bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution seismic acoustic impedance inversion with the sparsity-based statistical model
Authors: Wang Lingqian , Zhou Hui , Liu Wenling , Yu Bo , Zhang Sheng
Published: April 2021

Seismic acoustic impedance inversion plays an important role in subsurface quantitative interpretation. Due to the band-limited property of the seismic record and the discretization of the continuous elastic parameters with a limited sampling interval, the inverse problem suffers from serious ill-posedness. Various regularization methods are introduced into the seismic inversion to make the inversion results comply with the prespecified characteristics. However, conventional seismic inversion methods can only reflect fixed distribution characteristics and do not take into account discretization challenges. We have adopted a new poststack seismic impedance inversion method with upsampling and adaptive regularization. The adaptive regularization is constructed with two trained dictionaries from the true model and upsampled model-based inversion result to capture the features of high- and low-resolution details, and a sparsity-based statistical model is proposed to build the relationship between their sparse representations. The high-resolution components can be recovered based on the prediction model and low-resolution sparse representations, and the parameters of the statistical prediction model can be obtained effectively with conventional optimization algorithms. The synthetic and field data tests show that the model-based inversion is dependent on the sample interval, and our method can reveal more thin layers and enhance the extension of the strata compared with conventional inversion methods. Moreover, the inverted impedance variance of our method matches well with the borehole observations. The tests demonstrate that the interpolated model-based inversion result combined with the sparsity-based prediction model can effectively improve the resolution and accuracy of the inversion results.
Unsupervised machine learning for time-lapse seismic studies and reservoir monitoring
Authors: Hussein Marwa , Stewart Robert R. , Sacrey Deborah , Johnston David H. , Wu Jonny
Published: April 2021

Time-lapse (4D) seismic analysis plays a vital role in reservoir management and reservoir simulation model updates. However, 4D seismic data are subject to interference and tuning effects. Being able to resolve and monitor thin reservoirs of different quality can aid in optimizing infill drilling or in locating bypassed hydrocarbons. Using 4D seismic data from the Maui field in the offshore Taranaki Basin of New Zealand, we generate typical seismic attributes sensitive to reservoir thickness and rock properties. We find that spectral instantaneous attributes extracted from time-lapse seismic data illuminate more detailed reservoir features compared with those same attributes computed on broadband seismic data. We have developed an unsupervised machine-learning workflow that enables us to combine eight spectral instantaneous seismic attributes into single classification volumes for the baseline and monitor surveys using self-organizing maps (SOMs). Changes in the SOM natural clusters between the baseline and monitor surveys suggest production-related changes that are caused primarily by water replacing gas as the reservoir is being swept under a strong water drive. The classification volumes also facilitate monitoring water saturation changes within thin reservoirs (ranging from very good to poor quality) as well as illuminating thin baffles. Thus, these SOM classification volumes indicate internal reservoir heterogeneity that can be incorporated into reservoir simulation models. Using meaningful SOM clusters, geobodies are generated for the baseline and monitor SOM classifications. The recoverable gas reserves for those geobodies are then computed and compared with production data. The SOM classifications of the Maui 4D seismic data seem to be sensitive to water saturation change and subtle pressure depletions due to gas production under a strong water drive.
Establishing diagnostic thresholds for Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome: the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS)
Authors: Beresford-Webb Jessica A. , Mak Elijah , Grigorova Monika , Daffern Samuel J. , Holland Anthony J. , Zaman Shahid H.
Published: April 2021

Background

Diagnosis of prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia in people with Down syndrome is a major challenge. The Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS) has been validated for diagnosing prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia, but the diagnostic process lacks guidance.

Aims

To derive CAMDEX-DS informant interview threshold scores to enable accurate diagnosis of prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia in adults with Down syndrome.

Method

Psychiatrists classified participants with Down syndrome into no dementia, prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia groups. Receiver operating characteristic analyses assessed the diagnostic accuracy of CAMDEX-DS informant interview-derived scores. Spearman partial correlations investigated associations between CAMDEX-DS scores, regional Aβ binding (positron emission tomography) and regional cortical thickness (magnetic resonance imaging).

Results

Diagnostic performance of CAMDEX-DS total scores were high for Alzheimer's disease dementia (area under the curve (AUC), 0.998; 95% CI 0.953–0.999) and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AUC = 0.954; 95% CI 0.887–0.982) when compared with healthy adults with Down syndrome. When compared with those with mental health conditions but no Alzheimer's disease, CAMDEX-DS Section B scores, denoting memory and orientation ability, accurately diagnosed Alzheimer's disease dementia (AUC = 0.958; 95% CI 0.892–0.984), but were unable to diagnose prodromal Alzheimer's disease. CAMDEX-DS total scores exhibited moderate correlations with cortical Aβ (r ~ 0.4 to 0.6, P ≤ 0.05) and thickness (r ~ −0.4 to −0.44, P ≤ 0.05) in specific regions.

Conclusions

CAMDEX-DS total score accurately diagnoses Alzheimer's disease dementia and prodromal Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults with Down syndrome.
Uptake of KRAS Testing and Anti-EGFR Antibody Use for Colorectal Cancer in the VA
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Lee Kyung M. , Lee Steve Y. , Lynch Kristine E. , Makarov Danil V. , Sherman Scott E. , Morrissey Christy D. , Kelley Michael J. , Lynch Julie A.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

Advances in precision oncology, including RAS testing to predict response to epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies (EGFR mAbs) in colorectal cancer (CRC), can extend patients’ lives. We evaluated uptake and clinical use of KRAS molecular testing, guideline recommended since 2010, in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with stage IV CRC diagnosed in the VA 2006-2015. We gathered clinical, demographic, molecular, and treatment data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse and 29 commercial laboratories. We performed multivariable analyses of associations between patient characteristics, KRAS testing, and EGFR mAb treatment.

RESULTS

Among 5,943 patients diagnosed with stage IV CRC, only 1,053 (17.7%) had KRAS testing. Testing rates increased from 2.3% in 2006 to 28.4% in 2013. In multivariable regression, older patients (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.32 for ≥ age 85 v < 45 years) and those treated in the Northeast and South regions were less likely, and those treated at high-volume CRC centers were more likely to have KRAS testing (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.48 to 3.63). Rates of potentially guideline discordant care were high: 64.3% (321/499) of KRAS wild-type (WT) went untreated with EGFR mAb and 8.8% (401/4,570) with no KRAS testing received EGFR mAb. Among KRAS-WT patients, survival was better for patients who received EGFR mAb treatment (29.6 v 18.8 months; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We found underuse of KRAS testing in advanced CRC, especially among older patients and those treated at lower-volume CRC centers. We found high rates of potentially guideline discordant underuse of EGFR mAb in patients with KRAS-WT tumors. Efforts to understand barriers to precision oncology are needed to maximize patient benefit.
Loss of CREB Coactivator CRTC1 in SF1 Cells Leads to Hyperphagia and Obesity by High-fat Diet But Not Normal Chow Diet
Authors: Matsumura Shigenobu , Ishikawa Fuka , Sasaki Tsutomu , Terkelsen Mike Krogh , Ravnskjaer Kim , Jinno Tomoki , Tanaka Jin , Goto Tsuyoshi , Inoue Kazuo
Published: April 2021

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element–binding protein-1-regulated transcription coactivator-1 (CRTC1) is a cytoplasmic coactivator that translocates to the nucleus in response to cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Whole-body knockdown of Crtc1 causes obesity, resulting in increased food intake and reduced energy expenditure. CRTC1 is highly expressed in the brain; therefore, it might play an important role in energy metabolism via the neuronal pathway. However, the precise mechanism by which CRTC1 regulates energy metabolism remains unknown. Here, we showed that mice lacking CRTC1, specifically in steroidogenic factor-1 expressing cells (SF1 cells), were sensitive to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, exhibiting hyperphagia and increased body weight gain. The loss of CRTC1 in SF1 cells impaired glucose metabolism. Unlike whole-body CRTC1 knockout mice, SF1 cell-specific CRTC1 deletion did not affect body weight gain or food intake in normal chow feeding. Thus, CRTC1 in SF1 cells is required for normal appetite regulation in HFD-fed mice. CRTC1 is primarily expressed in the brain. Within the hypothalamus, which plays an important role for appetite regulation, SF1 cells are only found in ventromedial hypothalamus. RNA sequencing analysis of microdissected ventromedial hypothalamus samples revealed that the loss of CRTC1 significantly changed the expression levels of certain genes. Our results revealed the important protective role of CRTC1 in SF1 cells against dietary metabolic imbalance.
Μαθηματική προτυποποίηση της συστημικής γεωπολιτικής αναλύσεως
Authors: Δήγκας Άγις-Γεώργιος
Published: April 2021

Στην ανά χείρας διατριβή, κατατίθεται μια συγκροτημένη πρόταση για την μαθηματική προτυποποίηση της Συστημικής Γεωπολιτικής Αναλύσεως. Βασική στόχευση αποτελεί η διευρεύνηση της μαθηματικής προτυποποίησης της Συστημικής Γεωπολιτικής Ανάλυσης σε βήματα, τα οποία θα περιλαμβάνουν και θα ενσωματώνουν τις ποσοτικές μεθόδους ανάλυσης δεδομένων, στην Συστημική Γεωπολιτική Ανάλυση. Η αρμονική σύνδεση μεταξύ θεωρητικής γνώσης και πρακτικής εφαρμογής, μεταφράζεται σε επέκταση της έρευνας για την αρμονική λειτουργία και συνύπαρξη μεταξύ ποιοτικών και ποσοτικών μεθόδων ανάλυσης σε ένα ενιαίο πλαίσιο, που θα τονίζει την διεπιστημονική φύση της μεθόδου και θα συμβάλει στην αποτελεσματική διαχείριση του γεωπολιτικού κινδύνου κατά την διενέργεια αναλύσεων.
Other ways of communicating the pandemic - memes and stickers against COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Moya-Salazar Jeel , Cañari Betsy , Gomez-Saenz Lucía , Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: April 2021

Background: In the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are many ways to communicate hygiene measures, such as memes and stickers that are widely used on social networks. We carried out a systematic review in order to determine the impact of stickers and memes as tools to face the COVID-19 pandemic, following the PRISMA guide.

Methods: The search was carried out in scientific databases (MEDLINE / PubMed, ScientiDirect, Scielo, LILACS, and Latindex), and in public pre-publication servers (bioRxiv, SocArXiv, medRxiv and Preprints). The publications were identified using the terms (((meme) OR (sticker)) AND ((COVID-19) OR (SARS-COV-2)) AND (WhatsApp)) and the corresponding translations for Spanish and Portuguese.

Results: In the initial search, 8434 studies were obtained, 7749 in Preprints, 446 in SocArXiv, 145 in ScientDirect, 82 in medRxiv, and 12 in PubMed. No studies were found in LILACS, Latindex, Scielo, or bioRxiv. Of the 51 studies included as eligible, all were eliminated for not meeting the study inclusion criteria. The majority (40 studies) were eliminated as studies were publications related to the social aspects related to COVID-19, but did not develop an analysis of stickers or memes.

Conclusions: No studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria related to the role of stickers and memes as tools to face the COVID-19 pandemic. More studies are needed to estimate its role as a means of communication in health.
Impact of Plasmodium falciparum small-sized extracellular vesicles on host peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Mwangi Shaban J. , Gwela Agnes , Mwikali Kioko , Bargul Joel L. , Nduati Eunice W. , Ndungu Francis M. , Bejon Philip , Rayner Julian C. , Abdi Abdirahman I.
Published: April 2021

Background: Exagerated immune activation has a key role in the pathogenesis of malaria. During blood-stage infection, Plasmodium falciparum can interact directly with host immune cells through infected red blood cells (PfiRBCs), or indirectly by the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we compared the impact of PfiRBCs and P. falciparum small-sized EVs (PfsEVs, also known as exosomes) from a Kenyan clinical isolate (PfKE12) adapted to short-term laboratory culture conditions on host peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Methods: PfsEVs were isolated from cell-free culture-conditioned media by ultracentrifugation while mature trophozoite PfiRBCs were purified by magnetic column separation. The PfsEVs and the PfiRBCs were co-cultured for 18 hours with PBMC. Cellular responses were quantified by cell surface expression of activation markers (CD25, CD69) and cytokine/chemokine levels in the supernatant.

Results: Relative to negative control conditions, PfsEVs induced CD25 expression on CD4+, CD19+ and CD14+ cells, while PfiRBCs induced on CD19+ and CD14+ cells. Both PfsEVs and PfiRBCs induced CD69 on CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cells. In addition, PfiRBCs induced higher expression of CD69 on CD14+ cells. CD69 induced by PfiRBCs on CD4+ and CD19+ cells was significantly higher than that induced by PfsEVs. Secretion of MIP1α, MIP1β, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα were significantly induced by both PfsEVs and PfiRBCs whereas MCP-1, IL-10, IL-17α  were preferentially induced by PfsEVs and IP-10 and IFN-γ by PfiRBCs. Prior exposure to malaria (judged by antibodies to schizont extract) was associated with lower monocyte responses to PfsEVs.

Conclusions: PfsEVs and PfiRBCs showed differential abilities to induce secretion of IL-17α  and IFN-γ, suggesting that the former are better at inducing Th17, whilst  the latter induce Th1 immune responses respectively. Prior exposure to malaria significantly reduces the ability of PfsEVs to activate monocytes, suggesting immune tolerance to PfsEVs may play a role in naturally acquired  anti-disease immunity.
Assessing the progress and gaps in strategic health purchasing in Kenya
Authors: Kazungu Jacob , Kabia Evelyn , Munge Kenneth , Barasa Edwine
Published: April 2021

Background: Kenya has committed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and prioritised purchasing reforms. Existing evidence indicates that purchasing can be leveraged to achieve health system objectives when done strategically. However, no single study has collated evidence on the progress and bottlenecks on strategic health purchasing (SHP) in Kenya to inform requisite SHP reforms in moving towards UHC. Against this backdrop, we assessed the progress and gaps in SHP in Kenya.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional qualitative study design and collected data using document reviews, key informant interviews, and a stakeholder engagement workshop focussing on the three main purchasers in Kenya: the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), county departments of health (CDOH) and the Ministry of Health (purchaser for vertical programmes). Data was analysed following a framework analysis approach.

Results: Kenya is making progress towards developing, implementing and institutionalising SHP practices that should lead to the attainment of health system goals. Progress has been made in 1) strengthening the process of defining a health benefits package available for the population, 2) engaging in selective contracting and integrated care contracting, 3) implementing multiple provider payment mechanisms, 4) designing legal and regulatory frameworks that provide direction for purchasing, and 5) increasingly utilising information systems. However, several gaps remain. First, there remain inadequate linkages between MOH policies and the NHIF that can facilitate adequate stewardship/oversight. Second, the purchasers lack adequate capacity to ensure quality assurance and enforce contracts. Third, provider payment methods (PPM) remain poorly designed, implemented, and are not adequately linked to health system goals. Finally, purchasers have weak or unclearly defined communications strategies to patients and providers.

Conclusions: Although Kenya is making progress in SHP, key gaps remain. Consequently, there is a need to implement reforms that will align the purchasers’ actions and decisions to the ideals of strategic health purchasing.
Progress towards an inducible, replication-proficient transposon delivery vector for Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Skilton Rachel J. , O'Neill Colette , Thomson Nicholas R. , Lampe David J. , Clarke Ian N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Genetic systems have been developed forChlamydiabut the extremely low transformation frequency remains a significant bottleneck.  Our goal is to develop a self-replicating transposon delivery vector forC. trachomatiswhich can be expanded prior to transposase induction.

Methods

We madeE. coli/C. trachomatisshuttle vectors bearing theHimar1C9  transposase under control of thetetpromoter and a novel rearrangement of theHimar1transposon with the β-lactamase gene.  Activity of the transposase was monitored by immunoblot and by DNA sequencing.

Results

We constructed pSW2-mCh-C9, aC. trachomatisplasmid designed to act as a self-replicating vector carrying both theHimar1C9  transposase undertetpromoter control and its transposon.  However, we were unable to recover this plasmid inC. trachomatisfollowing multiple attempts at transformation.

Therefore, we assembled two new deletion plasmids pSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpon carrying only theHimar1C9  transposase (undertetpromoter control) and a sister vector (same sequence backbone) pSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpase carrying its cognate transposon.  We demonstrated that the biological components that make up both pSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpon and pSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpase are active inE. coli. Both these plasmids could be independently recovered inC. trachomatis.

We attempted to perform lateral gene transfer by transformation and mixed infection withC. trachomatisstrains bearingpSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpon and pSW2-RSGFP-Tpon(a green fluorescent version ofpSW2-mCh-C9-ΔTpase).  Despite success in achieving mixed infections, it was not possible to recover progeny bearing both versions of these plasmids.

Conclusions

We have designed a self-replicating plasmid vector pSW2-mCh-C9 forC. trachomatiscarrying theHimar1C9  transposase undertetpromoter control.  Whilst this can be transformed intoE. coliit cannot be recovered inC. trachomatis. Based on selected deletions and phenotypic analyses we conclude that low level expression from thetetinducible promoter is responsible for premature transposition and hence plasmid loss early on in the transformation process.
The Relevance of the Use of Mediation Technologies by Participants of Educational Relations of the Smolensk Region
Authors: Tuberozova Marina , Bobyleva B.
Published: April 2021

The article reveals the possibilities of using mediation technologies in educational organizations. The paper presents the results of a survey of teachers of general education institutions in the city of Smolensk and the Smolensk region, which determine the relevance of the use of mediation technologies in resolving confl icts between participants in educational relations. An action plan for the development of a regional independent mediation system has been developed.
Influence of Supplementary Vitamin D on the Prognostic Pathway of Type1 Diabetes Among Children
Authors: Ragab Mostafa Hassan , Sherif Eman Monir , Gawad Nadia Badawy Abd- El , Elserougy Safaa Mohamed , Shaban Eman Essam , Mostafa Elham Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Diabetes is one of the commonest chronic diseases worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency showed to be increasing, and have a potential role in autoimmune diseases among which in type 1 diabetes. The aim The aim of the study was to assess the impact of oral vitamin D supplementation on blood glucose (HbA1C) in T1DM patients and to find out the role of vitamin D as a biomarker for follow of T1DM patients compared to HbA1C. Subjects and methods: A randomized interventional clinical study was designed. The study enrolled 60 children patients with T1DM. Only 45 children continued to the end of study. Initial (pre-intake) assessment included history taking, clinical examination, and measurement of serum 25-OH vitamin D3 and serum HbA1C. These children received oral vitamin D supplements for 3 months then post-intake assessment were done again. Results: The study showed that serum vitamin D was deficient among Egyptian children and adolescents with T1DM (mean 11.4±3.4 ng/ml). , 53.33% of the patients had vitamin D deficiency with a 35.6% had insufficiency and 11.11% were VD sufficient. Patients received oral vitamin D supplementation for 3 months after which marked improvement in the levels of serum vitamin D levels and HA1C, 87.5% and 86.5% respectively.
A Profile of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Teritiary Care Teaching Hospital and Associated Factors
Authors: TY Sree Sudha , Vangoori Yakaiah , Varghese Anjaly Mary
Published: April 2021

Objective: The present study was conducted to identify, analyze the causality, and severity of adverse drug reactions and to find out the factors associated with ADR related factors. Adverse effects of drugs are identified as one of the main reason for increasing in-patient number in the hospital. This has become financial burden and also rise in mortality rate in society. The main purpose of the pharmacovigilance program is to identify the risks linked with the use of drugs. This study may be useful to identify and prevent adverse effects caused by drugs to increase the quality of life and ability of doctors to treat consequences of ADRs more effectively. The main aim of the present study was to explore and identify adverse effects caused by drugs and to improve patient safety with pharmacovigilance activities.

Method: An observational study was conducted as part of Pharmacovigilance program for 14 months (January 2018 - Feb 2019). ADRs reported from hospital were filled into Suspected ADR forms - CDSCO forms. Causality assessment was done based on WHO- UMC causality scale and severity was assessed using Hartwig-Siegel scale. By taking history of the patient, and by regular monitoring of the inpatients, the causative factors for ADR related hospital admissions were evaluated.

Results: Total 145 ADR reports were analyzed. Most of the ADRs were observed in females (60%). Majority of ADRs were caused by NSAIDs (32.4%), followed by antimicrobials (20%). Most common organ systems involved was skin (38%). Causality assessment showed 85.5% ADRs as probable. 18.6% of ADRs were of severe type and 51% moderate. ADR related hospital admissions were found in 53 cases (36.5%) and 92 cases of ADRs occurred during hospitalization (63.4%).

Conclusion: The study generated a data of ADRs that is useful to the clinicians for optimum and safe use of drugs in day to day practice and help in creating ‘P’ drug list. The major reasons for ADR related hospital admissions are OTC and non-compliance. Hence a constructive Pharmacovigilance to minimize ADR related hospitalization, treatment cost, morbidity and mortalities are the need of the hour.
Binding Potential of Dysidea Herbacea Derived Small Molecules to Breast Cancer Implicating Targets Estrogen and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors
Authors: Thambidurai Yuvarani , Durairaj Sudarsanam , Solosan S Siddhardha , Ghosh Sewali , Mohideen Habeeb Shaik
Published: April 2021

Identifying new targets and new drugs has always been a daunting task, especially in cancer research. This studyexamines the binding interaction and the drug-likeness properties of small molecules derived from marine sponge Dysideaherbacea to breast cancer receptors: epidermal growth factor receptor and estrogen receptor. The receptor’s interaction with the ligand was evaluated using the Schrodinger Glide package, and affinities were assessed based on the glide score. Ligand molecules that have higher binding affinity were evaluated further for their ADMET properties using Molinspiration.We found multiple ligands binding to these targets; however, Pyridine 3 carboxyamidewas found to have binding affinity to both the receptors. Compared to the other small molecules,further simulation studies could be taken up to ascertain its structural dynamics and ensuing in-vitro experiments that could prove growth inhibition of breast cancer cells.
Bioavailability and Bioequivalence of Two Oral Single Dose of Ibuprofen 400 mg to Healthy Volunteers.
Authors: Al-Dalaen Saied M. I. , Hamad Abdul-Wahab R. , AL-Hujran Tayel A. , Al-Btoush Hayat A. , Al-Halaseh Lidia , Magharbeh Mousa K. , Al-Jawabri Nariman A. , Al-Kasasbeh Islam A. , Abid Fadhil M.
Published: April 2021

Objective: The objective of the two pharmacokinetic studies reported here was to compare the relative bio availability and bio equivalence of an ibuprofen 400 mg tablet from National Company (SDI) as a test with a reference formulation. Study Design: Evaluation of two open, randomized, cross-over studies, one single dose in healthy male volunteers.

Methods: 20 healthy volunteers were randomized in a cross-over design to single dose of Profedin 400 mg produced from National Company, ibuprofen formulation, as a test and a reference formulation produced from Pharmacia & Upjohn, Ibuprofen 400 mg. Ibuprofen and standard of ibuprofen were analyzed by utilizing HPLC, the sample extracted from 0.5ml of plasma with an organic solution of isooctane and 2-propanol. The mobile phase consisted of 44% acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 1 ml/min. The analytical column was a C-18, 5um packing size. Detection of Ibuprofen and the internal standard occurred by UV absorbance at wavelength of 220 nm.

Results: A single-dose study demonstrated that the bio availability of ibuprofen for both formulations was not significantly different. In addition, mean plasma levels of ibuprofen predictive of clinical efficacy were achieved within 1.5- 2.0 hours and the elimination of ibuprofen tablets is virtually complete in 12 hours after the single dose. The serum half-life is 1.8 to 2.0 hours. The Cmax, Tmax, Kelemin.0.5 were calculated for the test and reference. They were not significantly different.

Conclusions: Blood levels predicted that the present slow-release formulation of ibuprofen should offer reliable day and night control of pain and fever and is associated with a favorable safety profile.
Bekul Fruit, Potential Pharmafood from Northern Region of Bali Island, Indonesia: Selected Phytochemical Analyses and Antioxidant Activity of Its Ethanol Extract.
Authors: Mahendra Agung Nova , Pramartha I Nyoman Tri
Published: April 2021

Background: Bekulfruit from Northern region (Buleleng regency), Bali, Indonesia, is commonly consumed fresh in the island of Bali or processed as local delicacy and used as part of religious offerings. Up to date, there is no data regarding the taxonomy, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant properties of this Balinese fruit.This study was aimed to investigate total phenolic content, tannin content and antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of bekul fruit obtained from Banjar district, Buleleng regency, Bali.

Methods: Total phenolic compound was quantified in terms of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) by using Folin-Ciocalteu method, mean while tannin content was determined in terms of tannic acid equivalent (TAE). IC50of the extract was determined using DPPH assay, and subsequently used in the calculation of antioxidant activity index (AAI) using the formula of Scherer and Godoy (2009).

Results: Bekul plant was revealed as Ziziphusjujuba Mill. Total phenolic and tannin content of the extract was 29.48 mg/100 g GAE and 91.06 mg/100 g TAE, respectively. Thevalue of IC50was 77.40 mg/ml, with antioxidant activity index (AAI) of 50.94.

Conclusion:Ethanol extract of bekul (Ziziphusjujuba Mill.) fruit contains phenolic and tannin compounds. This extract is found to scavenge free radicals and possess very strong antioxidant activityin vitro. Taken together, these findings lead to the notion that bekul fruit from Northern region of Bali, Indonesia, is a promising pharma food
Robust incident angle calibration of angle-resolved ellipsometry for thin film measurement
Authors: Peng Lihua , Tang Dawei , Wang Jian , Chen Rong , Gao Feng , Zhou Liping
Published: April 2021

Angle-resolved ellipsometry with back focal plane imaging has been found to be of increasing importance in recent industrial sensing by virtue of its rich information provided at various incident and azimuthal angles. To achieve high sensing accuracy, the incident angles of a back focal plane must be accurately calibrated. For this purpose, a simple and robust incident angle calibration method based on full-field Brewster angle fitting is proposed, without expensive tools or complex operations. With this method, a back focal plane image is first captured from boundary reflectance through a high-numerical-aperture objective. By extracting annular data from the image, radius-dependent ellipsometric parameters

(
ψ
,

Δ
)

are calculated. At the end, the radii of the back focal plane are mapped to the angle of incidence by using a fitted Brewster angle as the reference. The method is validated by simulation and experiments using a homemade angle-resolved ellipsometer and a commercial spectroscopic ellipsometer. The results show that the proposed method provides a 75% error reduction approximately from generally used methods.
All-fiber high-voltage capacitor unbalanced current transformer
Authors: Zhao Jun , Xu Shengguo , Sun Xiaohan
Published: April 2021

According to the high-voltage and small-current characteristics for unbalanced current of high-voltage capacitors, a novel fiber optical filter unbalanced current transformer (FU-FOCT) is proposed, where an all-fiber temperature sensor based on the temperature birefringence effect of polarization-maintaining fiber is designed and integrated into an FU-FOCT for real-time temperature correction. The FU-FOCT prototype with a rated current of 1 A and a rated voltage of 258 kV is developed, and the accuracy, temperature, and frequency-response characteristics are tested. The results show that within the temperature range of

−

40

∘

C

−

70
∘

C

, the fluctuation range of the ratio error and phase error of the FU-FOCT at 1 A are

−

0.042

%
−
0.08
%

and

−

0.16
′

−

0.18
′

, respectively, which meet the error limit requirements of class 0.2% specified in GB/T 20840.8-2007.
Polarization-independent optical isolator in a Sagnac-type configuration
Authors: Al-Mahmoud Mouhamad , Dimova Emiliya , Hristova Hristina , Coda Virginie , Rangelov Andon A. , Montemezzani Germano
Published: April 2021

We propose a polarization-independent optical isolator that does not use walk-off between the two orthogonal polarizations. The design is based on two Faraday rotators in combination with two half-wave plates in a closed, Sagnac-interferometer-like configuration. An experimental prototype is tested successfully under variation of the input light polarization state with isolation level between 43 dB and 50 dB for all input polarizations (linear, circular, or elliptical).
Rapid multi-plane phase-contrast microscopy reveals torsional dynamics in flagellar motion
Authors: Mojiri Soheil , Isbaner Sebastian , Mühle Steffen , Jang Hongje , Bae Albert Johann , Gregor Ingo , Gholami Azam , Enderlein Jörg
Published: April 2021

High speed volumetric optical microscopy is an important tool for
observing rapid processes in living cells or for real-time tracking of
sub-cellular components. However, the 3D imaging capability often
comes at the price of a high technical complexity of the imaging
system and/or the requirement of demanding image analysis. Here, we
propose a combination of conventional phase-contrast imaging with a
customized multi-plane beam-splitter for enabling simultaneous
acquisition of images in eight different focal planes. Our method is
technically straightforward and does not require complex
post-processing image analysis. We apply our multi-plane
phase-contrast microscope to the real-time observation of the fast
motion of reactivated Chlamydomonas axonemes with
sub-µm spatial and 4 ms temporal resolution. Our system allows
us to observe not only bending but also the three-dimensional
torsional dynamics of these micro-swimmers.
Measurement of classical entanglement using interference fringes
Authors: You Ziyang , Wang Yanxiang , Tang Zikang , Ian Hou
Published: April 2021

Classical entanglement refers to non-separable correlations between the polarization direction and the polarization amplitude of a light field. The degree of entanglement is quantified by the Schmidt number, taking the value of unity for a separable state and two for a maximally entangled state. We propose two detection methods to determine this number based on the distinguishable patterns of interference between four light sources derived from the unknown laser beam to be detected. The second method, being a modification of the first one, has interference fringes with discernable angles uniquely related to the entangled state. The maximally entangled state corresponds to fringes symmetric about the diagonal axis at either a 45° or a 135° direction, while the separable state corresponds to fringes symmetric about either the

X

or

Y

axis, or both simultaneously. States with Schmidt number between unity and two have fringes of symmetric angles between these two extremes. We believe these detection methods would be beneficial in both computation and communications applications of the classically entangled states.
Micro-fiber-optic acoustic sensor based on high-Q resonance effect using Fabry-Pérot etalon
Authors: Chen Jiamin , Xue Chenyang , Zheng Yongqiu , Wu Liyun , Chen Chen , Han Yuan
Published: April 2021

A micro-fiber-optic acoustic sensor based on the high-quality-factor (high-Q) resonance effect that uses a Fabry-Pérot etalon (FPE) is presented in this study. The device has been demonstrated experimentally to be a high-sensitivity acoustic sensor with a large dynamic range over a wide frequency band. Optical contact technology was used to improve the robustness of the FPE, which consists of two parallel lenses with high reflectivity exceeding 99%. An acoustic signal detection system based on phase modulation spectrum technology was also constructed. A stable and high-Q value of 106 was measured for the FPE. As a result, high sensitivity of 177.6 mV/Pa was achieved. Because of the change in the refractive index of the air when it is modulated by the acoustic waves, a frequency response of 20 Hz–70 kHz with flatness of ±2 dB was obtained and a large dynamic range of 115.3 dB was measured simultaneously. The excellent performance of the device will be beneficial for optical acoustic sensing.
Absolute phase marking technology and fiber-optic remote coherent phase transmission
Authors: Wu Rui , Yang Fei , Sun Yanguang , Cheng Nan , Wang Jialiang , Wei Fang , Gui Youzhen , Cai Haiwen
Published: April 2021

Fiber-optic time and frequency synchronization technology demonstrates ultra-high synchronization performance and has been gradually applied in various fields. Based on frequency synchronization, this study addressed the problems of period ambiguity and initial phase uncertainty of the phase signal to realize the coherent transmission of the phase. An absolute phase marking technology was developed based on high-speed digital logic with zero-crossing detection and an optimized control strategy. It can realize picosecond-level absolute phase marking and provide a picosecond-level ultra-low peak-to-peak jitter pulse marking signal to eliminate phase period ambiguity and determine initial phase and transmission delay. Thus, by combining the high-precision phase measurement capability of the synchronized frequency signal and long-distance ambiguity elimination capability of the pulse-per-second signal, a high-precision remote coherent phase transmission over an optical fiber is realized. After frequency synchronization, the peak-to-peak jitter between the local and remote phase-marking signals can be only 3.3 ps within 10,000 s measurement time. The uncertainty of the coherent phase transmission is 2.577 ps. This technology can significantly improve the phase coherence of fiber-optic time and frequency transmission and provide a new approach to achieve peak-to-peak picosecond-level reference phase marking and high-precision fiber-optic remote coherent phase transmission. This demonstrates broad application prospects in coherence fields such as radar networking.
Ultrafast and temperature-insensitive strain interrogation using a PM-PCF based Sagnac loop interferometer and wavelength-to-time mapping
Authors: Bai Zhuoya , Yan Fengping , Han Wenguo , Zhang Luna , Cheng Dan , Wang Wei , Li Ting , Qin Qi , Guo Ying , Du Xuemei , Zhou Hong
Published: April 2021

A novel approach for ultrafast and temperature-insensitive strain interrogation using a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) based Sagnac loop interferometer (SLI) and linear wavelength-to-time (WTT) mapping is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The PM-PCF incorporated in the SLI is used as the sensing element to achieve stable strain sensing with ultra-low temperature-dependence due to its intrinsic thermal insensitivity, which can be used to eliminate the cross-sensitivity effect and increase the measurement accuracy. A dispersive element is employed to realize the WTT mapping and real-time strain interrogation is obtained by converting the strain-encoded wavelength shift to time shift in the temporal domain, which can be directly monitored by a real-time oscilloscope. The proposed system offers an ultrafast interrogation speed of 100 MHz and a strain sensitivity of -0.17 ps/με.
Single-shot discrimination of coherent states beyond the standard quantum limit
Authors: Thekkadath G. S. , Sempere-Llagostera S. , Bell B. A. , Patel R. B. , Kim M. S. , Walmsley I. A.
Published: April 2021

The discrimination of coherent states is a key task in optical communication and quantum key distribution protocols. In this work, we use a photon-number-resolving detector, the transition-edge sensor, to discriminate binary-phase-shifted coherent states at a telecom wavelength. Owing to its dynamic range and high efficiency, we achieve a bit error probability that unconditionally exceeds the standard quantum limit (SQL) by up to 7.7 dB. The improvement to the SQL persists for signals containing up to approximately seven photons on average and is achieved in a single shot (i.e., without measurement feedback), thus making our approach compatible with larger bandwidths.
Thermally induced generation of platicons in optical microresonators
Authors: Lobanov Valery E. , Kondratiev Nikita M. , Bilenko Igor A.
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate a numerically novel mechanism providing generation of the flat-top solitonic pulses, platicons, in optical microresonators at normal group velocity dispersion (GVD) via negative thermal effects. We found that platicon excitation is possible if the ratio of the photon lifetime to the thermal relaxation time is large enough. We show that there are two regimes of the platicon generation depending on the pump amplitude: the smooth one and the oscillatory one. Parameter ranges providing platicon excitation are found and analyzed for different values of the thermal relaxation time, frequency scan rate, and GVD coefficient. Possibility of the turn-key generation regime is also shown.
Is YouTube promoting the exotic pet trade? Analysis of the global public perception of popular YouTube videos featuring threatened exotic animals
Authors: Moloney Georgia Kate , Tuke Jonathan , Dal Grande Eleonora , Nielsen Torben , Chaber Anne-Lise
Published: April 2021

The exploitation of threatened exotic species via social media challenges efforts to regulate the exotic pet trade and consequently threatens species conservation. To investigate how such content is perceived by the global community, mixed model sentiment analysis techniques were employed to explore variations in attitudes expressed through text and emoji usage in public comments associated with 346 popular YouTube®videos starring exotic wild cats or primates in ‘free handling’ situations. Negative interactions between wild cats and primates with other species were found to be associated with both text and emoji median sentiment reduction, however were still accompanied by a median emoji sentiment above zero. Additionally, although a negative trend in median text sentiment was observed in 2015 for primates, an otherwise consistent positive median text and emoji sentiment score through time across all IUCN Red List categories was revealed in response to both exotic wild cat and primate videos, further implying the societal normalisation and acceptance of exotic pets. These findings highlight the urgency for effective YouTube®policy changes and content management to promote public education and conservation awareness, whilst extinguishing false legitimisation and demand for the exotic pet trade.
Sex differences in prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in India: Evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Misra Sheuli
Published: April 2021

To estimate sex-specific prevalence and associated socio-economic, demographic, and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension in India. We used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) of 2015–16. The analysis based on 6,99,686 women (15–49 years) and 1,12,122 men (15–54 years) whose blood pressure (BP) were measured during the survey. Bivariate distribution was used to show the prevalence of hypertension and, maps were used to present its spatial patterns. Logistic regression model was used to identify sex-specific association between risk factors and hypertension. Results show that the overall prevalence of hypertension was 16.32% among men and 11.56% among women. We also found that the prevalence of hypertension across selected socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle background characteristics and in a majority of the states was higher among men compared to women. Odds ratios from logistic regression analysis direct sex-related differences in risk factors. Hypertension increases with an increase in age and the risk is higher among older women (AOR, 5.58; 95% CI, 5.16–6.03 for women aged 40–49 and AOR, 4.24; 95% CI, 3.94–4.57 for men aged 50–54) compared to men. Education, types of jobs (specially technical, administrative and managerial), marital status and non-vegetarian diet were significantly associated with hypertension in men. While other than age; non-working, consumption of alcohol, and being a diabetic was found to be major risk factors for this disease among women. There are sex-related differences in prevalence as well as risk factors of hypertension in India. In order to prevent early developments of hypertension, awareness related to changing lifestyles such as a diet rich in fruits, vegetables as well as screening to control BP should be promoted among youths and adults in India. The study also recommends sex-specific approaches in health infrastructure and policies besides increasing public awareness.
Queen cells acceptance rate and royal jelly production in worker honey bees of two Apis mellifera races
Authors: Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , Ahmad Zubair , El-Niweiri Mogbel A. A. , Ahamed Mohammed Mohamed Elimam
Published: April 2021

Royal jelly (RJ) is an acidic yellowish-white secretion of worker honey bee glands, used as food material of worker bee larvae for the first three days and queen bee larvae for the entire life. It is commercially used in cosmetics and medicinal industry in various parts of the world. This study determined the queen cell acceptance rate and RJ production difference among Italian and Carniolan bee races. Furthermore, the effect of plastic cup cell priming media, diets and seasons were tested on the larval cell acceptance rate and RJ yield of both races. The results indicated that average queen cell acceptance rate was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Italian race (75.53 ± 1.41%) than Carniolan race (58.20 ± 1.30%). Similarly, mean RJ yield per colony significantly (p<0.001) differed between both bee races, which were 13.10 ± 0.42 g and 9.66 ± 0.43 g, in Italian and Carniolan races, respectively. Moreover, priming media, diets and seasons significantly (p<0.001) affected queen cell acceptance rate and RJ production of both bee races. This study would help breeders to select the bees with higher-level of queen cell acceptance rate and RJ production in the future.