bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised controlled study to compare radiofrequency ablation with minimally invasive ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein in the treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Sandhya PA , Mohil RS , Sricharan R
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Flush ligation at the saphenofemoral junction and stripping of the great saphenous vein is being increasingly replaced by endovenous methods such as radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. These modalities are expensive and not widely available. A minimally invasive ultrasound-guided surgery with non-flush ligation and stripping under local anaesthesia is a cost-effective alternative with similar postoperative outcomes.

Materials and methods

A total of 62 limbs (58 patients) with saphenofemoral junction incompetence underwent clinical evaluation including the CEAP clinical score, the venous clinical severity score, the venous disability score and venous doppler. Patients were randomly assigned to either group A (radiofrequency ablation) or group B (ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein) for procedures under tumescent anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance. Patients were followed-up on days 7, 30 and 90 to assess primary (obliteration rates) and secondary (venous clinical severity score and venous disability score) outcomes.

Results

Both the groups showed 100% obliteration of the great saphenous vein at day 90. The venous clinical severity and venous disability scores significantly improved from day 0 to day 90 in both groups (p = 0.0001). There were no major complications. Group A showed significantly lower minor complications (p = 0.001). None required conversation to general anaesthesia.

Conclusions

The ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein are as efficacious as radio frequency ablation, with similar obliteration rates, improvement in disability scores and complication profile at a lower cost. It has the potential for wider availability in the community as most surgeons are conversant with the surgical procedure.
Fabrication of an infrared wire-grid polarizer via anisotropical Si etching in KOH solution
Authors: Yamada Itsunari , Yoshida Rei
Published: June 2020

An infrared wire-grid polarizer was fabricated using two-beam interference lithography, anisotropical etching of Si in KOH solution, and thermal evaporation of Al. Consequently, an infrared wire-grid polarizer with a 1-µm-pitch and 195-nm-thick Al grating could be fabricated on the Si grating. The transmittance of transverse magnetic polarization was greater than 48% at 10-µm wavelength, and the extinction ratio was over 22 dB at this wavelength. This polarizer can be fabricated at a much lower cost and using simpler fabrication processes compared to those for conventional infrared polarizers fabricated using dry etching.
Tukey’s robust M-estimator for phase demodulation of interferograms with nonuniform shifts
Authors: Ordones Sotero , Servin Manuel , Padilla Moises , Choque Ivan , Muñoz Antonio , Flores Jorge L.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for phase demodulation of interferograms with nonuniformly spaced phase shifts. Our proposal consists of two stages: first, the phase map is obtained through a least squares fitting; second, the phase steps are retrieved using a statistical robust estimator. In particular, we use Tukey’s biweighted M-estimator because it can cope with both noisy data and outliers in comparison with the ordinary least squares estimator. Furthermore, we provide the frequency description of the algorithm and the phase demodulation allowing us to analyze the procedure and estimation according to the frequency transfer function (FTF) formalism for phase-shifting algorithms. Results show that our method can accurately retrieve the phase map and phase shifts, and it converges by the 10th iteration.
Designing an incoherent optical detection sensor (LiDAR) utilizing a range-compensating lens
Authors: Mudge Jason
Published: June 2020

There are many trades to be made when designing an optical system. In this work, an incoherent optical detection sensor (often referred to as an energy- or direct-detection sensor, or a time-of-flight LiDAR) is designed at the sensor or top level using newly developed tools [Appl. Opt. 59, 1939 (2020)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.384135]. While incoherent detection sensors, relative to coherent frequency or phase-modulated sensors, are not as useful in cluttered environments, they have their place due to their simplicity and high performance in uncluttered or lightly cluttered environments. In this particular design, a nontraditional receive lens is utilized that has the unique ability to adjust the amount of return signal placed on the detector based on target range, i.e., a range-compensating lens (RCL) [Appl. Opt. 58, 7921 (2019)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.58.007921]. Only a two-element RCL is utilized in this work, but it proves the ability to shape the return signal gauging the changes in the stochastic performance, paving the way to a multi-element RCL for additional design freedom in shaping.
Quantum states of higher-order whispering gallery modes in a silicon
micro-disk resonator
Authors: Kumar Rakesh Ranjan , Wang Yi , Zhang Yaojing , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: June 2020

The quantum states of light in an integrated photonics platform provide
an important resource for quantum information processing and take
advantage of the scalability and practicality of silicon photonics.
Integrated resonators have been well explored in classical and quantum
optics. However, to encode multiple information through integrated
quantum optics requires broader utilization of the available degrees
of freedom on a chip. Here, we studied the quantum interference
between photon pairs of the same higher-order whispering gallery modes
populated by spontaneous four-wave mixing in an integrated silicon
micro-disk resonator. The quantum interference between the photon
pairs of the first two quasi-

T
E

0

and quasi-

T
E

1

radial modes was measured to be

V

n
e
t

∼

98

±

0.8

%

and

V

n
e
t

∼

94

±

2.6

%

, respectively. The results are
promising for achieving higher-dimensional quantum states using the
higher-order radial modes of a micro-disk resonator coupled with an
integrated waveguide.
Multistability, staircases, and optical high-order sideband combs in optomechanics
Authors: Djorwe P. , Effa J. Y. , Nana Engo S. G.
Published: June 2020

Optomechanical systems are known to exhibit self-sustained limit cycles once driven above the parametric instability point. This breaks down the linearized approximation and induces novel nonlinear effects such as dynamical multistability, staircase behavior, and the generation of optical high-order sideband combs (HOSCs). Here, we study the classical nonlinear dynamics of optomechanical systems. We combine numerical simulations and analytical investigation to predict dynamical multistability in the resolved sideband regime. A way to predict the onset of the period doubling process and to control the multistability is analytically provided by tuning the optical linewidth. Indeed, the multistability behavior first changes to a staircase shape and gradually disappears as the system approaches the unresolved sideband limit. We exploit the multistable attractors to generate optical HOSCs by acting solely on the initial values instead of increasing the driving strength. This is the figure of merit of our proposal to relate multistability to the HOSC. As a result, the properties (bandwidth, intensity) of the combs are improved as the mechanical resonator moves towards upper attractors. This work opens a way for low-power HOSC generation in optomechanics and the related technological applications.
Silicon nitride grating based planar spectral splitting concentrator for NIR light harvesting
Authors: Elikkottil Ameen , Tahersima Mohammad H. , Gupta Surendra , Sorger Volker J. , Pesala Bala
Published: June 2020

We design a multi-layered solar spectral splitting planar concentrator for near infrared (NIR) light energy harvesting application. Each layer includes a silicon nitride based subwavelength diffraction grating on top of a glass substrate that is optimized to diffract the incoming solar radiation in a specific band from a broad spectral band (700-1400 nm in the NIR region) into guided modes propagating inside the glass substrate. The steep diffraction angle due to subwavelength grating results in concentrated light at the edge of each layer where it is then converted to electricity using a photovoltaic cell. The spectral splitting planar concentrator shows an overall NIR guiding efficiency of ∼18%, and power conversion efficiency of ∼11%. The design can be potentially used for building integrated photovoltaics application.
Diffuser-based computational imaging funduscope
Authors: Li Yunzhe , McKay Gregory N. , Durr Nicholas J. , Tian Lei
Published: June 2020

Poor access to eye care is a major global challenge that could be ameliorated by low-cost, portable, and easy-to-use diagnostic technologies. Diffuser-based imaging has the potential to enable inexpensive, compact optical systems that can reconstruct a focused image of an object over a range of defocus errors. Here, we present a diffuser-based computational funduscope that reconstructs important clinical features of a model eye. Compared to existing diffuser-imager architectures, our system features an infinite-conjugate design by relaying the ocular lens onto the diffuser. This offers shift-invariance across a wide field-of-view (FOV) and an invariant magnification across an extended depth range. Experimentally, we demonstrate fundus image reconstruction over a 33° FOV and robustness to ±4D refractive error using a constant point-spread-function. Combined with diffuser-based wavefront sensing, this technology could enable combined ocular aberrometry and funduscopic screening through a single diffuser sensor.
Enhanced stimulated raman scattering of solvent due to anharmonic energy transfer from resonance raman solute molecules
Authors: Shi Lingyan , Gayen Taposh , Budansky Yury , Yoo Kerr , Secor Jeff , Harvey Thomas , Harvey George , Shumyatsky Pavel , Nolan Daniel , Alfano Robert
Published: June 2020

A new nonlinear optical process, named enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (ESRS), is reported for the first time from resonance Raman in β-carotene-methanol solution. It is well known that absorption decreases the efficiency of the nonlinear optical and laser processes; however, we observed enhanced stimulated Raman peaks at the first and second Stokes from methanol solvent at 2834 cm−1 with the addition of β-carotene solutes. This enhanced SRS effect in methanol is attributed to the resonance Raman (RR) process in β-carotene, which creates a significant number of vibrations from RR and the excess vibrations are transferred to methanol from anharmonic vibrational interactions between the β-carotene solutes and the methanol solvent, and consequently leads to the increased Raman gain.
MIM waveguide structure consisting of a semicircular resonant cavity coupled with a key-shaped resonant cavity
Authors: Zhu Jun , Li Na
Published: June 2020

We describe the optical transmission properties of a surface plasmon polariton waveguide structure consisting of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide and a semicircular resonant cavity coupled with a key-shaped resonant cavity. Finite element algorithm simulated the optical response of a MIM waveguide structure. The influence of coupling length, geometrical size, and asymmetry of the key-shaped cavity and the radius of the semicircular resonant cavity on the Fano resonance line was investigated. Results demonstrate that variation of the key-shaped cavity asymmetry leads to the appearance of dual Fano resonances. When materials with different refractive index fill in the key-shaped cavity, the MIM waveguide structure achieves a sensitivity of 1261.67 nm/RIU. This performance allows the waveguide to be used for nanoscale biosensor applications such as measuring glucose concentrations. We simulated various spiked glucose concentrations by calculating the frequency shift as the second Fano resonance line moves towards longer wavelength. Glucose concentrations were calculated from variations of the Fano resonant wavelength. The waveguide structure proposed in this paper shows impressive practical prospects for many applications in the chemical sensing and biomedical fields.
Gold-black phosphorus nanostructured absorbers for efficient light trapping in the mid-infrared
Authors: Audhkhasi Romil , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: June 2020

We propose a gold nanostructured design for absorption enhancement in thin black phosphorus films in the 3–5 µm wavelength range. By suitably tuning the design parameters of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure, lateral resonance modes can be excited in the black phosphorus layer. We compare the absorption enhancement due to the resonant light trapping effect to the conventional 4n2 limit. For a layer thickness of 5 nm, we achieve an enhancement factor of 561 at a wavelength of 4 µm. This is significantly greater than the conventional limit of 34. The ability to achieve strong absorption enhancement in ultrathin dielectric layers, coupled with the unique optoelectronic properties of black phosphorus, makes our absorber design a promising candidate for mid-IR photodetector applications.
Tailoring diffraction of light carrying orbital angular momenta
Authors: Ikonnikov Denis A. , Vyunishev Andrey M.
Published: June 2020

A unified approach to controlling the diffraction of light carrying orbital angular momenta (OAM) is developed and experimentally verified in this Letter. This approach allows one to specify not only the number of diffraction maxima, their spatial frequencies, and the intensity distribution between them, but also the OAM in each maximum. It is verified that the approach can be used for structuring both single and multiple beams carrying OAMs. Simulations reveal phase singularities in structured beams. In addition, the approach makes it possible to shape the light in regular and irregular two-dimensional arrays with addressing the OAMs at each site. This approach offers new opportunities for singular optics.
Fundamental limits of laser power stabilization via a radiation
pressure transfer scheme
Authors: Trad Nery Marina , Danilishin Stefan L. , Venneberg Jasper R. , Willke Benno
Published: June 2020

Traditional active laser power stabilization schemes are fundamentally
limited by quantum shot noise on the in-loop photodetector. One way to
overcome this limitation is to implement a nondemolition sensing
scheme where laser power fluctuations are transferred to motion of a
micro-oscillator, which can be sensed with a high signal-to-noise
ratio. In this Letter, we analyze the power stability achievable in a
nondemolition scheme limited by quantum and thermal noise. Under the
assumption of realistic experimental parameters, we show that
generation of a strong bright squeezed quantum state of light should
be possible.
Improving non-line-of-sight image reconstruction with weighting factors
Authors: Feng Xiaohua , Gao Liang
Published: June 2020

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging is a light-starving application that suffers from highly noisy measurement data. In order to recover the hidden scene with good contrast, it is crucial for the reconstruction algorithm to be robust against noises and artifacts. We propose here two weighting factors for the filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm in NLOS imaging. The apodization factor modifies the aperture (wall) function to reduce streaking artifacts, and the coherence factor evaluates the spatial coherence of measured signals for noise suppression. Both factors are simple to evaluate, and their synergistic effects lead to state-of-the-art reconstruction quality for FBP with noisy data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed weighting factors on publicly accessible experimental datasets.
High-power structured laser modes: direct generation of a vortex array
Authors: Chen Y. F. , Ke H. T. , Tseng Y. C. , Hsieh M. X. , Tung J. C. , Hsieh Y. H. , Liang H. C. , Huang K. F.
Published: June 2020

The frequency degeneracy induced by the astigmatism in a nearly hemispherical cavity is originally exploited to generate vortex array laser modes with the output power up to 300 mW. The inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation is employed to derive the wave function for manifesting the characteristics of the lasing modes. The theoretical wave function explicitly reveals the role of the Gouy phase in the formation of vortex arrays. Numerical analyses are further performed to confirm that the thermal lensing effect in the laser crystal assists the lasing transverse order to increase with increasing pump power. It is believed that the high efficiency enables the present laser modes to be useful in the applications of structured vortex beams.
The influence of "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, nutrient digestibility, and growth of mother-bonded calves
Authors: Khaziakhmetov Fail , Khabirov Airat , Tagirov Khamit , Avzalov Ruzil , Tsapalova Gulnara , Basharov Almaz
Published: June 2020

Aim: This paper presents the results of the studies on "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics and their influence on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, immunoresistance, nutrient digestibility, and growth intensity of mother-bonded calves.

Materials and Methods: The calves of the control group were fed with their basic diet (BD) without "Stimix Zoostim" or "Normosil", whereas the calves of the experimental group were fed with their BD supplemented with "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil". For 10-20-day-old calves, the daily dose was 10 mL per head, whereas 21-90-day-old calves received 15 mL of probiotics per head per day. The calves of the experimental group were administered probiotics every day. Calves aged 10 to 60 days received probiotics with milk, and then at the age of 61 to 90 days, received probiotics with water. (This is a sequential process. At 60 days old, calf rearing with milk stops, and after that, we use probiotics added to water to rear them). Both groups were administered probiotics twice a day, specifically 50% of the daily dose at each feeding time.

Results: The results in this study proved that "Stimix Zoostim" and "Normosil" probiotics exhibit high probiotic activity and have a positive effect on the calves' fecal microflora. Feeding the calves with probiotics resulted in a significant increase in the number of normal flora, such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, and a decrease in the amount of Escherichia. It also resulted in an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and ?-globulins within the physiological range. In our study, we found that the phagocytic reaction in the blood serum of the experimental group was slightly enhanced, suggesting a high response of the body to infectious agents.

Conclusion: Thus, the group of calves receiving probiotic "Stimix Zoostim" exhibited an exceedance of phagocytic activity by 4.8% and the group receiving "Normosil" by 4.4%, in comparison with the control group. The daily dose of 10 mL of probiotics per head for 10-20-day-old calves and 15 mL per head for 21-90-day-old calves also had a positive effect on nutrient digestibility, growth, and forage consumption. The economic benefit per animal was 149.23 and 157.0 rubles, respectively.
Reorganizar para avançar: a experiência da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Nova Lima/MG no enfrentamento da pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: Fernandez Michelle Vieira , Castro Dayanna Mary de , Fernandes Luísa Da Matta Machado , Alves Isabel Cristina
Published: June 2020

Países como o Brasil que possuem a Atenção Primária à Saúde como porta de entrada de um sistema de saúde universal têm o potencial de enfrentar a pandemia da COVID-19 de forma transversal e centrada na demanda da comunidade. A experiência do município de Nova Lima apresenta uma reorganização da APS diante da crise sanitária, apoiada nos vínculos estabelecidos no território e na continuidade do cuidado. O presente estudo tem o objetivo de descrever essa experiência municipal em ações baseada na garantia do direito à saúde para os usuários.
Generation and testing of emergent traits in composite professional stereotypes
Authors: Benrós Miguel F. , Vaz André R. , Assunção Hugo , Santos Ana Sofia , Palma Tomás A , Garcia-Marques Leonel
Published: June 2020

Somos frequentemente confrontados com pessoas que fazem parte de múltiplas categorias, por vezes com implicações que conflictuam no que respeita aos estereótipos que lhes estão associados. Investigação anterior demonstra que, quando são gerados atributos para estereótipos compósitos, são criados os chamados atributos novos e emergentes. Estes parecem derivar do conhecimento acerca das categorias constituintes, mas também do conhecimento acerca do mundo em geral (e.g., Hastie, Schroeder, & Weber, 1990; Kunda, Miller, & Claire, 1990). O presente trabalho, de forma semelhante a investigação anterior de Kunda e colaboradores (1990), testa categorias profissionais compósitas, e as suas constituintes simples, numa amostra Portuguesa. De acordo com o nosso conhecimento, não existe evidência anterior, em língua Portuguesa, de que as categorias compósitas conduzam à geração de propriedades emergentes. Neste artigo, explora-se empiricamente o tipo de conteúdos que são gerados, e como é resolvido o conflito entre constituintes. No Estudo 1, os participantes descrevem 24 pares de categorias compósitas e cada um dos constituintes. No Estudo 2, refinamos a identificação dos atributos emergentes solicitando aos participantes que avaliem cada atributo previamente gerado numa escala de avaliação, para cada categoria, constituinte ou compósita, num desenho experimental entre-sujeitos. Os resultados fornecem evidência de que atributos emergentes foram gerados e revelou uma avaliação média para as categorias compósitas diferente daquela obtida nas categorias constituintes. Discute-se a contribuição destes resultados para investigação futura que pretenda explorar o tipo de processos que estão na base da criação de estereótipos compósitos, assim como a natureza da sua representação mental, quão estável é, e quão consensual, dadas as possibilidades de modelos e modos de resolução de conflito (e.g., Hastie et al., 1990; Kunda et al., 1990).
Coesão e flexibilidade familiar: Validação do pacote FACES IV junto de adolescentes portugueses
Authors: Gouveia-Pereira Maria , Gomes Hugo , Miranda Mariana , Candeias Maria de Jesus
Published: June 2020

A Escala de Avaliação da Coesão e Flexibilidade Familiar, desenvolvida no âmbito do estudo do Modelo Circumplexo dos Sistemas Conjugais e Familiares, permite avaliar o funcionamento familiar através de um diagnóstico relacional. Este instrumento está subdividido em seis subescalas que permitem uma avaliação dos níveis equilibrados e disfuncionais (extremamente baixos e extremamente elevados) das dimensões de coesão e flexibilidade familiar. O Pacote FACES IV inclui ainda dois questionários que permitem a avaliação da comunicação e satisfação familiar. O presente artigo analisa as propriedades psicométricas dos instrumentos incluídos no Pacote FACES IV junto de uma amostra de adolescentes portugueses em dois estudos. No primeiro estudo, incluímos um grupo comunitário de 757 estudantes e um grupo clínico de 67 adolescentes que recorrem a consultas psiquiátricas. Os resultados deste estudo revelaram um modelo fatorial de 24 itens com qualidades psicométricas satisfatórias, permitindo concluir um ajustamento aceitável à nossa amostra. No segundo estudo, a solução fatorial obtida no estudo anterior foi replicada junto de uma amostra independente de 707 jovens estudantes. Os resultados desta validação apresentam o FACES IV como um instrumento útil para o diagnóstico familiar junto de adolescentes portugueses.
Aesthetic development in children, adolescents and young adults
Authors: Rocha Teresa Almeida , Peixoto Francisco , Jesus Saúl Neves
Published: June 2020

Este artigo foca-se no desenvolvimento estético de crianças, adolescentes e adultos jovens, a um nível teórico e empírico. As teorias mais relevantes no domínio do desenvolvimento estético são mencionadas. O principal objetivo do estudo foi testar a teoria de Parsons, de maneira empírica e precisa, caracterizando como a apreciação estética é desenvolvida. Em termos dos principais pressupostos metodológicos, existem duas posições teóricas na pesquisa atual sobre desenvolvimento estético, as de Housen e Parsons. A abordagem de Parsons demonstrou ser mais eficaz quando adaptada a faixas etárias mais jovens (crianças). A pesquisa empírica realizada neste artigo utilizou a sua entrevista para entender o nível de desenvolvimento estético de 100 participantes, divididos em 5 faixas etárias (de 4-5 anos a 18-20 anos). Os resultados dessas entrevistas individuais suportam a ideia de que a estética se desenvolve naturalmente e se correlaciona positivamente com a idade. Além das descobertas sobre o desenvolvimento estético, os dados confirmam a ideia de descentração progressiva, sublinhada na afirmação de Parsons de que os estágios estéticos dependem “da nossa capacidade crescente de assumir os pontos de vista dos outros”.
Concordância entre dados antropométricos reportados vs. medidos e relação com as práticas parentais alimentares em idade pré-escolar
Authors: Santos Ana Filipa , Fernandes Carla , Cardia Sara , Fernandes Marília , Bost Kelly K. , Veríssimo Manuela
Published: June 2020

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a concordância entre os dados antropométricos das crianças (peso, altura, respetivos IMC e z-score de IMC calculados) reportados pelos pais e medidos objetivamente pelos investigadores, bem como a sua relação com as práticas parentais alimentares. Participaram no estudo 71 famílias, com crianças entre os 2 e os 6 anos. Verificou-se uma discordância entre os dados reportados pelos pais e os dados medidos para 45,5% das crianças. Foram encontrados efeitos bidirecionais entre a prática restrição por controlo de peso e a altura e peso reportados, bem como entre a prática pressão e o peso, IMC e z-score de IMC reportados. Os resultados sugerem que perceções parentais incorretas sobre o estado ponderal da criança poderão levar a maiores níveis de práticas parentais alimentares negativas, com impacto no peso das crianças. Por outro lado, pais e filhos, influenciam-se mutuamente, pelo que os pais são reativos ao peso das crianças, mas também o influenciam.
Ajustamento psicológico e desenvolvimento da linguagem de crianças em acolhimento residencial
Authors: Pereira Joana Campos , Barbosa-Ducharne Maria Acciaiuoli , Dias Pedro
Published: June 2020

Em Portugal, 98% das crianças com menos de três anos de idade retiradas das suas famílias de nascimento vivem em casas de Acolhimento Residencial (AR). A colocação precoce de crianças em AR pode afetar drasticamente seu desenvolvimento. Este estudo tem como objetivo: identificar a frequência de Problemas de Internalização, Externalização e Total, bem como o número médio de palavras utilizadas por crianças em AR; comparar a frequência dos problemas e o vocabulário destas crianças com a amostra normativa da população portuguesa que permitiu a validação e a aferição da Bateria ASEBA em Portugal; analisar as diferenças entre as crianças em AR de acordo com o sexo, integração pré-escolar, presença de irmãos na mesma casa de AR e o tamanho da própria casa de AR e explorar as correlações entre as medidas de ajustamento psicológico e o desenvolvimento da linguagem e as variáveis sociodemográficas. Participaram neste estudo cento e dezasseis crianças portuguesas (56,9% do sexo feminino) com idades compreendidas entre os 0 e os 71 meses (menores de 6 anos). Os dados foram recolhidos através da bateria ASEBA. Os resultados mostraram que estas crianças apresentaram um maior nível de vulnerabilidade em relação ao ajustamento psicológico e ao desenvolvimento da linguagem, quando comparadas com as crianças que vivem com as suas famílias, principalmente aquelas separadas dos seus irmãos e que vivem num contexto fechado que não proporcione experiências de contacto com outras crianças externas ao AR. Estes resultados reforçam a importância de se privilegiar a medida do acolhimento familiar (ao invés do AR), particularmente nesta faixa etária, para que as crianças tenham oportunidade de se desenvolver num contexto familiar normativo.
Comprehensive multi-factors reveal the pathogenesis of degenerative intervertebral disc
Authors: Aikenmu Kahaer , Wang Zhenbin , Meng Qingcai
Published: June 2020

Intervertebral Disc (IVD) is a moderately moving joint that provides load transfer and flexibility to the entire spine. Although healthy IVD can balance the turnover of slow-synthesis matrices, this balance is often disrupted that leading to the development of degenerative diseases. The pathogenesis and treatment mechanism of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) has always been the focus of scientific research, but its pathogenesis is still unknown. Therefore, this study is based on a modular approach to in-depth analysis and explore the genes of IDD, intended to identify the molecular process of disc degeneration. Firstly, the data related to Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and normal intervertebral disc were downloaded from the GEO database. The differential analysis of two kinds of data was performed to obtain differential gene expression profiles. Secondly, mapping those differential genes to Cytoscape to construct protein-protein interaction networks (PPIs). Then, the module gene was subjected to enrichment analysis of GO function and KEGG pathway. Finally, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and transcription factors that regulate the module are predicted based on hypergeometric testing. In summary, we identified 22 co-expression modules, and the enrichment analysis results revealed that the module genes were significantly involved in the regulation of definite biotic procedures. In conclusion, we recognized the ncRNA pivot (including miR-193b-3p, CRNDE, etc.) and TF pivot (including E2F1, E2F4, etc.) that significantly regulate dysfunction modules.
Comparison of the expression levels of TNF-Î±, IL-6, hsCRP and sICAM-1 inflammatory factors, bone mineral density and nutritional status between diabetic and normal pregnant women
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Chun
Published: June 2020

To compare the ultrasound bone mineral density, nutritional status and inflammatory state of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with normal blood glucose. Retrospective analysis of pregnant women who were prenatally examined and delivered in The 5th People's Hospital of Ji'nan from May 2015 to July 2017 was performed, including 68 subjects with normal blood glucose in the control group and 74 subjects with GDM in the experiment group. The bone mineral density, nutritional status and inflammatory state were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). The bone mineral density of pregnant women with GDM was lower than that of the control group; the incidence of osteoporosis in GDM pregnant women was higher than that in the control group. The energy intake of GDM pregnant women was high, and the usage rate of fruits, sweets, deep-fried products and night snack was higher than that of normal pregnant women. The expression levels of TNF-Î±, IL-6, hsCRP and sICAM-1 inflammatory factors in GDM pregnant women were significantly higher than those with normal blood glucose. The bone mineral density of pregnant women with GDM is lower than that with normal blood glucose. Therefore, the prevention of GDM in pregnant women is also important for their bone health. GDM pregnant women's health education should be strengthened and reasonable dietary interventions should be carried out as soon as possible. TNF-a, IL-6, hsCRP, and sICAM-1 may be involved in the inflammatory process of GDM.
LncRNA NORAD targets miR-410-3p to regulate drug resistance sensitivity of osteosarcoma
Authors: Xie Xin , Liu Wenjun , Duan Zhiyuan , Li Xu , Zhang Lide , Yang Guanlin
Published: June 2020

The current experiment was performed to investigate the effect of LncRNA NORAD on the sensitivity of miR-410-3p to drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells. The cisplatin-resistant cell line HOS/DDP was induced; si-NC, si-NORAD, miR-NC, miR-410-3p, pcDNA-NC, and pcDNA-NORAD were transfected into HOS/DDP cells, respectively; record as a si-NC group, si-NORAD group, miR-NC group, miR-410-3p group, pcDNA-NC group, pcDNA-NORAD group; si-NORAD was co-transfected into HOS/DDP cells with anti-miR-NC, anti-miR-410-3p, recorded as an anti-miR-NC+si-NORAD group and anti-miR-410-3p+si-NORAD group. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect LncRNA NORAD, miR-410-3p and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) mRNA expression levels; Western blot was used to detect cyclin D1 (CyclinD1), MRP1, phosphorylated (p-p65), phosphorylated IÐºBÎ± (p-IÐºBÎ±) protein expression; cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell viability; dual luciferase report assay to detect targeting relationship between LncRNA NORAD and miR-410-3p. Compared with osteosarcoma cells HOS, the expression levels of LncRNA NORAD, MRP1 mRNA and protein in osteosarcoma resistant cells HOS/DDP were significantly increased, and miR-410-3p expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Low expression of NORAD or high expression of miR-410-3p, CyclinD1, MRP1 expression levels were significantly reduced, the cell survival rate was significantly reduced, and the half inhibitory concentration of cisplatin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). LncRNA NORAD targets and regulates miR-410-3p, and low expression of miR-410-3p can reverse the effects of low NORAD expression on HOS/DDP cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance. Low expressions of NORAD, p-p65, p-IÐºBÎ± protein expression levels were significantly reduced; low expression of miR-410-3p could reverse the inhibitory effect of low NORAD expression on p-p65, p-IÐºBÎ± protein expression. Inhibition of LncRNA NORAD expression can inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma HOS/DDP cells through targeted regulation of miR-410-3p, increasing its sensitivity to cisplatin, and it may be related to the NF-ÎºB signaling pathway.
Piceatannol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through regulation of the PTEN/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Li Xun-gang , Zhang Wen-sheng , Yan Xiao-ping
Published: June 2020

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of piceatannol (PIC) on the proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer cell line EJ, and the underlying mechanism.   Bladder cancer cell line EJ was incubated with different concentrations of PIC, and CCK-8 method was used to determine the effect of the treatment on cell proliferation. The effect of PIC on cell cycle, apoptosis and the expressions of related signal pathway proteins were determined using Western blotting. Flow cytometry showed that PIC inhibited the proliferation of EJ cells in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Moreover, EJ cells were significantly blocked in G0/G1 phase, when compared with the blank control group (p < 0.05). In addition, PIC enhanced apoptosis of EJ cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Results from western blotting showed that, compared with the control group, PIC upregulated the protein expression of PTEN, but downregulated Akt protein phosphorylation, relative to control cells. PIC significantly inhibits the proliferation of EJ cells and enhances their apoptosis through a mechanism related to the activation of PTEN/Akt signaling pathway.
Association of a genetic variant in the AKT gene locus and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Kermanshahi Farnoush , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Hussein Nasih Abdulla , Amerizadeh Forouzan , Samadi Sara , Tayefi Maryam , Kamel Khodabandeh Atiyeh , Moohebati Mohsen , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Esmaily Habibollah , Sahebi Reza , Abdulkarimi Rahim , Mousavi Seyed Ali Reza , Ferns Gordon A , Avan Amir , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Most genetic variants could be identified by several genome-wide-association-studies (GWAS), including within genes encoding proteins involved in the AKT/PI3K pathways that are related with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and CVDs. Therefore, due to the importance of genetic variants in the prognosis of diseases, we examined the genetic polymorphism of AKT-rs1130233 located on chromosome 14 with cardiovascular risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, 721 subjects recruited from the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. The participants including 257 subjects with metabolic syndrome, 144 subjects with cardiovascular disease and 320 subjects as a control group. Anthropometric, biochemical and demographic information measures were prepared. Dietary assessment was managed by 24h dietary recall. DNA extraction and genotyping were carried out by using the TaqMan real-time-PCR based method. The association of AKT rs1130233 locus with dietary intakes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 21 software. Frequencies of genotypes AA, AG and GG of the AKT rs1130233 polymorphism were 12.6%, 44.5% and 42.9% in subjects with metabolic syndrome and 9.7%, 39.6% and 50.7% in subjects with cardiovascular disease, respectively. The frequency of allele A and G in cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome population were 29.5%, 70.5% and 34.8%, 65.2%, respectively. We have found no significant association between the AKT rs1130233 polymorphism with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome. The results of dietary intake showed that the levels of phosphorus intake (p=0.008), calcium intake (p=0.007) and iodine intake (p=0.04) were different in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. And also, energy intake was significantly different in subjects with cardiovascular disease (p=0.01) compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that AKT rs1130233 was not associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in the Iranian population. More studies are needed to validate our results. We did functional analysis, due to certify our investigation about value of this genetic biomarker for CVD risk.
Influence of in ovo and pre-starter zinc and copper supplementation on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract development of broiler chickens
Authors: AWACHAT Vaibhav Bhagwan , ELANGOVAN Arumbackam Vijayarangam , SOGUNLE Olajide Mark , DAVID Corbon Godfrey , GHOSH Jyotirmoy , GOWDA Shivakumar Nisarani Kollurappa , BHANJA Subrat Kumar , MAJUMDAR Samir
Published: June 2020

This experiment was on 350 uniform sized Cobb broiler hatching eggs (60 g) to assess the response of trace mineral supplementation (Zinc and copper) on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract development in broiler chicken. The fertile eggs were divided into groups with in ovo trace mineral solution containing zinc (80 µg) and copper (16 µg) and without in ovo administration. After hatching, the chicks were further divided into four groups: Group I served as control without in ovo and without post-hatch supplemented diet (WoINOVO-WoPHS), birds in Group II were without in ovo and with post-hatch supplemented diet (WoINOVO-WPHS) (100 % higher level of zinc 200 ppm, copper 30 ppm in diet), birds in Group III had in ovo (zinc, 80 µg; copper,16 µg) and without post-hatch supplemented diet (WINOVO-WoPHS) and birds in Group IV had in ovo and with post-hatch supplemented diet (WINOVO-WPHS). Data collected were subjected to completely randomized design. Hatchability, live weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio at 0–3 wk were not affected (p > 0.05) by in ovo administration of the mineral. Post-hatch supplementation of zinc and copper without in ovo supplementation showed better feed conversion ratio at 3–5 wk of age.  It could be recommended that for improved post-hatch performance, broiler chickens diets could be supplemented with inorganic zinc and copper.
Movie Variety and the City
Authors: Kim In Kyung
Published: June 2020

In this article, I study the effect of entry and ownership structure on product variety within a city. Using longitudinal data on theaters in Korea, I find that the positive effect of entry on city-wide movie variety is limited only to the first few entrants. This finding, together with the observation that movie variety in a theater does not respond to entry, suggests that a theater's incentive to soften price competition by screening less popular movies not otherwise available in the city decreases as more theaters enter. I also find evidence that movie variety is greater in more concentrated cities, implying that a chain that owns multiple theaters in a city may differentiate the movie lineup offered in each theater more than when the theaters are individually owned in order to avoid cannibalization or to preempt entry.
Long non-coding RNA TUG1 knockdown hinders the tumorigenesis of multiple myeloma by regulating the microRNA-34a-5p/NOTCH1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yongtian , Zhao Dandan , Li Shumei , Xiao Meng , Zhou Hongjing , Yang Shuige , Hao Yunliang , Dong Shasha
Published: June 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a serious health issue in hematological malignancies. Long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to be highly expressed in the plasma of MM patients. However, the functions of TUG1 in MM tumorigenesis along with related molecular basis are still undefined. In this study, increased TUG1 and decreased microRNA-34a-5p (miR-34a-5p) levels in MM tissues and cells were measured by the real-time quantitative polymerase reaction assay. The expression of relative proteins was determined by the Western blot assay. TUG1 knockdown suppressed cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in MM cells, as shown by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assays. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA pull-down assay indicated that miR-34a-5p was a target of TUG1 and directly bound to notch receptor 1 (NOTCH1), and TUG1 regulated the NOTCH1 expression by targeting miR-34a-5p. The functions of miR-34a-5p were abrogated by TUG1 upregulation. Moreover, TUG1 loss impeded MM xenograft tumor growth in vivo by upregulating miR-34a-5p and downregulating NOTCH1. Furthermore, TUG1 depletion inhibited the expression of Hes-1, Survivin, and Bcl-2 protein in MM cells and xenograft tumors. TUG1 knockdown inhibited MM tumorigenesis by regulating the miR-34a-5p/NOTCH1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding of the TUG1 function in MM.
Effect of hepatic sympathetic nerve removal on energy metabolism in an animal model of cognitive impairment and its relationship to Glut2 expression
Authors: Wei Riming , Zhuge Xiuhong , Yue Pengpeng , Liu Manjun , Zhu Lin , Liu Jianxiang , Xia Chunbo
Published: June 2020

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of hepatic sympathetic nerve removal on glucose and lipid metabolism in rats with cognitive impairment and to evaluate the relationship between these effects and liverGlut2expression. Hippocampal injection of Aβ1–42was used to induce cognitive impairment. Impaired rats were divided into experimental, sham, and control groups. The experimental group was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine to remove the sympathetic nerve. At 4 weeks post injection, body weight, food and water intake, blood sugar, and blood lipids were measured, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to assess the liver glycogen content. LiverGlut2mRNA and protein were also detected. The experimental group showed reduced body weight, food intake, and blood glucose levels and elevated insulin levels compared with the control group. PAS staining showed higher glycogen contents in the experimental group than in controls. The expression levels ofGlut2mRNA and protein in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the controls. Metabolism was significantly impacted in rats with cognitive impairment following removal of the hepatic sympathetic nerve. Disruption toGlut2liver expression via sympathetic nerve disruption represents a possible underlying mechanism.
A Comparative Analysis of Teaching and Evaluation Methods in Nurse Practitioner Education Programs in Australia, Canada, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands and USA
Authors: Jeffery N. , Donald F. , Martin-Misener R. , Bryant-Lukosius D. , Johansen E.A. , Egilsdottir H.Ö. , Honig J. , Strand H. , Jokiniemi K. , Carter N. , Roodbol P. , Rietkoetter S.
Published: June 2020

A scoping review of published literature and dialogue with international nurse practitioner educators and researchers revealed the education of nurse practitioner students varied within and between countries. This lack of cohesiveness hinders nurse practitioner role development and practice nationally and internationally. A rapid review of grey literature was conducted on nurse practitioner education standards in six countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and USA). Data were extracted from graduate level nurse practitioner education programs’ websites from each country (n = 24). Extracted data were verified for accuracy and completeness with a nurse practitioner educator from each program. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Variations in nurse practitioner education within and between countries were explored by comparing admission criteria, curricular content, clinical requirements, teaching methods, and assignment and evaluative methods. The findings will help inform education programs and further research about nurse practitioner education internationally.
Efficiently Processing Complex-Valued Data in Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Bootland Carl , Castryck Wouter , Iliashenko Ilia , Vercauteren Frederik
Published: June 2020

We introduce a new homomorphic encryption scheme that is natively capable of computing with complex numbers. This is done by generalizing recent work of Chen, Laine, Player and Xia, who modified the Fan–Vercauteren scheme by replacing the integral plaintext modulus t by a linear polynomial X − b. Our generalization studies plaintext moduli of the form Xm + b. Our construction significantly reduces the noise growth in comparison to the original FV scheme, so much deeper arithmetic circuits can be homomorphically executed.
On generalized binomial laws to evaluate finite element accuracy: preliminary probabilistic results for adaptive mesh refinement
Authors: Chaskalovic Joël , Assous Franck
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide new perspectives on the relative finite elements accuracy. Starting from a geometrical interpretation of the error estimate which can be deduced from Bramble–Hilbert lemma, we derive a probability law that evaluates the relative accuracy, considered as a random variable, between two finite elements Pk and Pm, k < m. We extend this probability law to get a cumulated probabilistic law for two main applications. The first one concerns a family of meshes, the second one is dedicated to a sequence of simplexes constituting a given mesh. Both of these applications could be considered as a first step toward application for adaptive mesh refinement with probabilistic methods.