bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deseados pero abandonados: el incierto destino de los embriones criopreservados
Authors: Reguera Cabezas Marta , Cayón-De Las Cuevas Joaquín
Published: March 2022

La reproducción asistida, de la mano de ciencias afines como la genómica y la criobiología, ha transformado de modo vertiginoso el abordaje de la fertilidad, no solamente por los avances científico-técnicos, sino por la coyuntura social contemporánea. Como es conocido, en la actualidad se ha elevado el porcentaje de mujeres y parejas que deben recurrir a estas técnicas biomédicas y, con ellas, se han diversificado las etiologías de la infertilidad. El continuo avance por superar los obstáculos biológicos y ofrecer nuevas opciones con las que solventar la infertilidad, lleva también asociados interrogantes y dilemas éticos y normativos. Entre esos dilemas nos encontramos los usos y destinos de los embriones criopreservados sobrantes de las técnicas de reproducción asistida (TRA). Tras más de cuatro décadas de fecundación in vitro (FIV), la problemática surgida a raíz de la criopreservación embrionaria y la incesante acumulación de embriones parece no haber alcanzado su fin. Así, las diferentes opciones contempladas por la normativa vigente no acaban de satisfacer a los pacientes y profesionales para poder responder a la situación existente de almacenamiento de un número importante de embriones criopreservados en los biobancos de los centros de reproducción asistida, sin destino definido.
La regla de los 14 días a debate: un análisis crítico desde la bioética
Authors: Redondo García Antonio
Published: March 2022

El objetivo que perseguimos con el presente artículo es analizar críticamente los argumentos utilizados en defensa de la regla de los 14 días, referida ésta a la investigación y experimentación con embriones humanos. Dicha regla fue propuesta por primera vez hace ya más de cuarenta años, siendo muchos los países que se acogieron a ella incluyéndola en sus respectivas legislaciones. No obstante, después de cuatro décadas, la ciencia exige hoy un debate internacional en el que sea revisado con urgencia el límite que la norma impone, la cual imposibilita a los científicos poder investigar con embriones creados en el laboratorio más allá de la frontera de los 14 días. Para ello, repararemos en dos textos fundamentales en los que la regla tuvo su origen, analizando desde la bioética si los argumentos contenidos en ellos son coherentes y si pueden actualmente sostenerse. Además, atenderemos a las razones ofrecidas desde la ciencia para llevar a cabo su ampliación, teniendo en cuenta que cualquier cambio en la norma deberá tener siempre su correspondencia con los valores presentes en la sociedad del momento.
La Llei General de Protecció de Dades i les seves implicacions per a la salut
Authors: Vetis Zaganelli Margareth , Binda Filho Douglas Luis
Published: March 2022

La Llei General de Protecció de Dades preveu la protecció de les dades personals i té implicacions significatives en nombrosos àmbits, inclòs el sanitari. En aquest, a causa de la quantitat rellevant de dades sensibles que contenen informació sobre salut, es requereix precaució per part dels agents de tractament, ja que és més probable que el seu processament causi un alt risc per als drets dels titulars. En aquest sentit, l'art. 35 del Reglament General de Protecció de Dades, la legislació europea en matèria de protecció de dades personals, determina que la realització d'Avaluacions d'Impacte és obligatòria, la qual cosa no és evident en la legislació brasilera. A través d'un estudi exploratori, basat en una enquesta bibliogràfica i documental, s'investiga la importància d'aquestes Avaluacions per part de les institucions de salut en el tractament de dades sensibles, a fi de certificar no només el compliment de la legislació, sinó també de les estipulacions presents en els codis deontològics que valoren el secret, la privacitat i la confidencialitat en la relació metge-pacient. Al principi, es discuteixen aspectes generals de la llei brasilera i una perspectiva comparada respecte a l'europea. En segon lloc, exposa l'associació entre el tractament de dades sensibles i la confidencialitat en l'assistència sanitària. Conclou que és important realitzar l'Avaluació d'Impacte sobre dades sensibles, ocasió en la qual es considera l'experiència europea d'una metodologia basada en riscos.
Optical effect and pre-forming temperature field of in situ laser-assisted micro-stamping by a diamond indenter
Authors: Meng Siwei , Shi Guangfeng , Zou Chunyang , Li Hongda , Yao Dong , Gao Yan
Published: March 2022

During in situ laser-assisted micro-stamping (In-LAS) using a diamond indenter, the temperature of the machined area cannot be accurately predicted because of the coupling of the beam with the diamond indenter. This study uses geometrical optics and wave optics to determine the effect of the taper angle on laser direction, the light intensity distribution at the diamond indenter tip, and the temperature field of the machined area. This research provides data support and a theoretical basis for the selection of related process parameters of In-LAS and delivers a feasible theoretical method for a similar in situ laser-assisted machining.
Vector of motion measurements in the living cochlea using a 3D OCT vibrometry system
Authors: Kim Wihan , Liu Derek , Kim Sangmin , Ratnayake Kumara , Macias-Escriva Frank , Mattison Scott , Oghalai John S. , Applegate Brian E.
Published: March 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become an important tool for measuring the vibratory response of the living cochlea. It stands alone in its capacity to measure the intricate motion of the hearing organ through the surrounding otic capsule bone. Nevertheless, as an extension of phase-sensitive OCT, it is only capable of measuring motion along the optical axis. Hence, measurements are 1-D. To overcome this limitation and provide a measure of the 3-D vector of motion in the cochlea, we developed an OCT system with three sample arms in a single interferometer. Taking advantage of the long coherence length of our swept laser, we depth (frequency) encode the three channels. An algorithm to depth decode and coregister the three channels is followed by a coordinate transformation that takes the vibrational data from the experimental coordinate system to Cartesian or spherical polar coordinates. The system was validated using a piezo as a known vibrating element that could be positioned at various angles. The angular measurement on the piezo was shown to have an RMSE of ≤ 0.30° (5.2 mrad) with a standard deviation of the amplitude of ≤ 120 pm. Finally, we demonstrate the system for in vivo imaging by measuring the vector of motion over a volume image in the apex of the mouse cochlea.
Study of nonlinear effects and self-heating in a silicon microring resonator including a Shockley-Read-Hall model for carrier recombination
Authors: Novarese Marco , Garcia Sebastian Romero , Cucco Stefania , Adams Don , Bovington Jock , Gioannini Mariangela
Published: March 2022

A detailed description of the non-linear effects in silicon is needed when designing ring resonators in the silicon platform. The optical field propagating in the ring waveguide is strongly absorbed due to two-photon-absorption (TPA) and free-carrier-absorption (FCA), which become more prominent with increasing the input power in the ring. We present a new approach for the modelling of non-linear effects in silicon based ring resonators. We have numerically solved the non-linear problem coupling the variation of refractive index and loss due to TPA, FCA , self-heating and Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) theory for trap-assisted recombination process. The model is validated by reproducing experimental measurements on a ring and a racetrack resonator having different Q-factors and waveguide cross-sections. As a result, we show that the SRH recombination is the origin of the dependence of free carrier lifetime on the power circulating in the ring and how this dependence is affected by the surface trap density and trap energy level. The model is then applied to the calculation of the maximum power that can incident the silicon rings designed for the Si PIC mirror of a hybrid III-V/Si widely tunable laser.
Dissipative microwave photonic solitons in spontaneous frequency-hopping optoelectronic oscillators
Authors: Hao Tengfei , Ding Hao , Li Wei , Zhu Ninghua , Dai Yitang , Li Ming
Published: March 2022

Dissipative solitons relying on the double balance between nonlinear and linear effects as well as cavity loss and gain have attracted increasing attention in recent years, since they give rise to novel operating states of various dissipative nonlinear systems. An optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is a dissipative nonlinear microwave photonic system with a high quality factor that has been widely investigated for generating ultra-low noise single-frequency microwave signals. Here, we report a novel operating state of an OEO related to dissipative solitons, i.e., spontaneous frequency hopping related to the formation of dissipative microwave photonic solitons. In this operating state, dissipative microwave photonic solitons occur due to the double balance between nonlinear gain saturation and linear filtering as well as cavity loss and gain in the OEO cavity, creating spontaneous frequency-hopping microwave signals. The generation of wideband tunable frequency-hopping microwave signals with a fast frequency-hopping speed up to tens of nanoseconds is observed in the experiment, together with the corresponding soliton sequences. This work reveals a novel mechanism between the interaction of nonlinear and linear effects in an OEO cavity, extends the suitability and potential applications of solitons, and paves the way for a new class of soliton microwave photonic systems for the generation, processing, and control of microwave and RF signals.
Modulation of plasmonic relaxation damping by surface phonons
Authors: Barman Kuntal , Ma Syu-Cing , Huang Jian-Jang
Published: March 2022

We experimentally study the effect of amplitude-varying surface acoustic waves on a localized surface plasmon (LSP), which unveils exceptional properties of plasmon-phonon interaction with promising applications in future tunable photonic devices. Gold nanoparticles are deposited on X-cut

LiNbO

3

to generate plasmonic oscillation, and an interdigital transducer is fabricated to create surface acoustic wave pulses. The interaction between an amplitude-varying mechanical wave and a plasmonic oscillation affects different plasmon dynamics and relaxation gradients, leading to a systematic change in LSP absorption. We also demonstrated the effect of polarized light on the device, providing a unique characteristic to explore the manipulation process effectively.
Identifying potential natural inhibitors of Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase through an in-silico approach
Authors: Rowaiye Adekunle Babajide , Ogugua Akwoba Joseph , Ibeanu Gordon , Bur Doofan , Asala Mercy Titilayo , Ogbeide Osaretin Benjamin , Abraham Emmanuella Oshiorenimeh , Usman Hamzah Bundu
Published: March 2022

Background

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Although it is the most common zoonosis worldwide, there are increasing reports of drug resistance and cases of relapse after long term treatment with the existing drugs of choice. This study therefore aims at identifying possible natural inhibitors of Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase through an in-silico approach.

Methods

Using PyRx 0.8 virtual screening software, the target was docked against a library of natural compounds obtained from edible African plants. The compound, 2-({3-[(3,5-dichlorobenzyl) amino] propyl} amino) quinolin-4(1H)-one (OOU) which is a co-crystallized ligand with the target was used as the reference compound. Screening of the molecular descriptors of the compounds for bioavailability, pharmacokinetic properties, and bioactivity was performed using the SWISSADME, pkCSM, and Molinspiration web servers respectively. The Fpocket and PLIP webservers were used to perform the analyses of the binding pockets and the protein ligand interactions. Analysis of the time-resolved trajectories of the Apo and Holo forms of the target was performed using the Galaxy and MDWeb servers.

Results

The lead compounds, Strophanthidin and Isopteropodin are present in Corchorus olitorius and Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s-claw) plants respectively. Isopteropodin had a binding affinity score of -8.9 kcal / ml with the target and had 17 anti-correlating residues in Pocket 1 after molecular dynamics simulation. The complex formed by Isopteropodin and the target had a total RMSD of 4.408 and a total RMSF of 9.8067. However, Strophanthidin formed 3 hydrogen bonds with the target at ILE21, GLY262 and LEU294, and induced a total RMSF of 5.4541 at Pocket 1.

Conclusion

Overall, Isopteropodin and Strophanthidin were found to be better drug candidates than OOU and they showed potentials to inhibit the Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase at Pocket 1, hence abilities to treat brucellosis. In-vivo and in-vitro investigations are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the lead compounds.
Adjustable-rate mortgages in the era of global reflation: How to model additional default risk?
Authors: Banai Ádám , Berlinger Edina , Dömötör Barbara
Published: March 2022

We investigate the problem of interest rate risk transforming into default risk of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in the EU. Bank regulation is strikingly not neutral in this aspect, it explicitly favors short-duration adjustable-rate loans over long-duration fixed-rate loans in the framework of the gap management. This asymmetry in the regulation creates perverse incentives both for banks and households, which can lead to aggressive risk-taking, over-indebtedness of unhedged households, high procyclicality of mortgage markets, and increased systemic risks. We present a stress test model to quantify potential losses stemming from this specific risk from the perspective of lender institutions. We estimate the average extra capital that is needed to cover the additional risk of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in the EU to be 0.53% of the value of the total mortgage portfolio and 1.97% of the value of the adjustable-rate mortgage portfolio. We propose introducing a stress test model as a new mandatory element into banks’ risk management framework.
The Effect of Listening to Music While Studying on Memory Retention
Authors: Ashraf Fawzy Nader , Othman Rana , Al Douman Mhd Adnan , Elfatih Noon , Alrefai Omar , Basha Nabeel , AbuObead Dana , Abbad Salsabil , Swied M. Yaman
Published: March 2022

Memory retention is an intricate process and numerous research is still going on from the past decades to understand the cognitive functions and its effect on all daily tasks. For example, one of the new methods for improving long-term retention is applying the spaced-repetition method of studying, which has shown increased scores for its users. However, no matter the method of studying, incorporation of different disturbances mentally, physically, or environmentally while studying would interfere with a person’s memory and consequently affect his/her memory retention. The aim of this study is to know if listening to music while studying has an effect on the retention of information.This research will be conducted in a prospective cohort study design as the 2 groups will share common exposure during the same period. It will be comparing the effect of instrumental as well as lyrical music and silence on first-year medical students' memory retention and learning outcome.The results suggest that there is no clear trend regarding the effect of music on the scores of the exam, and therefore no effect on memory retention. Rather, the results suggest that the effect of listening to music is very individualized and based on personal factors. Listening to music while studying had a positive effect on some students, negative on others, and no effect on the rest.
Risk management and settlement at technical facilities operation
Authors: Procházková Dana , Procházka Jan
Published: March 2022

The monograph deals with a risk management at the technical facilities operation for the benefit of safety; the management aim is to ensure their co-existence with their vicinity throughout their life cycles. The accidents´ and failures´ studies show that important factor is correct perfor-mance of responsibilities on different management levels. Assessment of legislations and organizations of present States shows that for technical facilities safety, they are also responsible politics and public administration. The present knowledge shows that for prevention of accidents and failures, it is necessary to avoid to: large mistakes in risk prevention; and origination of small mistakes, the realization of which in short time interval is dangerous. For this purpose, it is developed tool “Decision Support System” for determination of risk level of tech-nical facility during the operation respecting the present knowledge on technical facili-ties´ risks and safety and the lessons learned from the past accidents and failures of technical facilities, the causes of which were connected with their operation. Due to dynamic world development, technical facilities parts ageing, wear and tear, and limited human knowledge, sources and capabilities, the technical facilities´ management and public administration need to be prepared for future risk realizations, which can be different from the present ones. For this purpose, it is developed tool “Risk Management Plan” respecting the present knowledge on technical facilities´ responses and the lessons learned from the past responses to accidents and fail-ures of technical facilities, the causes of which were connected with their operation.
Risk management at technical facilities type and site selection
Authors: Procházková Dana , Procházka Jan
Published: March 2022

Technical facilities are created by human activities, and their goal is to provide products or services for the humans´ lives. The technical facilities architecture is the object or the network. Each type of technical facility has its own specifics. Management of technical facilities´ safety is not easy and requires the application of specific engineering tools for coping with the expected risks. Due to complex architecture of majority of present technical facilities, their behaviours are sometimes unforeseeable, and therefore, special engineering tools need to be used at their type selection and sitting. In the past, the attention was not overly given to type selection and location of technical facility. Therefore, some technical facilities projects have not been completed, or after completing their operation have not met the expectations, or even they began to make serious problems, which meant substantial economic losses. Therefore, the book “Risk management at technical facilities type and site selection” deals with the problem of specification of the type of technical facilities and their location in the territory. It summarizes results of specific research performed in project “Řízení rizik a bezpečnost složitých technologických objektů (RIRIZIBE)“ CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/ 16 _018/000”. Since, the deciding body on the subject is the public administration, they are compiled decision support and the risk management plan.
Risk Management at Technical Facilities Decommissioning and Site Revitalisation
Authors: Procházková Dana , Procházka Jan
Published: March 2022

Book is dedicated to the risk management of the process that includes: putting out the technical facilities from the operation; carrying out the dismantlement of fittings, constructions and buildings; transport of usable fittings, materials and waste, and in need case after their decontamination in the site; cleaning up the released territory, and in need case to perform its decontamination; and passing the released territory in the next civil use. This process is very important to ensure the long-term security and development of humans. The way of problems solving is based on at the simultaneously preferred risk management concept, i.e., the risk management targeted to the terri-tory safety, and in particular operations, the safety is put above to the reliability. The present publication “Risk management at technical facilities decommission-ing and site revitalisation“ summarizes problems and shows methods and proce-dures for their solution based on system concept and present findings and experi-ences from practice obtained by special research. It summarizes results of specific research performed in project “Řízení rizik a bezpečnost složitých technolog-ických objektů (RIRIZIBE)“ CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/16 _018/000”.
Recursos multimodais em cinco dicionários escolares
Authors: Bertonha Fábio Henrique de Carvalho
Published: March 2022

O significado textual pode ser reforçado pelo valor da informação, da sua composição, da sua saliência e também da sua disposição, por isso, dispositivos multimodais, se bem organizados, podem ajudar o estudante a compreender mais amplamente o texto lexicográfico; logo, ao explorarmos sua utilização, podemos lançar luz sobre a lexicografia multimodal. À vista disso, neste artigo, pretendemos refletir sobre alguns dos mecanismos multimodais presentes em cinco dicionários escolares que compõem o PNLD 2012: Dicionários (Programa que divide as obras em quatro grupos), quais sejam: Dicionário Aurélio Ilustrado (FERREIRA, 2008), Dicionário Ilustrado de Português (BIDERMAN, 2009), Palavrinha Viva (BORBA, 2011), Saraiva Jovem (SARAIVA; OLIVEIRA, 2011) e Aurélio Júnior (FERREIRA, 2011). Baseando-nos em Bernhardt (2004), Mozdzenski (2006), Kress e Van Leeuwen (2007), Farias (2010), Nascimento e Pontes (2011; 2020), constatamos que as ilustrações e as remissivas, entre outros elementos multimodais são eficientes para complementar os sentidos das unidades lexicográficas. Foram selecionados 38 verbetes representativos dessas cinco obras dicionarísticas para análise. Comparando-os, constatamos essa eficiência dos itens multimodais – imagens, tamanhos diferentes de fontes, destaques em negrito e em itálico, cores variadas, remissivas, anexos etc. – para o ensino, pois, na maioria das vezes, esclarecem a definição. Portanto, a integração lexicográfica entre as linguagens (escrita e imagética) contribui para a ampliação lexical dos estudantes.
RETRACTED: Control of Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Micro-Energy Grid’s DC Feeders' Power Flow Application
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Hammad , Fangzong Wang , Kalwar Basheer Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Referred to by: Retraction notice to ‘Control of Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Micro-Energy Grid’s DC Feeders' Power Flow Application' IJRED 11(2), 533-546International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2023.57139
Optimization of Adsorption and Desorption Time in the Extraction of Volatile Compounds in Brewed Java Arabica Coffee Using the HS-SPME/GC-MS Technique
Authors: Soetantijo Lidwina Angelica , Lintang Hendrik O. , Heriyanto Heriyanto , Handojo Mitha Ayu Pratama , Brotosudarmo Tatas Hardo Panintingjati
Published: March 2022

The headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique has been recognized as a reliable technique for characterizing the aroma profile of Arabica coffee beans. The amount and content of the detected volatile compounds depend on the volatile analyte extraction process with HS-SPME, namely the adsorption and desorption processes. However, the optimal extraction time in applying coffee volatile compounds is still limited. This research aimed to obtain the optimum adsorption and desorption time in analyzing volatile compounds in brewed Java Arabica coffee. The adsorption time was optimized for 20 to 60 minutes with 5 minutes desorption time. The desorption time was optimized from 5 to 45 minutes with a 20 minutes of adsorption time. There are 14 volatile compounds with a peak area percentage of more than 2% from adsorption and desorption optimization. The optimal adsorption time was 50 minutes, where there were 5 of 7 compounds with the most significant area, such as 2-furfural (29%), 2-acetyl furan (3%), 2-furfuryl acetate (6%), 5-methyl furfural (12%), and 2-furfuryl alcohol (14%). Meanwhile, the most optimal desorption time was 5 minutes which detected 12 compounds, while the other desorption time only detected eight compounds. Furfuryl formate (2%), pyridine (12%), and 2-furfuryl alcohol (14%) had a higher peak area than the other compounds at a desorption time of 5 minutes. The results showed the same number of volatile compounds at each adsorption time. In conclusion, the adsorption time did not affect the number of compounds detected as in the optimization of desorption time. Adsorption and desorption time is crucial in analyzing volatile compounds from coffee using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique.
Information Literacy Skills and the Utilization of Information Resources by Public Health Workers in Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar
Authors: Ogunjimi Blessing Etukudo , Eyong Isu Usang , Offon Emem Uwem
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the influence of “information literacy skills on the utilization of information resources by public health workers in Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar”. Three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to select subjects of the study. Ninety five out of the one hundred and twenty five copies of the questionnaire administered were retrieved and found treatable. A well-structured and validated questionnaire named information literacy skill and utilization of information resources (ILSUIR) questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability method was used to determine the reliability of research instrument, and correlation coefficient range of 0.74 to 0.89 was arrived at. These were considered high enough to justify the conclusion that the instrument is reliable in measuring the variables set for the study. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analyses using Independent t-test analysis. The results revealed that access point, ICT competence and information evaluation skills significantly influenced utilization of information resources by public health workers of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar”.  Based on the findings it was recommended that library literacy skill programs should be organized by the authorities in the study area in order to update the staff and other users of the library on access point. It was equally recommended that the use of information communication technology (ICT) should be encouraged while evaluation of information resource toward effective library utilization should be carried out periodically.
O językowych opracowaniach czeskich pieśni religijnych
Authors: Komárek Karel , Kubečková Magdaléna
Published: March 2022

Tekst pieśni śpiewanych podczas mszy świętej w Czechach jest niekiedy modyfikowany ze względów teologicznych, estetycznych i językowych. Po Soborze Watykańskim II (1962–1965) pieśni używane w czeskich środowiskach katolickich zostały zmodyfikowane w zakresie treści (przesunięcie akcentu teologicznego z motywów negatywnych na radosne przesłanie chrześcijaństwa), poetyki (rezygnacja z romantycznych środków poetyckich opartych na uczuciach), prozodii (zmiana schematu sylabicznego na sylabotoniczny) oraz języka (zastąpienie wyrażeń archaicznych i niezrozumiałych).
Epidemia jako siła napędowa historii (?) Choroba w ujęciu Petra Zelenki
Authors: Pająk Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

Przedmiotem analizy w artykule jest tekst sztuki teatralnej Elegance molekuly (2018) Petra Zelenki. Czeski dramatopisarz rekonstruuje w niej historię chemika Antonína Holego, którego badania przyczyniły się do wynalezienia m. in. leków antyretrowirusowych hamujących rozwój syndromu AIDS. Dzięki wykorzystaniu przez Zelenkę wszystkich trzech warstw mitu AIDS, jakie wyróżniła polska antropolożka Monika Sznajderman, prawdziwa historia firmy Gilead Sciences jest przyczynkiem do zaprezentowania kulturowego obrazu choroby oraz wywołanej przezeń epidemii w latach 80. i 90. XX wieku. Przy interpretacji dramatu sięgnięto również w charakterze komentarza do rozważań Susan Sontag (Choroba jako metafora i AIDS i jego metafory). Sztuka oraz jej ciesząca się nieustannym zainteresowaniem widzów realizacja sceniczna w praskim teatrze Dejvické divadlo (od 2018, także w reżyserii Petra Zelenki) stanowi ważny głos w czeskim dyskursie maladycznym ostatniej dekady.
Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of RFC1 Gene Mutations
Authors: Kulshreshtha Dinkar , Ganguly Jacky , Jog Mandar
Published: March 2022

Biallelic intronic repeat expansion in the replication factor complex unit 1 (RFC1) gene has recently been described as a cause of late onset ataxia with degeneration of the cerebellum, sensory pathways and the vestibular apparatus. This condition is termed cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS). Since the identification of this novel gene mutation, the phenotypic spectrum of RFC1 mutations continues to expand and includes not only CANVAS but also slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, ataxia with chronic cough (ACC), isolated sensory neuropathy and multisystemic diseases. We present a patient with a genetically confirmed intronic repeat expansion in the RFC1 gene with a symptom complex not described previously.
Report of the ML4Microbiome workshop 2021 - Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques for Microbiome Data Analysis
Authors: Ibrahimi Eliana , Elbere Ilze , Bertland Magali , D'Elia Domenica
Published: March 2022

The bacteria living in and on us, over 100 trillion, are essential for human development, immunity and nutrition and ultimately for human health. Researchers awareness of the importance of the microbiome for human wellbeing brought in the latest decade to the flourishing of new and numerous projects focused on the human microbiome, increasing the number of large microbiome datasets available. As a result, statistical and machine learning techniques to solve microbiome data analysis challenges are in high demand. The workshop “Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques for Microbiome Data Analysis” was organised by the COST Action ML4Microbiome to introduce the main concepts of study design and statistical/machine learning techniques used in human microbiome studies to a broad community of researchers and to foster connections between the discovery-oriented microbiome and statistical/machine learning researchers inside and outside the ML4Microbiome COST Action. To this aim, the workshop was organised as part of the training programme of the GOBLET & EMBnet Annual General Meeting 2021. This allowed ML4Microbiome to reach a broad and multidisciplinary community of scientists working in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology research and education from all over the world. The workshop attracted more than 80 participants from 40 different countries. In this paper, we report about the main topics treated and discuss the attendants’ feedback regarding their level of satisfaction and their specific needs/demands for possible improvement of the training offer of ML4Microbiome in the microbiome research field. Under the authors’ permission, presentations were recorded and are available as an ML4Microbiome playlist on YouTube (www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2aQNGWO1UUUmK7GJBK29yZr8Hnq6xFSD). The programme and presentations files are available at the ML4Microbiome website (https://www.ml4microbiome.eu/activities-and-events/ml4microbiome-workshop-on-statistical-and-machine-learning-techniques-for-microbiome-data-analysis/).
Frequency re-configurable metal-graphene hybrid MIMO patch antenna for terahertz communication
Authors: Sharma Amit , Tiwari Pratik , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a novel metal-graphene plasmonic antenna over a Si/SiO2 substrate, working in terahertz frequency band. Novelty of the work lies in the use of metal and graphene as a patch antenna, as this combination enhances the gain & the radiation efficiency of the whole structure. Besides the analysis provides detailing of graphene and its conductivity modelling using MATLAB. The antenna is analyzed using FDTD based CST software, conductivity of graphene used in CST is verified with the conductivity achieved using MATLAB. Further, a 3-element Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system using same single element antenna, is designed & analyzed. The metal-graphene hybrid patch antenna provides maximum directivity around 5.8 dBi, maximum gain around 5 dBi, and high radiation efficiency (approx. 80%) at resonant frequency of 1.8 THz. Besides, the 3-element MIMO antenna provides radiation efficiency around 77%, with directivity around 5 dB & diversity gain of around 10 dBi. The proposed metal-graphene hybrid MIMO patch antenna has the potential to be used in advanced THz communication systems.
Geldstrafe und Ersatzfreiheitsstrafe in Schweden – Ein Vergleich mit dem deutschen System
Authors: Bögelein Nicole , Wilde Frank , Holmgren Axel
Published: March 2022

In der Diskussion über die Ersatzfreiheitsstrafe in Deutschland wird Schweden häufig zum Vergleich herangezogen, allerdings ist das genaue Vorgehen weitgehend unbekannt. Der vorliegende Text stellt die Vorgehensweise bei der Verhängung und Vollstreckung von Geld- und Ersatzfreiheitsstrafen in Schweden dar und zieht den Vergleich zu Deutschland. Genau wie in Deutschland werden auch in Schweden viele Geldstrafen über Strafbefehle verhängt, dort muss der/die Verurteilte dem Strafbefehl allerdings zustimmen. Wesentliche Unterschiede zeigen sich bei den Tagessatzhöhen, die in Schweden von Gesetzes wegen deutlich niedriger sind (5 €–100 €). Die Berechnung erfolgt dort zudem nach dem Einbußeprinzip, nicht wie in Deutschland nach den Nettoeinkommensprinzip. Die Vollstreckung verhängter Geldstrafen übernimmt in Schweden nicht die Staatsanwaltschaft, sondern das Amt für Beitreibung (Kronofogden). Weiterhin werden nur dann Ersatzfreiheitsstrafen vollstreckt, wenn Zahlungsunwilligkeit vorliegt – im Jahr 2019 in 13 Fällen. Das liegt wohl v. a. an der schwedischen Haltung, die den Zweck der Geldstrafe nicht darin sieht, alle unbezahlten Geldstrafen in eine Freiheitsstrafe umzuwandeln, sondern sie im Falle von Zahlungsunfähigkeit fallen zu lassen. Kronofogden prüft zweijährlich, ob der/die Verurteilte inzwischen bezahlen kann. Ist dies nicht der Fall, so verjähren die Strafen nach 5 Jahren. Von den 2015 verhängten Geldstrafen wurden 41,4 % durch Verjährung beendet. Das zeigt den hohen Anteil zahlungsunfähiger Verurteilter.
Dissent and Legitimacy
Authors: Callaghan Geoffrey D.
Published: March 2022

An often overlooked tension in liberal theory turns on its commitment to procedural accounts of legitimacy on the one hand, and to the robust protection of the right of citizens to dissent on the other. To the extent that one evaluates legitimate decision-making on the basis of the procedures that bear on it, determining how extra-procedural expressions of dissent fit into the picture becomes a complex undertaking. This is especially true if one accepts that protecting extra-procedural expressions of dissent is itself foundational to the overall legitimacy of the state. My aim in this paper is to explore some of the implications that follow from this tension. The paper proceeds in two parts. In the first part, I review the political grounds that support a protection on dissent. By drawing on its republican foundations, I argue that the functional role that the right to dissent serves in complex political communities is intimately connected to concerns over legitimacy. I claim that for the right to perform its function successfully, protections must be placed on both procedural and extra-procedural forms of dissent. The second part of the paper issues a direct challenge to procedural accounts of legitimacy. If a protection on citizen dissent is vital to legitimating government action, and if that protection necessarily extends to both procedural and extra-procedural forms of dissent, it follows that legitimacy cannot be captured by procedure alone—even procedures that secure the fair and equal participation by all affected parties.
Responsive photonic nanopixels with hybrid scatterers
Authors: Han Jang-Hwan , Kim Doeun , Kim Juhwan , Kim Gyurin , Kim Ji Tae , Jeong Hyeon-Ho
Published: March 2022

Metallic and dielectric nanoscatterers are optical pigments that offer rich resonating coloration in the subwavelength regime with prolonged material consistency. Recent advances in responsive materials, whose mechanical shapes and optical properties can change in response to stimuli, expand the scope of scattering-based colorations from static to active. Thus, active color-changing pixels are achieved with extremely high spatial resolution, in conjunction with various responsive polymers and phase-change materials. This review discusses recent progress in developing such responsive photonic nanopixels, ranging from electrochromic to other color-changing concepts. We describe what parameters permit modulation of the scattering colors and highlight superior functional devices. Potential fields of application focusing on imaging devices, including active full-color printing and flexible displays, information encryption, anticounterfeiting, and active holograms, are also discussed.
Una versión medieval del epistolario Séneca-San Pablo (con acompañamiento de Tácito)
Authors: Martínez Romero Tomàs
Published: March 2022

The study of the contents of the manuscript Rep. I 30B of Leipzig University Library, a codex catalogued in the 19th century but almost ignored, provides new evidence of known translations into Spanish and of others hitherto unknown. In the first case we find Seneca’s Epistulae morales ad Lucilium translated or commissioned for translation by Fernán Pérez de Guzmán, several chapters of Tacitus’s Annales and the Oratio Demosthenis according to the text by Pere Torroella. In the second, a new version (the second) of the false epistolary between Seneca and Saint Paul, a work that allowed Saint Jerome to introduce the Cordovan philosopher in his list of De viris illustribus and an plot that even made some medieval authors think about the conversion of the old Seneca to Christianity. In order to reach these conclusions, a careful textual analysis is performed. An edition of this second translation of the apocryphal epistolary is included at the end of the article.
Rhythmic structure in Ausiàs March (1400‒1459) and Vicent Andrés Estellés (1924‒1993): A quantitative constraint-based approach
Authors: Jiménez Jesús
Published: March 2022

A poet’s choice of rhythmic patterns is affected by three factors: a universal set of metrical constraints, common to all languages; the metrical grammar and lexical structure of the poet’s own language; and the poet’s personal style. The first aim of this paper is to analyse how these three factors influence the frequency of different stress patterns in the customary metre of Ausiàs March (1400‒1459): the decasyllable with caesuraa minore(4+6 syllables). The second aim is to compare March’s schemes of stress with the patterns used by Vicent Andrés Estellés (1924‒1993) in his alexandrines in the 1971 bookLlibre de meravelles(Book of Wonders). The comparative analysis shows that the same metrical constraints operate in both authors and that their weight is equivalent. This equivalence can be seen first in the similarity of their arrangement of patterns in terms of frequency, which shows a clear preference for models that are rhythmically better; and second in the similarity of the proportions of their use of different schemes. The twofold coincidence indicates that March and Estellés, in spite of the vast distance in time between them, share the same metrical grammar. All that separates them is March’s slight inclination toward patterns of binary rhythm compared to Estellés’s preference for ternary rhythm. This difference, which is independent of the metre used by the authors, must be attributed to their stylistic preferences.
„A fényképészet a proletariátus legközvetlenebb művészete” – fotográfusok a Tanácsköztársaság idején
Authors: Gáspár Balázs
Published: March 2022

Milyen szerepet játszottak a fotográfusok a Tanácsköztársaság időszakában és vizuális propagandájában? Hogyan érintették őket a különböző rendeletek és milyen módon használta a hatalom a fényképeket? Kik, milyen fotográfiával kapcsolatos tevékenységeket folytattak? „A fényképészet a proletariátus legközvetlenebb művészete” – fotográfusok a Tanácsköztársaság idején című tanulmány többek között ezekre a kérdésekre keresi a választ a Tanácsköztársaság során megjelent dokumentumok, illetve későbbi, a korszak fényképeire reflektáló releváns tanulmányok segítségével. Az írás Magyarország 1919. március 21. és augusztus 1. közötti időszakának fényképészeti életét mutatja be: a Fényképészeti Direktórium tagjait, tevékenységét; a műtermi fényképészeket érintő rendeleteket; a fotóriporterek működését; illetve a Fotópropaganda Osztály 1919. A vörös május című albumát. A tanulmány azon túl, hogy eddig kevésbé vagy egyáltalán nem ismert személyeket, jelenségeket mutat be, általában véve is érvényes megközelítéseket mutat fel fotográfia és propaganda kapcsolatát illetően. 

Fotó: Vajda Manó felvétele az 1919. A vörös május című albumban.
Effects of dapagliflozin on postprandial lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Burggraaf Benjamin , Pouw Nadine M C , Fernández Arroyo Salvador , van Vark-van der Zee Leonie C , van de Geijn Gert-Jan M , Birnie Erwin , Huisbrink Jeannine , van der Zwan Ellen M , de Herder Wouter W , Mulder Monique T , Rensen Patrick C N , Castro Cabezas Manuel
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) modulate lipid metabolism and improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The exact cardioprotective mechanism of SGLT2i is unclear. We evaluated the effects of SGLT2i on postprandial lipids, lipoprotein concentrations, glucose and fatty acids.

Design

A placebo-controlled randomized, proof-of-concept study.

Methods

Fourteen male patients with T2DM on intensive insulin regimen were randomly and double-blind allocated to 12 weeks dapagliflozin (10 mg) or placebo. Postprandial effects were assessed with an 8-h standardized oral fat loading test.

Results

Mean glycated A1c did not change by dapagliflozin, but the mean daily insulin dose was significantly reduced. Although dapagliflozin did not affect fasting or postprandial levels of glucose and insulin, it increased the postprandial levels of glucagon. While fasting levels of free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate (bHBA) were unchanged, dapagliflozin significantly increased the postprandial bHBA response. This was seen in the context of increased postprandial glucagon levels by dapagliflozin, without influencing postprandial insulin or glucose levels. Dapagliflozin did not affect fasting or postprandial plasma cholesterol and triglycerides nor postprandial inflammatory markers. Fasting apolipoprotein B48 was decreased without affecting the postprandial response. Markers of inflammation and vascular function did not change.

Conclusion

Treatment with dapagliflozin of patients with T2DM led to a reduction of fasting chylomicron remnants and increased postprandial ketone bodies compared to placebo suggesting enhanced hepatic fatty acid oxidation. The latter may have been caused by decreasing the insulin–glucagon ratio. The beneficial clinical effects seen in the trials using dapagliflozin most likely are not due to effects on postprandial inflammation nor postprandial lipemia.
Long-term preservation of germ cells and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures
Authors: Comizzoli Pierre , He Xiaoming , Lee Pei-Chih
Published: March 2022

Objective

To present an overview of different approaches and recent advances for long-term preservation of germ cells and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures.

Methods

Review of the existing literature.

Results

Preserving viable spermatozoa, eggs, embryos, and gonadal tissues for the long term is critical in human fertility treatment and for the management of animal populations (livestock, biomedical models, and wild species). The need and number of banked germplasms are growing very fast in all disciplines, but current storage options at freezing temperatures are often constraining and not always sustainable. Recent research indicates that structures and functions of gametes or gonadal tissues can be preserved for the long term using different strategies based on dehydration and storage at supra-zero temperatures. However, more studies are needed in rehydration and reanimation of germplasms (including proper molecular and cellular evaluations).

Conclusions

While a lot of research is still warranted to optimize drying and rehydration conditions for each sample type and each species, alternative preservation methods will change the paradigm in fertility preservation and biobanking. It will transform the way we maintain and manage precious biomaterials for the long term.

Lay summary

Living sperm cells, eggs, embryos, and reproductive tissues can be preserved at freezing temperatures for human fertility treatments and used to manage breeding in livestock, laboratory animals, and wild species through assisted reproduction. These cells can be stored in cell banks and demand for them is growing fast. However, current long-term storage options at freezing temperatures are expensive. Instead of using low temperatures, recent research indicates that these cells can be dried and stored above freezing temperatures for an extended amount of time. While a lot of research is still needed to optimize how different samples are dried and rehydrated, alternative methods of preserving cells will make fertility preservation and cell banking easier. It will also transform the way we keep and manage samples for the long term.
Nueva forma de entender las pruebas de condición física en relación con la salud
Authors: Martínez de Haro V. , Peral-Rodríguez P. , Cid-Yagüe L. , Álvarez-Barrio M.J.
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar una nueva forma de entender la evaluación de la “condición física en relación con la salud”, para evitar la inactividad y el sedentarismo. Los antecedentes se encuentran en las baterías de test utilizadas desde 1976 hasta la actualidad. Se utiliza el concepto de salud de la OMS. Se analizan pruebas con criterios de funcionalidad, economía, validez, fiabilidad y especificidad. Se eligen las siguientes pruebas y se calculan los umbrales: UKK Walk test (P75), 6” en sprint test 20 m (P75), 19 repeticiones en Chair Stand Test (P25), 11 repeticiones Arm Curl Test (P25), -10,5 cm Back Scratch Test (P25), -17,5 cm en Chair Sit and Reach Test. Se propugna la elaboración de una batería de test universal e inclusiva y elaborar percentiles mundiales ayudados por el big data.
Modelo multivariable para la planificación del entrenamiento en fútbol profesional
Authors: Chena Sinovas M. , Morcillo Losa J.A. , Rodríguez Hernández M.L. , Zapardiel J.C.
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir un modelo multivariable de planificación del entrenamiento para la monitorización semanal y su periodización en relación con el perfil dinámico competitivo. Veintidós futbolistas profesionales participaron este estudio. Se analizaron 30 microciclos competitivos donde se registró individualmente todas las sesiones de entrenamiento y partidos de competición mediante GPS. Los resultados mostraron una fase de carga con valores cercanos a los alcanzados en competición, pero con estímulos diferenciados en días consecutivos, y otra fase de reducción de la carga en forma de tapering previa a la competición. La carga acumulada semanalmente mostró poca variabilidad entre los microciclos, observándose un promedio de 0.6%. La gestión dinámica de la carga presentó una ratio A:C que osciló entre 0.89-1.13. El modelo multivariable para la planificación del entrenamiento semanal es un método eficaz para monitorizar la carga del entrenamiento en relación con el perfil de rendimiento.