bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The law of iterated logarithm for the estimations of diffusion-type processes
Authors: Mao Mingzhi , Huang Gang
Published: January 2020

This paper mainly discusses the asymptotic behaviours on the lasso-type estimators for diffusion-type processes with a small noise. By constructing the objective function on the estimation, in view of convexity argument, it is proved that the estimator for different values of γ satisfies the iterated logarithm law. The result also presents the exponential convergence principle for the estimator converging to the true value.
Finite-time synchronization of uncertain complex dynamic networks with time-varying delay
Authors: Luo Yiping , Yao Yuejie
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the finite-time synchronization of uncertain nonlinear complex dynamic networks with time-varying delay. For a class of complex network models with time-varying delay and uncertain system parameters, the time delay changes infrequently, uncertain terms are unknown but bounded, and the matching conditions are satisfied. The coupling relationship between nodes is a nonlinear function with time delay, and the function satisfies the Lipschitz condition. A new criterion for the finite-time synchronization of a class of complex dynamical networks with variable delay is obtained, and the upper bound of the time for the system to achieve synchronization is presented by constructing a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, designing a nonlinear controller, and combining analysis techniques, such as matrix inequality. Finally, the validity of finite-time synchronization is verified through computer simulation.
Delineating significant genome-wide associations of variants with antipsychotic and antidepressant treatment response: implications for clinical pharmacogenomics
Authors: Koromina Maria , Koutsilieri Stefania , Patrinos George P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have significantly contributed to the association of many clinical conditions and phenotypic characteristics with genomic variants. The majority of these genomic findings have been deposited to the GWAS catalog. So far, findings uncovering associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with treatment efficacy in mood disorders are encouraging, but not adequate.

Methods

Statistical, genomic, and literature information was retrieved from EBI’s GWAS catalog, while we also searched for potential clinical information/clinical guidelines in well-established pharmacogenomics databases regarding the assessed drug-SNP correlations of the present study.

Results

Here, we provide an overview of significant genome-wide associations of SNPs with the response to commonly prescribed antipsychotics and antidepressants. Up to date, this is the first study providing novel insight in previously reported pharmacogenomics associations for antipsychotic/antidepressant treatment. We also show that although there are published CPIC guidelines for antidepressant agents, as well as the FDA labels include genome-based drug prescription information for both antipsychotic and antidepressant treatments, there are no specific clinical guidelines for the assessed drug-SNP correlations of this study.

Conclusions

Our present findings suggest that more effort should be implemented towards identifying GWA-significant antipsychotic and antidepressant pharmacogenomics correlations. Moreover, additional functional studies are required in order to characterise the potential role of the assessed SNPs as biomarkers for the response of patients to antipsychotic/antidepressant treatment.
Comorbidities between tuberculosis and common mental disorders: a scoping review of epidemiological patterns and person-centred care interventions from low-to-middle income and BRICS countries
Authors: Janse Van Rensburg André , Dube Audry , Curran Robyn , Ambaw Fentie , Murdoch Jamie , Bachmann Max , Petersen Inge , Fairall Lara
Published: January 2020

Background

There is increasing evidence that the substantial global burden of disease for tuberculosis unfolds in concert with dimensions of common mental disorders. Person-centred care holds much promise to ameliorate these comorbidities in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) and emerging economies. Towards this end, this paper aims to review 1) the nature and extent of tuberculosis and common mental disorder comorbidity and 2) person-centred tuberculosis care in low-to-middle income countries and emerging economies.

Main text

A scoping review of 100 articles was conducted of English-language studies published from 2000 to 2019 in peer-reviewed and grey literature, using established guidelines, for each of the study objectives. Four broad tuberculosis/mental disorder comorbidities were described in the literature, namely alcohol use and tuberculosis, depression and tuberculosis, anxiety and tuberculosis, and general mental health and tuberculosis. Rates of comorbidity varied widely across countries for depression, anxiety, alcohol use and general mental health. Alcohol use and tuberculosis were significantly related, especially in the context of poverty. The initial tuberculosis diagnostic episode had substantial socio-psychological effects on service users. While men tended to report higher rates of alcohol use and treatment default, women in general had worse mental health outcomes. Older age and a history of mental illness were also associated with pronounced tuberculosis and mental disorder comorbidity. Person-centred tuberculosis care interventions were almost absent, with only one study from Nepal identified.

Conclusions

There is an emerging body of evidence describing the nature and extent of tuberculosis and mental disorders comorbidity in low-to-middle income countries. Despite the potential of person-centred interventions, evidence is limited. This review highlights a pronounced need to address psychosocial comorbidities with tuberculosis in LMICs, where models of person-centred tuberculosis care in routine care platforms may yield promising outcomes.
Performance Analysis in Rugby Union: a Critical Systematic Review
Authors: Colomer Carmen M. E. , Pyne David B. , Mooney Mitch , McKune Andrew , Serpell Benjamin G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Performance analysis in rugby union has become an integral part of the coaching process. Although performance analysis research in rugby and data collection has progressed, the utility of the insights is not well understood. The primary objective of this review is to consider the current state of performance analysis research in professional rugby union and consider the utility of common methods of analysing performance and the applicability of these methods within professional coaching practice.

Methods

SPORTDiscus electronic database was searched for relevant articles published between 1 January 1997 and 7 March 2019. Professional, male 15-a-side rugby union studies that included relevant data on tactical and performance evaluation, and statistical compilation of time-motion analysis were included. Studies were categorised based on the main focus and each study was reviewed by assessing a number of factors such as context, opposition analysis, competition and sample size.

Results

Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies measured performance through the collection and analysis of performance indicators. The majority did not provide context relating to multiple confounding factors such as field location, match location and opposition information. Twenty-nine performance indicators differentiated between successful match outcomes; however, only eight were commonly shared across some studies. Five studies considered rugby union as a dynamical system; however, these studies were limited in analysing lower or national-level competitions.

Conclusions

The review highlighted the issues associated with assessing isolated measures of performance, lacking contextual information such as the opposition, match location, period within match and field location. A small number of studies have assessed rugby union performance through a dynamical systems lens, identifying successful characteristics in collective behaviour patterns in attacking phases. Performance analysis in international rugby union can be advanced by adopting these approaches in addition to methods currently adopted in other team sports.
Dynamic LED light versus static LED light for depressed inpatients: results from a randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Volf Carlo , Aggestrup Anne Sofie , Svendsen Signe Dunker , Hansen Torben Skov , Petersen Paul Michael , Dam-Hansen Carsten , Knorr Ulla , Petersen Ema Erkocevic , Engstrøm Janus , Hageman Ida , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Martiny Klaus
Published: January 2020

Background

Retrospective studies conducted in psychiatric wards have indicated a shorter duration of stay for depressed inpatients in bright compared to dim daylight-exposed rooms, pointing to a possible antidepressant effect of daylight conditions. Dynamic LED lighting, aiming to mimic daylight conditions, are currently been installed in several hospitals, but their feasibility is poorly investigated.

Methods

To investigate the feasibility of these systems, we developed and installed a LED-lighting system in four rooms in a psychiatric inpatient ward. The system could function statically or dynamically regarding light intensity and colour temperature. The system consisted of (A) a large LED luminaire built into the window jamb mimicking sunlight reflections, (B) two LED light luminaires in the ceiling and (C) a LED reading luminaire. In the static mode, the systems provided constant light from A and B. In the dynamic mode, the system changed light intensity and colour temperature using A, B and C. Patients with unipolar or bipolar depression were randomised to dynamic or static LED lighting for 4 weeks, in addition to standard treatment. Primary outcome was the rate of patients discontinuing the trial due to discomfort from the lighting condition. Secondary outcomes were recruitment and dropout rates, visual comfort, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.

Results

No participants discontinued due to discomfort from the LED lighting. Recruitment rate was 39.8%, dropout from treatment rates were 56.3% in the dynamic group and 33.3% in the static group. 78.1% in the dynamic group were satisfied with the lighting compared with 71.8% in the static group. Discomfort from the light (glare) was reported by 11.5% in the dynamic group compared to 5.1% in the static group. Endpoint suicidal scores were 16.8 (10.4) in the dynamic and 16.3 (14.9) in the static group. The lighting system was 100% functional. The light sensor system proved unstable.

Conclusion

Dropout from treatment was high primarily due to early discharge and with a lack of endpoint assessments. The feasibility study has influenced an upcoming large-scale dynamic lighting efficacy trial where we will use a shorter study period of 3 weeks and with more emphasis on endpoint assessments. The lighting was well tolerated in both groups, but some found intensity too low in the evening. Thus, we will use higher intensity blue-enriched light in the morning and higher intensity amber (blue-depleted) light in the evening in the upcoming study. The light sensor system needs to be improved

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03363529
Case report: cystic artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as a massive per rectum bleed treated with percutaneous coil embolization
Authors: Carey Frank , Rault Marcus , Crawford Michael , Lewis Mark , Tan Kelvin
Published: January 2020

Background

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysms are rare. It usually occurs as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but can arise uncommonly as a complication of acute cholecystitis. Ruptured cystic artery aneurysms present with haemobilia, intraperitoneal or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present an unusual case of cystic artery aneurysm presenting as a massive lower gastrointestinal bleed.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old man was admitted with a thoracic abscess and was noted incidentally on CT to have acute cholecystitis. Subsequently the patient then presented with massive fresh PR bleeding. This was found on CT to be the result of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with associated gallbladder fistulation to the hepatic flexure, secondary to cholecystitis. The patient was treated with coil embolisation of the cystic artery made a full recovery and was discharged with a view to performing an elective cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of cholecystitis which can present as massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to cholecystocolic fistula. Percutaneous embolization is a safe and effective treatment in the acute phase.
Optimum Imaging Strategies for Advanced Prostate Cancer: ASCO Guideline
Authors: Trabulsi Edouard J. , Rumble R. Bryan , Jadvar Hossein , Hope Thomas , Pomper Martin , Turkbey Baris , Rosenkrantz Andrew B. , Verma Sadhna , Margolis Daniel J. , Froemming Adam , Oto Aytekin , Purysko Andrei , Milowsky Matthew I. , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Eiber Matthias , Morris Michael J. , Choyke Peter L. , Padhani Anwar , Oldan Jorge , Fanti Stefano , Jain Suneil , Pinto Peter A. , Keegan Kirk A. , Porter Christopher R. , Coleman Jonathan A. , Bauman Glenn S. , Jani Ashesh B. , Kamradt Jeffrey M. , Sholes Westley , Vargas H. Alberto
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Provide evidence- and expert-based recommendations for optimal use of imaging in advanced prostate cancer. Due to increases in research and utilization of novel imaging for advanced prostate cancer, this guideline is intended to outline techniques available and provide recommendations on appropriate use of imaging for specified patient subgroups.

METHODS

An Expert Panel was convened with members from ASCO and the Society of Abdominal Radiology, American College of Radiology, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, American Urological Association, American Society for Radiation Oncology, and Society of Urologic Oncology to conduct a systematic review of the literature and develop an evidence-based guideline on the optimal use of imaging for advanced prostate cancer. Representative index cases of various prostate cancer disease states are presented, including suspected high-risk disease, newly diagnosed treatment-naïve metastatic disease, suspected recurrent disease after local treatment, and progressive disease while undergoing systemic treatment. A systematic review of the literature from 2013 to August 2018 identified fully published English-language systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, reports of rigorously conducted phase III randomized controlled trials that compared ≥ 2 imaging modalities, and noncomparative studies that reported on the efficacy of a single imaging modality.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies met inclusion criteria and form the evidence base, including 17 systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis and 18 primary research articles.

RECOMMENDATIONS

One or more of these imaging modalities should be used for patients with advanced prostate cancer: conventional imaging (defined as computed tomography [CT], bone scan, and/or prostate magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and/or next-generation imaging (NGI), positron emission tomography [PET], PET/CT, PET/MRI, or whole-body MRI) according to the clinical scenario.
The roles of TET family proteins in development and stem cells
Authors: Yang Jihong , Bashkenova Nazym , Zang Ruge , Huang Xin , Wang Jianlong
Published: January 2020

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases are enzymes that catalyze the demethylation of 5-methylcytosine on DNA. Through global and site-specific demethylation, they regulate cell fate decisions during development and in embryonic stem cells by maintaining pluripotency or by regulating differentiation. In this Primer, we provide an updated overview of TET functions in development and stem cells. We discuss the catalytic and non-catalytic activities of TETs, and their roles as epigenetic regulators of both DNA and RNA hydroxymethylation, highlighting how TET proteins function in regulating gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
French-Lithuanian Universe of Literary Critique by Greimas
Authors: Mačianskaitė Loreta
Published: January 2020

The idea for the present article came from the doubt expressed in the thesis of the world-renowned Algirdas Julius Greimas (1917–1992) that there is an unbridgeable gap between his Lithuanian essays and French semiotics. The analysis of texts written in Lithuanian in 1943–1955, dedicated to Cervantes, Verlaine, and Corneille unveils the most important methods of his analytical work: prioritizing the text over its context; the aim to uncover the author’s authenticity. Greimas used the model of structural similarities between French and Lithuanian literatures for constructing Lithuanian literary history. In his estimation of Lithuanian poets, Greimas aimed at finding authors of the European level; a principle of analogies is fruitfully used for understanding their works. Lithuanian essays show that Greimas also wrote them as a semiotician. Some of Greimas’s contemplations about literature also indicate the limits of his thinking, but the body of his works still reveals a surprising integrity of his personality.
Lithuanian Literature and Shakespeare: Several Cases of Reception
Authors: Keturakienė Eglė
Published: January 2020

The article is based on the reception theory by Hans Robert Jauss and analyses how Shakespeare’s works were read, evaluated and interpreted in Lithuanian literature in the 19th to 21th centuries. Some traces of Shakespeare’s works might be observed in letters by Povilas Višinskis and Zemaitė where Shakespearean drama is indicated as a canon of writing to be followed. It is interesting to note that Lithuanian exodus drama by Kostas Ostrauskas is based on the correspondence between Višinskis and Zemaitė. The characters of the play introduce the principles of the drama of the absurd. Gell’s concept of distributed personhood offered by S. Greenblatt is very suitable for analysing modern Lithuanian literature that seeks a creative relationship with Shakespeare’s works. The concept maintains that characters of particular dramas can break loose from the defined interpretative framework.

Lithuanian exodus drama reinterprets Shakespeare’s works and characters. The plays by Ostrauskas and Algirdas Landsbergis explore the variety of human existence and language, the absurd character of the artist, meaningless human existence and the critique of totalitarianism. Modern Lithuanian poetry interprets Shakespeare‘s works so that they serve as a way to contemplate the theme of modern writing, meaningless human existence, the tragic destiny of an individual and Lithuania, miserable human nature, the playful nature of literature, the clownish mask of the poet, the existential silence of childhood, the topic of life as a theatrical performance, the everyday experience of modern women in theatre. The most frequently interpreted dramas are Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth – Lithuanian literary imagination inscribed them into the field of existentialist and absurd literature.
Epigenetic mechanisms of stress and depression
Authors: Chmielewska Natalia , Szyndler Janusz , Maciejak Piotr , Płaźnik Adam
Published: January 2020

Etiopatogeneza zaburzeń nastroju, nie jest w pełni poznana. Wśród możliwych przyczyn tych zaburzeń bierze się pod uwagę czynniki genetyczne. Dotychczas nie udało się zidentyfikować mutacji pojedynczego genu odpowiadającego za objawy kliniczne, dlatego w etiologii tych chorób sugeruje się udział mechanizmów epigenetycznych, które polegają na wywołaniu stałych zmian w ekspresji genów przez bodźce środowiskowe. Istnieje kilka mechanizmów epigenetycznych, które zmieniają dostępność DNA dla czynników transkrypcyjnych, takich jak acetylacja/deacetylacja i metylacja/demetylacja histonów lub wprowadzenie grup metylowych do reszt cytozyny w DNA.
Wiadomo, że ekspozycja na bodźce stresowe zarówno we wczesnym okresie życia jak i u dorosłych może prowadzić do wywołanych epigenetycznie, zmian ekspresji genów zaangażowanych w regulację nastroju, na przykład genów zaangażowanych w regulację aktywności osi HPA (NR3C1) lub odpowiedzialnych za neuroprzekaźnictwo serotoninergiczne (SLC6A4). Ponadto, wydaje się, że mechanizmy działania niektórych leków przeciwdepresyjnych takich jak fluoksetyna i citalopram czy normotymicznych jak kwas walproinowy, są przynajmniej częściowo związane z wpływem na procesy epigenetyczne.
Analiza zmian epigenetycznych może stanowić obiecujące narzędzie diagnostyczne, które ułatwi identyfikację grup pacjentów najbardziej podatnych na rozwój chorób psychicznych a także może stać się biomarkerem, który uprości ich diagnozowanie i leczenie.
Podsumowując, badania mechanizmów epigenetycznych mogą przyczynić się do poznania neurobiologicznych podstaw zaburzeń afektywnych oraz stworzyć nowe możliwości terapii pacjentów cierpiących na zaburzenia nastroju i inne choroby psychiczne.
Capital Budgeting and Risk Taking Under Credit Constraints
Authors: Iachan Felipe S.
Published: January 2020

Limited external financing creates a hedging motive that distorts resource allocation for investment projects. I study these distortions through a dynamic model with endogenous collateral constraints. The hedging motive can be broken into three components: expected future productivity, leverage capacity, and current net worth. Although constrained firms behave as if averse to transitory fluctuations in net worth, they can endogenously pursue increased exposure to both persistent factors that predict future productivity and fluctuations in credit tightness. The most constrained firms abstain from financial hedging, while still distorting capital-allocation decisions, thereby influencing firm-level volatility. These distortions contribute to a potential explanation for the negative cross-sectional relationship between volatility and net worth.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, Finance.
Advising Alternatives: A Case Study
Authors: Streufert Billie
Published: January 2020

Given a rapidly changing labor market, advisors use parallel planning and alternative advising to teach students adaptability. Whereas parallel planning proactively prepares students for future transitions through considering multiple pathways, alternative advising occurs after students fail to make degree progress or secure admission and, consequently, must change their goals. This article integrates research that can help frame an advising curriculum, pedagogy, and learning outcomes as well as a case study that demonstrates such learning outcomes as coping with loss, managing anxiety, and restoring self-efficacy. Through the process described, students discover hope, resiliency, and a renewed focus on their goals.
Academic Advising: A Discipline of Praxis
Authors: van den Wijngaard Oscar
Published: January 2020

Why do advisors do what they do in their advising practice? What challenges do they face in getting from thought to action, from theory to practice? How do they navigate those challenges? What is their process? What is their method? After briefly surveying the landscape of recent literature on the scholarship of advising, this article explores the concept of praxis in general, underscoring the critical importance of a scholarly approach and activity in academic advising praxis. The article mines the topics of the nature of scholarship in general and the ways in which it relates to praxis, offering concrete examples from within the academic advising profession.
RÓTULOS E ABORDAGENS DE PESQUISA EM EDUCAÇÃO E TECNOLOGIA
Authors: Carvalho Jaciara De Sá , Rosado Luiz Alexandre Da Silva , Ferreira Giselle Martins Dos Santos
Published: January 2020

Apresentamos neste artigo rótulos e abordagens de pesquisa mapeados na literatura acadêmica em língua portuguesa na área da Educação e Tecnologia. Trata-se de um recorte amostral cujo objetivo geral foi identificar tendências nas concepções de tecnologia na educação. A partir de uma análise de conteúdo temática de cerca de duzentos trabalhos de revistas científicas do estrato Qualis A Educação, foram definidas sete categorias de abordagens de pesquisa e quatro tipos de rótulos da tecnologia educacional. O artigo apresenta um cenário constituído por grande número de abordagens teóricas e de expressões que dão margem para inúmeras interpretações e pouca relação perceptível com questões educacionais. Concluímos elencando alguns pontos sensíveis que merecem atenção especial na área da EdTech.
DESAFIOS DA INTEGRAÇÃO CURRICULAR: A PRÁTICA INTERDISCIPLINAR NOS ESPAÇOS DOS SEMINÁRIOS INTEGRADOS
Authors: Corrêa Tábata Valesca , Gandin Luís Armando
Published: January 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma discussão sobre os desafios da integração curricular no contexto do Ensino Médio Politécnico, tendo como foco a prática interdisciplinar e os espaços dos Seminários Integrados. O referencial teórico-metodológico estruturante deste trabalho congrega as Teorias Educacionais Críticas e a Sociologia da Educação, buscando compreender os desafios no campo do currículo a partir das experiências de professores e professoras no contexto de uma política de reforma curricular. Os caminhos metodológicos deste estudo foram orientados por observações, entrevistas e questionários com professores e professoras de uma escola da rede pública estadual do Rio Grande do Sul. Os Seminários Integrados eram o espaço no qual deveria ter havido a integração das áreas do conhecimento em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar. No entanto, a pesquisa evidencia diversos obstáculos para a concretização da integração curricular, entre os quais destacamos a formação docente, as lacunas na própria proposta curricular e a disciplinarização dos Seminários Integrados.
DESCOLONIZAÇÃO E A PEDAGOGIA DA SOLIDARIEDADE
Authors: Gaztambide-Fernández Rubén A.
Published: January 2020

O conceito de solidariedade é frequentemente evocado nos projetos de descolonização. Mais recentemente, no entanto, o fracasso em construir relacionamentos solidários que envolvam seriamente as demandas colocadas pela descolonização, provocou ceticismo e suspeita quanto à viabilidade da solidariedade. Uma consideração da genealogia, bem como dos múltiplos usos do conceito de solidariedade, revela algumas das maneiras pelas quais o conceito reinscreve a lógica colonial e opera para obscurecer a cumplicidade e a continuação da colonização. Ao mesmo tempo, é possível articular um conjunto de parâmetros para relações solidárias, através dos quais se constrói imaginativamente novas maneiras de entrar em relações com os outros. De fato, quando informada pelas falhas de respostas, como foram o multiculturalismo e o cosmopolitismo ao problema da diferença humana, a solidariedade continua sendo uma possibilidade importante. Este artigo propõe três meios para uma pedagogia da solidariedade comprometida com a descolonização. Defende as possibilidades de solidariedade relacional, transitiva e criativa como estratégia para reformular não apenas as relações humanas, mas também a própria noção do que significa ser humano, o que é crucial para a descolonização.Palavras-chave: solidariedade, pedagogia, decolonização, analise cultural
Physical health in mental health: considerations for paramedics
Authors: Cromar-Hayes Maxine , Seaton Walter
Published: January 2020

Life expectancy for people with a mental illness diagnosis is 15–20 years less than those without, mainly because of poor physical health. Mental ill health affects a significant proportion of paramedics' patients, and practitioners could assess and promote their physical health even though contact time is limited. Factors affecting physical health include substandard and disjointed care, stigma and diagnostic overshadowing—where physical symptoms are dismissed as a feature of mental illness. Diagnostic overshadowing is not discussed in key paramedic literature, although patients with mental health problems are at risk of not having their physical needs being taken seriously. The paramedic's role in health promotion is receiving more attention. Making Every Contact Count (MECC)—a behaviour change model using brief interaction—could be adopted by paramedics to promote physical health, especially when linked to campaigns and local services. Health promotion is in its early days in paramedicine, and paramedics could learn from the experiences of other professions.
Point-of-care testing for C-reactive protein in acute cough presentations in primary care
Authors: Searle-Barnes Simon , Phillips Peter
Published: January 2020

Acute cough is one of the most common illnesses in the UK, with an estimated 48 million cases per annum. The majority of these presentations are thought to be of viral aetiology and self-limiting in nature, yet some studies report antibiotic prescription rates of approximately 65% in the UK. Clincians' decision-making process can be influenced by both patient expectations and difficulty in differentiating between viral and bacterial aetiologies by clinical examination alone. This article will consider the feasibility, efficacy, benefits and limitations of using point-of-care testing of C-reactive protein within primary care in the United Kingdom to help inform management of acute cough.
Efficacy of Enhanced External Counter Pulsation on Clinical Parameters and Health-Related Quality of Life in Coronary Heart Disease patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Singh Vikram , Kumari Girija , Chhajer Bimal , Vijayasimha Mulavagili
Published: January 2020

To assess the effect of Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) treatment on clinical parameters and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) patients with Diabetes Mellitus. This was a pretest-posttest designed prospective study among 163 diabetic and non-diabetic coronary heart disease patients enrolled from SAAOL Heart Center, New Delhi, India. Patients were divided into two groups- diabetic CHD group and non-diabetic CHD group. EECP treatment was given to both the groups for 35 day. After EECP treatment physical and clinical profile along with HRQoL of study participants was assessed. The physical profile of study participants was assessed using Cooper’s 12 minutes’ walk test, Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina scale and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale and HRQoL was assessed through SF-36 (short form) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scale. The follow-up of both groups was done at 6th and 12th months. Collected data were assessed through IBM, SPSS software v 21. Descriptive analysis with sample t-test for two independent groups and paired sample t-test for EECP effectiveness within the group was done. A significant improvement was observed in blood pressure; heart rate, lipid profile angina and MRC score in both the groups at 6th and 12 month follow-up. A significant reduction was observed in blood sugar fasting, blood sugar postprandial (PP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic CHD patients. A significant improvement was also observed in all health domains of SF-36 & SAQ scale HRQoL after EECP treatment. EECP therapy is an effective non-invasive method to treat diabetic and non–diabetic CHD patients. This therapy may improve both physical (physical functional capacity, angina, dyspnea) and clinical profile (lipid profile, lower the blood glucose level) in diabetic CHD patients. EECP may also improve clinical symptoms of CHD patients and lower the blood glucose level in diabetic CHD patients this may directly improve overall HRQoL of CHD patients with DM.
Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis to study the biochemical mechanism of lung cancer microwave ablation
Authors: Song Dongliang , Yu Fan , Chen Shilin , Chen Yishen , He Qingli , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jingyuan , Wang Shuang
Published: January 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in cancer patients, and microwave ablation (MWA) has been extensively used in clinical treatment. In this study, we characterized the spectra of MWA-treated and untreated lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues, as well as healthy lung tissue, and conducted a preliminary analysis of spectral variations associated with MWA treatment. The results of characteristic spectral analysis of different types of tissues indicated that MWA treatment induces an increase in the content of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipid components in lung cancer tissues. The discriminant model based on the principal component analysis - linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) algorithm together with leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) method yield the sensitivities of 90%, 80%, and 96%, and specificities of 86.2%, 93.8%, and 100% among untreated and MWA-treated cancerous tissue, and healthy lung tissue, respectively. These results indicate that Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis techniques can be used to explore the biochemical response mechanism of cancerous tissue to MWA therapy.
Erbium-doped aluminophosphosilicate all-fiber laser operating at 1584 nm
Authors: Lord Marie-Pier , Talbot Lauris , Boily Olivier , Boilard Tommy , Gariépy Guillaume , Grelet Sacha , Paradis Pascal , Boulanger Vincent , Grégoire Nicolas , Morency Steeve , Messaddeq Younés , Bernier Martin
Published: January 2020

We report on an ytterbium-free erbium-doped aluminophosphosilicate all-fiber laser, producing an output power of 25 W at a wavelength of 1584 nm with a slope efficiency of 30% with respect to the 976 nm absorbed pump power. The simple cavity design proposed takes advantage of fiber Bragg gratings written directly in the gain fiber. The single-mode erbium-doped aluminophosphosilicate fiber was fabricated in-house and was doped with 0.06 mol.% of Er2O3, 1.77 mol.% of Al2O3 and 1.04 mol.% of P2O5. The incorporation of aluminium and phosphorus into the fiber core allowed for an increased concentration of erbium without inducing significant clustering, while keeping the numerical aperture low to ensure a single-mode laser operation.
Vernier effect-based tunable mid-infrared sensor using silicon-on-insulator cascaded rings
Authors: Chang Yuhua , Dong Bowei , Ma Yiming , Wei Jingxuan , Ren Zhihao , Lee Chengkuo
Published: January 2020

Vernier effect has been captivated as a promising approach to achieve high-performance photonic sensors. However, experimental demonstration of such sensors in mid-infrared (MIR) range, which covers abundant absorption fingerprints of molecules, is still lacking. Here, we report Vernier effect-based thermally tunable photonic sensors using cascaded ring resonators fabricated on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The radii and the coupling gaps in two rings are investigated as key design parameters. By applying organic liquids on our device, we observe an envelope shift of 48 nm with a sensitivity of 3000 nm/RIU and an intensity drop of 6.7 dB. Besides, our device can be thermally tuned with a sensitivity of 0.091 nm/mW. Leveraging the characteristic molecular absorption in the MIR, our work offers new possibilities for complex index sensing, which has wide applications in on-chip photonic sensors.
2 kW high-efficiency Raman fiber amplifier based on passive fiber with dynamic analysis on beam cleanup and fluctuation
Authors: Chen Yizhu , Yao Tianfu , Huang Liangjin , Xiao Hu , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study the power scaling in high power continuous-wave Raman fiber amplifier employing graded-index passive fiber. The maximum output power reaches 2.087 kW at 1130 nm with an optical conversion efficiency of 90.1% (the output signal power versus the depleted pump power). To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest power in the fields of Raman fiber lasers based merely on Stokes radiation. The beam quality parameter M2 improves from 15 to 8.9 during the power boosting process, then beam spot distortion appears at high power level. This is the first observation and analysis on erratic dynamic properties of the transverse modes in high power Raman fiber amplifier.
All-optical neuromorphic XOR operation with inhibitory dynamics of a single photonic spiking neuron based on a VCSEL-SA
Authors: Xiang Shuiying , Ren Zhenxing , Zhang Yahui , Song Ziwei , Hao Yue
Published: January 2020

We propose a simple hardware architecture for solving exclusive OR (XOR) tasks in a single step by using a single photonic spiking neuron based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with an embedded saturable absorber (VCSEL-SA) subject to dual-polarized pulsed optical injection. We model the inhibitory photonic spiking neuron by extending the Yamada model and spin-flip model to incorporate the two polarization-resolved modes and the saturable absorber. It is shown that, by carefully adjusting the temporal difference according to the inhibitory window, the XOR operation can be realized in a single photonic spiking neuron, which is interesting and valuable for the photonic neuromorphic computing and information processing.
Experimental investigation on the temporal contrast of pre-pulses by post-pulses in a petawatt laser facility
Authors: Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Miyasaka Yasuhiro , Sagisaka Akito , Ogura Koichi , Nishiuchi Mamiko , Pirozhkov Alexander S. , Fukuda Yuji , Kando Masaki , Kondo Kiminori
Published: January 2020

We experimentally explore the generation of pre-pulses by post-pulses, created through internal reflection in the optical components, by the nonlinear process associated with the B-integral in the laser chain of the petawatt (PW) facility J-KAREN-P. At a large time delay between the main and the post-pulses, we have found that the pre-pulses are not generated from their counterpart post-pulses at an identical time difference before the main pulse, and the temporal shapes of the pre-pulses are greatly distorted asymmetrically. We have also observed that the peak intensities of the pre-pulses are drastically suppressed compared to the expected value at a small time delay. We briefly describe the origins of the pre-pulses generated by the post-pulses and demonstrate the removal of the pre-pulses by switching to optical components with a small wedge angle at our PW laser facility.
Compact and ultrastable photonic microwave oscillator
Authors: Giunta Michele , Yu Jialiang , Lessing Maurice , Fischer Marc , Lezius Matthias , Xie Xiaopeng , Santarelli Giorgio , Le Coq Yann , Holzwarth Ronald
Published: January 2020

Frequency comb synthesized microwaves have been so far realized with tabletop systems, operated in well-controlled environments. Here, we demonstrate state-of-the-art ultrastable microwave synthesis with a compact rack-mountable apparatus. We present absolute phase noise characterization of a 12 GHz signal using an ultrastable laser at

∼

194

T
H
z

and an Er:fiber comb divider, obtaining

−

83

d
B
c

/

H
z

at 1 Hz and

<
−

166

d
B
c

/

H
z

for offsets greater than 5 kHz. Employing semiconductor coating mirrors for the same type of transportable optical frequency reference, we show that

−

105

d
B
c

/

H
z

at 1 Hz is supported by demonstrating a residual noise limit of division and detection process of

−

115

d
B
c

/

H
z

at 1 Hz. This level of fidelity paves the way for the deployment of ultrastable photonic microwave oscillators and for operating transportable optical clocks.
High refractive index properties of oxyfluorosilicate glasses and a unified dielectric model of silicate oxide glasses in the sub-terahertz frequency region
Authors: Wada Osamu , Ramachari Doddoji , Yang Chan-Shan , Uchino Takashi , Pan Ci-Ling
Published: January 2020

Dielectric properties of oxyfluorosilicate (OFS) glasses have been characterized using Terahertz (THz)-time domain spectroscopy in the sub-THz region as well as optical reflection measurement. OFS glass containing 20 mol% of Nb2O5, which is termed ZNbKLSNd glass, has the highest refractive index of 3.70 in the sub-THz region. The THz and optical refractive indices of various silicate oxide glasses, including OFS glasses, have been confirmed to be correlated by a unified relationship utilizing a parameter defined by the ratio of ionic to electronic polarizability. Additionally, the frequency dependence of the THz dielectric constant has been interpreted by a single oscillator model for all silicate oxide glasses including OFS glasses. On the basis of the present unified dielectric model, the very high refractive index of ZNbKLSNd glass has been attributed to the lowering of oscillator resonance wavelength originated from the incorporation of Nb2O5intermediate network former.
Mid-IR lasing of Fe2+ ions via Cr2+ → Fe2+ energy transfer process with YLF:Er or laser diode pumping at 1.7 µm
Authors: Říha Adam , Jelínková Helena , Doroshenko Maxim E. , Jelínek Michal , němec Michal , Kovalenko Nazar O. , Terzin Igor S.
Published: January 2020

A nonradiative Cr2+ → Fe2+ ions energy transfer process in Zn1-xMnxSe:Cr2+,Fe2+ (x = 0.05) single crystal with a Cr2+ to Fe2+ ions concentration ratio about 2.5:1 was investigated under short-pulse (200 ns) ∼1.73 µm excitation by YLF:Er laser. Fe2+ ions lasing in a temperature range from 78 K up to 200 K was achieved and the central oscillation wavelength was observed to increase from 4.1 µm to 4.4 µm, depending on the temperature of the active medium. Moreover, stable Fe2+ ions lasing under a “long” pulse excitation (1 ms, 10 Hz) by a ∼1.71 µm laser diode were demonstrated. The laser generated in a temperature range from 78 K up to 110 K at a central wavelength around ∼4.17 µm. The maximum mean laser output power of 4.1 mW with a slope efficiency of 2.3% with respect to the absorbed power was achieved. These results present a new possibility to develop a simple and compact diode-pumped coherent mid-infrared (4.1–4.3 µm) laser sources.
Supercontinuum generation in orientation-patterned gallium phosphide
Authors: Rutkauskas Marius , Srivastava Anchit , Reid Derryck T.
Published: January 2020

Supercontinuum generation from nanojoule femtosecond lasers is well known in photonic-crystal fibers, channel waveguides, and micro-resonators, in which strong confinement shapes their dispersion and provides sufficient intensity for self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, and Raman scattering to cause substantial spectral broadening. Until now, supercontinuum generation in bulk media has not been observed at equivalent energies, but here we introduce a new mechanism combining second- and third-order nonlinearities to produce broadband visible light in orientation-patterned gallium phosphide. A supercontinuum from the blue/green to the red is produced from 32 nJ 1040 nm femtosecond pulses, and a nonlinear-envelope-equation model including

χ

(
2
)

and

χ

(
3
)

nonlinearities implies that high-order parametric gain pumped by the second-harmonic light of the laser and seeded by self-phase-modulated sidebands is responsible.
Molecular characteristic of Pasteurella multocida isolates from Sumba Island at East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
Authors: Narcana I. K. , Suardana I. W. , Besung I. N. K.
Published: January 2020

Aim: This study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics of Pasteurella multocida isolates originated from Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

Materials and Methods: The isolates of P. multocida stored in frozen storage were cultured in blood agar as a selective medium and identified conventionally. Molecular tests were initiated by DNA isolation and then followed by polymerase chain reaction tests with specific primers for the determination of P. multocida serotype A or B. Positive strain of serotype B was then confirmed molecularly using 16S rRNA gene primer and followed by the sequencing of nucleotides.

Results: The study showed that both P. multocida isolates from Sumba island, i.e. PM1 is isolated from East Sumba district, while PM2 isolated from West Sumba district have 99.6% homology. Both isolates also known have 99% similarities with P. multocida originated from India, Britain, and Japan, respectively. The isolates share the same clade in the phylogenetic tree.

Conclusion: The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high similarity of P. multocida serotype B:2 isolated from Sumba island with the Indian isolates although the sample size is very small. Therefore, further molecular studies like multilocus sequence typing, VNTR need to be performed using a larger number of samples to establish the genetic relatedness observed in this study.
Genetic characterization and phylogenetic study of Indonesian indigenous catfish based on mitochondrial cytochrome B gene
Authors: Megarani Dorothea Vera , Nugroho Herjuno Ari , Andarini Zahrah Prawita , Surbakti Yura Dwi Risa B. R. , Widayanti Rini
Published: January 2020

Aim: This study aimed to determine the genetic characterization and phylogenetic structure of Indonesian indigenous catfish using cytochrome B (Cyt B) sequences. Materials and Methods: The genomes of 26 catfishes caught from nine rivers from nine different geographical locations around Indonesia were analyzed. The tissue isolation method was used to isolate the total genome of the fishes. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the mtDNA Cyt B using the CytBF and CytBR primers. Following sequencing, the analysis of genetic variation and the phylogenetic relationship was performed using MEGA version X software. Results: Cyt B gene sequencing attained a total of 1139 nucleotides encrypting 379 amino acids for all samples. The ClustalW alignment program using MEGA X software revealed 395 substituted nucleotides, which then translated into 63 amino acid variation sites among all 26 samples. No amino acids in catfish BB were different compared to catfish PM, MP, and KR2,3. Catfish MS had one modified amino acid; KR1 and KS had two different amino acids; BF had 38 different amino acids; EM had 31 different amino acids; and BSBJ had 26 different amino acids compared to catfish BB. The most significant alteration of amino acids was between catfish EM and BF (49 amino acids). Conclusion: Indonesian catfish were divided into five clades based on the Cyt B gene. Samples KR and MP (Sumatra); MS and BB (Kalimantan); and PM (Java) were clustered with Hemibagrus nemurus and Hemibagrus wyckioides (Bagridae family). Samples from Kalimantan (KS) and one sample of KR (KR1) from Sumatra were clustered with Sperata seenghala and Hemibagrus spilopterus (Bagridae family). Samples from Java (BSBJ) were clustered with Pseudolais pleurotaenia (Pangasiidae family). Samples EM (Java) were together with Mystus cavasius (Bagridae family). Samples from West Papua were clustered with Potamosilurus latirostris (Ariidae family).