bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Subspecialty Capacity Building for Global Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Namazzi Ruth , Wasswa Peter , Mupere Ezekiel , Wilson-Lewis Kristina , Allen Carl , Kasirye Philip , Munube Deogratias , Nuchtern Jed , Airewele Gladstone , Chintagumpala Murali , Torrey Susan , Sekabira John , Poplack David , Lubega Joseph
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Specialized multidisciplinary care is central to childhood cancer control. Expertise and infrastructure in the pediatric disciplines of hematology, surgery, critical care, nursing, and pathology are as critical as pediatric oncology. Survival of the majority of children with cancer globally remains dismal because of the scarcity of multidisciplinary pediatric subspecialty services. We present the innovative approach and impact of Texas Children’s Global HOPE initiatives to cost-effectively develop capacity for specialized multidisciplinary cancer care for children in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

METHODS

Global HOPE designed and supports subspecialty training and contingent infrastructure building in SSA in the following disciplines that are critical to pediatric cancer care: pediatric hematology and oncology (PHO), pediatric surgery, pediatric critical care, anatomic and molecular pathology, and pediatric oncology nursing. Key principles underlying the design of each disciplinary program are that it enables the implementation of current best evidence-based practices, primarily uses a problem-based learning approach, and is integrated and accredited by the local health sciences university. Training primarily occurs at an African hub where Global HOPE also supports infrastructure for clinical care and research, in addition to onsite faculty and offsite telemedicine support from the headquarters in Houston, TX.

RESULTS

The PHO and pediatric surgery fellowship programs based at Makerere University, Kampala, are the most advanced thus far. Twenty pediatricians from 6 African countries have enrolled and 8 have graduated from the 2-year PHO program. One surgeon enrolled in the 3-year pediatric surgery fellowship annually and 6 have graduated since inception. The fellowship programs have directly affected patient outcomes because of evidence-based clinical rigor and enhanced clinical infrastructure. All graduates from the 2 fellowships are currently practicing in SSA.

CONCLUSION

Formal in situ pediatric subspecialty training is feasible in low- and middle-income countries and carries the critical advantages of infrastructure development, direct patient impact, and is less susceptible to brain drain.
African Consortium for Cancer Clinical Trials: Assessing, Profiling, and Building Cancer Clinical Trial Capacity in Africa
Authors: Seymour Daniel , Graef Katy , Dent Jennifer
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Cancer now kills more Africans than malaria. Despite this statistic, Africans remain drastically underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) launched the African Consortium for Cancer Clinical Trials to foster cancer clinical trials involving African populations by assessing, profiling, and building clinical trial capacity in African hospitals.

METHODS

BVGH developed a checklist tool for hospitals to self-assess their current clinical trial capabilities and compare these capabilities with those that are essential for performing trials at international standards. The checklist evaluates a site’s metrics across 6 categories: clinical trial experience, regulatory processes, staffing, cancer diagnostic and treatment capabilities and equipment, pharmacy management, and research management systems. The checklist was distributed widely across Africa. Any interested site, regardless of its ability to treat patients with cancer, was invited to complete the self-assessment.

RESULTS

To date, BVGH has received checklists from 40 institutes, of which, 34 offer cancer treatment services. These institutes are distributed across 16 countries and are composed of public and private hospitals, universities, and nonprofit research institutes. Of the sites assessed, more than 85% had performed a clinical trial in the past, with drug studies being the most commonly performed trial. Sites frequently had research coordinators, nurses, and data managers on staff, whereas biostatisticians, database programmers, and epidemiologists were the most commonly unavailable personnel. Whereas the majority of the sites’ laboratories were accredited, fewer than half had the equipment needed for clinical research. More than 70% of the sites had the necessary pharmacy infrastructure, whereas 60% had the requisite research management systems.

CONCLUSION

With Africa’s cancer mortality rate predicted to double by 2040, more cancer clinical trials must be performed in Africa. Our assessments reveal African institutes’ common areas of strength, as well as opportunities for improvement. Of importance, our results demonstrate that Africa can perform cancer clinical trials.
Oral Bisphosphonate use Reduces Cardiovascular Events in a Cohort of Danish Patients Referred for Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Rodríguez Alexander J , Ernst Martin T , Nybo Mads , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Ebeling Peter R , Hermann Anne Pernille , Abrahamsen Bo
Published: July 2020

Context

The cardiovascular (CV) safety of oral bisphosphonates (oBPs) is uncertain.

Objective

Determine the risk of CV events in oBP users referred for bone mineral density (BMD) testing compared with matched controls.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Danish national prescription registry enriched with local hospital data from Odense.

Participants

Individuals aged ≥45 years referred for BMD testing.

Exposure

oBP.

Outcomes

Hospitalization for any CV event. Secondary study outcomes were specific CV events. Negative (inguinal hernia surgery and ingrown toenail) and positive (fragility fracture) control outcomes assessed systemic bias. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

There were 2565 oBP users (82.6% women) and 4568 (82.3% women) propensity score–matched controls. Alendronate accounted for 96% of oBP prescription. A total of 406 (15.8%) CV events occurred in oBP users (rate = 73.48 [66.67-80.98]); rate = events divided by person-time; and 837 (18.3%) events in controls (rate = 104.73 [97.87-112.07]) with an adjusted HR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.60-0.77). Additional adjustment for BMD did not attenuate estimates (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.58-0.78]. Similar results were seen for secondary outcomes where risk reductions were seen regarding atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, and aneurysms. Positive and negative control outcome analyses identified minimal residual confounding.

Conclusion

Oral BP users experienced a 33% reduced risk of CV events. This observational real-world study adds to a growing body of evidence for cardioprotection by oBP that warrants testing in a randomized setting.
International Histopathology Consensus for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Williams Tracy Ann , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E , Rainey William E , Giordano Thomas J , Lam Alfred K , Marker Alison , Mete Ozgur , Yamazaki Yuto , Zerbini Maria Claudia Nogueira , Beuschlein Felix , Satoh Fumitoshi , Burrello Jacopo , Schneider Holger , Lenders Jacques W M , Mulatero Paolo , Castellano Isabella , Knösel Thomas , Papotti Mauro , Saeger Wolfgang , Sasano Hironobu , Reincke Martin
Published: July 2020

Objective

Develop a consensus for the nomenclature and definition of adrenal histopathologic features in unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA).

Context

Unilateral PA is the most common surgically treated form of hypertension. Morphologic examination combined with CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) immunostaining reveals diverse histopathologic features of lesions in the resected adrenals.

Patients and Methods

Surgically removed adrenals (n = 37) from 90 patients operated from 2015 to 2018 in Munich, Germany, were selected to represent the broad histologic spectrum of unilateral PA. Five pathologists (Group 1 from Germany, Italy, and Japan) evaluated the histopathology of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and CYP11B2 immunostained sections, and a consensus was established to define the identifiable features. The consensus was subsequently used by 6 additional pathologists (Group 2 from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, United States) for the assessment of all adrenals with disagreement for histopathologic diagnoses among group 1 pathologists.

Results

Consensus was achieved to define histopathologic features associated with PA. Use of CYP11B2 immunostaining resulted in a change of the original HE morphology-driven diagnosis in 5 (14%) of 37 cases. Using the consensus criteria, group 2 pathologists agreed for the evaluation of 11 of the 12 cases of disagreement among group 1 pathologists.

Conclusion

The HISTALDO (histopathology of primary aldosteronism) consensus is useful to standardize nomenclature and achieve consistency among pathologists for the histopathologic diagnosis of unilateral PA. CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry should be incorporated into the routine clinical diagnostic workup to localize the likely source of aldosterone production.
Traction force measurements on male Strepsiptera (Insecta) revealed higher forces on smooth than on hairy substrates
Authors: Pohl Hans , Gorb Elena V. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to find out how strongly males of Stylops, having tarsi equipped with tenent hairs and lacking claws, attach to different substrates. We investigated adhesion of S. ovinae to the hymenopteran host abdomen (Andrena vaga), a strongly hairy abdomen of a Bombus sp. and two artificial smooth reference surfaces having different degree of hydrophilicity. In our experiments, the males of S. ovinae developed significantly higher forces on smooth surfaces. However, the forces were significantly lower on all the hymenopteran surfaces used in the experiment. The absence of anisotropy in the force grip in cranial/caudal direction relative to the host might indirectly indicate that S. ovinae generate forces rather by adhesion and not by mechanical interlocking with the host hairs. The tolerance of the attachment system of S. ovinae to the substrate chemistry might be explained by the primary contribution of van der Waals interactions and not capillary forces to adhesion in S. ovinae.
Imitation Perfection—A Simple Rule to Prevent Discrimination in Procurement
Authors: Mass Helene , Fugger Nicolas , Gretschko Vitali , Wambach Achim
Published: July 2020

Procurement regulation aimed at curbing discrimination requires equal treatment of sellers. However, Deb and Pai (2017) show that such regulation imposes virtually no restrictions on the ability to discriminate. We propose a simple rule—imitation perfection—that restricts discrimination significantly. It ensures that in every equilibrium, bidders with the same valuation distribution and the same valuation earn the same expected utility. If all bidders are homogeneous, revenue and social surplus optimal auctions consistent with imitation perfection exist. For heterogeneous bidders, however, it is incompatible with revenue and social surplus optimization. Thus, a trade-off between non-discrimination and optimality exists. (JEL D44, D82, H57)
Pricing Network Effects: Competition
Authors: Fainmesser Itay P. , Galeotti Andrea
Published: July 2020

We study the practice of influencer marketing in oligopoly markets and its effect on market efficiency. In our model, each consumer is influenced by choices of a subset of other consumers. Firms gather information on consumers’ influence and price discriminate using this information. In equilibrium, firms charge premia/subsidize below-/ above-average-influential consumers; the premia/discounts depend on the strength of network effects and on how much information firms have on consumers’ influence. Influencer marketing leads to inefficient consumer-product matches. Firms’ investments in information are strategic complements, leading to a race for information acquisition that erodes welfare and firms’ profits but increases consumer surplus. (JEL D11, D21, D43, D83, D85, L13, M31)
Image versus Information: Changing Societal Norms and Optimal Privacy
Authors: Ali S. Nageeb , Bénabou Roland
Published: July 2020

We analyze the costs and benefits of using social image to foster desirable behaviors. Each agent acts based on his intrinsic motivation, private assessment of the public good, and reputational concern for appearing prosocial. A Principal sets the general degree of privacy, observes the social outcome, and implements a policy: investment, subsidy, law, etc. Individual visibility reduces free riding but makes aggregate behavior (“descriptive norm”) less informative about societal preferences (“prescriptive norm”). We derive the level of privacy (and material incentives) that optimally trades off social enforcement and learning, and we characterize its variations with the economy’s stochastic and informational structure. (JEL D82, D83, D91, Z13)
HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B coinfections in Mkushi, Zambia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Katamba Cibangu , Chungu Theresa , Lusale Chisali
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, syphilis and Hepatitis B Virus are major global public health problems, they are sexually transmitted infections with overlapping modes of transmission and affected populations. 

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the seroprevalence of HIV 1, hepatitis B virus and syphilis coinfections among newly diagnosed HIV individuals aged 16 to 65 years, initiating on antiretroviral therapy, in Mkushi, Zambia.

Methods: A total number of 126 sera were collected from HIV 1 infected patients attending Mkushi district hospital/ART clinic for antiretroviral therapy initiation. Hepatitis B surface antigen test and serologic test for syphilis were conducted between March and May 2018.

Results: Of the 126 participants (out of 131 enrollments), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected with a prevalence of 9.5% among newly diagnosed HIV infected patients, while that of syphilis was as high as 40.5% in this same population group. Three patients recorded HIV coinfections with both syphilis and hepatitis B virus (2.4%) at the same time. After analysis, the results indicate that there was no significant association between gender for both dependent variables: HIV/syphilis or HIV/hepatitis B virus coinfections (alpha significance level > 0.05). Those who had a history of syphilis infection in the past were more likely than those who had none to be HIV-syphilis coinfected (53.6% vs 34%, respectively; odd ratio [OR] 2.236; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.045 – 4.782).

Conclusion: The high prevalence rates for HIV, HBV, and syphilis coinfections strongly indicate the need for HBV and syphilis screening for HIV infected individuals. Furthermore, the high number of patients previously treated for syphilis who retest positive for syphilis in this study calls for use of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test to identify true syphilis infection (titers ≥ 1:8 dilutions, strongly suggestive).
An assessment of the extent to which the contents of PROSPERO records meet the systematic review protocol reporting items in PRISMA-P
Authors: Booth Alison , Mitchell Alex S. , Mott Andrew , James Sophie , Cockayne Sarah , Gascoyne Samantha , McDaid Catriona
Published: July 2020

Background: PROSPERO is an international prospective register for systematic review protocols. Many of the registrations are the only available source of information about planned methods. This study investigated the extent to which records in PROSPERO contained the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P).

Methods: A random sample of 439 single entry PROSPERO records of reviews of health interventions registered in 2018 was identified. Using a piloted list of 19 PRISMA-P items, divided into 63 elements, two researchers independently assessed the registration records. Where the information was present or not applicable to the review, a score of 1 was assigned. Overall scores were calculated and comparisons made by stage of review at registration, whether or not a meta-analysis was planned and whether or not funding/sponsorship was reported.

Results: Some key methodological details, such as eligibility criteria, were relatively frequently reported, but much of the information recommended in PRISMA-P was not stated in PROSPERO registrations. Considering the 19 items, the mean score was 4.8 (SD 1.8; median 4; range 2-11) and across all the assessed records only 25% (2081/8227) of the items were scored as reported. Considering the 63 elements, the mean score was 33.4 (SD 5.8; median 33; range 18-47) and overall, 53% (14,469/27,279) of the elements were assessed as reported. Reporting was more frequent for items required in PROSPERO than optional items. The planned comparisons showed no meaningful differences between groups.

Conclusions: PROSPERO provides reviewers with the opportunity to be transparent in their planned methods and demonstrate efforts to reduce bias. However, where the PROSPERO record is the only available source of a priori reporting, there is a significant shortfall in the items reported, compared to those recommended. This presents challenges in interpretation for those wishing to assess the validity of the final review.
Advances in understanding the evolution of fungal genome architecture
Authors: Priest Shelby J. , Yadav Vikas , Heitman Joseph
Published: July 2020

Diversity within the fungal kingdom is evident from the wide range of morphologies fungi display as well as the various ecological roles and industrial purposes they serve. Technological advances, particularly in long-read sequencing, coupled with the increasing efficiency and decreasing costs across sequencing platforms have enabled robust characterization of fungal genomes. These sequencing efforts continue to reveal the rampant diversity in fungi at the genome level. Here, we discuss studies that have furthered our understanding of fungal genetic diversity and genomic evolution. These studies revealed the presence of both small-scale and large-scale genomic changes. In fungi, research has recently focused on many small-scale changes, such as how hypermutation and allelic transmission impact genome evolution as well as how and why a few specific genomic regions are more susceptible to rapid evolution than others. High-throughput sequencing of a diverse set of fungal genomes has also illuminated the frequency, mechanisms, and impacts of large-scale changes, which include chromosome structural variation and changes in chromosome number, such as aneuploidy, polyploidy, and the presence of supernumerary chromosomes. The studies discussed herein have provided great insight into how the architecture of the fungal genome varies within species and across the kingdom and how modern fungi may have evolved from the last common fungal ancestor and might also pave the way for understanding how genomic diversity has evolved in all domains of life.
Compassion in the Clink: When and How Human Services Workers Overcome Barriers to Care
Authors: DeCelles Katherine A. , Anteby Michel
Published: July 2020

A key assumption in past literature has been that human services workers become emotionally distant from their charges (such as clients or patients). Such distancing is said to protect workers from the emotionally draining aspects of the job but creates challenges to feeling and behaving compassionately. Because little is known about when and how compassion occurs under these circumstances, we conducted a multiphased qualitative study of 119 correctional officers in the United States using interviews and observations. Officers’ accounts and our observations of their interactions with inmates included cruel, disciplinary, unemotional, and compassionate treatment. Such treatment varied by the situations that officers faced, and compassion was surprisingly common when inmates were misbehaving—challenging current understanding of the occurrence of compassion at work. Examining officers’ accounts more closely, we uncovered a novel way that we theorize human services workers can be compassionate, even under such difficult circumstances. We find that officers describe engaging in practices in which they (a) relate to others by leveling group-based differences between themselves and their charges and (b) engage in self-protection by shielding themselves from the negative emotions triggered by their charges. We posit that the combined use of such practices offsets different emotional tensions in the work, rather than only providing emotional distance, and in doing so, can foster compassionate treatment under some of the most trying situations and organizational barriers to compassion.
O NEW WEIRD: HIBRIDISMO FORMAL E CONSCIÊNCIA POLÍTICA EM ESTAÇÃO PERDIDO, DE CHINA MIÉVILLE
Authors: Amaral George Augusto do
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é contextualizar e discutir o New Weird, um subgênero da literatura fantástica surgido no fim do século XX, durante o momento em que a Grã-Bretanha passava pelo Science Fiction Boom, no qual a ficção científica, a fantasia e o horror sofreram uma retomada após um período de estagnação. A partir de um levantamento das principais definições a respeito do New Weird, tendo como base as discussões dos próprios escritores desse tipo de ficção, pretendo comentar a respeito de suas influências, principalmente em relação ao Weird tradicional, e abordar em detalhe algumas de suas características principais. Defendo que os mundos ficcionais do New Weird, ainda que alternativos ao real, são construídos com detalhes que enfatizam relações sociais, políticas e econômicas que remetem à nossa realidade, o que possibilita a reflexão acerca do nosso próprio contexto histórico. Ao mesmo tempo, essas obras promovem uma diluição das fronteiras entre os gêneros da literatura fantástica, na medida em que características formais, convenções e temas tradicionais de ficção científica, fantasia e horror aparecem articuladas conjuntamente, de maneira a serem reiteradas, mas também renovadas.
The Force of Nonviolence
Authors: Marí Marí Antoni Isidor
Published: July 2020

Reseña de: Butler, Judith. (2020). The Force of Nonviolence. Londres: Verso.
In-violencia de ley: Gefunden o elementos para un Urgrund del pre-juicio
Authors: Souyris Oportot Lorena
Published: July 2020

Según Jacques Derrida, en el origen de la tradición filosófica se ha inscrito una violencia que ha dado testimonio a la forma en que se ha producido, comunicado e institucionalizado una ley de invención. Esto ha revelado una innegable valoración por un tipo de “invención” iterativa de lo mismo que nubla la posibilidad de considerar la “invención” bajo el vocablo alemán Gefunden, que se aleja de la “producción” de algo. Como lo indica Derrida, ya el acervo filosófico ha sometido, en su momento “fundador”, el preguntar –esto es, la “inquietud” (Uruhen) de “buscar” (Gefunden)– a una triple legislación: ontológica, política y lingüística. ¿Cómo hacer temblar esta legislación para re-pensar una in-violencia originaria (Urgrund) en la cual una fuerza (Kraft) moviliza la Gefunden inscrita como  pre-juicio?
Deconstrucción, soberanía y singularidad en el “enigma” femenino. Entrecruces entre Derrida y Luce Irigaray
Authors: Ugalde Guajardo Andrea
Published: July 2020

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto delinear un posible cruce entre el pensamiento de Luce Irigaray y Jacques Derrida. En un primer momento, dicha transacción será llevada a cabo en torno al eje de la deconstrucción, enfatizando la resistencia al principio del poder (soberanía) y la cuestión de la singularidad como puntos gravitantes de la crítica al orden falogocéntrico que ambos impugnan. Posteriormente, de la mano de lo que puede considerarse un giro material-sexual de la deconstrucción llevado a cabo por Irigaray, se abordará la pregunta por lo femenino en el psicoanálisis de Freud para reconstruir, finalmente, la evaluación que ambos autores hacen de la propuesta freudiana, mostrando qué aspectos rompen con la tradición de pensamiento occidental y, sobretodo, cuáles renuevan su compromiso con los fundamentos del falogocentrismo.
Optomechanical lasers for inertial sensing
Authors: Wisniewski Hayden , Richardson Logan , Hines Adam , Laurain Alexandre , Guzmán Felipe
Published: July 2020

We have developed an inertially sensitive optomechanical laser by
combining a vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL)
with a monolithic fused silica resonator. By placing the external
cavity mirror of the VECSEL onto the optomechanical resonator test
mass, we create a sensor where external accelerations are directly
transcribed onto the lasing frequency. We developed a
proof-of-principle laboratory prototype and observe test mass
oscillations at the resonance frequency of the sensor through the
VECSEL lasing frequency,

4.18
±
0.03

H
z

. In addition, we set up an ancillary
heterodyne interferometer to track the motion of the mechanical
oscillator’s test mass, observing a resonance of

4.194
±
0.004

H
z

. The interferometer measurements
validate the VECSEL results, confirming the feasibility of using
optomechanical lasers for inertial sensing.
In-phase sub-Nyquist lenslet arrays encoded onto spatial light modulators
Authors: Moreno Ignacio , Cottrell Don M. , Davis Jeffrey A. , Sánchez-López María M. , Gutierrez Benjamin K.
Published: July 2020

When encoding diffractive lenses onto a spatial light modulator (SLM), there is a Nyquist limit to the smallest focal length that can be formed. When this limit is surpassed, a two-dimensional array of lenslets is formed. There have been very few discussions on the performance of these lenslets. In this work, we focus on the phase distribution of these lenses in the array. We show that, for certain values of the focal length, the lenslets are all in perfect phase. We show that this situation happens for a total number of

N

/

4

different discrete equidistant sub-Nyquist focal lengths, where

N
×
N

is the number of pixels in the SLM. We find other distances in between where the array is composed of two sets of lenslets with a relative

π

phase among them. Finally, we illustrate these phase distributions in the application to generate an array of vortex producing lenses. We expect that these results might be useful for high-accuracy interferometric or multiple imaging where this phase must be exactly the same for each replica.
Generation of the bipartite entanglement and correlations in an optomechanical array
Authors: Gebremariam Tesfahannes Tesfay
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the remote bipartite entanglement and correlations between the neighboring cavity and movable mirror using an optomechanical array, in which the optical cavities are coupled to one oscillating end-mirror through a photon hopping process. Under the linearization approximation, the stationary bipartite continuous-variable entanglement and quantum correlations are quantified through logarithmic negativity and correlation functions of two non-Hermitian operators, respectively. Remarkably, our numerical simulation exhibits a generation of bipartite correlation behavior between cavity–oscillating mirror and cavity–cavity subsystems through the applicable choice of optical cavity detunings and photon hopping coupling strength. The system also offers the possibility of remote bipartite entanglement with the neighboring cavity and movable mirror. We further show that the amount of quantum correlation between subsystems can be achieved for small photon hopping coupling strengths and small effective temperatures. It is found that the generation of bipartite quantum correlations between the cavity mode and oscillating mirror can be transferred entirely through photon hopping coupling strength. Our results may have potential applications for the realization of optomechanical crystals platform and continuous-variable quantum information interfaces.
Spatial distribution of electric-field enhancement across the gap of terahertz bow-tie antennas
Authors: Runge Matthias , Engel Dieter , Schneider Michael , Reimann Klaus , Woerner Michael , Elsaesser Thomas
Published: July 2020

The electric-field enhancement in terahertz (THz) antennas designed for nonlinear THz spectroscopy of soft matter is characterized by spatially resolved electrooptic sampling. To mimic the relevant interaction geometry, metallic, resonant bow-tie antennas are deposited on a thin zinc telluride crystal of 10 µm thickness. The THz electric field transmitted through the antenna gap is recorded by electrooptic sampling. By focusing the 800 nm, sub-20 fs sampling pulses, we achieve a spatial resolution of some 3 µm, which is 1/3 to 1/8 of the antenna-gap width. The THz field in the gap displays an enhancement by a factor of up to 4.5 with a pronounced spectral variation, depending sensitively on the antenna-arm length and the gap width. By scanning the 800 nm probe spot laterally through the antenna gap, the spatial variation of the enhancement is determined, reaching the highest values at the edges of the gap. The results are in agreement with simulations of the electric-field distributions by finite-element calculations.
Omnidirectional and compact transmissive chromatic polarizers based on a dielectric-metal-dielectric structure
Authors: Gao Xufeng , Wang Qi , Cao Shuhua , Li Rui , Hong Ruijin , Zhang Dawei
Published: July 2020

High-performance omnidirectional transmissive chromatic polarizers based on a one-dimensional dielectric-metal-dielectric subwavelength grating structure are proposed. The incident angle-insensitive properties, azimuthal angle-insensitive properties and polarization features are investigated thoroughly to realize the proposed omnidirectional transmissive chromatic polarizers. The color difference at different angles for the proposed yellow polarizers is less than 0.9746, and the extinction ratio at different angles for the proposed cyan polarizers exceeds 26. Analysis of the power density profiles for the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations show that surface plasmon resonance and high refractive index contrast properties lead to excellent polarization features and high angular tolerance.
Surface plasmon resonance prism coupler for enhanced circular birefringence sensing and application to non-invasive glucose detection
Authors: Phan Quoc-Hung , Lai You-Rui , Xiao Wei-Zhe , Pham Thi-Thu-Hien , Lien Chi-Hsiang
Published: July 2020

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) prism coupler is proposed for the high-resolution non-invasive (NI) measurement of the circular birefringence (CB) properties of turbid media. The feasibility of the proposed device is demonstrated by means of numerical simulations. It is shown that the SPR sensor enables the CB properties to be detected with a resolution of up to 8.9 × 10−7 RIU (refractive index units) for refractive indices in the range of 1.3∼1.4. Moreover, for tissue phantom solutions containing 2% lipofundin, the device has a detection limit of 3.72 mg/dL. This resolution performance satisfies the detection limit of 10 mg/dL stipulated by the U.S FDA for point-of-care glucose monitoring devices. Thus, the proposed SPR sensor has significant potential for NI glucose sensing in such applications as diabetes detection and management.
Integrated group delay units for real-time reconfigurable spectrum sensing of mm-wave signals
Authors: Das Ranjan , Schneider Thomas
Published: July 2020

Real-time spectrum sensing is crucial to enable dynamic spectrum sharing for ubiquitous wireless communication with seamless high-quality wireless services. In this contribution, we demonstrate a reconfigurable real-time spectrum sensing photonic integrated chip (RTSS-PIC) for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals, based on the temporal discrimination of multi-channel input frequencies by the peak group delays of cascaded ring resonators. Large group delays and wide bandwidths are realized by the strategic tuning of thermal phase shifters. To make the spectrum sensing fully reconfigurable, positive and negative group delay profiles are utilized. Furthermore, a unique frequency-to-time mapping technique is introduced to analyze all input channels in real time. To illustrate the method, real-time spectrum sensing for two different mm-wave signals are finally tested by full-wave simulations of the proposed RTSS-PIC.
Reconstruction of bi-dimensional images in Fourier-transform acousto-optic imaging
Authors: Bocoum Maïmouna , Gennisson Jean-Luc , Grabar Alexander A. , Ramaz François , Tualle Jean-Michel
Published: July 2020

We present a new, to the best of our knowledge, method to perform acousto-optic imaging based on a spatiotemporal structuration of long-duration acoustic plane waves. This approach is particularly relevant when using detectors with long integration times. We show how it is possible to reconstruct an image by measuring its two-dimensional Fourier components. A proof of concept is presented using a photorefractive detection scheme, demonstrating equal performances to direct imaging. The overall acquisition time is compatible with medical monitoring applications.
Enlarged field of view based on Schwartz modulation for light sheet fluorescence microscopy in deep tissue
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Chen Jiajia , Zhang Biwei , Huang Limeng , Zheng Yao , Si Ke , Duan Shumin , Gong Wei
Published: July 2020

The combination of light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) and the optical clearing method can achieve fast three-dimensional high-resolution imaging. However, there is an essential contradiction between the field of view (FoV) and spatial resolution. Also, aberration and scattering still exist after tissue clearing, which seriously limits the imaging depth of LSFM. Here we propose a Schwartz modulation method and implement it in LSFM based on a quasi-Bessel beam to enlarge the imaging FoV without sacrificing its spatial resolution. The simulation results show that the FoV of the LSFM is enlarged by a factor of 1.73 compared to the Bessel beam. The capability of extremely fast decay along the optical axis makes Schwartz modulation more tolerant for scattering, indicating potential applications for deep tissue imaging. Also, the capability of sidelobe suppression effectively decreases unnecessary fluorescence excitation and photobleaching.
Energy-efficient thermo-optic silicon phase shifter with well-balanced overall performance
Authors: Qiu Huaqing , Liu Yong , Luan Chao , Kong Deming , Guan Xiaowei , Ding Yunhong , Hu Hao
Published: July 2020

Silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs) show great potential for many applications. The phase tuning technique is indispensable and of great importance in silicon PICs. An optical phase shifter with balanced overall performance on power consumption, insertion loss, footprint, and modulation bandwidth is essential for harnessing large-scale integrated photonics. However, few proposed phase shifter schemes on various platforms have achieved a well-balanced performance. In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate a thermo-optic phase shifter based on a densely distributed silicon spiral waveguide on a silicon-on-insulator platform. The phase shifter shows a well-balanced performance in all aspects. The electrical power consumption is as low as 3 mW to achieve a

π

phase shift, the optical insertion loss is 0.9 dB per phase shifter, the footprint is

67

×

28

µ

m

2

under a standard silicon photonics fabrication process without silicon air trench or undercut process, and the modulation bandwidth is measured to be 39 kHz.
Half-side gold-coated hetero-core fiber for highly sensitive measurement of a vector magnetic field
Authors: Lin Qianyu , Hu Yuchan , Yan Feng , Hu Shiqi , Chen Yu , Liu Guishi , Chen Lei , Xiao Yi , Chen Yaofei , Luo Yunhan , Chen Zhe
Published: July 2020

A highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance fiber sensor for a vector magnetic field is proposed. The sensor is composed of a half-side gold-coated multimode-single-mode-multimode hetero-core fiber structure encapsulated with ferrofluids. The half-side gold film on the fiber not only produces the surface plasmon resonance, but also breaks the centrosymmetry of the light field in the fiber. Moreover, the magnetic-field-dependent anisotropy of the surrounding ferrofluids makes the sensor sensitive to both the intensity and direction of the magnetic field. Owing to the unique half-side coating configuration and the resulting enhancement of the evanescent field, the sensor can achieve a sensitivity as high as 1008 pm/Oe to the magnetic field intensity. The proposed sensor, possessing advantages such as high sensitivity, ease of fabrication, and low cost, has potential in the detection of a weak vector magnetic field.
Squeeze free space with nonlocal flat optics
Authors: Guo Cheng , Wang Haiwen , Fan Shanhui
Published: July 2020

There has been substantial interest in miniaturizing optical systems by
flat optics. However, one essential optical component, free space,
fundamentally cannot be substituted with conventional local flat
optics with space-dependent transfer functions, since the transfer
function of free space is momentum-dependent instead. Overcoming this
difficulty is important to achieve the utmost miniaturization of
optical systems. In this work, we show that free space can be
substituted with nonlocal flat optics operating directly in the
momentum domain. We derive the general criteria for an optical device
to replace free space and provide two concrete designs of photonic
crystal slab devices. Such devices can substitute much thicker free
space. Our work paves the way for the utmost miniaturization of
optical systems using a combination of local and nonlocal flat
optics.
Reduction of graphene oxide by nanofocused ultrafast surface plasmon pulses
Authors: Tomita Keita , Matsuda Takumi , Kannari Fumihiko
Published: July 2020

We used ultrafast surface plasmon polariton (SPP) pulses that were focused into several tens of nm at the apex of a tapered metal tip to induce photoreduction of graphene oxide (GO), and we successfully fabricated nano graphene stripes with a minimum width of ∼200 nm. GO was reduced using about 1010 shots of SPP pulse irradiation. We evaluated the GO reduction with selective in situ coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering measurements using spectrally focused SPP pulses.
Eratóstenes. Constelações do Zodíaco
Authors: Pereira Reina Marisol
Published: July 2020

Este escrito pseudoeratosténico que se traduz nesta publicação retrata um grupo de episódios que não se limita a 12 constelações. Tampouco discorre acerca de influências/condicionalismos deterministas sobre eventualidades e comportamentos diários, mensais ou anuais das criaturas terrenas da Época Alexandrinista. Embora não se trate de um tratado astronómico e o estilo prime por um carácter simples e sucinto, muito há para descodificar nos pouco mais de quarenta episódios. De conotações astronómicas, apresenta-se como um exercício de aproximação, ao proporcionar ao recetor explicações de algo visível, mas não atingível - as constelações, através de imagens do saber comum, radicadas em cenas e aspetos mitológicos. Ademais, são vastos os topoi desenvolvidos, como philia, traição, cólera, justiça, crime e castigo, reverência, eponímia, etiologia, metamorfose, mitologia.
Synthesis, Characterization and Bioactivity Study of Bidentate NS Schiff
Base of S-Benzyl Dithiocarbazate and its Zn(II) and Pd(II) Complexes
Authors: Islam Md. Hasibul , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Zahan Ronok , Islam Md. Al-Amin-Al-Azadul
Published: July 2020

The bis-chelated four coordinate complexes (ML2, L = deprotonated ligand) of Zn(II) and Pd(II) ions
were synthesized, derived from a new bidentate NS Schiff base called S-benzyl-β-N-(4-hydroxy-3-
nitrophenyl)methylene dithiocarbazate (HL) which is the condensation product of S-benzyl
dithiocarbazate (SBDTC) with 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzaldehyde. The synthesized ligand and complexes
were characterized using conventional techniques like NMR, UV-visible, IR, mass spectroscopic
techniques, magnetic susceptibility measurement and molar conductance. A single crystal X-ray
crystallography data approved the proposed crystal structure of the ligand. Both in solid and solution
phase, the ligand continues to exist in its thione tautomeric form. The chelates were formed by the
reaction of ligand with the metal ions through the ligand azomethine nitrogen atom and the deprotonated
thiolate sulfur anion. Magnetic susceptibility and electronic spectroscopic data suggested to have a
tetrahedral geometry for ZnL2 complex whereas a square planar structure for PdL2 complex. The
analgesic and anti-inflammatory bioactivity were assayed on both the ligand and its complexes by tail
flick and carrageenan induced paw edema test. The ligand at the dose of 10 mg/kg, produced a significant
(***p < 0.001) increase in pain threshold in tail flick methods when compared to control but in case of
complexes, it showed moderate activity. At the same dose, the ligand and complexes significantly
(***p < 0.001) reduced paw edema when compared to the control. Altogether, these results suggest
that ligand and its complexes could be used as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Influence of Different Carriers in Polymer Inclusion Membranes for Desalination of Seawater
Authors: Djunaidi Muhammad Cholid , Pardoyo  , Wahyuni Tri
Published: July 2020

Desalination of seawater using various polymer inclusion membranes was carried out. Polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) is known to
have the highest stability, able to overcome liquid membrane instability and was placed in between two phases: the source phase is
seawater and the receiving phase is the micro-filtered water. Determination of salinity levels in the feed phase and the receiving phase was
carried out using a salinity meter, while membrane characterization was done using FTIR and SEM techniques. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
based PIM membranes were prepared using different single and mixed synergtic carriers ratio of 1:1 viz. dibutyl ether, methyltrioctylammonium
chloride (Aliquat 336), di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphate (D2EHPA), thenoyl trifluoroacetone (HTTA), tributyl phosphate
(TBP) and eugenol (PE). The results showed the salinity value for single HTTA carriers had a greater salinity value in comparison to mixed
carriers (HTTA:TBP; HTTA:Aliquat; D2EHPA:TBP; and D2EHPA:Aliquat) gave different salinity value towards the desalination process.
DNA Binding Potency and Antimicrobial Analysis of New Indole and Pyrazolone Based Transition Metal(II) Complexes
Authors: Selvamariammal Murugan , Malarvizhi Maruthappan
Published: July 2020

Some novel series of 5-chloro isatin and 4-aminoantipyrine based Schiff bases with transition metal(II)
complexes of (Cu, Co, Ni and Zn) have been prepared and characterized by physical, analytical and
spectral data. The synthesized ligand behaves as a neutral tridentate is confirmed by spectral techniques.
During the complexation, the stoichiometry ratio 1:2 (metal:ligand) is followed and an octahedral
arrangement is adopted by all the metal complexes. The calf-thymus DNA interacts with complexes
via an intercalative mode is studied by electronic absorption titration. Moreover, all these synthesized
metal(II) complexes were tested against a set of bacterial and fungal strains reveals that complexes
exhibit better activity than free ligand.
Evaluation of Lime Juice as Potential Green Corrosion Inhibitor Using Gravimetric and Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Magie Jessima S.J. Hepziba , Rakesh B.G. , Muthappa Moksha , Subhashini S.
Published: July 2020

Lime, a vibrant fruit of citrus family is known for its antioxidant as well as anti-microbial properties. The constituents of lime juice include organic acids, polyphenols, soluble sugars, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. These details prompted to experiment lime juice as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl. The weight loss studies showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with increase in concentration of the lime juice as well as increase of temperature. The inhibition efficiency reached a maximum of 96% for an immersion period of 24 h. The best fit for the adsorption process obeyed Langmuir isotherm. The negative value of ΔGads showed the spontaneity of the corrosion inhibition process. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the acidified lime juice was further validated by electrochemical studies namely AC impedance studies and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The surface morphology study was performed used optical profilometer.
Determination of Fenpyroximate Acaricide in Vegetables,
Soil and Water Samples using UV-Visible Spectroscopy
Authors: Sahu D.K. , Bhatt C. , Rai J. , Rai M.K. , Goswami J. , Sahu A.K. , Singh T.V. , Ramteke S. , Nirmal M. , Wani K. , Mundeja P.
Published: July 2020

Modern agriculture makes use of chemical pesticides to increase the crop productivity so as to meet
the daily needs of uncontrolled population growth. These increase the productivity neglecting the
fertility of soil and food quality, hence risking the health of human beings including animals.
Fenpyroximate is a kind of acaricide which attacks and kills mites and decreases the growth of larvae.
A method is established for the detection of fenpyroximate and stop excessive use of pesticide. After
performing several tests on various wavelengths, the λmax for the detection of fenpyroximate was 435
nm for azo dye. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) was found to be 0.687 μg
mL-1 and 2.083 μg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, molar absorptivity, Sandell′s sensitivity were calculated
to be 2.3 × 10-7 mol-1 cm-1 and 1 × 10-5 μg cm-2, respectively. The azo dye follows Beer′s law in the
range 5 μg to 14 μg in 10 mL that can be easily detected by using spectrophotometric analysis. This
method is very sensitive, low cost and less time consuming. The present method is applied successfully
in various vegetables (i.e. apple, cucumber, potato, spinach, etc.) soil and water samples.
Geografias criativas: afinidades experienciais na relação arte-geografia
Authors: Bernardes de Souza Júnior Carlos Roberto , Geralda de Almeida Maria
Published: July 2020

Caracterizadas por influências reciprocas com práticas artísticas, geografias criativas visam explorar metodologias inovativas no campo da Geografia Cultural. O ensaio objetiva desvelar de que maneiras o (re)torno criativo em Geografia pode potencializar as práticas de pesquisa do geógrafo contemporâneo. Para tanto, foi efetivada pesquisa e revisão bibliográfica, assim como uma aproximação com as provocações filosóficas da fenomenologia existencialista de Merleau-Ponty. Foi compreendido que os diferentes modos de fazer e escrever Geografia no contexto da virada criativa pode trazer novos alcances para o campo de estudos. Inovações na divulgação dos resultados e no modo de abordar sujeitos/objetos de pesquisa são uma motivação importante para possibilitar o desenvolvimento da ciência geográfica. Conclui-se que as geografias criativas são mais que uma tendência passageira e podem ser uma trilha fundante para inovações na Geografia Cultural contemporânea
Festiwale – święta sztuki czy projekty intelektualne
Authors: Joanna Ostrowska Joanna Ostrowska
Published: July 2020

The article tries to analyze the phenomenon of the growing numbers of artistic festivals with an intellectual agenda. In the author's opinion the very appearance of artistic festivals in the beginning of the 20th Century was already an intellectual project of healing war wounds through art, which later created the background for the political project of a common union of European countries. Contemporary artistic festivals are as much presentations of different kinds of art as they are intellectual projects that try to introduce various issues: urban studies, ethnical diversity or results of scientific research. Artistic festivals are analyzed here as cultural performances (in order to be presented, issues undertaken by the festivals need to be performed) that have subversive, transformative and normative power. From the viewpoint of performance studies and aesthetics of performativity, contemporary festivals crushed the division between art and events that are part of everyday, "real" life.
Ostatni europejski Dragon. (Dragan Klai 1950-2011)
Authors: Ostrowska Joanna
Published: July 2020

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