bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplexing of RF-assisted fiber ring resonators based on phase-shift amplification
Authors: Wang Zhuoying , Li Shiyu , Wu Nishan , Zheng Dongqiao , Xia Li , Deng Ming , Li Wei
Published: May 2022

The multiplexing of fiber ring resonators (FRRs) for no crosstalk loss sensing is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The difference between the parallel and series FRRs is theoretically elaborated to determine the multiplexing scheme. The frequency response properties of the cascaded FRRs at distinct radio frequency (RF) working points are compared and analyzed. The optical carrier-based microwave interferometry system is implemented to verify the numerical investigation and exhibit the multiplexing of phase-shift based demodulation at diverse RF working points. Enhanced by the phase-shift amplification and the series configuration, each FRR can be independently demodulated by recording the phase of frequency response at the specific RF working point. The experimental results indicate that the sensitivity of transmittance reaches −0.341 rad with the advantage of robustness and immunity to power fluctuation. Owing to the prominent contribution of insensitive points and the series strategy, the crosstalk of multiplexing for loss sensing between two FRRs is eliminated virtually, which matches well with the theory. The proposed scheme provides an innovative approach for multiplexing the phase-based FRRs sensors without additional expenditure.
3D nanoparticle superlocalization with a thin diffuser
Authors: Wu Tengfei , Guillon Marc , Gentner Clemence , Rigneault Herve , Tessier Gilles , Bon Pierre , Berto Pascal
Published: May 2022

We report on the use of a thin diffuser placed in the close vicinity of a camera sensor as a simple and effective way to superlocalize plasmonic nanoparticles in 3D. This method is based on holographic reconstruction via quantitative phase and intensity measurements of a light field after its interaction with nanoparticles. We experimentally demonstrate that this thin diffuser can be used as a simple add-on to a standard bright-field microscope to allow the localization of 100 nm gold nanoparticles at video rate with nanometer precision (1.3 nm laterally and 6.3 nm longitudinally). We exemplify the approach by revealing the dynamic Brownian trajectory of a gold nanoparticle trapped in various pockets within an agarose gel. The proposed method provides a simple but highly performant way to track nanoparticles in 3D.
Laser-induced damage study of bonded material for a high-brightness laser system
Authors: Kausas Arvydas , Taira Takunori
Published: May 2022

In this work we evaluated the laser-induced damage threshold of the interface between two identical YAG crystals, bonded by an inter-layer assisted surface activated bonding method. The experimental results indicate slight damage threshold degradation for both single- and polycrystalline trivalent rear-earth (RE3+)-ion-doped YAG gain media in the sub-nanosecond pulse regime. Moreover, crystal annealing prior to damage testing could provide additional improvement for the laser damage threshold of the bulk and bonded interface.
Experimental demonstration of visualized multi-core fiber coupling alignment system for inter-core cross talk measurement
Authors: Liang Yize , Wang Hongya , Liu Jun , Wang Jian
Published: May 2022

Transmitting signals independently over each core of a multi-core fiber (MCF) is a candidate technology to cope with the growing demand for communication capacity. However, precise coupling alignment of input light beams and corresponding fiber cores is needed in such communication systems. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme for visualized MCF coupling alignment and inter-core cross talk measurement. The inter-core cross talk matrix of a bent 20-m 5-core fiber is measured in the experiment to show the efficiency of this scheme. Once the setup is established and fixed, the coupled MCF can be replaced at will. Due to the flexibility and simplicity of this scheme, it may possess potential value in MCF-based sensing and optical communication applications.
Wavelength extension and power improvement of red Pr3+:YLF lasers
Authors: Lin Xiuji , Feng Qicheng , Liu Xiangrui , Ji Shuaihao , Xiao Bo , Xu Huiying , Cai Zhiping
Published: May 2022

High-power red lasers (mainly at 639 and 670 nm) based on Pr3+:YLF crystals have been presented in many works. However, the spectral resources of Pr3+:YLF in the red region have not been fully developed to obtain lasers due to their relatively low emission cross sections and the irrepressible strong emission at ∼639 nm. In this work, we propose a scheme to further develop the spectral resources of Pr3+:YLF in the red region and improve the red laser powers based on this crystal. The laser wavelengths are obtained from 634.5 to 674.7 nm (continuous tunings are achieved at some wavebands). To the best of our knowledge, the output powers obtained at 638.7, 644.6, 670.1, and 674.7 nm (2.88 W, 1.87 W, 3.55 W, and 1.73 W, respectively) are the highest to date. Furthermore, lasing originating from the 3P2 energy level of Pr3+:YLF (∼653 nm) is realized for the first time.
Two-dimensional free space electric field imaging using electric field induced second harmonic generation
Authors: Zhao Yue , Fuji Takao
Published: May 2022

We present a new, to the best of our knowledge, approach for the measurement of the localized electric field distribution in air using electric field induced second harmonic generation combined with a microscopic imaging technique. This method only needs two snapshot second harmonic images with orthogonal polarizations to obtain the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the intensity and direction of the electric field. The distribution of a local electric field was clearly measured with a spatial resolution of 8.8 µm by using this method. The measurement of a single second harmonic image takes 5 s by using a 5 kHz repetition rate femtosecond laser.
Deformable mirror based optimal PSF engineering for 3D super-resolution imaging
Authors: Fu Shuang , Li Mengfan , Zhou Lulu , He Yingchuan , Liu Xin , Hao Xiang , Li Yiming
Published: May 2022

Point spread function (PSF) engineering is an important technique to
encode the properties (e.g., 3D positions, color, and orientation) of
a single molecule in the shape of the PSF, often with the help of a
programmable phase modulator. A deformable mirror (DM) is currently
the most widely used phase modulator for fluorescence detection as it
shows negligible photon loss. However, it relies on careful
calibration for precise wavefront control. Therefore, design of an
optimal PSF not only relies on the theoretical calculation of the
maximum information content, but also the physical behavior of the
phase modulator, which is often ignored during the optimization
process. Here, we develop a framework for PSF engineering which could
generate a device specific optimal PSF for 3D super-resolution imaging
using a DM. We use our method to generate two types of PSFs with
depths of field comparable to the widely used astigmatism and tetrapod
PSFs, respectively. We demonstrate the superior performance of the DM
specific optimal PSF over the conventional astigmatism and tetrapod
PSF both theoretically and experimentally.
Ultrathin oxide controlled photocurrent generation through a metal–insulator–semiconductor heterojunction
Authors: Liu Ning , Yan Xiaohong , Gao Long , Beloshapkin Sergey , Silien Christophe , Wei Hong
Published: May 2022

Recent advances in nanoscale lasers, amplifiers, and nonlinear optical converters have demonstrated the unprecedented potential of metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures as a versatile platform to realize integrated photonics at the nanoscale. While the electric field enhancement and confinement have been discussed intensively in MIS based plasmonic structures, little is known about the carrier redistribution across the heterojunction and photocurrent transport through the oxide. Herein, we investigate the photo-generated charge transport through a single CdSe microbelt-

Al

2

O
3

-Ag heterojunction with oxide thickness varying from 3 nm to 5 nm. Combining photocurrent measurements with finite element simulations on electron (hole) redistribution across the heterojunction, we are able to explain the loss compensation observed in hybrid plasmonic waveguides at substantially reduced pump intensity based on MIS geometry compared to its photonic counterpart. We also demonstrate that the MIS configuration offers a low-dark-current photodetection scheme, which can be further exploited for photodetection applications.
Transcriptome-wide mapping reveals a diverse dihydrouridine landscape including mRNA
Authors: Draycott Austin S. , Schaening-Burgos Cassandra , Rojas-Duran Maria F. , Wilson Loren , Schärfen Leonard , Neugebauer Karla M. , Nachtergaele Sigrid , Gilbert Wendy V.
Published: May 2022

Dihydrouridine is a modified nucleotide universally present in tRNAs, but the complete dihydrouridine landscape is unknown in any organism. We introduce dihydrouridine sequencing (D-seq) for transcriptome-wide mapping of D with single-nucleotide resolution and use it to uncover novel classes of dihydrouridine-containing RNA in yeast which include mRNA and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA). The novel D sites are concentrated in conserved stem-loop regions consistent with a role for D in folding many functional RNA structures. We demonstrate dihydrouridine synthase (DUS)-dependent changes in splicing of a D-containing pre-mRNA in cells and show that D-modified mRNAs can be efficiently translated by eukaryotic ribosomes in vitro. This work establishes D as a new functional component of the mRNA epitranscriptome and paves the way for identifying the RNA targets of multiple DUS enzymes that are dysregulated in human disease.
Early rhythmicity in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei in response to maternal signals detected by omics approach
Authors: Greiner Philipp , Houdek Pavel , Sládek Martin , Sumová Alena
Published: May 2022

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus harbor the central clock of the circadian system, which gradually matures during the perinatal period. In this study, time-resolved transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were used to describe fetal SCN tissue-level rhythms before rhythms in clock gene expression develop. Pregnant rats were maintained in constant darkness and had intact SCN, or their SCN were lesioned and behavioral rhythm was imposed by temporal restriction of food availability. Model-selecting tools dryR and CompareRhythms identified sets of genes in the fetal SCN that were rhythmic in the absence of the fetal canonical clock. Subsets of rhythmically expressed genes were assigned to groups of fetuses from mothers with either intact or lesioned SCN, or both groups. Enrichment analysis for GO terms and signaling pathways revealed that neurodevelopment and cell-to-cell signaling were significantly enriched within the subsets of genes that were rhythmic in response to distinct maternal signals. The findings discovered a previously unexpected breadth of rhythmicity in the fetal SCN at a developmental stage when the canonical clock has not yet developed at the tissue level and thus likely represents responses to rhythmic maternal signals.
Investigating clinic transfers among HIV patients considered lost to follow-up to improve understanding of the HIV care cascade: Findings from a cohort study in rural north-eastern South Africa
Authors: Etoori David , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa Whiteson , Wringe Alison , Rice Brian , Renju Jenny , Gomez-Olive Francesc Xavier , Reniers Georges
Published: May 2022

Investigating clinical transfers of HIV patients is important for accurate estimates of retention and informing interventions to support patients. We investigate transfers for adults reported as lost to follow-up (LTFU) from eight HIV care facilities in the Agincourt health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS), South Africa. Using linked clinic and HDSS records, outcomes of adults more than 90 days late for their last scheduled clinic visit were determined through clinic and routine tracing record reviews, HDSS data, and supplementary tracing. Factors associated with transferring to another clinic were determined through Cox regression models. Transfers were graphically and geospatially visualised. Transfers were more common for women, patients living further from the clinic, and patients with higher baseline CD4 cell counts. Transfers to clinics within the HDSS were more likely to be undocumented and were significantly more likely for women pregnant at ART initiation. Transfers outside the HDSS clustered around economic hubs. Patients transferring to health facilities within the HDSS may be shopping for better care, whereas those who transfer out of the HDSS may be migrating for work. Treatment programmes should facilitate transfer processes for patients, ensure continuity of care among those migrating, and improve tracking of undocumented transfers.
The influence of visitor-based social contextual information on visitors’ museum experience
Authors: Yi Taeha , Lee Hao-yun , Yum Joosun , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: May 2022

Visitor-centered approaches have been widely discussed in the museum experience research field. One notable approach was suggested by Falk and Dierking, who defined museum visitor experience as having a physical, personal, and social context. Many studies have been conducted based on this approach, yet the interactions between personal and social contexts have not been fully researched. Since previous studies related to these interactions have focused on the face-to-face conversation of visitor groups, attempts to provide the social information contributed by visitors have not progressed. To fill this gap, we examined such interactions in collaboration with the Lee-Ungno Art Museum in South Korea. Specifically, we investigated the influence of individual visitors’ social contextual information about their art museum experience. This data, which we call “visitor-based social contextual information” (VSCI), is the social information individuals provide—feedback, reactions, or behavioral data—that can be applied to facilitate interactions in a social context. The study included three stages: In Stage 1, we conducted an online survey for a preliminary investigation of visitors’ requirements for VSCI. In Stage 2, we designed a mobile application prototype. Finally, in Stage 3, we used the prototype in an experiment to investigate the influence of VSCI on museum experience based on visitors’ behaviors and reactions. Our results indicate that VSCI positively impacts visitors’ museum experiences. Using VSCI enables visitors to compare their thoughts with others and gain insights about art appreciation, thus allowing them to experience the exhibition from new perspectives. The results of this novel examination of a VSCI application suggest that it may be used to guide strategies for enhancing the experience of museum visitors.
Biclustering reveals potential knee OA phenotypes in exploratory analyses: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Keefe Thomas H. , Schwartz Todd A. , Callahan Leigh F. , Loeser Richard F. , Golightly Yvonne M. , Arbeeva Liubov , Marron J. S.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To apply biclustering, a methodology originally developed for analysis of gene expression data, to simultaneously cluster observations and clinical features to explore candidate phenotypes of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) for the first time.

Methods

Data from the baseline Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) visit were cleaned, transformed, and standardized as indicated (leaving 6461 knees with 86 features). Biclustering produced submatrices of the overall data matrix, representing similar observations across a subset of variables. Statistical validation was determined using the novel SigClust procedure. After identifying biclusters, relationships with key outcome measures were assessed, including progression of radiographic KOA, total knee arthroplasty, loss of joint space width, and worsening Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, over 96 months of follow-up.

Results

The final analytic set included 6461 knees from 3330 individuals (mean age 61 years, mean body mass index 28 kg/m2, 57% women and 86% White). We identified 6 mutually exclusive biclusters characterized by different feature profiles at baseline, particularly related to symptoms and function. Biclusters represented overall better (#1), similar (#2, 3, 6), and poorer (#4, 5) prognosis compared to the overall cohort of knees, respectively. In general, knees in biclusters #4 and 5 had more structural progression (based on Kellgren-Lawrence grade, total knee arthroplasty, and loss of joint space width) but tended to have an improvement in WOMAC pain scores over time. In contrast, knees in bicluster #1 had less incident and progressive KOA, fewer total knee arthroplasties, less loss of joint space width, and stable pain scores compared with the overall cohort.

Significance

We identified six biclusters within the baseline OAI dataset which have varying relationships with key outcomes in KOA. Such biclusters represent potential phenotypes within the larger cohort and may suggest subgroups at greater or lesser risk of progression over time.
Flow-mediated slowing shows poor repeatability compared with flow-mediated dilation in non-invasive assessment of brachial artery endothelial function
Authors: Marôco João Luís , Pinto Marco , Santa-Clara Helena , Fernhall Bo , Melo Xavier
Published: May 2022

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) deceleration to reactive hyperemia–flow-mediated slowing (FMS)–has been suggested as an alternative method to flow-mediated dilation (FMD) to evaluate brachial artery endothelial function. FMS is suggested to address major caveats of the FMD procedure including its suboptimal repeatability and high-operator dependency. However, the repeatability of FMS has not been thoroughly examined, especially given the plethora of methods claiming to measure PWV. We assessed and compared the intra- and inter-day repeatability of FMS as measured by piezoelectric pressure mechanotransducers placed in the carotid and radial arteries, and brachial artery FMD as measured by echo-tracking. Twenty-four healthy male participants aged 23–75 yr, were examined on three separate days to assess intra and inter-day repeatability. All FMD and FMS examinations were conducted simultaneously by the same researcher complying with standardized guidelines. Repeatability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; >0.80), coefficient of variation (CV; <15%), and limits of agreement (95% LOA). Relative (%) FMD and FMS were scaled for baseline brachial artery diameter and PWV, respectively. Intra- (ICC: 0.72; CV: 136%; 95% LOA: -19.38 to 29.19%) and Inter-day (ICC: 0.69; CV: 145%, 95% LOA: -49.50 to 46.08%) repeatability of %FMS was poor, whereas %FMD demonstrated moderate-to-good intra- (ICC: 0.93; CV: 18%, 95% LOA: -3.02 to 3.75%) and inter-day repeatability (ICC: 0.74; CV: 25%, 95% LOA: -9.16 to 7.04%). Scaling FMD reduced the intra-day CV (-5%), and the uncertainty of the 95% LOA (- 37.64 to 35.69%) estimates of FMS. Carotid-radial artery FMS showed poorer repeatability compared to FMD.
Field experiments to assess passage of juvenile salmonids across beaver dams during low flow conditions in a tributary to the Klamath River, California, USA
Authors: Pollock Michael M. , Witmore Shari , Yokel Erich
Published: May 2022

Across Eurasia and North America, beaver (Castorspp), their dams and their human-built analogues are becoming increasingly common restoration tools to facilitate recovery of streams and wetlands, providing a natural and cost-effective means of restoring dynamic fluvial ecosystems. Although the use of beaver ponds by numerous fish and wildlife species is well documented, debate continues as to the benefits of beaver dams, primarily because dams are perceived as barriers to fish movement, particularly migratory species such as salmonids. In this study, through a series of field experiments, we tested the ability of juvenile salmonids to cross constructed beaver dams (aka beaver dam analogues). Two species, coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead trout (O.mykiss), were tracked using passive integrated transponder tags (PIT tags) as they crossed constructed beaver dam analogues. We found that when we tagged and moved these fishes from immediately upstream of the dams to immediately downstream of them, most were detected upstream within 36 hours of displacement. By the end of a 21-day field experiment, 91% of the displaced juvenile coho and 54% of the juvenile steelhead trout were detected on antennas upstream of the dams. In contrast, during the final week of the 21-day experiment, just 1 of 158 coho salmon and 6 of 40 (15%) of the steelhead trout were still detected on antennas in the release pool below the dams. A similar but shorter 4-day pilot experiment with only steelhead trout produced similar results. In contrast, in a non-displacement experiment, juveniles of both species that were captured, tagged and released in a pool 50 m below the dams showed little inclination to move upstream. Further, by measuring hydraulic conditions at the major flowpaths over and around the dams, we provide insight into low-flow conditions under which juvenile salmonids are able to cross these constructed beaver dams, and that multiple types of flowpaths may be beneficial towards assisting fish movement past instream restoration structures. Finally, we compared estimates of the number of juvenile salmonids using the pond habitat upstream of the dam relative to the number that the dam may have prevented from moving upstream. Upstream of the dams we found an abundance of juvenile salmonids and a several orders of magnitude difference in favor of the number of juveniles using the pond habitat upstream of the dam. In sum, our study suggests beaver dams, BDAs, and other channel spanning habitat features should be preserved and restored rather than removed as perceived obstructions to fish passage.
Immunization with SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein triggers a pulmonary immune response in rats
Authors: Silva Everidiene K. V. B. , Bomfim Camila G. , Barbosa Ana P. , Noda Paloma , Noronha Irene L. , Fernandes Bianca H. V. , Machado Rafael R. G. , Durigon Edison L. , Catanozi Sergio , Rodrigues Letícia G. , Pieroni Fabiana , Lima Sérgio G. , Teodoro Walcy R. , Queiroz Zelita A. J. , Silveira Lizandre K. R. , Charlie-Silva Ives , Capelozzi Vera L. , Guzzo Cristiane R. , Fanelli Camilla
Published: May 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been affecting millions of people worldwide, since the beginning of 2020. COVID-19 can cause a wide range of clinical symptoms, which varies from asymptomatic presentation to severe respiratory insufficiency, exacerbation of immune response, disseminated microthrombosis and multiple organ failure, which may lead to dead. Due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the development of vaccines to minimize COVID-19 severity in the world population is imperious. One of the employed techniques to produce vaccines against emerging viruses is the synthesis of recombinant proteins, which can be used as immunizing agents. Based on the exposed, the aim of the present study was to verify the systemic and immunological effects of IM administration of recombinant Nucleocapsid protein (NP), derived from SARS-CoV-2 and produced by this research group, in 2 different strains of rats (Rattus norvegicus); Wistar and Lewis. For this purpose, experimental animals received 4 injections of NP, once a week, and were submitted to biochemical and histological analysis. Our results showed that NP inoculations were safe for the animals, which presented no clinical symptoms of worrying side effects, nor laboratorial alterations in the main biochemical and histological parameters, suggesting the absence of toxicity induced by NP. Moreover, NP injections successfully triggered the production of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies by both Wistar and Lewis rats, showing the sensitization to have been well sufficient for the immunization of these strains of rats. Additionally, we observed the local lung activation of the Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (BALT) of rats in the NP groups, suggesting that NP elicits specific lung immune response. Although pre-clinical and clinical studies are still required, our data support the recombinant NP produced by this research group as a potential immunizing agent for massive vaccination, and may represent advantages upon other recombinant proteins, since it seems to induce specific pulmonary protection.
Postpartum during a pandemic: Challenges of low-income individuals with healthcare interactions during COVID-19
Authors: Gomez-Roas Maria V. , Davis Ka’Derricka M. , Leziak Karolina , Jackson Jenise , Williams Brittney R. , Feinglass Joe M. , Grobman William A. , Yee Lynn M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Changes to the healthcare system due to COVID-19 have altered care delivery during birth and the postpartum period, a transitional time that requires intensive healthcare support and that is complicated by well-established health disparities. Our objective was to identify additional challenges to healthcare interactions that emerged for low-income postpartum individuals during the pandemic.

Methods

This is a qualitative investigation of low-income postpartum individuals enrolled in a trial of postpartum care, who gave birth in the United States in the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed in-depth semi-structured interviews that addressed healthcare experiences during and after birth, both for in-person and telemedicine encounters. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Of 46 eligible individuals, 87% (N = 40) completed an interview, with 50% identifying as non-Hispanic Black and 38% as Hispanic. Challenges were organized into three domains: unanticipated changes in the birth experience, delayed care, and perceived disadvantages of telemedicine. Changes in the birth experience addressed uncertainty about COVID-19 status, COVID-19 testing, separation from newborn, and visitor restrictions. Delayed care themes addressed logistical challenges, postpartum care, health maintenance, and pediatric care. Participants reported multiple telemedicine-related challenges, including difficulty establishing rapport with providers.

Conclusions

Understanding the challenges experienced by low-income peripartum individuals as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves is critical to informing guidelines and diminishing inequities in healthcare delivery. Potential solutions that may mitigate limitations to care in the pandemic include emphasizing shared decision-making in care processes and developing communication strategies to improve telemedicine rapport.
Time to resolution of tubal ectopic pregnancy following methotrexate treatment: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Davenport Marcus J. , Lindquist Anthea , Brownfoot Fiona , Pritchard Natasha , Tong Stephen , Hastie Roxanne
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the time to resolution of tubal ectopic pregnancy after methotrexate treatment.

Methods

A 14-year retrospective cohort study was performed from 2004–2018 and assessed 216 women treated with single-dose methotrexate for tubal ectopic pregnancy. Women were treated using a single-dose protocol of intramuscular methotrexate (50mg/m2) for confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound. Ectopic pregnancies were included if the ectopic pregnancy mass was <35mm, no evidence of rupture and no embryonic cardiac activity. Serum hCG was measured on day 1, 4 and 7 of treatment and then at standard weekly intervals until resolution. Where there was not a ≥15% decline in hCG from day 4 and day 7, a second dose of methotrexate was administered. The primary outcome was time to resolution (days), with serum hCG <5 IU/L considered resolved. The secondary outcome was need for rescue surgery.

Results

Among women who did not proceed to surgery, the median time to resolution was 22 days (IQR 14,34). Time to resolution and need for rescue surgery increased with baseline hCG. When hCG was <1000 IU/L, the median was 20 days (IQR 13,29) but 34.5 days (IQR 22,48) with hCG >2000 IU/L. Early hCG trends were predictive of time to resolution and likelihood of rescue surgery; a hCG rise of >1000 IU/L between Days 1–4 increased time to resolution to 61 days (IQR 35,80) and an odds ratio of rescue surgery of 28.6 (95% C.I. 5.3,155.4).

Conclusion

The median time to resolution for ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate is 22 days and associated with baseline hCG levels. The predictive value of baseline hCG may be useful in clinical decision making and counselling women considering methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy.
Selective blue-filtering spectacle lens protected primary porcine RPE cells against light emitting diode-induced cell damage
Authors: Yu Wing Yan , Shan Samantha Sze Wan , Lakshmanan Yamunadevi , Wong Francisca Siu Yin , Choi Kai Yip , Chan Henry Ho Lung
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate whether use of a selective-blue-filtering (S-BF) lens can protect cultured primary porcine RPE cells against photo-irradiation. Transmittance of S-BF and UV-filtering (UVF) lenses was characterised spectrophotometrically. RPE cells were exposed to 1700 lux of white (peak λ at 443 and 533 nm; 0.44 mW/cm2) or blue (peak λ at 448 and 523 nm; 0.85 mW/cm2) LED light for 16 h to evaluate the influence of light source on the culture. The effect of the S-BF and UVF ophthalmic lenses on RPE cell cultures under blue light irradiation was then investigated. Cell viability was compared using trypan blue and MTT assays. Intracellular ROS production was detected by a fluorescein probe CM-H2DCFDA. Expression levels of catalase and Prdx3 were analysed by western blot. Trypan blue staining showed blue light caused more cell death than no light (p = 0.001) or white light (p = 0.005). MTT assay supported the hypothesis that exposure to blue light damaged RPE cells more severely than no light (p = 0.002) or white light (p = 0.014). Under blue light, use of the S-BF lens, which blocked 17% more blue light than the UVF lens, resulted in higher cellular viability (S-BF: 93.4±1.4% vs UVF: 90.6±1.4%; p = 0.022; MTT: 1.2-fold; p = 0.029). Blue and white light both significantly increased ROS production. The S-BF lens protected cells, resulting in lower levels of ROS and higher expression of catalase and Prdx3. To conclude, blue LED light exposure resulted in significant cytotoxicity to RPE cells. Partial blockage of blue light by an S-BF lens led to protective effects against retinal phototoxicity, which were mediated by reduction of ROS and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes.
Comorbidity profiles of patients experiencing homelessness: A latent class analysis
Authors: Subedi Keshab , Ghimire Shweta
Published: May 2022

Individuals experiencing homelessness are known to have increased rates of healthcare utilization when compared to the average patient population, often attributed to their complex health care needs and under or untreated comorbid conditions. With increasing focus on hospital readmissions among acute care settings, a better understanding of these comorbidity patterns and their impacts on acute care utilization could help improve quality of care. This study aims to identify distinct comorbidity profiles of homeless patients, and to explore the correlates of the identified comorbidity profiles and their impact on hospital readmission. This is a retrospective analysis using electronic health records (EHR) of patients experiencing homelessness encountered in the hospitals of ChristianaCare from 2015 to 2019 (N = 3445). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify the comorbidity profiles of homeless patients. The mean age of the study population was 44-year, and the majority were male (63%). The most prevalent comorbid conditions were tobacco use (77%), followed by depression (58%), drug use disorder (56%), anxiety disorder (50%), hypertension (44%), and alcohol use disorder (43%). The LCA model identified 4 comorbidity classes—“relatively healthy” class with 31% of the patients, “medically-comorbid with SUD” class with 15% of the patients, “substance use disorder (SUD)” class with 39%, and “Medically comorbid” class with 15% of the patients. The Kaplan-Meir curves of probability of readmission against time from the index visits were significantly different for the four classes (p<0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and insurance type showed that the hazard for readmission among patients in medically comorbid with SUD class is 3.16 (CI: 2.72, 3.67) times higher than the patients in the relatively healthy class.
Frequency of placental malaria and its associated factors in northwestern Colombia, pooled analysis 2009–2020
Authors: Cardona-Arias Jaiberth Antonio , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime
Published: May 2022

Knowledge about placental malaria (PM) is insufficient in the world, and incipient in Colombia where studies are few and recent. In this country, PM has been reported by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, and mixed infection. The objective was to determine the frequency of PM and its associated clinical-epidemiological factors in mothers and neonates in northwestern Colombia, 2009–2020. A Retrospective pooled analysis with 602 placentas captured in five investigations. The diagnosis of PM was made with thick blood smear (TBS) and qPCR. The groups with and without PM were compared using the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios in a log-binomial model. The prevalence of PM was 27.7% with 92% (155/167) of submicroscopic cases; 41.3% by P. vivax, 44,3% by P. falciparum, and 14.4% by mixed infections. In the multivariate adjustment, PM was associated with the diagnosis of congenital malaria, low neonatal weight, gestational malaria, maternal anemia, previous malaria during pregnancy, and age between 25–43 years. This research is the investigation with the largest number of subjects for studying PM in Colombia, in the ecoepidemiological zone that produces more cases of malaria per year, finding a high prevalence of submicroscopic PM that caused serious maternal (anemia) and neonatal (congenital malaria and low neonatal weight) effects. The results show limitations in the timely diagnosis and treatment, given that the epidemiological surveillance program in Colombia is based on thick blood smear, which generates a substantial underestimation of the magnitude of PM, with serious effects and clinical risks. It is urgent to demand that the health authorities adopt measures such as prenatal control visits as soon as the pregnancy begins, monthly implementation of TBS, and active search for infected pregnant women in their homes and workplaces.
Determinants of exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients on their dispensed medications: The case in the outpatient pharmacy of Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Welday Kahssay Semere , Mulugeta Peacock
Published: May 2022

Background

Patient’s knowledge about dispensed medications is one of the major factors that determine the rational use of medicines.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients about their dispensed medications and associated factors at the outpatient pharmacy of Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from August to October 2021. Study subjects were selected by random sampling technique and were interviewed using a structured interview questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with exit knowledge. At a 95% confidence interval (CI), p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

Of the total 400 participants, 116 (29.0%) participants had sufficient exit-knowledge about their dispensed medication. Patients with higher educational level had increased exit knowledge of dispensed medications than those with no formal education (AOR: 5.590; 95% CI 1.019–30.666). Also, the nature of illness as being chronic significantly enlarged the odds (AOR 5.807; 95% CI 2.965–11.372) of having sufficient exit-knowledge. Participants who reported, “I do not know” and “I did not get enough information from the pharmacist” had lower odds (AOR 0.374; 95% CI: 0.142–0.982) and (AOR 0.166; 95% CI 0.062–0.445) of sufficient exit-knowledge in comparison to those who responded “I got enough information from the pharmacist” respectively. Furthermore, the odd of sufficient exit-knowledge was 7.62 times higher in those who claimed prescribing doctor as the source of information.

Conclusion

The majority of patients had insufficient exit-knowledge about their dispensed medications. Educational status, nature of the disease, perceived sufficiency of pharmacist knowledge, and source of information were significantly associated with exit knowledge.
Feministische Strategien zur Übersetzung des generischen Maskulinums vom Deutschen ins Spanische
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla, Topf Monge Guiomar
Published: May 2022

Die Verwendung des generischen Maskulinums ist sowohl im Deutschen (Bußmann & Hellinger 2003) als auch im Spanischen (Nissen 2002) ein umstrittener Punkt der feministischen Sprachkritik. In der Übersetzungswissenschaft äußert sich die Kritik am generischen Maskulinum in Form von Strategien, die unter dem Begriff der Feminisierung subsummiert werden können (Bengoechea 2015). In diesem Beitrag gehe ich der Frage nach, inwieweit die feministischen Strategien bei der Übersetzung des generischen Maskulinums Anwendung finden und ob weitere Feminisierungen möglich wären. Dazu untersuche ich die Übersetzungen von zwei literarischen Texten einer schweizerdeutschen Autorin, Annemarie Schwarzenbach (Muerte en Persia, El valle feliz), und analysiere das Vorkommen von zwei Typen generischen Maskulinums: Berufsbezeichnungen und soziale Rollen einerseits, und partitive Konstruktionen andererseits. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass in den Zieltexten sowohl die männliche als auch die weibliche Übersetzung des generischen Maskulinums vorkommt. Diskutiert wird die Möglichkeit, das Femininum immer dann generisch zu verwenden, wenn die verallgemeinernde Aussage von einer weiblichen Personenreferenz im Singular ausgeht. Das ist sogar beim partitiven Typus möglich, obwohl im Spanischen beide Elemente kongruieren und der weibliche Plural somit auf eine gemischte Personengruppe referiert.
El análisis del discurso medioambiental en Alemania
Authors:   Universidad de Cádiz, Gallego Gallardo Isabel
Published: May 2022

Las condiciones ambientales preocupan a la humanidad, sobre todo en un momento en que los avances tecnológicos y el extendido proceso de globalización determinan el espíritu de la época. La necesidad de tratar el cambio medioambiental correspondió, en primer lugar, a las ciencias naturales, pero cada vez más se ven implicadas las humanidades, entre ellas la ecolingüística, una nueva rama de la lingüística aplicada que analiza el papel del lenguaje en el desarrollo y posible solución de los problemas ecológicos y ambientales. Dado que la lengua, ya sea verbal y/o escrita, es una herramienta de comunicación para plasmar el mundo y percibir la realidad, es importante destacar el papel de la traducción, cuando, en este proceso, trasladamos ideas, percepciones del mundo y conceptos de una cultura a otra diferente. En este artículo nos proponemos mostrar los resultados del análisis del discurso medioambiental en Alemania, basado en los textos publicados en la revista Der Spiegel durante el año 2016, y cómo este método contribuye a introducir al traductor de alemán en el proceso translativo de temas medioambientales
El terrorismo internacional y otras formas de terrorismo: un estudio terminológico (alemán-español)
Authors:   Universidad de Córdoba, Montes Sánchez Alba
Published: May 2022

El terrorismo se contempla como un factor complejo que se ha abordado desde múltiples disciplinas: antropología, sociología, biología, filosofía, medicina, neurobiología o ciencias políticas, entre otras. No obstante, en la actualidad aún no se ha pactado un consenso internacional para delimitar los tipos de terrorismo existentes, pues la delgada línea que diferencia al terrorismo de otras formas de violencia hace verdaderamente complejo definir a qué tipo de terrorismos nos enfrentamos en la actualidad: narcoterrorismo, bioterrorismo, ecoterrorismo, terrorismo ambiental, terrorismo animalista... De hecho, los estudios desde la propia lingüística son escasos en este campo, lo que ha suscitado un gran interés en las investigaciones que hemos desarrollado recientemente. Por ello, la presente comunicación realiza, en primer lugar, una breve exposición teórica sobre el concepto de «terrorismo» y las tipologías existentes en la actualidad, con el objeto de analizar los términos desde un enfoque traductológico. En este sentido, se pretenden estudiar y responder a las cuestiones lingüísticas que se originan en español y en su equivalente en alemán en aras de evidenciar el volumen de términos que hacen referencia a los nutridos tipos de terrorismo, y así responder al caos terminológico y conceptual en ambas lenguas de trabajo.
Consideraciones en torno a la posición global del par lingüístico alemán-español en traducción
Authors:   Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Vázquez Solana Almudena
Published: May 2022

Posición de las lenguas alemana y española dentro del ámbito global y europeo atendiendo a diversos criterios: número de hablantes, países donde se habla, presencia en instituciones europeas y organismos internacionales, volumen de publicaciones y su estudio como lengua extranjera. Análisis del mercado de la traducción global: la industria mundial por regiones según el volumen de traducción, las combinaciones lingüísticas y las áreas de especialidad más demandadas, así como el estado del par lingüístico en España.
Indicios sobre habilidades de pensamiento del estudiante cuando traduce referentes culturales: un modelo experimental cualitativo de análisis basado en el comentario de traducción
Authors:   Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, García Álvarez Ana María
Published: May 2022

Basándonos en investigaciones previas sobre la manera en que los estudiantes comentan sus traducciones (cfr. García Álvarez, 2007; 2008), el presente estudio esboza algunas habilidades de pensamiento explícitas o implícitas que se infieren en el estudio de los argumentos elaborados por los estudiantes al fundamentar ciertas estrategias traslativas mediante la realización de un comentario de traducción. En concreto, se analizarán algunos referentes culturales que aparecen en un texto alemán sobre gastronomía vienesa abordados por un estudiante en su comentario. Veremos cómo el estudiante fundamenta sus decisiones traslativas en el marco de un modelo metodológico de análisis que engloba ciertas categorías, destrezas y tipos de pensamiento en interacción con parámetros cognitivos como la percepción, imágenes, proposiciones y relaciones conceptuales en interacción con la activación de su memoria. Por tanto, el análisis se basará en la recogida de datos de información de pensamientos proporcionada por los informes verbales realizados por escrito por un estudiante mediante un comentario de traducción en el que se fundamentan las estrategias de traducción empleadas.
Die erfolgreiche Geschichte vom «Mann ohne Schatten» in Spanien anhand der Übersetzungen
Authors:   Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Cáceres Würsig Ingrid
Published: May 2022

In dem bekannten Kunstmärchen der deutschen Romantik Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte (1814) verwendet Adelbert von Chamisso das Motiv «Mann ohne Schatten», im Grunde eine Variante des Doppelgängers, um innerliche existentielle Spannungen des Individuums dichterisch darzustellen. Die Erzählung wurde von der deutschen Leserschaft lebhaft begrüßt und wenig später war auch das französische und englische Publikum von der Geschichte begeistert. Dagegen wurden die Übersetzungen dieses Werks in Spanien viel später vertrieben, nämlich erst Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts, sind aber seitdem auch erfolgreich und kontinuierlich vermittelt worden. Hier wird ein historiographischer Überblick über die Übersetzungen des Peter Schlemihl in Spanien in den letzten 120 Jahren dargebracht, um nachzuweisen, dass die klassische Erzählung immer noch aktuell ist.
Változik-e a földrajztanítás módszertani kultúrája?
Authors: Seres Zoltán , Makádi Mariann
Published: May 2022

A tanulmány célja bemutatni a magyarországi földrajztanári szemlélettel, attitűddel és módszertani kultúrával kapcsolatos legutóbbi vizsgálat óta eltelt időszak változásait. Általános iskolás és gimnazista tanulók körében online kérdőíves vizsgálatot végeztünk, amely során nyílt- és zártvégű kérdésekkel vizsgáltuk a tanulók tantárgyakkal kapcsolatos attitűdjét, különös tekintettel a földrajz tantárgyra. A kiértékelt válaszok alapján jól látszanak és újra megerősítést kapnak a földrajztanítással-tanulással kapcsolatos problémák, amelyekre a korábbi években több szerző is felhívta a figyelmet. Kutatási eredményeink megerősítik azt a tényt, hogy a földrajztanítás gyakorlata – a tantervi törekvések ellenére – évtizedek óta nem képes elszakadni a tananyagtartalmat fetisizáló, tanár- és számonkérés-központú attitűdtől, alig tapasztalható elmozdulás az aktív tanulás irányába (vö. Chrappán, 2017). A földrajz tantárgy presztízse az oktatási rendszerben és a társadalomban együtt süllyed a természettudományos oktatáséval annak ellenére, hogy a tantárgynak két másik pillére (társadalomföldrajz és földrajzi szintézis) is van, valamint, hogy az utóbbi években számos módszertani ajánlás, offline és online segédanyag, programcsomag jelent meg a pedagógusok munkájának segítése érdekében.
Avaliação espacial da produção de sedimentos e estratégias para redução dos processos erosivos em bacia hidrográfica no nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Paz Yenê Medeiros , Silva Jadson Freire da , Holanda Romildo Morant de , Galvíncio Josiclêda Domiciano
Published: May 2022

Diante da importância em realizar estudos de impactos socioambientais e observando as escassas pesquisas que retratam a sedimentologia no Nordeste brasileiro, objetivou-se estimar a produção de sedimentos na bacia hidrográfica do rio Goiana, em Pernambuco, discutindo estratégias para minimização de processos erosivos. Utilizou-se, para estimativa de produção mensal, o modelo SWAT - Soil and Water Assessment Tool, com seu procedimento de otimização de parâmetros SWAT CUP - Calibration and Uncertainty Procedures, e o modelo LOADEST, que permitiram analisar a produção espacial de sedimentos no nível mensal e estabelecer diretrizes para redução de processos erosivos. As informações de calibração e validação abrangeram o período de 1999 a 2011, levando em conta bases de dados climáticos, altimétricos e de uso e ocupação do solo. A produção de sedimentos na bacia hidrográfica variou de 0,06 a 8,68 t.ha-1.ano-1, estando as áreas com valores mais elevados situadas na região leste, próximas à costa e ao exutório da bacia. Nessas áreas da bacia também ocorre a maior média de precipitação anual, o que aponta para a precipitação e para o escoamento superficial como fatores de maior influência na erosão do solo e produção de sedimentos. O ano de 2005 apresentou a maior produção anual de sedimentos, totalizando 614.390,30 t para toda a bacia hidrográfica. Nesse mesmo ano, o modelo produziu as maiores médias de vazão mensal, evidenciando que a estimativa do modelo para geração de sedimento é influenciada fortemente pela vazão. As estimativas apontadas podem contribuir para melhoria nas práticas conservacionistas da região e mitigação de impactos ambientais. A preservação de áreas florestais, a sensibilização ambiental, o pagamento por serviços ambientais (PSA) e os sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) podem ser alternativas para a gestão dos recursos naturais.