bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of adverse weather conditions and pointing error on the performance of 2-D WH/TS OCDMA over FSO link
Authors: Mitra Bithi , Islam Md. Jahedul
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the performance of two-dimensional (2-D) wavelength-hopping/time-spreading (WH/TS) optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) system over free space optical (FSO) channel is analyzed in the presence of pointing error and different weather conditions. Prime code scheme is employed for both wavelength-hopping and time-spreading to address user code-matrix. The operating central wavelength of 1550 nm is considered to demonstrate the bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed system as a function of various system parameters. The required optical power of the proposed system is determined to maintain a BER value of 10−9. The numerical evaluation interprets that the BER performance is highly dependent on transmission length, transmitted power, pointing error angle as well as the number of simultaneous user. It is also observed that the 2-D OCDMA system over free space needs minimum required optical power in case of rainy atmospheric condition, but it is maximum for foggy atmospheric condition.
Subcarrier multiplexed radio over fiber system with optical single sideband modulation
Authors: R Pradeep , N Vijayakumar
Published: November 2020

A subcarrier multiplexed radio over fiber (RoF) system using optical single sideband (OSSB) modulation is proposed. OSSB modulation reduces the bandwidth requirements and also combats the radio frequency (RF) power fading issue due to the dispersive effects in optical fiber. Subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) is a technique used to transmit multiple RF signals through the same optical fiber to utilize its large bandwidth. A theoretical analysis showed that OSSB generation with a number of subcarriers can be done by Hilbert transform method employing a single dual drive Mach–Zehnder Modulator (MZM). This technique is very relevant in the emerging 5G standards which require accesses of multiple standards simultaneously (5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi). This paper demonstrates a low cost solution of OSSB-RoF system and more effective utilization of the spectrum. Simulations results showing satisfactory reception of signals up to 50 km.
Performance enhancement of Raman + EYDFA HOA for UD-WDM system applications
Authors: Lubana Anurupa , Kaur Sanmukh , Malhotra Yugnanda
Published: November 2020

In this work, we study and analyze the performance of Raman + Erbium-Ytterbium codoped fiber hybrid optical amplifier (HOA) for an ultradense wavelength division multiplexing (UD-WDM) system having 100 channels. The system has been investigated considering initial values of channel spacing and data rate of 0.1 nm (12.5 GHz) and 100 GB/s, respectively. Initially, the two important WDM system parameters—wavelength and channel spacing—have been selected and then optimization of the proposed HOA has been performed in terms of EYDFA length, pump power and Er+ concentration to achieve higher values of average gain, Q-factor and lower gain variation ratio. The optimized configuration of the HOA results in the achievement of higher value of average gain, Q-factor and gain variation ratio of 47 dB, 14 and 0.14, respectively, which confirms its viability for UD-WDM system applications.
Fitting a triaxial ellipsoid to a geoid model
Authors: Panou G. , Korakitis R. , Pantazis G.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is the determination of the parameters of Earth’s triaxiality through a geometric fitting of a triaxial ellipsoid to a set of given points in space, as they are derived from a geoid model. Starting from a Cartesian equation of an ellipsoid in an arbitrary reference system, we develop a transformation of its coefficients into the coordinates of the ellipsoid center, of the three rotation angles and the three ellipsoid semi-axes. Furthermore, we present different mathematical models for some special and degenerate cases of the triaxial ellipsoid. We also present the required mathematical background of the theory of least-squares, under the condition of minimization of the sum of squares of geoid heights. Also, we describe a method for the determination of the foot points of the set of given space points. Then, we prepare suitable data sets and we derive results for various geoid models, which were proposed in the last fifty years. Among the results, we report the semi-axes of the triaxial ellipsoid of geometric fitting with four unknowns to be 6378171.92 m, 6378102.06 m and 6356752.17 m and the equatorial longitude of the major semi-axis –14.9367 degrees. Also, the parameters of Earth’s triaxiality are directly estimated from the spherical harmonic coefficients of degree and order two. Finally, the results indicate that the geoid heights with reference to the triaxial ellipsoid are smaller than those with reference to the oblate spheroid and the improvement in the corresponding rms value is about 20 per cent.
Conflation of satellite altimetry and tide gauge records at coast
Authors: Iz H. Bâki , Shum C. K. , Yang T. Y.
Published: November 2020

This study demonstrates that absolute (geocentric) and relative sea level trends, sea level acceleration, low frequency sea level variations and linear trends in vertical crustal movements experienced at a tide gauge station can be estimated simultaneously using conflated satellite altimetry and tide gauge measurements without the aid of GPS measurements. The formulation is the first of its kind in sea level studies and its effectiveness is exemplified using tide gauge, and satellite altimetry measurements carried out in the vicinity of a tide gauge station.
Antenatal corticosteroids and short-term neonatal outcomes in term and near-term infants of diabetic mothers. Analysis of the Qatar PEARL-peristat registry
Authors: Ali Haytham , Salama Husam , Robertson Nicola , Olukade Tawa , AL-Obaidly Sawsan , Al-Qubaisi Mai , Al Rifai Hilal
Published: November 2020

Objectives

A recent discussion surrounding the extension of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) use beyond 34 weeks of gestation did not include the subgroup of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). We aimed to examine the association between ACS exposure and outcomes in neonates born at term and at near-term gestation in a large cohort of IDMs.

Methods

We selected 13976 eligible near-term and term infants who were included in the PEARL-Peristat Perinatal Registry Study (PPS). We assessed the association of ACS exposure with neonatal outcomes in a multivariate regression model that controlled for diabetes mellitus (DM) and other perinatal variables.

Results

The incidence of DM was 28% (3,895 of 13,976) in the cohort. Caesarean section was performed in one-third of the study population. The incidence of ACS exposure was low (1.8%) and typically occurred>2 weeks before delivery. The incidence rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)/ transient tachypnoea of newborns (TTN), all-cause neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NICU admissions for hypoglycaemia, and low 5-min Apgar scores were 3.5, 8.8, 1.3, and 0.1%, respectively. In a multivariate regression model, ACS was associated with a slight increase in NICU admissions (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04–2.03; p=0.028), but not with RDS/TTN.

Conclusions

Although the low exposure rate was a limitation, ACS administration did not reduce respiratory morbidity in near-term or term IDMs. It was independently associated with an increase in NICU admissions. Randomized controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy and safety of ACS administration in diabetic mothers at late gestation.
Psychosocial benefit and adherence of adolescents with chronic diseases participating in transition programs: a systematic review
Authors: Ravens Esther , Becker Johanna , Pape Lars , Ernst Gundula
Published: November 2020

Chronically ill young people must transition to the adult health care service after their 18th birthday. The transition from child centred paediatric care to the adult health care service is not simply limited to the change from familiar structures to something unknown, but includes the entire process of growing up, of individuals becoming independent from their parents and taking responsibility for their own disease management. Young people are at particular risk of losing the connection to medical care during this phase and the transition of young people with chronic conditions is associated with a high risk of declining adherence and worsening health status. Studies suggest that transition programs might be helpful, yet there is no evidence as to whether risks can be reduced or which intervention components are particularly conducive to better outcome. This study aimed to identify transition-specific interventions and evaluate their effect on the improvement of psychosocial parameters, such as health related quality of life and adherence of patients. A systematic literature review was conducted. Electronic databases (Cochrane, Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science) were searched by two independent reviewers for intervention studies aiming to improve transition. Grey literature was also searched. Studies were included if they evaluated transition-specific interventions aiming to improve psychosocial or adherence parameters of participants aged 12 years and older suffering from a chronic condition. Both controlled trials and studies with measurements before an after the intervention were included. The GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. The inclusion criteria was met by forty studies. Patients suffered from different chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Transition interventions used several program components, such as transition coordinators, patient education programs or web-based interventions. Outcomes included quality of life, transition-specific knowledge, adherence and loss to follow up. Thirty-eight studies showed beneficial effects in the intervention group, respectively after intervention. The overall study quality was low. A large number of studies evaluating transition-specific interventions was included. Transition-specific interventions seem to have beneficial effects on psychosocial outcomes and adherence. The promotion of health literacy, appointment arrangement service and the use of technical elements (websites, SMS) seem to be particularly helpful in the transition process. As the patient population was diverse, the results can be transferred to other diseases. Even though the overall study quality was poor, it is possible to draw some conclusions. Future studies should aim to include large numbers of patients over extended periods of time in order to assess long-term outcomes.
Revisiting the sub- and super-solution method for the classical radial solutions of the mean curvature equation
Authors: Obersnel Franco , Omari Pierpaolo
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the existence and the multiplicity of classical radially symmetric solutions of the mean curvature problem:−div∇v1+|∇v|2=f(x,v,∇v)inΩ,a0v+a1∂v∂ν=0on∂Ω,\left\{\begin{array}{ll}-\text{div}\left(\frac{\nabla v}{\sqrt{1+|\nabla v{|}^{2}}}\right)=f(x,v,\nabla v)& \text{in}\hspace{.5em}\text{Ω},\\ {a}_{0}v+{a}_{1}\tfrac{\partial v}{\partial \nu }=0& \text{on}\hspace{.5em}\partial \text{Ω},\end{array}\right.withΩ\text{Ω}an open ball inℝN{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}, in the presence of one or more couples of sub- and super-solutions, satisfying or not satisfying the standard ordering condition. The novel assumptions introduced on the functionfallow us to complement or improve several results in the literature.
Drift velocity in GaN semiconductors: Monte Carlo simulation and comparison with experimental measurements
Authors: Kablukova Evgenia , Sabelfeld Karl , Protasov Dmitrii Y. , Zhuravlev Konstantin S.
Published: November 2020

Monte Carlo algorithms are developed to simulate the electron transport in semiconductors.
In particular, the drift velocity in GaN semiconductors is calculated, and a comparison with experimental measurements is discussed.
Explicit expressions for the scattering probabilities and distributions of the scattering angle of electrons on polar optical and intervalley phonons, and acoustic deformation potential as well are given.
A good agreement of the simulation results and the experimental measurements reveals that the M-L valley is located at 0.7 eV higher than the Γ-valley.
This value agrees with other experimental studies, while it is lower compared to ab initio calculations.
A case of SLE with COVID-19 and multiple infections
Authors: Ning Ruoqi , Meng Silu , Tang Fangxu , Yu Chong , Xu Dong , Luo Xiaofang , Sun Haiying
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, which is induced by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are susceptible to infections due to the chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs and the autoimmune disorders. Now we report a case of SLE infected with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae concurrently. The patient used hydroxychloroquine and prednisone chronically to control the SLE. After infection of SARS-CoV-2, she was given higher dose of prednisone than before and the same dosage of hydroxychloroquine. Besides, some empirical treatments such as antiviral, antibiotic and immunity regulating therapies were also given. The patient finally recovered from COVID-19. This case indicated that hydroxychloroquine may not be able to fully protect SLE patient form SARS-CoV-2. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapies and increased dose of corticosteroids might be adoptable for patient with both COVID-19 and SLE. Physicians should consider SARS-CoV-2 virus test when SLE patient presented with suspected infection or SLE flare under the epidemic of COVID-19.
Persistence and opportunity: Leveraging Living Learning Communities to ensure equitable access for all students
Authors: Banks Tachelle , Dohy Jennifer , Petty Nicholas , Moore Jason , Fish Cullin , Mukenge Meghan , Hawkins Jasmine , Grill Leah
Published: November 2020

The present literature review explores research on characteristics of effective Living Learning Communities as a means to inform the continued development of a new LLC at Cleveland State University, a large urban, Predominately White University (PWU). Research on retention and persistence is explored with respect to students’ strengths and developmental prerequisites, rather than having a hyper-focus on deficits in effort to inform the continued development of an LLC at Cleveland State University. The objective is to create an LLC that showcases a balanced approach, where students’ needs are addressed while helping them realize and harness their individual strengths for success in college and beyond. Research regarding the perspectives of students who attended LLCs at PWUs as well as short and long-term outcomes for students in terms of persistence, retention, GPA, and future projections, in order to develop a successful LLC, is reviewed.
Large-scale monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) for mid-infrared photonics
Authors: Pan Han , Chu Hongwei , Pan Zhongben , Zhao Shengzhi , Yang Ming , Chai Jianwei , Wang Shijie , Chi Dongzhi , Li Dechun
Published: November 2020

Mid-infrared (MIR) photonics has attracted tremendous interest because of its broad applications at atmospheric windows. In this work, we report high-performance MIR photonics based on large-scale and good-quality monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The open-aperture Z-scan measurement on the nonlinear saturable absorption features shows that the as-grown monolayer MoS2 possesses a modulation depth of 26% and a low saturable intensity of 271 kW/cm2, enabling its application as an excellent saturable absorber for the MIR pulse generation. This is further evident by the measured high effective nonlinear absorption coefficient β
eff (−16 cm/MW). In addition, the two-photon absorption coefficient and the nonlinear refractive index of monolayer MoS2 are also determined by the closed-aperture Z-scan technology. As an application, we demonstrate a passively Q-switched Tm,Ho:CaLu0.1Gd0.9AlO4 (Tm,Ho:CLGA) disordered crystal laser at 2.1 μm by using the monolayer MoS2 as the saturable absorber for the first time, producing a minimum pulse width of 765 ns and a pulse repetition rate of 36 kHz. Our results demonstrate that large-scale monolayer MoS2 is a promising candidate for the MIR photonic applications.
Wide-gap photoluminescence control of quantum dots through atomic interdiffusion and bandgap renormalization
Authors: Park Kyoung-Duck , Man Minh Tan , Cho Deok-Yong , Lee Hong Seok
Published: November 2020

Bandgap and photoluminescence (PL) energy control of epitaxially grown II–VI quantum dots (QDs) are highly desirable for applications in optoelectronic devices, yet little work has been reported. Here, we present a wide tunability of PL emission for CdTe/ZnTe QDs through an impurity-free vacancy disordering method. To induce compressive stress at the dielectric layer/ZnTe interface, a SiO2 film is deposited onto the samples, followed by rapid thermal annealing to induce atomic interdiffusion. After the heat treatment, the PL spectra of the intermixed QDs show pronounced blueshifts in peak energy as large as ∼200 meV because of the reduced bandgap renormalization and decreased quantum confinement effects in addition to the dominant atomic interdiffusion effect. In addition, we present a thorough investigation on the modified physical properties of the intermixed QDs, including their lattice structure, thermal escape energy, and carrier dynamics, through quantitative X-ray and optical characterizations.
High-Q nanophotonics: sculpting wavefronts with slow light
Authors: Barton David , Hu Jack , Dixon Jefferson , Klopfer Elissa , Dagli Sahil , Lawrence Mark , Dionne Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Densely interconnected, nonlinear, and reconfigurable optical networks represent a route to high-performance optical computing, communications, and sensing technologies. Dielectric nanoantennas are promising building blocks for such architectures since they can precisely control optical diffraction. However, they are traditionally limited in their nonlinear and reconfigurable responses owing to their relatively low-quality factor (Q-factor). Here, we highlight new and emerging design strategies to increase the Q-factor while maintaining control of optical diffraction, enabling unprecedented spatial and temporal control of light. We describe how multipolar modes and bound states in the continuum increase Q and show how these high-Q nanoantennas can be cascaded to create almost limitless resonant optical transfer functions. With high-Q nanoantennas, new paradigms in reconfigurable wavefront-shaping, low-noise, multiplexed biosensors and quantum transduction are possible.
Fish and Chaps: Some Ethnoarchaeological Thoughts on Fish Skin Use in European Prehistory
Authors: Vávra Roman
Published: November 2020

The following study summarizes the available ethnographical, historical, and archaeological data about the use of fish skin as a material. Fish skin and the methods of its processing are described. The fish skin utilisation accounts from around the world are collected in an organized matter. Afterwards the various factors affecting the use of this material are discussed and some concluding remarks about the further research possibilities are proposed. The use of fish skin does not appear to be based purely on climate, subsistence strategies, or the availability of fish, but also on cultural norms and traditions. Careful hypotheses can be made by using relational analogies, but ultimately a re-examination of museum collections or new archaeological discoveries are fundamental in furthering this field of research.
Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)
Authors: Takeuchi Takae , McQuillan A. James , Shard Alexander , Russell Andrea E. , Hibbert D. Brynn
Published: November 2020

This glossary provides a formal vocabulary of terms for concepts in surface analysis and gives clear definitions to those who utilize surface chemical analysis or need to interpret surface chemical analysis results but are not themselves surface chemists or surface spectroscopists.
Architecture choices for high-temperature synchronous machines
Authors: Juszczak Ewa Napieralska , Roger Daniel , Komeza Krzysztof , Lefik Marcin , Napieralski Piotr
Published: November 2020

The article proposes an analysis of the possible architectures of synchronous machines with an ability to operate at high temperatures of over 200°C in their environment. Two machine principles have been considered: the permanent magnet synchronous machine and the synchronous reluctance machine. The numerical analyses are carried out with 3D-coupled electromagnetic-fluid-thermal models; the electromagnetic one provides the local losses that give the input data to the coupled thermal-fluid analysis model for computing the temperatures inside the machines. The simulation results are used for estimating the temperature limit of each machine architecture, considering the characteristics of their critical parts.
A review of the outcomes of rigid medical thoracoscopy in a large UK district general hospital
Authors: Aujayeb Avinash , Jackson Karl
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Local anesthetic medical thoracoscopy (LAT) is a well-established diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative intervention in undiagnosed pleural effusions with a high diagnostic sensitivity and low complication rates. There is a large variability in practice. We describe a nine-year experience in a large district general hospital in England.

Methods

Two hundred seventy-five patients had LAT between January 2010 and December 2018. Data on outcomes and complications were obtained from the patients’ notes, electronic records, laboratory, and radiographic findings.

Results

The main diagnoses were malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) (n=110, 40%), chronic inflammation/fibrinous pleuritis (77, 28%), lung cancer (26, 9.5%), and breast cancer (16, 6%). LAT failed to diagnose cancer in 7/275 patients (false-negative rate 2.5%, diagnostic sensitivity 97.5%). Out of the 105 patients with chronic inflammation/fibrinous pleuritis or atypical proliferative processes, 21 (20%) were subsequently diagnosed with malignancy. Talcum pleurodesis was performed in 146 patients, and was successful in 86%. Seventy eight (28%) patients had trapped lung; 27 of those had a repeat procedure. The median length of stay was 3.96 days. There was one hospital death (0.3% mortality). Complications of LAT included pleural (3, 1%) and wound infections (4, 1.4%), persistent air leaks (9, 3.2%), subcutaneous emphysema (10, 3.6%), and tumor extension to the access port (1, 0.3%).

Conclusions

In this cohort, LAT was safe, effective, and enabled high diagnostic sensitivity. Further areas of study include optimal sedation and anesthetic pathways and combining LAT with indwelling pleural catheters (IPC).
‘Politeness Markers’ Revisited - A Contrastive Pragmatic Perspective
Authors: Kádár Dániel Z. , House Juliane
Published: November 2020

This paper revisits the concept of ‘politeness marker’, by proposing the bottom-up and corpus-based model of ‘ritual frame indicating expressions’ (RFIEs). Our central argument is that, in certain linguacultures, the relationship between ‘politeness markers’ and politeness itself is significantly stronger than in others. Therefore, any theory which argues that there is a definite relationship between form and politeness - or totally rejects this relationship - is potentially problematic if it does not take a contrastive pragmatic perspective, simply because this relationship is subject to significant linguacultural variation. The contrastive pragmatic study of RFIEs also helps us to determine the relationship between forms and speech acts and, indirectly, politeness. As a case study, we examine in this paper one-word and more complex expressions which are commonly associated with the speech acts of request and apology, drawn from the typologically distant Chinese and English linguacultures.
VEGF levels in patients with glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Seyedmirzaei Homa , Shobeiri Parnian , Turgut Mehmet , Hanaei Sara , Rezaei Nima
Published: November 2020

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a crucial role in the angiogenesis of various tumors, including glioma. As the levels of VEGF would change in patients with glioma, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis to more clearly determine the VEGF level alterations in different grades of glioma. PubMed and Scopus databases were sensitively searched for all the possible keywords addressing glioma and VEGF. Case–control and cohort studies on human subjects, which measured VEGF levels were eligible to be included in the study. Out of a total number of 3,612 studies, 22 studies were included and 12 studies entered the meta-analysis. This review revealed that serum levels of VEGF in glioma patients were 1.56 pg/dL higher compared to healthy controls (P = 0.05). Besides, immunohistochemistry (IHC) measurement of VEGF in surgical biopsies indicated significant difference in these two groups as well (P = 0.02). Yet, there was not a significant difference between patients with low-grade gliomas (World Health Organization (WHO) grades I-II, LGG) and those with high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III-IV, HGG) (P = 0.43). The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that VEGF levels would significantly increase in glioma, and therefore, could be potentially considered as a biomarker for this cancer.
The three approaches to the semiotics of power
Authors: Sannikov Sergey V.
Published: November 2020

The article focuses the possibility of elaboration of a cross-disciplinary methodological approach to formation of the semiotics of power. Four possible forms of relation of semiotic research to the problem of power are revealed upon the basis of Drechsler’s typology. The approaches of Mandoki and Siefkes to formation of the methodological basis of the semiotics of power are analyzed and compared. The author designates the perspective directions of a further research and formulates methodological prerequisites for realization of the specified directions.
“In my head, I have a cleaning lady:” Symbol form and symbolic intention in the everyday use of money
Authors: McNabb Marie , Chan-Brown Karl , Keller Julia
Published: November 2020

Money is a symbol. Beginning with this simple notion, we have completed a qualitative study of how money exists in people’s everyday lives and how it is used symbolically. A review of the financial, economic, psychological, and semiotic literature shows that even though money is written and talked about exhaustively, little symbol theory appears in economic writing, and we rarely found money mentioned in semiotic texts. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to identify critical thematic elements and underlying structures of participants’ experience. We also incorporated an accepted symbol-structure template in our analysis of the functions, emotions, actions, and reactions in the transactions our participants described. Participants refer to money both as wealth in the abstract and as concrete amounts about to be used. Our analysis of money in the abstract describes a structure of experience involving belonging, privacy and secrecy, unequal distribution, quantitative uncertainty, reflections of life history, and values. Our analysis of money in the concrete reveals a symbolic intention and a variety of “Others” engaged in the symbolic action.
A retrospective observational study comparing somatosensory amplification in fibromyalgia, chronic pain, psychiatric disorders and healthy subjects
Authors: Ciaramella Antonella , Silvestri Simona , Pozzolini Valentino , Federici Martina , Carli Giancarlo
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Somatosensory amplification (SA) has been described as an important feature of somatoform disorders, and an “amplifying somatic style” has been reported as a negative connotation of body perception. As widespread pain (WSP) in fibromyalgia (FM) is due to a central sensitization (CS) rather than organic alterations, there has been discussion as to whether FM is equivalent to or distinct from somatization disorder (SD). Assuming SD and FM are two distinct entities, an increase in somatic amplification should be expected only in subjects who have SD, regardless of the type of pain they experience. Purpose of the study was to explore the magnitude of SA in FM, and whether this depends on the association with SD.

Methods

FM (n=159) other forms of chronic pain (OCP, n=582), psychiatric (Psy, n=53) and healthy (H, n=55) subjects were investigated using the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Illness Behavior Questionnaire, (IBQ), Italian Pain Questionnaire (IPQ), and Cold Pressor Test (CPT) in a retrospective observational study.

Results

FM subjects displayed higher SSAS scores than the other groups. High SSAS score was associated with FM (OR=8.39; 95%CI: 5.43–12.46) but not OCP. Although FM has the highest prevalence of SD (x2=14.07; p=.007), high SSAS scores were associated with SD in OCP but not in FM.

Conclusions

Unlike in OCP, in FM high SSAS scores were independent of the presence of SD. From a biopsychosocial perspective, SSAS may be a factor associated with the onset of FM.
Testing constant cross-sectional dependence with time-varying marginal distributions in parametric models
Authors: Kaldorf Matthias , Wied Dominik
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes parametric two-step procedures for assessing the stability of cross-sectional dependency measures in the presence of potential breaks in the marginal distributions. The procedures are based on formerly proposed sup-LR tests in which restricted and unrestricted likelihood functions are compared with each other. First, we show theoretically that standard asymptotics do not hold in this situation. We propose a suitable bootstrap scheme and derive test statistics in different commonly used settings. The properties of the test statistics and precision of the associated change-point estimator are analysed and compared with existing non-parametric methods in various Monte Carlo simulations. These studies reveal advantages in test power for higher-dimensional data and an almost uniform superiority of the sup-LR test in terms of precision of the change-point estimator. We then apply this method to equity returns of European banks during the financial crisis of 2008.
An overlooked situation in the interpretation of serum thyroglobulin level in a papillary thyroid cancer patient
Authors: Sirin Fevziye Burcu , Korkmaz Hakan
Published: November 2020

In the present study we report a case of thyroglobulin (TGB) measurement interference in a total thyroidectomized and radio-ablated 61-year old woman with papillary thyroid cancer. We investigated possible interference in the measurement of TGB due to discordant TGB in relation to clinical condition during the follow-up period. Serum TGB was measured with the chemiluminescence method using Beckman Coulter Unicel DxI 800 instrument. To investigate possible interference in TGB measurement serial dilutions, polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG), treatment with heterophile blocking tube (HBT), rheumatoid factor level determination and retesting of TGB with an alternative method were performed. Serial dilutions of the serum sample revealed linearity but a remarkable decrease in TGB in the patient’s serum samples post PEG and post HBT treatments. Also, TGB results under functional sensitivity level obtained with a different method suggested that TGB interference developed due to heterophile antibody presence in the serum sample. The patient had unnecessarily undergone expensive imaging techniques, and invasive procedures such as lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsy, before the analytical interference was suspected by the clinician. This report illustrates the importance of early communication and close collaboration between clinicians and laboratorians in order to avoid unnecessary clinical intervention.
Value of blood IFN-I levels in COVID-19 management
Authors: Arslan Burak , Dinçel Aylin Sepici
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is a respiratory system disease has created inevitable pandemic. In the course of disease; the uncontrolled inflammatory response may cause tissue damage. 80–90% of patients undergo mild-to-moderate disease symptoms, the rest of the patients proceeds to critical or severe disease. Type I Interferons (IFN–I) are crucial immune mediators in order to host responses to viral infection likewise those are major components of the innate immune system moreover serve as critical antiviral molecules. IFN-I are within the first cytokines secreted during a viral infection. Until now, IFN-I response has been evaluated in patients with COVID-19 in a few publications and its contribution to the viral load control and inflammation is very little known. In those studies, the researchers have found that IFN-I deficiency which characterized by no IFN- β and low IFN- α production and activity is a hallmark of severe and critical COVID-19. Until recently, measurement of circulating serum levels of IFN-α have been limited owing to the limits of conventional immunoassay technology. Limit of detection problems of immunoassays has started to figure out thanks to SIMOA. On the top of that, generally the platforms that use SIMOA technology is 10–100 fold more sensitive than most conventional immunoassays. We should strive to do research that includes IFN-I with using platforms that include SIMOA technology, especially in severe COVID-19.
Isovitexin modulates autophagy in Alzheimer’s disease via miR-107 signalling
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Wang Guowei , Zhang Na , Li Fang , Shi Lina , Li Haining
Published: November 2020

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an ultimately fatal, degenerative brain disease in the elderly people. In the current work, we assessed the defensive capability of isovitexin (IVX) through an intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD mouse model.

Methods:

Mice were separated into four cohorts: sham-operated control mice; STZ-intoxicated Alzheimer’s mice; IVX cohort, IVX + STZ; and Ant-107 cohort, antagomiR-107 + IVX/STZ as in the IVX cohort.

Results:

The outcomes indicated that IVX administration ameliorated spatial memory loss and blunted a cascade of neuro-noxious episodes – including increased amyloid-beta (Aβ) and degraded myelin basic protein burden, neuroinflammation (represented by elevated caspase-1, TNF-α and IL-6 levels) and autophagic dysfunction (represented by altered LC3-II, Atg7 and beclin-1 expressions) – via the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling axis. We considered the question of whether the epigenetic role of microRNA-107 (miR-107) has any impact on these events, by using antagomiR-107.

Conclusion:

This probing underscored that miR-107 could be a pivotal regulatory button in the activation of molecular signals linked with the beneficial autophagic process and anti-inflammatory activities in relation to IVX treatment. Hence, this report exemplifies that IVX could guard against Aβ toxicity and serve as an effectual treatment for patients afflicted with AD.
Theory of Religion and Historical Research. A Critical Realist Perspective on the Study of Religion as an Empirical Discipline
Authors: Seiwert Hubert
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the connection between theory formation and historical research in the study of religion. It presupposes that the study of religion is conceived of as an empirical discipline. The empirical basis of theories is provided primarily by historical research, including research in the very recent past, that is, the present time. Research in the history of religions, therefore, is an indispensable part of the study of religion. However, in recent discussions on the methods, aims, and theoretical presuppositions of the discipline, research in the history of religions largely is ignored. To shed some light on this blind spot, the article builds on the philosophy of science of Critical Realism. While the first part deals with the role of historical research in theoretical discourses of the discipline, the second part explains fundamental ontological and epistemological positions of Critical Realism and their implications for empirical research. On this basis, some methodological problems of theory formation in the study of religion are discussed in the third part. In particular, it is argued that it is impossible to validate empirically theories of religion that aim to explain what religion is. The concluding part sketches ways of theory formation in the study of religion that does not take religion as the explanandum but as the theoretical perspective that guides research.
From the Ritter pile to the aluminum ion battery – Peter Paufler’s academic genealogy
Authors: Leisegang Tilmann , Levin Aleksandr A. , Kupsch Andreas
Published: November 2020

This article highlights Peter Paufler’s academic genealogy on the occasion of his 80th birthday. We describe the academic background since 1776, which covers 11 generations of scientists: Ritter, Ørsted, Han-steen, Keilhau, Kjerulf, Brøgger, Goldschmidt, Schulze, Paufler, Meyer, and Leisegang. The biographies of these scientists are described in spotlight character and references to scientists such as Dehlinger, Ewald, Glocker, Röntgen, Vegard, Weiss, and Werner are given. A path is drawn that begins in the Romanticism with electrochemistry and the invention of what is probably the first accumulator. It leads through the industrialization and the modern geology, mineralogy, and crystallography to crystal chemistry, metal and crystal physics and eventually returns to electrochemistry and the aluminum-ion accumulator in the era of the energy transition. The academic genealogy exhibits one path of how crystallography develops and specializes over three centuries and how it contributes to the understanding of the genesis of the Earth and the Universe, the exploration of raw materials, and the development of modern materials and products during the industrialization and for the energy transition today. It is particularly characterized by the fields of physics and magnetism, X-ray analysis, and rare-earth compounds and has strong links to the scientific landscape of Germany (Freiberg) and Scandinavia, especially Norway (Oslo), as well as to Russia (Moscow, Samara, St. Petersburg). The article aims at contributing to the history of science, especially to the development of crystallography, which is the essential part of thestructural scienceproposed by Peter Paufler.
Pt3Ni/C and Pt3Co/C cathodes as electrocatalysts for use in oxygen sensors and proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Weng Yu-Ching , Ho Cheng-Jen , Chiao Hui-Hsuan , Wang Chen-Hao
Published: November 2020

The composites Pt3Ni/C and Pt3Co/C are electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). This study compares the electrocatalytic activity of these electrodes that are used to detect oxygen, and determines their suitability for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Chemical reduction is used to produce the Pt3Ni/C and Pt3Co/C electrocatalysts. The particle size, elemental composition and crystallinity of the intermetallic electrocatalysts are determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDX). The ORR activity of the Pt3Ni/C and Pt3Co/C electrocatalysts is determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), a polarization curve (PC) and a rotating disk electrode (RDE). The Pt3Ni/C electrode registers a greater current for the ORR as compared to the Pt3Co/C electrode. Both electrodes exhibit a linear relationship between response current and oxygen concentration in the detection range from 100 to 1000 ppm. The Pt3Ni/C electrode exhibits a significant sensitivity to oxygen up to 13.4 μA ppm−1 cm−2. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that is produced using Pt3Ni/C as a cathodic electrocatalyst in a single PEMFC generates a maximum power density of 1097 mW cm−2.
Synergistic antibacterial combination of Lavandula latifolia Medik. essential oil with camphor
Authors: Karaca Nursenem , Şener Görkem , Demirci Betül , Demirci Fatih
Published: November 2020

Combination of various compounds and essential oils for pharmaceutical formulations withdraw attention. In this present study, it was aimed to evaluate the in vitro potential synergistic antibacterial effect of Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender) essential oil with camphor by using the checkerboard method against the human pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Pharmacopoeia quality L. latifolia essential oil and racemic camphor were analyzed and verified by GC-FID and GC/MS, simultaneously. In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oil and camphor (MIC range: 0.16–20 mg/mL) and standard antimicrobial clarithromycin (MIC range: 0.125–16 μg/mL) were carried out by broth microdilution against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes standard strains, respectively. Resulting antibacterial effects were evaluated for their fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) as antagonistic, additive and synergistic effects. The analytical results showed that the major component of essential oil was linalool (45.2%) and 1,8-cineole (25.6%). Antibacterial effects of essential oil were determined as MIC 1.25–5 mg/mL. As a result of the experiments, L. latifolia essential oil–camphor combinations were identified as “synergistic (FIC ≤ 0.5), and additive (0.5 < FIC ≤ 1)” in the respective combinations, suggesting further evaluation for formulations for potential antimicrobial applications in food and pharmaceuticals.
Absolute configuration of tetrandrine and isotetrandrine influences their anti-proliferation effects in human T cells via different regulation of NF-κB
Authors: Xu Wencheng , Kusano Junichi , Chen Shuhe , Yamamoto Ryusei , Matsuda Hiroto , Hara Yoshikazu , Fujii Yoshiaki , Hayashi Seiichi , Tanaka Sachiko , Sugiyama Kentaro , Yamada Haruki , Hirano Toshihiko
Published: November 2020

Natural compound tetrandrine was reported to inhibit the proliferation of T cells by inhibiting activation of NF-κB. Chemically, isotetrandrine differs from tetrandrine only in the stereochemistry at the chiral centers. The present study aimed to compare their anti-proliferation effects on human T cells with a focus on NF-κB. The IC50 values of tetrandrine against MOLT-4 cells, MOLT-4/DNR cells, and concanavalin A-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects and dialysis patients were 4.43 ± 0.22, 3.62 ± 0.22, 1.91 ± 0.22 and 3.03 ± 0.28 μM, respectively. Whereas, the IC50 values of isotetrandrine against the above immune cells were 2.19 ± 0.27, 2.28 ± 0.33, 1.29 ± 0.14 and 1.55 ± 0.26 μM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of isotetrandrine against the proliferation of T cells was stronger than that of tetrandrine significantly (p < 0.05). Molecular mechanism investigation showed that 10 μM of isotetrandrine largely decreased the expression of p-NF-κB and NF-κB in both MOLT-4 and MOLT-4/DNR T cells (p < 0.05), whereas 10 μM of tetrandrine slightly inhibited the phosphorylation of p-NF-κB with little influence on the expression of NF-κB. Taken together, absolute configurations of tetrandrine and isotetrandrine are suggested to influence on their anti-proliferation effects in human T cells via different regulation of NF-κB.
The Unfinished Web
Authors: Bethel A. C. W.
Published: November 2020

Early in the twentieth century, Los Angeles’s regional interurban electric railway, the Pacific Electric (PE), developed serious operational problems because the PE had been assembled from separate railroads that hadn’t been designed to fit together, and because Los Angeles’s explosive population growth overtaxed its facilities. The PE wanted to speed its trains and unify its system with a crosstown subway, but in 1923 the Los Angeles City1 Council blocked the PE’s plan and instead commissioned engineers and professional transit planners to devise comprehensive regional transit plans to be operated for the public good, not for private profit. These plans all focused on bringing lots of people downtown quickly, something irrelevant in a decentralizing city. Part I concludes with two seemingly propitious developments: the PE’s opening of its own mile-long but isolated Hollywood Subway, a compromise design but still impressive; and the unveiling of the most detailed and elaborate of the transit plans, as required by the new city charter. Part II, in the next issue, will describe why that comprehensive plan failed, then trace how political, economic, and demographic changes in the 1920s and 30s affected transit planning and why a plan to locate rail rapid transit in freeway medians failed. Part II will end with an examination of the PE’s financial condition as a refutation of a common explanation of the PE’s long decline.
DEVELOPMENT OF BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING FILMS AND EDIBLE COATINGS FOR FOOD PRODUCTS BASED ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors: Kuprina Elena Eduardovna , Yakkola Anastasiya Nikolaevna , Manuylov Andrey Nikolaevich , Kabysh Olesya , Zhirkova Marina Gavrilyevna , Zhernyakova Anastasiya Valeryevna , Shmelkova Mariya Alekseevna , Vitalyevich Timofeev Sergey , Stepanov Anatoliy
Published: November 2020

Plastic is undoubtedly the most convenient type of packaging, but at the same time it is not ecologically friendly. The widespread use of packaging materials all over the world makes us think more and more about the harm of plastic to the environment and humans. It does not decompose in natural conditions and accumulates in huge quantities, because it is mostly used as a single-use packaging. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly biodegradable edible films and coatings is relevant. Edible food packaging is an important step in food production and one of the innovative directions of food packaging development. This article presents materials
on the development of the formulation and manufacturing technology of new composite materials based on sodium alginate and chitosan for the production of edible coatings and films. The results of the physical, chemical and bactericidal properties of these materials are presented.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITES BASED ON HYDROXYAPATITE
NANOPARTICLES AND CHITOSAN EXTRACTED FROM SHELLS OF THE FRESHWATER CRAB Potamon algeriense
Authors: Lakrat Mohammed , Fadlaoui Soufiane , Aaddouz Mohamed , El Asri Ouahid , Melhaoui Mohammed , El Miloud Mejdoubi
Published: November 2020

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (n-HAp), which has low crystallinity, has attracted great attention due to its similarity to the inorganic part of human bone. Therefore, many studies have focused on creating new formulations combining n-HAp with some biopolymers, such as chitosan, in order to imitate biological bone tissue. The importance of chitosan and its derivatives in biomedical applications has grown significantly in the last three decades due to its biodegradability and renewable source. Besides, chitosan and its derivatives present excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality, which make them promising materials in bone tissue engineering. In the present study, the chitosan was, first, extracted from the shell of the freshwater crab species Potamon algeriense following demineralization, deproteinization, decolouration (raw chitin) and deacetylation (chitosan) steps. Then, a novel composite based on n-HAp and extracted chitosan (CTS) with varying chitosan contents, from 5% to 20% (w/w), was synthesized and characterized for potential application in tissue regeneration. The obtained composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The precipitated n-HAp/CTS nanocomposites similar to natural bone are promising composites for bone tissue engineering applications.