bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple atrial premature contractions predict stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and concomitant non-sustained atrial tachycardia
Authors: Cha Jung-Joon , Chung Hyemoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Kim Jong-Youn
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives

Atrial fibrillation is a known risk factor for cryptogenic stroke and therefore requires early detection and prompt management. We investigated predictors of stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and concomitant non-sustained atrial tachycardia but not atrial fibrillation.

Subjects and methods

We investigated 390 patients (219 men, mean age 67 ± 12 years) diagnosed with stroke and non-sustained atrial tachycardia on 24-h Holter monitoring and recorded the total number of atrial premature contractions identified by the Holter monitor. Multiple atrial premature contractions were defined as atrial premature contractions > 34 beats/day. We analyzed the rates of 5-year freedom from stroke recurrence or atrial fibrillation and investigated independent predictors of stroke recurrence and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 35 ± 21 months, and the overall stroke recurrence rate was 9.0%. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the rate of freedom from stroke recurrence was significantly lower in patients with multiple atrial premature contractions. Also, the patients with multiple atrial premature contractions had higher cumulative incidence rate of new-onset AF (p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed that multiple atrial premature contractions (hazard ratio 2.49, 95% confidence interval 1.05–5.88, p = 0.038), cigarette smoking status (hazard ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.15–6.17, p = 0.022), and the left atrial volume index (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.09, p = 0.020) were significantly associated with stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke. However, these factors were not statistically significant predictors of future onset of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Multiple atrial premature contractions were significantly correlated with an increased left atrial volume index, which could predict future onset of atrial fibrillation and stroke recurrence. This study showed that multiple atrial premature contractions predict stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke without atrial fibrillation.
In silico studies of novel pyrazole-furan and pyrazole-pyrrole carboxamide as fungicides against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Isyaku Yusuf , Uzairu Adamu , Uba Sani
Published: April 2020

Background

Pyrazole-furan and pyrazole-pyrrole moiety are among the molecular structures that were found to have an extensive range of applications in the field of medicine and agrochemical due to their wide spectrum of biological activities. These include antimicrobial activity, anti-glaucoma activity, ocular hypertension activity, and antifungal activity.

Results

An in silico study was carried out on 37 compounds of pyrazole-furan and pyrazole-pyrrole carboxamide derivatives againstSclerotinia sclerotiorum. Using Spartan 14 software, optimization of the compounds was performed at the DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* quantum mechanical method. PaDEL descriptor software was used to calculate the molecular descriptors, and a Generic Function Approximation (GFA) was employed to generate the model. Out of four models generated, model 1 was found to be the optimal and has the following statistical parameters;R2= 0.83485,R2adj= 0.793563, cross-validatedR2= 0.74037, and externalR2= 0.58479. Molecular docking study was carried out between the antifungal compounds, and the binding site ofS. sclerotiorum(PDB CODE 2X2S) in which compound 7 was identified to have the highest binding energy of − 7.5kcal/mol. This compound “7” has a strong affinity with the macromolecular target point of theS. sclerotiorum(2x2s), producing H-bond and as well as the hydrophobic interaction at target point of the amino acid residue. Considering compound 7 as our scaffold, four (4) more potent compounds (7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d) were designed using optimization method of structure-based designed which have the following docking score, − 7.7, − 7.8, − 7.7, and − 7.7kcal/mol.

Conclusion

Statistical analyses including variance inflation factor (VIF), mean effect (ME), and applicability domain were conducted on the model. Considering an interpretation of the descriptors given in the discussion, the QSAR model provided an idea of ligand-based design while the molecular docking gave an insight on structure-based design of the new compounds with better activity againstS. sclerotiorumin which four (4) compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d were designed and discovered to be of high quality and have greater binding affinity compared to the one obtained from the literature (compound 7).
Avoiding the Swell: Advances in Lymphedema Prevention, Detection, and Management
Authors: McLaughlin Sarah A. , Stout Nicole L. , Schaverien Mark V.
Published: April 2020

Lymphedema is a feared complication of cancer treatments that negatively affects survivors’ quality of life. The true incidence of lymphedema is difficult to determine given its long latency period. As the number of survivors of cancer is increasing in the United States, lymphedema is poised to be a major health concern. The most noteworthy risk factor for lymphedema is comprehensive lymph node dissection. The last 2 decades have witnessed a dramatic shift in cancer treatment in an attempt to systematically de-escalate therapeutic interventions, specifically seeking to shift treatment away from routine lymph node dissection in favor of sentinel node biopsy or radiation strategies, thereby reducing the risk for lymphedema while maintaining survival outcomes. A growing body of robust evidence supports prospective screening and thereby a prospective surveillance model (PSM) for early diagnosis and intervention for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. Finally, investigators are actively evaluating the effectiveness of contemporary surgical procedures in ameliorating the symptoms and disability of patients with lymphedema and reducing the risk of future episodes of cellulitis, with outcomes of surgery significantly better than with conservative therapy alone. In this article, we review the current data surrounding these initiatives.
Lack of Targetable FGFR2 Fusions in Endemic Fluke-Associated Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kongpetch Sarinya , Jusakul Apinya , Lim Jing Quan , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Rajasegaran Vikneswari , Lim Tse Hui , Lim Kiat Hon , Choo Su Pin , Dima Simona , Popescu Irinel , Duda Dan G. , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Khuntikeo Narong , Pairojkul Chawalit , Rozen Steven G. , Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains a disease with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Identification of driver genetic alterations may lead to the discovery of more effective targeted therapies. CCAs harboring FGFR2 fusions have recently demonstrated promising responses to FGFR inhibitors, highlighting their potential relevance as predictive biomarkers. CCA incidence is high in the northeast of Thailand and its neighboring countries because of chronic infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov). However, there are currently no available data on the prevalence of FGFR alterations in fluke-associated CCA in endemic countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we performed anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction target enrichment RNA sequencing of FGFR1-3, validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and Sanger sequencing, in 121 Ov-associated and 95 non–Ov-associated CCA tumors.

RESULTS

Compared with non–fluke-associated CCA (11/95; 11.6%), FGFR2 fusions were significantly less common in fluke-associated CCA (1/121; 0.8%; P = .0006). All FGFR fusions were detected exclusively in intrahepatic CCAs and were mutually exclusive with KRAS/ERBB2/BRAF/FGFR mutations, pointing to their potential roles as oncogenic drivers.

CONCLUSION

FGFR2 fusions are rare in fluke-associated CCA, underscoring how distinct etiologies may affect molecular landscapes in tumors and highlighting the need to discover other actionable genomic alterations in endemic fluke-associated CCA.
Age, Diagnostic Category, Tumor Grade, and Mitosis-Karyorrhexis Index Are Independently Prognostic in Neuroblastoma: An INRG Project
Authors: Sokol Elizabeth , Desai Ami V. , Applebaum Mark A. , Valteau-Couanet Dominique , Park Julie R. , Pearson Andrew D.J. , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Irwin Meredith S. , Hogarty Michael , Naranjo Arlene , Volchenboum Samuel , Cohn Susan L. , London Wendy B.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) stratifies the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma on the basis of a combination of biomarkers that include age and tumor histology classified by age-linked International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) criteria. By definition, this leads to a duplication of the prognostic contribution of age. The individual histologic features underlying the INPC have prognostic strength and are incorporated in the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group classification schema. Here, we analyzed data in the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Data Commons to validate the prognostic strength of the underlying INPC criteria and to determine whether a risk classification devoid of the confounding of age and INPC criteria will identify new prognostic subgroups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Event-free survival of patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2002 (cohort 1; n = 10,104) and between 2003 and 2016 (cohort 2; n = 8,761) was analyzed. Recursive partitioning with univariate Cox models of event-free survival (“survival tree regression”) was performed using (1) individual INPC criteria (age at diagnosis, histologic category, mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI), grade of differentiation) and (2) factors in (1) plus other COG-risk biomarkers (International Neuroblastoma Staging System [INSS] stage, MYCN status, ploidy).

RESULTS

The independent prognostic ability of age, histologic category, MKI, and grade were validated. Four histologic prognostic groups were identified (< 18 months with low v high MKI, and ≥ 18 months with differentiating v undifferentiated/poorly differentiating tumors). Compared with survival trees generated with established COG risk criteria, an additional prognostic subgroup was identified and validated when individual histologic features were analyzed in lieu of INPC.

CONCLUSION

Replacing INPC with individual histologic features in the COG risk classification will eliminate confounding, facilitate international harmonization of risk classification, and provide a schema for more precise prognostication and refined therapeutic approaches.
Some of the Most Important Industry Problems of Education Development Strategy
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid , Basovskaya Elena
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the work was to identify the most important unresolved industry problems of the education development strategy. Based on the approaches and provisions of economic theory, theory and history of modern economic development, systems theory, it was possible to identify some of the most important problems of education development strategy. One of the most important unresolved problems related to the fact that the strategy should aimed at increasing labor productivity with new technologies that make it possible to replace the labor of those employed in the education sector with technical means. At the same time, it should take into account that the field of education has significant limitations associated with the most important role of creative processes that cannot reproduced by technical means, for example, artificial intelligence systems. Another problem of the education development strategy is associated with the modernization of the content of education, which is necessary in the transition to a post-industrial economy. In order to form the institutions and intellectual climate necessary for economic development and growth, the economically active population must have knowledge in the fields of both natural and social-humanoid sciences. Quality assurance is another critical issue in the education development strategy. Developers of strategies do not have a good enough idea of the essence of the category "quality", do not know the methods and tools for measuring and assessing quality, which determines the ability of a good to satisfy the needs of the consumer. As a result, quality assurance carried out in the form of an archaic command and control system based on the application of orders, standards and control, which, inherited from the industrial economy is ineffective and not competitive in modern conditions.
Neo-Socialism of the Digitalization Era
Authors: Levchaev Petr
Published: April 2020

We consider the transition to the digital economy and the possibility to implement the ideas of social guarantees and the slogan of developed socialism "from everyone - according to their abilities, to everyone - according to their needs". Despite the fact that the Soviet Union has ceased to exist, giving way to a market-oriented paradigm of Russian development, in a society that has long been raised on the ideas of collectivization and the values of social equality, justice and unity, requests for social justice are still relevant and in demand.
Identification, Research and Analysis of the Factors Influencing Skilled Labor Wage Determination
Authors: Malyugin Aleksey , Muromtseva Alina , Dorozhkina Natalia
Published: April 2020

One of the actual economic problem of today’s society is the reduction of a complex skilled labor to a simpler, which in fact bears important theoretical and practical applications. The research involves the resolution of significant economic problems, and above all, the improvement of pricing and the tariff system as well as the establishment of objective principles for the differentiation of salaries. The article identifies the main factors of the reproduction of labor power and factors of salary differentiation, which includes labor complexity, labor intensity, working conditions and social significance. Hence the salary band depends on the combination of the above listed factors. The cost of skilled labor reproduction and its value added have different starting points for the formation, their value is determined by factors lying in different planes. The source of value added created by simple labor is the expenditure of average labor, which does not require special training, over a certain unit of time. Wages are determined by the conditions for the reproduction of labor power, consisting of a number of the elements listed above, at a given level of development of productive forces and the tasks of expanded reproduction.
The Specificity of Functioning of Information Flows in Project Management at the Enterprises of the Military-Industrial Complex
Authors: Gavrilova I.
Published: April 2020

The results of studies of the impact of improving the interaction of management personnel and executors on the effectiveness of project implementation presented. In carrying out the research, hypotheses were forward that the complexity of projects in the field of research and development the present time, in the context of the transition to a new information economy, is increasing. As result of research, it revealed that projects in the field of research and development include numerous streams of various types of information. Information is related to management, planning, budgeting, structural and scientific information. Therefore, when performing a large number of projects at the same time very numerous information flows arise. To improve the efficiency of project implementation, a system for generating information flows in the project management system been applied, for which subsystems have been proposed that ensure the distribution of information flows in accordance with the management hierarchy in the design unit consists of the following subsystems.
On the Production Functions of Labor Productivity in the Regions of Russia
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid , Basovskaya Elena
Published: April 2020

To identify determinants of labor productivity, correlation relationships were estimated for indicators reflecting the influence of 30 socio-economic and innovative factors in the regions for 2015-2017. Of the 30 factors, for some factors, a significant correlation was found, characterizing their indicators and labor productivity. For these indicators, models of linear production functions were constructed. Modeling made it possible to establish that the following factors have a significant impact on labor productivity: capital productivity, investment, foreign investment, the number of government employees, wages, income inequalities, the number of university faculty, the number of advanced production technologies used, and the consumer price index. The instability of assessing the impact of indicators characterizing the determinants of labor productivity can be explained by two reasons of a different nature. Firstly, the development of the country's economic system at present may in fact be unstable. This problem determines the need for additional research. Secondly, the models obtained by the standard inclusion-exclusion method without taking into account and eliminating the multicollenarity effect can significantly reduce the reliability of estimates obtained by the least common square method. This determines the need to continue work using a more advanced modeling technique.
Effects of dexamethasone with sodium chloride load on the nitrite anion content in the rat’s blood serum, heart atria and ventricles
Authors: Sverediuk Yu. A.
Published: April 2020

The consequence of prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is development of hypertension and metabolic disorders. On the other hand, high levels of sodium chloride in the diet is able to amplify their risks. In a result of that disorders may be development metabolic cardiomyopathy. One of mechanisms that is capable to preventing hypertension and metabolic disorders is nitric oxide system. The research of that system, account short lifetime of the nitric oxide and features its metabolism, can be performed by analysis of nitrite anion (NO2-). It is mainly inactive metabolites in a result of the molecules NO. L-carnitine, as an antioxidant and having the ability to influence to energic metabolism, apoptosis and transcription of DNA may be a promising means for correction  disorders in the nitric oxide system. The purpose of our study was to investigate the NO2- levels in the animals serum and heart tissue of both  sex for long-term action of dexamethasone in conditions of high concentration of 4 % solution sodium chloride in water and  use L-carnitine in order to correction data. The experiment was performed with the use of 96 mature white nonlinear rats. It was established that long-term use and high salt content and especially their combination  conduced reduce of the NO2- level in the serum and ventricular myocardium. The high changes dominanced in the males. L-carnitine demonstrates the ability to recover the metabolite level. The characterised changes occur between both  sex in animals with intake of usual quantity sodium chloride in water. The usage water with high content of sodium chloride caused more intensive negative changes but the difference between the sex was not as pronounced. The difference of content NO2- in the atria was found only between males and females. The dexamethasone or sodium chloride didn’t exert influence of the NO2- metabolism in that tissue.
Features of myometrium remodeling after surgical inteventions on the uterus
Authors: Zhelezov D. M. , Kossey T. V. , Zarzhitskaya N. A.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Recently, the attention of researchers has again attracted the problem of pregnancy in the presence of scar on the uterus.The aim of the study is to evaluate the processes of myometrium remodeling in women with uterine scar using non-invasive ultrasonic monitoring. It is shown that the frequency of relative failure of yellowing in the uterus does not exceed 2.7% of the total number of women examined. The ratio of the thickness of the residual in the plane of the yellow and normal endometrium indicates complete remodeling and is in women after KP, this index was 0.96 ± 0.08, and after KME - 0.94 ± 0.06 (p> 0.05). The difference in maximum systolic velocity of arterial blood flow in patients after CR (38.8 ±1.2 cm/ s) and after CME (34.2 ±1.4 cm/ sec, p <0.05) can be explained by differences in localization cuts during these surgical interventions. The expediency of using both linear and dopplerometric methods of ultrasound examination in evaluating the ability of rumen on the uterus and myometrium remodeling processes is discussed.
Do the Burdens to Being Public Affect the Investment and Innovation of Newly Public Firms?
Authors: Dambra Michael , Gustafson Matthew
Published: April 2020

We examine how regulatory burdens affect the investment and innovation of newly public firms. To do so, we exploit the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which eliminates certain disclosure, auditing, and governance requirements for a subset of newly public firms. Firms treated with these reduced burdens invest more and more efficiently after going public relative to untreated firms. These findings are concentrated in innovative investments and are nonexistent in dual-class firms. Overall, our findings suggest that the burdens to being public exacerbate agency frictions, which lead managers to take on fewer risky projects.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Role expansion for nurses in the cardiac catheter laboratory: findings from a systematic scoping review
Authors: Gillingham Iain , Neubeck Lis , Williams Brian , Dawkes Susan
Published: April 2020

Background/aims

The cardiac catheter laboratory offers services to patients with a variety of conditions. These may include coronary heart disease, structural heart disorders and cardiac electrophysiological syndromes. Owing to the complex nature of an evolving health service and the increasing demands placed on healthcare workers, it is essential that innovative paradigms of service delivery are identified. This scoping review examines the state of knowledge regarding the rationale for change, solutions and potential consequences of expanding the roles of nurses in the cardiac catheter lab.

Methods

An exploratory scoping study approach was employed, using an established framework. Databases searched included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline and Google Scholar. A systematic search strategy spanning a date range from 1988–2018 was formulated. Titles and abstracts of 172 papers were screened; a total of 20 papers were identified for full review, including 16 from the UK, one from the United States, two from Europe and one from Australia.

Results

Literature to date concentrated on seven key areas: (1) drivers for change, (2) principles underpinning change, (3) ways of developing the workforce, (4) appropriate change management, (5) recommendations for practice, (6) barriers and facilitators, and (7) outcomes.

Conclusions

The cardiac catheter lab is under pressure to meet the variable demands placed upon it. There is documented evidence of a shortage of cardiac physiologists, which has a direct and measurable impact on operational efficiency and patient care. The concept of expanding the nurse's role to incorporate aspects of the cardiac physiologist's role has been explored and could be a potential solution. Role expansion and advanced practice is a well-explored model in nursing. There are many themes associated with this issue, which are outlined in this paper. There needs to be more evidence surrounding the patient's perceptions in relation to professional roles in the workplace. An economic evaluation of the costs and benefits of a multiskilled workforce would be a challenging but worthwhile endeavour.
COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases: the facts
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: April 2020

Sarah Jane Palmer discusses research into COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases and tackles some of the rumours regarding risks for those taking medication
Coronavirus – A Deadly Outbreak in Wuhan Province of People Republic China
Authors: Varsha B. , Dogra Ayush , Kumar Yogesh , Goyal Bhawna , Maulik Sharma Apoorav
Published: April 2020

In June 13, 2012, coronavirus infection started in SaudiArabia. Coronavirus was first recorded as being responsible for common flu in 1960. During 2002-2003, coronavirus was studied as a simple, non-fatal virus. The major types of coronavirus are severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Coronavirinae, Arterivirdae, Roniviridae, Coronaviridae. Recent outbreak took place in China which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that came from Wuhan seafood Market. This paper illustrates the brief outline of recent epidemic of novel Coronavirus named 2019-nCoV in China. Preventative measures taken in China as well as in India are also discussed in this draft.
Extracorporeal Circuit Device for Camel Antibodies Production from Blood using Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Quwaie Diana A.H.
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT: The present work describes the use of nanotechnology in the direct purification of antibodies from life camels. The new method relies on the use of a simple extracorporeal device coupled with affinity purification to antigen functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that is applied continuously in extracorporeal circuit. The device was connected to camel blood stream by HLS cannulae veno-venous to allow the blood stream path through the device with the flow rate of ~ 10 ml/min. The new method requires no sacrificing the animal for the recovery of antibodies. Antigen functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a blood flow where they capture the targeted antibodies by affinity binding. Subsequent removal of the antibody-loaded nanomagnets from the bloodstream takes place by continuous magnetic separation allowing recirculation of the blood for continuous production of more antibodies. For the demonstration of the possible use of this new method in purifying the antibodies from immunized camels, lysozyme was used as the antigen for immunization and magnetic nanoparticles functionalization. Immunization of camels was performed for a period of eight-week with gradual increase of antigen amount up to 5 or 1 mg antigen. The device was validated via Sandwich ELISA and results indicated the efficacy of the new device in the continuous recovery of camelid antibodies without the need to sacrifice the animal and the need to use antigen at no more than 1 mg for successful antibodies production using the new device at a large scale.
Optimization of Conditions for the Production of Recombinant Cellulase by using E.COLI BL21 Codon Plus in Fermenter
Authors: Nawaz Maliha , Zafar S. , Khan Shervani Sameen , Ray Sidra , Buneen Ummul , Rubab Arzoo , Kanwal Maria , e-Arsh Qandeel- , Khurram M. Faizan , Naeem Sajid Syed
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT: Cellulose is the richest plant biomass on earth and is an unbranched polymer composed of D-glucose residues joined by β-1, 4-D-glycosidic bonds. The utmost abundant carbohydrates in nature are considered to be cellulases and hemicellulases. Cellulases are inducible enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of a β-1, 4-glycosidic bond to release the glucose units in a cellulose molecule. Thermophilic cellulases are relatively expensive and a very significant industrial enzyme. In this study, the recombinant plasmid pET22b (+) containing the cellulase encoding gene was transformed in E.coli BL21 codon plus. A Shake flask fermentation study was performed using modified M9NG media. Lactose and IPTG were used as an inducer. After SDS-PAGE analysis, the predicted molecular weight of a protein was 62kDA Batch culture fermentation was performed using LB and modified M9NG media. Lactose was used as the cheapest inducer. Under optimized fermentation conditions, the enzyme displayed maximum activity at 37oC and pH 7. The specific activity of the enzyme was 70U/ml. The production of the recombinant enzyme was enhanced approximately 6 times in E.coli BL21 as compared to wild type strain. The expression level of the recombinant cellulase was round about 30%-40%. Molecular cloning of the cellulase encoding genes resulted in the maximum production of the cheapest enzymes that can be used for industrial purposes.
Accurate temperature measurement of a spectral beam combination grating based on VO2 film
Authors: Xu Jiao , Chen Junming , Zhang Dongping , Wang Yonglu , Zhang Yibin , Kong Fanyu , Cao Hongchao , Jin Yunxia , Shao Jianda
Published: April 2020

In a spectral beam combination system, temperature increase of the multilayer dielectric grating (MDG) worsens the far-field beam quality of the output laser. To accurately monitor the surface temperature of the MDG, this study deposits

V

O

2

phase-change film on the lowest layer of multilayer dielectric films in the MDG and tests the transmittance with a probe laser. Based on this measurement, the surface temperature of the MDG can be calculated. Additionally, the study analyzes the influence of

V
O

2

film on the surface electric field and the

−

1

diffraction efficiency of the MDG and presents a specific example of using

V
O

2

film to test high reflector temperature. The study concludes that

V
O

2

film is a feasible method of measuring temperature and better than an infrared thermal imager.
Linewidth-related residual intensity modulation in lithium niobate phase modulators
Authors: Shi Yanan , Zhang Bo , Liu Danni , Jiao Hongchen , Wang Xiao , Liu Ning , Feng Lishuang
Published: April 2020

We present a modified model for residual intensity modulation (RIM) observed in lithium niobate phase modulators, which is suitable for both narrow linewidth and wide linewidth lasers. This model is based on two key points leading to RIM: one is the optical propagation loss, which is proportional to the applied voltage, and the other is the interference between an injected wave and its reflection from the lithium niobate substrate. In order to verify the model, the RIM is measured accurately with different linewidths of input lasers respectively. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical model as the values of fitting determination coefficient R-square are all above 0.995. The results have revealed that the chief reasons causing RIM are different. When using a narrow linewidth laser, the interference is the dominant reason leading to RIM as the ratio of the reflection-related coefficient including linewidth effects to optical loss reaches 34.33. However, the optical loss is the dominant reason leading to RIM with the ratio mentioned above reaching 0.31 when using a wide linewidth laser.
Discrete normalized Bargmann transform through the gyrator transform
Authors: Uriostegui Kenan
Published: April 2020

Linear canonical transforms (LCTs) are important in several areas of signal processing; in particular, they were extended to complex-valued parameters to describe optical systems. A special case of these complex LCTs is the Bargmann transform. Recently, Pei and Huang [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 34, 18 (2017)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.34.000018] presented a normalization of the Bargmann transform so that it becomes possible to delimit it near infinity. In this paper, we follow the Pei–Huang algorithm to introduce the discrete normalized Bargmann transform by the relationship between Bargmann and gyrator transforms in the SU(2) finite harmonic oscillator model, and we compare it with the discrete Bargmann transform based on coherent states of the SU(2) oscillator model. This transformation is invertible and unitary. We show that, as in the continuous analog, the discrete normalized Bargmann transform converts the Hermite–Kravchuk functions into Laguerre–Kravchuk functions. In addition, we demonstrate that the discrete su(1,1) repulsive oscillator functions self-reproduce under this discrete transform with little error. Finally, in the space spanned by the wave functions of the SU(2) harmonic oscillator, we find that the discrete normalized Bargmann transform commutes with the fractional Fourier–Kravchuk transform.
Designing silicon-core fiber tapers for efficient supercontinuum generation in the greenhouse gas absorption region
Authors: Campling J. , Horak P. , Peacock A. C.
Published: April 2020

We propose a tapered silicon-core optical fiber design for extending the long-wavelength edge of supercontinuum generation to obtain a high spectral density source across the 3–4.5 µm regime. The taper works by generating sufficient spectral broadening of the driving laser pulse to produce a series of pumps for nondegenerate four-wave mixing, and then opening up new phase-matching conditions to transfer the power from these pumps to a target region of mid-infrared wavelengths. We show, by simulation, that this taper design works effectively when pumped with a conventional 2.1 µm femtosecond fiber laser, significantly improving the spectral coverage obtained with a fixed-diameter fiber. Thus, these tapered silicon-core fibers offer a potential platform for an efficient all-fiber spectroscopy solution to measure greenhouse gases.
Reliability of ptychography on periodic structures
Authors: Tuitje Frederik , Eschen Wilhelm , Tadesse Getnet K. , Limpert Jens , Rothhardt Jan , Spielmann Christian
Published: April 2020

Structural analysis of periodic samples with lensless imaging techniques in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range is an important and versatile tool for inspecting nanoscale structures including lithographic masks and quasi-crystals. More specifically ptychography is the method of choice for imaging such structures with high lateral resolution and an arbitrarily large field-of-view. This work reports on the reconstruction of highly periodic samples that occasionally contain isolated defects. For a realistic scenario scan map distortions, i.e. the actual scanning position does not exactly coincide with the position used as input for the reconstruction code, were taken into account. For such conditions it is well known, that the reconstruction will not provide always a physical reliable image. It will be shown, that the reconstructed illumination function is very sensitive to map distortions and small defects in otherwise periodic objects allowing to decide whether the reconstructed object is reliable or not. Applying this criterion the minimum detectable size of local defects in otherwise periodic structures will be compared to both the period length and the magnitude of the scan map distortion. As both quantities are usually much larger than the resolution given by the wavelength and numerical aperture of the imaging setup, they determine the resolution limit.
Postcard Memories: A virtual / tangible memory sharing application for adults with early-stage dementia (ESD)
Authors: Ladly Martha , Chadha Kartikay
Published: April 2020

Dementia is a major cause of disability among older adults, with 50 million people worldwide living with the disease and 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Postcard Memories is a web-based, virtual memory-sharing mobile application, designed to support individuals diagnosed with early-stage dementia (ESD), their families, friends and caregivers. The research and design methods employed argue the value and importance of elder–computer interaction, and greater personalization, supporting and enhancing elder’s engagement in both the virtual and physical mnemonics of memory sharing. The researchers implemented a two-stage study design, including formative and summative assessments of low- and high-fidelity prototypes, pre-, and post-testing questionnaires, patient and carer interviews and ‘think-aloud’ testing methodologies for interaction evaluation. Through quantitative and qualitative assessments this research demonstrates that the Postcard Memories application has potential benefits, including enhanced technical ability and hence self-confidence with new technologies; and enhanced interactions with family members, a promising outcome for those living with ESD.
Wörterbücher im Unterricht nutzen und eigene Wörterbuchartikel erstellen. Das Denkwerk-Projekt Schüler machen Wörterbücher – Wörterbücher machen Schule
Authors: Nolting Antje , Radtke Nadja
Published: April 2020

The article shows how the topic of dictionaries can be dealt with in German language teaching and how this subject has the potential to acquaint learners with a descriptive and data-driven perspective on language. The project Denkwerk, realized as cooperation among the Institute for German Language, the University of Mannheim and two regional secondary schools, fostered the students’ intellectual curiosity and their interest in discovering linguistic details. Using empirical methods like corpus analysis, pupils learned both how to write wiki-based dictionary articles on their own and how to publish them in the Denktionary, the dictionary of the project. Our contribution describes the didactic and organisational framework of the project, its aims and contents, its schedule of events, as well as the structure of dictionary articles in the Denktionary, and the observed advantages of such a wiki-based system.
The long and the short of it: a brief study of the coverage and retrieval processes of shortened forms in English online monolingual learner’s dictionaries from an EFL-user perspective
Authors: Pike Kevin
Published: April 2020

The increasing usage of shortened forms in everyday spoken and written English can prove to be a substantial challenge for EFL learners at any level, both in terms of decoding and, albeit maybe to a lesser extent, encoding. This article takes a learner-based approach and assesses the needs of the learners, maps their lexicographic search routes via the outer access structure, and at the microstructural level it critically analyses the lexicographical portrayal of selected types of shortened form in three of the online English monolingual learners’ dictionaries (OMLD). A number of particular learner’s issues thereby arise and proposals for improvements to the outer and inner access structures in order to facilitate usage, to prevent waste in terms of lexicographic information costs and to enhance the acquisition of encyclopaedic knowledge are posited.
Testing of Nanofluids and Their Machining Performance Evaluation
Authors: Pasam Vamsi Krishna , Revuru Rukmini Srikant , Neelam Parimala
Published: April 2020

This paper is an attempt to evaluate the thermophysical properties and performance of vegetable oil–based nano-cutting fluids while turning American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1040 steel. Nano boric acid particles in different proportions (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 % w/w) are dispersed in coconut oil. The nano-cutting fluids thus formulated are tested for density, thermal conductivity, and dynamic viscosity. Empirical relations are used to evaluate specific heat and heat transfer coefficients. These nanofluids are then applied during machining through minimum quantity lubrication technique. Microbial contamination and biodegradability tests are conducted to assess the quality of nano-cutting fluids. It is observed that the contribution of depth of cut is 46 % and the contribution of nanoparticle inclusions (NPI) is 31.29 % in minimizing the cutting temperatures. Optimum machining performance is influenced mainly by NPI followed by depth of cut, cutting speed, and then feed rate.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase Neurons Regulate Growth Hormone Secretion via Short-Loop Negative Feedback
Authors: Wasinski Frederick , Pedroso João A.B. , dos Santos Willian O. , Furigo Isadora C. , Garcia-Galiano David , Elias Carol F. , List Edward O. , Kopchick John J. , Szawka Raphael E. , Donato Jose
Published: April 2020

Classical studies suggest that growth hormone (GH) secretion is controlled by negative-feedback loops mediated by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)- or somatostatin-expressing neurons. Catecholamines are known to alter GH secretion and neurons expressing TH are located in several brain areas containing GH-responsive cells. However, whether TH-expressing neurons are required to regulate GH secretion via negative-feedback mechanisms is unknown. In the present study, we showed that between 50% and 90% of TH-expressing neurons in the periventricular, paraventricular, and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei and locus ceruleus of mice exhibited STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5) after an acute GH injection. Ablation of GH receptor (GHR) from TH cells or in the entire brain markedly increased GH pulse secretion and body growth in both male and female mice. In contrast, GHR ablation in cells that express the dopamine transporter (DAT) or dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH; marker of noradrenergic/adrenergic cells) did not affect body growth. Nevertheless, less than 50% of TH-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus were found to express DAT. Ablation of GHR in TH cells increased the hypothalamic expression ofGhrhmRNA, although very few GHRH neurons were found to coexpress TH- and GH-induced pSTAT5. In summary, TH neurons that do not express DAT or DBH are required for the autoregulation of GH secretion via a negative-feedback loop. Our findings revealed a critical and previously unidentified group of catecholaminergic interneurons that are apt to sense changes in GH levels and regulate the somatotropic axis in mice.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTextbooks indicate until now that the pulsatile pattern of growth hormone (GH) secretion is primarily controlled by GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin neurons. The regulation of GH secretion relies on the ability of these cells to sense changes in circulating GH levels to adjust pituitary GH secretion within a narrow physiological range. However, our study identifies a specific population of tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons that is critical to autoregulate GH secretion via a negative-feedback loop. The lack of this mechanism in transgenic mice results in aberrant GH secretion and body growth. Since GH plays a key role in cell proliferation, body growth, and metabolism, our findings provide a major advance to understand how the brain regulates the somatotropic axis.
Unbundling Corruption: Revisiting Six Questions on Corruption
Authors: Ang Yuen Yuen
Published: April 2020

Corruption is conventionally measured in global indices as a one-dimensional problem—one score for every country—a practice that has profoundly shaped our conceptualization of corruption and its relationship with capitalism. What if we unbundle corruption into qualitatively distinct types and then measure them across countries? How will this approach change our understanding of corruption? This review article serves two purposes. First, it introduces a new framework for “unbundling corruption” into four varieties and highlights their differential economic effects. Based on this typology, I piloted a new cross-national measure of these four varieties of corruption in fifteen countries, using an expert, perception-based survey—the Unbundled Corruption Index (UCI)™. Second, I review six questions on corruption through the lens of unbundling corruption. Shifting our focus of corruption from its aggregated quantity to its quality not only changes our responses to commonly asked questions about corruption, it also prompts new questions.
Proposing a Workshop on Art Evaluation in University Teaching
Authors: Krzysztofik Małgorzata , Zbróg Piotr
Published: April 2020

The article presents a workshop on art evaluation addressed at university students of the humanities. The aims of the workshop involve defining the terms ‘art’ and ‘kitsch’, analysing the functions of art throughout the ages, understanding the difference between an educated and uneducated art viewer, the importance of a canon of masterpieces of art for preserving the cultural heritage of Europe, and the problem of personal expectations concerning art. Scholarly content is presented to the students via a workshop based on coaching methods developed by cognitive psychology. The choice of this mode of work allows students to express themselves freely, teaches them how to defend their own opinions, improves their ability to see different points of view, and develops creativity. The workshop begins with a preliminary survey to identify the issues the students need help. It consists of 4 sessions (1.5 hours each) and ends with an evaluation. The proposed workshop can be extended with additional modules, tailored to the participants’ specific needs.
Islam, Ethnicity and Cultural Politics of Identity: The religiousity of Betawi Muslim in Jakarta
Authors: Miharja Deni , Mulyana M. , Izzan Ahmad
Published: April 2020

Betawi is an ethnic group that is considered a native of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. There have been efforts to strengthen Islamic identity in defining Betawi after the reformation era in 1998. This article focuses on the religious expression of Betawian Muslims and the strengthening of local cultural identity in Jakarta, using a phenomenological study and theory of identity. This study shows that the strengthening religious identity of Betawian Muslims is reflected in various dynamics of religious understanding, the politicization of ritual practices and the emergence of new religious groups among Betawian Muslims, such as the FBR, Majelis Rasulullah and the other. These various religious experiences increasingly strengthening the politics of identity to foreground Islamic identity in defining Betawian. It is a cultural identity that is narrow and different from the hybrid Betawi culture that was historically shaped by ethnic and religious diversity in the cosmopolitan cultural space.
Conflict and Integration in The Salafi-Wahabi Purification Movement in South Kalimantan
Authors: Abidin Muhammad Zainal , Hafizah Yulia
Published: April 2020

This article intends to discuss the development of the Salafi-Wahabi movement in South Kalimantan in relation to conflict and integration. In South Kalimantan, the development of the Salafi-Wahabi movement was quite fast. Although less than two decades, this group's preaching has covered almost all regions in this province. The development of this group in recent years has become a topic of discussion among people in South Kalimantan, in both ways: pro and contra. This article employs a qualitative method that contains the study of literature and fieldwork. Fieldwork conducted in Banjar, South Kalimantan, to gather data related to the development of the Salafi-Wahabi movement and its implications to the changes community’s social order related to conflict and integration. The research shows that there are many issues of the Islamic purification movement that caused a strong response from the community that potentially prone to conflict. For example, are its teaching on Tawheed (monotheism) and accusation of many practices as bid’ah (heresy), which targeted respected local figures or groups like Guru Sekumpul in traditional circles. It becomes the main factor of the negative view of the Salaf-Wahabi group. However, there are some efforts made by Salafi-Wahabi to integrate their activities into the Banjar community.
Reflexiones sobre la dialéctica del atraso en el capitalismo
Authors: Leite Gonçalves Guilherme
Published: April 2020

Las crisis estructurales de los últimos tiempos han reavivado la pregunta acerca de lo que se considera moderno en las sociedades. Se trata de un debate histórico a la vez complejo y difuso. El objetivo de este artículo es contribuir al avance de tal discusión a partir de identificar puntos de convergencia entre las consideraciones del Joven Marx y la tradición marxista no occidental. En el texto se busca demostrar que esta última tradición ha enriquecido la noción expandida de sociedad moderna que el Joven Marx conceptualizó al reflexionar sobre el status quo alemán del siglo XIX. Para ello, se analiza instrumentalmente una importante interpretación del marxismo no-occidental difundida en Brasil: la Crítica a la Razón Dualista de Francisco de Oliveira. A partir de ello se pretende evidenciar que ambos enfoques construyeron una concepción sobre la modernidad basada en una comprensión dialéctica en la cual los sectores retrasados se consideran elementos de la propia expansión moderna.