bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Batch effects account for the main findings of an in utero human intestinal bacterial colonization study
Authors: de Goffau Marcus C. , Charnock-Jones D. Stephen , Smith Gordon C. S. , Parkhill Julian
Published: January 2021

A recent study by Rackaityte et al. reported evidence for a low level of bacterial colonization, specifically of Micrococcus luteus, in the intestine of second trimester human fetuses. We have re-analyzed their sequence data and identified a batch effect which violates the underlying assumptions of the bioinformatic method used for contamination removal. This batch effect resulted in Micrococcus not being identified as a contaminant in the original work and being falsely assigned to the fetal samples. We further provide evidence that the micrographs presented by Rackaityte et al. are unlikely to show Micrococci or other bacteria as the size of the particles shown exceeds that of related bacterial cells. Finally, phylogenetic analysis showed that the microbes cultured from the fetal samples differed significantly from those detected by sequencing. Overall, our findings show that the presence of Micrococcus in the fetal gut is not supported by the primary sequence data. Our findings underline important aspects of the nature of contamination for both sequencing and culture approaches in microbiome studies and the appropriate use of automated contamination identification tools.
Fertility education: what’s trending on Instagram
Authors: Peyser Alexandra , Goldstein Liat , Mullin Christine , Goldman Randi H.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence, authorship, and types of fertility-related information shared on Instagram targeted toward a new patient interested in fertility options using hashtag and content analysis. Secondary outcomes included comparison of post content stratified by author type (physicians versus patients).

Methods

A list of ten hashtags consisting of fertility terms for the new patient was derived. Content analysis was performed in April 2019 on the top 50 and most recent 50 posts for each hashtag to determine authorship and content type. The distribution of fertility terms in posts made by physicians was compared to that of patients and differences in use of terms were analyzed.

Results

Our search yielded 3,393,636 posts. The two most popular hashtags were IVF (N = 912,049), and Infertility (N = 852,939). Authorship of the top posts for each hashtag (N = 1000) were as follows: patients (67 %), physicians (10 %), for-profit commercial groups (6.0 %), allied health professional (4.5 %), professional societies (1 %), and other (11 %). Of these posts, 60 % related to patient experiences, 10 % advertisements, 10 % outreach, and 8 % educational. Physicians were more likely to author posts related to oocyte cryopreservation compared to IVF, while patients were more likely to author posts about IVF (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Over 3 million posts related to fertility were authored on Instagram. A majority of fertility posts are being mobilized by patients to publicly display and share their personal experiences. Concurrent with the rising utilization of planned oocyte cryopreservation, there is a trend toward physicians educating their patients about the process using social media as a platform. Physician participation on social media may offer a low-cost platform for networking and connecting with patients. Future studies examining the educational quality of posts by author type should be explored.
Single-incision laparoscopic antrectomy for type I gastric neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Authors: Kitadani Junya , Ojima Toshiyasu , Hayata Keiji , Katsuda Masahiro , Tominaga Shinta , Fukuda Naoki , Motobayashi Hideki , Nagano Shotaro , Nakamura Masaki , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: January 2021

Background

Type I gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs) originate from hyperplasia of enterochromaffin­like (ECL) cells and are commonly detected in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, including autoimmune gastritis. Typical treatment for type I GNETs comprises simple surveillance and/or endoscopic resection. For alleviation of hypergastrinemia resulting in ECL cell hypertrophy, antrectomy is a treatment option. Type I GNETs mostly have excellent prognosis, and if a surgical approach is chosen, the procedure must be minimally invasive. One such technique for multiple type I GNETs, minimally invasive single-incision laparoscopic antrectomy (SILA), is reported here for the first time.

Case presentation

We performed SILA on a 46-year-old woman who developed type I GNETs caused by hypergastrinemia due to autoimmune gastritis. A Lap-Protector was inserted in a 3 cm incision at the umbilicus, and set an EZ Access equipped with two 5 mm trocars and one 12 mm trocar. Antrectomy without lymph node dissection was performed using a 5 mm forward-oblique viewing endoscope, a vessel sealing device, and linear staplers, while reconstruction was by Billroth I reconstruction. Side-to-side anastomosis was performed using a 45 mm linear stapler. The stapler entry hole was sutured intracorporeally using barbed suture material. The operation time was 140 min and blood loss was 5 ml. The patient was discharged ten days after surgery without complications. Serum gastrin level decreased to within the normal range on the day after the operation. One year after surgery, esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed pathological disappearance of all lesions of the remnant stomach.

Conclusions

SILA is a minimally-invasive and tolerable technique for treatment of multiple type I GNETs. In this reported case there was good cohesiveness and effectiveness in normalizing gastrin levels and in elimination of remnant gastric lesions.
Does curve magnitude in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affect frequency and quality of sport participation? A feasibility study
Authors: Youssef Michael , Soliman John , Burrow Sarah , Kishta Waleed , Simunovic Nicole , Duong Andrew , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Peterson Devin
Published: January 2021

Background

This pilot study explores whether large adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves (≥ 45°) lead to decreased frequency and quality of sport participation, lower health-related quality of life (HRQL), and more pronounced shortness of breath (SOB) as compared to smaller curvatures (< 45°).

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups based on their spinal curvature: Cobb angle < 45° (n= 31) and ≥ 45° (n= 21). We assessed feasibility outcomes including agreement to be approached, participation, recruitment rates and missing data. All participants completed five questionnaires to assess the frequency and quality of sport participation, HRQL and SOB outcomes. Estimates of effects 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results

This study enrolled 52 surgically untreated AIS patients between the ages of 10 and 18 (44 females, 8 males, mean age = 14.60). All feasibility threshold criteria were successfully met (100% agreement to be approached, 100% participation withn≥ 12 in each group, and 94.2% of patients without missing data). AIS patients with large curvatures (≥ 45°) trended towards decreased frequency and quality of sport participation, more pronounced SOB and worse HRQL outcomes, as compared to patients with smaller curve sizes.

Conclusion

The study findings show that a study addressing sport participation in the setting of AIS is feasible. The size of curvature in AIS may have an impact on sport participation, HRQL and SOB, but larger studies are required.
The effect of polymorphisms (174G> C and 572C> G) on the Interleukin-6 gene in coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salari Nader , Mansouri Kamran , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Ghasemi Hooman , Mohammadi Masoud , Jalali Rostam , Vaisi-Raygani Aliakbar
Published: January 2021

Background

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is caused by the blockage of the coronary arteries. it is argued that there has an association between the Interleukin-6 gene and the occurrence of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, Due to the short half-life and high variability of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), limited studies have been performed on the association of serum levels of interleukin-6 with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between IL-6 gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease.

Methods

This study was conducted as a meta-analysis of selected articles with no lower time limit and upto March 2020. Articles related to the subject were obtained by searching several data sources,such as the SID, IranDoc, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 index in the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

Results

The GG genotype of the IL-6174 G> C polymorphism with a 0.8 odds ratio tended to reduce the risk of CAD by 20%. The odds ratio of CAD in CG and GG genotypes were found to be 1.16 and 1.48 times respectively, indicating the increasing effect of these two genotypes. In the IL-6-572 C>G polymorphism, CG and GG genotypes increased the risk of CAD by 1.21 and 1.27 times respectively, and the CC genotype tended to reduce the risk of CAD by 15%, considering the odds ratio of 0.85.

Conclusion

This study showed a relationship between IL-6174G> C and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) 572 C>G genes and coronary artery disease. Moreover, the protective effects of GG genotype in IL-6 gene 174 G> C and CC genotype in IL-6 gene 572 C>G gene were reported. The study also confirmed that the CG and CC genotypes of the G>C IL-6174 gene have an increasing effect on coronary artery disease. Moreover, CG and GG genotypes in the IL-6 gene 572 C>G increased the risk of developing CAD. It should be noted that the increased risk of developing CAD was limited to meta-analytic studies in reported literatures.
Implementing the transvaginal ultrasound simulation training (TRUSST) programme for obstetric registrars
Authors: Byford Sally , Janssens Sarah , Cook Rachel
Published: January 2021

Background

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) training opportunities are limited due to its intimate nature; however, TVUS is an important component of early pregnancy assessment. Simulation can bridge this learning gap.

Aim

To describe and measure the effect of a transvaginal ultrasound simulation programme for obstetric registrars.

Materials and methods

The transvaginal ultrasound simulation training (TRUSST) curriculum consisted of supported practice using virtual reality transvaginal simulators (ScanTrainer, Medaphor) and communication skills training to assist obstetric registrars in obtaining required competencies to accurately and holistically care for women with early pregnancy complications.

Trainee experience of live transvaginal scanning was evaluated with a questionnaire. Programme evaluation was by pre-post self-reported confidence level and objective pre-post training assessment using Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) and modified Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology assessment scores. Quantitative data was compared using paired t tests.

Results

Fifteen obstetric registrars completed the programme. Numbers of performed live transvaginal ultrasound by trainees were low. Participants reported an increase in confidence level in performing a TVUS following training: mean pre score 1.6/5, mean post score 3/5. Objective assessments improved significantly across both OSAUS and RANZCOG scores following training; mean improvement scores 7.6 points (95% CI 6.2–8.9, p < 0.05) and 32.5 (95% CI 26.4–38.6, p < 0.05) respectively. It was noted that scores for a systematic approach and documentation were most improved: 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.5, p < 0.05) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.5–2.7, p < 0.05) respectively.

Conclusion

The implementation of a simulation-based training curriculum resulted in improved confidence and ability in TVUS scanning, especially with regard to a systematic approach and documentation.
Acceptability of the e-authentication in higher education studies: views of students with special educational needs and disabilities
Authors: Laamanen Merja , Ladonlahti Tarja , Uotinen Sanna , Okada Alexandra , Bañeres David , Koçdar Serpil
Published: January 2021

Trust-based e-assessment systems are increasingly important in the digital age for both academic institutions and students, including students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Recent literature indicates a growing number of studies about e-authentication and authorship verification for quality assurance with more flexible modes of assessment. Yet understanding the acceptability of e-authentication systems among SEND students is underexplored. This study examines SEND students’ views about the use of e-authentication systems, including perceived advantages and disadvantages of new technology-enhanced assessment. This study aims to shed light on this area by examining the attitudes of 267 SEND students who used, or were aware of, an authentication system known as adaptive trust-based e-assessment system for learning (TeSLA). The results suggest a broadly positive acceptability of these e-authentication technologies by SEND students. In the view of these students, the key advantages are the ability of proving the originality of their work, and trust-based e-assessment results; the key disadvantages are the possibility that the technology might not work or present wrong outputs in terms of cheating.
Rising trends towards the development of oral herbal male contraceptive: an insight review
Authors: Verma Surender , Yadav Akash
Published: January 2021

Background

Acknowledging population control to be an essential step for global health promotes wide research study in the area of male contraception. Although there are a great number of synthetic contraceptives available in the market, they have plenty of adverse effects. Different potential strategies for male contraception were investigated over a long period time consisting of hormonal, chemical, and immunological interventions, although these methods showed good antifertility results with low failure rates relative to condoms.

Main text

This review is based upon the concept of herbal contraceptives which are an effective method for controlling the fertility of animals and humans. This review has highlighted herbal medicinal plants and plant extracts which have been reported to possess significant antifertility action in males. The review considers those plants which are used traditionally for their spermicidal and antispermatogenic activities and imbalance essential hormones for fertility purposes and plants with reported animal studies as well as some with human studies for antifertility effect along with their doses, chemical constituents, and mechanism of action of the antifertility effect of the plants. This review also explains the phases of sperm formation, hormone production, and the mechanism of male contraceptives.

Conclusion

As far as the relevance of the current review is discussed, it might be quite useful in generating monographs on plants and recommendations on their use. A lot of the plant species listed here might appear promising as effective alternative oral fertility-regulating agents in males. Therefore, significant research into the chemical and biological properties of such less-explored plants is still needed to determine their contraceptive efficacy and also to possibly define their toxic effects so that these ingredients can be utilized with confidence to regulate male fertility. The new inventions in this field are necessary to concentrate on modern, more potent drugs with less harmful content and that are self-administrable, less costly, and entirely reversible.
Real-World Costs of Azacitidine Treatment in Patients With Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Low Blast–Count Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Mozessohn Lee , Cheung Matthew C. , Mittmann Nicole , Earle Craig C. , Liu Ning , Buckstein Rena
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE:

Azacitidine (AZA) is a standard of care for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/low blast–count acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite this, there is a paucity of data on the real-world health care resource utilization costs of AZA in this population.

METHODS:

We linked the Ontario AZA MDS registry—higher-risk MDS/low blast–count AML—to population-based health system administrative databases. Patients were observed for 24 months after first AZA and censored at the earliest of 90 days after last AZA, date of death, time of AML induction/stem-cell transplantation, or March 31, 2016. Costs (2015 Canadian dollars) were expressed as standardized mean and median 28-day costs. Univariable quantile regression was used to explore the association of baseline patient and disease characteristics and median cost. Multivariable quantile regression was used to explore predictors of median costs.

RESULTS:

Among 877 patients in the registry, mean standardized 28-day cost per patient was $17,638 (median, $15,272; interquartile range [IQR], $11,869-$19,580) and $13,450 (median, $11,043; IQR, $7,981-$14,882) excluding the cost of AZA. Major nondrug drivers of cost were cancer clinic visits and inpatient care (mean standardized 28-day cost, $4,631; median, $1,558; IQR, $238-$4,961). Transfusion dependence at AZA initiation ( P = .001) and greater comorbid disease burden ( P = .009) were independently associated with increased cost.

CONCLUSION:

Our cohort of patients with uniformly higher-risk MDS/low blast–count AML treated with AZA demonstrates substantial costs of care above and beyond the cost of AZA alone. These results provide insight into the costs of AZA in the real world with implications for resource allocation.
Post-transcriptional regulation by the exosome complex is required for cell survival and forebrain development via repression of P53 signaling
Authors: Ulmke Pauline Antonie , Xie Yuanbin , Sokpor Godwin , Pham Linh , Shomroni Orr , Berulava Tea , Rosenbusch Joachim , Basu Uttiya , Fischer Andre , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Staiger Jochen F. , Tuoc Tran
Published: January 2021

Fine-tuned gene expression is crucial for neurodevelopment. The gene expression program is tightly controlled at different levels, including RNA decay. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-mediated degradation of RNA is essential for brain development. However, m6A methylation impacts not only RNA stability, but also other RNA metabolism processes. How RNA decay contributes to brain development is largely unknown. Here, we show that Exosc10, a RNA exonuclease subunit of the RNA exosome complex, is indispensable for forebrain development. We report that cortical cells undergo overt apoptosis, culminating in cortical agenesis upon conditional deletion of Exosc10 in mouse cortex. Mechanistically, Exosc10 directly binds and degrades transcripts of the P53 signaling-related genes, such as Aen and Bbc3. Overall, our findings suggest a crucial role for Exosc10 in suppressing the P53 pathway, in which the rapid turnover of the apoptosis effectors Aen and Bbc3 mRNAs is essential for cell survival and normal cortical histogenesis.
Facile Solvent Mixing Strategy for Extracting Highly Enriched (6,5)Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Improved Yield
Authors: Zhu Haibiao , Hong Liu , Tanaka Hirofumi , Ma Xiaoming , Yang Cheng
Published: January 2021

Selective sorting of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) of single chirality is critical for constructing electronic nanodevices with high performance. Nevertheless, trade-off between yield and chirality purity often exists in conventional SWNTs sorting processes. To solve this problem, we present an extremely facile method for enriching SWNTs with both high yield and high chiral selectivity. Simply by using a solvent mixed with toluene and chlorobenzene at certain volume ratio, the sorting yield of (6,5)SWNTs was largely enhanced via polymer extraction, while the chirality purity of sorted SWNTs could be kept high as well. We further proved that the sorting efficiency would not be lowered even after multiple extractions, while the chirality selectivity of the obtained SWNTs was dependent on exact ratio between the two solvents. Solvent polarity-controlled polymer (or solvent molecule)-SWNTs interaction was believed responsible for our results, which was later successfully testified by molecular dynamics simulations. Our proposed strategy will simplify the selecting process of single chiral SWNTs and benefit the optimization of SWNTs-integrated devices in near future.
Homogeneous Helical Nanofibers of 12-Hydroxystearic Acid and Long-chain Amidoamine Derivatives Prepared by Tuning the Gelation Solvent
Authors: Minakawa Muneharu , Nakagawa Makoto , Wang Ke-Hsuan , Imura Yoshiro , Kawai Takeshi
Published: January 2021

We previously showed that the hybridization of water-insoluble 12-hydroxystearic acid (HSA) with water-soluble long-chain amidoamine derivatives yields hydrogels composed of self-assembled helical nanofibers. In this work, we investigated the effect of introducing an amide group into the alkyl chain of amidoamine derivatives on the helical structure of the nanofibers. We also demonstrated that improving the solubility of HSA by changing the gelation solvent is a very effective method for preparing homogeneous nanofibers composed of two compounds.
Strain-release Difunctionalization of C–C σ- and π-bonds of an Organoboron Ate-complex through 1,2-Metallate Rearrangement
Authors: Mizoguchi Haruki , Sakakura Akira
Published: January 2021

This highlight review describes the recent development of an electrophile-triggered 1,2-metallate rearrangement of organoboronic ester ate-complex, which proceeds through 1,2-difunctionalization of carbon–carbon σ- and π-bonds, using strain energy as a driving force. Coupling reactions of small ring carbocyclic boronic esters, such as cyclopropyl-, bicyclo[1.1.0]butyl-, and cyclopropenyl-boronic ester, are summarized along with the proposed reaction mechanisms and representative examples.
o2geosocial: Reconstructing who-infected-whom from routinely collected surveillance data
Authors: Robert Alexis , Funk Sebastian , Kucharski Adam J
Published: January 2021

Reconstructing the history of individual transmission events between cases is key to understanding what factors facilitate the spread of an infectious disease. Since conducting extended contact-tracing investigations can be logistically challenging and costly, statistical inference methods have been developed to reconstruct transmission trees from onset dates and genetic sequences. However, these methods are not as effective if the mutation rate of the virus is very slow, or if sequencing data is sparse.

We developed the packageo2geosocialto combine variables from routinely collected surveillance data with a simple transmission process model. The model reconstructs transmission trees when full genetic sequences are not available, or uninformative. Our model incorporates the reported age-group, onset date, location and genotype of infected cases to infer probabilistic transmission trees. The package also includes functions to summarise and visualise the inferred cluster size distribution.

The results generated byo2geosocialcan highlight regions where importations repeatedly caused large outbreaks, which may indicate a higher regional susceptibility to infections. It can also be used to generate the individual number of secondary transmissions, and show the features associated with individuals involved in high transmission events.

The package is available for download from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) and GitHub.
Competencies for Effective Distance Learning: Design and Development
Authors: Zavelickaya A. , Bykonya Yu. , Belova O.
Published: January 2021

Digitalization processes, as well as the conditions of the pandemic, have led to the active development of distance learning. This is dictated by the need to develop new qualities in students, allowing them to effectively engage in learning in new conditions. The studies, described in this article, allowed not only to develop a competence model for a bachelor's degree for work in distance learning, but also to provide recommendations, as well as a plan for the step-by-step development of competencies necessary for effective work with the use of distance technologies.
PEMO: PERIODIMOS MÓVIL CAFETERO. Una mirada al uso de dispositivos moviles en tres salas de redacción del Eje Cafetero Colombiano
Authors: Bustamante-Echeverry Ricardo , Molano Gaona Franklyn
Published: January 2021

With the advent of the digital age also arrived the new information and communication technologies and with them mobile devices, which changed the way in which humanity communicates both day by day and in professional ways. The forms of interpersonal interaction, the forms of journalism production and the forms of access to information all changed. This text explores a project with a strong interest in the practices that occur in traditional newsrooms, related to written journalism, and the use of smartphones and tablets to produce publishable journalistic content on their digital platforms. PEMO —short Spanish counterpart to MOJO— Cafetero, in short, is a research project that aims to account of the usage practices of smartphones and tablets in the newsrooms of three traditional media outlets in the Colombian Coffee Region: La Patria from Manizales, El Diario from Pereira and La Crónica del Quindío from Armenia.
Ciberactivismo árabe: del papel a la red
Authors: Flores Borjabad Salud Adelaida
Published: January 2021

SActivism in the Arab world have been represented in hiding. One of the most important forms has been political cartoons which have been an important tool that has been consolidated over time be-cause cartoonists were able to become activists thanks to the use of symbols. However, the devel-opment of cyberspace translated cartoons into the network, by making them even more important as they transmitted ideas in a more direct way and developed a form of virtual activism. Therefore, the aim of this research is to study and analyze the history of the Arab political cartoons to see how it has consolidated in a form of revolutionary activism. Additionally, the attempt to this research is to reflect how a virtual community has been generated around that figure. As a result, a qualitative methodology has been used to carry out this research. A historical method has been used to collect information about the history of cartoons in the Arab world. Then, an ethnographic visual method has been developed to study the use of cartoons used. The results and discussion are to demonstrate that the cartoon is a form of revolution and activism which has strengthened itself with the use of the internet.
Justifying Mean-Variance Portfolio Selection when Asset Returns Are Skewed
Authors: Schuhmacher Frank , Kohrs Hendrik , Auer Benjamin R.
Published: January 2021

We show that, in the presence of a risk-free asset, the return distribution of every portfolio is determined by its mean and variance if and only if asset returns follow a specific skew-elliptical distribution. Thus, contrary to common belief among academics and practitioners, skewed returns do not allow a rejection of mean-variance analysis. Our work differs from Chamberlain's [Chamberlain G (1983) A characterization of the distributions that imply mean-variance utility functions. J. Econom. Theory 29(1):185–201.] by focusing on the returns of portfolios, where the weights over the risk-free asset and the risky assets sum to unity. Furthermore, it extends Meyer's [Meyer J, Rasche RH (1992) Sufficient conditions for expected utility to imply mean-standard deviation rankings: Empirical evidence concerning the location and scale condition. Econom. J. (London) 102(410):91–106.] by introducing elliptical noise into their generalized location-scale framework. To emphasize the relevance of our skew-elliptical model, we additionally provide empirical evidence that it cannot be rejected for the returns of typical portfolios of common stocks or popular alternative investments.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Construindo a paisagem: arquitetura, meio ambiente e poder em um Rio de Janeiro em expansão
Authors: Paterman Rachel
Published: January 2021

Este artigo problematiza o universo da construção urbana no Rio de Janeiro a partir de um enfoque sobre elaborações simbólicas e agenciamentos sociotécnicos em torno de projetos voltados à mitigação de impactos ambientais de empreendimentos arquitetônico-urbanísticos. Parte-se de um material de análise composto por registros discursivos de profissionais de arquitetura para reconstruir analiticamente redes de relações sociais – envolvendo construtoras, incorporadoras, agências estatais e instrumentos legais – e categorias de pensamento – destacando-se a noção de “paisagem” – que exibem centralidade no modo como vêm sendo construídos, destruídos e transformados os espaços que constituem o mais recente eixo de expansão da cidade, a Zona Oeste. O recorte temporal investigado abrange as décadas de 1980 a 2010, período caracterizado por um intenso e acelerado processo de urbanização a partir da Barra da Tijuca, e que se mostra especialmente pertinente a uma abordagem processual sobre espaços urbanizados ao reunir e colapsar perspectivas de diferentes atores e projetos de cidade. Esse contexto sociocultural é explorado a partir da trajetória do arquiteto paisagista carioca Fernando Chacel (1931-2011), que, através de projetos que realiza na área e período focalizados, se insere em uma posição mediadora entre distintas esferas de poder e lógicas de concepção e ordenação do espaço, reunindo condições para desempenhar um papel de “informante nativo” do universo em questão. Trata-se de uma abordagem que permite lançar luz sobre dinâmicas sociais que tendem a se ofuscar conforme assumem a forma material de edificações, ou natural de áreas de preservação ambiental, e que dizem respeito a um plano cotidiano de encontros e conflitos, consensos e dissensos entre trajetórias individuais e coletivas de pessoas, grupos e instituições.
O “direito à cidade” enquanto categoria em disputa: uma análise dos conflitos políticos em torno dos usos cotidianos da Praça Roosevelt, em São Paulo
Authors: De Pieri Pimentel André
Published: January 2021

As cidades contemporâneas são palco de uma pluralidade de conflitos em torno dos usos de espaços públicos e também de suas regulações. Enquanto agentes e grupos políticos se mobilizam em prol do recrudescimento da distinção entre usos autorizados e usos não permitidos desses espaços, através da presença de policiais, tecnologias de vigilância e até mesmo da formulação de leis, outros se posicionam em defesa do “direito à cidade”, contra o policiamento ostensivo e a criminalização da livre apropriação dos espaços públicos. Esse artigo propõe reflexão baseada em pesquisa etnográfica realizada na praça Franklin Roosevelt, no bairro da Consolação (região central de São Paulo). Nos últimos anos, após uma reforma multimilionária que a transformou completamente, sob o pretexto de produzir “requalificação urbana”, diferentes projetos de gestão e mesmo de ocupação se fizeram presentes nesse espaço, estabelecendo alianças e relações conflitivas uns com os outros. Em meio à produção de ordenamentos urbanos divergentes, os usuários cotidianos da praça estabelecem extensões, tensões, rupturas e resistências a tais projetos ordenadores. A praça Roosevelt contemporânea é um território disputado, e essas disputas desvelam projetos políticos e projetos de cidade em uma dimensão mais ampla. O objetivo deste artigo é reconstituir alguns desses conflitos atuais, identificando os agentes coletivos que se constituem em torno deles, os discursos políticos e as redes pessoais ou institucionais que eles mobilizam em suas atuações.
Entre agulhas e linhas: a metáfora de corte-e-costura em construções transitivas
Authors: Ferrari Lilian , Soares Caroline
Published: January 2021

Este artigo investiga a Metáfora de Corte-e-Costura no Português Brasileiro, que constitui, tal como a Metáfora do Conduto (REDDY, 1979), um dos mapeamentos metafóricos disponíveis para a referência à comunicação verbal. A partir de dados de uso retirados do Twitter, argumenta-se que a metáfora COMUNICAÇÃO VERBAL É ATIVIDADE DE CORTE-E-COSTURA é normalmente aplicada à construção transitiva, engendrando duas extensões metafóricas: a extensão transitiva prototípica, instanciada pelos verbos alfinetar e tesourar, e a extensão transitiva resultativa, instanciada pelos verbos alinhavar, costurar, tecer, tricotar.  Com o objetivo de investigar a produtividade da metáfora de corte-e-costura, a análise enfoca a frequência de sentidos literais e metafóricos para cada grupo de construções. Os resultados indicam que as extensões metafóricas prototípicas instanciadas por alfinetar e tesourar são mais frequentes que suas contrapartes literais.  Já as extensões metafóricas resultativas dividem-se em dois grupos: aquelas instanciadas por costurar e tricotar predominam em usos literais, já aquelas instanciadas por alinhavar e tecer ocorrem predominantemente em usos metafóricos.
A little tenacity tempered with patience
Authors: Masters Jayne
Published: January 2021

As the first winner of the new 2020 British Society for Heart Failure Lynda Blue Award, Jayne Masters shares her experiences in this first instalment of the Spotlight on Nurses series.
What type of company should our PCN be?
Authors: Cumberlege Justin
Published: January 2021

Justin Cumberlege, from specialist healthcare law firm Hempsons, provides some guidance on the type of company you may want for your primary care network and whether a community interest company might be right for you
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Maternal Serum Apelin 13 and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Preeclampsia
Authors: Gandham Rajeev , Dayanand C.D. , Sheela S.R. , Pamidimukkala Kiranmayee
Published: January 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common hypertensive disease of pregnancy, leads to maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality, which accounts for 2-8% of pregnancies. Preeclampsia is characterized by new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation.The exact cause of preeclampsia is not clear. Aim of this study is to investigate the association between maternal serum apelin13, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, markers of oxidative stress in healthy pregnant women and preeclamptic women. This prospective study comprises 140 pregnant women consists of 70 preeclamptic women treated as cases and 70 nor motensive healthy pregnant women as controls. Five mL blood sample was collected, centrifuged to obtain serum/plasma and was stored at -80°C for further testing. Plasma was used for Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and complete blood countwas done. Routine parameters like random blood sugar, renal profile, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), apelin 13 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)were also analyzed. Corresponding urine sample was tested for protein. Study results showed lower gestational age (36.99±3.48 weeks) and demographic details such as elevated blood pressure [systolic (156.80±13.71 mmHg),diastolic (101.97±10.70 mmHg),and mean arterial pressure (120.88±11.02 mmHg)], BMI (27.42±3.80 kg/m2) and pulse rate (87.68±5.74 bpm) were observed in cases than controls. The biological markers namely serum MDA (18.57±7.52μmoles/L) levels were significantly increased and nitric oxide (6.47±1.22μmoles/L), FRAP (1292.10±525.38 mmol/L), apelin 13(312.42±189.00pg/ml) andeNOS(5.07±2.30 ng/ml)levels were significantly decreased in cases.Mean arterial pressure was negatively correlatedwithApelin 13 (r=-0.179), NO (r=-0.065), FRAP (r=-0.169), and birth weight (r=-0.281) and eNOS (r= 0.013), MDA (r= 0.022) were positively correlated with mean arterial pressure. The study concludes that reduced levels of apelin 13, eNOS, FRAP,NO and high oxidative stress, contribute to pathogenesis of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcome. It also demands sufficient evidence for the functional role of apelin 13 as a target in hypertension regulation.
Elucidating the Physics of Nanophotonic Structures Through Explainable Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yeung Christopher , Tsai Ju-Ming , King Brian , Kawagoe Yusaku , Ho David , Raman Aaswath
Published: January 2021

Explainable machine learning algorithms were applied to convolutional neural networks to reveal deeper insights into the properties of metamaterials, demonstrating new avenues for physics discovery and device optimization in optics and photonics.
Hybrid Silicon Quantum Dot Comb Laser with Record Wide Comb Width
Authors: Kurczveil Geza , Descos Antoine , Liang Di , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond
Published: January 2021

We present our work on a hybrid silicon quantum dot-based comb laser using wafer bonding. The device has a 3, 6, and 10 dB comb width of 12 nm, 18 nm, and 25 nm respectively.
Measurement and control of optical nonlinearities in dispersive dielectric multilayers
Authors: Gui Guan , Adak Amitava , Dandapat Manika , Carlson Daniel , Morrill Drew , Guggenmos Alexander , Kapteyn Henry , Murnane Margaret , Pervak Vladimir , Liao Chen-Ting
Published: January 2021

Dispersive dielectric multilayer mirrors, high-dispersion chirped mirrors in particular, are widely used in modern ultrafast optics to manipulate spectral chirps of ultrashort laser pulses. Dispersive mirrors are routinely designed for dispersion compensation in ultrafast lasers and are assumed to be linear optical components. In this work, we report the experimental characterization of an unexpectedly strong nonlinear response in these chirped mirrors. At modest peak intensities <2 TW/cm2—well below the known laser-induced damage threshold of these dielectric structures—we observed a strong reflectivity decrease, local heating, transient spectral modifications, and time-dependent absorption of the incident pulse. Through computational analysis, we found that the incident laser field can be enhanced by an order of magnitude in the dielectric layers of the structure. The field enhancement leads to a wavelength-dependent nonlinear absorption, that shows no signs of cumulative damage before catastrophic failure. The nonlinear absorption is not a simply two-photon process but instead is likely mediated by defects that facilitate two-photon absorption. To mitigate this issue, we designed and fabricated a dispersive multilayer design that strategically suppresses the field enhancement in the high-index layers, shifting the high-field regions to the larger-bandgap, low-index layers. This strategy significantly increases the maximum peak intensity that the mirror can sustain. However, our finding of an onset of nonlinear absorption even at ‘modest’ fluence and peak intensity has significant implications for numerous past published experimental works employing dispersive mirrors. Additionally, our results will guide future ultrafast experimental work and ultrafast laser design.
Nonlinear interferometer for Fourier-transform mid-infrared gas spectroscopy using near-infrared detection
Authors: Lindner Chiara , Kunz Jachin , Herr Simon J. , Wolf Sebastian , Kießling Jens , Kühnemann Frank
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear interferometers allow for mid-infrared spectroscopy with near-infrared detection using correlated photons. Previous implementations have demonstrated a spectral resolution limited by spectrally selective detection. In our work, we demonstrate mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy in a nonlinear interferometer using single-pixel near-infrared detection and Fourier-transform analysis. A sub-wavenumber spectral resolution allows for rotational-line-resolving spectroscopy of gaseous samples in a spectral bandwidth of over 700 cm−1. We use methane transmission spectra around 3.3 μm wavelength to characterize the spectral resolution, noise limitations and transmission accuracy of our device. The combination of nonlinear interferometry and Fourier-transform analysis paves the way towards performant and efficient mid-infrared spectroscopy with near-infrared detection.
Investigation of the stripe patterns from X-ray reflection optics
Authors: Hu Lingfei , Wang Hongchang , Sutter John P. , Sawhney Kawal
Published: January 2021

X-ray beams reflected from a single layer or multilayer coating are widely used for X-ray tomography, holography, and X-ray phase contrast imaging. However, the observed irregular stripe patterns from either unfocused or defocused beams often cause disturbing artifacts and seriously deteriorate the image quality. In this work, we investigate the origin of these irregular fine structures using the wave optics theory. The connection to similar results obtained by the geometric optics theory is also presented. The proposed relation between the second derivative of the wavefront and the irregular structures was then verified by conducting at-wavelength metrology with the speckle-based wavefront sensing technique. This work will not only help to understand the formation of these irregular structures but also provide the basis for manufacturing future ‘stripe-free’ refection optics.
All-sapphire-based fiber-optic pressure sensor for high-temperature applications based on wet etching
Authors: Shao Zhiqiang , Wu Yalin , Wang Shuang , Zhang Chaozhu , Sun Zhiqiang , Yan Meiyu , Shang Yingqi , Song Erdong , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we proposed an all-sapphire-based extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) pressure sensor based on an optimized wet etching process, aiming to improve the quality of the interference signal. The sapphire pressure sensitive diaphragm (SPSD) was fabricated by wet etching solutions with different mixture ratios of H3PO4 and H2SO4 at 280°C. The differences of mixture ratios affect the surface roughness of SPSD. SPSDs with surface roughness of 3.91nm and 0.39nm are obtained when the mixture ratios of H3PO4 and H2SO4 is 1:1 and 1:3, respectively. We constructed pressure sensing test system adopting these two kinds of SPSD and performed comparative test. The experiment results show that the demodulation jump can be solved and cavity length fluctuation is decreased to ±5nm when the surface roughness of SPSD is 0.39nm.
Highly sensitive hydrogen sensor based on an in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer with polymer infiltration and Pt-loaded WO3 coating
Authors: Du Bin , He Jun , Yang Minghong , Wang Ying , Xu Xizhen , Wang Jiachen , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Fengchan , Guo Kuikui , Wang Yiping
Published: January 2021

A highly sensitive fiberized hydrogen sensor based upon Mach-Zehnder interference (MZI) is experimentally demonstrated. The hydrogen sensor consists of an MZI realized by creating an air cavity inside the core of a half-pitch graded-index fiber (GIF) by use of femtosecond laser micromachining. Thermosensitive polymer was filled into the air cavity and cured by UV illumination. Subsequently, the external surface of the polymer-filled MZI was coated with Pt-loaded tungsten trioxide (WO3). The exothermic reaction occurs as Pt-loaded WO3 contacts the target of the sensing, i.e. hydrogen in the atmosphere, which leads to a significant local temperature rise on the external surface of the coated MZI sensor. The sensor exhibits a maximum sensitivity up to -1948.68 nm/% (vol %), when the hydrogen concentration increases from 0% to 0.8% at room temperature. Moreover, the sensor exhibits a rapid rising response time (hydrogen concentration increasing) of ∼38 s and falling response time (hydrogen concentration decreasing) of ∼15 s, respectively. Thanks to its small size, strong robustness, high accuracy and repeatability, the proposed in-fiber MZI hydrogen sensor will be a promising tool for hydrogen leakage tracing in many areas, such as safety production and hydrogen medical treatment.
Genome-wide analysis clarifies the population genetic structure of wild gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Maroso Francesco , Gkagkavouzis Konstantinos , De Innocentiis Sabina , Hillen Jasmien , do Prado Fernanda , Karaiskou Nikoleta , Taggart John Bernard , Carr Adrian , Nielsen Einar , Triantafyllidis Alexandros , Bargelloni Luca ,   the Aquatrace Consortium
Published: January 2021

Gilthead sea bream is an important target for both recreational and commercial fishing in Europe, where it is also one of the most important cultured fish. Its distribution ranges from the Mediterranean to the African and European coasts of the North-East Atlantic. Until now, the population genetic structure of this species in the wild has largely been studied using microsatellite DNA markers, with minimal genetic differentiation being detected. In this geographically widespread study, 958 wild gilthead sea bream from 23 locations within the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean were genotyped at 1159 genome-wide SNP markers by RAD sequencing. Outlier analyses identified 18 loci potentially under selection. Neutral marker analyses identified weak subdivision into three genetic clusters: Atlantic, West, and East Mediterranean. The latter group could be further subdivided into an Ionian/Adriatic and an Aegean group using the outlier markers alone. Seascape analysis suggested that this differentiation was mainly due to difference in salinity, this being also supported by preliminary genomic functional analysis. These results are of fundamental importance for the development of proper management of this species in the wild and are a first step toward the study of the potential genetic impact of the sea bream aquaculture industry.
Feasibility and performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for average-risk colorectal cancer screening in Nigeria
Authors: Knapp Gregory C. , Alatise Olusegun , Olopade Bolatito , Samson Marguerite , Olasehinde Olalekan , Wuraola Funmilola , Odujoko Oluwole O. , Komolafe Akinwunmi O. , Arije Olujide O. , Castle Philip E. , Smith J. Joshua , Weiser Martin R. , Kingham T. Peter
Published: January 2021

Introduction

There is a paucity of prospective data on the performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to evaluate the feasibility and performance of FIT in Nigeria.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-arm study. A convenience sample of asymptomatic, average-risk individuals between 40–75 years of age were enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. Study participants returned in 48 hours with a specimen for ova and parasite (O&P) and qualitative FIT (50ug/g) testing. Participants with a positive FIT had follow-up colonoscopy and those with intestinal parasites were provided treatment.

Results

Between May-June 2019, 379 individuals enrolled with a median age of 51 years (IQR 46–58). In total, 87.6% (n = 332) returned for FIT testing. FIT positivity was 20.5% (95% CI = 16.3%-25.2%). Sixty-one (89.7%) of participants with a positive FIT had a follow-up colonoscopy (n = 61), of whom 9.8% (95%CI:3.7–20.2%) had an adenoma and 4.9% (95%CI:1.0–13.7%) had advanced adenomas. Presence of intestinal parasites was inversely related to FIT positivity (6.5% with vs. 21.1% without parasites, p = 0.05). Eighty-two percent of participants found the FIT easy to use and 100% would recommend the test to eligible family or friends if available.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic, FIT-based CRC screening was feasible and well tolerated in this exploratory analysis. However, the high FIT positivity and low positive predictive value for advanced neoplasia raises concerns about its practicality and cost effectiveness in a low-resource setting such as Nigeria.