bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Word Decoding Abilities of 1st Graders with Developmental Dyslexia Considering Reading Severity and Word and Syllable Structure
Authors: Yu Haerim , Won Hyoeun , Pae Soyeong
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This study investigated word decoding abilities of 1st graders with Developmental dyslexia according to the level of decoding difficulty, meaning availability, word and syllable structure.Methods: Twenty Korean 1st graders with developmental dyslexia participated in 40 word-reading tasks individually. All of them had severe decoding difficulties, even with normal listening comprehension (KORLA; Pae et al., 2015) and intelligence (K-CTONI-2; Park, 2014). The group differences by decoding difficulties were compared considering the meaning of words, the number of syllable-final graphemes, and the position of each grapheme in a syllable.Results: Both the severe and less-severe group in Korean word-decoding difficulties revealed the gaps between word reading and nonword reading. Both groups had decoding difficulties when a word had syllable-final graphemes, while the severe group had even lower performances in word readings with 2 syllable-final graphemes. Both groups showed similar performances in reading syllable-initial graphemes while the severe group had lower performances both in reading syllable-medial vowel graphemes and syllable-final consonant graphemes compared to the less-severe group.Conclusion: Korean 1st graders with developmental dyslexia seemed to be in urgent need of decoding support considering word and syllable structure. Triggering the non-lexical route with non-words considering the grain size of syllable-medial vowel graphemes and syllable-final graphemes would facilitate word decoding abilities of severely dyslexic Korean children.
Canonical Vocalization and Phonological Development in Children with and without Repaired Cleft Palate
Authors: Kim Ho , Ha Seunghee
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Canonical vocalization is an important factor in predicting the early speech-language development of children. This study investigated the characteristics of canonical vocalization and phonological development in children aged 13-16 months with cleft palate at 2-3 months following palatal surgery compared to those of children without cleft palate.Methods: Sixteen children with repaired cleft palate and 16 children without cleft palate participated in the study. The frequency and percentage of canonical vocalization, phoneme inventory, and phonological structures were analyzed from all-day recordings at home and compared between children with and without repaired cleft palate. The relationship between canonical vocalization and phonological development was also examined.Results: Children with repaired cleft palate had a lower rate of canonical vocalization and showed restriction in consonant inventories containing canonical vocalization compared to children without cleft palate. They produced nasals predominantly showing restricted production of stops, and they showed significantly smaller high vowel production than children without cleft palate. They also showed restrictions in the diversity and complexity of phonological structures compared to children without cleft palate. All groups had positive correlations between canonical vocalization ratio and phonological development.Conclusion: This study provided understanding about the phonological development of children with cleft palate following palatal surgery and addressed clinical implications for early intervention.
Handover Latency and Interoperability in Future Generation Wireless Mobile Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Hussain Shaik Mazhar , Ahmad Afaq
Published: October 2021

Continuous striving in the development of wireless mobile networks maximizes the possibility of user services and provides experience context rich and personalized services. In this way, for the development towards fully integrated 4G‐all IP network architecture, the interoperability between future generation wireless networks and seamless vertical handover (VHO) has become a crucially important issue. The proposed work is mainly focusing on exploring interoperability issues in heterogeneous networks considering development towards 4G and emphasizing on emerging IEEE 802.21 standard. Further, Simulation results were presented to showcase vertical handover (VHO) performance using IEEE 802.21. Simulation Analysis is done using Network Simulator (NS-2) with seamless mobility package extension.
Abnormal distortion and control of a Gaussian beam in circular aperture diffraction
Authors: Wang Qizhen , Xia Xiongping
Published: October 2021

On the basic theory of wave diffraction, Zernike polynomials have been built by using the aberration function method to study the abnormal distortion and control of laser beams with Gaussian distribution in circular aperture diffraction. In the process of research, it is found that under the different deformation degrees of Zernike polynomials in Z7 and Z8, the diffracted beam will produce comet optical aberrations, further causing the diffraction beam to deviate from the Gaussian profile and producing anomalous distortion. By optimizing the imaging position and adding a phase compensator, imaging errors such as aberration and distortion on the structure can be effectively controlled, and the beam transmission quality can be improved.
Optimization of the phase generated carrier demodulation algorithm based on support vector regression
Authors: Ma Huyong , Li Binai , Xue Min , Zhao Wenbin , Wei Shuangjiao , Bian Zhenglan , Chu Fenghong
Published: October 2021

The phase generated carrier (PGC) algorithm is often used in the
demodulation of interference signals in optical fiber sensors for its
high sensitivity, good linearity, and large dynamic range. However,
the PGC demodulation method is often distorted by the amplitude of the
interference signal and the depth of modulation. In this study, the
support vector regression (SVR) method is used to compensate the
distortion of the PGC demodulation schemes. Simulation results showed
that the SVR algorithm can effectively reduce the nonlinear error of
the PGC demodulation system. The fitting accuracy of the SVR algorithm
is 97.5% and greater than 90% in noiseless and noise systems, which is
better than the back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm. Also,
the SVR-based algorithm can better restore the amplitude with smaller
mean square error and good correlation. A vibration monitoring system
has been built, and experiment results confirm that the performance of
the SVR-based algorithm is better than direct PGC demodulation and BP
algorithm with the mean square error of 0.0005 and
relevance of 0.94.
MicroHikari3D: an automated DIY digital microscopy platform with deep learning capabilities
Authors: Salido J. , Toledano P. T. , Vallez N. , Deniz O. , Ruiz-Santaquiteria J. , Cristobal G. , Bueno G.
Published: October 2021

A microscope is an essential tool in biosciences and production quality laboratories for unveiling the secrets of microworlds. This paper describes the development of MicroHikari3D, an affordable DIY optical microscopy platform with automated sample positioning, autofocus and several illumination modalities to provide a high-quality flexible microscopy tool for labs with a short budget. This proposed optical microscope design aims to achieve high customization capabilities to allow whole 2D slide imaging and observation of 3D live specimens. The MicroHikari3D motion control system is based on the entry level 3D printer kit Tronxy X1 controlled from a server running in a Raspberry Pi 4. The server provides services to a client mobile app for video/image acquisition, processing, and a high level classification task by applying deep learning models.
Gamut mapping based image enhancement algorithm for color deficiencies
Authors: Xu Lihao , Li Qinyuan , Liu Xiaoxuan , Xu Qiang , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: October 2021

This study presents an approach for enhancing color images for color
vision deficiencies. The proposed approach is separated into three
stages. First, the type and severity of a color deficient observer
(CDO) were evaluated. Following that, the perceived color gamut was
assessed using a physiologically-based color deficiency simulation
model. Finally, images prepared for color normal observers (CNOs) were
re-colored using a gamut mapping method to map colors from the gamut
of a CNO to that of a CDO. Two psychophysical experiments were carried
out to validate this method, and the results suggest that it is a
promising solution for the CDOs. The unique feature of the present
method is to include a gamut mapping method to enhance the color
discrimination by preserving the perceived hue.
Ultracompact fluorescence smartphone attachment using built-in optics for protoporphyrin-IX quantification in skin
Authors: Hunt Brady , Streeter Samuel S. , Ruiz Alberto J. , Chapman M. Shane , Pogue Brian W.
Published: October 2021

Smartphone-based fluorescence imaging systems have the potential to provide convenient quantitative image guidance at the point of care. However, common approaches have required the addition of complex optical attachments, which reduce translation potential. In this study, a simple clip-on attachment appropriate for fluorescence imaging of protoporphyrin-IX (PpIX) in skin was designed using the built-in light source and ultrawide camera sensor of a smartphone. Software control for image acquisition and quantitative analysis was developed using the 10-bit video capability of the phone. Optical performance was characterized using PpIX in liquid tissue phantoms and endogenously produced PpIX in mice and human skin. The proposed system achieves a very compact form factor (<30 cm3) and can be readily fabricated using widely available low-cost materials. The limit of detection of PpIX in optical phantoms was <10 nM, with good signal linearity from 10 to 1000 nM (R2 >0.99). Both murine and human skin imaging verified that in vivo PpIX fluorescence was detected within 1 hour of applying aminolevulinic acid (ALA) gel. This ultracompact handheld system for quantification of PpIX in skin is well-suited for dermatology clinical workflows. Due to its simplicity and form factor, the proposed system can be readily adapted for use with other smartphone devices and fluorescence imaging applications. Hardware design and software for the system is made freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/optmed/CompactFluorescenceCam).
Lowering the Helstrom bound with non-standard coherent states
Authors: Curado Evaldo M. F. , Faci Sofiane , Gazeau Jean-Pierre , Noguera Diego
Published: October 2021

In quantum information processing, using a receiver device to differentiate between two nonorthogonal states leads to a quantum error probability. The minimum possible error is known as the Helstrom bound. In this work, we study statistical aspects and quantum limits for states that generalize the Glauber–Sudarshan coherent states, such as nonlinear, Perelomov, Barut–Girardello, and (modified) Susskind–Glogower coherent states. For some of these, we show that the Helstrom bound can be significantly lowered and even vanish in specific regimes.
Machine learning techniques in the examination of the electron-positron pair creation process
Authors: Gong C. , Su Q. , Grobe R.
Published: October 2021

We employ two machine learning techniques, i.e., neural networks and
genetic-programming-based symbolic regression, to examine the dynamics
of the electron-positron pair creation process with full space–time
resolution inside the interaction zone of a supercritical electric
field pulse. Both algorithms receive multiple sequences of partially
dressed electronic and positronic spatial probability densities as
training data and exploit their features as a function of the dressing
strength in order to predict each particle’s spatial distribution
inside the electric field. A linear combination of both predicted
densities is then compared with the unambiguous total charge density,
which also contains contributions associated with the independent
vacuum polarization process. After its subtraction, the good match
confirms the validity of the machine learning approach and lends some
credibility to the validity of the predicted single-particle
densities.
Demonstration of FMCW LiDAR using a diode laser feedback with PQ:PMMA VBG
Authors: Chung Te-Yuan , Chang Ruoh-Rou , Chen Yung-Hsin
Published: October 2021

A homemade PQ:PMMA VBG was fabricated and characterized with a diffraction efficiency of about 8%. Mounting on an annular piezo-transducer, this VBG served as a narrow band feedback mirror of a 1060 nm external cavity diode laser (ECDL), which achieved a single longitudinal mode and frequency-tunable operation. With the laser source, an FMCW LiDAR system was demonstrated and successfully measuring target distance within 8.5 m.
Non-reciprocal wave retarder based on optical rotators combination
Authors: Al-Mahmoud Mouhamad , Hristova Hristina , Coda Virginie , Rangelov Andon A. , Vitanov Nikolay V. , Montemezzani Germano
Published: October 2021

We propose and demonstrate a method to realize an easily tunable non-reciprocal wave retarder whose phase retardation depends on the light propagation direction. The system is based on a combination of a reciprocal polarization rotator, a non-reciprocal magneto-optical rotator, and two quarter-wave plates. Experimental tests demonstrate various non-reciprocal functionalities in complete agreement with the underlying theoretical concept.
Platelet count and abdominal dynamic CT are useful in predicting and screening for gastroesophageal varices after Fontan surgery
Authors: Isoura Yoshiharu , Yamamoto Akira , Cho Yuki , Ehara Eiji , Jogo Atsushi , Suzuki Tsugutoshi , Amano-Teranishi Yuga , Kioka Kiyohide , Hamazaki Takashi , Murakami Yosuke , Tokuhara Daisuke
Published: October 2021

Objective

Patients who undergo Fontan surgery for complex cardiac anomalies are prone to developing liver and gastrointestinal complications. In particular, gastroesophageal varices (GEVs) can occur, but their prevalence is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the occurrence of GEVs and the predicting parameters of GEVs in these patients.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven patients (median age, 14.8 years; median time since surgery, 12.9 years) who had undergone the Fontan surgery and were examined by abdominal dynamic computed tomography (CT) for the routine follow-up were included in the study. Radiological findings including GEVs and extraintestinal complications were retrospectively evaluated by experienced radiologists in a blinded manner. Relationships between blood-biochemical and demographic parameters and the presence of GEVs were statistically analyzed.

Results

Dynamic CT revealed gastric varices (n = 3, 11.1%), esophageal varices (n = 1, 3.7%), and gastrorenal shunts (n = 5, 18.5%). All patients with gastric varices had gastrorenal shunts. All gastric varices were endoscopically confirmed as being isolated and enlarged, with indications for preventive interventional therapy. A platelet count lower than 119 × 109 /L was identified as a predictor of GEV (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.946; sensitivity, 100%; and specificity, 87%).

Conclusions

GEVs are important complications that should not be ignored in patients who have undergone a Fontan procedure. Platelet counts lower than 119 × 109 /L may help to prompt patient screening by using abdominal dynamic CT to identify GEVs and their draining collateral veins in these patients.
Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-cultured cells as a model for studying physiological properties and toxin-induced effects on intestinal cells
Authors: Hoffmann Pascal , Burmester Marion , Langeheine Marion , Brehm Ralph , Empl Michael T. , Seeger Bettina , Breves Gerhard
Published: October 2021

Infectious gastrointestinal diseases are frequently caused by toxins secreted by pathogens which may impair physiological functions of the intestines, for instance by cholera toxin or by heat-labile enterotoxin. To obtain a functional model of the human intestinal epithelium for studying toxin-induced disease mechanisms, differentiated enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells were co-cultured with goblet cell-like HT29-MTX cells. These co-cultures formed a functional epithelial barrier, as characterized by a high electrical resistance and the presence of physiological intestinal properties such as glucose transport and chloride secretion which could be demonstrated electrophysiologically and by measuring protein expression. When the tissues were exposed to cholera toxin or heat-labile enterotoxin in the Ussing chamber, cholera toxin incubation resulted in an increase in short-circuit currents, indicating an increase in apical chloride secretion. This is in line with typical cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea in humans, while heat-labile enterotoxin only showed an increase in short-circuit-current in Caco-2 cells. This study characterizes for the first time the simultaneous measurement of physiological properties on a functional and structural level combined with the epithelial responses to bacterial toxins. In conclusion, using this model, physiological responses of the intestine to bacterial toxins can be investigated and characterized. Therefore, this model can serve as an alternative to the use of laboratory animals for characterizing pathophysiological mechanisms of enterotoxins at the intestinal level.
Serological detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis complex infection in multiple hosts by One Universal ELISA
Authors: Sun Liang , Chen Yingyu , Yi Ping , Yang Li , Yan Yu , Zhang Kailun , Zeng Qiaoying , Guo Aizhen
Published: October 2021

Tuberculosis (TB), a contagious disease mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), and Mycobacterium caprae (M. caprae), poses a major global threat to the health of humans and many species of animals. Developing an ante-mortem detection technique for different species would be of significance in improving the surveillance employing a One Health strategy. To achieve this goal, a universal indirect ELISA was established for serologically detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection for multiple live hosts by using a fusion protein of MPB70, MPB83, ESAT6, and CFP10 common in M. tb, M. bovis, and M. caprae as the coating antigen (MMEC) and HRP-labeled fusion protein A and G as a secondary antibody. After testing the known positive and negative sera, the receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to decide the cut-off values. Then, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MMEC/AG-iELISA were determined as 100.00% (95% CI: 96.90%, 100.00%) and 100.00% (95% CI: 98.44%, 100.00%) for M. bovis infection of cattle, 100.00% (95% CI: 95.00%, 100.00%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 96.80%, 100.00%) for M. bovis infection of sheep, 90.74% (95% CI: 80.09%, 95.98%) and 98.63% (95% CI: 95.14%, 99.76%) for M. bovis infection of cervids, 100.00% (95% CI: 15.81%, 100.00%) and 98.81% (95% CI: 93.54%, 99.97%) for M. bovis infection of monkeys, 100.00% (95% CI: 86.82%, 100.00%) and 94.85% (95% CI: 91.22%, 97.03%) for M. tb infection of humans. Furthermore, this MMEC/AG-iELISA likely detects M. caprae infection in roe deer. Thus this method has a promising application in serological TB surveillance for multiple animal species thereby providing evidence for taking further action in TB control.
Can the design of the instruments used for undersized osteotomies influence the initial stability of implants installed in low-density bone? An in vitro pilot study
Authors: de Carvalho Formiga Márcio , Gehrke Arthur Felipe , De Bortoli João Paulo , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to compare the initial implant stability obtained using four different osteotomy techniques in low-density synthetic bone, to evaluate the instrument design in comparison to the implant design, and to determinate a possible correlation between the insertion torque and initial stability quotient (ISQ).

Materials and methods

Four groups were identified in accordance with the osteotomy technique used (n = 10 implants per group): group G1, osteotomy using the recommended drilling sequence; group G2, osteotomy using an undersized compactor drill; group G3, osteotomy using an undersized drill; and group G4, osteotomy using universal osseodensification drills. Two polyurethane blocks were used: block 1, with a medullary portion of 10 pounds per cubic foot (PCF 10) and with a 1 mm cortical portion of PCF 40, and block 2, with a medullary of PCF 15 and with a 2 mm cortical portion of PCF 40. Tapered implants of 4 mm in diameter and 11 mm in length were used. The insertion torque (IT) and ISQ were measured. The dimensions of the final instrument used in each group and the dimensions of the implant were used to calculate the total area of each part, and these data were compared.

Results

Differences between the four groups were found for IT and ISQ values depending on the technique used for the osteotomy in the two synthetic bone models (p < 0.0001). All groups showed lower values of initial stability in block 1 than in block 2.

Conclusions

Undersized osteotomies with instruments designed according to the implant body significantly increased the initial stability values compared to beds prepared with universal drills and using the drilling sequence standardized by the manufacturer.
The populist hotbed: How political attitudes, resentment, and justice beliefs predict both exposure to and avoidance of specific populist news features in the United States
Authors: Scherr Sebastian , Leiner Dominik
Published: October 2021

A politics of resentment has shaped a low-dialogue political environment in the United States, feeding into populism, and characterized by perceived distributive injustice, detachment between politicians and “the people”, and political polarization. In this political environment, independent of editorial lines, news can spread based on populist content features and drive the political divide even further. However, we still do not understand well, how the forces of political disconnect as well as potentially unifying elements such as political knowledge and the willingness to connect with the other (political) side predict audience interest in populist news featuring people-centrism, anti-elitism, restoring popular sovereignty, and the exclusion of others. To better understand what drives (dis-)interest in populist news features, we combined self-report data from a non-student US sample (N = 440) on political attitudes with unobtrusively measured data on their selective exposure to populist news. We analyzed the data using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, in which we simultaneously modeled selective exposure to and avoidance of populist news. The findings indicate that especially the will to connect with others explained exposure to news about anti-elitism, especially among Democrats, while Republicans’ news avoidance seems to be specifically geared toward people-centrism. Populist communication features promoting “us” vs. “them” dichotomies seem to not automatically resonate with the views of resentful voters and their motivated reasoning.
Dry eye, its clinical subtypes and associated factors in healthy pregnancy: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Asiedu Kofi , Kyei Samuel , Adanusa Madison , Ephraim Richard Kobina Dadzie , Animful Stephen , Ali-Baya Stephen Karim , Akorsah Belinda , Sekyere Mabel Antwiwaa
Published: October 2021

The study determined the frequency of dry eye, its clinical subtypes and risk factors among pregnant women. This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic of the University of Cape Coast hospital. Clinical dry eye tests were performed along with the administration of a symptom questionnaire. Frequencies, chi-square analysis and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the frequency of dry eye disease, its clinical subtypes and associated factors. The prevalence of dry eye disease among the cohort of pregnant women was 82/201 (40.8% 95% confidence interval 34.3%-47.3%). Among the 82 pregnant women with dry eye disease, the frequencies of the clinical subtypes of dry eye were: evaporative dry eye [15/82(18.3%; 95% CI, 12.2%–25.2%)], aqueous deficient dry eye [10/82(12.2.%; 95% CI, 7.3%–18.3)], mixed dry eye [6/82(7.3%; 95% CI, 3.7%–11.0%)], and unclassified dry eye [51/82(62.2%; 95% CI, 52.4%–72.0%)]. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were not significantly associated with dry eye: age, BMI, lipid profile, prolactin level, testosterone level, ocular protection index and blink rate. Only gestational age was significantly associated with dry eye disease in pregnancy. In conclusion, the current study showed that dry eye disease occurs frequently in pregnant women ranging from the first to the third trimester and it is associated with increasing gestational age. The evaporative dry eye was more common compared to the aqueous deficient dry eye, but most dry eye could not be classified.
Juvenile European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at rescue centers and their release rate depending on their weight on admission
Authors: Lukesova Gabriela , Voslarova Eva , Vecerek Vladimir
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to assess the numbers of juvenile European hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers in the Czech Republic from the viewpoint of their weight on admission, the reason for their admission, and the success rate of their release back into the wild. The results of our study show varying levels of success in the rearing of hedgehogs admitted at different ages (weights) and a varying period required for their rehabilitation. The greatest chance of release was seen in hedgehogs with a weight on the admission of 500–599 g (64.22% released) and 400–499 g (63.31% released). In contrast, the smallest number of young hedgehogs successfully rehabilitated and released was seen in hoglets weighing 200–299 g (35.24% released) on admission, which corresponds to the weight of hedgehogs at the time of weaning. Time spent at a rescue center may pose an undesirable threat to the lives of animals in some categories. Hedgehogs weighing up to 99 g on admission spent the longest period time at rescue centers (a median of 48 days), while hedgehogs weighing 500–599 g on admission spent the shortest time (a median of 7 days). The majority of hedgehogs in the lowest weight categories were admitted due to their inability to survive on their own. A large percentage of hedgehogs of greater weight, in contrast, were juvenile hedgehogs brought to rescue centers needlessly. The percentage of released animals did not exceed 65%, however, even for entirely independent categories of older juveniles. From this perspective, the fact that hedgehogs are often brought to rescue centers in the belief that they are not self-sufficient young, though they are actually juvenile or even adult individuals that do not require human care, can be considered a significant finding.
Considering equity in global health collaborations: A qualitative study on experiences of equity
Authors: Faure Marlyn C. , Munung Nchangwi S. , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Pratt Bridget , de Vries Jantina
Published: October 2021

International collaborations have become the standard model for global health research and often include researchers and institutions from high income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While such collaborations are important for generating new knowledge that will help address global health inequities, there is evidence to suggest that current forms of collaboration may reproduce unequal power relations. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study with scientists, researchers and those involved in research management, working in international health collaborations. Interviews were conducted between October 2019 and March 2020. We conducted 13 interviews with 15 participants. From our findings, we derive three major themes. First, our results reflect characteristics of equitable, collaborative research relationships. Here we find both relational features, specifically trust and belonging, and structural features, including clear contractual agreements, capacity building, inclusive divisions of labour, and the involvement of local communities. Second, we discuss obstacles to develop equitable collaborations. These include exclusionary labour practices, donor-driven research agendas, overall research culture, lack of accountability and finally, the inadequate financing of indirect costs for LMIC institutions. Third, we discuss the responsibilities for promoting science equity of funders, LMIC researchers, LMIC institutions, and LMIC governments. While other empirical studies have suggested similar features of equity, our findings extend these features to include local communities as collaborators in research projects and not only as beneficiaries. We also suggest the importance of funders paying for indirect costs, without which the capacity of LMIC institutions will continually erode. And finally, our study shows the responsibilities of LMIC actors in developing equitable collaborations, which have largely been absent from the literature.
Self-help and mutual assistance in the aftermath of a tsunami: How individual factors contribute to resolving difficulties
Authors: Sugiura Motoaki , Ishibashi Ryo , Abe Tsuneyuki , Nouchi Rui , Honda Akio , Sato Shosuke , Muramoto Toshiaki , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: October 2021

Self-aid and mutual assistance among victims are critical for resolving difficulties in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but individual facilitative factors for such resolution processes are poorly understood. To identify such individual factors in the background (i.e., disaster damage and demographic) and personality domains considering different types of difficulty and resolution, we analyzed survey data collected in the 3-year aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. We first identified major types of difficulty using a cluster analysis of 18 difficulty domains and then explored individual factors that facilitated six types of resolution (self-help, request for help, help from family, help from an acquaintance, help through cooperation, and public assistance) of these difficulty types. We identified general life difficulties and medico-psychological difficulties as two broad types of difficulty; disaster damage contributed to both types, while some personality factors (e.g., neuroticism) exacerbated the latter. Disaster damage hampered self-resolution and forced a reliance on resolution through cooperation or public assistance. On the other hand, some demographic factors, such as being young and living in a three-generation household, facilitated resolution thorough the family. Several personality factors facilitated different types of resolution, primarily of general life difficulties; the problem-solving factor facilitated self-resolution, altruism, or stubbornness resolutions through requests, leadership resolution through acquaintance, and emotion-regulation resolution through public assistance. Our findings are the first to demonstrate the involvement of different individual, particularly personality, factors in survival in the complex social dynamics of this disaster stage. They may contribute to disaster risk mitigation, allowing sophisticated risk evaluation and community resilience building.
Increased Cancer Risk in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jensen Morten D. , Jepsen Peter , Vilstrup Hendrik , Grønbæk Lisbet
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease and as such may increase the risk of cancer. We examined cancer risks in a nationwide cohort of patients with AIH.

METHODS:

This study was based on nationwide Danish healthcare registries. We identified all persons diagnosed with AIH between 1994 and 2018. We included 1805 patients with AIH and 16,617 age- and sex-matched population controls. We estimated cumulative risks of cancers and risk ratios (RRs) between patients and controls. Within the cohort of patients with AIH, we examined the impact of immunosuppressive treatment (IST) and cirrhosis on cancer risks.

RESULTS:

The 10-year risk of any cancer was 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.7–15.6) in patients with AIH with an RR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.3–1.7) compared with controls. Patients with AIH had a 10-year risk of 0.5% (95% CI 0.2–1.1) for hepatocellular carcinoma. The 10-year risk was 1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.5) for colorectal cancer (RR: 2.1 [95% CI 1.3–3.5]) and 4.0% (95% CI 3.0–5.3) for nonmelanoma skin cancer (RR: 1.8 [95% CI 1.3–2.5]). Among patients with AIH, the risk of cancer was higher for those with cirrhosis (hazard ratio: 1.3 [95% CI 1.0–1.7]), and it also increased 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.0–1.1) for every year the patient was on IST.

DISCUSSION:

AIH was associated with a 1.5-fold increased 10-year risk of cancer compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Among patients with AIH, the risk of cancer was higher for those with cirrhosis, and it also increased slightly with longer duration of IST.
Radiation Safety Exploration Using Radio-photoluminescence Dosimeter for Crookes Tubes in Junior and Senior High School in Japan
Authors: Akiyoshi Masafumi , Do Duy Khiem , Yamaguchi Ichiro , Kakefu Tomohisa , Miyakawa Toshiharu
Published: October 2021

Background: Crookes tube is utilized in junior high and high schools in Japan to study the character of electrons and current, and not for radiological education. There is no official guideline or regulation for these radiation source to the public. Therefore, most teachers have no information about the leakage of X-rays from Crookes tube. The peak energy of X-rays is approximately 20 keV, and it is impossible to measure using conventional survey meters.Materials and Methods: Each leakage dose of low energy X-rays from 38 Crookes tube in the education field, such as junior and senior high schools in Japan, was explored by the teachers in the school using radio-photoluminescence (RPL) dosimeters. Before and after the measurements, the dosimeters were sent by postal mails.Results and Discussion: At the exploration in this study, it was estimated that the 70 μm dose equivalent, Hp(0.07) of X-rays from 31 Crookes tubes were smaller than 100 μSv in 10 minutes, at the distance of 1 m, where the Crookes tube was usually observed. However, the highest dose was estimated as 0.69 mSv by an equipment with the full power. Furthermore, one Crookes tube exhibited 0.62 mSv with minimum output power of the induction coil. This relatively large dose was reduced by the shorter distance of discharge electrodes of the induction coil.Conclusion: The leakage dose of low energy X-rays from 38 Crookes tube was explored using RPL dosimeters. It was estimated that the Hp(0.07) of X-rays from 31 Crookes tubes were smaller than 100 μSv in 10 minutes at the distance of 1 m, while some equipment radiated a higher dose. With this study, the provisional guideline for the safety operation of Crookes tube is established.
Determination of 226Ra in TENORM Sample Considering Radon Leakage Correction
Authors: Lim Sooyeon , Syam Nur Syamsi , Maeng Seongjin , Lee Sang Hoon
Published: October 2021

Background: Phosphogypsum is material produced as a byproduct in fertilizer industry and is generally used for building materials. This material may contain enhanced radium-226 (226Ra) activity concentration compared to its natural concentration that may lead to indoor radon accumulation. Therefore, an accurate measurement method is proposed in this study to determine 226Ra activity concentration in phosphogypsum sample, considering the potential radon leakage from the sample container.Materials and Methods: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) phosphogypsum reference material was used as a sample in this study. High-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry was used to measure the activity concentration of the 226Ra decay products, i.e., 214Bi and 214Pb. Marinelli beakers sealed with three different sealing methods were used as sample containers. Due to the potential leakage of radon from the Marinelli beaker (MB), correction to the activity concentration resulted in gamma spectrometry is needed. Therefore, the leaked fraction of radon escaped from the sample container was calculated and added to the gamma spectrometry measured values.Results and Discussion: Total activity concentration of 226Ra was determined by summing up the activity concentration from gamma spectrometry measurement and calculated concentration from radon leakage correction method. The results obtained from 214Bi peak were 723.4 ± 4.0 Bq· kg-1 in MB1 and 719.2 ± 3.5 Bq· kg-1 in MB2 that showed about 5% discrepancy compared to the certified activity. Besides, results obtained from 214Pb peak were 741.9 ± 3.6 Bq· kg-1 in MB1 and 740.1 ± 3.4 Bq· kg-1 in MB2 that showed about 2% difference compared to the certified activity measurement of 226Ra concentration activity.Conclusion: The results show that radon leakage correction was calculated with insignificant discrepancy to the certified values and provided improvement to the gamma spectrometry. Therefore, measuring 226Ra activity concentration in TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material) sample using radon leakage correction can be concluded as a convenient and accurate method that can be easily conducted with simple calculation.
Un análisis fenomenológico-levinasiano de la cuestión del tiempo en Nadie nada nunca de J. J. Saer
Authors: Suazo Gisela
Published: October 2021

Este artículo explora las diferentes significaciones del tiempo en la obra Nadie nada nunca de Juan José Saer y la singularidad de su escritura. Propone una aproximación interdisciplinar que articula elementos de crítica literaria y conceptos de la filosofía de Emmanuel Levinas a fin de elucidar los potenciales sentidos ontológico, estético y político del fenómeno temporal en la novela estudiada. El concepto levinasiano de diacronía es utilizado como figura hermenéutica esencial para comprender y caracterizar el estilo de escritura saeriana, que da cuenta de la experiencia del presente que afecta a los personajes, y de la imagen del tiempo discontinuo implícita en la obra. Se retoma, entonces, desde una perspectiva fenomenológica, los conceptos de presente, instante, memoria y conciencia trabajados en los estudios literarios sobre la obra de Saer, para encontrar, más allá de una concepción ontológica de la materialidad del tiempo, un recurso estético que permite pensar la constitución del tiempo y de la subjetividad en el contexto de la dictadura militar en Argentina.
DNA Binding Activity of Marine Shrimp LvProfilin
Authors: Laoong-u-thai Yanisa , Wanna Warapond , Kaikaew Autaipohn
Published: October 2021

Shrimp farming is an important business in Thailand and worldwide. The study of molecular biology and biochemical pathway of the key molecules controlling muscle growth is an essential to improve shrimp livestock. Profilin is a pivotal protein in muscle formation, especially actin protein. Its nuclear function has been reported in many species for gene regulation. Here in this work, we characterized the function of LvProfilin, a marine shrimp profilin from Litopenaeus vannamei, both in silico and in vitro. The phylogenetic tree of LvProfilin among organisms and its 3D protein structure showed that LvProfilin was highly conserved among shrimp and arthropods. The homology modeling of its 3D structure revealed 3 alpha-helices and 6 beta-strands similar to most eukaryotic profilins. To interpret its possible function, the gene expression of LvProfilin in various tissues was performed. We found that this gene was expressed in various tissues. This result may imply that LvProfilin could share a common function in all tissues. Nuclear activity has been a promising function of LvProfilin. We performed a DNA/RNA binding prediction analysis using DRNApred. The result indicated that Lysine-90 and Threonine-91 were the putative DNA-binding sites with the probability of 63.12% and 54.16%, respectively. Its binding activity was confirmed in vitro which bound stronger to single strand DNA than double strand DNA. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of DNA binding activity of profilin in invertebrates.
The morphofunctional state of the fetal thyroid gland in maternal-fetal infections caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Talapova P. S. , Sorokina I. V.
Published: October 2021

Aim – experimental modelling and determination of the morphofunctional state of the thyroid gland of a rat fetus in maternal-fetal infections caused by E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumoniae.
Material and methods. We conducted a controlled experimental study with block randomization on 85 female Wistar Albino Glaxo rats, which, depending on the group assigned randomly, were infected or not with E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumoniae before pregnancy with subsequent pathomorphological examination of 37 thyroid glands obtained from rats’ fetuses. The set of methods was applied: histological – HE and Mallory staining; indirect immunofluorescence: moAb to T4, types I and III collagen, IL-6, and TNF; histomorphometry using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was performed with the R environment and packages “ggplot”, “dplyr”, “pastecs”, “graphics” for Shapiro–Wilk test, Bartlett’s test, Box-Cox method, ANOVA, and plotting. The null hypothesis was rejected in cases when an error probability (P) did not exceed the type I error set at 0.001 (P < 0.001).
Results. In the thyroid glands of fetuses obtained from mothers infected with E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, in comparison with the control group, a statistically significant increase in the following morphofunctional parameters was determined: the diameter and area of the follicle, the area of the colloid, the height and area of the thyrocyte, the intensity and area of the fluorescence of the follicular thyrocytes and colloid, in samples labeled MoAb to T4, the intensity of the fluorescence of collagen types I and III; a decrease in the area of the nucleus in relation to the area of the cytoplasm, which was reflected in a decrease in the NCR index. The most pronounced differences in morphological and functional parameters from the norm were found in the thyroid gland of fetuses from mothers infected with S. aureus.
Conclusions. The revealed changes in the morphofunctional parameters of the thyroid gland of a rat fetus, which experienced the influence of maternal-fetal infections caused by E. coli, S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, are unidirectional and statistically significantly different from those recorded during physiological organogenesis. They correspond to an increase in the gland’s secretory activity and indicate the acceleration of organ’s maturation.
The role and diagnostic value of assessing the degree of coronary arteries calcification for predicting the severity of coronary heart disease
Authors: Nykonenko A. O. , Makarenkov A. L. , Pidluzhnyi H. S. , Materukhin A. M.
Published: October 2021

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading mortality causes. According to the latest guidelines, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is one of the main non-invasive methods for diagnosis of CHD, which allows for quantification of stenosis severity and the characterization of stenotic lesions.
Aim of the study. It is to study the role, diagnostic value and dependence of coronary artery calcification on the degree of stenotic lesion of the coronary arteries and anthropometric parameters in patients with coronary artery disease examined by computed tomography.
Materials and methods. According to the purpose of the study, 46 patients were included: 32 (69.6 %) males and 14 (30.4 %) females. The average age of the patients was 59.0 ± 9.8 years, height – 172 ± 9 cm, weight – 85.6 ± 12.9 kg, body mass index (BMI) – 28.6 ± 4.13, body surface area (BSA) – 1.98 ± 0.17 m2. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Independent t-tests were conducted between two groups of patients (Agatston index ≥400 and <400), using P < 0.05 as a significant value. Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to determine independent coronary calcium predictors using P < 0.05 as a significant value.
Results. According to the results of the age analysis, significant differences were found among both groups of patients (P = 0.02). Notable differences in the number of affected coronary arteries between Groups 1 and 2 with an Agatston index ≥400 and <400 (P < 0.01) were found. During the correlation analysis, a significant moderate positive correlation of the SYNTAX score level with Agatston index (r = 0.69, P < 0.01) was revealed.
Conclusions. The degree of coronary arteries calcification with Agatston score ≥400 is an independent predictor of severe coronary heart disease with multivessel lesion of the coronary arteries. The degree of calcification of coronary arteries with Agatston score ≥400 is more common in males. Height, weight, BMI and BSA do not influence the degree of coronary calcification arteries and Agatston score level.
Relationship between nitric oxide levels and the activity of fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 and their role in diagnostics of the development of irreversible morphofunctional changes in bronchi of smoking adolescents
Authors: Ilchenko S. I. , Fialkovska A. O. , Skriabina K. V.
Published: October 2021

The aim is to study the relationship between the level of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the activity of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 in blood serum and brush biopsy samples of bronchial mucosa in order to determine their role in the development of irreversible morphological and functional changes in smoking adolescents.
Materials and methods. 20 adolescent smokers with chronic bronchitis (CB) (average age – 17.5 ± 0.2 years) were exa­mined. The comparison group consisted of 37 adolescent smokers without respiratory symptoms (average age – 15.9 ± 0.2 years) and 15 healthy adolescents, who never smoked (average age – 15.9 ± 0.4 years). In adolescent smokers the tobacco smoking status was assessed. To confirm active smoking, the nicotine metabolite cotinine was determined in urine. Instrumental methods included spirometry, chest X-ray, tracheobronchoscopy. The FeNO level was measured using a Niox Mino. TGF-β1 level was determined in the blood serum and brush biopsy samples of the bronchial mucosa.
Results. The FeNO levels were significantly lower in adolescent smokers with CB in comparison with adolescent smokers without respiratory symptoms (6.1 ± 0.3 ppb versus 8.8 ± 0.6 ppb, P < 0.05). The relationship between the FeNO levels and indicators of the tobacco smoking status has been established in patients with CB and in asymptomatic smokers. There was a significant increase in the TGF-β1 levels in the blood serum in patients with CB compared with asymptomatic smokers (478.7 ± 57.9 pg/ml versus 231.5 ± 23.5 pg/ml, P < 0.05). In smoking adolescents a relationship between a FeNO level and an increased activity of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β (r = -0.63; P < 0.05) has been established. In one third of patients the TGF-β1 factor was identified in the bronchial endothelium. The presence of this factor in the bronchial endothelium is a serious prognostic criterion for the risk of developing “inadequate” pneumofibrosis, which can lead to irreversible remodeling processes in the bronchi.
Conclusions. Determination of FeNO levels and TGF-β1 in the blood serum in smoking adolescents has a reliable diagnostic value for determining the risk group for the development of irreversible morphological and functional changes in the bronchi and can improve the efficiency of early diagnosis of chronic respiratory pathology.