bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-scattering light focusing with full-polarization digital optical phase conjugation based on digital micromirror devices
Authors: Liu Linxian , Liang Wenjie , Qu Yuan , He Qiaozhi , Shao Rongjun , Ding Chunxu , Yang Jiamiao
Published: August 2022

The high resolution of optical imaging and optogenetic stimulation in the deep tissue requires focusing light against strong scattering with high contrast. Digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) has emerged recently as a promising solution for this requirement, because of its short latency. A digital micromirror device (DMD) in the implementation of DOPC enables a large number of modulation modes and a high speed of modulation both of which are important when dealing with a highly dynamic scattering medium. Here, we propose full-polarization DOPC (fpDOPC) in which two DMDs simultaneously modulate the two orthogonally polarized components of the optical field, respectively, to mitigate the effect of depolarization caused by strong scattering. We designed a simple system to overcome the difficulty of alignment encountered when modulating two polarized components independently. Our simulation and experiment showed that fpDOPC could generate a high-contrast focal spot, even though the polarization of light had been highly randomized by scattering. In comparison with the conventional method of modulating the polarization along a particular direction, fpDOPC can improve the peak to background ratio of the focal spot by a factor of two. This new technique has good potential in applications such as high-contrast light focusing in vivo.
Towards optimal conversion efficiency of Brillouin random fiber lasers in a half-open linear cavity
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xie Haoran , Li Yichun , Pang Fufei , Chen Wei , Zhan Li , Wang Tingyun
Published: August 2022

We proposed and demonstrated an unprecedented high-efficiency Brillouin random fiber laser (BRFL) by fiber length optimization in a half-open linear cavity. In terms of the trade-off between Brillouin gain saturation and weak distributed Rayleigh feedback strength, optimal laser efficiency associated to proper fiber length in a BRFL was theoretically predicted. As a proof-of-concept, a unidirectional-pumped BRFL with a half-open linear cavity was experimentally conducted, in which a fiber Bragg grating at one end of gain fiber served as a high-reflection mirror while Rayleigh scattering enabled distributed feedback for random lasing resonance. Results show that the optimal fiber length of ∼3.4 km in the BRFL offers sufficient Rayleigh scattered random feedback whilst alleviating the Brillouin gain saturation to a large extent. Consequently, an optimal laser efficiency of 77.0% in the BRFL was experimentally demonstrated, which reaches the state-of-the-art high record. Laser characteristics, including the linewidth, statistics and frequency jitter were also systematically investigated. It is believed that such efficient BRFL could provide a promising platform for inspiring new explorations of laser physics as well as potentials in long-haul coherent communication and fiber-optic sensing.
Optics-mechanics synergistic fiber optic sensor for hydrogen detection
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Li Xiaotong , Zhang Xinpu , Peng Wei
Published: August 2022

As a carbon-free energy carrier and an attractive alternative energy source, hydrogen energy has great development potential for future considerations, and it may be the ultimate answer to the global energy crisis. Due to the high combustibility of hydrogen, hydrogen sensors will be a vital component of safe use of hydrogen. Among the various sensors, the optical hydrogen sensor can meet the requirements of intrinsic safety, online detection, surrounding immunity, and lack of spark. Hence, we demonstrate a miniature optics-mechanics synergistic fiber optic hydrogen sensor by using Pd nanofilm, it has a large response range (0.5%-3.5%), high sensitivity of -0.334 nm/1% concentration and a short response time (10s)/recovery time (25s). Experimental results reveal that the proposed optics-mechanics synergistic fiber optic hydrogen sensor is reusable, durable, and low temperature sensitive. In this optics-mechanics synergistic fiber optic hydrogen sensor, nano Pd film with a large surface-to-volume ratio allows for rapid hydrogen dissociation, and Pd lattice expansion caused by Pd-hydrogen reaction is effectively transduced into optical change. This proposed sensor integrated Pd nanofilm with optical fiber by using an optics-mechanics synergistic strategy, resulting in a compact and all-optical solution for the safe measurement of hydrogen concentration, which can be used in hazardous or space-limited environments.
Optical pulling and pushing forces via Bloch surface waves
Authors: Kostina Natalia , Petrov Mihail , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Shalin Alexander S.
Published: August 2022

For flexible tailoring of optical forces, as well as for extraordinary optomechanical effects, additional degrees of freedom should be introduced into a system. Here, we demonstrate that photonic crystals are a versatile platform for optical manipulation due to both Bloch surface waves (BSWs) and the complex character of the reflection coefficient paving a way for controlled optomechanical interactions. We demonstrate enhanced pulling and pushing transversal optical forces acting on a single dipolar bead above a one-dimensional photonic crystal due to directional excitation of BSWs. Our results demonstrate angle- or wavelength-assisted switching between BSW-induced optical pulling and pushing forces. Easy to fabricate for any desired spectral range, photonic crystals are shown to be prospective for precise optical sorting of nanoparticles, which are difficult to sort with conventional optomechanical methods. Our approach opens opportunities for novel, to the best of our knowledge, optical manipulation schemes and platforms, and enhanced light–matter interaction in optical trapping setups.
Dark-field spin Hall effect of light
Authors: Baishya Upasana , Kumar Nitish , Viswanathan Nirmal K.
Published: August 2022

While an optical system’s symmetry ensures that the spin Hall effect of light (SHEL) vanishes at normal incidence, the question of how close to the normal incidence can one reliably measure the SHEL remains open. Here we report simulation and experimental results on the measurement of SHEL at away from normal incidence in the Fourier plane of a weakly focused beam of light, reflected at an air–glass interface. Measurement of transverse spin-shift due to polarization variation in the beam cross section along the X- and Y-directions is achieved in the dark-field region of the reflected beam. Our ability to measure the SHEL at near-normal incidence with no moving optomechanical parts and significantly improved sensitivity to phase-polarization variations is expected to enable several applications in the retro-reflection geometry including material characterization with significant advantages.
In-fiber duplex optical antenna and its programmable spectral filter application
Authors: Song Qingguo , Dai Yuze , Xiao Xiangpeng , Liu Chen , Chen Haoshuo , Sun Qizhen , Zhang Lin , Yan Zhijun
Published: August 2022

In this Letter, we have proposed an in-fiber duplex optical antenna based on a 45° radiated titled fiber grating (RTFG), in which the 45° RTFG not only radiates the light from the fiber core to the free space, but also harvests the light from the free space back into the fiber core. Using the finite difference time domain method, we have theoretically analyzed the light recoupling efficiency of the RTFG. The simulated results have shown that the RTFG-based optical antennas have a maximum coupling efficiency of 10%. The recoupling wavelength and efficiency are related to the grating period and horizontal incidence angle. Furthermore, we demonstrate a programmable spectral filtering system based on the 45° RTFG antennas, which could achieve filtering with arbitrary spectral shapes. The spectral resolution is 0.4 nm and the insertion loss is around 20 dB. The proposed programmable spectral filtering system has a compact structure compared with the traditional filter.
Multimode nonlinear dynamics in spatiotemporal mode-locked anomalous-dispersion lasers
Authors: Wu Yuhang , Christodoulides Demetrios N. , Wise Frank W.
Published: August 2022

Spatiotemporal mode-locking in a laser with anomalous dispersion is investigated. Mode-locked states with varying modal content can be observed, but we find it difficult to observe highly-multimode states. We describe the properties of these mode-locked states and compare them to the results of numerical simulations. Prospects for the generation of highly-multimode states and lasers based on multimode soliton formation are discussed.
Multivariate phenotype analysis enables genome-wide inference of mammalian gene function
Authors: Nicholson George , Morgan Hugh , Ganjgahi Habib , Brown Steve D. M. , Mallon Ann-Marie , Holmes Chris
Published: August 2022

The function of the majority of genes in the human and mouse genomes is unknown. Investigating and illuminating this dark genome is a major challenge for the biomedical sciences. The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) is addressing this through the generation and broad-based phenotyping of a knockout (KO) mouse line for every protein-coding gene, producing a multidimensional data set that underlies a genome-wide annotation map from genes to phenotypes. Here, we develop a multivariate (MV) statistical approach and apply it to IMPC data comprising 148 phenotypes measured across 4,548 KO lines.

There are 4,256 (1.4% of 302,997 observed data measurements) hits called by the univariate (UV) model analysing each phenotype separately, compared to 31,843 (10.5%) hits in the observed data results of the MV model, corresponding to an estimated 7.5-fold increase in power of the MV model relative to the UV model. One key property of the data set is its 55.0% rate of missingness, resulting from quality control filters and incomplete measurement of some KO lines. This raises the question of whether it is possible to infer perturbations at phenotype–gene pairs at which data are not available, i.e., to infer some in vivo effects using statistical analysis rather than experimentation. We demonstrate that, even at missing phenotypes, the MV model can detect perturbations with power comparable to the single-phenotype analysis, thereby filling in the complete gene–phenotype map with good sensitivity.

A factor analysis of the MV model’s fitted covariance structure identifies 20 clusters of phenotypes, with each cluster tending to be perturbed collectively. These factors cumulatively explain 75% of the KO-induced variation in the data and facilitate biological interpretation of perturbations. We also demonstrate that the MV approach strengthens the correspondence between IMPC phenotypes and existing gene annotation databases. Analysis of a subset of KO lines measured in replicate across multiple laboratories confirms that the MV model increases power with high replicability.
The impact of sparsity in low-rank recurrent neural networks
Authors: Herbert Elizabeth , Ostojic Srdjan
Published: August 2022

Neural population dynamics are often highly coordinated, allowing task-related computations to be understood as neural trajectories through low-dimensional subspaces. How the network connectivity and input structure give rise to such activity can be investigated with the aid of low-rank recurrent neural networks, a recently-developed class of computational models which offer a rich theoretical framework linking the underlying connectivity structure to emergent low-dimensional dynamics. This framework has so far relied on the assumption of all-to-all connectivity, yet cortical networks are known to be highly sparse. Here we investigate the dynamics of low-rank recurrent networks in which the connections are randomly sparsified, which makes the network connectivity formally full-rank. We first analyse the impact of sparsity on the eigenvalue spectrum of low-rank connectivity matrices, and use this to examine the implications for the dynamics. We find that in the presence of sparsity, the eigenspectra in the complex plane consist of a continuous bulk and isolated outliers, a form analogous to the eigenspectra of connectivity matrices composed of a low-rank and a full-rank random component. This analogy allows us to characterise distinct dynamical regimes of the sparsified low-rank network as a function of key network parameters. Altogether, we find that the low-dimensional dynamics induced by low-rank connectivity structure are preserved even at high levels of sparsity, and can therefore support rich and robust computations even in networks sparsified to a biologically-realistic extent.
Vaginal microbiota and personal risk factors associated with HPV status conversion—A new approach to reduce the risk of cervical cancer?
Authors: Yang Zhongzhou , Zhang Ye , Stubbe-Espejel Araceli , Zhao Yumei , Liu Mengping , Li Jianjun , Zhao Yanping , Tong Guoqing , Liu Na , Qi Le , Hutchins Andrew , Lin Songqing , Li Yantao
Published: August 2022

Vaginal microbiota (VMB) is associated with changes in Human papilloma virus (HPV) status, which consequently influences the risk of cervical cancer. This association was often confounded by personal risk factors. This pilot research aimed to explore the relationship between vaginal microbiota, personal risk factors and their interactions with HPV status conversion to identify the vaginal microbiota that was associated with HPV clearance under heterogeneous personal risk factors. A total of 38 women participated by self-collecting a cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) sample that was sent for metagenomics sequencing. Most of the participants also filled in personal risk factors questionnaire through an eHealth platform and authorized the use of their previous HPV genotyping results stored in this eHealth platform. Based on the two HPV results, the participants were grouped into three cohorts, namely HPV negative, HPV persistent infection, and HPV status conversion. The relative abundance of VMB and personal factors were compared among these three cohorts. A correlation investigation was performed between VMB and the significant personal factors to characterize a robustness of the panel for HPV status change using R programming. At baseline, 12 participants were HPV-negative, and 22 were HPV-positive. Within one year, 18 women remained HPV-positive, 12 were HPV-negative and 4 participants showed HPV clearance. The factors in the eHealth questionnaire were systematically evaluated which identified several factors significantly associated with persistent HPV infection, including age, salary, history of reproductive tract infection, and the total number of sexual partners. Concurrent vaginal microbiome samples suggest that a candidate biomarker panel consisting of Lactobacillus gasseri, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Timona prevotella bacteria, which may be associated with HPV clearance. This pilot study indicates a stable HPV status-related vaginal microbe environment. To establish a robust biomarker panel for clinical use, larger cohorts will be recruited into follow-up studies.
Effects of simulated reduced gravity and walking speed on ankle, knee, and hip quasi-stiffness in overground walking
Authors: MacLean Mhairi K. , Ferris Daniel P.
Published: August 2022

Quasi-stiffness characterizes the dynamics of a joint in specific sections of stance-phase and is used in the design of wearable devices to assist walking. We sought to investigate the effect of simulated reduced gravity and walking speed on quasi-stiffness of the hip, knee, and ankle in overground walking. 12 participants walked at 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 m/s in 1, 0.76, 0.54, and 0.31 gravity. We defined 11 delimiting points in stance phase (4 each for the ankle and hip, 3 for the knee) and calculated the quasi-stiffness for 4 phases for both the hip and ankle, and 2 phases for the knee. The R2value quantified the suitability of the quasi-stiffness models. We found gravity level had a significant effect on 6 phases of quasi-stiffness, while speed significantly affected the quasi-stiffness in 5 phases. We concluded that the intrinsic muscle-tendon unit stiffness was the biggest determinant of quasi-stiffness. Speed had a significant effect on the R2of all phases of quasi-stiffness. Slow walking (0.4 m/s) was the least accurately modelled walking speed. Our findings showed adaptions in gait strategy when relative power and strength of the joints were increased in low gravity, which has implications for prosthesis and exoskeleton design.
Assessing the consistency of iPSC and animal models in cystic fibrosis modelling: A meta-analysis
Authors: Darwish Toqa , Al-Khulaifi Azhar , Ali Menatalla , Mowafy Rana , Arredouani Abdelilah , Doi Suhail A. , Emara Mohamed M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary autosomal recessive disorder caused by a range of mutations in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. This gene encodes the CFTR protein, which acts as a chloride channel activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). This meta-analysis aimed to compare the responsiveness of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to cAMP analogues to that of commonly used animal models.

Methods

Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Medline from inception to January 2020. A total of 8 and 3 studies, respectively, for animal models and iPSCs, were analyzed. Studies were extracted for investigating cAMP-stimulated anion transport by measuring the short circuit current (Isc) of chloride channels in different animal models and iPSC systems We utilized an inverse variance heterogeneity model for synthesis.

Results

Our analysis showed considerable heterogeneity in the mean Isc value in both animal models and iPSCs studies (compared to their WT counterparts), and both suffer from variable responsiveness based on the nature of the underlying model. There was no clear advantage of one over the other.

Conclusions

Studies on both animal and iPSCs models generated considerable heterogeneity. Given the potential of iPSC-derived models to study different diseases, we recommend paying more attention to developing reproducible models of iPSC as it has potential if adequately developed.
Bootstrap-based inferential improvements to the simplex nonlinear regression model
Authors: Silva Alisson de Oliveira , Silva Jonas Weverson de Ararújo , Espinheira Patrícia L.
Published: August 2022

In this paper we evaluate the performance of point and interval estimators based on the maximum likelihood(ML) method for the nonlinear simplex regression model. Inferences based on traditional maximum likelihood estimation have good asymptotic properties, but their performance in small samples may not be satisfactory. At out set we consider the maximum likelihood estimation for the parameters of the nonlinear simplex regression model, and so we introduced a bootstrap-based correction for such estimators of this model. We also develop the percentile and bootstraptconfidence intervals for those parameters as competitors to the traditional approximate confidence interval based on the asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs). We then numerically evaluate the performance of these different methods for estimating the simplex regression model. The numerical evidence favors inference based on the bootstrap method, in special the bootstraptinterval, which was decisive in an application to real data.
Improving physical activity behaviors, physical fitness, cardiometabolic and mental health in adolescents - ActTeens Program: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stabelini Neto Antonio , Santos Géssika Castilho dos , Silva Jadson Marcio da , Correa Renan Camargo , da Mata Lorena B. F. , Barbosa Rodrigo de O. , Zampier Ulbrich Anderson , Kennedy Sarah G. , Lubans David R.
Published: August 2022

This trial aims to investigate the effects of the ActTeens physical activity program, on adolescents’ physical activity level, health-related fitness, cardiometabolic and mental health. The trial will aim to recruit ~140 adolescents (aged 13–14 years). Participants will be randomized into either intervention or control groups. The intervention will be guided by social cognitive theory and self-determination theory and implemented over one school term (24-weeks). The ActTeens Program will include: (1) structured physical activity sessions delivered within physical education, including movement-based games and dynamic stretching warm-ups; resistance training skill development; high-intensity training workouts; and cool-downs; (2) self-monitoring plus goal setting for physical activity by pedometer-smart wearable; and (3) healthy lifestyle guidance (social support) by WhatsApp® messages about healthy eating and regular physical activity for the intervention and parents groups. Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 24-weeks from baseline, and 12-months from baseline. Physical activity (accelerometer) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiometabolic profile, and mental health. A process evaluation will be conducted (i.e., recruitment, retention, attendance, and program satisfaction). This project will have the potential to address many questions and debates regarding the implementation of physical activity interventions in low-and- middle-income countries.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05070377. Registered on 7 October 2021.
Smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis reduces the risk of severe cancer pain: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Taniguchi Chie , Narisada Akihiko , Tanaka Hideo , Iida Hiroki , Iida Mami , Mori Rina , Nakayama Ayako , Suzuki Kohta
Published: August 2022

Background

Whether abstinence from smoking among cancer patients reduces cancer pain is still unclear. Opioids can act as a surrogate index for evaluating the incidence of severe cancer pain in countries where opioid abuse is infrequent. This study aimed to investigate whether changed smoking behavior after cancer diagnosis influences the incidence of severe cancer pain as determined by strong opioid use.

Methods

Using a large Japanese insurance claims database (n = 4,797,329), we selected 794,702 insured employees whose annual health checkup data could be confirmed ≥6 times between January 2009 and December 2018. We selected 591 study subjects from 3,256 employees who were diagnosed with cancer pain and had health checkup data at the year of cancer pain diagnosis.

Results

A significantly greater proportion of patients who continued smoking after cancer diagnosis (“current smoker”, n = 133) received strong opioids (36.8%) compared with patients who had never smoked or had stopped before cancer diagnosis (“non-smoker”, n = 383, 20.6%; p<0.05) but also compared with patients who had quit smoking after cancer diagnosis (“abstainer:”, n = 75, 24.0%; p<0.05). In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, abstainers had a significantly lower risk of receiving strong opioids than current smokers (hazard ratio: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.328 to 0.997). These findings were consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that patients who quit smoking after cancer diagnosis have a lower risk of severe cancer pain. This information adds clinical incentives for improving quality of life among those who smoked at the time of cancer diagnosis.
A PRODUÇÃO DE UMA CIDADE MÉDIA NO INTERIOR DO NORDESTE: TEMPORALIDADES E ESPACIALIDADES EM CAMPINA GRANDE – PB
Authors: De Almeida Juliana Nóbrega , Dos Santos Francisco Kennedy Silva
Published: August 2022

Este artigo busca realizar uma (re)construção da formação de espacialidades e temporalidades de Campina Grande - PB, destacando fatos relevantes para sua consolidação como cidade média. Enfatizamos momentos importantes durante o período áureo da produção do algodão, bem como o seu passado comercial. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa adota uma metodologia qualitativa, por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas. A partir de tais fontes científicas, dialogamos sobre a construção de algumas espacialidades e temporalidades de Campina Grande, considerada uma das cidades mais importantes do interior nordestino. Dessa forma, trouxemos importantes questões históricas e espaciais que são decisivas diante da produção do espaço da cidade. Destacamos que, de um lado, ocorreu uma expressiva expansão urbana, tendo grande destaque no âmbito regional, sobretudo nas áreas de indústria, saúde, educação, comércio e outros serviços. No entanto, não podemos deixar de mostrar que, de outro lado, existem contrastes socioeconômicos em relação à sua população, com muitos dos seus habitantes não usufruindo desses serviços. Portanto, consideramos importantes as transformações históricas e espaciais em Campina Grande, pois elas possuem um papel relevante na expansão urbana dessa cidade média.
Utilization of the Zoom Application in Improving Arabic Speaking Skills (Mahārah Kālam) during the Covid-19 Pandemic/ Pemanfaatan Aplikasi Zoom dalam Meningkatkan Mahārah Kālam pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19
Authors: Ngindana Zulfa
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak arises problems in learning Arabic. Some instructors feel they spontaneously do not require the language environment (bi'ah lughawiyyah) in the teaching and learning process. This obviously has such a broad impact on the four language skills and one of the biggest challenges for them is that they could not teach Arabic speaking skills communicatively. This study aims to offer a considerable insight about the use of Zoom Cloud Meetings in improving Arabic speaking skills (mahārah kālam) during the pandemic. The study used qualitative descriptive methods and the data were collected through interviews and documentation. The data were analyzed using the theory of Miles and Huberman. Based on the review of results of interviews and documentation, Zoom Cloud Meeting is an effective way to improve students’ speech as it provides complete features so that communication between lecturers and students using Arabic can be established properly. To improve these skills, storytelling (taqdimul qisshah) and conversation (muhadatsah) are practiced. As a learning medium, Zoom certainly has advantages and disadvantages. The benefits of this media include having complete features, good access, large, flexible, and high capacity and supporting the teaching and learning process. While the drawbacks of using zoom application are the extra financial burden for internet quota, media restrictions, and having a strong internet connection.

Abstrak

Kehadiran virus Covid-19 memunculkan permasalahan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab. Beberapa pendidik merasa kehilangan bi’ah lughowiyyah pada proses belajar mengajar. Hal ini mengakibatkan empat keterampilan bahasa, khususnya keterampilan berbicara tidak dapat terealisaikan dengan maksimal. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk memberikan wawasan kepada pendidik tentang pemanfaatan Zoom Cloud Meeting dalam meningkatkan mahārah kālam pada masa pandemi. Pada penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, dengan metode pengumpulan data yaitu wawancara dan dokumentasi. Metode analisis data pada penelitian ini adalah teori Miles dan Huberman. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara dan dokumentasi, Zoom Cloud Meeting dinilai efektif dalam meningkatkan mahārah kālam mahasiswa. Hal ini dikarenakan Zoom menyediakan fitur-fitur yang lengkap, sehingga komunikasi antara dosen dan mahasiswa dengan menggunakan bahasa Arab dapat terlaksana dengan baik. Metode yang digunakan dalam meningkatkan mahārah kālam adalah metode taqdimul qisshah dan muhadatsah. Sebagai media pembelajaran, Zoom memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan. Kelebihan dari media tersebut adalah tersedinya fitur-fitur yang lengkap dan mendukung proses belajar mengajar, kapasitas ruang yang besar, fleksibel, dan kapasitas akses yang tinggi. Sedangkan kekurangannya adalah borosnya kuota internet, pembatasan media dan harus terhubung dengan jaringan internet yang kuat.
Bacterial Stock Culture (Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic) Isolated from Eucheuma Spinosum in Marine Microbiology Laboratory/ Stok Kultur Bakteri (Patogen dan Non-Patogen) Diisolasi dari Rumput Laut Eucheuma spinosum di Laboratorium Mikrobiologi Laut
Authors: Huyyirnah  , Syafri
Published: August 2022

The diversity and unique characteristics of bacteria in marine ecosystems are a fascinating topic to explore and utilize extensively. These bacteria are also often used to test in practicum and research activities in the Marine Microbiology laboratory. This study aims to isolate and identify pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria of Eucheuma Spinosum used for bacterial stock culture in the Marine Microbiology Laboratory. The isolation was carried out using the pour-plate technique. Colony morphology of bacteria was observed visually such as their shape, edge, elevation, and color. Identification was verified using VITEK MS tool and then, additional testing was conducted to clarify pathogenicity. This study found eight different bacterial species isolated from E. Spinosum after the pathogenic testing, six pathogenic bacteria were found such as Vibrio alginolyticus, Shewanella algae, Staphylococcus kloosii, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Staphylococcus arlettae. While the nonpathogenic bacteria indicating that they do not describe clinical symptoms are Bacillus cereus and Brevibacterium casei.

Abstrak

Keragaman dan keunikan dari bakteri yang berasal dari ekosistem laut sangat menarik minat peneliti untuk terus dikaji dan dimanfaatkan. Penggunaan bakteri ini juga sering dibutuhkan dalam kegiatan praktikum dan penelitian di laboratorium mikrobiologi laut sebagai bakteri uji. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengisolasi dan mengidentifikasi bakteri patogen dan non-patogen dari rumput laut Eucheuma  spinosum (E. spinosum) yang akan dijadikan sebagai stok kultur bakteri di laboratorium mikrobiologi laut. Metode isolasi menggunakan metode agar cawan tuang, pengamatan morfologi koloni dilakukan secara visual bentuk, tepian, elevasi dan warna koloni bakteri. Identifikasi menggunakan alat VITEK MS dan selanjutnya dilakukan pengujian patogenisitas. Penelitian ini menghasilkan delapan spesies bakteri berbeda yang berhasil dipisahkan dari rumput laut E. Spinosum, setelah uji patogenisitas diperoleh enam isolat yang bersifat patogen yaitu bakteri Vibrio alginolyticus, shewanella algae, Staphylococcus kloosii, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Pseudomonas stutzeri dan Staphylococcus arlettae. Sedangkan bakteri yang tidak bersifat patogen dalam yang menunjukkan tidak memberikan gejala klinis pada rumput laut adalah Bacillus cereus dan Brevibacterium casei.
Efeito de Trichoderma spp. na qualidade de sementes de algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Costa Rhayssa Vieira Soares da , Silva Hilderlande Florêncio da , Silva Edcarlos Camilo da , Oliveira Mônica Danielly de Mello , Nascimento Luciana Cordeiro do
Published: August 2022

O algodoeiro (Gosspyium hirsutum L.) é infectado por uma série de patógenos que podem ser um fator limitante a sua produtividade. Destaque para a murcha vascular causada por Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov). Dentre as novas alternativas ao uso de controle químico, fungos do gênero Trichoderma têm se destacado no controle biológico. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de Trichoderma spp. no manejo da murcha de fusário no algodoeiro e sobre a qualidade das sementes. Sementes de algodoeiro da cultivar BRS 8H, com línter, foram utilizadas. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: Ecotrich®, Quality®, Trichodel®, Trichoplus JCO®, Carboxin® e Captana®, de acordo com a recomendação de cada produto. Foram avaliados: incidência de fungos, teste de germinação, teste de emergência e antagonismo. Foi constatada, nas sementes, a ocorrência de Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus niger, Botrytis sp., Cercospora sp., Cladosporium sp., Chaetomium sp., Rhizopus sp., Fusarium vasinfectum e Penicillium sp. Os produtos biológicos foram os mais eficientes ao controle da fusariose. O teste de antagonismo Trichoderma x Fusarium vasinfectum comprovou que produtos à base de Trichoderma spp. nas condições testadas, proporcionaram inibição do crescimento fúngico in vitro, podendo ser recomendado no manejo de sementes de algodoeiro para fusariose.
Acromicric dysplasia due to a novel missense mutation in the fibrillin 1 gene in a three-generation family
Authors: Quitter Friederike , Flury Monika , Waldmueller Stephan , Schubert Tina , Koehler Katrin , Huebner Angela
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Short stature is one of the most common reasons for consulting a paediatric endocrinologist. Targeted diagnosis of familial short stature can be challenging due to a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses.

Case presentation

Here we report a novel mutation in the fibrillin 1 gene (FBN1) in six family members causing a mild phenotype of acromicric dysplasia. Additionally, we present the effects of growth hormone therapy in one of the affected children.

Conclusions

Acromicric dysplasia is a very rare skeletal dysplasia with a prevalence of <1 of 1.000.000 with only about 60 cases being reported worldwide. It is characterized by short stature, acromelia, mild facial dysmorphy but normal intelligence. This study aims to exemplify the clinical and molecular features of FBN1-related acromicric dysplasia and illustrates its pleiotropy by presenting a new, mild phenotype.
“I never get a thing that ain’t been used”: A diachronic corpus-based study of second-hand consumption
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle
Published: August 2022

Second-hand consumption is often seen as a way of reducing one’s ecological footprint. In an attempt to find out how the representations of second-hand consumption in discourse have evolved over time, a corpus study of the word second-hand is carried out on the basis of the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA) (1820–2019). Frequency is considered, as well as collocates, which show the types of second-hand items that are mentioned in different time periods and which indicate how positively or negatively connoted second-hand consumption is. Together with a more qualitative approach, this analysis reveals variation in the frequency and connotations of the word second-hand, and some long-lasting stigma which survives for example through comparisons. The article ends with some suggestions as to how the image of second-hand consumption could be improved.
Geometry of conformal η-Ricci solitons and conformal η-Ricci almost solitons on paracontact geometry
Authors: Li Yanlin , Dey Santu , Pahan Sampa , Ali Akram
Published: August 2022

We prove that if an

η

\eta

-Einstein para-Kenmotsu manifold admits a conformal

η

\eta

-Ricci soliton then it is Einstein. Next, we proved that a para-Kenmotsu metric as a conformal

η

\eta

-Ricci soliton is Einstein if its potential vector field

V

V

is infinitesimal paracontact transformation or collinear with the Reeb vector field. Furthermore, we prove that if a para-Kenmotsu manifold admits a gradient conformal

η

\eta

-Ricci almost soliton and the Reeb vector field leaves the scalar curvature invariant then it is Einstein. We also construct an example of para-Kenmotsu manifold that admits conformal

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-Ricci soliton and satisfy our results. We also have studied conformal

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-Ricci soliton in three-dimensional para-cosymplectic manifolds.
Leptin signaling and leptin resistance
Authors: Liu Jiarui , Lai Futing , Hou Yujia , Zheng Ruimao
Published: August 2022

With the prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities, studies aimed at revealing mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis have gained increasing interest. In 1994, the cloning of leptin was a milestone in metabolic research. As an adipocytokine, leptin governs food intake and energy homeostasis through leptin receptors (LepR) in the brain. The failure of increased leptin levels to suppress feeding and elevate energy expenditure is referred to as leptin resistance, which encompasses complex pathophysiological processes. Within the brain, LepR-expressing neurons are distributed in hypothalamus and other brain areas, and each population of the LepR-expressing neurons may mediate particular aspects of leptin effects. In LepR-expressing neurons, the binding of leptin to LepR initiates multiple signaling cascades including janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, etc., mediating leptin actions. These findings place leptin at the intersection of metabolic and neuroendocrine regulations, and render leptin a key target for treating obesity and associated comorbidities. This review highlights the main discoveries that shaped the field of leptin for better understanding of the mechanism governing metabolic homeostasis, and guides the development of safe and effective interventions to treat obesity and associated diseases.
Tunable optical nonlinearity of indium tin oxide for optical switching in epsilon-near-zero region
Authors: Lau Kuen Yao , Yang Yuting , Zhao Di , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: August 2022

The propagation of light in the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) region of materials exhibits intriguing linear and nonlinear optical phenomenon that have been extensively exploited for a plethora of applications. Here, we show that the optical properties as well as the ENZ wavelength of magnetron-sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films could be judiciously engineered. The measurement of nonlinear optical properties reveals that the control of deposition conditions allows for the tuning of absorptive optical nonlinearity between saturable absorption and reverse saturable absorption. The ENZ wavelength for the ITO film is deduced as around 1553 nm. We obtain the highest third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient and imaginary part of third-order nonlinear susceptibility for the ITO thin film through Z-scan method as −50.56 cm/GW and ∼38 × 10−14 e.s.u. at 1050 nm, and −64.50 cm/GW and ∼45 × 10−14 e.s.u. at 1550 nm, respectively. We demonstrate further that the strong saturable absorption of the ITO thin film enables Q-switched pulse laser generation in ∼1050 and ∼1550 nm regions with tunable repetition rates and pulse energies. The present results suggest the great application potential of the ITO thin film in the field of nonlinear optical devices.
Investigation of CDH1 germline mutations in Turkish patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma
Authors: Celik Betul , Tuncer Seref Bugra
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) develops from the lining cells of blood or lymphatic vessels and may appear as red, purple, brown, or black lesions. E-cadherin, CDH1, is a cell adhesion molecule located on the surface of epithelial cells. CDH1 gene expression is downregulated in several cancers and is considered a tumor suppressor gene involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in carcinomas. Loss of CDH1 gene expression is observed in many carcinomas, mainly diffuse gastric carcinomas and lobular breast carcinomas, as well as skin tumors. This study investigates the CDH1 germline mutations in HIV-negative (Human Immunodeficiency) Virus KS patients in the Turkish population.

Methods

The study examined 25 peripheral blood mononuclear cells from KS patients using the Sanger sequencing technique.

Results

Sixteen exons of the CDH1 gene were sequenced, and a pathogenic functional germline mutation, HET c.2245C > T, p.(Arg749Trp) rs776975632, NM _004360.5, was identified in a patient with a family history of gastric and breast cancer with a high number of lesions compared to other KS patients. Discussion: KS patients with a family history of cancer could be screened for CDH1 gene and cancer-related-gen variants in the future.

Conclusions

KS is a rare malignancy, and genetic analysis will benefit KS patients. Further studies are needed to describe better the variations detected in a large number of KS patients in this study.
Knappes Gas – Optionen zur Verringerung der Deckungslücke in Deutschland
Authors: Holz Franziska , Kemfert Claudia , Sogalla Robin
Published: August 2022

In this article, we provide the results of a simple quantitative analysis of the potential remedies to reduce the supply gap in Germany that arises if Russia stops delivering natural gas. We take into account the supply potential of other suppliers, and combine this with an analysis of the additional supply potential by stopping electricity generation from natural gas. Moreover, we investigate the effect of minimum storage requirements. We find that a realistic expansion of supply by other providers, in particular Norway, combined with the temporary replacement of gas-fired power plants by coal-fired power plants and expansive storage filling to 90 % of storage capacity strongly reduces the winter supply gap. In summer months, the supply gap is even negative, indicating the potential to store even more for the winter. In other words, most of the natural gas consumption can be maintained even if Russia fails to supply to Germany. It is important that the temporary replacement of gas-fired power plants by coal-fired power plants is not accompanied by an expansion of the CO2 emission cap, in order to ensure emission neutrality of the measure. If the expansion of renewable generation capacities proceeds as planned in the German government’s „Easter Package“ of spring 2022, the increased use of coal-fired power plants can be temporary and the coal exit in 2030 can be maintained.
A Conversation with His Honour Judge John Cain
Authors: Patel Aayushi , Nambiar Malaika , Sakak Falak , Roslan Farriz
Published: August 2022

Interview with the State Coroner conducted on 12 August 2021 via a video link to the Coroners Court of Victoria in Melbourne.
Novel bayesian adaptive early phase designs to accelerate the development of CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Yuan Ying , Chen Kai
Published: August 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly for hematopoietic malignancies. CAR T-cell therapy is a living drug with fundamentally different characteristics from those of other therapies. For example, CAR T-cell therapy efficacy may not increase with dose, and dose-limiting toxicity is rarely observed in the therapeutic dose range. Consequently, the conventional trial design paradigm is not suitable for the development of CAR T-cell therapy. Here, we review and introduce the phase I-II trial design paradigm to optimize the dose of CAR T-cell therapy on the basis of both toxicity and efficacy. We describe several novel Bayesian model-assisted designs, including BOIN12 and U-BOIN, which are simple to implement and have excellent operating characteristics for identifying the optimal biological dose for CAR T-cell therapy. Examples and software are provided to facilitate the use of these novel designs to accelerate the development of CAR T-cell therapy.
Implementación del guion metodológico como experiencia curricular universitaria para el desarrollo de la competencia cooperativa
Authors: Barahona-Henry Elma , Paz-Delgado Carla Leticia , Giner-Gomis Antonio Vicente
Published: August 2022

Objetivo. Evaluar la promoción de la competencia cooperativa en el contexto de la formación inicial docente desde la percepción del alumnado y del equipo de docentes. Metodología: Se diseñó desde un enfoque cualitativo y desde las tradiciones metodológicas de la investigación-acción en el aula y de la narrativa-biográfica, una propuesta curricular basada en el guion metodológico del espacio pedagógico de psicología del aprendizaje, como formato didáctico a implementar en el aula; desde una mirada evaluativa se analizaron tres fases: inicial, procesual y final. Los instrumentos empleados fueron un cuestionario cerrado, para evaluar las necesidades formativas del alumnado, el diario del investigador o investigadora para registrar las reflexiones del equipo docente y una entrevista semiestructurada aplicada a estudiantes. Las personas participantes fueron 47 estudiantes y el equipo docente estuvo integrado por 3 profesionales. Resultados. Los resultados indican que, para el alumnado, la experiencia formativa implementada favoreció la reconstrucción de significados, experiencias y comprensiones sobre el trabajo cooperativo en el contexto de la profesión y, desde la percepción del personal docente permitió nuevos espacios de reflexión e integración de la teoría y la práctica. Conclusión. La experiencia curricular implementada en un contexto dialógico y cooperativo permitió comprender que la competencia cooperativa, no es un fin en sí misma, sino que favorece la construcción de la identidad docente.
Cinema and the Art of Anachronism
Authors: Watkins Raymond
Published: August 2022

This study argues that the way visual art forms migrate and transform from one media to another over time can be traced through their varied relationships to temporality. By introducing a model of “artistic anachronism,” it is possible to better understand the way these transformations take place. After establishing some of the theoretical characteristics of anachronism, the study turns to the films of the French filmmaker Robert Bresson, and the way he directly references painting through his films. Such an examination provides a model for future studies that use anachronism as a way of better understanding the way migrations take place between visual media both old and new.
Relacionamento conjugal e suas relações com parentalidade, habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamento dos filhos
Authors: Silveira Aline de Marco da , Bolsoni-Silva Alessandra Turini
Published: August 2022

O relacionamento conjugal satisfatório depende de múltiplas variáveis, incluindo a própria interação conjugal, parentalidade e comportamentos infantis. O estudo simultâneo dessas medidas ainda é escasso na literatura. Objetivou-se verificar a influência da parentalidade (positiva e negativa) e do repertório comportamental infantil (habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamento) na ocorrência do relacionamento conjugal positivo, negativo e na satisfação conjugal. Participaram 106 mães e suas crianças que responderam a instrumentos de relato sobre conjugalidade, parentalidade e comportamentos infantis, em um delineamento transversal de comparação de grupos. Considerando as comparações estatisticamente significativas, verificou-se que a parentalidade e os comportamentos infantis influenciaram no relacionamento conjugal positivo (práticas positivas, habilidades sociais infantis) e negativo (práticas negativas, problemas de comportamento), quanto aos comportamentos de definição do cônjuge, comunicação e comportamentos positivos e negativos. Comportamentos conjugais positivos foram mais frequentes entre os respondentes que relataram estar satisfeitos e os comportamentos conjugais negativos foram mais citados pelas pessoas insatisfeitas com o relacionamento conjugal. Ressalta-se a multideterminação do relacionamento conjugal que é influenciada pela parentalidade (positiva e negativa) e pelos comportamentos infantis (habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamento).