bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antidiabetic and antiulcerative potential of Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. bark
Authors: Bora Nilutpal Sharma , Bairy Partha Sarathi , Salam Abdus , Kakoti Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: November 2020

Background

Garcinia lanceifoliaRoxb. has been used by many ethnic communities of Northeast India to mitigate various disorders like dyspepsia, ulcers, diabetes, etc. However, a robust scientific study on its antidiabetic and antiulcer potential is unavailable till date. The aim of this present study is to scientifically validate if the antidiabetic and antiulcer effects reported by the ethnic tribes of Assam has any scientific value or not. The effects were tested in adult Wistar albino rats using approved animal models for preclinical testing of pharmacological activities.

Results

The hydroalcoholic extract of the bark ofGarcinia lanceifoliaRoxb. was prepared and its LD50was calculated. The LD50was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract at doses of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight was found to exhibit a very potent dose-dependent antidiabetic activity. The results were backed by a battery of test including analysis of serum levels of blood glucose, lipid profiles, in vivo antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological studies. Evidence of dose-dependent antiulcer activity of the extract was backed by robust scientific data. It was found that HAEGL induced a significant dose-dependent increase in the ulcer index in both alcohol-induced and acetic acid-induced ulcer models, which was evident from the macroscopic observation of the inner lining of the gastric mucosa and the histological evaluation of the extracted stomach.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the bark ofGarcinia lanceifolia(Roxb.) has significant antidiabetic and antiulcer potential. Further studies with respect to the development herbal dosage forms and its safety evaluation are required.
Patterns of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Among Nigerians and African Americans
Authors: Holowatyj Andreana N. , Maude Aishatu Suleiman , Musa Halimatu Sadiya , Adamu Ahmed , Ibrahim Sani , Abdullahi Adamu , Manko Muhammad , Aminu Sirajo Mohammed , Mohammed Abdullahi , Idoko John , Ukwenya Yahaya , Carpten John , Chandler Paulette D. , Hampel Heather , Faruk Mohammed
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates are increasing among individuals < 50 years of age (early-onset CRC) globally with causes unknown. Racial/ethnic disparities in early-onset CRC have also grown more pronounced, because Black individuals have higher early-onset CRC incidence and poorer survival compared with White individuals. We describe the prevalence and burden of early-onset CRC among Africans in Nigeria and African Americans (AAs) in the United States.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified Black individuals diagnosed with a first primary CRC ages 18 to 49 years between 1989 and 2017 at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria (Nigerians), and in the United States (AAs) using the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute’s SEER program of cancer registries. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate clinical and demographic differences between Nigerians and AAs with early-onset CRC, adjusted for age, sex, tumor site, and histology.

RESULTS

A total of 5,019 Black individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC over the study period (379 Nigerians; 4,640 AAs). Overall, approximately one third of young Black patients were diagnosed with rectal tumors (35.8%). Nigerian individuals with early-onset CRC were eight-fold more likely to be diagnosed with rectal tumors (odds ratio [OR], 8.14; 95% CI, 6.23 to 10.62; P < .0001) and more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.89; P < .0001) compared with young African Americans in adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

Compared with AA individuals diagnosed with early-onset CRC, Nigerian individuals harbor distinct features of early-onset CRC. Additional investigation of the histopathologic and biologic heterogeneity of early-onset CRCs among Black individuals is critical for understanding racial disparities in susceptibility and outcomes, which may have implications for tailored early-onset CRC prevention, detection, and treatment strategies.
Performance Evaluation of a High-Precision Low-Dose Powder Feeder
Authors: Fathollahi Sara , Sacher Stephan , Escotet-Espinoza M. Sebastian , DiNunzio James , Khinast Johannes G.
Published: November 2020

Highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and low-dose excipients, or excipients with very low density, are notoriously hard to feed with currently available commercial technology. The micro-feeder system presented in this work is capable of feeding low-dose rates of powders with different particle sizes and flow properties. Two different grades of lactose, di-calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, a spray-dried intermediate, and an active ingredient were studied to vary material properties to test performance of the system. The current micro-feeder system is a volumetric feeder combined with a weighing balance at the outlet that measures feeder output rates. Feeding results are shown as a so-called “displacement-feed factor” curve for each material. Since the powder mass and volume are known in the micro-feeder system, in this work, we characterized an observed density variation during processing via a “displacement-feed factor” profile for each of the fed powders. This curve can be later used for calibrating the system to ensure an accurate, constant feed rate and in addition predicting feeding performance for that material at any feed rate. There is a relation between powder properties and feeding performance. Powders with finer particles and higher compressibility show densification during their feeding process. However, powders with larger particles and lower compressibility show both “densification” and “powder bed expansion,” which is the manifestation of dilation and elastic recovery of particles during the micro-feeding process. Through the application of the displacement-feed factor, it is possible to provide precise feeding accuracy of low-dose materials.

Graphical abstract
Identification of Somatic Mutations in CLCN2 in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas
Authors: Rege Juilee , Nanba Kazutaka , Blinder Amy R , Plaska Samuel , Udager Aaron M , Vats Pankaj , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Giordano Thomas J , Rainey William E , Else Tobias
Published: November 2020

Somatic mutations driving aldosterone production have been identified in approximately 90% of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) using an aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry (IHC)-guided DNA sequencing approach. In the present study, using CYP11B2-guided whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted amplicon sequencing, we detected 2 somatic variants in CLCN2 in 2 APAs that were negative for currently known aldosterone-driver mutations. The CLCN2 gene encodes the voltage-gated chloride channel ClC-2. CLCN2 germline variants have previously been shown to cause familial hyperaldosteronism type II. Somatic mutations in CLCN2 were identified in 2 of 115 APAs, resulting in a prevalence of 1.74%. One of the CLCN2 somatic mutations (c.G71A,p.G24D) was identical to a previously described germline variant causing early-onset PA, but was present only as a somatic mutation. The second CLCN2 mutation, which affects the same region of the gene, has not been reported previously (c.64-2_74del). These findings prove that WES of CYP11B2-guided mutation-negative APAs can help determine rarer genetic causes of sporadic PA.
Crossing the Threshold from Adolescence to Adulthood in Eighteenth-Century Puerto Rico: The Baptismal Sponsorship of Enslaved Infants in Arecibo, 1735–1772
Authors: Stark David M.
Published: November 2020

This study examines godparent selection patterns by the parents of 632 slaves baptized in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, from 1735 to 1772. The article broadens our understanding of baptismal sponsorship by using family reconstitution to re-create demographic patterns of behavior, including age and marital status, associated with godparenthood. Data regarding the godparents revealed considerable diversity in age, but most were under the age of 30. Godparents generally sponsored only one child of a slave parent or parents. There is a correlation between baptismal sponsorship and marriage. Godparents, especially women, often married within three years of the first time they were selected as baptismal sponsors. Serving as a godparent for a child born to at least one slave parent prepared adolescents for adult responsibilities. In agreeing to accept the spiritual and moral obligations associated with godparenthood, females demonstrated the ability to parent children, whereas males asserted their readiness to provide for a family.
Integrative vectors for regulated expression of SARS-CoV-2 proteins implicated in RNA metabolism
Authors: Bresson Stefan , Robertson Nic , Sani Emanuela , Turowski Tomasz W , Shchepachev Vadim , Kompauerova Michaela , Spanos Christos , Helwak Aleksandra , Tollervey David
Published: November 2020

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is expected to result in substantial reorganization of host cell RNA metabolism. We identified 14 proteins that were predicted to interact with host RNAs or RNA binding proteins, based on published data for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we describe a series of affinity-tagged and codon-optimized expression constructs for each of these 14 proteins. Each viral gene was separately tagged at the N-terminus with Flag-His8, the C-terminus with His8-Flag, or left untagged. The resulting constructs were stably integrated into the HEK293 Flp-In T-REx genome. Each viral gene was expressed under the control of an inducible Tet-On promoter, allowing expression levels to be tuned to match physiological conditions during infection. Expression time courses were successfully generated for most of the fusion proteins and quantified by western blot. A few fusion proteins were poorly expressed, whereas others, including Nsp1, Nsp12, and N protein, were toxic unless care was taken to minimize background expression. All plasmids can be obtained from Addgene and cell lines are available. We anticipate that availability of these resources will facilitate a more detailed understanding of coronavirus molecular biology.
The γ-oryzanol Content of Thai Rice Cultivars and the Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the γ-oryzanol Content of Germinated Thai Market Rice
Authors: Chinvongamorn Chakorn , Sansenya Sompong
Published: November 2020

Thirty-nine Thai rice cultivars, including 17 non-colored rice cultivars and 22 colored rice cultivars (black rice cultivars and red rice cultivars), were investigated for γ-oryzanol content. The γ-oryzanol content of non-colored rice cultivars and colored rice cultivars was found to be 226.40 ± 17.50 μg/g to 411.80 ± 19.80 μg/g and 295.80 ± 15.40 μg/g to 459.80 ± 6.60 μg/g, respectively. Black rice cultivars seem to have higher γ-oryzanol content than do red rice and non-colored rice cultivars. The highest γ-oryzanol levels were identified in Khao Jao Dam Sa-Nit, a black rice cultivar, which contained 1.55 and 2.03 times more γ-oryzanol than Khao Man Bpoo, a red rice cultivar with lowest γ-oryzanol levels, and Khao Gor Kor 57, a non-colored rice cultivar with lowest γ-oryzanol levels, respectively. For further investigation, the effects of gamma irradiation on the γ-oryzanol content of four germinated Thai market rice cultivars, Khao Pathum Thani 1, Khao Gor Kor 31, Khao Gor Kor 41, and Khao Gor Kor 57, was investigated. The highest increase in γ-oryzanol content among the gamma irradiated rice cultivars was identified in Khao Pathum Thani 1 and Khao Gor Kor 31, which had γ-oryzanol levels approximately 1.27 times higher than that of the control rice (non-gamma irradiated rice). Our report contains basic knowledge about creating new rice lines that are rich in highly beneficial nutrients.
Bismuth (III) Triflate: A Mild, Efficient Promoter for the Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes through Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Datta Arup
Published: November 2020

In this work, smooth efficient and eco-friendly two component coupling method is reported for the synthesis of Knoevenagel Condensation product in presence of Bi(OTf)3 catalyst under solvent free condition. Catalyst has participated in condensation between substituted aldehydes (aromatic and hetero-aromatic) and active methylene compounds (ethyl cyanoacetate, malononitrile and cyanoacetamide) effectively to generate an excellent yield of the product. Bi(OTf)3 catalyst is stable, inexpensive and easily available was used for four times in this reaction without loss of catalytic activity.
Molecular Interactions and Aggregation Behavior of Cloxacillin Sodium in Water and Aqueous NaCl Solutions through Volumetric and Ultrasonic Sound Velocity Studies at 298.15 KMolecular Interactions and Aggregation Behavior of Cloxacillin Sodium in Water and Aqueous NaCl Solutions through Volumetric and Ultrasonic Sound Velocity Studies at 298.15 K
Authors: Khatun Roksana , Monirul Islam Md. , Din Islam Md.
Published: November 2020

Molecular interactions and aggregation behavior of cloxacillin sodium (CloNa) in water and aqueous NaCl solutions was studied through volumetric and ultrasonic sound velocity method at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Density, ρ, and ultrasonic sound velocity, u, of cloxacillin sodium in water and aqueous NaCl solutions were measured with a digital density and ultrasonic sound velocity analyzer (DSA 5000, Anton Paar, Austria). And from the investigational data, apparent molar volume, ϕn, adiabatic compressibility, ϕS, apparent molar adiabatic compressibility, ϕk, limiting apparent molar volume, ϕn0, limiting apparent molar adiabatic compressibility, ϕk0, and aggregation concentration, CMC of cloxacillin sodium was calculated. The outcomes indication exhibits very significant evidence about the interactions among solute-solvent-co-solute (solute-solute,
solute-solvent) and aggregation behavior in the aqueous environment and this result would be useful for the drug action in human body with pharmacological applications.
Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dot from Water Hyacinth Stalk by Radiation Processing
Authors: Wechakorn Kanokorn , Sangangam Panida , Puengposop Nattamon , Lertsarawut Pattra , Kwamman Tanagorn
Published: November 2020

Water hyacinth is a severe issue, resulting in river blocking in high flood risk areas like Pathum Thani province, Thailand. To reduce the amount of invasive water hyacinths, their stalks were used as carbon precursors for carbon dots (CDs) by one-pot gamma irradiation, which is a promising method for high-quality and large-scale production. Furthermore, this method was compared with the conventional hydrothermal method. This finding proved that the optical properties of as-prepared CDs from both methods were no significant differences. The CD solution had a pale yellow color and exhibited tuneable fluorescence emission. They are strongly absorbed in the UV region of 250-300 nm. An effect of ethanol pretreatment was also studied. It was found that the ethanol pretreatment has no substantial effect on the photophysical and chemical properties of as-prepared CDs, whereas it was crucially affected by the pH stability of CDs. The maximum fluorescence emission of CDs with (ECD-G) and without (CD-G) ethanol pretreatment were 443 nm (~2.5% of quantum yields) and 440 nm (~2.0% of quantum yields) with the excitation at 360 nm, respectively. The carboxyl groups were the primary functional group of CD-G and ECD-G, confirmed by the FTIR spectroscopy.
Season of migration from the oil lake: the economy of hatred in the Gulf states
Authors: Alrasheed Rashed Ahmed
Published: November 2020

In 2020, hatred speech is one of the most frequently stated problems in relation to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Gulf States. Hatred speech has emerged in the social, political and media realms and has provoked racism against foreigners. This hatred is associated with increased unemployment among citizens in light of the economic transformations in the region. Within the hatred context, foreign workers have been framed as the main cause of drained national resources during the pandemic and the economic crises facing the Gulf countries. The study uses surveys to gain insights into the impacts of economic factors on the growing hatred towards expatriate workers with the outbreak of COVID-19.
Time lag between metamorphism and crystallization of anatectic granites (Córdoba, Argentina)
Authors: D´Eramo F.J. , Esteban J.J. , Demartis M. , Aragón E. , Coniglio J.E. , Pinotti L.P.
Published: November 2020

SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS analyses carried out on zircons from the Río de los Sauces granite revealed their metamorphic and igneous nature. The metamorphic zircons yielded an age of 537±4.8 (2σ)Ma that probably predates the onset of the anatexis during the Pampean orogeny. By contrast, the igneous zircons yielded a younger age of 529±6 (2σ)Ma and reflected its crystallization age. These data point to a short time lag of ca. 8Myr between the High Temperature (HT) metamorphic peak and the subsequent crystallization age of the granite. Concordia age of 534±3.8 (2σ)Ma, for both types of zircon populations, can be considered as the mean age of the Pampean HT metamorphism in the Sierras de Córdoba.
Beyond virtual cultural tourism: history-living experiences with cinematic virtual reality
Authors: Marasco Alessandra
Published: November 2020

Virtual reality offers unprecedented opportunities for creating cultural tourism experiences that tell visitors emotionally engaging stories about the past.  This paper focuses onthe latest frontier of immersive storytelling rivalling feature films, cinematic virtual reality, which can immerse users into 360-degree films making them feel like living the story. Through a qualitative analysis of five projects, this paper explores how this new media form has been applied for cultural heritage storytelling and analyses the reactions of users to the historyliving experiences with an emphasis on their emotional responses. Based on the findings of the analysis, implications are discussed for the design of VR experiences in cultural tourism.
ICT Usage determinants among Tanzania World Heritage sites
Authors: Mugobi Thereza Israel , Mlozi Shogo Richard
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to assess the determinants of ICT usage at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tanzania. Data for this study were collected from August 2017 to February 2018 from 238 World Heritage Site decision-makers. The study stratified these respondents into three strata based on UNESCO’s categorization of WHSs type (nature, mixed, and culture). Systematic random sampling was then used to select respondents from each stratum according to their ratio in the population. Descriptive statistics examined the kurtosis and skewness indices of the output. Testing of the hypotheses involved structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis techniques. The results indicated that WHSs decision-makers would increasingly use ICT when they perceive a relative advantage (PR) and a higher level of perceived less complexity (PCL). Moreover, a higher level of ICT support infrastructures (INF) and support skills (SS) would result in a greater level of ICT usage. Lastly, a higher level of perceived competitive pressure (PCP) and perceived pressure from customers (PPC) would result in a greater level of ICT usage.Only one variable, perceived compatibility, did not have a statistical significant relationship on ICT usage and determine to be an insignificant factor that can influence ICT usage at WHSs. A significant contribution is that the study contributes to expanding the knowledge base of the use of ICT technologies in the tourism industry. The study could be used to develop more robust models concerning ICT determinant factors, not only to WHSs but to other tourism sectors such as training institutions, hotels, ICT vendors, consultants, and the government in Tanzania.
Evaluación y análisis de herramientas digitales en el yacimiento arqueológico de Empúries, Catalunya
Authors: Calzado-Sánchez Itziar
Published: November 2020

Within the scope of the evolution of technologies, there are more and more heritage and cultural spaces that include in their dissemination and mediation technological tools, specifically and significantly, those catalogued as digital tools. This study takes into account heritage spaces that have permanently included digital tools as mediation resources in archaeological spaces. To this end, the case of the archaeological site of Empúries, Catalonia, has been taken as an example, where an evaluation of these digital tools has been carried out based on their capacity to create and transmit knowledge to users, on the understanding of the material remains present in the site and on the satisfaction generated by these tools. This research is of an exploratory nature and has been carried out using a qualitative methodology. The aim is to establish to what extent the technological or digital tools (specifically, the audio guide and Virtual Reality) help to understand the material remains present in the archaeological site, and the extent to which the digital tools chosen in the mediation of the heritage encourage interaction between visitor and environment is analysed. The results show that it is not possible to say that digital tools significantly increase visitor satisfaction, since the average response of all visitors, regardless of the visit made, is positive.
High-throughput and uniform large field-of-view multichannel fluorescence microscopy with super-thin dichroism for a dPCR gene chip
Authors: Otuboah Francis Yaw , Zheng Jihong , Chen Cheng , Wang Zicheng , Wan Xinjun , Sun Liujie
Published: November 2020

With the rapid development of digital precision medicine, the digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) gene chip integrates more channels with smaller size and larger area, which leads to a higher technical requirement for commercial optical fluorescence microscopy. The multitime image splicing method is widely used for DNA detection. However, it consumes time and has visible seamless image results. This work has demonstrated the design and fabrication of a three channel reversed and reduced fluorescence microscopic imaging system with high-resolution and large field of view for one-time imaging. We introduced the super ultra-thin dichroic mirror into the space between the objective lens and the gene chip to achieve a uniform illumination and a strong signal for the large area gene chip. The fabricated new fluorescence microscopy can take a one-time imaging for the

28

×
18

m
m

dPCR gene chip with more than 20,000 multi micro-droplets within FAM, HEX, and ROX fluorescence channels. The optical system was designed with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.106. Modulation transfer function (MTF) is higher than 0.675 at 70 lp/mm, and the function resolution capability is 10 µm with the whole magnification of

−

0.65

t
i
m
e
s

. The fly’s eye lens-based illumination system was tested with a uniform output of over 90% in the whole

ϕ

34.7

m
m

chip area. The design was tested, and the experimental results showed that this new system provides a fast, efficient, and professional optical imaging method for detection of the new emerged digital PCR gene chip, which has larger area and more channels.
High-quality 3D shape measurement by kernel-optimized high sinusoidal similarity dither patterns
Authors: Zhou Peng , Cai Ning , Wang Ting , Cao Xiang-Qun , Lin Bin
Published: November 2020

The error-diffusion dithering technique is widely used in three-dimensional (3D) measurement. The sinusoid similarity of dithering fringe patterns greatly affects measurement accuracy, while the traditional dithering methods lack this quality. In this paper, we present a kernel-optimized dithering technique based on the Floyd–Steinberg dithering method and establish an optimization strategy considering both intensity and phase aspects to generate high-quality sinusoidal fringes for 3D measurement by utilizing the binary defocusing technique. Both simulations and experiments demonstrate that the proposed method could improve the performance of 3D measurement effectively under different defocusing amounts, especially in narrow strips.
Fresnel zone plate development for x-ray radiography of hydrodynamic instabilities at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Do Alexandre , Pickworth Louisa A. , Kozioziemski Bernard J. , Angulo Adrianna M. , Hall Gareth N. , Nagel Sabrina R. , Bradley David K. , Mccarville Tom , Ayers Jay M.
Published: November 2020

The study of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM)
instabilities in a planar geometry at high energy densities at the
National Ignition Facility (NIF) requires high spatial resolution
imaging. We demonstrate the potential of Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) to
achieve resolution that would unlock such studies. FZPs are circular
aperiodic gratings that use diffraction to focus x rays and produce an
image with high spatial resolution. Taking into account the NIF’s
challenging environment, we have designed a specific array of five
FZPs for a zinc backlighter to take a radiograph of a target with
9 keV x rays. We measured a mean resolution for the FZP of

1.9

µ

m

±
0.5

µ

m

and a

±

1

m
m

depth of focus at an x-ray
calibration facility as well as a

2.3

µ

m

±
0.4

µ

m

resolution on a resolution wire mesh
shot on the NIF. We also performed an in-depth analysis of the image
quality to assess the capability to resolve the small features present
in RT and RM instabilities.
Performance-enhanced indoor MIMO-OFDM visible light communications using individual/joint CAZAC precoding techniques
Authors: Chen Mengru , Lu Huimin , Chen Danyang , Jin Jianli , Chen Ming , Wang Jianping
Published: November 2020

In this paper, efficient individual and joint constant amplitude zero auto-correlation (CAZAC) precoding schemes are proposed to improve the performance of an indoor multiple-input multiple-output–orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM)-based visible light communication (VLC) system. By considering the proposed precoding scheme, a

3

×

3

MIMO-OFDM VLC system with symmetrical and asymmetrical structure is set up, whose peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) of transmitted signal, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and bit error rate performance are investigated. It is shown that both individual and joint CAZAC precoding schemes can reduce the PAPR of the transmitted signal and make the SNR uniform over data subcarriers, resulting in significant performance improvement compared to the system without precoding. It is demonstrated that there are similar performance improvements for the MIMO-OFDM VLC system using the individual CAZAC precoding and joint CAZAC precoding in a symmetric scenario. At the expense of higher implementation complexity, the joint CAZAC precoding has more performance benefits than the individual CAZAC precoding for the VLC system with asymmetrical MIMO.
Optimizing deep bone ablation by means of a microsecond Er:YAG laser and a novel water microjet irrigation system
Authors: Beltrán Bernal Lina M. , Canbaz Ferda , Droneau Antoine , Friederich Niklaus F. , Cattin Philippe C. , Zam Azhar
Published: November 2020

The microsecond Er:YAG pulsed laser with a wavelength of λ = 2.94 μm has been widely used in the medical field, particularly for ablating dental tissues. Since bone and dental tissues have similar compositions, consisting of mineralized and rigid structures, the Er:YAG laser represents a promising tool for laserosteotomy applications. In this study, we explored the use of the Er:YAG laser for deep bone ablation, in an attempt to optimize its performance and identify its limitations. Tissue irrigation and the laser settings were optimized independently. We propose an automated irrigation feedback system capable of recognizing the temperature of the tissue and delivering water accordingly. The irrigation system used consists of a thin 50 μm diameter water jet. The water jet was able to penetrate deep into the crater during ablation, with a laminar flow length of 15 cm, ensuring the irrigation of deeper layers unreachable by conventional spray systems. Once the irrigation was optimized, ablation was considered independently of the irrigation water. In this way, we could better understand and adjust the laser parameters to suit our needs. We obtained line cuts as deep as 21 mm without causing any visible thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The automated experimental setup proposed here has the potential to support deeper and faster ablation in laserosteotomy applications.
Wave propagation in waveguides with graded plasmonic obstacles
Authors: Dalarsson Mariana , Ivanenko Yevhen , Nordebo Sven
Published: November 2020

In this paper, wave propagation in a hollow waveguide with a graded dielectric layer is studied. Analytic formulas are derived for the electric field components as well as general analytical results for the reflection and transmission coefficients for propagating waves. These results are all valid for waveguides of arbitrary cross sections, and the derived reflection and transmission coefficients are in exact asymptotic agreement with those obtained for a very thin homogeneous dielectric layer using cascading and mode-matching techniques. Furthermore, the power transmission, reflection, and absorption coefficients, as functions of frequency and layer width, are studied, showing the expected behavior of these parameters. The method proposed in this paper gives directly applicable results that do not require cascading and mode matching, while at the same time having the ability to model smooth transitions that are more realistic in several applications.
Signal detection in turbid water using temporally encoded polarimetric integral imaging
Authors: Joshi Rakesh , Krishnan Gokul , O’Connor Timothy , Javidi Bahram
Published: November 2020

To improve signal detection in a turbid medium, we propose temporally encoded single shot polarimetric integral imaging. An optical signal is temporally encoded using gold coded sequences and transmitted through a turbid medium. The encoded signals are captured as a sequence of elemental images by two orthogonal polarized image sensor arrays. Polarimetric and polarization difference imaging are used to suppress the partially polarized and unpolarized background noise such that only the polarized ballistic signal photons are captured at the sensor. Multidimensional integral imaging is used to obtain 4D reconstructed data, and multidimensional nonlinear correlation is performed on the reconstructed data to detect the optical signal. We compare the effectiveness of the proposed polarimetric underwater optical signal detection approach to conventional (non-polarimetric) integral imaging-based and 2D imaging-based signal detection systems. The underwater signal detection capabilities are measured through performance metrics such as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), and the number of detection errors. Furthermore, statistical measures, including the Kullback-Leibler divergence, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and peak-to-correlation energy (PCE), are also calculated to show the improved performance of the proposed system. Our experimental results show that the proposed polarimetric integral-imaging approach significantly outperforms the conventional imaging-based methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on temporally encoded single shot polarimetric integral imaging for signal detection in turbid water.
Coherent transfer of topological interface states
Authors: Comaron P. , Shahnazaryan V. , Matuszewski M.
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate the controlled coherent transfer of topological interface states in a one-dimensional non-Hermitian chain of interacting Bose-Einstein condensates. The topological protection stems from a spatially patterned pump in an open-dissipative system. As a test bed setup of the proposed phenomenon, we consider a chain of coupled micropillars with embedded quantum wells, possessing exciton-polariton resonances. The transfer of an interface state is driven by spatially localised, adiabatic pump modulation in the vicinity of the interface state. The stochastic calculations prove the coherent nature of the interface state transfer. For appropriate system parameters the coherence degree is preserved after multiple transitions, paving the way towards long-range transfer of a coherent quantum state.
Rigorous coupled-wave analysis of liquid crystal polarization gratings
Authors: Xiong Jianghao , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: November 2020

Several types of liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) can be achieved depending on their molecular configurations and diffraction properties. We perform detailed numerical studies of these LCPGs based on the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) approach. The unique properties of Raman-Nath and Bragg gratings are investigated, and how the transition between them influences the diffraction behaviors is explained. Two types of LCPGs, corresponding to the planar and the slanted director configurations, are compared in detail. The influence of gradient-pitch on the performance of reflection grating is also explored. Potential applications of these LCPGs for near-eye displays are emphasized.
Programmable generation of terahertz bursts in chirped-pulse laser amplification
Authors: Stummer Vinzenz , Flöry Tobias , Krizsán Gergő , Polónyi Gyula , Kaksis Edgar , Pugžlys Audrius , Hebling János , Fülöp József András , Baltuška Andrius
Published: November 2020

Amplified bursts of laser pulses are sought for various machining, deposition, spectroscopic, and strong-field applications. Standard frequency- and time-domain techniques for pulse division become inadequate when intraburst repetition rates reach the terahertz (THz) range as a consequence of inaccessible spectral resolution, requirement for interferometric stability, and collapse of the chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) concept due to the loss of usable bandwidth needed for safe temporal stretching. Avoiding the burst amplification challenge and resorting to lossy post-division of an isolated laser pulse after CPA leaves the limitations of frequency- and time-domain techniques unsolved. In this Letter, we demonstrate an approach that successfully combines amplitude and phase shaping of THz bursts, formed using the Vernier effect, with active stabilization of spectral modes and efficient energy extraction from a CPA regenerative amplifier. As proof of concept, the amplified bursts of femtosecond near-infrared pulses are down-converted into tunable THz-frequency pulses via optical rectification.
Tailored optical feedback for bandwidth scaling and spectral equalization of high repetition rate electro-optic frequency combs
Authors: Prakash Roopa , Vikram B. S. , Nagarjun K. P. , Supradeepa V. R.
Published: November 2020

Direct bandwidth scaling of high-repetition-rate electro-optic (EO) frequency combs is limited by the power handling capability of modulators used. Significant bandwidth can be achieved by using nonlinear spectral broadening of a single laser comb, but current techniques for this have limited spectral flatness. Using dual or multiple laser combs enable enhanced nonlinear broadening with equalized spectra. However, if the lasers are uncorrelated, coherence is not preserved and only a multi-wavelength source is obtained. If the multiple lasers are derived from a single initial comb, coherence is preserved after spectral broadening. One way of achieving this is by direct filtering and amplification of a few comb lines from an initial EO comb and using it to coherently pump a cascade of nonlinear fibers. Alternatively, optical feedback can be used to feed a fraction of the entire output back. While the former technique requires additional components, the latter suffers from limited bandwidth scaling and degraded signal-to-noise ratio. We have discovered that by filtering the feedback to only consist of a few, suitable comb lines, a coherent, equalized, bandwidth scaled comb is obtained. We demonstrate a 25 GHz repetition-rate frequency comb in the C-band with ∼27 dBm power and 100 usable sub-carriers.
Hippocampal neurons with stable excitatory connectivity become part of neuronal representations
Authors: Castello-Waldow Tim P. , Weston Ghabiba , Ulivi Alessandro F. , Chenani Alireza , Loewenstein Yonatan , Chen Alon , Attardo Alessio
Published: November 2020

Experiences are represented in the brain by patterns of neuronal activity. Ensembles of neurons representing experience undergo activity-dependent plasticity and are important for learning and recall. They are thus considered cellular engrams of memory. Yet, the cellular events that bias neurons to become part of a neuronal representation are largely unknown. In rodents, turnover of structural connectivity has been proposed to underlie the turnover of neuronal representations and also to be a cellular mechanism defining the time duration for which memories are stored in the hippocampus. If these hypotheses are true, structural dynamics of connectivity should be involved in the formation of neuronal representations and concurrently important for learning and recall. To tackle these questions, we used deep-brain 2-photon (2P) time-lapse imaging in transgenic mice in which neurons expressing the Immediate Early Gene (IEG)Arc(activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) could be permanently labeled during a specific time window. This enabled us to investigate the dynamics of excitatory synaptic connectivity—using dendritic spines as proxies—of hippocampal CA1 (cornu ammonis 1) pyramidal neurons (PNs) becoming part of neuronal representations exploitingArcas an indicator of being part of neuronal representations. We discovered that neurons that will prospectively expressArchave slower turnover of synaptic connectivity, thus suggesting that synaptic stability prior to experience can bias neurons to become part of representations or possibly engrams. We also found a negative correlation between stability of structural synaptic connectivity and the ability to recall features of a hippocampal-dependent memory, which suggests that faster structural turnover in hippocampal CA1 might be functional for memory.
Hold Your Horses: Characterization through Animals in Plutarch’s Artaxerxes, Part II
Authors: Almagor Eran
Published: November 2020

This paper is the second part of three dealing with the subject of characterization through animals in Plutarch’s Lives. It argues that beasts have important narratological significance in the biographies, namely, to shed light on the character of the hero through their association with the realm of passions within the human soul. The text chosen to demonstrate this claim is Plutarch’s most neglected biography, the Life of the Persian king Artaxerxes. This part addresses the presence of horses in the biography and how they indirectly characterize the hero.
Woher kommt das Übel?: Platonische Psychogonie bei Plutarch
Authors: Jourdan Fabienne
Published: November 2020

According to Plutarch, the cause of evil is not the demiurge’s will, that is the divine, nor is it matter or the World-soul, but the precosmic, ungenerated evil soul which is at the origin of the World-soul. This very original interpretation of a passage from the Timaeus in which Plato describes the formation of the soul (Tim. 35a) is not merely supported by a partisan interpretation of the famous pages of the Laws (X 896 E-898 D). Its origin can be situated in a version of Plato’s text circulating in the Old Academy since Xenocrates. The paper aims at throwing some light on the way in which this exegesis of Timaeus 35a — possibly inheriting from an already rewritten text — enables Plutarch to develop his views on the origin of evil: on the cosmic as well as on the human levels, evil is always first, innate and already here, whereas the good, whose origin is divine and intelligible, is a gift coming from the outside. In the process, the paper also intends to give credit to Plutarch against Proclus and his attacks aimed at his exegesis.
Alice Inanimada (episode 1) and “Avó e neto contra vento e areia”, by Teolinda Gersão: how to legitimately read digital literature in the current portuguese syllabus for secondary education
Authors: Mateus Rui Afonso
Published: November 2020

Inanimate Alice is a unique example of the effectiveness of electronic literature on young readers. In Portugal, the impact of this story and the way in which it proposes contact with the ecology of digital media justify the acknowledgement of its aesthetic merits in school education, where electronic works are still absent. However, the syllabus is not a closed system that prevents any approach to artistic works not listed in the official reading list, and is open to the inclusion of other texts. Avó e neto contra vento e areia (Grandmother and Grandson against Wind and Sand), a short story by Teolinda Gersão, is an excellent literary vehicle for facilitating that inclusion, through the thematic and symbolic dialogue that can be established with Inanimate Alice. This dialogue involved a pedagogic experiment in which Inanimate Alice was extensively read in close relation with Teolinda Gersão’s story. The report of the experiment shows several possibilities for joint exploration and use of these works.
Learning to learn in universities 4.0. Human Obsolescence and short-term change
Authors: García-García Fran J. , Moctezuma-Ramírez Evelyn E. , Yurén Teresa
Published: November 2020

The 4th Industrial Revolution has modified the model of society worldwide. Short-term change has taken hold of everyday life, and people who do not cope with it become obsolete. Under this scenario, the life and work of the university graduates became fickle since their near future grows in uncertainty. Thus, we aimed to shed light on human optimization pathways from Higher Education in the knowledge-based society and economy, which made possible a new industry. In this line, we conducted an analysis underpinned by critical hermeneutics from educational policy proposals, research findings, and analytical philosophy. After analyzing the context, the person, and the learning needs, we offered a clearer idea of the universities 4.0, where the ‘learning to learn’ meta-competence appears to be a key factor for working and living well. This meta-competence may lead to enable human optimization and overcome human obsolescence in a way in which people be increasingly valuable to invest their values in their communities. This paper includes some guidelines for Higher Education institutions to enhance organization and curriculum, according to the new model of society and the human conditions. The ideal of well-being, of what is better or convenient, is left to a necessarily subjective discussion, although not lacking in reasoned criteria for each moment and circumstance.
Vol. 72, No. 6 (November 2020)
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: November 2020

Today, two hundred years after his birth, Frederick Engels can be seen as one of the foundational ecological thinkers of modern times. Engels's contributions to our understanding of the overall ecological problem remain indispensable, rooted in his own deep inquiries into nature's universal metabolism. It is because of the very comprehensiveness of his approach to the dialectic of nature and society that Engels's work can help clarify the momentous challenges facing humanity in the Anthropocene epoch and the current age of planetary ecological crisis.
Engels's Emergentist Dialectics
Authors: Kangal Kaan
Published: November 2020

In grasping emergent qualities and laws on various levels of organization of matter, dialectical theory employs its own conceptual structure, scientific language, and investigation method, and takes a categorially open-ended shape. In this context, Engels provides a remarkable illustration that not only argues for the interconnection and interpenetration of distinct spheres such as chemistry and biology, but also draws on a generative feature of self-organizing systems.
Establishing and sustaining national partnerships in professional development and the recognition of open courses in teaching and learning through digital badges
Authors: Donnelly Roisin , Maguire Terry
Published: November 2020

This article discusses a national partnership in Irish higher education between the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning and the sector. The partnership initiative focussed on the scalable design and development of a suite of open-access professional development (PD) courses in teaching and learning. The empirical work explored the role and value of digital badges as professional recognition for open courses, and in particular the transformative experience of the collaborative course design teams from teachers into teachers-as-designers. Each course has been mapped to Ireland’s national PD framework for all staff who teach. This initiative aimed to provide multiple nationally developed access points to PD opportunities and recognise engagement through digital badges. The partnership with course designers from institutions across Ireland was multifaceted, and their transformation from novice creators of digital content is explored here. Lessons learnt relate to developing consensus on national criteria and associated evidence for scalable open courses, ensuring quality assurance and supporting teams working in partnership. A framework of triple-loop learning was used for conceptualising the different phases of development of the collaborating teams and the sectoral learning around partnerships and nationally recognised collaborative course design.

Implications for practice or policy:

Instructional designers and learning technologists should be included in the development team for early consideration of the concept of badging.

Explicit planning is required, including a course development workshop, provision of templates for designing the course and guides for developing resources.

To ensure rigor, the development team should integrate a peer review process for validating the course content.

Involving human resource and senior managers in exploring PD recognition is vital for sector-wide implementation.
Partnerships for scaled online learning and the unbundling of the traditional university
Authors: Huijser Henk , Fitzgerald Rachel , Salmon Gilly
Published: November 2020

This special issue is about partnerships for scaled online learning and the unbundling of the traditional university. We are excited by the emerging models that are showcased; they are more diverse than we had originally envisaged. We hope this issue will be considered by readers as a valuable and timely contribution to a wider conversation about partnership and unbundling. There are clearly opportunities for creative and transformational thinking and practice as we move towards a more digitally integrated future for higher education. In this editorial, we outline the varied contributions and place them in the context of a wider discussion about higher education, for now and for a post-COVID world.
Samoocena młodzieży z niepełnosprawnością wzroku w zakresie „ja perspektywicznego”
Authors: Niemiec Marta
Published: November 2020

A young person's perception of his past, present, and future life is shaped during his adolescence. The potential/prospective self of an adolescent includes his ideas and plans concerning his future life and, therefore, constitutes an important source of his motives for activity and development. This paper presents results of its author's own research on the ways in which adolescents with visual disability receiving special education in the Silesian Voivodship perceive their own future lives. The theoretical part of the paper contains an analysis of the concept of self-perception and related concepts. Special attention is paid to defining different kinds of self-perception, analyzing their functions, and indicating factors that determine their development during adolescence. An overview of selected pieces of research on the self-image of the blind and visually impaired people allowed a description of the influence of self-perception on social and personal functioning of adolescents with visual disability.