trimester and 100–200 g per week in the third trimester, respectively. Serum urea nitrogen levels were persistently maintained below 50 mg/dL. Throughout pregnancy, fetal growth and development were within normal limits. At 38 weeks and 3 days of gestation, she delivered a healthy child vaginally without complications. To date, the child’s development has been normal, both physically and mentally.

Conclusions

Pregnancy in dialysis patients with advanced age that leads to a normal childbirth is exceptionally rare. Our case is the hemodialysis patient with the most advanced age who achieves a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery at full term. Considering that cardiovascular system and endogenous metabolism dynamically alter during pregnancy, various clinical parameters should be closely monitored to modify dialysis settings accordingly. Of note, our case suggests that plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level is a useful parameter for the appropriate dry weight. Intensified hemodialysis is an effective and reliable measure that can achieve normal pregnancy in dialysis patients, even in a primigravida with advanced maternal age.
Prevent Cancer Foundation quantitative CT imaging workshop XVI: lung cancer, COPD and cardiovascular disease - on the cusp of transformation, Arlington, VA
Authors: Mulshine James L. , Avila Riccardo S. , Sullivan Daniel C. , Yankelevitz David F. , San José Estépar Raúl , Ambrose Laurie Fenton , Pyenson Bruce , Aldigé Carolyn R.
Published: October 2020

Throughout the course of this Workshop, members of the advocacy community, imaging researchers, computer and measurement scientists, clinicians and policy-focused workshop attendees engaged in cross-cutting discussions from innovative technical aspects of thoracic imaging to policy approaches to ensure equitable access to all at-risk individuals when implementing lung cancer screening services. A major aspect of these implementation discussions was how to efficiently collect routine thoracic CT-based screening with de-identified clinical outcomes data to support the development of robust imaging tools, including responsible AI development, to better detect and manage early lung cancer as well as other major tobacco-related thoracic diseases. A future vision involves routinely collecting a substantial fraction of every thoracic screening CT image to establish a large, curated collection of de-identified thoracic CT images with clinical outcome data to support open research for building better computational imaging tools for early thoracic disease management. Imaging researchers are positioned to develop much better workflow software tools to promote more efficient, outpatient management of the screening process for populations at-risk for lung cancer, especially with the rapid development of promising AI tools. Efficient and effective management tools for the large numbers of at-risk ever smokers could allow the primary care community to discuss lung cancer screening despite their heavy existing clinical demands. Supporting the primary care community in this fashion may significantly improve the current slow uptake of lung cancer screening and save many lives in the process.
Auditory fatigue among call center operators with headset
Authors: Afifi Pretty Omar , Abdel Rahman Tayseer Taha Tayseer , Khafagy Ahmed Gamal
Published: October 2020

Background

To assess whether call center operators are subject to or suffer from any auditory fatigue when compared to normal subjects. A prospective case-control study where twenty-eight call center operators (10 females and 18 males) with an age range from 25 to 46 years and twenty controls (12 females and 8 males) with an age range from 23 to 44 years were included. All call center operators use a headset for up to 8 h daily for a minimum of two consecutive years. Audiological assessments were done to all participants that included pure tone audiometry (PTA), speech audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflexes. Moreover, transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) absolute threshold and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) signal to noise thresholds as well as contralateral suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs were recorded for both groups.

Results

There was no significant variation in auditory performances detected with either PTA or OAE (TEOAEs and DPOAEs) test. Besides, there was no statistically significant difference in OAEs (TEOAEs and DPOAEs) with contralateral suppression for both the call center operators and control groups. However, call center operators expressed a feeling of tiredness.

Conclusions

There was no detectable central or peripheral auditory fatigue experienced by the call center operators when using headsets. However, their sensation of auditory fatigue could be due to cognitive fatigue rather than noise-induced fatigue.
Postoperative Day 1 Morning Cortisol Value as a Biomarker to Predict Long-term Remission of Cushing Disease
Authors: Wang Fang , Catalino Michael P , Bi Wenya Linda , Dunn Ian F , Smith Timothy R , Guo Yunlei , Hordejuk Dawid , Kaiser Ursula B , Laws Edward R , Min Le
Published: October 2020

Context

Recurrence of Cushing disease (CD) can occur even decades after surgery. Biomarkers to predict recurrence of CD after surgery have been studied but are inconclusive.

Objective

The aim of our study was to identify specific biomarkers that can predict long-term remission after neurosurgery.

Design

Identification of specific biomarkers to predict long-term remission of CD was performed by logistic regression analysis followed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, using recurrence as the dependent variable.

Setting

A total of 260 patients with CD identified from our institutional research patient data registry search tool and from patients who presented to our longitudinal multidisciplinary clinic between May 2008 and May 2018 underwent statistical analysis.

Interventions

Data on clinical features, neuro-imaging study, pathology, biochemistry, and treatments were collected by reviewing digital chart records.

Main Outcome Measure

Postoperative cortisol as a biomarker to predict long-term remission after surgical treatment for CD.

Results

By logistic regression analysis, postoperative day 1 (POD1) morning (5-10 am) serum cortisol, female sex, and proliferative index had significant association with CD recurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.025, 95% CI: 1.002-1.048, P = .032). In contrast, the postoperative nadir cortisol (OR = 1.081, 95% CI: 0.989-1.181, P = .086), urinary free cortisol (OR = 1.032, 95% CI: 0.994-1.07, P = .098), and late night salivary cortisol (OR = 1.383, 95% CI: 0.841-2.274, P = .201) had no significant correlation with recurrence. A significant association between POD1 morning serum cortisol and long-term CD remission was verified by Kaplan–Meier analysis when using POD1 morning serum cortisol <5 μg/dL as the cut-off.

Conclusions

The POD1 morning serum cortisol level has a significant association with CD recurrence.
Efficacy and Safety of Thermal Ablation for Solitary T1bN0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Cao Xiao-Jing , Liu Juan , Zhu Ya-Lin , Qi Lu , Liu Geng , Wang Hong-Ling , Wang Zhong-Hua , Zhou Ying , He Jun-Feng , Guo Jian-Qin , Shi Li-Li , Jian Mei , Shataer Aini , Yan Guo-Zhen , Zhao Zhen-Long , Wei Ying , Peng Li-Li , Li Yan , Che Ying , Wang Shu-Rong , Yu Ming-An
Published: October 2020

Background

Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation plays an important role in the management of thyroid disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of thermal ablation for patients with solitary T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who are ineligible for or unwilling to undergo surgery.

Materials and Methods

Data pertaining to 172 patients (38 males and 134 females) who received thermal ablation therapy at 12 hospitals between April 2015 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean duration of follow-up was 24.9 ± 14.1 months (range, 12–60). The technical feasibility, technical success, efficacy, and safety of treatment were analyzed. Postablation tumor size at various time points was compared with preablation measurement.

Results

All patients selected for thermal ablation received enlarged ablation, according to contrast-enhanced ultrasound postablation. The maximum diameter and volume of ablation zone at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months postablation were significantly smaller than those recorded preablation (P < 0.05 for all). At the most recent follow-up, 106 (61.6%) tumors had completely disappeared. The rate of lymph node metastasis was 0.6% (1/172) and the incidence of new tumors was 1.2% (2/172). The overall complication rate was 5.2% (9/172) (major complications: 4.6% [8/172]; minor complications: 0.6% [1/172]). All major complications were relieved within 4 months postablation.

Conclusion

Thermal ablation may be a feasible, effective, and safe treatment option for patients with solitary T1bN0M0 PTC who are ineligible for or unwilling to undergo surgery. It may provide a novel treatment option for selected patients.
Adrenal Insufficiency at the Time of COVID-19: A Retrospective Study in Patients Referring to a Tertiary Center
Authors: Carosi Giulia , Morelli Valentina , Del Sindaco Giulia , Serban Andreea Liliana , Cremaschi Arianna , Frigerio Sofia , Rodari Giulia , Profka Eriselda , Indirli Rita , Mungari Roberta , Resi Veronica , Orsi Emanuela , Ferrante Emanuele , Dolci Alessia , Giavoli Claudia , Arosio Maura , Mantovani Giovanna
Published: October 2020

Context

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health emergency, and infected patients with chronic diseases often present with a severe impairment. Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is supposed to be associated with an increased infection risk, which could trigger an adrenal crisis.

Objective

Our primary aim was to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 symptoms and complications in AI patients.

Design and Setting

We conducted a retrospective case-control study. All patients were on active follow-up and lived in Lombardy, Italy, one of the most affected areas.

Patients

We enrolled 279 patients with primary and secondary AI and 112 controls (patients with benign pituitary lesions without hormonal alterations). All AI patients had been previously trained to modify their replacement therapy on stress doses.

Intervention

By administering a standardized questionnaire by phone, we collected data on COVID-19 suggestive symptoms and consequences.

Results

In February through April 2020, the prevalence of symptomatic patients (complaining at least 1 symptom of viral infection) was similar between the 2 groups (24% in AI and 22.3% in controls, P = 0.79). Highly suggestive COVID-19 symptoms (at least 2 including fever and/or cough) also occurred equally in AI and controls (12.5% in both groups). No patient required hospitalization and no adrenal crisis was reported. Few nasopharyngeal swabs were performed (n = 12), as indicated by sanitary regulations, limiting conclusions on the exact infection rate (2 positive results in AI and none in controls, P = 0.52).

Conclusions

AI patients who are adequately treated and trained seem to display the same incidence of COVID-19-suggestive symptoms and disease severity as controls.
An Unusual Cause of Secondary Amenorrhea in an Adolescent: Expanding the Differential
Authors: Okawa Erin R , Gardner Roxanne , Feltmate Colleen , Hirsch Michelle S , Craig Jeffrey W , Chan Yee-Ming
Published: October 2020

Secondary amenorrhea is not uncommon in the adolescent female population. There are multiple etiologies to consider, and a comprehensive evaluation is often pursued. Sometimes, however, despite a thorough workup, the diagnosis remains unclear. Here, we report an unusual cause of secondary amenorrhea in a 15-year-old girl. Our patient presented with secondary amenorrhea after a 4-year history of regular menstrual cycles. Her evaluation was notable for very low FSH and low estradiol but normal LH; pregnancy, adrenal, thyroid, prolactin studies, and brain magnetic resonance imaging scan did not reveal a cause of her amenorrhea. Her transabdominal ultrasound showed an enlarged right ovary, initially suggestive of a hemorrhagic cyst. Inhibin A and B were measured because of the persistently low FSH; these were found to be very elevated, concerning for an inhibin-producing tumor. The patient had surgical removal of her right ovary; pathology revealed a juvenile granulosa-cell tumor. Postoperatively, the patient had normalization of serum inhibin A and B and resumption of normal menstrual cycles. This report illustrates that careful consideration of laboratory findings and other studies is essential for correctly identifying the underlying cause of secondary amenorrhea, particularly when the results are not consistent with common causes of this condition.
The Folding of Trp-cage is Regulated by Stochastic Flip of the Side Chain of Tryptophan
Authors: Yasuda Takunori , Shigeta Yasuteru , Harada Ryuhei
Published: October 2020

Trp-cage is an artificial 20-residue protein and forms a hydrophobic core at its central cage upon folding. In the present study, the folding of Trp-cage was addressed by parallel cascade selection molecular dynamics (PaCS-MD). Our results of PaCS-MD indicate that flip of the side chain of tryptophan (W6) was correlated with the overall folding. In conclusion, flip of stochastic side chain of W6 regulates the folding into the native or mis-folded states of Trp-cage.
Optimal Collateralized Contracts
Authors: Cao Dan , Lagunoff Roger
Published: October 2020

We examine the role of collateral in a dynamic model of optimal credit contracts in which a borrower values both housing and nonhousing consumption. The borrower’s private information about his income is the only friction. An optimal contract is collateralized when in some state, some portion of the borrower’s net worth is forfeited to the lender. We show that optimal contracts are always collateralized. The total value of forfeited assets is decreasing in income, highlighting the role of collateral as a deterrent to manipulation. Some assets—those that generate consumable services—will necessarily be collateralized, while others may not be. Endogenous default arises when the borrower’s initial wealth is low, as with subprime borrowers, and/or his future earnings are highly variable. (JEL D82, D86, G21, G51)
Codiffusion of Technologies in Social Networks
Authors: Lazzati Natalia
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the diffusion process of two complementary technologies among people who are connected through a social network. It characterizes adoption rates over time for different initial allocations and network structures. In doing so, we provide some microfoundations for the stochastic formation of consideration sets. We are particularly interested in the following question: suppose we want to maximize technology diffusion and have a limited number of units of each of the two technologies to initially distribute—how should we allocate these units among people in the social network? (JEL D83, O33, Z13)
The Value of Incumbency When Platforms Face Heterogeneous Customers
Authors: Biglaiser Gary , Crémer Jacques
Published: October 2020

We study competition for the market in a dynamic model with network externalities, focusing on the efficiency of market outcomes. We propose a representation of the strategic advantages of incumbency and embed it in a dynamic framework with heterogeneous consumers. Then, we completely identify the conditions under which inefficient equilibria with several platforms emerge at equilibrium; explore the reasons why these inefficient equilibria arise; and compute the value of incumbency and analyze why static models generally exaggerate it. (JEL D43, D62, L13, L86)
International transfer and translation of an end of life care intervention: the case of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient
Authors: Clark David , Inbadas Hamilton , Seymour Jane
Published: October 2020

We explore how and why the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the dying patient was transferred to 20 countries beyond the UK, and with what consequences for policy and practice. Our paper synthesises findings from 95 publications contained in a historical narrative literature review on the implementation of the LCP outside the United Kingdom, alongside data from 18 qualitative interviews with 19 key actors involved with the LCP in 14 countries. We use the review to explore the timelines and patterns of development and implementation in the specific countries, to consider what forms of research and evaluation about the LCP were undertaken to establish its effectiveness, and to summarise the resulting findings and their consequences. We use the interviews to gain insights into the elements, processes and dynamics that shaped the transfer and translation of the LCP from one location to another, across national boundaries. Using six questions from the policy transfer literature we then explain who were the key actors involved; what was transferred; from where lessons were drawn; the different degrees of transfer that took place; what restricted or facilitated transfer; and how transfer was related to ‘success’ or ‘failure’. We conclude that the spread of the LCP took place mostly in prosperous countries, and was sustained over around 15 years.  It took in differing geographies and cultures, and a variety of linguistic, policy and practice contexts. If it did not succeed in a wider transformational goal, it appears to have been well received and perceived as beneficial in many contexts, largely avoiding accusations of mis-use and harm that had occurred in the UK, and in some cases fostering a sustained international collaboration and ongoing use of local variants, even after withdrawal in its country of origin in 2014.
Trends in COVID‐19 Risk‐Adjusted Mortality Rates
Authors: Horwitz Leora I , Jones Simon A , Cerfolio Robert J , Francois Fritz , Greco Joseph , Rudy Bret , Petrilli Christopher M
Published: October 2020

Early reports showed high mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Mortality rates have recently been lower, raising hope that treatments have improved. However, patients are also now younger, with fewer comorbidities. We explored whether hospital mortality was associated with changing demographics at a 3‐hospital academic health system in New York. We examined in‐hospital mortality or discharge to hospice from March through August 2020, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors, including comorbidities, admission vital signs, and laboratory results. Among 5,121 hospitalizations, adjusted mortality dropped from 25.6% (95% CI, 23.2‐28.1) in March to 7.6% (95% CI, 2.5‐17.8) in August. The standardized mortality ratio dropped from 1.26 (95% CI, 1.15‐1.39) in March to 0.38 (95% CI, 0.12‐0.88) in August, at which time the average probability of death (average marginal effect) was 18.2 percentage points lower than in March. Data from one health system suggest that mortality from COVID‐19 is decreasing even after accounting for patient characteristics.
3D resolution enhancement in saturated competition microscopy
Authors: Li Yuhang , Li Chuankang , Li Yuzhu , Hao Xiang , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: October 2020

To overcome the diffraction barrier, super-resolution microscopy is contrived and has witnessed scientific developments in varying fields, especially in last few decades, such as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), mirror-enhanced super-resolution microscopy (MEANS), and fluorescence emission difference microscopy (FED). Recently, saturated competition microscopy (SAC) was developed to realize high sub-diffraction resolution in either fluorescent or non-fluorescent imaging. Compared with STED, SAC features non-constraint in fluorescent dye selection. Nevertheless, the lateral resolution is limited in consideration of photobleaching side effects. Also, the axial resolution enhancement of SAC has not been demonstrated. In this study, a method, combining FED, MEANS, and SAC, is presented to improve the three-dimensional (3D) resolution. The numerical study reveals that the lateral resolution is close to

0.085

λ

and axial resolution can be enhanced to

0.184

λ

. In addition, the SNR is improved simultaneously. The availability to improve 3D resolution of SAC is believed to be significant for biological imaging in the future.
Method to eliminate thermal disturbance errors in digital image correlation measurement based on projection speckle
Authors: Wang Huanqing , Wang Yonghong , Zhu Yilei , Sun Fangyuan , Wu Shuangle , Zhao Qihan
Published: October 2020

Digital image correlation (DIC) technology is an optical measurement method of material strain displacement based on visible light illumination. With the increasing application of DIC technology in the field of high-temperature measurement, however, the effect of thermal disturbance on measurement accuracy becomes more and more serious. To solve this problem, a method to eliminate thermal disturbance in material measurements based on projection speckle is proposed. First, the gray surface information of two different colors is assigned to the surface of the test piece by artificial splashing and projector projection. The pictures are collected using a color camera, and the channels are separated for each frame of the picture. After that, the displacement field recorded by different channels can be obtained by DIC calculation so the thermal disturbance error can be separated from the real displacement and eliminated. Subsequently, an experimental system is built. Finally, the corrected results are compared with the true displacement value of the stage. The results show that the two sets of values are highly consistent, which verifies the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Detection of singlet oxygen luminescence for experimental corneal rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Peterson Jeffrey C. , Arrieta Esdras , Ruggeri Marco , Silgado Juan D. , Mintz Keenan J. , Weisson Ernesto H. , Leblanc Roger M. , Kochevar Irene , Manns Fabrice , Parel Jean-Marie
Published: October 2020

Rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) treats corneal infection by activating rose bengal (RB) with green light to produce singlet oxygen (1O2). Singlet oxygen dosimetry can help optimize treatment parameters. We present a 1O2 dosimeter for detection of 1O2 generated during experimental RB-PDAT. The system uses a 520 nm laser and an InGaAs photoreceiver with bandpass filters to detect 1O2 luminescence during irradiation. The system was validated in RB solutions and ex vivo in human donor eyes. The results demonstrate the feasibility of 1O2 dosimetry in an experimental model of RB-PDAT in the cornea.
Asymmetric universal invisible gateway
Authors: Xu Yucheng , Liu Yichao , Fei Hongming , Chen Zhihui , Yang Yibiao , Tu Xuecou , Chen Jian , Sun Fei
Published: October 2020

Previous invisible gateways are mainly based on super-scattering effect, which can only work for the perfect electric conductor (PEC) wall, while no further exploration is conducted for the walls made of other materials (i.e., the actual wall is not PEC). In this study, we design an asymmetric universal invisible gateway by transformation optics, which is versatile for applying arbitrary materials as wall materials. In addition, its unique asymmetric structure leads to the difference of the detection results when the relative position of the detection source and the invisible gateway changes: one side can only see a complete wall (no gateway) and the other side can detect the gateway in the middle of the wall. This research advances a new step for the specific application of invisible gateway.
Twining plant inspired pneumatic soft robotic spiral gripper with a fiber optic twisting sensor
Authors: Yang Mei , Cooper Liam Paul , Liu Ning , Wang Xianqiao , Fok Mable P.
Published: October 2020

The field of soft robotics has been significantly advanced with the recent developments of pneumatic techniques, soft materials, and high-precision motion control. While comprehensive motions can be achieved by sophisticated soft robots, multiple coordinated pneumatic controls are usually required to achieve even the simplest motions. Furthermore, most soft robotics are lacking the ability to sense the environment and provide feedback to the pneumatic control system. In this work, we design a twining plant inspired soft-robotic spiral gripper that requires only one single pneumatic control to perform the twining motion and to firmly hold onto a target object. The soft-robotic spiral gripper has an embedded high-birefringence fiber optic twisting sensor to provide critical information, including twining angle, presence of external perturbation, and physical parameter of the target object. Furthermore, finite element analyses (FEA) in parametric studies of the spiral gripper are performed for module design optimization. The unique single pneumatic channel design enables easy manipulation of the soft spiral gripper with a maximum of 540° twining angle and allows a firm grip of a target object as small as 1-mm in diameter. The embedded fiber optic sensor provides useful information of the target object as well as the twining angle of the soft robotic spiral gripper with high twining angle sensitivity of 0.03nm. The unique fiber-optic sensor embedded single-channel pneumatic spiral gripper that is made from non-toxic silicone rubber allows parallel and soft gripping of elongated objects located in a confined area, which is an essential building block for twining and twisting motions in soft robot.
Declining antibody levels to Trypanosoma cruzi correlate with polymerase chain reaction positivity and electrocardiographic changes in a retrospective cohort of untreated Brazilian blood donors
Authors: Buss Lewis F. , Campos de Oliveira- da Silva Léa , Moreira Carlos H. V. , Manuli Erika R. , Sales Flavia C. , Morales Ingra , Di Germanio Clara , de Almeida-Neto Cesar , Bakkour Sonia , Constable Paul , Pinto-Filho Marcelo M. , Ribeiro Antonio L. , Busch Michael , Sabino Ester C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Although infection with Trypanosoma cruzi is thought to be lifelong, less than half of those infected develop cardiomyopathy, suggesting greater parasite control or even clearance. Antibody levels appear to correlate with T. cruzi (antigen) load. We test the association between a downwards antibody trajectory, PCR positivity and ECG alterations in untreated individuals with Chagas disease.

Methodology/Principal findings

This is a retrospective cohort of T. cruzi seropositive blood donors. Paired blood samples (index donation and follow-up) were tested using the VITROS Immunodiagnostic Products Anti-T.cruzi (Chagas) assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan NJ) and PCR performed on the follow-up sample. A 12-lead resting ECG was performed. Significant antibody decline was defined as a reduction of > 1 signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) unit on the VITROS assay. Follow-up S/CO of < 4 was defined as borderline/low. 276 untreated seropositive blood donors were included. The median (IQR) follow-up was 12.7 years (8.5–16.9). 56 (22.1%) subjects had a significant antibody decline and 35 (12.7%) had a low/borderline follow-up result. PCR positivity was lower in the falling (26.8% vs 52.8%, p = 0.001) and low/borderline (17.1% vs 51.9%, p < 0.001) antibody groups, as was the rate of ECG abnormalities. Falling and low/borderline antibody groups were predominantly composed of individuals with negative PCR and normal ECG findings: 64% and 71%, respectively.

Conclusions/Significance

Low and falling antibody levels define a phenotype of possible spontaneous parasite clearance.
Brucella suppress STING expression via miR-24 to enhance infection
Authors: Khan Mike , Harms Jerome S. , Liu Yiping , Eickhoff Jens , Tan Jin Wen , Hu Tony , Cai Fengwei , Guimaraes Erika , Oliveira Sergio Costa , Dahl Richard , Cheng Yong , Gutman Delia , Barber Glen N. , Splitter Gary A. , Smith Judith A.
Published: October 2020

Brucellosis, caused by a number of Brucella species, remains the most prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide. Brucella establish chronic infections within host macrophages despite triggering cytosolic innate immune sensors, including Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), which potentially limit infection. In this study, STING was required for control of chronic Brucella infection in vivo. However, early during infection, Brucella down-regulated STING mRNA and protein. Down-regulation occurred post-transcriptionally, required live bacteria, the Brucella type IV secretion system, and was independent of host IRE1-RNase activity. STING suppression occurred in MyD88-/- macrophages and was not induced by Toll-like receptor agonists or purified Brucella lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rather, Brucella induced a STING-targeting microRNA, miR-24-2, in a type IV secretion system-dependent manner. Furthermore, STING downregulation was inhibited by miR-24 anti-miRs and in Mirn23a locus-deficient macrophages. Failure to suppress STING expression in Mirn23a-/- macrophages correlated with diminished Brucella replication, and was rescued by exogenous miR-24. Mirn23a-/- mice were also more resistant to splenic colonization one week post infection. Anti-miR-24 potently suppressed replication in wild type, but much less in STING-/- macrophages, suggesting most of the impact of miR-24 induction on replication occurred via STING suppression. In summary, Brucella sabotages cytosolic surveillance by miR-24-dependent suppression of STING expression; post-STING activation “damage control” via targeted STING destruction may enable establishment of chronic infection.
Patronage Democracy in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Sarah Nuraini
Published: October 2020

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Industrial Relations in the Digital Sharing Economy: A Critical Review of Labor Informalization and Social Partnership Relations
Authors: Kurniawan Fuat Edi
Published: October 2020

This study provides a critical analysis of digital transformation which not only creates new patterns in production, distribution, and consumption but also has implications for power. Various issues have yet to be responded to thoroughly by policymakers to have allowed the new labor relations created in the digital sharing economy to develop quickly and become fragile, especially for laborers. In this article used a qualitative method with the desk study approach, by collecting data and information through examinations, analyzing information data using secondary data. This data is in the form of books, journals, workforce data from BPS, supporting data from related institutions, laws and regulations related to work, reports and literature studies. The results of this study show the emergence of an online transportation based digital platform which has opened new job opportunities, on the other hand, the industrial relation formed are only based on "virtual agreement". The social partnership relations that exist between business/industry players and workers also give rise to new anomalies. This relation obscures the rights and protection of laborers who are unknowingly experiencing exploitation. Digital platform businesses cover the practice of labor exploitation within the rhetorical frame of freedom, flexibility, and partnership. It is the company that is at the peak of power, with control over technology, capital, and access. This study provides input to stakeholders, both government and digital industry, that digital developments should be able to be utilized in influencing social transformation that builds industrial optimism, technology, and empowers society more broadly. State authority and private power need to be integrated to act and be socially responsible. New findings in this study are on aspects digital-based industries cannot be separated from the process of commercialization and the massification of modern capitalism. Lack of regulations that become safety nets makes the labor's position vulnerable and prone to being exploited. The industrial relation of social partnerships, and the absence of regulations governing the work of the informal sector, especially on the digital online transportation platform, creating new anomalies and problems for the labor.
Dynamic Nexus between Economic Growth and Total Reserve and Aggregate Consumption Expenditure: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Haque Md. Obidul , Hossain Saddam , Hasan Mehedi
Published: October 2020

This paper tries to see the association among reserve, aggregate consumption expenditure, and economic growth by employing the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. Both the explanatory variables such as consumption and reserve are statistically significant. The consumption expenditure is strongly affecting the economic growth both in the short and long-term. Performing the ADF and PP test the variables are integrated order of one I(1). The bound test confirmed that the long-term association exists between the variables. There Â¬is a unidirectional association found among the variables.
A visibilidade de Carolina Maria de Jesus no discurso midiático
Authors: Machado Cruz Camilla
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo, busco refletir sobre o discurso das mídias acerca das posições-sujeito da escritora brasileira Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914-1977). Considero que o sujeito integra uma posição no espaço social e produz um discurso definido por um lugar social e por um tempo histórico, que se situará em relação aos discursos do outro. Proponho uma reflexão sobre os desdobramentos do discurso midiático impresso com o objetivo de observar e analisar como o sujeito Carolina Maria de Jesus assume diversas posições na mídia impressa em dois momentos históricos e sociais anteriores e posteriores à sua morte, de acordo com as condições de produção de tais épocas e com as diferentes posições-sujeito referidas à escritora. A abordagem teórica deste estudo está vinculada à Análise de Discurso de linha francesa, com base nos estudos dos seguintes analistas do discurso: Pêcheux (1988, 1990, 1997, 1999), Orlandi (2005, 2009), Charaudeau (2006) e Medeiros (2013). O corpus destas análises se compõe de recortes dos arquivos do jornal O Globo sobre esta autora brasileira dos anos sessenta, setenta e noventa. Portanto, mobilizo as possíveis posições-sujeito assumidas pela escritora Carolina Maria de Jesus, conforme as condições de produção daquele período, ao observar a alternância do olhar da mídia impressa, atualmente disponível em formato digital, sobre este sujeito a partir da formação ideológica do jornal O Globo. Entendo que estas posições-sujeito, com o tempo, circularam e construíram uma memória coletiva por meio dos discursos midiáticos que as veicularam na sociedade brasileira durante as últimas décadas.
CORPO SEM VONTADE IMERSO EM COISAS VIVAS
Authors: Bastos Helena
Published: October 2020

Que lugar é dado a vida?  Talvez, uma ideia de escuta possa nos afinar sobre que corpo vem se projetando e se intensificando ao nosso alcance. Este texto propõe uma exploração espaço-temporal de percepções que nos invadem enquanto trajetórias espiraladas.
HISTÓRIAS DA NOSSA HISTÓRIA
Authors: Chiamulera Márcia
Published: October 2020

A Contação de histórias, além de ser uma estratégia privilegiada para a ‘transmissão’ de conhecimentos, a qual se refere tanto às práticas culturais de uma sociedade quanto aos conhecimentos contextualizados em ambientes educacionais, também engatilha um processo de criação e expressão que desafia e engaja o próprio sujeito-contador. A imaginação, assim, tem se demonstrado um dos principais elementos para o trabalho do contador e, acreditamos, se delineia como espaço comum entre contador e ouvinte.
Mensagens/Cartas trocadas sobre Tempos de Errância em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Carvalho Dirce Helena , Telles Narciso
Published: October 2020

O presente ensaio se propõe a fazer uma conversa reflexiva sobre o processo de criação do espetáculo Tempos de Errância com texto de Rosyane Trotta, direção de Dirce Helena Carvalho e atuações de Narciso Telles e Guilherme Conrado. A obra trata de desaparições forçadas na América Latina contemporânea. A importância desta reflexão acerca da ausência de corpos, bem como dos disparadores que nortearam o processo de criação atoral, serão discutidos no decorrer do texto buscando apresentar o caminho percorrido na criação de Tempos de Errância. Por conseguinte, não há como deixar de estabelecer relações das ausências de corpos na América Latina com o momento em que estamos sendo afligidos pela pandemia da COVID-19, com pessoas que desaparecem de nossas vidas. Deste modo, tomamos a liberdade em apresentar uma discussão pautada na ausência de corpos no espetáculo Tempos de Errância e, ao mesmo tempo, expandir minimamente tal discussão agregando questões das ausências presentes neste momento pandêmico.
ESTUDO DE UMA METODOLOGIA DIRECIONADA À INICIAÇÃO DE PALHAÇOS E PALHAÇAS
Authors: Silva Hudson Salustiano , Wuo Ana Elvira
Published: October 2020

O artigo apresenta dados preliminares de um projeto de pesquisa realizado no PPGAC-UFU cujo objetivo é investigar uma metodologia de apoio para o formador numa proposta de iniciação de palhaços e palhaças. Os dados discutidos neste trabalho foram obtidos do relatório de campo do primeiro encontro da investigação, cujo intuito foi de aproximar os colaboradores da arte palhacesca por meio de procedimentos expressivos dirigidos à comicidade. A descrição e a reflexão acerca da experiência vivenciada foram subsidiadas pelas teorizações de Bergson, Wuo, Achcar, Bogart e Landau, Burnier e Ferracini.
(D)ESCRITAS
Authors: Santos da Silva Bárbara Conceição
Published: October 2020

Este artigo apresenta e discute o diário de bordo como um dispositivo que auxilia no desvendamento da experiência artística de uma performance e a validação do mesmo no contexto pedagógico, valorizando a experiência em uma dimensão que é vivida de modo único por cada pessoa.
A ação do diálogo como potencia de criação teatral na escola
Authors: Matias Barbara Leite
Published: October 2020

Esse ensaio apresenta uma possível reflexão através dos conceitos do educador brasileiro Paulo Freire em conexão com a ação do ensino teatral. Tendo como mote jogos e improvisação compartilhado na escola pública foi possível experimentar nesse cotidiano como os conceitos intrínsecos a prática e filosofia do trabalho do ator se aproximam da perspectiva de educação de Freire, nesse sentido buscará também refletir como é possível verificar e aplicar esses procedimentos de atuação teatral através do cotidiano escolar e a partir essencialmente da troca entre os educandos e educador.

Palavras Chave: Teatro na escola, processo criativo, Diálogo.
Yo soy en cuanto sigo al animal. De la indecidibilidad ontológica humano-animal en Derrida
Authors: Firenze Antonino
Published: October 2020

El propósito de este artículo es reflexionar acerca de la indecidibilidad ontológica que marca la relación entre subjetividad humana y alteridad animal en la obra de Derrida L’animal que donc je suis (2006). Para ello, en la primera parte del artículo, el análisis se dirige al texto La Pharmacie de Platon (1968) para hallar las premisas teóricas de dicha indecidibilidad ontológica, poniendo el acento en el papel jugado por la metáfora escritural en la deconstrucción de la metafísica fonologocéntrica operada por Derrida en este contexto previo. A continuación, el artículo analiza la aporía conceptual oculta tras el sintagma L’animal que donc je suis que da título a esta obra póstuma, haciendo especialmente hincapié en la constitutiva indecidibilidad semántica del «je suis».
Recuperar el cuerpo: de Nietzsche a Butler
Authors: Gel Enric F.
Published: October 2020

En este trabajo repaso la concepción del cuerpo de Nietzsche y de Butler, intentando mostrar cómo cada una nos ayuda a superar un error de la modernidad. Nietzsche nos permite recuperar el cuerpo y contrarrestar el dualismo cartesiano, que lo valora tan poco, convirtiéndolo en una mera máquina. La obra de Judith Butler, por otro lado, especialmente Precarious Life y Frames of War, nos sirve para hacer frente al individualismo, al poner sobre la mesa la socialidad del cuerpo, el modo en que nuestro cuerpo habla de los otros y está expuesto a los otros.
La traducción entre Heidegger y Derrida
Authors: Sánchez Gómez Pablo Bernardo
Published: October 2020

La cuestión de la traducción, como afirma Derrida, es «la» cuestión de la deconstrucción. En este sentido, comprende Derrida que la traducción no consiste en la «transferencia» de significantes entre las lenguas, proceso que respetaría los significados ideales-inmateriales. Por el contrario, Derrida apunta hacia una traducción de un «original» que nunca ha sido, un texto que necesita esencialmente de la traducción y, por tanto, afirma la traducción como una tarea «im-posible», como la continua creación del otro y de lo otro, como recepción de la herencia e imposible afirmación del duelo. En este sentido, cabría plantear la posibilidad de «traducir» los textos de Derrida hacia el pensamiento heideggeriano, donde también se establecería de manera explícita el rechazo a la noción de traducción en cuanto «intercambio», es decir, como tarea técnica o mecánica, apuntando así hacia la traducción como la verdadera esencia del pensamiento y del lenguaje. No obstante, se comprueba en esta aproximación la im-posibilidad de traducir los textos de Derrida al corpus heideggeriano.