bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the outcome of classic laminectomy surgery alone versus laminectomy with fixation surgery in patients with lumbar canal stenosis regarding improvement of pain and function
Authors: El Tabl Mohamed A. , El Sisi Yasser B. , Al Emam Saeed E. , Hussen Mohamed A. , Saif Dalia S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Management of lumbar canal stenosis should be started with conservative treatment and preferably with a multimodal approach, but in cases of severe pain with extensive neurogenic claudication symptoms, surgical intervention is indicated. This retrospective study targets to evaluate the outcome of classic laminectomy surgery alone versus laminectomy with fixation surgery in patients with lumbar canal stenosis regarding improvement of pain and function.

Methods

Data of 184 patients of the study groups were divided into group A (data from patients who underwent laminectomy and foraminotomy only) and group B (data from patients who underwent laminectomy and foraminotomy with spinal fixation). Preoperative, operative, postoperative (PO), and follow-up data were extracted and analyzed from files of patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria.

Results

Primary outcome was at least 50% improvement of pain severity regarding numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score at 6-months PO compared to preoperative scores. Operative time was significantly longer in group B than group A. Immediate PO data regarding PO analgesic requirement, amount of wound drainage, and PO hospital stay showed non-significant difference between both groups. There was a statically significant improvement of EHL muscle strength regarding Odom’s scoring in group B in which the success rate for pain improvement was 81.8% and for disability was 66.8%. There were insignificant differences in patient’s satisfaction to surgery with variable ages, a significant outcome in females and in patients with fewer levels of affection of both groups.

Conclusion

The present study reported the efficacy and safety of the laminectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, and medial facetectomy with spinal fixation using trans-pedicular screws for management of patients with spinal canal stenosis.
Theoretical investigation and design of some indole derivatives as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur , Tahir Salisu Muhammad , Umar Abdullahi Bello , Abdulfatai Usman
Published: July 2020

Background

β-glucuronidase enzyme is mostly found in plants and animals. It plays a vital role in detoxification of reactive metabolites that are interrelated to several illnesses and the growth of colon cancer. It speeds up the breaking down of β-glucuronosyl-O-bonds. Lack of β-glucuronidase enzyme leads to Sly syndrome in humans, and overexpression of this enzyme leads to many diseases. Therefore, it becomes necessary to mediate the effect of this enzyme.

Result

Theoretical investigation via QSAR modeling on 30 indole derivatives was performed to build a model which could be used to predict the activity of the indole derivatives. QSAR was carried out using multi-linear regression (MLR) method utilizing genetic function approximation (GFA) to develop the QSAR models. A very high predictive QSAR model was reported based on its statistical fitness with good internal and external validation parameters:R2trng= 0.954942,Qcv2= 0.925462,R2test= 0.855393, and LOF = 0.042924. Molecular docking on the 30 indole derivatives was also performed to screen and identify the lead compound that would be used as template for designing new indole compounds. The docking investigation reveals that ligand 10 binds very tight in the binding pocket of β-glucuronidase enzyme with binding energy of − 9.5 kcal/mol. The ligand (10) was chosen as a template for designing new β-glucuronidase inhibitors. The four design compounds were found to be better than the template and the standard drug (D-saccharic acid 1, 4-lactone) with binding energies of − 9.6, − 9.7, − 9.8, and − 9.9 kcal/mol.

Conclusion

A very high predictive QSAR model with good internal and external validation parameters:R2trng= 0.954942,Qcv2= 0.925462,R2test= 0.855393, and LOF = 0.042924, was built and reported in this study. Molecular docking investigation reveals that the most potent compound among all the data set was compound 10 with binding energy of − 9.5 kcal/mole. It bound to the binding pocket of β-glucuronidase enzyme via hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen bond, and it was retained as template for designing new indole compounds. The design compound with serial number ID 4 was identified to have the highest binding energy of − 9.9 kcal/mole among the designed compounds. It bound to the binding site of the β-glucuronidase enzyme via halogen, hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen bond. The design compounds were discovered to be better than the template used in the design and the standard drug.
Health education, obesity and the making of citizens
Authors: Malmberg Claes , Urbas Anders , Nilson Tomas
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the socioscientific issue of obesity in relation to citizenship and democratic politics. It is structured in three parts: a) a theoretical part that elaborates on health as an individual and/or societal problem and the concepts of politics, democracy and citizenship; b) an empirical part on how responsibility for obesity is treated in Swedish teaching materials for science and health education; and c) a discussion where the empirical results are analyzed in relation to the theoretical framework used and the implications for future health education with regard to individual responsibility, citizenship and democracy are addressed. The analysis of the teaching materials reveals a strong focus on the individual’s responsibility for obesity, formulated through explicit prescriptions and recommendations on how to think and act in everyday life. The implication is that the individual is made into the key actor in solving the problem of obesity. This predominantly individual perspective on solutions is problematic since a strictly individual perspective obscures the political dimension of obesity. Furthermore, the individualization and depoliticization of obesity in teaching materials contribute to and reinforces an ongoing erosion of citizenship and democracy.
Cardiovascular disease in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10,898 patients and proposal of a triage risk stratification tool
Authors: Momtazmanesh Sara , Shobeiri Parnian , Hanaei Sara , Mahmoud-Elsayed Hani , Dalvi Bharat , Malakan Rad Elaheh
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically affected global health. Despite several studies, there is yet a dearth of data regarding the mechanisms of cardiac injury, clinical presentation, risk factors, and treatment of COVID-19-associated cardiovascular disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at defining the clinical, electrocardiographic, and pathologic spectrum of cardiovascular disease (CVD), frequency of elevated cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers, and their frequency and relationship with severity of the disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients and to develop a triage risk stratification tool (TRST) that can serve as a guide for the timely recognition of the high-risk patients and mechanism-targeted therapy. We conducted an online search in databases of PubMed and Embase to identify relevant studies. Data selection was in concordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results were presented as pooled frequencies, odds ratio, standardized mean difference (SMD), and forest and funnel plots.

Results

We gathered a total of 54 studies and included 35 of them in our meta-analysis. Acute cardiac injury occurred in more than 25% of cases, mortality was 20 times higher, and admission to intensive care unit increased by 13.5 times. Hypertension was the most common pre-existing comorbidity with a frequency of 29.2%, followed by diabetes mellitus (13.5%). The deceased group of patients had higher cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers, with statistically significant SMD, compared with survivors. Pediatric patients were predominantly mildly affected. However, less frequently, the presentation was very similar to Kawasaki disease or Kawasaki shock syndrome. This latter presentation hass been called as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Conclusions

There is a wide spectrum of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients, and hence a Triage Risk Stratification Tool can serve as a guide for the timely recognition of the high-risk patients and mechanism-targeted therapy.
Psychiatric comorbidity among children and adolescents with dyslexia
Authors: Darweesh Alaa M. , Elserogy Yasser M. , Khalifa Hossam , Gabra Romany H. , El-Ghafour Mohamed A.
Published: July 2020

Background

One of the most consistent findings in childhood psychopathology literature is that children with dyslexia frequently presented with additional psychiatric disorders. Over 60% of children with dyslexia meets criteria for at least one additional diagnosis.

Aim of results

Dyslexia shows high comorbidity with ADHD, ODD, and CD (18%, 14%, and 8%, respectively) than ccontrols that affect dyslexic boys more than girls. Dyslexic group show marked increase in internalizing and externalizing syndromes than control group. Dyslexic girls show more internalizing behaviors than dyslexic boys, unlike externalizing syndromes which was more evident in boys).

Conclusion

High comorbidity of other psychiatric disorders with dyslexia gets attention to evaluate students with dyslexia for other psychiatric comorbidity and referring them for psychiatric management.
Double stigma in mental health: epilepsy and mental illness
Authors: Mula Marco , Kaufman Kenneth R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Epilepsy and mental illness share similar problems in terms of stigma, as a result of centuries of superstition, ignorance and misbeliefs. Stigma leads not only to discrimination and civil and human rights violations but also to poor access to healthcare and non-adherence or decreased adherence to treatment, ultimately increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite continuous efforts in fighting stigma in these conditions, there is very limited knowledge on the phenomenon of double stigma, meaning the impact of having two stigmatised conditions at the same time.

Aims

To discuss double stigma in mental health with special reference to epilepsy.

Method

Articles were identified through searches in PubMed up to 31 October 2019 using the search terms ‘epilepsy’, ‘psychiatric disorders’, ‘stigma’ and additional material was identified from the authors’ own files and from chosen bibliographies.

Results

Double stigma is gaining attention for other stigmatised medical conditions, such as HIV, however, the literature on epilepsy is almost non-existent and this is quite astonishing given that one in three people with epilepsy have a lifetime diagnosis of a psychiatric condition. Felt (perceived) stigma and psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, create a vicious circle in epilepsy maintaining both, as depression correlates with stigma and vice versa as well as epilepsy and depression serving as bidirectional risk factors. This phenomenon has no geographical and economic boundaries as similar data have been reported for low-income and high-income countries.

Conclusions

Governments and policymakers as well as health services, patients’ organisations, families and the general public need to be aware of the phenomenon of double stigma in order to develop campaigns and interventions tailored for these patients.
Water transport mediated by murine Urea Transporters: Implications for urine concentration mechanisms
Authors: Kabutomori J. , Pina-Lopes N. , Musa-Aziz R.
Published: July 2020

Urea transporters (UTs) facilitate urea diffusion across cell membranes and play an important role in the urinary concentration mechanisms in the kidney. Herein, we injected cRNAs encoding for c-Myc-tagged murine UT-B, UT-A2 or UT-A3 (vs. water-injected control) in Lithobates oocytes and evaluated oocyte surface protein expression with biotinylation and immunoblotting, urea uptake using [14C] counts and water permeability (Pf) by video microscopy. Immunoblots of UT-injected oocyte membranes revealed bands with a molecular weight consistent with that of a UT monomer (34 kDa), and UT-injected oocytes displayed significantly increased and phloretin-sensitive urea uptake and Pf when compared to day-matched control oocytes. Subtracting the water-injected urea uptake or Pf values from those of UT-injected oocytes yielded UT-dependent values*. We demonstrate for the first time that UT-A2 and UT-A3 can transport water, and we confirm that UT-B is permeable to water. Moreover, the [14C] urea*/Pf* ratios fell in the sequence mUT-B>mUT-A2>mUT-A3, indicating that UTs can exhibit selectivity to urea and/or water. It is likely that specific kidney regions with high levels of UTs will exhibit increased urea and/or water permeabilities, directly influencing urine concentration. Furthermore, UT-mediated water transport activity must be considered when developing UT-inhibitors as novel diuretics.
Cell-extrinsic requirement for sulfate in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Jhaveri Dhanisha , Sharmin Sazia , Harvey Tracey J. , Dawson Paul A. , Piper Michael , Simmons David G.
Published: July 2020

Sulfate is a key anion that is required for a range of physiological functions within the brain. These include sulfonation of extracellular proteoglycans to facilitate local growth factor binding and to regulate the shape of morphogen gradients during development. We have previously shown that mice lacking one allele of the sulfate transporter Slc13a4 exhibit reduced sulfate transport into the brain, deficits in social behaviour, reduced performance in learning and memory tasks, and abnormal neurogenesis within the ventricular/subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles. However, whether these mice have deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis was not addressed. Here, we demonstrate that adult Slc13a4+/- mice have increased neurogenesis within the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, with elevated numbers of neural progenitor cells and intermediate progenitors. In contrast, by 12 months of age there were reduced numbers of neural stem cells in the SGZ of heterozygous mice. Importantly, we did not observe any changes in proliferation when we isolated and cultured progenitors in vitro in neurosphere assays, suggestive of a cell-extrinsic requirement for sulfate in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis. Collectively, these data demonstrate a requirement for sulfate transport during postnatal brain development to ensure normal adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Microtubule motor transport in the delivery of melanosomes to the actin-rich apical domain of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Jiang Mei , Paniagua Antonio E. , Volland Stefanie , Wang Hongxing , Balaji Adarsh , Li David G. , Lopes Vanda S. , Burgess Barry L. , Williams David S.
Published: July 2020

Melanosomes are motile, light-absorbing organelles that are present in pigment cells of the skin and eye. It has been proposed that melanosome localization, in both skin melanocytes and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), involves melanosome capture from microtubule motors by an unconventional myosin, which dynamically tethers the melanosomes to actin filaments. Recent studies with melanocytes have questioned this cooperative capture model. Here, we test the model in RPE cells by imaging melanosomes associated with labeled actin filaments and microtubules, and by investigating the roles of different motor proteins. We found that a deficiency in cytoplasmic dynein phenocopies the lack of myosin-7a, in that melanosomes undergo fewer of the slow myosin-7a-dependent movements and are absent from the RPE apical domain. These results indicate that microtubule-based motility is required for the delivery of melanosomes to the actin-rich apical domain and support a capture mechanism that involves both microtubule and actin motors.
Exploring the mechanistic and temporal regulation of LRP6 endocytosis in canonical WNT signaling
Authors: Haack Fiete , Budde Kai , Uhrmacher Adelinde M.
Published: July 2020

Endocytosis plays a pivotal regulatory role in canonical WNT signaling. Internalization of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) receptor complex can either promote or attenuate canonical WNT signaling, depending on the employed internalization pathway. Detailed analysis of the mechanism of LRP6 internalization and its temporal regulation is crucial for understanding the different cellular responses to WNT stimulation under varying conditions and in various cell types. Here, we elucidate the mechanisms involved in the internalization of LRP6 and re-evaluate existing, partly contradicting, theories on the regulation of LRP6 receptor internalization. We utilize a computational approach that aims at finding a set of mechanisms that accounts for the temporal dynamics of LRP6 receptor internalization upon WNT stimulation. Starting with a simple simulation model, we successively extend and probe the model's behavior based on quantitative measurements. The final model confirms that LRP6 internalization is clathrin independent in vertebrates, is not restricted to microdomains, and that signalosome formation delays LRP6 internalization within the microdomains. These findings partly revise the current understanding of LRP6 internalization in vertebrates.
Poly(3,9-carbazole)s: A Chemically Stable Extended Form of Polyaniline for Nitro-Aromatic Sensor Applications
Authors: Kimpel Joost , Yoshitake Yoko , Michinobu Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2020

Self-polycondensation of 3-iodocarbazole derivatives in the presence of CuI catalysts produces the corresponding 3,9-carbazole-based polymers. Unsubstituted poly(3,9-carbazole) P2 has a limited solubility, whereas poly(3,9-carbazole) P1 with a tert-butyl group at the 6-position of the carbazole is soluble in common organic solvents. These polymers are regarded as an extended form of polyaniline. However, contrary to polyaniline, they are thermally and chemically stable owing to the highly twisted structure between adjacent repeat units. In addition, P1 is highly stable when applying potentials of up to 1.50 V. Due to the high stability toward oxidation, the cast films of these polymers display well-defined visible fluorescence in their neutral states. When the films are exposed to nitro-aromatic vapors (modeled by nitro-explosives), energy transfer induced fluorescent quenching occurs. Upon exposure of the quenched films to air, the fluorescence is restored. Overall, the substituted P1 film exhibits better sensing abilities than the unsubstituted P2 film due to the bulky tert-butyl groups.
The Interplay Between Exercise Metabolism, Epigenetics, and Skeletal Muscle Remodeling
Authors: Seaborne Robert A. , Sharples Adam P.
Published: July 2020

We explore work from within the field of skeletal muscle and across the broader field of molecular biology, to propose that the link between exercise and skeletal muscle adaptation lies in the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics. Future investigations into such an interaction are crucial to advance our understanding of the beneficial effects of exercise on performance and health.
Exercise Progression to Incrementally Load the Achilles Tendon
Authors: BAXTER JOSH R. , CORRIGAN PATRICK , HULLFISH TODD J. , O’ROURKE PATRICK , SILBERNAGEL KARIN GRÄVARE
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purposes of our study were to evaluate Achilles tendon loading profiles of various exercises and to develop guidelines to incrementally increase the rate and magnitude of Achilles tendon loading during rehabilitation.

Methods

Eight healthy young adults completed a battery of rehabilitation exercises. During each exercise, we collected three-dimensional motion capture and ground reaction force data to estimate Achilles tendon loading biomechanics. Using these loading estimates, we developed an exercise progression that incrementally increases Achilles tendon loading based on the magnitude, duration, and rate of tendon loading.

Results

We found that Achilles tendon loading could be incrementally increased using a set of either isolated ankle movements or multijoint movements. Peak Achilles tendon loads varied more than 12-fold, from 0.5 bodyweights during a seated heel raise to 7.3 bodyweights during a forward single-leg hop. Asymmetric stepping movements like lunges, step ups, and step downs provide additional flexibility for prescribing tendon loading on a side-specific manner.

Conclusion

By establishing progressions for Achilles tendon loading, rehabilitative care can be tailored to address the specific needs of each patient. Our comprehensive data set also provides clinicians and researchers guidelines on how to alter magnitude, duration, and rate of loading to design new exercises and exercise progressions based on the clinical need.
The social underpinnings of mental distress in the time of COVID-19 – time for urgent action
Authors: Rose Nikolas , Manning Nick , Bentall Richard , Bhui Kamaldeep , Burgess Rochelle , Carr Sarah , Cornish Flora , Devakumar Delan , Dowd Jennifer B. , Ecks Stefan , Faulkner Alison , Ruck Keene Alex , Kirkbride James , Knapp Martin , Lovell Anne M. , Martin Paul , Moncrieff Joanna , Parr Hester , Pickersgill Martyn , Richardson Genevra , Sheard Sally
Published: July 2020

We argue that predictions of a ‘tsunami’ of mental health problems as a consequence of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the lockdown are overstated; feelings of anxiety and sadness are entirely normal reactions to difficult circumstances, not symptoms of poor mental health.  Some people will need specialised mental health support, especially those already leading tough lives; we need immediate reversal of years of underfunding of community mental health services.  However, the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on the most disadvantaged, especially BAME people placed at risk by their social and economic conditions, were entirely predictable. Mental health is best ensured by urgently rebuilding the social and economic supports stripped away over the last decade. Governments must pump funds into local authorities to rebuild community services, peer support, mutual aid and local community and voluntary sector organisations.  Health care organisations must tackle racism and discrimination to ensure genuine equal access to universal health care.  Government must replace highly conditional benefit systems by something like a universal basic income. All economic and social policies must be subjected to a legally binding mental health audit. This may sound unfeasibly expensive, but the social and economic costs, not to mention the costs in personal and community suffering, though often invisible, are far greater.
Living with Moebius syndrome
Authors: Jenkinson Elizabeth , Bogart Kathleen , Hamlet Claire , Davies Laura
Published: July 2020

Moebius syndrome is a congenital neurological disorder that impacts facial expression, communication and appearance. In this article, the authors will discuss the psychological and social impacts of living with this rare form of facial palsy. Existing research suggests that patients may face challenges in developing psychological wellbeing, positive body image and in communicating effectively with others. Therefore, recommendations for nursing practitioners in how to best support this patient group are discussed.
Preparing for the challenges ahead
Authors: Burgess Paul
Published: July 2020

As clinics and other businesses reopen, Paul Burgess details the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses' plan for moving forward and making this transition to a new normal as easy as possible
HOTSEP: Revised Anderson’s Taxonomy in Environmental Learning of COVID-19
Authors: Ichsan Ilmi Zajuli , Rahmayanti Henita
Published: July 2020

Environmental learning in the 21st century requires a high level of thinking ability, especially to solve environmental problems when COVID-19 pandemic. This was to develop a new level of thinking, namely Higher Order Thinking Skills of Environmental Problem (HOTSEP) which is a revision of Anderson's Taxonomy. The purpose of this study was to measure students HOTSEP in the context of environmental problems related to COVID-19. The research method used in this research was descriptive. The sample used 277 university students from several cities in Indonesia. The instrument used HOTSEP which has 3 categories of thinking level start from develop innovation about environment (C6), solve environmental problem (C5), criticize environmental problem (C4). The results showed that students HOTSEP were still in the very low category (33.64). This study concludes that the HOTSEP of students was still low and needs to be improved to the understanding of COVID-19 concept in environmental learning. Suggestion for further research was HOTSEP need to implement in school or university for several environmental learning topics in many subjects/courses start from Natural Science, Social Science, Engineering, and others relevant subject. HOTSEP can be measured not only in school or university, HOTSEP can be implement in community and public.
SENSORY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL POWDER COFFEE
Authors: Moratto Silva Joana , Yasbeck Oliveira Isabela , Maris Ribeiro Muller Nathália , Rinco Nicolli Maria , Lemes Zia Luisa , Borges de Lima Dutra Mariana
Published: July 2020

Coffee is one of the most important products for the Brazilian economy. Due to this fact, its sensory acceptance is extremely important for both the consumer and the producer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of six brands of traditional roasted coffee in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The samples were evaluated by 124 consumers through the following tests: acceptance for appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall impression, ideal for bitter taste and body and, finally, purchase intention. In addition, colorimetric and soluble solids analyses were performed. According to the results obtained, sample D had the highest frequency of positive purchase intention, while sample A had the highest frequency of negative purchase intention. Sample F had the closest ideal bitter taste and, in relation to the body of the drink, sample C was considered the closest to the ideal. Sample F presented the highest acceptance for all attributes evaluated in the acceptance test.
Transgender Law in Pakistan: Some Key Issues
Authors: Farhat Syed Nadeem , Abdullah Muhammad Daniyal , Hali Shafei Moiz , Iftikhar Hamza
Published: July 2020

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has recently issued a Briefing Paper regarding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018 of Pakistan. Stating the passage of this Act a crucial progress, ICJ suggests that this enactment was made under an international law obligations of Pakistan. This paper, while not agreeing with this observation, argues that this law has been promulgated on misrepresented interpretation of the international law as presented in the ICJ Briefing Paper as well. Additionally, it undermines the rights of the indigenous gender-variant people of Pakistan as well as the legal and social framework of the country. The law is more aligned to the global movement of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities and contains serious definitional and conceptual flaws. This study suggests working out a scheme for mainstreaming gender-variant persons on the basis of the Constitution of Pakistan, guidelines of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the recognized principles of international law. This would require a thorough review of the current law with a changed approach and reference point.
Emerging Politics in Iran: Last Year of Rouhani's Term and the New Conservative Parliament
Authors: Belal Kulsoom
Published: July 2020

The election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013 as the President was hailed as a ‘victory of moderation’ in Iran, signaling the fact that Iran would embrace moderation after the ‘fierce rule’ of Ahmadinejad, former Iranian President. However, a chronic failure of moderates' agenda in Iran during former's tenure has now changed the power distribution in the country leading to conservative faction's win in the 2020 Parliamentary elections. The paper is an attempt to evaluate the election result of 2020 and understand the new power dynamics in Iran. It reviews the performance and policies of President Rouhani as he reaches the last year of his second term and also analyzes the emerging political scenario in the country with challenges to the new Parliament. Additionally, to make a holistic analysis, the paper briefly covers the strong points of Rouhani administration and the plausible policy changes expected from the new parliament. The methodology of the paper is qualitative content analysis.
South Asian Qur’an Commentaries and Translations: A Preliminary
Intellectual History
Authors: Tareen SherAli
Published: July 2020

This essay presents a broad overview of certain key works and intellectual trends
that mark traditional scholarship on the Qur’an in South Asia, from the late
medieval to the modern periods, roughly the fourteenth to the mid-twentieth
centuries. Far from an exhaustive survey of any sort, what I have attempted
instead is a preliminary and necessarily partial outline of the intellectual
trajectory of Qur’an commentaries and translations in the South Asian context—in
Arabic, Persian, and Urdu—with a view to exploring how shifting historical and
political conditions informed new ways of engaging the Qur’an. My central
argument is this: in South Asia, the early modern and modern periods saw an
important shift from largely elite scholarship on the Qur’an, invariably
conducted by scholars intimately bound to the imperial order of their time, to
more selfconsciously popular works of translation and exegesis designed to
access and attract a wider non-elite public. In this shift, I argue, translation
itself emerged as an important and powerful medium of hermeneutical populism
pregnant with the promise of broadening the boundaries of the Qur’an's
readership and understanding. In other words, as the pendulum of political
sovereignty gradually shifted from pre-colonial Islamicate imperial orders to
British colonialism, new ways of imagining the role, function, and accessibility
of the Qur’an also came into central view. A major emphasis of this essay is on
the thought and contributions of the hugely influential eighteenth-century
scholar Shah Wali Ullah (d. 1762) and his family on the intellectual topography
of South Asian Qur’an commentaries and translations.
Displaced Ornaments: Naiza Khan's Critique of Sexual Difference in Muslim South Asia
Authors: Mian Ali Altaf
Published: July 2020

This article brings together a Muslim theologian from colonial India and a contemporary artist from postcolonial Pakistan, namely Ashraf 'Alī Thānvī and Naiza Khan, respectively. In their different yet related ways, Thānvī and Khan both repurpose the idea of “ornamental femininity.” Khan's artworks further problematize some of the key assumptions about sexual difference in Thānvī's body of work, such as “women's ruination,” feminine fragility, and chastity. Khan eschews the reduction of the feminine to the ornamental, but also embraces the transcendental possibilities of the ornamental. She thus welcomes the mediating function of ornaments, which facilitate experiences of transcendence that are essential for becoming an aesthetic subject. Khan is able to achieve this because of an internal contradiction in the logic of ornamental femininity within Thānvī's moral theological tradition. By becoming attuned to her art objects, we are in a better position to analyze how traditionalist theologians construct the idea of sexual difference in Muslim South Asia. The article also comments on Khan's more general theoretical contribution to contemporary art, which consists of highlighting the ongoing tension between our named, sexed bodies and the potentialities of flesh.
Study on the characteristics and mechanism of pulsed laser cleaning of polyacrylate resin coating on aluminum alloy substrates
Authors: Zhao H. C. , Qiao Y. L. , Zhang Q. , Du X. , Zang Y. , Liu X. T. , Han B. Y.
Published: July 2020

The behavior of paint removal with a pulsed laser has been investigated using an Nd:YAG fiber laser. Experimental and theoretical analyses are conducted to reveal the underlying mechanism of the paint removal. The results show that the depth, radius, and volume of the pit formed by a single pulse become larger with increases in the energy density. The ideal parameters for the complete removal of paint have been achieved. During the paint removal, burning occurred over the surface, and the variation in element content has been attributed to the absorption of laser energy. Under the action of the pulsed laser, there was breakage and rearrangement of chemical bonds such as

C

−

C

,

C

−

N

, and

C

−

O

in the molecular chain of the polyacrylate paint coating. Through these analyses, the paint removal mechanism was shown to be based on chemical bond breakage, combustion, and mechanical action provided by the thermal expansion and plasma shock.
Generation, characterization, and experimental analysis of noise-like pulse envelopes with complex shapes
Authors: González-Galicia M. A. , Pottiez O. , Ruiz-Pérez V. I.
Published: July 2020

We present the generation of 41 noise-like pulse (NLP) envelopes with complex shapes using a passively mode-locked, erbium-doped figure-eight fiber laser (EDFEFL). The tuning of each of the complex forms was carried out by varying the polarization state within the laser cavity, using a quarter-wave retarder (QWR2) inside a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM), which is part of the EDFEFL. The position of the retarder plate was identified and recorded for each of the complex shapes. The temporal and spectral characterization was done using the position of the WQR2 wave plate as an independent variable. We present a single-shot analysis of the dynamics for the temporal amplitude, the full width at half-maximum (FWHM), and the root-mean-square (RMS) width for each of the 360 cycles measured for the 41 complex envelopes. We also perform an analysis for the case in which the pulse is completely divided into subpackets. We analyze the corresponding spectral profile for each of the complex forms generated. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the NOLM theoretical model with our experimental results. The wavelength of the NLPs is 1560 nm; the period of the cavity fiber laser is 1.1 ms; and the temporal FWHM is within the range of nanoseconds.
Nanowire-based metamaterial for antireflective applications
Authors: Briones Edgar , Carrillo Adrian , Ruiz-Cruz Riemann
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we introduce a hexagonal array of vertical gold nanowires with enhanced antireflective properties in the UV–Vis and near-IR wavelengths. The array reduces the reflectance of the underlying silicon wafer, based on the plasmonic resonances that metals exhibit at the nanoscale. The design is optimized with the particle swarm optimization algorithm, an evolutionary algorithm able to drive the morphology of a nano-object towards an optimum. The nanowires’ optical properties are evaluated with numerical simulations. The reflectance of the optimized array decreases 100%, mainly in the visible wavelengths, unveiling its potential as an antireflective coating.
Interferenceless coded aperture correlation holography with synthetic point spread holograms
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Vijayakumar A. , Rosen Joseph , Matoba Osamu
Published: July 2020

Lensless, interferenceless coded aperture correlation holography (LI-COACH) is an incoherent computational optical technique for three-dimensional (3D) imaging. In direct imaging, the image of the object is generated by a lens, whereas the LI-COACH is an indirect imaging technique that consists of two steps: one-time point spread hologram (PSH) training and then many times imaging of multiple-point objects. In the one-time training step, a point object moves in the object space along the optical axis. Light emitted from the point is modulated by a quasi-random phase mask, and the PSH library is recorded. In the imaging step, an object is mounted within the axial boundaries of the PSH library, and the object holograms are recorded using the same quasi-random phase masks. The 3D image of the object is reconstructed by the cross correlation of the object holograms with the PSH library. In this study, the entire PSH library is digitally synthesized from a single PSH, recorded at one plane only. The recorded PSH is scaled by magnification factors corresponding to the various axial planes. The reconstruction results from the synthetic PSH library are comparable with those from the recorded PSH library. The proposed approach can reduce the time of the training step in LI-COACH.
Deconvolution for multimode fiber imaging: modeling of spatially variant PSF
Authors: Turcotte Raphaël , Sutu Eusebiu , Schmidt Carla C. , Emptage Nigel J. , Booth Martin J.
Published: July 2020

Focusing light through a step-index multimode optical fiber (MMF) using
wavefront control enables minimally-invasive endoscopy of biological
tissue. The point spread function (PSF) of such an imaging system is
spatially variant, and this variation limits compensation for blurring
using most deconvolution algorithms as they require a uniform PSF.
However, modeling the spatially variant PSF into a series of spatially
invariant PSFs re-opens the possibility of deconvolution. To achieve
this we developed svmPSF: an open-source Java-based framework
compatible with ImageJ. The approach takes a series of point response
measurements across the field-of-view (FOV) and applies principal
component analysis to the measurements' co-variance matrix to
generate a PSF model. By combining the svmPSF output with a modified
Richardson-Lucy deconvolution algorithm, we were able to deblur and
regularize fluorescence images of beads and live neurons acquired with
a MMF, and thus effectively increasing the FOV.
GAWBS phase noise characteristics in multi-core fibers for digital coherent transmission
Authors: Takefushi Naoya , Yoshida Masato , Kasai Keisuke , Hirooka Toshihiko , Nakazawa Masataka
Published: July 2020

We describe the guided acoustic-wave Brillouin scattering (GAWBS) phase noise characteristics in multi-core fibers (MCFs) used for a digital coherent optical fiber transmission both experimentally and analytically. We first describe the GAWBS phase noise in an uncoupled four-core fiber with a 125 µm cladding and compare the phase noise spectrum with that of a standard single-mode fiber (SSMF). We found that, unlike SSMF where the R0,m mode is dominant, off-center cores in MCF are affected by higher-order TR
n
,m modes. We then report measurement results for GAWBS phase noise in a 19-core fiber with a 240 µm cladding. The results indicate that the cores exhibit different spectral profiles depending on their distance from the center of the fiber, but the amount of phase noise generated in each core is almost identical. These results provide a useful insight into the space division multiplexing transmission impairments in digital coherent transmissions using MCF.
All-polarization-maintaining, all-normal-dispersion mode-locked fiber laser with spectral filtering in a nonlinear optical loop mirror
Authors: Ou Shangming , Liu Guanyu , Qiu Delin , Guo Liang , Zhang Qingmao
Published: July 2020

The spectral filtering effect is essential to dissipative dynamics in an all-normal-dispersion (ANDi) mode-locked fiber laser. In this study, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate the spectral filtering process of a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM). Taking advantage of the 40/60 NOLM’s spectral filtering ability, we designed a novel all-polarization-maintaining ANDi mode-locked fiber laser without using a separate spectral filter. The NOLM functions as an artificial saturable absorber and a spectral filter in an ANDi cavity. During mode locking, we observed that the NOLM decreased the spectral width of the pulse from 5.46 to 4.38 nm. The fiber laser generated 509-fs compressed pulses at the repetition rate of 13.4 MHz. Our work provides a promising novel and compact ANDi fiber laser for ultrafast photonic applications.
Terahertz metamaterial with broadband and low-dispersion high refractive index
Authors: Gao Xi , Yu Fa Long , Cai Cheng Lin , Guan Chun Ying , Shi Jin Hui , Hu Fangrong
Published: July 2020

A broadband and low-dispersion high refractive index (HRI) metamaterial formed by symmetrically etching two identical metasurfaces on both sides of a dielectric slab has been numerically and experimentally demonstrated in the terahertz region. The unit cell of the metasurface is a Jerusalem cross surrounded by a square metal ring, in which there are two magnetic resonances and one electric resonance. The proposed metamaterial simultaneously possesses high effective permittivity and permeability in broadband frequencies, since the multiple resonances result in a significant bandwidth expansion of a HRI. The simulation results reveal that the refractive index of the proposed metamaterial reaches up to 27 in the frequency range of 0.39–0.65 THz, and the relative bandwidth is about 44%. Furthermore, the fluctuation of the refractive index in this frequency band is less than 6%, showing a good low-dispersion characteristic. We also fabricated a sample to verify this HRI property. Experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations. This broadband HRI metamaterial is desirable in many fields, such as in high-resolution imaging and optical communications.
Designing open channels in random scattering media for on-chip spectrometers
Authors: Liu Tianran , Fiore Andrea
Published: July 2020

On-chip spectrometers with tailored spectral range and compact footprint have been pursued widely in the last decade. Splitting different frequencies typically requires a propagation length that scales inversely with the frequency resolution, which leads to a trade-off between resolution and size. Scattering media in the diffusive regime provide a long light path and multipath interference in a compact area, resulting in strong dispersive properties that can be used for on-chip compressive spectrometry. However, the performance suffers from the low light transmission through the diffusive medium. It has been found that there exist “open channels” such that light with certain wavefronts can pass through the medium with high transmission. Here we show that a scattering structure can be designed so that open channels match target input/output channels in order to maximize transmission while keeping the dispersive properties typical of diffusive media. Specifically, we use inverse design to generate a scattering structure where the open channels match the output waveguides at desired wavelengths. For a proof of concept, we propose a

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multiplexer covering a band of 500 nm in the mid-infrared spectrum, with a footprint of only

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. We also show that filters with nearly arbitrary spectral response can be designed, enabling a new degree of freedom in on-chip spectrometer design, and we investigate the ultimate resolution limits of these structures. The structures can also be designed based on a simple geometry consisting of circular holes with diameters from 200 to 700 nm etched in a dielectric slab, making them highly suited for fabrication. With the help of compressive sensing, the proposed method represents an important tool in the quest towards integrated lab-on-a-chip spectroscopy.
Hybrid phase-matching for optical parametric amplification of few-cycle infrared pulses
Authors: Ridente Enrico , Weidman Matthew , Mamaikin Mikhail , Jakubeit Clemens , Krausz Ferenc , Karpowicz Nicholas
Published: July 2020

Simple and compact laser systems facilitate the stable and reproducible generation of high-power few-cycle laser pulses. We demonstrate the amplification of 15 fs pulses at 2.1 µm, employing a hybrid phase-matching scheme for optical parametric chirped pulse amplification. A combination of two BBO crystals with type-I and type-II phase-matching placed in close vicinity is utilized as a single amplification stage. This allows for a greatly simplified layout, achieving high conversion efficiency while avoiding the backconversion regime and the associated spatiotemporal distortions. The resulting system yields mJ-level pulses with integrated electro-optic sampling to directly measure the output waveform and study ultrafast light–matter interaction.
Hong–Ou–Mandel interference of two independent continuous-wave coherent photons
Authors: Kim Heonoh , Kim Danbi , Park Jiho , Moon Han Seb
Published: July 2020

Interference between two completely independent photons lies at the heart of many photonic quantum information applications such as quantum repeaters, teleportation, and quantum key distribution. Here, we report the observation of Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference with two independent continuous-wave coherent light sources that are neither synchronized nor share any common reference. To prepare indistinguishable photons from two independent laser sources, we employ high-precision frequency-stabilization techniques using the

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transition line of

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atoms. We successfully observe an HOM interference fringe with two independent continuous-wave coherent photons originating from either the frequency-locked or the frequency-modulated lasers. An interference fringe involving two-photon beating is also observed when the frequency difference between the two interfering photons is beyond the spectral bandwidth of the individual coherent photons. We carry out further experiments to verify the robustness of the source preparation regardless of the separation distance between the two independent photon sources.
Two-step solvent post-treatment on PTAA for highly efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Yang , Liang Chao , Wang Gaopeng , Li Jielei , Chen Shi , Yang Shihe , Xing Guichuan , Pan Hui
Published: July 2020

Modifying the surface of poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) with toluene during the high-speed spin-coating process of dimethylformamide considerably improves the wettability and morphology of PTAA and results in improvement of the crystallinity and absorption of perovskite film. The hole mobility and ohm contact have also been improved accordingly. Combined with these improved parameters, inverted perovskite solar cells with high efficiency of 19.13% and long-term stability could be achieved, which are much better than those with untreated PTAA. Importantly, our devices can keep 88.4% of the initial power conversion efficiency after 30 days of storage in ambient air.
Educación virtual para todos: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Crisol-Moya Emilio , Herrera-Nieves Liliana , Montes-Soldado Rosana
Published: July 2020

El presente artículo aborda la revisión sistemática de literatura sobre la educación virtual para todos. Concretamente con este trabajo se da respuesta a interrogantes como: ¿cuáles son las consideraciones tecnológicas y pedagógicas para implementar propuestas e-learning accesibles en educación superior inclusiva? ¿Qué papel cumple el Diseño Universal de Aprendizaje en el desarrollo de propuestas educativas virtuales para todos en educación superior? Se analizaron producciones científicas en el período de 2009 a 2018. El estudio se apoya en la metodología propuesta por Kitchenham (2004) y Okoli & Schabram (2010). Las producciones revisadas aportan datos empíricos y teóricos en el ámbito de la educación superior virtual inclusiva. Los resultados muestran que la accesibilidad a las plataformas educativas y recursos o contenidos educativos, han sido de gran interés, así como la consideración del Diseño Universal de Aprendizaje y sus tres principios para llegar a la mayor cantidad de aprendices en línea, con propuestas formativas accesibles para todos que buscan una educación virtual inclusiva.