bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inner structure- and surface-controlled hollow MnO nanocubes for high sensitive MR imaging contrast effect
Authors: Kukreja Aastha , Kang Byunghoon , Han Seungmin , Shin Moo-Kwang , Son Hye Young , Choi Yuna , Lim Eun-Kyung , Huh Yong-Min , Haam Seungjoo
Published: May 2020

Manganese oxide (MnO) nanocubes were fabricated and their surface were modified by ligand encapsulation or ligand exchange, to render them water-soluble. And then, MnO formed the hollow structure by etching using acidic solution (phthalate buffer, pH 4.0). Depending on the ligand of the MnO surface, it increases the interaction between MnO and water molecules. Also, the hollow structure of MnO, as well as the ligand, can greatly enhance the accessibility of water molecules to metal ions by surface area-to-volume ratio. These factors provide high R1 relaxation, leading to strong T1 MRI signal. We have confirmed T1-weighted MR contrast effect using 4-kinds of MnO nanocubes (MnOEn, MnOEnHo, MnOEx and MnOExHo). They showed enough a MR contrast effect and biocompatibility. Especially, among them, MnOExHo exhibited high T1 relaxivity (r1) (6.02 mM−1 s−1), even about 1.5 times higher sensitivity than commercial T1 MR contrast agents. In vitro/in vivo studies have shown that MnOExHo provides highly sensitive T1-weighted MR imaging, thereby improving diagnostic visibility at the disease site.
Reducing withdrawal and failure rates in introductory programming with subgoal labeled worked examples
Authors: Margulieux Lauren E. , Morrison Briana B. , Decker Adrienne
Published: May 2020

Background

Programming a computer is an increasingly valuable skill, but dropout and failure rates in introductory programming courses are regularly as high as 50%. Like many fields, programming requires students to learn complex problem-solving procedures from instructors who tend to have tacit knowledge about low-level procedures that they have automatized. The subgoal learning framework has been used in programming and other fields to breakdown procedural problem solving into smaller pieces that novices can grasp more easily, but it has only been used in short-term interventions. In this study, the subgoal learning framework was implemented throughout a semester-long introductory programming course to explore its longitudinal effects. Of 265 students in multiple sections of the course, half received subgoal-oriented instruction while the other half received typical instruction.

Results

Learning subgoals consistently improved performance on quizzes, which were formative and given within a week of learning a new procedure, but not on exams, which were summative. While exam performance was not statistically better, the subgoal group had lower variance in exam scores and fewer students dropped or failed the course than in the control group. To better understand the learning process, we examined students’ responses to open-ended questions that asked them to explain the problem-solving process. Furthermore, we explored characteristics of learners to determine how subgoal learning affected students at risk of dropout or failure.

Conclusions

Students in an introductory programming course performed better on initial assessments when they received instructions that used our intervention, subgoal labels. Though the students did not perform better than the control group on exams on average, they were less likely to get failing grades or to drop the course. Overall, subgoal labels seemed especially effective for students who might otherwise struggle to pass or complete the course.
Effects of cadmium perturbation on the microbial community structure and heavy metal resistome of a tropical agricultural soil
Authors: Salam Lateef B. , Obayori Oluwafemi S. , Ilori Mathew O. , Amund Olukayode O.
Published: May 2020

The effects of cadmium (Cd) contamination on the microbial community structure, soil physicochemistry and heavy metal resistome of a tropical agricultural soil were evaluated in field-moist soil microcosms. A Cd-contaminated agricultural soil (SL5) and an untreated control (SL4) were compared over a period of 5 weeks. Analysis of the physicochemical properties and heavy metals content of the two microcosms revealed a statistically significant decrease in value of the soil physicochemical parameters (P < 0.05) and concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se) content of the agricultural soil in SL5 microcosm. Illumina shotgun sequencing of the DNA extracted from the two microcosms showed the predominance of the phyla, classes, genera and species of Proteobacteria (37.38%), Actinobacteria (35.02%), Prevotella (6.93%), and Conexibacter woesei (8.93%) in SL4, and Proteobacteria (50.50%), Alphaproteobacteria (22.28%), Methylobacterium (9.14%), and Methylobacterium radiotolerans (12,80%) in SL5, respectively. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference between the metagenomes was observed at genus and species delineations. Functional annotation of the two metagenomes revealed diverse heavy metal resistome for the uptake, transport, efflux and detoxification of various heavy metals. It also revealed the exclusive detection in SL5 metagenome of members of RND (resistance nodulation division) protein czcCBA efflux system (czcA, czrA, czrB), CDF (cation diffusion facilitator) transporters (czcD), and genes for enzymes that protect the microbial cells against cadmium stress (sodA, sodB, ahpC). The results obtained in this study showed that Cd contamination significantly affects the soil microbial community structure and function, modifies the heavy metal resistome, alters the soil physicochemistry and results in massive loss of some autochthonous members of the community not adapted to the Cd stress.
Port site recurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma after minimally invasive esophagectomy: a case report
Authors: Horino Taichi , Baba Yoshifumi , Nomoto Daichi , Harada Kazuto , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Nagai Yohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: May 2020

Background

Port site recurrence has been observed after a variety of oncologic resection procedures. However, few have reported port site recurrence of esophageal cancer.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy for pT3(AD)N3M0 adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. One year after surgery, he presented with a rapidly growing tumor on the right thoracic wall. Contrast computed tomography demonstrated an enhancing tumor with uptake on positron emission tomography. We performed resection of the thoracic wall, including the skin and subcutis. The pathologic diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, consistent with metastasis of esophageal origin.

Conclusion

This was the first report on thoracic port site recurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. We recommend elimination of leakage around the thoracoscopic ports to prevent such recurrence. We should provide prudent postoperative clinical surveillance.
A study of environmental disclosures practices in Chinese energy industry
Authors: Chiu Candy Lim , Zhang Jingxin , Li Mingrui , Wei Siyu , Xu Shengnan , Chai Xiaotong
Published: May 2020

In 2016, China increased sustainability practices among companies listed on China’s stock market, making environmental regulations one of their integral policies. This states that highly polluting industries like the energy industry are required to comply with the sustainability requirements set. Concerning this event, research was conducted in 2016 to 2017, on the development of environmental disclosure (ED) practices in China and the impact of different variables on environmental disclosure index (EDI). Focusing on 150 energy companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchange, the findings show that if the company had a better ROA, firm size, leverage and environmental accreditation certificate, they would like to publish more relevant environmental information.
Recent insights into peroxisome biogenesis and associated diseases
Authors: Fujiki Yukio , Abe Yuichi , Imoto Yuuta , Tanaka Akemi J. , Okumoto Kanji , Honsho Masanori , Tamura Shigehiko , Miyata Non , Yamashita Toshihide , Chung Wendy K. , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi
Published: May 2020

Peroxisomes are single-membrane organelles present in eukaryotes. The functional importance of peroxisomes in humans is represented by peroxisome-deficient peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs), including Zellweger syndrome. Defects in the genes that encode the 14 peroxins that are required for peroxisomal membrane assembly, matrix protein import and division have been identified in PBDs. A number of recent findings have advanced our understanding of the biology, physiology and consequences of functional defects in peroxisomes. In this Review, we discuss a cooperative cell defense mechanisms against oxidative stress that involves the localization of BAK (also known as BAK1) to peroxisomes, which alters peroxisomal membrane permeability, resulting in the export of catalase, a peroxisomal enzyme. Another important recent finding is the discovery of a nucleoside diphosphate kinase-like protein that has been shown to be essential for how the energy GTP is generated and provided for the fission of peroxisomes. With regard to PBDs, we newly identified a mild mutation, Pex26-F51L that causes only hearing loss. We will also discuss findings from a new PBD model mouse defective in Pex14, which manifested dysregulation of the BDNF–TrkB pathway, an essential signaling pathway in cerebellar morphogenesis. Here, we thus aim to provide a current view of peroxisome biogenesis and the molecular pathogenesis of PBDs.
Evidence for macromolecular crowding as a direct apoptotic stimulus
Authors: Rana Priyanka S. , Kurokawa Manabu , Model Michael A.
Published: May 2020

Potassium loss and persistent shrinkage have both been implicated in apoptosis but their relationship and respective roles remain controversial. We approached this problem by clamping intracellular sodium and potassium in HeLa or MDCK cells using a combination of ionophores. Although ionophore treatment caused significant cell swelling, the initial volume could be restored and further reduced by application of sucrose. The swollen cells treated with ionophores remained viable for at least 8 h without any signs of apoptosis. Application of sucrose and the resulting shrinkage caused volume-dependent intrinsic apoptosis with all its classical features: inversion of phosphatidylserine, caspase activation and Bcl-2-dependent release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. In other experiments, apoptosis was induced by addition of the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine at various degrees of swelling. Our results show that: (1) persistent shrinkage can cause apoptosis regardless of intracellular sodium or potassium composition or of the state of actin cytoskeleton; (2) strong potassium dependence of caspase activation is only observed in swollen cells with a reduced density of cytosolic proteins. We conclude that macromolecular crowding can be an important factor in determining the transition of cells to apoptosis.
Vitellogenin offsets oxidative costs of reproduction in female painted dragon lizards
Authors: Lindsay Willow R. , Friesen Christopher R. , Sihlbom Carina , Bergström Jörgen , Berger Evelin , Wilson Mark R. , Olsson Mats
Published: May 2020

Vitellogenesis (“yolking” of follicles) is a bioenergetically costly stage of reproduction requiring enlargement of the liver to produce vitellogenin (VTG) yolk precursor proteins, which are transported and deposited at the ovary. VTG may, however, serve non-nutritive antioxidant functions, a hypothesis supported by empirical work on aging and other life-history transitions in several taxa. We test this hypothesis in female painted dragon lizards (Ctenophorus pictus) by examining covariation in VTG with the ovarian cycle, and relative to reactive oxygen species (ROS) including baseline superoxide (bSO). Plasma VTG decreased prior to ovulation, when VTG is deposited into follicles. VTG, however, remained elevated post-ovulation when no longer necessary for yolk provisioning and was unrelated to reproductive investment. Instead, VTG was strongly and positively predicted by prior bSO. ROS, in turn, was negatively predicted by prior VTG, while simultaneously sampled VTG was a positive predictor. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that VTG functions as an antioxidant to counteract oxidative stress associated with vitellogenesis. The relationship between bSO and VTG was strongest in post-ovulatory females, indicating its function may be largely antioxidant at this time. In conclusion, VTG may be under selection to offset oxidative costs of reproduction in egg-producing species.
Asymmetric Michael Addition of Isobutyraldehyde to Nitroolefins Using an α,α-Diphenyl-(S)-prolinol-Derived Chiral Diamine Catalyst
Authors: Han Wei , Oriyama Takeshi
Published: May 2020

The enantioselective Michael addition of isobutyraldehyde to nitroolefin analogs was achieved by utilizing an α,α-diphenyl-(S)-prolinol-derived chiral diamine catalyst 1b. In this protocol, catalyst and additive loadings were reduced to 5 mol% respectively, due to the presence of the tertiary amine moiety in 1b.
Repeat RNAs associate with replication forks and post-replicative DNA
Authors: Gylling Helene M. , Gonzalez-Aguilera Cristina , Smith Martin A. , Kaczorowski Dominik C. , Groth Anja , Lund Anders H.
Published: May 2020

Noncoding RNA has a proven ability to direct and regulate chromatin modifications by acting as scaffolds between DNA and histone-modifying complexes. However, it is unknown if ncRNA plays any role in DNA replication and epigenome maintenance, including histone eviction and reinstallment of histone modifications after genome duplication. Isolation of nascent chromatin has identified a large number of RNA-binding proteins in addition to unknown components of the replication and epigenetic maintenance machinery. Here, we isolated and characterized long and short RNAs associated with nascent chromatin at active replication forks and track RNA composition during chromatin maturation across the cell cycle. Shortly after fork passage, GA-rich-, alpha- and TElomeric Repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are associated with replicated DNA. These repeat containing RNAs arise from loci undergoing replication, suggesting an interaction in cis. Post-replication during chromatin maturation, and even after mitosis in G1, the repeats remain enriched on DNA. This suggests that specific types of repeat RNAs are transcribed shortly after DNA replication and stably associate with their loci of origin throughout the cell cycle. The presented method and data enable studies of RNA interactions with replication forks and post-replicative chromatin and provide insights into how repeat RNAs and their engagement with chromatin are regulated with respect to DNA replication and across the cell cycle.
COVID-19 Pandemic & Skin Care Guidelines for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Masood Sadia , Tabassum Saadia , Naveed Shaheen , Jalil Palwasha
Published: May 2020

The Novel corona virus is bringing multiple challenges for health care professionals. Skin is the biggest organ and the first line of defense against different infections and external factors. Being the front line warriors, health care professionals are susceptible to various skin conditions due to prolonged use of personal protective equipment. These adverse skin conditions are redness, irritation, itching, contact dermatitis, and aggravation of underlying skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. In the current global situation, the potential incidence of such adverse dermatological effects does not in any manner cause the HCPs to deviate from the strict specific precautionary hygiene rules. These skin problems are manageable with the few precautionary measures. This article explores the different skin conditions that result from personal hygiene measures and usage of protective gear and will suggest some practical advice about how to manage and protect from these different adverse skin conditions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2748

How to cite this:Masood S, Tabassum S, Naveed S, Jalil P. COVID-19 Pandemic & Skin Care Guidelines for Health Care Professionals. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S115-S117. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2748

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Physical activity promotion in the age of climate change
Authors: Abu-Omar Karim , Gelius Peter , Messing Sven
Published: May 2020

The importance of the global climate crisis requires linking physical activity promotion and climate action. This article provides a first overview of interconnections between physical activity promotion and climate action, potential synergies and discrepancies, aiming to stimulate further discussion about this topic. The analysis is based on the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA). The GAPPA covers five perspectives that are of particular relevance with respect to potential links with climate policy: (1) Infrastructures supporting active transport, (2) green spaces and recreational/exercise facilities, (3) exercise programs, (4) mass communication campaigns and mass participation events, and (5) training of professionals. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable alignment between strategies for physical activity promotion and efforts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, in some of the areas, this alignment could still be improved. Additionally, more climate-conscious policies, research and surveillance need to be developed in the field of physical activity promotion.
Reduced dengue incidence following deployments of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: a quasi-experimental trial using controlled interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Indriani Citra , Tantowijoyo Warsito , Rancès Edwige , Andari Bekti , Prabowo Equatori , Yusdi Dedik , Ansari Muhammad Ridwan , Wardana Dwi Satria , Supriyati Endah , Nurhayati Indah , Ernesia Inggrid , Setyawan Sigit , Fitriana Iva , Arguni Eggi , Amelia Yudiria , Ahmad Riris Andono , Jewell Nicholas P. , Dufault Suzanne M. , Ryan Peter A. , Green Benjamin R. , McAdam Thomas F. , O'Neill Scott L. , Tanamas Stephanie K. , Simmons Cameron P. , Anders Katherine L. , Utarini Adi
Published: May 2020

Background: Ae. aegypti mosquitoes stably transfected with the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis (wMel strain) have been deployed for biocontrol of dengue and related arboviral diseases in multiple countries. Field releases in northern Australia have previously demonstrated near elimination of local dengue transmission from Wolbachia-treated communities, and pilot studies in Indonesia have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the method. We conducted a quasi-experimental trial to evaluate the impact of scaled Wolbachia releases on dengue incidence in an endemic setting in Indonesia.

Methods: In Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, following extensive community engagement, wMel Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes were released every two weeks for 13–15 rounds over seven months in 2016–17, in a contiguous 5 km2 area (population 65,000). A 3 km2 area (population 34,000) on the opposite side of the city was selected a priori as an untreated control area. Passive surveillance data on notified hospitalised dengue patients was used to evaluate the epidemiological impact of Wolbachia deployments, using controlled interrupted time-series analysis.

Results: Rapid and sustained introgression of wMel Wolbachia into local Ae. aegypti populations was achieved. Thirty-four dengue cases were notified from the intervention area and 53 from the control area (incidence 26 vs 79 per 100,000 person-years) during 24 months following Wolbachia deployment. This corresponded in the regression model to a 73% reduction in dengue incidence (95% confidence interval 49%,86%) associated with the Wolbachia intervention. Exploratory analysis including 6 months additional post-intervention observations showed a small strengthening of this effect (30 vs 115 per 100,000 person-years; 76% reduction in incidence, 95%CI 60%,86%).

Conclusions: We demonstrate a significant reduction in dengue incidence following successful introgression of Wolbachia into local Ae. aegypti populations in an endemic setting in Indonesia. These findings are consistent with previous field trials in northern Australia, and support the effectiveness of this novel approach for dengue control.
Impact of cigarette tax increase on health and financing outcomes in four Indian states
Authors: Wu Daphne C. , Sheel Vikas , Gupta Pooja , Essue Beverley M. , Luong Linh , Jha Prabhat
Published: May 2020

Background: In India, about one million deaths occur every year due to smoking. Tobacco taxation is the most effective intervention in reducing smoking. In this paper, we examine the impact of a one-time large cigarette price increase, through an increase in excise tax, on health and financing outcomes in four Indian states.

Methods: We used extended cost-effectiveness analysis to estimate, across income quintiles, the life-years gained, treatment cost averted, number of men avoiding catastrophic health expenditures and extreme poverty, additional tax revenue collected, and savings to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) with a cigarette price increase to Indian Rupees (INR) 10 plus 10% ad valorem in four Indian states.

Results: With the price increase, about 1.5 million men would quit smoking across the four states, with the bottom income group having 7.4 times as many quitters as the top income group (485,725 vs 65,762). As a result of quitting, about 665,000 deaths would be averted. This would yield about 11.9 million life-years, with the bottom income group gaining 7.3 times more than the top income group. Of the INR 1,729 crore in treatment cost averted, the bottom income group would avert 7.4 times more than the top income group. About 454,000 men would avoid catastrophic health expenditures and 75,000 men would avoid falling into extreme poverty. The treatment cost and impoverishment averted would save about INR 672 crore in AB-PMJAY. The tax increase would in turn, generate an additional tax revenue of about INR 4,385 crore. In contrast to the distribution of health benefits, the extra revenue generated from the top income group would be about 3.1 times that from the bottom income group.

Conclusions: Cigarette tax increase can provide significant health and economic gains and is a pro-poor policy for India.
One Stage Microsurgical Reconstruction with Chimeric Flap for Salvaging a Complex Hand Injuries
Authors: Suondoh Mohd Shahrul , Sulaiman Wan Azman Wan , Ismail Wan Faisham Wan , Saad Arman Zaharil Mat
Published: May 2020

Hand injuries, involving extensor tendon with carpal bone loss are catastrophic events. Reconstructive surgeons typically face difficulties in minimizing the number of operations, recovery period and restoring its functions with an acceptable aesthetic outcome. However, chimeric flap, which consists of multiple composite flaps from one of the sources of main vascular system is a promising option for reconstruction. This paper presents a case of near-amputated degloving injury over the extensor tendon with carpal bone loss on left hand due to road traffic accidents. The patient had a hand reconstruction with chimeric flap consisted of free fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized osteomyocutaneous iliac bone graft with tensor fascia lata from the lateral circumflex femoral vascular system. As a result, the hand functioned well and appeared aesthetically acceptable. Thus, this surgery is an effective option in recovering and reconstructing a complex and traumatic hand injury that involved multiple composite tissue defects.
FOOD WARMER SYSTEM BASED ON DHT-22
Authors: Putri Asti Riani
Published: May 2020

A warm meal will make those who eat it feel comfortable, especially those who have a history of suffering from gastritis or respiratory problems such as asthma from the incident means that they need a portable food warmer that can warm food wherever and whenever. So the purpose of this research is to create a temperature control and monitoring system automatically using a DHT22 sensor as a temperature gauge and fan, and incandescent lamps as a stabilizer of its temperature. The method used in the temperature regulation system using fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is a method of control system that can provide decisions that resemble humans. By determining the membership and fuzzy logic rules in the microcontroller as the brain, the temperature can be adjusted automatically.The result is making a food warmer that can maintain heat stability from food and can be taken anywhere.
Infection reservoirs and transmission of digital dermatitis in the dairy herd
Authors: Gillespie Amy , Evans Nicholas
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the aetiology of digital dermatitis (DD), summarises key research in the field, and emphasises more recent advances in terms of our understanding of infection reservoirs and transmission of disease. It also identifies areas for future development enabled by technological advances.
Oedema disease: a review of the disease and control and preventative measures
Authors: Gale Christina , Velazquez Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Oedema disease is caused by a toxin produced by Shiga toxin-encoding Escherichia coli. The susceptibility of pigs to oedema disease is often increased shortly after weaning due to stress and an increase of presence of specific receptors, susceptible for F18, needed for the colonisation of the small intestine and also due to change of feed, mainly from sow milk-based carbohydrates (milk sugar) to starch from grains, which are not so easily digested. The correct diagnosis of oedema disease is important in order to determine the control or preventative measures that can be implemented on farm. Vaccination has been shown to be the most successful method for preventing clinical oedema disease and a reduction in mortality. Vaccination can also have a positive effect on the reduction of antibiotic usage and ZnO on a farm, which is extremely important in ensuring livestock industries are meeting reduction targets. By ensuring effective hygiene and biosecurity measures are in place alongside vaccination, the negative impacts of oedema disease on production can be minimised.
Optical uncaging of ADP reveals the early calcium dynamics in single, freely moving platelets
Authors: Spiryova Darya V. , Vorobev Alexei Yu. , Klimontov Vadim V. , Koroleva Elena A. , Moskalensky Alexander E.
Published: May 2020

Platelet activation is considered to be a cornerstone in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The assessment of platelet activation at the single-cell level is a promising approach for the research of platelet function in physiological and pathological conditions. Previous studies used the immobilization of platelets on the surface, which significantly alters the activation signaling. Here we show that the use of photolabile “caged” analog of ADP allows one to track the very early stage of platelet activation in single, freely moving cells. In this approach, the diffusion step and ADP receptor ligation are separated in time, and a millisecond-timescale optical pulse may trigger the activation. The technique allows us to measure the delay (lag time) between the stimulus and calcium response in platelets. We also propose a simple model function for calcium peaks, which is in good agreement with the measured data. The proposed technique and model function can be used for in-depth studies of platelet physiology.
Study of a highly sensitive refractive index sensor designed with a subwavelength grating
Authors: Li Xu-feng , Zhou Xue-ying , Zhao Ya-li , Peng Wei
Published: May 2020

This paper puts forward a subwavelength grating for highly sensitive refractive index (RI) sensing. The light-coupling condition of the grating covered by the liquid to be detected is sensitive to changes in RI of the liquid. The influence of the grating period and thickness on the coupling is studied. At the large angle of incidence, it is found that the effective RI of the grating slab is varied with the incidence angle, from which the coupling originating from the guided-mode resonance (GMR) impacted by such variation is revealed. Incidence angle is scanned at a fixed wavelength of 623.8 nm, and the calculated results indicate that the sensor sensitivity is mainly dependent on the period, while the resolution is controlled by the thickness. After the period and thickness have been optimized in sequence, an averaged sensitivity of 249.7°/RIU and resolution ranging from 0.1° to 0.3° are obtained; those of the grating sensor are better than those of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, which has high sensitivity supported by a substrate with low RI.
Highly sensitive temperature sensor based on cascaded HiBi-FLMs with the Vernier effect
Authors: Ding Zhichao , Tan Zhongwei , Zhang Piaokun , Zhang Liwei
Published: May 2020

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a highly sensitive temperature sensor based on cascaded high birefringence fiber loop mirrors (HiBi-FLMs) with the Vernier effect. The two HiBi-FLMs have almost the same free spectrum range (FSR), which can be regarded as two scales of different periods of an optical Vernier-scale, and act as the fixed part and the sliding part, respectively. A Gauss fitting algorithm is introduced to fit the Vernier spectrum envelope to accurately trace the spectral shift of the envelope. The temperature sensitivity and temperature resolution of the cascaded configuration are much larger than those of the individual HiBi-FLMs due to the Vernier effect. The experimental result shows that the temperature sensitivity of the proposed sensor can be improved from

−

1.723

n
m

/

∘

C

(single HiBi-FLM) to

−

43

n
m

/

∘

C

(cascaded configuration) by employing the Vernier effect, and the temperature resolution is enhanced from

±

0.029

∘

C

to

±

0.001162

∘

C

. The amplification factors for temperature sensitivity and temperature resolution are both 24.96, which shows good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The proposed sensor with huge temperature sensitivity, high resolution, and simple configuration may be a promising candidate for some applications that need precise temperature control.
Optical frequency and phase information-based fusion approach for image rotation symmetry detection
Authors: Huang Ronggang , Liu Yiguang , Zheng Yunan , Ye Mao
Published: May 2020

Detecting an object using rotation symmetry property is widely applicable as most artificial objects have this property. However, current known techniques often fail due to using single symmetry energy. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes a novel method which consists of two steps: 1) Based on an optical image, two independent symmetry energies are extracted from the optical frequency space (RSS – Rotation Symmetry Strength) and phase space (SSD – Symmetry Shape Density). And, an optimized symmetry-energy-based fusion algorithm is creatively applied to these two energies to achieve a more comprehensive reflection of symmetry information. 2) In the fused symmetry energy map, the local region detection algorithm is used to realize the detection of multi-scale symmetry targets. Compared with known methods, the proposed method can get more multiple-scale (skewed, small-scale, and regular) rotation symmetry centers, and can significantly boost the performance of detecting symmetry properties with better accuracy. Experimental results confirm the performance of the proposed method, which is superior to the state-of-the-art methods.
Dispersion tailoring in wedge microcavities for Kerr comb generation
Authors: Fujii L. , Inga M. , Soares J. H. , Espinel Y. A. V. , Mayer Alegre T. P. , Wiederhecker G. S.
Published: May 2020

The shaping of group velocity dispersion in microresonators is an important component in the generation of wideband optical frequency combs. Small resonators—with tight bending radii—offer the large free-spectral range desirable for wide comb formation. However, the tighter bending usually limits comb formation as it enhances normal group velocity dispersion. We experimentally demonstrate that engineering the sidewall angle of a small-radius (

∼

100

µ

m

), 3-µm-thick silica wedge microdisk enables dispersion tuning in both normal and anomalous regimes, without significantly affecting the free spectral range. A microdisk with a wedge angle of 55° (anomalous dispersion) is used to demonstrate a 300 nm bandwidth Kerr optical frequency comb.
Carbon nanotube-synchronized dual-color fiber laser for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Li Yan , Zhao Kangjun , Cao Bo , Xiao Xiaosheng , Yang Changxi
Published: May 2020

In this Letter, we present a passively synchronized dual-color fiber laser at 1.03 and 1.53 µm for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. This fiber laser consists of both Yb- and Er-doped laser cavities, combined by an

∼

1.2

m

common branch with a single-walled carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorber. Stable passively synchronized mode-locked state is obtained within a total cavity length mismatch of 50 µm. We demonstrate the capability of the synchronized dual-color fiber laser for CARS spectroscopy in both low- and high-wavenumber regions, with a resolution of

6.6

c
m

−
1

. Furthermore, a CARS image in the field of view

150

×

60

µ

m

2

of polystyrene at the Raman shift of

3041

c
m

−
1

has also been achieved. The results show the feasibility of our passively synchronized dual-color fiber laser to be employed as a stable and low-cost ultrafast laser source for CARS.
Electro-optic liquid crystal device employing two-dimensional WSe2 as the planar-alignment layers
Authors: Basu Rajratan , Atwood Lukas J.
Published: May 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) tungsten diselenide (WSe2) nanosheets were transferred onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass slides. Two such 2D WSe2-covered ITO glass slides were placed together to fabricate an electro-optic liquid crystal (LC) cell. A nematic LC inside this WSe2-based device obtains uniform planar-alignment. The coherent overlay of the LC molecules along the armchair direction on the WSe2 lattice leads to this planar-alignment at the molecular scale. This WSe2-based LC device exhibits the typical electro-optical effect on the application of an electric field. A sharp Fréedericksz transition of the nematic director from this electro-optical effect confirms that the 2D WSe2 provides sufficient planar anchoring energy in the device. Finally, the WSe2/ITO slide exhibits more optical transparency than a standard polyimide alignment layer/ITO slide.
Sex-dependent Regeneration Patterns in Mouse Submandibular Glands
Authors: Brown Callie T. , Nam Kihoon , Zhang Yue , Qiu Yuqing , Dean Spencer M. , Dos Santos Harim T. , Lei Pedro , Andreadis Stelios T. , Baker Olga J.
Published: May 2020

Our previous studies indicated that YIGSR-A99 peptides chemically conjugated to fibrin hydrogel (FH) and applied to wounded submandibular gland (SMG) in vivo, formed new organized salivary tissue, whereas wounded SMG treated with FH alone or in the absence of a scaffold showed disorganized collagen formation and poor tissue healing. While these studies indicated that damaged SMG grow and differentiate when treated with FH containing L1 peptide, they were performed only in female mice. However, there is a well-established sexual dimorphism present in mouse SMG (e.g., males develop well-differentiated granular convoluted tubules, but these structures are poorly developed in females) and little is known about how these sex differences influence wound healing events. Therefore, the goal of this study was to conduct comparative analyses of regeneration patterns in male and female mice using L1p-FH in a wounded SMG mouse model. Particularly, we focused on sex-dependent wound healing events such as macrophage polarization, vascularization, tissue organization, and collagen deposition, and how these events affect salivary gland functioning:
Induction of High Endothelial Venule–like Vessels in Oral and Cutaneous Lichen Planus: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yoshida Hisato , Imamura Yoshiaki , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Kobayashi Motohiro
Published: May 2020

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease involving the oral mucosa and skin. Both oral LP (OLP) and cutaneous LP (CLP) are histopathologically characterized by dense subepithelial lymphocyte infiltrates; however, the mechanisms underlying lymphocyte recruitment to sites of LP lesions are not fully understood. Here, we assessed the induction of peripheral lymph node addressin (PNAd)-expressing high endothelial venule (HEV)-like vessels in 19 OLP and 17 CLP cases. To do so, we performed immunohistochemical staining for PNAd and CD34, followed by quantitative analysis. We also conducted triple immunohistochemistry for PNAd and either CD3 and CD20 or CD4 and CD8 to identify the lymphocyte subset preferentially recruited via HEV-like vessels. PNAd-expressing HEV-like vessels were induced in and around lymphocyte aggregates in all cases of OLP and in 10 of 17 CLP cases, and these vessels were more frequently observed in OLP relative to CLP. Although the number of T-cells attached per HEV-like vessel exceeded the number of B-cells in both OLP and CLP, the number of CD4+ T-cells attached was greater than the number of CD8+ T-cells only in OLP. These findings combined suggest that PNAd-expressing HEV-like vessels play a more important role in the pathogenesis of OLP compared with CLP.
Profile of follicle-stimulating hormone and polymorphism of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in Madrasin cattle with ovarian hypofunction
Authors: Utomo Budi , Putranto Emmanuel Djoko , Fadholly Amaq
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim: The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) gene is an essential regulator of fertility in livestock. This study aims to provide information on the genetic makeup of Madrasin cattle experiencing hypofunction by the FSH profile and FSH receptors (FSHR) polymorphism.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the Bangkalan regency in Indonesia. DNA was isolated and purified following the extraction protocol of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results: Our results showed that the FSH gene had a band length of 310 bp and produce two alleles (A and B) with restriction enzymes at 250 bp, 230 bp, and 145 bp. Furthermore, the FSHR gene had a band length of 303 bp and produced two homozygous genotypes: GG at bp 239 and CC at bp 188.

Conclusion: Based on these differences, there was no change in allele frequency and genotype between Madura and Madrasin cattle due to crossbreeding with Limousin cattle. Thus, further detailed investigations of Madrasin cattle are required to elucidate the profile of the LH and LHR genes.
Literarisches Sprachspiel
Authors: Uhrmacher Anne
Published: May 2020

Anne Uhrmacher betrachtet in ihrem Beitrag das Spiel mit Sprache in literarischen Beispielen: berühmte Autoren wie Christian Morgenstern und Ernst Jandl, dadaistische Künstler, Texte der konkreten Poesie - aber auch anonymen Kindermund und massenhaft rezipierten Gangsta-Rap. Sie beschreibt künstlerische Kontexte und Ursprünge, etwa in kindlichen und magischen Spielen. Wie gehen Sprachspiele mit Regeln um? Haben jene einen Sinn oder eine Funktion? Unterschätzt werden oft die didaktischen Potentiale von sprachreflexiver Literatur: Nie lernt man mehr über Sprache, als wenn man mit ihr spielt.
Adiposidad visceral y resistencia insulínica: rol de la AMPK
Authors: Vega Joubert Michelle , Oliva María Eugenia , Ferreira Maria del Rosario , D'Alessandro Maria Eugenia
Published: May 2020

Introducción: la disfunción del tejido adiposo constituye un punto central en el desarrollo de la resistencia insulínica y otras alteraciones asociadas al Síndrome Metabólico. La proteína quinasa activada por AMP (AMPK) es considerada un sensor metabólico celular, con un importante rol en la regulación de la actividad metabólica del tejido adiposo blanco.
Objetivos: evaluar los efectos de la administración crónica de una dieta rica en sacarosa sobre algunos mecanismos involucrados en la disfunción del tejido adiposo y su relación con la resistencia insulínica.
Materiales y métodos: ratas macho Wistar recibieron una dieta de referencia (DR) o una dieta rica en sacarosa (DRS) durante seis meses. Al final del período experimental se analizaron parámetros antropométricos e índice de adiposidad visceral. En tejido adiposo epididimal se midió: contenido de triglicéridos, actividad enzimática carnitina palmitoil transferasa (CPT1, CPT2 y CPTtotal), ácidos grasos no esterificados, glucosa, insulina y TNFα. La sensibilidad insulínica se midió por la técnica clamp euglucémica-hiperinsulinémica.
Resultados: los animales dislipémicos insulinoresistentes alimentados con DRS presentaron un aumento significativo en los parámetros antropométricos peso corporal, circunferencias toráxica y abdominal e indíce de masa corporal y de adiposidad visceral. En el tejido adiposo epididimal, se observó un aumento en el contenido de triglicéridos, sin modificaciones en el transporte de ácidos grasos hacia la mitocondria (estimado por la medida de la actividad CPT). Además, se observó una disminución en la masa proteica de la AMPK fosforilada que se correlacionó con altos niveles séricos de TNFα.
Conclusiones: los hallazgos aportan nuevos mecanismos que involucran a la AMPK en la disfunción del tejido adiposo visceral en ratas dislipémicas insulinorresistentes.
Determinación de concordancia entre resultados medidos en el equipo de gasometría COBASR b221, respecto de los obtenidos en el autoanalizador COBASR c111, para glucosa y lactato.
Authors: Abrego Maria Fernanda
Published: May 2020

Por su naturaleza, el laboratorio de urgencias ha de responder a la demanda de resultados en plazos muy cortos de tiempo.Hay ocasiones en que el o los analizadores de química se averían simultáneamente, y en ese momento un equipo de gases puede ser vital para suplir al analizador convencional. No obstante, para que el resultado sea fiable, el método o analizador debe ser validado. En nuestro servicio las determinaciones más solicitadas en el paciente crítico son, glucemia y lactato, es por esto que nuestro trabajo tiene como propósito validar como analizador de glucosa y lactato al equipo de gases COBASR b221. Se procesaron 210 muestras de sangre con el objetivo de estudiar la concordancia de resultados de estos analitos, en sangre total y en plasma. Para evaluar la concordancia entre las metodologías de análisis para los analitos considerados, se realizaron pruebas a través de comparación de medias apareadas. Se determinó el coeficiente de concordancia de Lin y su intervalo de confianza, además se construyó el gráfico de Bland-Altman. En el caso de la determinación de lactato, para determinar la importancia clínica de la diferencia entre los resultados obtenidos en ambos equipos, se calculó el porcentaje de concordancia entre ambos métodos utilizados, en base a tres rangos de concentración de lactato, clínicamente relevantes.El COBASR b221 tiende a sobreestimar ambos parámetros, esto nos lleva a concluir que los diferentes resultados aportados por este equipo tienen relevancia clínica y hay que ser cautos a la hora de valorar tanto glucosa como lactato.
THE ROLE OF SELF-CONCEPT AND HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES
Authors: Octari Tiara Ersha , Suryadi Bambang , Sawitri Dian R.
Published: May 2020

Quality of life is an elemental factor for individuals with diabetes to improve health and reduce the risk of complications. Diabetics need to maintain their behavior to control blood sugar. With a locus of control and good self-concept, they will be able to improve their quality of life. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of self-concept and health locus of control on the quality of life among individuals with diabetes. This study used a quantitative approach involving 157 diabetics Jabodetabek. Nonprobability sampling technique, precisely the purposive sampling technique, was used to select the study sample. In collecting the data, three instruments were administered which consisted of a World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument with 26 items (α = .92), Revised Generalized Health-Related Self Concept Scale (RGHRSCS) with 25 items (α = .76), and Diabetes Locus of Control Scale (DLOCS) with 18 items (mean α = .71). The multiple regression analysis applied to answer the research questions. The findings of this study indicate that there was a significant effect of self-concept and locus of health control on the quality of life of people with diabetes. Based on the minor hypothesis test, there were five significant variables, namely disposition of health protector (b=.433, p<.001), motivation to maintain health (b=.176, p=.007), extrinsic motivation avoidance (b=-.141, p=.033), internality (b=.289, p<.001), and other strong externalities (b=.105, p=.017), whereas the other three variables are not significant, specifically vulnerability, health-risky habits, and chance externality.
Glycan-specific antibodies as potential cancer biomarkers: a focus on microarray applications
Authors: Tikhonov Aleksei , Smoldovskaya Olga , Feyzkhanova Guzel , Kushlinskii Nikolay , Rubina Alla
Published: May 2020

Glycosylation is one of the most common posttranslational modifications of proteins and lipids. In the case of tumors, cell transformation accompanied by aberrant glycosylation results in the expression of tumor-associated glycans that promote tumor invasion. As part of the innate immunity, anti-glycan antibodies recognize tumor-associated glycans, and these antibodies can be present in the bloodstream in the early stages of cancer. Recently, anti-glycan antibody profiles have been of interest in various cancer studies. Novel advantages in the field of analytical techniques have simplified the analysis of anti-glycan antibodies and made it easier to have more comprehensive knowledge about their functions. One of the robust approaches for studying anti-glycan antibodies engages in microarray technology. The analysis of glycan microarrays can provide more expanded information to simultaneously specify or suggest the role of antibodies to a wide variety of glycans in the progression of different diseases, therefore making it possible to identify new biomarkers for diagnosing cancer and/or the state of the disease. Thus, in this review, we discuss antibodies to various glycans, their application for diagnosing cancer and one of the most promising tools for the investigation of these molecules, microarrays.