bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke–Specific Focus on Anesthetic Management for Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Businger Jerrad , Fort Alexander C. , Vlisides Phillip E. , Cobas Miguel , Akca Ozan
Published: July 2020

Acute ischemic stroke is a neurological emergency with a high likelihood of morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability. Modern stroke care involves multidisciplinary management by neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists. Current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines recommend thrombolytic therapy with intravenous (IV) alteplase within the first 3–4.5 hours of initial stroke symptoms and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy within the first 16–24 hours depending on specific inclusion criteria. The anesthesia and critical care provider may become involved for airway management due to worsening neurologic status or to enable computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, to facilitate mechanical thrombectomy, or to manage critical care of stroke patients. Existing data are unclear whether the mechanical thrombectomy procedure is best performed under general anesthesia or sedation. Retrospective cohort trials favor sedation over general anesthesia, but recent randomized controlled trials (RCT) neither suggest superiority nor inferiority of sedation over general anesthesia. Regardless of anesthesia type, a critical element of intraprocedural stroke care is tight blood pressure management. At different phases of stroke care, different blood pressure targets are recommended. This narrative review will focus on the anesthesia and critical care providers’ roles in the management of both perioperative stroke and acute ischemic stroke with a focus on anesthetic management for mechanical thrombectomy.
Adverse Outcomes Associated With Delaying or Withholding β-Blockers After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Chanan Emily L. , Kendale Samir M. , Cuff Germaine , Galloway Aubrey C. , Nunnally Mark E.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND:

Ideal timing of postoperative β-blockers is unclear. We hypothesized that patients who do not receive β-blockers immediately after cardiac surgery would have increased in-hospital mortality (primary outcome) and postoperative hemodynamic, pulmonary, neurologic, or respiratory complications (secondary outcomes).

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution from January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2017. We compared outcomes between patients who received β-blockers by postoperative day (POD) 5 with outcomes in patients who did not receive β-blockers at any time or received them after POD 5. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to minimize confounding. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed on the weighted sets using absent or delayed β-blockers as the independent variable and each outcome as dependent variables in separate analyses. A secondary analysis was performed in patients prescribed preoperative β-blockers. E-values were calculated for significant outcomes.

RESULTS:

All results were confounder adjusted. Among patients presenting for cardiac surgery, not receiving β-blockers by POD 5 or at any time was not associated with the primary outcome in-hospital mortality, estimated odds ratio (OR; 99.5% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.6 (0.49–5.1), P = .28. Not receiving β-blockers by POD 5 or at any time was associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation, estimated OR (99.5% CI) of 1.5 (1.1–2.1), P < .001, and pulmonary complications, estimated OR (99.5% CI) of 3.0 (1.8–5.2), P < .001. E-values were 2.4 for postoperative atrial fibrillation and 5.6 for pulmonary complications. Among patients presenting for cardiac surgery taking preoperative β-blockers, not receiving β-blockers by POD 5 or at any time was not associated with the primary outcome mortality, with estimated OR (99.5% CI) of 1.3 (0.43–4.1), P = .63. In this subset, not receiving β-blockers by POD 5 or at any time was associated with increased adjusted ORs of postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.6; 99.5% CI, 1.1–2.4; P < .001) and postoperative pulmonary complications (OR = 2.8; 99.5% CI, 1.6–5.2; P < .001). Here, e-values were 2.7 for postoperative atrial fibrillation and 5.1 for pulmonary complications. For the sensitivity analyses for secondary outcomes, exposure and outcome periods overlap. Outcomes may have occurred before or after postoperative β-blocker administration.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients who undergo cardiac surgery, not receiving postoperative β-blockers within the first 5 days after cardiac surgery or at any time is not associated with in-hospital mortality and is associated with, but may not necessarily cause, postoperative atrial fibrillation and pulmonary complications.
The kinesin motor Klp98A mediates apical to basal Wg transport
Authors: Witte Leonie , Linnemannstöns Karen , Schmidt Kevin , Honemann-Capito Mona , Grawe Ferdinand , Wodarz Andreas , Gross Julia Christina
Published: July 2020

Development and tissue homeostasis rely on the tight regulation of morphogen secretion. In the Drosophila wing imaginal disc epithelium, Wg secretion for long-range signal transduction occurs after apical Wg entry into the endosomal system, followed by secretory endosomal transport. Although Wg release appears to occur from the apical and basal cell sides, its exact post-endocytic fate and the functional relevance of polarized endosomal Wg trafficking are poorly understood. Here, we identify the kinesin-3 family member Klp98A as the master regulator of intracellular Wg transport after apical endocytosis. In the absence of Klp98A, functional mature endosomes accumulate in the apical cytosol, and endosome transport to the basal cytosol is perturbed. Despite the resulting Wg mislocalization, Wg signal transduction occurs normally. We conclude that transcytosis-independent routes for Wg trafficking exist and demonstrate that Wg can be recycled apically via Rab4-recycling endosomes in the absence of Klp98A.
Unveiling a novel function of CD9 in surface compartmentalization of oocytes
Authors: Inoue Naokazu , Saito Takako , Wada Ikuo
Published: July 2020

Gamete fusion is an indispensable process for bearing offspring. In mammals, sperm IZUMO1–oocyte JUNO recognition essentially carries out the primary step of this process. In oocytes, CD9 is also known to play a crucial role in gamete fusion. In particular, microvilli biogenesis through CD9 involvement appears to be a key event for successful gamete fusion, because CD9-disrupted oocytes produce short and sparse microvillous structures, resulting in almost no fusion ability with spermatozoa. In order to determine how CD9 and JUNO cooperate in gamete fusion, we analyzed the molecular profiles of each molecule in CD9- and JUNO-disrupted oocytes. Consequently, we found that CD9 is crucial for the exclusion of GPI-anchored proteins, such as JUNO and CD55, from the cortical actin cap region, suggesting strict molecular organization of the unique surface of this region. Through distinct surface compartmentalization due to CD9 governing, GPI-anchored proteins are confined to the appropriate fusion site of the oocyte.
Retinoic acid synthesis and autoregulation mediate zonal patterning of vestibular organs and inner ear morphogenesis
Authors: Ono Kazuya , Sandell Lisa L. , Trainor Paul A. , Wu Doris K.
Published: July 2020

Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A (retinol) derivative, has pleiotropic functions during embryonic development. The synthesis of RA requires two enzymatic reactions: oxidation of retinol into retinaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) or retinol dehydrogenases (RDHs); and oxidation of retinaldehyde into RA by aldehyde dehydrogenases family 1, subfamily A (ALDH1as), such as ALDH1a1, ALDH1a2 and ALDH1a3. Levels of RA in tissues are regulated by spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes encoding RA-synthesizing and -degrading enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 26 (Cyp26 genes). Here, we show that RDH10 is important for both sensory and non-sensory formation of the vestibule of the inner ear. Mice deficient in Rdh10 exhibit failure of utricle-saccule separation, otoconial formation and zonal patterning of vestibular sensory organs. These phenotypes are similar to those of Aldh1a3 knockouts, and the sensory phenotype is complementary to that of Cyp26b1 knockouts. Together, these results demonstrate that RDH10 and ALDH1a3 are the key RA-synthesis enzymes involved in vestibular development. Furthermore, we discovered that RA induces Cyp26b1 expression in the developing vestibular sensory organs, which generates the differential RA signaling required for zonal patterning.
Pex24 and Pex32 are required to tether peroxisomes to the ER for organelle biogenesis, positioning and segregation in yeast
Authors: Wu Fei , de Boer Rinse , Krikken Arjen M. , Akşit Arman , Bordin Nicola , Devos Damien P. , van der Klei Ida J.
Published: July 2020

The yeast Hansenula polymorpha contains four members of the Pex23 family of peroxins, which characteristically contain a DysF domain. Here we show that all four H. polymorpha Pex23 family proteins localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Pex24 and Pex32, but not Pex23 and Pex29, predominantly accumulate at peroxisome–ER contacts. Upon deletion of PEX24 or PEX32 – and to a much lesser extent, of PEX23 or PEX29 – peroxisome–ER contacts are lost, concomitant with defects in peroxisomal matrix protein import, membrane growth, and organelle proliferation, positioning and segregation. These defects are suppressed by the introduction of an artificial peroxisome–ER tether, indicating that Pex24 and Pex32 contribute to tethering of peroxisomes to the ER. Accumulation of Pex32 at these contact sites is lost in cells lacking the peroxisomal membrane protein Pex11, in conjunction with disruption of the contacts. This indicates that Pex11 contributes to Pex32-dependent peroxisome–ER contact formation. The absence of Pex32 has no major effect on pre-peroxisomal vesicles that occur in pex3 atg1 deletion cells.
Integrating XMALab and DeepLabCut for high-throughput XROMM
Authors: Laurence-Chasen J. D. , Manafzadeh A. R. , Hatsopoulos N. G. , Ross C. F. , Arce-McShane F. I.
Published: July 2020

Marker tracking is a major bottleneck in studies involving X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM). Here, we tested whether DeepLabCut, a new deep learning package built for markerless tracking, could be applied to videoradiographic data to improve data processing throughput. Our novel workflow integrates XMALab, the existing XROMM marker tracking software, and DeepLabCut while retaining each program's utility. XMALab is used for generating training datasets, error correction, and 3D reconstruction, whereas the majority of marker tracking is transferred to DeepLabCut for automatic batch processing. In the two case studies that involved an in vivo behavior, our workflow achieved a 6 to 13-fold increase in data throughput. In the third case study, which involved an acyclic, post mortem manipulation, DeepLabCut struggled to generalize to the range of novel poses and did not surpass the throughput of XMALab alone. Deployed in the proper context, this new workflow facilitates large scale XROMM studies that were previously precluded by software constraints.
Exposure to artificial wind increases energy intake and reproductive performance of female Swiss mice (Mus musculus) under hot temperature
Authors: Deng Guang-Min , Yu Jing-Xin , Xu Jia-Qi , Bao Yu-Fan , Chen Qian , Cao Jing , Zhao Zhi-Jun
Published: July 2020

High temperatures and heat waves are rapidly emerging as an important threat to many aspects of physiology and behavior in females during lactation. The body's capacity to dissipate heat is reduced by high ambient temperatures, increasing the risk of hyperthermia. Exposure to wind, a pervasive environmental factor for most terrestrial animals, is known to increase heat loss, but its effects on the reproductive performance of small mammals remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of wind on the energy budgets, resting metabolic rate and milk energy output (MEO) were measured in lactating Swiss mice at 21°C and 32.5°C. Females kept at 32.5°C had a significantly lower resting metabolic rate, food intake and MEO, and lighter offspring, than those at 21°C. However, exposure to wind increased the asymptotic food intake of females kept at 32.5°C by 22.5% (P<0.01), their MEO by 20.7% (P<0.05) and their litter mass by 17.6% (P<0.05). The body temperature of females kept at 32.5°C was significantly higher during lactation than that of females kept at 21°C, but this difference was reduced by exposure to wind. These findings suggest that exposure to wind considerably improves reproductive performance, increasing the fitness of small mammals while undergoing hot temperatures during heat waves.
Life quality of injured defence forces veterans who play sitting volleyball
Authors: Stamm Raini , Rogenbaum Laura , Stamm Meelis
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to analyse the life quality and changes in it throughout three different periods in Estonian injured war veterans’ life (before the injury, after the injury and after starting to play sitting volleyball). The main questions the veterans were asked concerned the positive and negative aspects of sitting volleyball, the effect of sitting volleyball on their health and social life, the motivating factors for participating in athletic activities, and whether the rehabilitation process followed the national strategies. The interviewees were nine male injured Estonian Defence Forces war veterans who play sitting volleyball. Veterans’ subjective assessments of life quality were examined with paired samples t-test in SPSS program to find the mean values of veterans’ assessments. The results of the study reveal that it is very important for the disabled to socialise through team sports. The support of family and friends, also setting smaller result-oriented goals help to keep discipline, contribute to a feeling of belonging and self-esteem, and all these help the veterans to get back on track after life-changing injuries. In conclusion, the analysis of the life quality of nine Estonian war veterans revealed that the decrease of mean values after the injury was significant [t = 6.825 (p < 0.001)], and the increase after they started playing sitting volleyball was also significant [t (8) = –8.083 (p < 0.001)].

According to the study, Estonian war veterans found many positive aspects in playing sitting volleyball, which affected their quality of life. The main aspects were team spirit, feeling of usefulness, improvement of balance, physique and health, setting goals and achieving results in sports, sharing their problems with others involved and that other people respected their ability to play instead of looking at their injuries. The most important aspect was better social life. The factors that motivated veterans to continue their rehabilitation were support by family and friends, self-growth, teammates and other injured veterans. The Estonian Defence Forces support veterans thoroughly and introduce them to different sports including sitting volleyball during their rehabilitation. By doing that, the Defence Forces fill the requirements of national strategies to help veterans return to their regular lifestyle. The current study could be helpful for veterans for making better and more informed choices in rehabilitation after the injury and faster return to their desired quality of life. The results could also help to improve the restoration of health and social life. The results are helpful for the development and popularisation of sitting volleyball in Estonia.
Households and families in Estonian population
Authors: Tiit Ene-Margit
Published: July 2020

The statistical distribution of households and families by their size and structure can be received from population and household censuses, but it is also important to know this information between the censuses, as changes during the ten-year period can be quite remarkable. It is demonstrated that, since the last census in Estonia in 2011, the share of older age-groups has increased and the rate of children – decreased. The age at first marriage has increased for men and women respectively by 3 and 4 months per year. Consequently, the share of young people living without a partner has increased, but the process is different in men and women. The number of divorces has dropped, but this seems to be caused by the decline of marriages during the last decades. The age of women giving birth has also increased. During the last years, the number of third children has increased, but the number of first children has decreased. The distribution of households by their types was also studied and is presented in Table 1. It is evident that about one-sixth of the population lives alone; single-person households form the most numerous household type in present-day Estonia. From all households containing a couple, somewhat more than two-thirds are households with a married couple, others are households with a cohabiting couple. In average, the first ones are much older than the second ones. The number of households where two or more generations live together is marginal.
Price Bargaining and Competition in Online Platforms: An Empirical Analysis of the Daily Deal Market
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Chung Doug J.
Published: July 2020

This research studies the determinants of price bargaining and its effect on platform competition in a two-sided market.
About the Structure of the Integer Cone and Its Application to Bin Packing
Authors: Jansen Klaus , Klein Kim-Manuel
Published: July 2020

We consider the bin packing problem with d different item sizes and revisit the structure theorem given by Goemans and Rothvoß about solutions of the integer cone. We present new techniques on how solutions can be modified and give a new structure theorem that relies on the set of vertices of the underlying integer polytope. As a result of our new structure theorem, we obtain an algorithm for the bin packing problem with running time [Formula: see text], where V is the set of vertices of the integer knapsack polytope, and [Formula: see text] is the encoding length of the bin packing instance. The algorithm is fixed-parameter tractable, parameterized by the number of vertices of the integer knapsack polytope [Formula: see text]. This shows that the bin packing problem can be solved efficiently when the underlying integer knapsack polytope has an easy structure (i.e., has a small number of vertices). Furthermore, we show that the presented bounds of the structure theorem are asymptotically tight. We give a construction of bin packing instances using new structural insights and classical number theoretical theorems which yield the desired lower bound.
Optimising the routing of home health caregivers: can a hybrid ant colony metaheuristic provide a solution?
Authors: Euchi Jalel
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims

Consolidation of a unified health system requires the development of strategies that respond to various existing health needs, thus accommodating new and chronic conditions. Home care is a viable alternative to hospital care to meet the needs of the elderly population as well as those with other conditions that could be managed at home, which leads to a greater demand for home health services. One issue this raises is routing (assigning routes and transport) caregivers, where the goal is to minimise the total cost.

Methods

A hybrid ant colony algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of routing home health care workers. The algorithm was tested in cases drawn from the literature and compared with works existing in the literature.

Results

The algorithm provided good quality results with low computation times.

Conclusions

The comparison results supported the efficacy of the suggested methodology, which can provide decision support for medical managers of home health care.
Review and developments in level 2 psychological support skills training for oncology clinical nurse specialists
Authors: Stevenson Clare , Munro Heather , Barrington Mark
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims

The need for holistic support to address the psychosocial impact of cancer has featured in NHS recommendations since 2004. This article describes the review, rewrite and evaluation of the North Central and North East London region ‘level 2’ psychological support skills training for oncology clinical nurse specialists.

Methods

The review was conducted in 2016–18; the new training package was then rolled out and evaluated in 2018–19. The re-written training includes models of individualised assessment based on psychological theory, including adjustment and adaptation. It also includes self-care exercises, providing experiential learning for the dual purpose of self-care and as potential material to teach to patients as level 2 interventions. The new training model requires follow-up attendance in clinical discussion groups to consolidate knowledge and skills development. In total, 135 clinical nurse specialists attended over an 18-month period. The evaluation involved pre- and post-training questionnaires.

Results

Evaluation suggests the new training is valued by clinical nurse specialists, is pitched at the right level and increases clinical nurse specialists' subjective ratings of confidence and identification of psychological need, onward referral and self-care.

Conclusions

The new package provides a useful development of the level 2 training model. Future plans are discussed.
Preoperative mental health status is a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes in adolescents treated with hip preservation surgery
Authors: Richard Heather M. , Cerza Shelby P. , De La Rocha Adriana , Podeszwa David A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate predictive factors that influence pain, mental health symptoms and postoperative outcomes at six-months post-hip preservation surgery (HPS) in adolescent surgical candidates.

Methods

In total, 58 HPS candidates (39 female, 19 male; mean age 15.53 years (10 to 19)) were evaluated. Diagnoses included: acetabular dysplasia (34); idiopathic femoroacetabular impingement (15); Perthes disease (six); avascular necrosis (six); and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (six). All patients underwent periacetabular osteotomy (36), surgical hip dislocation (17) or arthroscopy (five). Patients completed the following: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); Child Health Questionnaire-87 (CHQ-87); Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth (PSC-Y), preoperatively and six months postoperatively. A single psychologist assessed patients in clinics and one to two additional appointments.

Results

In all, 78% of patients reported one to three years of pain prior to HPS (modified Harris hip score). All pain scores (NPRS) significantly decreased at six months postoperatively. Preoperative mental health scores (CHQ-87) significantly predicted postoperative pain scores (F(1, 57) = 4.07; p < 0.048; R2 = 0.068). Mental health symptoms (PSC-Y) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Patients who were seen by a psychologist two or more times reported better six-month postoperative outcomes than those seen once: usual pain (NPRS; p = 0.012); patient-reported physical function (CHQ-87; p = 0.029); and mental health (PSC-Y; p = 0.019). HPS patients seen ≥ 60 days prior to surgery showed marked improvements at six months compared with patients seen < 60 days prior to surgery.

Conclusion

HPS candidates evaluated preoperatively by psychology, as part of an integrated treatment approach, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, health-related quality of life and mental health symptoms. Two+ visits, more than 60 days prior to surgery appears to be impactful. Preoperative pain and mental health symptoms were predictive of postoperative pain. Level of Evidence: II
SPR performance enhancement for DNA hybridization employing black phosphorus, silver, and silicon
Authors: Vasimalla Yesudasu , Shekhar Pradhan Himansu , Jashvantbhai Pandya Rahul
Published: July 2020

We present the performance enhancement of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization employing black phosphorus (BP), silver (Ag), and silicon (Si) configurations and numerical analysis. The combination of Ag and BP demonstrates the sensitivity of 91.54°/RIU with degradation of detection accuracy (DA), quality factor (QF), and figure of merit (FOM). To enhance the DA, QF, and FOM, a novel SPR is proposed with Si, which demonstrates a DA and QF of 69 and

1061.6

R
I
U

−
1

, which are 8.53 and 11.04 times, and an FOM of 554.58, which is 4.47 and 5.77 times higher than both the conventional and graphene-based SPR sensors, respectively.
Two-conjugate zoom system: the zero-throw advantage
Authors: Gómez-Sarabia Cristina M. , Ojeda-Castañeda Jorge
Published: July 2020

We present the Gaussian design of a two-conjugate zoom system, which does not require any mechanical compensation. The device works in two stages. First, with fixed optical power, a lens images the pupil aperture, forming a pair of conjugate planes. Then, we invert the conjugate planes for setting the two-conjugate condition. At the second stage, two varifocal lenses generate a tunable magnified virtual image, at the fixed object plane. The varifocal lenses have fixed interlens separation, and they work with zero-throw. We specify the optical powers of the composing elements and the equivalent optical power as functions of the variable magnification.
Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on a terahertz signal and VMD-CWSE
Authors: Liu Haishun , Zhao Ke , Liu Xiangyi , Zhang Zhenwei , Qian Jingyu , Zhang Cunlin , Liang Meiyan
Published: July 2020

A novel strategy on combining variational mode decomposition (VMD) and
composite weighted-scale sample entropy (CWSE) modified from composite
multiscale entropy (CMSE) is proposed to screen hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC) by measuring the terahertz (THz) pulse signals of ten
normal and ten HCC serums. Eight measured HCC specimens are negative
in serum biomarker alpha fetoprotein (AFP) determination. In CWSE, the
time series with weighted-scales are generated from the weighted
average processing in the coarse-grained time series corresponding to
each scale of the CMSE algorithm. VMD served as a preprocessing method
was introduced into decomposing THz signal to obtain the mode
functions of specific bandwidth for identification. Final results
reveal that more obtainable entropy values of CWSE for recognition in
comparison to those of CMSE on the basis of the rule of statistically
significant difference and effect size and also manifest the stronger
discriminability than the traditional THz parameters. This study
provides a new potential auxiliary tool for diagnosis HCC and develops
the methodology on the discrimination for similar THz signals.
Microstructure overlapping image application with optical decryption
Authors: Wang Chi-Hung , Hwang Yuh-Shyan , Wang Hsi-Chun , Wang Yu-Ling , Tsai Kuo-Yu
Published: July 2020

Currently, valuable tickets are scanned and verified by embedding quick
response (QR) codes, but few studies have embedded encrypted
information into QR codes to prevent counterfeiting. In the existing
literature on color image-based QR codes, there is room for
improvement in image quality and anti-counterfeiting functions. We
propose an optically decrypted microstructure overlapping image
technology, hiding the information points of two-dimensional barcodes
on the image reservation area in the ticket, and using the optical
principle to use the lenticular lens as a decryption component, to
make the image produce continuous dynamic effects and increase the
difficulty of forgery. In addition, the distribution of embedded
parameters and differences will also affect the distortion of hidden
information, which may cause the QR code to fail to read, so the
median edge detection predictor is proposed for distortion control
comparison. The experimental results prove that our method provides
low distortion of information-hiding technology.
Dynamic displacement measurement beyond half-wavelength in phase-modulated optical interferometer
Authors: Furukawa Osamu , Takemae Shinya , Tanaka Yosuke
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate an interference signal-processing method that extends the measurement range of dynamic displacement beyond half the wavelength of light without deteriorating the measurement accuracy in a phase-modulated optical interferometer. The measurement range extension is realized by the algorithm focusing on peak direction of the interference signal waveform. Deterioration of measurement accuracy is avoided by the data processing that removes noisy data sets. Performance of the proposed system is evaluated by the experiments using a pseudo-vibrator composed of a phase modulator. In the experiments using a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) device as a sample, we successfully measure the dynamic displacement of up to 3127 nm, which is larger than the light source wavelength of 1537 nm. Proof-of-principle simulations, including the evaluation of the measurement error, are also conducted, the results of which show that the measurement error of the proposed method is small in principle.
Hybrid electronically addressable random fiber laser
Authors: Margulis Walter , Das Avishek , von der Weid J. P. , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: July 2020

We report here a novel architecture for a random fiber laser exploiting the combination of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and an erbium doped fiber (EDF). The EDF was optically biased by a continuous wave pump laser, whereas the SOA was arranged in a fiber loop-mirror and driven by nanosecond duration current pulses. Laser pulses were obtained by synchronizing the SOA driver to the returning amplified Rayleigh back-scattered light from a selected short section of the EDF. By tuning the SOA pulse rate, random lasing was achieved by addressing selected meter-long sections of the 81-m long EDF, which was open-ended. Laser oscillation can be potentially obtained with SOA modulation frequencies from several kHz to the MHz regime. We discuss the mechanism leading to the hybrid random laser emission, connecting with phase sensitive optical time domain reflectometry and envision potential applications of this electronically addressable random laser.
Selective excitation of localized surface plasmons by structured light
Authors: Litvin Igor A , Mueller Niclas S , Reich Stephanie
Published: July 2020

We investigated the selective excitation of localized surface plasmons by structured light. We derive selection rules using group theory and propose a fitting integral to quantify the contribution of the eigenmodes to the absorption spectra. Based on the result we investigate three nano oligomers of different symmetry (trimer, quadrumer, and hexamer) in detail using finite-difference time-domain simulations. We show that by controlling the incident light polarization and phase pattern we are able to control the absorption and scattering spectra. Additionally, we demonstrate that the fitting between the incident light and the oligomer modes may favor a number of modes to oscillate. Dark modes produce strong changes in the absorption spectrum and bright modes in the scattering spectrum. The experimental precision (axial shift error) may be on the same order as the oligomer diameter making the orbital angular momentum selection rules robust enough for experimental observation.
Post-diaminobenzidine Treatments for Double Stainings: Extension of Sulfide-Silver-Gold Intensification for Light and Fluorescent Microscopy
Authors: Török Ibolya , Seprényi György , Pór Erzsébet , Borbély Emőke , Szögi Titanilla , Dobó Endre
Published: July 2020

Double staining protocols using the most popular immunoperoxidase techniques may raise difficulties. The two ordinary detection systems may cross-talk, when the primary antibodies are derived from phylogenetically closely related animals. A color shift of the 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) polymer may occur during the second development, resulting in poor distinction between the two kinds of deposits. A post-DAB technique, sulfide-silver-gold intensification, was fine tuned to eliminate these difficulties, which may be especially suitable for colocalization of cell nuclei and perikarya of the same cells. The revised method was probed in combination with a subsequent other immunoperoxidase step or fluorochrome-tagged reagents. The nuclear antigens (BrdU, c-Fos, and Prox-1) were first visualized with DAB polymer, which were then treated with SSGI, turning the deposit black. Thereafter, cytoplasmic antigens (doublecortin, neuronal nuclei, and calbindin) were detected with either another immunoperoxidase using DAB again or immunofluorescence labeling. In both approaches, the immunopositive nuclei and cytoplasmic sites could be easily distinguished even at low magnifications. Different shielding or eluting posttreatments were compared for consecutive acetylcholinesterase histochemistry terminated with DAB development and immunohistochemistry in the same sections. In conclusion, we recommend post-DAB treatments that abolish interactions between detection systems and allow clear distinction between the two signals under various conditions:
Beware the neuromyths! A critical discussion on the ‘brainification’ of early childhood music
Authors: Young Susan
Published: July 2020

References to neuroscience and the brain now crop up regularly in academic and pedagogical literatures in early childhood music education. In this article, I discuss this recent ‘brainification’ (a term coined by Vandenbroeck) of early childhood music and point out problems and pitfalls that can arise from this current enthusiasm for neuroscience narratives. Concern at the misinterpretation of neuroscientific research in music education, often referred to as neuromyths, has led to a small and important body of literature. This literature is reviewing, analysing and providing summaries of neuroscience in music, correcting misconceptions and clarifying the implications for educational practice. First, I introduce this work and outline its main arguments. However, despite these corrections and clarifications, neuromyths persist. Therefore, I go on to ask why – when the research base is being demonstrated to have many limitations – do certain neuroscientific ideas continue to occupy such a prominent position? The answer I suggest lies in the current context of social media proliferation of information together with the certainty that neuromyth narratives (falsely) promise. I will go on to explain how the prominence of neuromyths goes hand in hand with the current policy environment for early childhood education and care that constructs children as a form of future investment. The article arrives at a number of suggestions for how the problems and pitfalls might be overcome or avoided.
Time-sharing in parental leave: Why and how fathers assess their time to care home alone
Authors: Leitão Mafalda
Published: July 2020

With recent developments, parental leave policies may also be seen as gender equality policies, namely when fathers are given substantial and non-transferable well-paid home-alone time and encouraged by the policies themselves to take it (‘use it or lose it’/extra-time bonuses). Portugal is one of the countries where this type of time was introduced: parents are given an extra well-paid month of main leave after birth (‘initial parental leave’) if each one stays home alone at least 30 days after the other return to work. Given the way it challenges traditional gender roles in family life and in the labour market, a qualitative study was carried out in order to grasp the motives of 24 fathers (non-probability purposive sample) who took this home-alone sharing bonus. Findings reveal that fathers’ motives impact the amount of time they take. From the interactions between two major motivations – care and instrumental – and other social circumstances, such as family negotiation and labour contexts, several time-sharing profiles are identified. Each one making a difference in terms of the amount of time shared by fathers, with those where fathers exceed the one-month bonus-sharing being of particular interest.
Reassessing (de)standardization: Life course trajectories across three generations
Authors: Aboim Sofia , Vasconcelos Pedro
Published: July 2020

A central problem of life course analysis concerns the changes brought about by the pluralization and differentiation of biographies in western societies. Lives would be increasingly dissimilar from each other and marked by a broader range of transitions and stages. Under the lens of life course theorization, the heterogenization of biographies is typically understood as destandardization. However, if the destandardization hypothesis gained momentum, there is still little information about its explanatory power outside the wealthiest centres of Europe and North America. Following recent trends in research, the article critically examines the applicability of the destandardization hypothesis to the Portuguese case. Through an analysis of the lives of three generations of Portuguese men and women, we reconstruct the life trajectories of each generation starting from the 1930s until the early 2000s. Through the reconstitution of both family and work trajectories, we see if there is a standard biography from which to derive subsequent patterns of heterogenization. From this perspective, we reassess the extent to which the destandardization model is suitable for explaining life course transformations in the Portuguese society.
Jornais Diários Portugueses do Século XX – um dicionário
Authors: Lemos Mário Matos e
Published: July 2020

Trata-se de um trabalho que estuda, sob a forma de dicionário, a totalidade dos mais de trezentos jornais diários que entre 1900 e 2000 se publicaram em Portugal Continental, na Madeira e nos Açores. Indicam-se o ano ou anos de publicação dos jornais, bem como tendência política, formato, nomes dos directores, subdirectores, chefes de redacção e administradores, propriedade e moradas das redacções e das oficinas de composição e impressão. Faz-se um resumo da vida de cada jornal e indica-se a respectiva cota nos principais lugares onde podem ser consultados: Biblioteca Nacional, Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra, Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto, Hemeroteca Municipal de Lisboa e Hemeroteca Municipal de Coimbra. No caso dos jornais iniciados no século XIX faz-se um breve resumo relativo a esse período. Além de um Prefácio à primeira edição da Doutora Isabel Nobre Vargues e de uma Nota de Apresentação do Professor Luís Reis Torgal. inclui-se um estudo sobre a História da Imprensa Diária Portuguesa no Século XX e um Índice Onomástico.
Preliminary screening of the possible protective effect of Moroccan propolis against chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in animal model
Authors: El-Guendouz Soukaina , Zizi Soumia , Elamine Youssef , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim: Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) compounds have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bee propolis, as highly antioxidant natural product, in vivo using an animal model.

Materials and Methods: First of all, total phenol and flavonoid contents of propolis sample were estimated in vitro. Afterward, to study the protective effect of propolis on renal damages caused by an injection of a single dose of potassium dichromate (15 mg/kg b.wt), 24 male Wister rats were divided into test and control groups. Propolis treatment was performed by oral gavage of 100 mg/kg b.wt/day, while the control groups received water instead. The 24 h urine was collected and blood samples were withdrawn before and after each treatment for further analysis.

Results: Propolis revealed to be rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Chromate provoked a nephrotoxic effect expressed by a drastic decrease in glomerular filtration assessed by creatinine clearance. However, the administration of propolis attenuated the renal damages induced by the chromate. This attenuation can be seen by the increase of creatinine clearance when comparing propolis treated group to the non-treated group.

Conclusion: Propolis showed a protective potential against chromate-induced nephrotoxicity through the amelioration of chromate's toxic effects. It might be concluded that propolis could be effective as chemoprotectant in the management of potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity.
The optimization of technological factors during production of hummus spread
Authors: Nikolić Ivana , Dokić Ljubica , Takači Aleksandar , Šereš Zita , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Maravić Nikola
Published: July 2020

The traditional hummus spread is obtained of cooked and grinded chickpeas, blended with susame paste (tahini), olive oil, lemon juice and spices. Hummus spread is a rich source of dietary fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, E and C, folate, minerals Mg, K and Fe. During production of such kind of spreadable food product, many factors can have influence on product behavior trough the all phases of production and to the final product quality. In this work, the influence of different technological factors on rheological, textural and sensory properties of hummus spreads made by certain recipes were examined, in the aim to achieve the maximum quality of final product. The way of preparation of raw materials, the composition of the spreads and the amount of water phase have been varied in the aim to define optimal rheological and textural parameters, to increase the production efficiency and in order to obtain desired sensory properties of final spread product.
Roma lányok szexualitása tanár-szemmel
Authors: Rédai Dorottya
Published: July 2020

A 2019-ben megjelent könyvem alapjául szolgáló kutatásban a nem, a szexualitás, az etnicitás és a társadalmi osztály interszekcióit vizsgáltam egy magyarországi középiskolában, etnográfiai módszerekkel. Arra kerestem a választ, hogy a szexualitás iskolai diszkurzusai hogyan artikulálják a diákok nemi, etnikai és osztály-hovatartozását és ezzel együtt hogyan reprodukálják a társadalmi egyenlőtlenségeket a középfokú oktatás intézményes keretein belül. Ebben a tanulmányban tanárokkal készült interjúrészletek segítségével szeretném bemutatni, hogyan elemezhetőek azok a gender/szexualitás diszkurzusok, amelyek etnikai és egyben osztály-kategóriákat hoznak létre. A bemutatott interjúrészletekben tanárok beszélnek a diákok szexualitásáról és a szexualitáson keresztül jelölik ki egyértelműen a diákok helyét az iskolai etnikai és osztály-hierarchiában. Ez a két kategória nemcsak metszi egymást, hanem konvergál, egymás nélkül nem értelmezhető ezekben a diszkurzusokban. Az interszekcionális elemzések gyakran két szubjektum-kategória metszéspontjára fókuszálnak. Elemzésemben kísérletet teszek annak megvizsgálására, hogy mi történik ott, ahol több ilyen szubjektum-kategória diszkurzívan összetalálkozik, és ennek nagyon is materiális következményei lesznek.
Inhibitory Effect of Phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica A Juss. and Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers against SARS-CoV-2 M
pro and Spike Protease- An In Silico Analysis
Authors: CH RAMÀKRISHNAMACHARYA , MURALIKUMAR VANITHA , SESHACHALAM CHANDRASEKAR
Published: July 2020

COVID 19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is spreading worldwide and affected 10 million people with a mortality rate between 0.5 % to 5%. Medicinal plants from China, Morocco, Algeria, Africa and India were tested for antiviral efficacy in SARS-CoV-2. Ayurveda Medicine described many medicinal plants. The Nimba (
Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is used in fever, bacterial and viral infections, and Amrita (
Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers) is used as antiviral, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory purposes. The combination of both these plants is called Nimbamritam, and it is widely used in pyrexia, dermatitis, viral infections, etc. Spike protease (PDB ID 6VXX) and M
pro (PDB ID 6LU) were retrieved from RCSB and 16 ligands from
A. indica and 6 ligands from
T. cordifolia were obtained from IMPPAT and PubChem. AutoDock Vina embedded PyRx was used for docking. Remdesivir was taken as a reference drug.
In silico study of Cordifolide A of
T cordifolia showed the highest scores with -8.2 Kcal/mol and -10.3Kcal/mol with M
pro protease and Spike protease respectively. Cordifolide A had 4 H bonds and Kaempferol had 7 non-conventional bonds, including van der Waal with M
pro (6LU7) protease. The interactions with 6VXX had 5 H bonds in each ligand Cordifolide A and Azadirachtin B. The prevention of virus entry by targeting spike protease host receptor ACE2 and restricting replication of the viral genome by targeting M
pro residues were identified in our study.
A. indica and
T. cordifolia are promising therapeutic agents in COVID 19.
Oral Bile Reinfusion in Chronic Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiodrainage
Authors: Kahl Alyssa , Khurana Shruti , Larson Scott
Published: July 2020

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is an intervention for obstructive jaundice that, although effective in decreasing bilirubin levels, often leads to depletion of regular bile acids that subsequently cause malabsorption, diarrhea, and acute kidney injury. Bile reinfusion (BR) is a method of enteral refeeding of biliary secretions to replenish innate bile acids to the patient. In addition, BR is a low-cost alternative to exogenous bile acid replacement and abates the need for inpatient fluid resuscitation. We report oral BR in a patient with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage due to choledocholithiasis and review the literature on BR.
Une prose gourmande et savoureuse ?
Authors: Eyries Alexandre
Published: July 2020

Dans cet article, je me propose d’analyser une frange singulière de l’œuvre de l’écrivain américain Jim Harrison (1937-2016) mais ô combien centrale dans sa trajectoire d’auteur et surtout d’homme et de bon vivant à l’appétit vorace pour la bonne chère, les meilleurs vins et les plaisirs bien terrestres (amour des femmes, passion pour la nature et les grands espaces, la chasse et la pêche) qui jalonnent toute son œuvre, des romans aux poèmes ainsi qu’aux novellas ces longues nouvelles comme Légendes d’automne qui lui ont valu la célébrité sur la scène littéraire internationale. Dans le présent article, je m’intéresserai tout particulièrement à l’expérience gastronomique et œnologique telle qu’elle est mise en scène et en récit dans l’ouvrage Un sacré gueuleton. Manger, boire et vivre (Flammarion, 2018) qui rassemble la totalité des articles écrits par Jim Harrison tout au long de sa vie sur l’expérience gastronomique et œnologique à laquelle l’écrivain a très largement donné son corps dans des agapes infinies au cours desquelles « la règle de base est d’être “modéré à l’excès” » (p. 40).Dans l’introduction qu’il a rédigé pour cet ouvrage, le chef cuisinier new yorkais Mario Batali dresse le portrait suivant de Jim Harrison : « Jim avait un appétit légendaire et rien ne rend un cuisinier plus heureux que quelqu’un qui ne vit que pour manger – et, quand il ne mange pas, pour parler de ce qu’il a mangé, pour chasser et pêcher des choses à manger ou pour passer du temps, entre deux repas, à évoquer ce que nous venions de manger » (p. 9). L’ouvrage Un sacré gueuleton. Manger, boire et vivre – à la démesure de son auteur, cousin américain de Rabelais et manière d’épigone d’Hemingway – est un véritable festin littéraire. Il constitue à la fois une envolée discursive et littéraire et des moments propices à l’élaboration d’une prose gourmande et savoureuse par ses trouvailles stylistiques comme par ses excès et son outrance toute gargantuesque. Dans la première partie de cet article, j’analyserai les discours incarnés et éminemment littéraires tenus par l’auteur sur le vin et sa dégustation, sur la dimension anthropologique de ce phénomène sous-tendant les pratiques de convivialité et de commensalité. Dans la seconde partie de l’article, je m’attacherais aux écrits de l’auteur sur la gastronomie à l’aune de logiques de caractérisation, de recommandation et d’expertise acquises au cours d’une longue existence de gourmand vagabond ayant sillonné tous les terroirs de France et du monde.