bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-layer multitasking vortex-metalens for ultra-compact two-photon excitation STED endomicroscopy imaging
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Shujing , Sun Dongqing , Luo Mingyan , Qi Xiaoling , Zhao Shihu , Ma Zengguang
Published: January 2021

With the novel capabilities of engineering the optical wavefront at the nanoscale, the dielectric metalens has been utilized for fluorescence microscopy imaging system. However, the main technical difficulty is how to realize the achromatic focusing and light modulation simultaneously by a single-layer metalens in the two-photon excitation STED (TPE-STED) endomicroscopy imaging system. Herein, by combining the spatial multiplexing technology and vortex phase modulation, a single-layer multitasking vortex-metalens as a miniature microscopy objective on the end of fiber was proposed. The multitasking vortex-metalens with 36-sectors interleaving (diameter of 100 μm) could focus the excitation beam (1050 nm) and depletion beam (599 nm) to the same focal distance, modulate a doughnut-shaped depletion spot with vortex phase and reshape the focal spots to further make improvement in the quality and symmetry. According to the TPE-STED theory, a symmetrical effective fluorescent spot with the lateral resolution of 30 nm was obtained by the proposed metalens. Thus, with the advantage of ultra-compact and lightweight, we prospect that the subminiature multitasking metalens will help guide future developments in high-performance metalenses toward high-resolution and real-time images for deep biological tissue in vivo and enable scientific high-end miniature endomicroscopy imaging system.
High sensitivity pressure measurement using optical fibre sensors mounted on a composite diaphragm
Authors: Aime Laura F. J. , Kissinger Thomas , James Stephen W. , Chehura Edmon , Verzeletti Alberto , Tatam Ralph P.
Published: January 2021

A pressure sensor specified for aerodynamic applications and based on optical fibre strain sensors mounted on a circular glass fibre reinforced polymer membrane is presented. The use of two fibre optic strain sensing technologies is explored, the novel intrinsic fibre segment interferometry (FSI) approach and fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs), with the use of FSI shown to offer a pressure resolution that is 15 times larger than that achieved using an FBG. A number of design and fabrication issues are considered, including the position of the fibres relative to the neutral axis of the membrane and the influence of the membrane support structure on the thermal and pressure sensitivities of the sensor, with particular regards to pressure and temperature discrimination.
Sub-cycle valleytronics: control of valley polarization using few-cycle linearly polarized pulses
Authors: Jiménez-Galán Álvaro , Silva Rui E. F. , Smirnova Olga , Ivanov Misha
Published: January 2021

So far, it has been assumed that selective excitation of a desired valley in the Brillouin zone of a hexagonal two-dimensional material has to rely on using circularly polarized fields. We theoretically demonstrate a way to control the valley excitation in hexagonal 2D materials on a few-femtosecond timescale using a few-cycle, linearly polarized pulse with controlled carrier–envelope phase. The valley polarization is mapped onto the strength of the perpendicular harmonic signal of a weak, linearly polarized pulse, which allows to read this information all-optically without destroying the valley state and without relying on the Berry curvature, making our approach potentially applicable to inversion-symmetric materials. We show applicability of this method to hexagonal boron nitride and

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All-fiber 1.55 µm erbium-doped distributed-feedback laser with single-polarization, single-frequency output by femtosecond laser line-by-line direct-writing
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Shi Jindan , Yu Yanjiang , Feng Xian
Published: January 2021

We report an all-fiber single-polarization, single-frequency distributed-feedback (DFB) laser by a novel femtosecond laser line-by-line (LbL) direct-writing method. The phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating with a length of 26 mm is written in a single-mode non-polarization-maintaining (PM) Er-doped silica fiber. Single-polarization, single-frequency 1.55 µm laser oscillation is observed in the all-fiber DFB cavity configuration, with a pump threshold of 16 mW. The maximum laser output power from one port of the laser approaches 3.9 mW, and the slope efficiency of the DFB laser is 0.7% under the pump power of 640 mW. The FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) linewidth of the DFB fiber laser output is measured to be <1 kHz. High polarization extinction ratio of >30 dB has been observed by measuring the powers in the two orthogonal polarization directions of the DFB laser output. Single polarization mode laser oscillation has been verified. It is promising to use the femtosecond LbL writing method to achieve high-performance all-fiber single-polarization, single-frequency DFB fiber laser sources without relying on PM fiber elements.
Observation of a manifold in the chaotic phase space of an asymmetric optical microcavity
Authors: Qian Yan-Jun , Cao Qi-Tao , Wan Shuai , Gu Yu-Zhong , Chen Li-Kun , Dong Chun-Hua , Song Qinghai , Gong Qihuang , Xiao Yun-Feng
Published: January 2021

Chaotic dynamics in optical microcavities, governed dominantly by manifolds, is of great importance for both fundamental studies and photonic applications. Here, we report the experimental observation of a stable manifold characterized by energy and momentum evolution in the nearly chaotic phase space of an asymmetric optical microcavity. By controlling the radius of a fiber coupler and the coupling azimuth of the cavity, corresponding to the momentum and position of the input light, the injected light can in principle excite the system from a desired position in phase space. It is found that once the input light approaches the stable manifold, the angular momentum of the light experiences a rapid increase, and the energy is confined in the cavity for a long time. Consequently, the distribution of the stable manifold is visualized by the output power and the coupling depth to high-

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modes extracted from the transmission spectra, which is consistent with theoretical predictions by the ray model. This work opens a new path to understand the chaotic dynamics and reconstruct the complex structure in phase space, providing a new paradigm of manipulating photons in wave chaos.
Population dynamics of sugarcane borers, Diatraea spp., under different climatic scenarios in Colombia
Authors: Valencia Arbeláez Julián Andrés , Soto Giraldo Alberto , Villa Gabriel Jaime Castaño , Espinosa Luis Fernando Vallejo , Salazar Gutierrez Melba Ruth , Vargas Germán
Published: January 2021

Seasonal temperature and precipitation patterns on a global scale are main factors to which insects and plants adapt through natural selection, although periodic outbreaks in insect populations may occur in areas where they had not been previously reported, a phenomenon considered as a consequence of global warming. In this study, we estimate the distribution of sugarcane borers, Diatraea spp., under different climate scenarios (rcp26, rcp45, rcp60 and rcp85.) Insects were collected weekly in four sugarcane fields from four different towns in the department of Caldas (Colombia) during 2017, and also in several sugarcane fields in the Cauca River Valley (CRV) between 2010 and 2017. The influence of climatic variables on different agro-ecological zones of the CRV sugarcane fields was defined by climatic data between 2010 and 2017 (maximum and minimum daily temperatures, and accumulated precipitation). The estimate of an optimal niche for Diatraea spp. includes temperatures between 20°C and 23°C, accumulated annual rainfall between 1200 and 1500 mm, dry months with precipitations below 50 mm, slopes of less than 0.05 degrees, crop heterogeneity with an index of 0.2 and primary production values of 1.0. Data suggests Diatraea population is considerably influenced by adverse climate change effects, under the premise of an increase in local and global temperatures, reducing its population niches as well as the number of individuals.
Medical resources and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mortality rate: Evidence and implications from Hubei province in China
Authors: Xie Lin , Yang Hualei , Zheng Xiaodong , Wu Yuanyang , Lin Xueyu , Shen Zheng
Published: January 2021

In light of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aims to examine the relationship between the availability of public health resources and the mortality rate of this disease. We conducted empirical analyses using linear regression, a time-varying effect model, and a regression discontinuity design to investigate the association of medical resources with the mortality rate of the COVID-19 patients in Hubei, China. The results showed that the numbers of hospital beds, healthcare system beds, and medical staff per confirmed cases all had significant negative effects on the coronavirus disease mortality rate. Furthermore, in the context of the severe pandemic currently being experienced worldwide, the present study summarized the experience and implications in pandemic prevention and control in Hubei province from the perspective of medical resource integration as follows: First, hospitals’ internal medical resources were integrated, breaking interdepartmental barriers. Second, joint pandemic control was realized by integrating regional healthcare system resources. Finally, an external medical resource allocation system was developed.
Association between self-reported caffeine intake during pregnancy and social responsiveness scores in childhood: The EARLI and HOME studies
Authors: Patti Marisa A. , Li Nan , Eliot Melissa , Newschaffer Craig , Yolton Kimberly , Khoury Jane , Chen Aimin , Lanphear Bruce P. , Lyall Kristen , Hertz-Picciotto Irva , Fallin Margaret Daniele , Croen Lisa A. , Braun Joseph M.
Published: January 2021

Maternal nutrition during gestation has been investigated for its role in child neurodevelopment. However, little is known about the potential impact of gestational caffeine exposure on child autistic behaviors. Here, we assess the relation between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and children’s behavioral traits related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We harmonized data from two pregnancy cohorts, Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) (n = 120), an enriched-risk cohort of mothers who previously had a child with ASD, from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Northern California (2009–2012), and the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study (n = 269), a general population cohort from Cincinnati, Ohio (2003–2006). Mothers self-reported caffeine intake twice during pregnancy. Caregivers reported child behavioral traits related to ASD using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) when children were aged 3–8 years. Higher scores indicate more ASD-related behaviors. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in continuous SRS T-scores per interquartile range increase in caffeine intake. Self-reported caffeine intake during pregnancy was positively associated with SRS T-scores among children in EARLI (β: 2.0; 95% CI -0.1, 4.0), but to a lesser extent in HOME (β: 0.6; 95% CI -0.5, 1.6). In HOME, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) modified the association between caffeine intake and SRS T-scores, where more positive associations were observed among women with higher BMIs. Our findings suggest gestational caffeine intake may represent a marker of vulnerability to childhood ASD-related behaviors. Additional studies are warranted to extend these findings.
Prevalence and factors associated with multimorbidity among primary care patients with decreased renal function
Authors: Hirst Jennifer A. , Ordóñez Mena José M. , O’Callaghan Chris A. , Ogburn Emma , Taylor Clare J. , Yang Yaling , Hobbs F. D. Richard
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of multimorbidity in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1–5 and transiently impaired renal function and identify factors associated with multimorbidity.

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study in UK primary care.

Participants

861 participants aged 60 and older with decreased renal function of whom, 584 (65.8%) had CKD and 277 (32.2%) did not have CKD.

Interventions

Participants underwent medical history and clinical assessment, and blood and urine sampling.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Multimorbidity was defined as presence of ≥2 chronic conditions including CKD. Prevalence of each condition, co-existing conditions and multimorbidity were described and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of multimorbidity.

Results

The mean (±SD) age of participants was 74±7 years, 54% were women and 98% were white. After CKD, the next most prevalent condition was hypertension (n = 511, 59.3%), followed by obesity (n = 265, 30.8%) ischemic heart disease (n = 145, 16.8%) and diabetes (n = 133, 15.4%). Having two co-existing conditions was most common (27%), the most common combination of which was hypertension and obesity (29%). One or three conditions was the next most prevalent combination (20% and 21% respectively). The prevalence of multimorbidity was 73.9% (95%CI 70.9–76.8) in all participants and 86.6% (95%CI 83.9–89.3) in those with any-stage CKD. Logistic regression found a significant association between increasing age (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.04–0.10), increasing BMI (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.10–1.20) and decreasing eGFR (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.98–1.00) with multimorbidity.

Conclusions

This analysis is the first to provide an accurate estimate of the prevalence of multimorbidity in a screened older primary care population living with or at risk of CKD across all stages. Hypertension and obesity were the most common combination of conditions other than CKD that people were living with, suggesting that there may be multiple reasons for closely monitoring health status in individuals with CKD.
Parametric evaluation of impedance curve in radiofrequency ablation: A quantitative description of the asymmetry and dynamic variation of impedance in bovine ex vivo model
Authors: da Fonseca Ronei Delfino , Santos Paulo Roberto , Monteiro Melissa Silva , Fernandes Luciana Alves , Campos Andreia Henrique , Borges Díbio L. , Rosa Suélia De Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury
Published: January 2021

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment for liver tumors with advantages over the traditional treatment of surgical resection. This procedure has the shortest recovery time in early stage tumors. The objective of this study is to parameterize the impedance curve of the RFA procedure in an ex vivo model by defining seven parameters (t1/2, tminimum, tend, Zinitial, Z1/2, Zminimum and Zend). Based on these parameters, three performance indices are defined: one to identify the magnitude of impedance curve asymmetry (δ), one Drop ratio (DR) describing the percentage of impedance decrease until the minimum impedance point is reached, and Ascent Ratio (AR) describing the magnitude of increase in impedance from the minimum impedance point to its maximum point. Fifty ablations were performed in a bovine ex vivo model to measure and evaluate the proposed parameters and performance index. The results show that the groups had an average δ of 29.02%, DR of 22.41%, and AR of 545.33% for RFA without the use of saline or deionized solutions. The saline solution and deionized water-cooled groups indicated the correlation of performance indices δ, DR, and AR with the obtained final ablation volume. Therefore, by controlling these parameters and indices, lower recurrence is achieved.
Estimations and projections of Avena fatua dynamics under multiple management scenarios in crop fields using simplified longitudinal monitoring
Authors: Matsuhashi Saeko , Asai Motoaki , Fukasawa Keita
Published: January 2021

Integrated weed management (IWM) is currently the most appropriate and effective method of agricultural weed control. To determine the most effective strategy, it is necessary to compare the effects of different control options and their rotation. Avena fatua (common wild oat) is one of the most common and economically threatening grass weed species of cereal crops worldwide. To examine the effects of non-chemical weed management options (farmland use, delayed sowing, and summer irrigation) on control of A. fatua, we recorded coverage levels and field conditions in 41 sites during the spring growing season of winter wheat for about 10 years. A transition matrix model was then constructed to project coverage levels of A. fatua under each management option using ordinal logistic regression. The results showed that farmland use had a remarkable effect on coverage; notably, planting of paddy rice and vegetables, which respectively eliminated the effect of coverage in the previous year and facilitated rapid convergence of coverage to 0%. Thus, although 90% of fields under continuous wheat cultivation were found to be at risk of A. fatua colonization, the risk was reduced to almost 0% with rotation of effective farmland use. As summer irrigation was also effective, more than 50% of wheat fields with the option continuously converged to no risk for A. fatua colonization. When the different management cycles were repeated, the effects were observed within 3 years, with a steady state reached in less than 10 years. Overall, these results suggest that simplified monitoring data could help decision-making on IWM, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
Effect of honey and insulin treatment on oxidative stress and nerve conduction in an experimental model of diabetic neuropathy Wistar rats
Authors: Sirisha Allampalli , Gaur Girwar Singh , Pal Pravati , Bobby Zachariah , Balakumar Bharathi , Pal Gopal Krushna
Published: January 2021

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication affecting more than 50% of patients with longstanding diabetes. Till date, there are no reports to explain the scientific basis of alternative medicine as an adjunct therapy for treating diabetic neuropathy. Hence, we studied the effect of honey and insulin treatment on hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidant and anti-oxidant status and nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy Wistar rats. In this experimental study, forty healthy male Wistar albino rats of 10–12 weeks age, weighing between 150 to 200g were obtained from our institute central animal house. After acclimatization, the rats were divided into control (n = 8) and experimental (n = 32) groups randomly. In the experimental group, type 2 diabetic neuropathy was induced with high fat and high sugar diet for 8 weeks followed by streptozotocin at a dose of 35 mg/kg body weight. Three days after streptozotocin injection, blood glucose levels of rats were measured from fasting samples to confirm diabetes. After the development of diabetes, rats were given standard rodent chow and allowed four more weeks to remain diabetic and to develop neuropathy. Every second week, nerve conduction study was done to confirm neuropathy. All the diabetic rats of experimental group developed neuropathy after 4 weeks of developing diabetes, which was confirmed by significant reduction in conduction velocity of sensory and motor nerve when compared to non-diabetic control group. After the development of neuropathy, these rats were randomly divided into diabetic neuropathy with no treatment group (n = 8) and three treatment groups (n = 8, each). The rats of treatment group were administered with either honey or insulin or honey+insulin for six weeks. After six-weeks of intervention, there was significant decrease in blood glucose and lipids in honey, insulin and honey+insulin treated neuropathy rats, when compared with no treatment group. Malondialdehyde was reduced and total anti-oxidant status improved in all the three treatment groups. There was no significant increase in conduction velocity of sciatic tibial motor nerve in treatment groups when compared with no treatment group. However, the sensory nerve conduction velocity improved significantly in honey+insulin treated neuropathy rats. In conclusion, six-week honey treatment helped in reducing dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Honey given along with insulin for six-weeks improved sensory nerve conduction velocity in experimental diabetic neuropathy Wistar rats.
Survey-derived best management practices for backyard beekeepers improve colony health and reduce mortality
Authors: Kulhanek Kelly , Steinhauer Nathalie , Wilkes James , Wilson Michaela , Spivak Marla , Sagili Ramesh R. , Tarpy David R. , McDermott Erin , Garavito Andrew , Rennich Karen , vanEngelsdorp Dennis
Published: January 2021

Honey bee colony losses in the US have exceeded acceptable levels for at least a decade, leaving beekeepers in need of management practices to improve colony health and survival. Here, an empirical Best Management Practice (BMP) regimen was tested, comprised of the top four management practices associated with reduced colony mortality in backyard beekeeping operations according to Bee Informed Partnership Loss and Management survey results. Seven study locations were established across the US, and each location consisted of ten colonies treated according to empirical BMPs and ten according to average beekeeping practice. After 3 years, colonies treated according to empirical BMPs experienced reduced Varroa infestation, viral infection, and mortality compared to colonies managed with Average practices. In addition, BMP colonies produced more new colonies via splits. The colonies under Average practices were given chemical Varroa treatments only once per year, and thus spent more months above economic threshold of 3.0 mites/100 bees. Increased time spent above the economic threshold was significantly correlated to both increased viral infection and colony mortality. This study demonstrates the cumulative effects of management and colony health stressors over months and years, especially the dire importance of regular Varroa monitoring and management.
Function of sesquiterpenes from Schizophyllum commune in interspecific interactions
Authors: Wirth Sophia , Krause Katrin , Kunert Maritta , Broska Selina , Paetz Christian , Boland Wilhelm , Kothe Erika
Published: January 2021

Wood is a habitat for a variety of organisms, including saprophytic fungi and bacteria, playing an important role in wood decomposition. Wood inhabiting fungi release a diversity of volatiles used as signaling compounds to attract or repel other organisms. Here, we show that volatiles ofSchizophyllum communeare active against wood-decay fungi and bacteria found in its mycosphere. We identified sesquiterpenes as the biologically active compounds, that inhibit fungal growth and modify bacterial motility. The low number of cultivable wood inhabiting bacteria prompted us to analyze the microbial community in the mycosphere ofS.communeusing a culture-independent approach. Most bacteria belong toActinobacteriaandProteobacteria, includingPseudomonadaceae,Sphingomonadaceae,Erwiniaceae,YersiniaceaeandMariprofundaceaas the dominating families. In the fungal community, the phyla of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes were well represented. We propose that fungal volatiles might have an important function in the wood mycosphere and could meditate interactions between microorganisms across domains and within the fungal kingdom.
Corps Ému / Corpo Abalado
Authors: Umbelino Luís António
Published: January 2021

Este volume pretende demonstrar de modo renovado a “inatualidade” de Maine de Biran, entendendo-se por tal o seguinte: em Biran há algo que se torna conhecido pela primeira vez, algo que não foi percebido no seu tempo, mas continua mas continua a chamar a pensar; talvez a aparente inatualidade de Biran seja, pois, na contraluz do modo como veio a nutrir subterraneamente a contemporaneidade filosófica, o modo de um pensamento original ensaiar recorrentemente o seu regresso em tempos mais propícios ao reconhecimento do seu alcance e do seu vigor.
Estatalidad y calidad de la democracia en Paraguay
Authors: Abente Brun Diego
Published: January 2021

Partiendo de los índices existentes que sitúan al Paraguay entre las democracias de más baja calidad en América Latina, se explora el impacto de la estatalidad en esa baja calidad de la democracia. Se sostiene que, además de la modernización truncada que resultó en una sociedad invertebrada proclive a la proliferación de un clientelismo generalizado y la arquitectura constitucional e institucional que la refuerza y perpetúa, la debilidad del Estado impone limitaciones adicionales muy severas al desarrollo de una democracia de calidad. Estas limitaciones se manifiestan en dos dimensiones: la debilidad del Estado como aparato y su estrecha base social en términos de «Estado-para-la Nación o pueblo».
Organización, territorio y sistema partidario: difusión territorial de la organización de los partidos y sus potenciales impactos sobre la estructura del sistema partidario en Brasil
Authors: Sousa Braga María do Socorro , Rodrigues-Silveira Rodrigo , Borges Tiago
Published: January 2021

¿Cuál es el patrón territorial de la organización de los partidos brasileños? ¿Qué relación presenta con la estructura del sistema partidario? Para responder a dichas cuestiones, este artículo posee tres objetivos. Primero, investigar el patrón sistemático de organización y afiliación partidaria. Segundo, llevar a cabo un análisis exploratorio de la distribución territorial de la organización de los partidos brasileños. Tercero, producir hipótesis sobre relaciones causales entre organización partidaria, estructura del sistema y desempeño electoral. Teóricamente, este trabajo se basará en los estudios de Panebianco (2005 [1988]), así como empleará de modo extensivo análisis más recientes como los de Katz y Mair (1995) y Gunther y Diamond (2001). La metodología empleada será, predominantemente, el análisis exploratorio espacial de datos. Los resultados revelan que ha habido un movimiento constante de expansión de las bases de afiliación de los partidos y se manifiesta una diferencia estructural en la organización de los grandes partidos nacionales y los pequeños partidos, de carácter regional y con pequeña capacidad de atracción del electorado a sus filas.
Iglesia católica y estado en la República de Cuba: pasado y presente de sus relaciones
Authors: Contreras García Delia
Published: January 2021

Tras siglos de arraigo en este país caribeño, el catolicismo cubano ha estado siempre condicionado por unas relaciones complejas con el poder político. La ruptura entre la Iglesia y el Estado, acaecida poco después del triunfo revolucionario, pondría rápidamente de manifiesto la capacidad de supervivencia de esta institución en circunstancias desfavorables. Cuando han transcurrido más de cincuenta años de experiencia revolucionaria, la Iglesia Católica se ha convertido en el único interlocutor interno del régimen. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el proceso mediante el cual la Iglesia cubana ha gestionado sus relaciones con el castrismo, conjugando su misión pastoral con una función social que se ha ido incrementando a medida que emergían nuevos factores, tanto en el ámbito nacional como en el de las Relaciones Internacionales.
Genetic and parasitological identification of Trypanosoma evansi infecting cattle in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Agus , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Priyowidodo Dwi , Budiati Rina Tri , Susanti Desy Sylvia Ratna
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim: Sulawesi is an Indonesian island located within the Wallacea region that contains a distinctive mix of Asian and Australasian species. This distinctiveness extends to parasites, including Trypanosoma evansi, the cause of surra. Surra has non-specific clinical signs such as anemia, anorexia, weight loss, drop in milk production, and reproductive disorders which cause economic losses. Due to the trade of livestock, surra has spread in Indonesia from one island to another. The aim of this study was to investigate the trypanosomes infecting cattle in South Sulawesi, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 whole blood samples were collected from cattle in Makassar, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. All samples were tested using conventional parasitological methods (CPT), namely, thin blood smear, buffy coat smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Positive PCR results were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed.

Results: Only one of the 100 samples was found to be positive with microscopic observation; however, PCR analysis revealed that 3% (3/100) of samples were positive. Sequencing identified the positive samples as T. evansi, China isolate (KU552344), with a homology of 99%. Two out of three sequences showed variations in ITS2 region.

Conclusion: Based on CPT and molecular analysis, T. evansi isolates from infected cattle in South Sulawesi demonstrate genetic diversity of ITS2 sequences.
Sorption of Chromium(VI), Cadmium(II) Ions and Methylene Blue Dye by Pristine, Defatted and Carbonized Nigella sativa L. Seeds from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Thabede Patience Mapule , Shooto Ntaote David , Naidoo Eliazer Bobby
Published: January 2021

Present study reports on the sorption study of chromium(VI), cadmium(II) ions and methylene blue dye by pristine, defatted and carbonized Nigella sativa L. seeds from aqueous solution. The removal of oil from pristine Nigella sativa L. (PNS) seeds was carried out by defatting the Nigella sativa with acetone and N,N-dimethylformamide and then labelled ANS and DNS, respectively. Thereafter the defatted ANS and DNS adsorbents were carbonized at 600 ºC for 2 h under nitrogen and labelled as CANS and CDNS. The results of pristine, defatted and carbonized seeds were compared. The removal of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions was investigated by varying adsorbate concentration, solution pH, reaction contact time and temperature of the solution. The SEM images indicated that the surface morphology of PNS was irregular, whilst ANS and DNS had pores and cavities. CANS and CDNS was heterogeneous and had pores and cavities. FTIR spectroscopy showed that the adsorbents surfaces had bands that indicated a lot of oxygen containing groups. The pH of the solution had an influence on the removal uptake of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue. The sorption of Cr(VI) decreased when pH of the solution was increased due to different speciation of Cr(VI) ions whilst the removal of Cd(II) and methylene blue increased when solution pH was increased. Pseudo first order kinetic model well described the adsorption of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue onto PNS. On the other hand, the kinetic data for ANS, CANS, DNS and CDNS was well described by pseudo second order. Furthermore, the removal mechanism onto PNS and ANS was better described by Freundlich multilayer model. The CANS, DNS and CDNS fitted Langmuir monolayer model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the sorption processes of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue was endothermic and effective at high temperatures for all adsorbents. The ΔSº and ΔHº had positive values this confirmed that the sorption of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue onto all adsorbents was random and endothermic, respectively. The values of ΔGº confirmed that the sorption of Cr(VI), Cd(II) and methylene blue on all adsorbents was spontaneous and predominated by physical adsorption process. The CANS had highest adsorption capacity of 99.82 mg/g for methylene blue, 96.89 mg/g for Cd(II) and 87.44 mg/g for Cr(VI) followed by CDNS with 93.90, 73.91 and 65.38 mg/g for methylene blue, Cd(II) and Cr(VI), respectively. The ANS capacities were 58.44, 45.28 and 48.96 mg/g whilst DNS capacities were 48.19, 32.69 and 34.65 mg/g for methylene blue, Cd(II) and Cr(VI), respectively. PNS had the lowest sorption capacities at 43.88, 36.01 and 19.84 mg/g for methylene blue, Cd(II) and Cr(VI), respectively.
RELAÇÕES DE GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE NA ESCOLA: UMA ANÁLISE DISCURSIVA EM NARRATIVAS DE PROFESSORAS
Authors: Fernandes Aleksandra Nogueira de Oliveira , Freitas Eliemary Aparecida Cordeiro de , Estevão Ady Canário de Souza , Fernandes Stenio de Brito
Published: January 2021

Este artigo objetiva analisar no discurso de professoras sobre as relações de gênero e sexualidade a partir de gestos de leitura discursiva, no âmbito da formação docente nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental de escolas da rede pública municipal e estadual de uma cidade do Brasil. Considerando que gênero e sexualidade operam relações de poder e modos de produção de identidades sociais, este artigo fundamenta-se na Análise do Discurso (AD) francesa, a partir da orientação teórica e metodológica de estudos sobre discurso, gênero, sexualidade e educação. Os resultados apontam que as disciplinas contribuem para as discussões de gênero e sexualidade, porém há lacunas no processo formativo. Conclui-se que as questões de gênero e sexualidade tornam-se desafiantes, no sentido de um currículo que perpassa relações de poder em práticas discursivas educacionais para o exercício da diferença na formação continuada do sujeito professora na sala de aula.
Post–COVID-19 Cholangiopathy: A Novel Entity
Authors: Roth Nitzan C. , Kim Angela , Vitkovski Taisia , Xia Jianxiang , Ramirez Guillermo , Bernstein David , Crawford James M.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Liver chemistry abnormalities are a frequent manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but are usually transient and resolve with disease resolution.

Methods:

We describe the clinical course and histologic features of 3 adults who developed prolonged and severe cholestasis during recovery from critical cardiopulmonary COVID-19.

Results:

These patients had clinical and histologic features similar to secondary sclerosing cholangitis of the critically ill patient, but with unique histologic features including severe cholangiocyte injury and intrahepatic microangiopathy suggestive of direct hepatic injury from COVID-19.

DISCUSSION:

We believe that these cases constitute a novel severe post–COVID-19 cholangiopathy with potential for long-term hepatic morbidity.
NEWMARK ALGORITHM FOR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS WITH MAXWELL CHAIN MODEL
Authors: Schmidt Jaroslav , Janda Tomáš , Zemanová Alena , Zeman Jan , Šejnoha Michal
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates a time-stepping procedure of the Newmark type for dynamic analyses of viscoelastic structures characterized by a generalized Maxwell model. We depart from a scheme developed for a three-parameter model by Hatada et al. [1], which we extend to a generic Maxwell chain and demonstrate that the resulting algorithm can be derived from a suitably discretized Hamilton variational principle. This variational structure manifests itself in an excellent stability and a low artificial damping of the integrator, as we confirm with a mass-spring-dashpot example. After a straightforward generalization to distributed systems, the integrator may find use in, e.g., fracture simulations of laminated glass units, once combined with variationally-based fracture models.
In vitro assessment of tick-borne encephalitis vaccine: Suitable human cell platforms and potential biomarkers
Authors: Signorazzi Aurora , Etna Marilena , Coccia Eliana , Huckriede Anke
Published: January 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus causes a severe disease that can lead to permanent neurological complications. The whole inactivated TBE vaccine is highly effective, as proven by high seroconversion rates and near eradication of the disease in countries where vaccination programs have been implemented. TBE vaccine potency testing currently requires the use of in vivo methods that present issues of reproducibility as well as animal discomfort. As an alternative, public and private entities are currently exploring a batch-to-batch consistency approach which would demonstrate conformity of a newly produced vaccine batch with a batch with proven in vivo efficacy with respect to a range of in vitro measurable quality parameters. For the identification of a suitable cellular platform to be used in a panel of in vitro batch-to-batch assessments for the TBE vaccine, we exposed human cell-based systems, both of primary origin and cell line-derived, to vaccine formulations of high and low quality. Following stimulation, cell responses were evaluated by assessing the expression of selected genes by qPCR. Our findings show that the expression of interferon-stimulated genes differed after treatment with non-adjuvanted vaccine batches of different quality in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells, but not in monocyte-free PBMC suspensions nor in cell line-derived immune cells. These results indicate suitable platforms and potential biomarkers for a cell-based assay that, together with other immunochemical analyses, could serve for batch-to-batch assessment of the TBE vaccine, reducing (and eventually replacing) in vivo methods for potency testing.
Progress in magnetic Fe3O4nanomaterials in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li Hongcai , Yang Shuanqiang , Hui David , Hong Ruoyu
Published: January 2021

At present, high-sensitivity, high-penetration-depth, and accurate tissue resolution clinical imaging effect are required, while computer transverse scanning, microwave imaging, and fluorescence imaging (FL) cannot meet the requirements of clinical imaging, but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can meet the requirements of clinical dissecting details. The effect of MRI imaging is closely related to the contrast agent (CA). As an important type of CA, Fe3O4and its analogues have been widely concerned because of their low toxicity and relatively low price. In this review, we summarize the development and improvement of CAs based on Fe3O4and its analogues fromT2imaging mode and development limitation in the initial single modulus imaging mode, toT1imaging mode overcoming the limitations ofT2imaging and the limitations of its own in application, to the later development of dual modulus imaging form, and to the current multi-modulus imaging form. Simultaneously, we demonstrate the research progress, preparation methods, and future trends based on Fe3O4and its analogues CAs for MRI, the current application status is preliminarily summarized, and the future development trend is prospected.
Microstructural evolution and properties of Cu–20 wt% Ag alloy wire by multi-pass continuous drawing
Authors: Cheng Chu , Song Kexing , Mi Xujun , Wu Baoan , Xiao Zhu , Xie Haofeng , Zhou Yanjun , Guo Xiuhua , Liu Haitao , Chen Dingbiao , Shen Xiaoyu , Ding Yong
Published: January 2021

The Cu–20 wt% Ag alloy wire rod was prepared using three-chamber vacuum cold mold vertical continuous up-casting followed by multi-pass continuous drawing. The evolution of microstructure, mechanical property, and electrical property of the Cu–20 wt% Ag alloy wire during multi-pass continuous drawing was studied. After multi-pass continuous drawing, the continuous network eutectic structure in the longitudinal section of the as-casted rod was gradually drawn into long fibers that approximately parallel to the axial direction, while the space of the continuous network eutectic structure in the transverse section is getting smaller and smaller. Both the preferred orientation of copper and silver grains are (1,1,1). With the increase of drawing strain (η), the tensile strength of Cu–20 wt% Ag alloy wire gradually increases while the elongation gradually decreases. When the diameter is drawn to 0.02 mm (η = 11.94), the tensile strength of the alloy is 1,682 MPa and elongation is 2.0%. The relationship between tensile strength, elongation, and diameter conforms to Allometric and Boltzmann functions, respectively.
Role of fractal-fractional operators in modeling of rubella epidemic with optimized orders
Authors: Al Qurashi Maysaa Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Fractal-fractional (FF) differential and integral operators having the capability to subsume features of retaining memory and self-similarities are used in the present research analysis to design a mathematical model for the rubella epidemic while taking care of dimensional consistency among the model equations. Infectious diseases have history in their transmission dynamics and thus non-local operators such as FF play a vital role in modeling dynamics of such epidemics. Monthly actual rubella incidence cases in Pakistan for the years 2017 and 2018 have been used to validate the FF rubella model and such a data set also helps for parameter estimation. Using nonlinear least-squares estimation with MATLAB function lsqcurvefit, some parameters for the classical and the FF model are obtained. Upon comparison of error norms for both models (classical and FF), it is found that the FF produces the smaller error. Locally asymptotically stable points (rubella-free and rubella-present) of the model are computed when the basic reproduction number

{ {\mathcal R} }_{0}

is less and greater than unity and the sensitivity is investigated. Moreover, solution of the FF rubella system is shown to exist. A new iterative method is proposed to carry out numerical simulations which resulted in getting insights for the transmission dynamics of the rubella epidemic.
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene: Current analytical techniques and approaches for biological monitoring
Authors: Soleimani Esmaeel
Published: January 2021

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are a group of volatile organic compounds that human exposure to them may result in the development of some diseases, including cancer. Biological monitoring plays an important role in exposure assessment of workers occupationally exposed to chemicals. Several metabolites have been proposed for biological monitoring of individuals who are exposed to BTEX. There are a variety of extraction methods and analytical techniques for the determination of unmetabolized BTEX in exhaled air and their urinary metabolites. The present study aimed to summarize and review the toxicokinetics of BTEX and sample preparation and analytical methods for their measurement. Metabolites of BTEX are discussed to find out reliable ones for biological monitoring of workers exposed to these chemicals. In addition, analytical methods for unmetabolized BTEX in exhaled air and their metabolites were reviewed in order to obtain a comparison between them in term of selectivity, sensitivity, simplicity, time, environmental-friendly and cost. Given the recent trends in sample preparation, including miniaturization, automation, high-throughput performance, and on-line coupling with analytical instrument, it seems that microextraction techniques, especially microextraction by packed sorbents are the methods of choice for the determination of the BTEX metabolites.
Contact network uncertainty in individual level models of infectious disease transmission
Authors: Almutiry Waleed , Deardon Rob
Published: January 2021

Infectious disease transmission between individuals in a heterogeneous population is often best modelled through a contact network. This contact network can be spatial in nature, with connections between individuals closer in space being more likely. However, contact network data are often unobserved. Here, we consider the fit of an individual level model containing a spatially-based contact network that is either entirely, or partially, unobserved within a Bayesian framework, using data augmented Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We also incorporate the uncertainty about event history in the disease data. We also examine the performance of the data augmented MCMC analysis in the presence or absence of contact network observational models based upon either knowledge about the degree distribution or the total number of connections in the network. We find that the latter tend to provide better estimates of the model parameters and the underlying contact network.
MYC promotes cancer progression by modulating m6A modifications to suppress target gene translation
Authors: Wu Gongwei , Suo Caixia , Yang Ying , Shen Shengqi , Sun Linchong , Li Shi‐Ting , Zhou Yingli , Yang Dongdong , Wang Yan , Cai Yongping , Wang Nana , Zhang Huafeng , Yang Yun‐Gui , Cao Jie , Gao Ping
Published: January 2021

The MYC oncoprotein activates and represses gene expression in a transcription‐dependent or transcription‐independent manner. Modification of mRNA emerges as a key gene expression regulatory nexus. We sought to determine whether MYC alters mRNA modifications and report here that MYC promotes cancer progression by down‐regulating N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) preferentially in transcripts of a subset of MYC‐repressed genes (MRGs). We find that MYC activates the expression of ALKBH5 and reduces m6A levels in the mRNA of the selected MRGs SPI1 and PHF12. We also show that MYC‐regulated m6A controls the translation of MRG mRNA via the specific m6A reader YTHDF3. Finally, we find that inhibition of ALKBH5, or overexpression of SPI1 or PHF12, effectively suppresses the growth of MYC‐deregulated B‐cell lymphomas, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which MYC suppresses gene expression by altering m6A modifications in selected MRG transcripts promotes cancer progression.
Hair cortisol and cortisone measurements for the diagnosis of overt and mild Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Brossaud Julie , Charret Léa , De Angeli Delia , Haissaguerre Magalie , Ferriere Amandine , Puerto Marie , Gatta-Cherifi Blandine , Corcuff Jean-Benoît , Tabarin Antoine
Published: January 2021

Objective

Hair cortisol (HF) and cortisone (HE) measurements reflect tissular exposure to cortisol over months and are increased in overt Cushing’s syndrome (CS). No data is available in mild CS. We compared the diagnostic performance of HF and HE between patients with overt or mild CS.

Design

Single centre retrospective study.

Methods

HF&HE were measured by LC-MS/MS in 48 consecutive adult females with Cushing’s disease (CD), ectopic ACTH syndrome, secreting adenomas and carcinomas, and adrenal incidentalomas. All had impaired dexamethasone suppression tests. Overt CS (n = 25) was diagnosed in front of specific symptoms, a mean UFC (>1.5 ULN) and increased midnight serum cortisol or salivary cortisol. Mild CS (n = 23) was diagnosed in patients lacking specific symptoms and displaying at least one additional biological abnormality including mildly increased UFC (≤1.5 ULN), increased midnight serum cortisol or salivary cortisol and suppressed plasma ACTH in patients with adrenal tumours. In this study, 84 healthy subjects and obese patients served as controls.

Results

HF and HE showed roughly similar performance in overt CS (92 and 100% sensitivity, 91 and 99% specificity, respectively). HF and HE were lower in mild CS but higher than in controls (P < 0.01). HE was correlated with midnight serum cortisol (P < 0.02) and volume of adrenal incidentalomas (P < 0.04) but not with UFC. HF and HE had 59% and 68% sensitivity, and 79 and 94% specificity, respectively, for the diagnosis of mild CS. Contrary to UFC, both HF and HE were in the range of overt CS in 11/23 patients with mild CS. Patients with mild CS and increased HE required more antihypertensive treatments and showed worser lipid profiles than patients with normal HE.

Conclusions

HF and HE measurement performed better in overt than in mild CS but is a useful adjunct to diagnose mild CS and to identify adrenocortical incidentalomas responsible for excessive cortisol exposure.