bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the potential effects of selective histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor ACY1215 on infarct size in rats with cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Lin Chao-Feng , Hsu Kai-Cheng , HuangFu Wei-Chun , Lin Tony Eight , Huang Han-Li , Pan Shiow-Lin
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite the fact that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been tested to treat various cardiovascular diseases, the effects of selective HDAC6 inhibitor ACY1215 on infarct size during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury still remain unknown. In the present study we aimed to investigate the effects of ACY1215 on infarct size in rats with cardiac IR injury, as well as to examine the association between HDAC6 inhibitors and the gene expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a key regulator of cellular responses to hypoxia.

Methods

By using computational analysis of high-throughput expression profiling dataset, the association between HDAC inhibitors (pan-HDAC inhibitors panobinostat and vorinostat, and HDAC6 inhibitor ISOX) and their effects on HIF-1α gene-expression were evaluated. The male Wistar rats treated with ligation of left coronary artery followed by reperfusion were used as a cardiac IR model. ACY1215 (50 mg/kg), pan-HDAC inhibitor MPT0E028 (25 mg/kg), and vehicle were intraperitoneally injected within 5 min before reperfusion. The infarct size in rat myocardium was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also determined.

Results

The high-throughput gene expression assay showed that treatment of ISOX was associated with a more decreased gene expression of HIF-1α than that of panobinostat and vorinostat. Compared to control rats, ACY1215-treated rats had a smaller infarct size (49.75 ± 9.36% vs. 19.22 ± 1.70%, p < 0.05), while MPT0E028-treated rats had a similar infarct size to control rats. ACY-1215- and MPT0E028-treated rats had a trend in decreased serum TGF-β levels, but not statistically significant. ACY1215-treated rats also had higher serum CRP levels compared to control rats (641.6 μg/mL vs. 961.37 ± 64.94 μg/mL, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our research indicated that HDAC6 inhibition by ACY1215 might reduce infarct size in rats with cardiac IR injury possibly through modulating HIF-1α expression. TGF-β and CRP should be useful biomarkers to monitor the use of ACY1215 in cardiac IR injury.
Exploring the role of social media in collaborative learning the new domain of learning
Authors: Ansari Jamal Abdul Nasir , Khan Nawab Ali
Published: March 2020

This study is an attempt to examine the application and usefulness of social media and mobile devices in transferring the resources and interaction with academicians in higher education institutions across the boundary wall, a hitherto unexplained area of research. This empirical study is based on the survey of 360 students of a university in eastern India, cognising students’ perception on social media and mobile devices through collaborative learning, interactivity with peers, teachers and its significant impact on students’ academic performance. A latent variance-based structural equation model approach was followed for measurement and instrument validation. The study revealed that online social media used for collaborative learning had a significant impact on interactivity with peers, teachers and online knowledge sharing behaviour.

Additionally, interactivity with teachers, peers, and online knowledge sharing behaviour has seen a significant impact on students’ engagement which consequently has a significant impact on students’ academic performance. Grounded to this finding, it would be valuable to mention that use of online social media for collaborative learning facilitate students to be more creative, dynamic and research-oriented. It is purely a domain of knowledge.
Omori-like slow decay (p < 1) of postseismic displacement rates following the 2011 Tohoku megathrust earthquake
Authors: Morikami Shunsuke , Mitsui Yuta
Published: March 2020

We infer the postseismic deformation mechanisms following the 2011 Tohoku megathrust earthquake via an analysis of onshore geodetic observations. We focus on the temporal decay characteristics of postseismic deformation using continuous time-series data at time scales that span many orders of magnitude by means of high-rate GNSS data. Our analysis indicates Omori-like power-law decay of the horizontal ground displacement rates, withp-value (0.69) that is significantly smaller than that of the aftershock occurrence (~ 1). This slow decay implies a (non-Maxwellian) viscoelastic relaxation mechanism other than afterslip since immediately after the mainshock, which is inferred using only onshore geodetic data. Spatial distribution of the Omori parameters implies that the postseismic deformation will continue over 100 years in a down-dip area of the northern part of the mainshock fault. The decay characteristics of vertical displacement rates are also almost Omori-like, but data deviation from the fitting line several 100 days after the mainshock might reflect the change of the dominant mechanism of the postseismic deformation. This multi-time scale geodetic approach will provide important constraints for future viscoelastic models of Earth’s interior.
Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau shows excellent clinical outcomes
Authors: Goshima Kenichi , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Shigemoto Kenji , Iwai Shintaro , Fujita Kenji , Yamamuro Yuki
Published: March 2020

PurposeThere have been few reports on medial tibial plateau osteonecrosis, and treatment options remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for osteonecrosis of the medal tibial plateau.MethodsPatients who underwent OWHTO for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau from November 2013 to September 2017 at our institution and followed up for at least 2 years after surgery were included in this study. Patients with history of alcohol abuse and corticosteroid therapy were excluded. Clinical evaluations, including the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), were measured preoperatively and at the final followup. Radiological evaluations included the weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) and the lesion stage of the osteonecrosis according to Carpintero, Lotke, and the modified Ficat and Arlet classification. The area and size of the necrosis and the type of meniscus tear were also evaluated using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, cartilage regeneration was evaluated at plate removal.ResultsTwelve cases that underwent OWHTO for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau were enrolled. Eleven cases had isolated medial tibial osteonecrosis, and one case had both femoral and tibial osteonecrosis. The mean age was 59.6 ± 9.0 years, and the mean follow-up period was 41.8 ± 17.6 months.The WBLR significantly changed after OWHTO (24.0% ± 10.7% to 66.3% ± 6.7%, P < 0.001), and all clinical scores significantly improved after surgery: JOA score 63.3 ±12.3 to 95.0 ± 4.8, OKS 27.4 ± 7.8 to 42.6 ± 4.1, both 0.001. There were no adverse complications requiring additional surgery. The MRI findings revealed that all cases had meniscal lesions in addition to a necrotic lesion. Second-look arthroscopy was performed at plate removal in 11 cases, and cartilage regeneration was observed in 9/11 cases (81.8%).ConclusionsThis study’s results demonstrated that OWHTO is an effective procedure for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau with respect to subjective and objective clinical outcomes.
Staging of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus in experimental rodents: an update
Authors: Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho , Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa
Published: March 2020

Background

Determination of the phases of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus (heat) in experimental animals remains useful, especially in reproductive function research.

Main body of the abstract

This review provides a detailed description and discusses extensively the variations observed in different phases of the estrous cycle in laboratory animals using rats and mice as examples. It also illustrates how these phases can be determined and how to induce estrus ‘heat’ when required. The phases of the estrous cycle can be determined using various methods such as visual assessment, vaginal smear/cytology, histology of female reproductive organs (vagina, uterus and ovaries), vaginal wall impedance assessment and determination of urine biochemical parameters. Female animals can be artificially brought to estrus phase ‘heat’ to make them receptive to male counterparts.

Conclusion

Determination of the length and phases of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus are useful in teaching and research and evaluating the effects of drugs/chemicals on the reproductive functions.
Multiple liver metastases with synchronous gastric and transverse colon cancer diagnosed by gastric perforation successfully treated by SOX plus bevacizumab and completely resected by surgery: a case report
Authors: Matsumoto Ryu , Mori Shinichiro , Kita Yoshiaki , Toda Hiroko , Sasaki Ken , Arigami Takaaki , Matsushita Daisuke , Kurahara Hiroshi , Maemura Kosei , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: March 2020

Background

Synchronous double cancer of the colon and stomach accompanied by liver metastasis is rare. It is often difficult to determine an appropriate treatment strategy for multiple liver metastases of synchronous gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Multidisciplinary treatment is required based on the progression and location of each tumor and chemotherapy for complete resection.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old male who complained of acute abdominal pain and fever visited his local hospital. He underwent emergent surgery for peritonitis caused by a gastric perforation. The cytodiagnosis of ascites did not show any tumor cells. There was a liver metastasis in the lateral segment of the liver. We performed a primary closure of the defect and then applied an omentum flap. After surgery, the patient was diagnosed as having synchronous cStage IV transverse colon cancer with multiple liver metastases and cStage IIB gastric cancer. The [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed 18F-FDG uptake by the colon tumor and multiple liver metastases, but there was no uptake in the gastric tumor or lymph nodes. We retrospectively reevaluated the CT findings from a local hospital and detected a liver nodule in segment 2/3 (from 35 to 60 mm) and segment 6 (from 26 to 57 mm), and the tumors had dramatically grown in size in only 2 months. Because complete tumor resection would be difficult, S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) plus bevacizumab therapy was started to control tumor progression. After 20 courses of chemotherapy, the clinical diagnosis was ycStage IV transverse colon cancer and ycStage IIa gastric cancer. We planned a two-step procedure to completely resect the primary tumors and multiple liver metastases. We first performed a laparoscopic right-colon resection+D3 lymphadenectomy and open distal gastrectomy+D2 lymphadenectomy. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 18. After 1 month, we performed open liver resection. The pathological findings showed that the transverse colon was ypT2 (MP) with grade 2 therapeutic effects and that there were no atypical cells in the gastric tumor and multiple liver nodules (pathological complete response).

Conclusion

The SOX plus bevacizumab regimen could be an option for controlling tumor progression in synchronous double cancer of the colon and stomach with liver metastasis and led to the complete resection of such tumors.
Long-term Stability after Reduction of Mandible Fracture by Keyhole Plate: Evaluation at the Time of Plate Removal
Authors: Cheon Kyeong-Jun , Cho Seoung-Won , Jang Won-Seok , Kim Ju-Won , Yang Byoung-Eun
Published: March 2020

Background

Various types of miniplates have been developed and used for the reduction of facial bone fractures. We introduced Yang’s Keyhole (YK) plate, and reported on its short-term stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of the YK plate, as a follow-up study, by examining the patients who had used the YK plate among the patients with the reduction of mandible fractures and who visited for plate removal.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 16 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a YK plate (group I) and 17 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a conventional plate (group II). Assessment was then made on malunion, occlusal stability, discomfort during the application, and clinical symptoms.

Results

From January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 36 patients underwent mandibular fracture surgery using a YK plate. A total of 16 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 1 female. The average age was 26 years. The applied surgical sites were the 12 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of YK plate was an average of 335 days. During the same period, 45 people underwent surgery on the conventional plate. A total of 17 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 2 females. The average age was 36 years. The applied surgical sites were the 8 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of the conventional plate was an average of 349 days. No malocclusion occurred at the time of removal, and occlusion was stable. No patient complained of joint disease or discomfort.

Conclusion

The YK plate system, in which the screw was first inserted and the plate was applied, for clinical convenience did not cause any particular problem and no significant difference from the conventional plate.
Spinal cord stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: a review of the preclinical and clinical data and future prospects
Authors: Cai Yi , Reddy Rajiv D. , Varshney Vishal , Chakravarthy Krishnan V.
Published: March 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with an incidence of 0.1 to 0.2% over the age of 40 and a prevalence of over 1 million people in North America. The most common symptoms include tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, pain, and postural instability, with significant impact in quality of life and mortality. To date there is ongoing research to determine the optimum therapy for PD. In this review we analyze the current data in the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for treatment for Parkinsonian symptoms. We specifically address waveform pattern, anatomic location and the role of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a salvage therapy after deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy. We also outline current experimental evidence from preclinical research highlighting possible mechanisms of beneficial effects of SCS in this context. Though the use of SCS therapy is in its infancy for treatment of PD, the data points to an exciting area for ongoing research and exploration with positive outcomes from both cervical and thoracic tonic and BURSTDR spinal cord stimulation.
S1 guidelines “lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis” (abridged and translated version)
Authors: Tumani H. , Petereit H. F. , Gerritzen A. , Gross C. C. , Huss A. , Isenmann S. , Jesse S. , Khalil M. , Lewczuk P. , Lewerenz J. , Leypoldt F. , Melzer N. , Meuth S. G. , Otto M. , Ruprecht K. , Sindern E. , Spreer A. , Stangel M. , Strik H. , Uhr M. , Vogelgsang J. , Wandinger K.-P. , Weber T. , Wick M. , Wildemann B. , Wiltfang J. , Woitalla D. , Zerr I. , Zimmermann T.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is important for detecting inflammation of the nervous system and the meninges, bleeding in the area of the subarachnoid space that may not be visualized by imaging, and the spread of malignant diseases to the CSF space. In the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, the importance of CSF analysis is increasing. Measuring the opening pressure of CSF in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and at spinal tap in normal pressure hydrocephalus constitute diagnostic examination procedures with therapeutic benefits.

Recommendations (most important 3-5 recommendations on a glimpse):

The indications and contraindications must be checked before lumbar puncture (LP) is performed, and sampling CSF requires the consent of the patient.

Puncture with an atraumatic needle is associated with a lower incidence of postpuncture discomfort. The frequency of postpuncture syndrome correlates inversely with age and body mass index, and it is more common in women and patients with a history of headache. The sharp needle is preferably used in older or obese patients, also in punctures expected to be difficult.

In order to avoid repeating LP, a sufficient quantity of CSF (at least 10 ml) should be collected. The CSF sample and the serum sample taken at the same time should be sent to a specialized laboratory immediately so that the emergency and basic CSF analysis program can be carried out within 2 h.

The indication for LP in anticoagulant therapy should always be decided on an individual basis. The risk of interrupting anticoagulant therapy must be weighed against the increased bleeding risk of LP with anticoagulant therapy.

As a quality assurance measure in CSF analysis, it is recommended that all cytological, clinical-chemical, and microbiological findings are combined in an integrated summary report and evaluated by an expert in CSF analysis.

Conclusions

In view of the importance and developments in CSF analysis, the S1 guideline “Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis” was recently prepared by the German Society for CSF analysis and clinical neurochemistry (DGLN) and published in German in accordance with the guidelines of the AWMF (https://www.awmf.org). /uploads/tx_szleitlinien/030-141l_S1_Lumbalpunktion_und_Liquordiagnostik_2019-08.pdf). The present article is an abridged translation of the above cited guideline. The guideline has been jointly edited by the DGLN and DGN.
Domesticated equine species and their derived hybrids differ in their fecal microbiota
Authors: Edwards J. E. , Schennink A. , Burden F. , Long S. , van Doorn D. A. , Pellikaan W. F. , Dijkstra J. , Saccenti E. , Smidt H.
Published: March 2020

Background

Compared to horses and ponies, donkeys have increased degradation of dietary fiber. The longer total mean retention time of feed in the donkey gut has been proposed to be the basis of this, because of the increased time available for feed to be acted upon by enzymes and the gut microbiota. However, differences in terms of microbial concentrations and/or community composition in the hindgut may also underpin the increased degradation of fiber in donkeys. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess if differences existed between the fecal microbiota of pony, donkey and hybrids derived from them (i.e. pony × donkey) when fed the same forage diet.

Results

Fecal community composition of prokaryotes and anaerobic fungi significantly differed between equine types. The relative abundance of two bacterial genera was significantly higher in donkey compared to both pony and pony x donkey:Lachnoclostridium10 and ‘probable genus 10’ from theLachnospiraceaefamily. The relative abundance ofPiromyceswas significantly lower in donkey compared to pony × donkey, with pony not significantly differing from either of the other equine types. In contrast, the uncultivated genus SK3 was only found in donkey (4 of the 8 animals). The number of anaerobic fungal OTUs was also significantly higher in donkey than in the other two equine types, with no significant differences found between pony and pony × donkey. Equine types did not significantly differ with respect to prokaryotic alpha diversity, fecal dry matter content or fecal concentrations of bacteria, archaea and anaerobic fungi.

Conclusions

Donkey fecal microbiota differed from that of both pony and pony × donkey. These differences related to a higher relative abundance and diversity of taxa with known, or speculated, roles in plant material degradation. These findings are consistent with the previously reported increased fiber degradation in donkeys compared to ponies, and suggest that the hindgut microbiota plays a role. This offers novel opportunities for pony and pony × donkey to extract more energy from dietary fiber via microbial mediated strategies. This could potentially decrease the need for energy dense feeds which are a risk factor for gut-mediated disease.
Precise time scales and navigation systems: mutual benefits of timekeeping and positioning
Authors: Tavella Patrizia , Petit Gérard
Published: March 2020

The relationship and the mutual benefits of timekeeping and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are reviewed, showing how each field has been enriched and will continue to progress, based on the progress of the other field. The role of GNSSs in the calculation of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), as well as the capacity of GNSSs to provide UTC time dissemination services are described, leading now to a time transfer accuracy of the order of 1–2 ns. In addition, the fundamental role of atomic clocks in the GNSS positioning is illustrated. The paper presents a review of the current use of GNSS in the international timekeeping system, as well as illustrating the role of GNSS in disseminating time, and use the time and frequency metrology as fundamentals in the navigation service.
Longitudinal Training-related Hematological Changes in Boys and Girls from Ages 12 to 15 yr
Authors: LANDGRAFF HEGE WILSON , HALLÉN JOSTEIN
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Natural growth and maturation cause hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and blood volume (BV) to increase during childhood and adolescence. Whether endurance training during the same period can cause further increases in these variables is not clear. Also, body composition develops differently in girls and boys during puberty, and the effect of these differences on hematological variables has not been previously studied.

Methods

Forty-two endurance athletes (End group; 24 boys) and 34 athletes from other sports (non-End group; 23 boys) were tested at ages 12, 13, and 15 yr for Hbmass, BV, plasma volume (PV), red cell volume (RCV), hematological variables, and anthropometrics.

Results

At age 12 yr, Hbmass and BV showed no difference between sexes and training groups in absolute values or relative to fat-free mass (FFM). Relative to FFM, Hbmass and BV averaged 11.7 (0.8) g·kg−1 and 95 (6.8) mL·kg−1. Increases in FFM from ages 12 to 15 yr primarily determined the increased Hbmass and BV for both sexes with no differences between training groups. At age 15 yr, Hbmass relative to FFM was higher in boys than girls, 13.1 (0.8) g·kg−1 and 12.1 (0.9) g·kg−1 (P < 0.001), whereas BV relative to FFM was not significantly different between sexes and training groups at any ages, averaged 100 (6.7) mL·kg−1 at age 15 yr. Relative to FFM, PV was higher in the End group at all ages, and RCV was, on average, lower and increased less compared with non-End group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that increases in Hbmass during puberty are mainly associated with increased FFM and independent of sex or volume of endurance training.

However, the FFM-relative PV was higher and the FFM-relative RCV was lower in the End group compared with the non-End group.
Peripheral nerve blocks in the cervical region: from anatomy to ultrasound-guided techniques
Authors: Saranteas Theodosios , Kostroglou Andreas , Efstathiou Georgia , Giannoulis Dimitrios , Moschovaki Nefeli , Mavrogenis Andreas F , Perisanidis Christos
Published: March 2020

Cervical plexus nerve blocks have been employed in various head and neck operations. Both adequate anaesthesia and analgesia are attained in clinical practice. Nowadays, ultrasound imaging in regional anaesthesia is driven towards a certain objective that dictates high accuracy and safety during the implementation of peripheral nerve blocks. In the cervical region, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks have routinely been conducted only for the past few years and thus only a small number of publications pervade the current literature. Moreover, the sonoanatomy of the neck, the foundation stone of interventional techniques, is very challenging; multiple muscles and fascial layers compose a complex of compartments in a narrow anatomic region, in which local anaesthetics are injected. Therefore, this review intends to deliver new insights into ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block techniques in the neck. The sonoanatomy of the cervical region, in addition to the cervical plexus, cervical ganglia, superior and recurrent laryngeal nerve blocks are comprehensively discussed.
Organization HR-Ecosystem Formation and Development
Authors: Zaharov D. , Lobacheva A.
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the organization’s HR-ecosystem formation. The concept of HR-ecosystem, goals, tasks, and system key elements is studied. In order to form an HR-ecosystem, organizations are forced to use the partner companies’ services, enter into agreements with other companies in various fields of activity, and create new subsidiaries within their organizational structure. The article also deals with the workers corporate health concept, including wealth creation, communication, Hobbies, education, career, and health worker. The personnel management mechanisms of various employment models are proposed: employees, freelancers, and gig workers.
Organizational Culture and Social Responsibility at the University as Factors for the Successful Adaptation of Students With Limited Opportunities of Health
Authors: Gasparovich E. , Uskova E. , Kotova E.
Published: March 2020

The article reveals the relevance of studying the organizational culture and social responsibility of the university as a factor in the successful adaptation of students with limited opportunities of health. The features and potential of the organizational culture of the university as a whole and its social responsibility in matters of adaptation with a view to the subsequent professionalization of persons with disabilities are highlighted. The main trends of building the work of the university on the implementation of the project of the functioning of an accessible educational environment for students with limited opportunities of health by means of the organizational culture of the university are highlighted. The role of the university faculty in the implementation of: professional training of students with special needs in conjunction with their adaptation to the conditions of the educational institution is emphasized; programs of social and psychological support for persons with limited opportunities of health at the university; medical rehabilitation programs for students with limited opportunities of health. The work of the Center for Inclusive Education of the Ural Federal University providing creation and improvement of conditions for training and adaptation of disabled people and students with limited opportunities of health.
Simulation of colitis with the use of food fat
Authors: Bocharov A. V. , Levitsky A. P. , Badiuk N. S.
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, the consumption of fats, especially animal fats, has increased significantly. It has been established that high-fat nutrition leads not only to the development of obesity, liver steatosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, but also underlies the pathogenesis of dysbiotic syndrome. The latter is the main pathogenetic mechanism of the most widespread noncommunicable diseases.It has been established that the biological effect of various dietary fats largely depends on their fatty acid composition and, in particular, on the content of saturated fatty acids, especially palmitic acid. It was shown that triglycerides containing palmitic acid are difficult to hydrolyze by lipase of lipoproteins, which complicates their utilization by tissues.The authors studied the effect of dietary fats with different fatty acid composition on the condition of the mucous membrane of the colon of rats.The inflammatory process in the colon mucosa (colitis) develops only after consuming butter and palm oil. Partially, it is increased after the consumption of ordinary sunflower oil (the level of only one marker increases - MA).The development of colitis is inversely related to the degree of decrease in the antioxidant-prooxidant API index. Thus, the consumption of palm oil causes the strongest decrease in the API index and the highest increase in the level of inflammation markers.
Bloatware and Jailbreaking: Strategic Impacts of Consumer-Initiated Modification of Technology Products
Authors: Cavusoglu Hasan , Cavusoglu Huseyin , Geng Xianjun
Published: March 2020

Should a firm selling consumer electronics devices, such as smartphones, bundle these devices with bloatware? If consumers can remove bloatware by jailbreaking these devices, how should the firm adjust its prices and even its decision of bloatware inclusion? This research provides managerial insights for firms considering bloatware and policymakers regulating such practices. We show that it is not always optimal for a firm to sell a bloatware-included product. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that even if the firm can make it harder for consumers to jailbreak, the firm is not always better off by doing so. Consumers do not necessarily benefit from the reduced cost of jailbreaking either. Because the firm passes part of the bloatware revenue to consumers in the form of a lower price, whenever bloatware inclusion benefits the firm, consumers actually also benefit.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: March 2020

Summary:

Francisella tularensis is a cause of significant human infection. In endemic areas dogs may be infected with this bacterium but the subsequent disease state appears to be self-limiting. As the organism is endemic on mainland Europe, there is a risk of dogs acquiring infection from wild rodents and rabbits.
DIY diagnostics: cytology
Authors: Levey Annette Fitzgerald
Published: March 2020

It is possible to take tissue and fluid samples; carry out basic preparation and staining; and evaluate the stained cells, even on a very low budget. An appreciation of the basic principles of sampling, sample preparation and cytological evaluation will assist greatly and improve the chances of gaining valuable information.
Buenas prácticas en la organización, gestión y dirección de los centros educativos
Authors: Castillo García Manuel , Ramos Corpas Manuel Jesús , Del Moral Arroyo Gonzalo
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN. El objetivo de este trabajo es profundizar en el conocimiento de las buenas prácticas en el ejercicio de la dirección escolar considerando las siguientes variables: las relaciones entre profesorado y equipo directivo, los procesos de retroalimentación, los resultados que debe tener una buena práctica, la respuesta a situaciones novedosas, las variables a tener en cuenta para alcanzar los objetivos, las actitudes del buen director, las dinámicas de proyecto e innovación, el intercambio de prácticas docentes y, por último, los procesos de autoevaluación. Sobre la dirección escolar se han realizado numerosos estudios en las últimas décadas, aunque esta investigación aporta un nuevo enfoque como es el de las buenas prácticas en la dirección escolar. MÉTODO. La metodología es cualitativa basada en la Grounded Theory a partir de la información obtenida mediante grupo focal y posterior codificación y triangulación de datos, con la ayuda de Atlas ti 5.0. RESULTADOS. Los resultados se presentan apoyados con ilustraciones específicas atendiendo a cada una de las variables estudiadas. DISCUSIÓN. Se organiza igualmente atendiendo a las variables estudiadas y se pone de manifiesto, como aspectos más destacables, que las relaciones entre profesorado y equipo directivo tienen que ser respetuosas, horizontales, bidireccionales y participativas, desarrolladas mediante estrategias de cooperación y colaboración. Deben tener en cuenta procesos de retroalimentación mediante la potenciación de la cultura de la autoevaluación como motor de los procesos de mejora en el centro, y no solo deben conseguir buenos resultados, sino mejorar los anteriores; no obstante, deberá tenerse en cuenta el contexto de aplicación.
Rasgos demográficos, académicos y personales asociados a tres tipos de procrastinación en el alumnado universitario
Authors: Garzón Angelica , Gil Flores Javier , De la Fuente Arias Jesús
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN. La procrastinación supone un déficit autorregulatorio, definido por la demora voluntaria e irracional en el curso de una acción, que genera consecuencias negativas para el individuo. Según la literatura, entre un 40% y un 80% de los estudiantes presentan conductas procrastinadoras que impactan negativamente tanto en su rendimiento como en su salud física y mental. En el presente estudio se caracterizan tres perfiles de alumnado según el principal motivo para procrastinar: rebelión, miedo a la evaluación y pereza. Para ello se consideran rasgos demográficos (sexo, edad), académicos (jornada, semestres cursados, dedicación, planificación del tiempo, frecuencia de procrastinación, rendimiento académico) y personales (buenos hábitos, estabilidad psicológica, establecimiento de metas, perseverancia, toma de decisiones y aprendizaje de los errores). MÉTODO. La muestra estuvo constituida por 457 universitarios de diversas titulaciones y cursos. Se exploró la relación entre las razones para procrastinar y los rasgos demográficos, académicos y personales mediante correlaciones de Pearson y biserial puntual; y mediante regresión lineal múltiple se valoró el peso de cada variable en la explicación de los tres tipos de procrastinación considerados. RESULTADOS. Se encontró que la procrastinación por rebelión se asocia a hombres jóvenes con baja capacidad de perseverancia y toma de decisiones; la procrastinación por miedo a la evaluación se asocia al alumnado más joven, con menor estabilidad psicológica y baja capacidad de toma de decisiones; y la procrastinación por pereza se asocia a hombres con menor capacidad autorregulatoria general. DISCUSIÓN. Se discuten las implicaciones para el diseño de intervenciones educativas preventivas para el manejo de la procrastinación en contextos académicos, de acuerdo a las necesidades específicas que derivan de los rasgos asociados a cada una de las razones para procrastinar.
Dynamic analysis of rotor-bearing system by considering the transverse crack on rotor
Authors: Upadhyay N. , Kankar P. K
Published: March 2020

In this study, a new improved theoretical model of rotorbearing system has been presented to analyse the behaviour of the system due to the transverse crack on the rotor. Firstly, a mathematical model of the system with a transverse crack on rotor has been developed. In the modelling, the rotor is taken as Timoshenko beam and the unbalance force also included, which vary with rotating speed. The rotor is supported by two healthy deep groove ball bearing at both ends. The contact between balls and races of the bearings is considered as nonlinear spring, whose stiffness is obtained by Hertzian contact deformation theory. After the modelling of the rotor, the equation of motion has been derived which represents the dynamic behaviour of the system. Bifurcation diagrams are used to investigate the influence of depth and size of the crack on the dynamic behaviour of rotor ball-bearings system. Results indicate that if the depth and size of the crack increase the system becomes highly chaotic and unstable.
Using a Neural Network to Minimize Pressure Spikes for Binary-coded Digital Flow Control Units
Authors: Elsaed Essam , Abdelaziz Mohamed , Mahmoud Nabil A.
Published: March 2020

A unique method of improving energy efficiency in fluid power systems is called digital flow control. In this paper, binary coding control is utilized. Although this scheme is characterized by a small package size and low energy consumption, it is influenced by higher pressure peaks and larger transient uncertainty than are other coding schemes, e.g., Fibonacci coding and pulse number modulation, consequently resulting in poor tracking accuracy.

This issue can be solved by introducing a delay in the signal opening/ closing of the previous or subsequent valve, thus providing sufficient time for state alteration and valve processes. In a metering-in velocity control circuit, a feedforward neural network controller was used to create artificial delays according to the pressure difference over the digital flow control unit (DFCU) valves. The delayed signal samples fed to the controller were acquired through the genetic algorithm method, and the analysis was performed with MATLAB software.
Blue hues don't bring the blues: questioning conventional notions of color–emotion associations
Authors: Schloss Karen B. , Witzel Christoph , Lai Leslie Y.
Published: March 2020

It is commonly held that yellow is happy and blue is sad, but the
reason remains unclear. Part of the problem is that researchers tend
to focus on understanding why yellow is happy and blue is sad, but
this may be a misleading characterization of color–emotion
associations. In this study, we disentangle the contribution of
lightness, chroma, and hue in color–happy/sad associations by
controlling for lightness and chroma either statistically or colorimetrically. We found that after controlling for
lightness and chroma, colors with blue hue were no sadder than colors
with yellow hue, and in some cases, colors with blue hue were actually
happier. These results can help guide future efforts to understand the
nature of color–emotion associations.
Temporal ghost imaging with random fiber lasers
Authors: Wu Han , Han Bing , Wang Zinan , Genty Goëry , Feng Guoying , Liang Houkun
Published: March 2020

Ghost imaging in the time domain has opened up new possibilities to retrieve ultrafast waveforms. A pre-requisite to ghost imaging in the time domain is a light source with random temporal intensity fluctuations that are fully uncorrelated over the duration of the temporal waveform being imaged. Here, we show that random fiber lasers are excellent candidates for ghost imaging in the time domain. We study the temporal correlations of the intensity fluctuations of a random fiber laser in different operating regimes and compare its performance in temporal ghost imaging configurations with that of a conventional multi-mode cavity-based fiber laser. Our results demonstrate that random fiber lasers can achieve superior performance for ghost imaging as compared to cavity-based fiber lasers where strong correlations at the cavity round-trip time can yield artefacts for waveforms of long duration.
Feature extraction on Mueller matrix data for detecting nonporous electrospun fibers based on mutual information
Authors: Si Lu , Li Xiaopeng , Zhu Yuanhuan , Sheng Yong , Ma Hui
Published: March 2020

The surface morphology of electrospun fibers largely determines their application scenarios. Conventional scanning electron microscopy is usually used to observe the microstructure of polymer electrospun fibers, which is time consuming and will cause damage to the samples. In this paper, we use backscattering Mueller polarimetry to classify the microstructural features of materials by statistical learning methods. Before feeding the Mueller matrix (MM) data into the classifier, we use a two-stage feature extraction method to find out representative polarization parameters. First, we filter out the irrelevant MM elements according to their characteristic powers measured by mutual information. Then we use Correlation Explanation (CorEx) method to group interdependent elements and extract parameters that represent their relationships in each group. The extracted parameters are evaluated by the random forest classifier in a wrapper forward feature selection way and the results show the effectiveness in classification performance, which also shows the possibility to detect nonporous electrospun fibers automatically in real time.
Electrodynamic simulation of laser beam propagation in waterjet-guided laser processing
Authors: Deng Chun , Yeo Haram , Ki Hyungson
Published: March 2020

Waterjet-guided material processing is a technique that combines the capabilities of laser material processing with water jetting. In this study, we have investigated laser beam propagation in a waterjet column by numerically solving the Maxwell equations and the heat equation. A 1064 nm laser and its frequency-doubled 532 nm laser were chosen for the simulations, and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was employed for solving the Maxwell equations. The coupling effect of the laser and waterjet was simulated with different numerical apertures and different waterjet column diameters. Extensive investigations on laser absorption phenomena regarding the outer surface geometries of the waterjet (cylindrical shape with and without sinusoidal perturbation), and temperature distributions were also conducted. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first electrodynamic simulation of laser beam propagation and interaction with a water column in waterjet-guided laser processing. Some interesting findings concerning laser beam absorption characteristics inside a waterjet column were revealed.
TransLambda: A Multi-Band Transmission System and its Realization, Practical Applications and Use Cases in Optical Networks
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad S. , Sakamoto Takeshi , Kato Tomoyuki , Hoshida Takeshi
Published: March 2020

We focus on the introduction and practical use of TransLambdaTM, a multiband transmission system based on all optical wavelength conversion in optical transport network architectures, and detail its system-level considerations, network applications, and use-cases.
Net 212.5 Gbit/s Transmission in O-band With a SiP MZM, One Driver and Linear Equalization
Authors: Jacques Maxime , Xing Zhenping , Samani Alireza , Li Xueyang , El-Fiky Eslam , Alam Samiul , Carpentier Olivier , Koh Ping-Chiek , Plant David V.
Published: March 2020

We present an O-band SiP MZM design enabling net transmission of 212.5
(200) Gbit/s over 2 (10) km using PAM-8 modulation and 20%
SD-FEC, and net 200 Gbit/s back-to-back using PAM-6 and 6.7%
HD-FEC.
Hollow Core NANF with 0.28 dB/km Attenuation in the C and L Bands
Authors: Jasion Gregory T , Bradley Thomas D , Harrington Kerrianne , Sakr Hesham , Chen Yong , Fokoua Eric Numkam , Davidson Ian A , Taranta Austin , Hayes John R , Richardson David J , Poletti Francesco
Published: March 2020

We report an effectively single-moded, 1.7km long hollow core Nested Antiresonant Nodeless Fiber (NAOT) with record-low 0.28dB/km loss from 1510 to 1600nm, which further reduces the loss gap with standard all-glass single mode fibers.
Transmission of 61 C-band Channels with L-band Interferers over Record 618km of Hollow-Core-Fiber
Authors: Nespola Antonino , Straullu Stefano , Bradley Thomas D , Harrington Kerrianne , Sakr Hesham , Jasion Gregory T , Fokoua Eric Numkam , Jung Yongmin , Chen Yong , Hayes John R , Forghieri Fabrizio , Richardson David J , Poletti Francesco , Bosco Gabriella , Poggiolini Pierluigi
Published: March 2020

We recirculated 61 PM-QPSK C-band channels @32GBaud, with simultaneous L-band loading, through 7.72km of hollow-core NANF with <1dB/km loss. We reached 772km for the midchannel, and 618km for all channels at average GMI 3.44 bits/symbol.
High-speed all-optical thresholding via carrier lifetime tunability
Authors: Jha Aashu , Huang Chaoran , de Lima Thomas Ferreira , Prucnal Paul R.
Published: March 2020

We theoretically study the effect of free-carrier lifetime on processing speed and strength of nonlinearity, pertaining to our all-optical thresholder. We find that optimal device performance necessitates tuning lifetime while optimizing for both speed and nonlinearity. We also experimentally demonstrate device processing speed improvement from 400 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps by incorporating PN-junction mediated free-carrier lifetime tuning mechanism. Our study on the significance of free-carrier lifetime is universally applicable to any optical signal processing system reliant on silicon photonic nonlinearities.
High-power DUV picosecond pulse laser with a gain-switched-LD-seeded MOPA and large CLBO crystal
Authors: Kohno Kenta , Orii Yosuke , Sawada Hisashi , Okuyama Daisuke , Shibuya Kimihiko , Shimizu Seiji , Yoshimura Masashi , Mori Yusuke , Nishimae Junichi , Okada George
Published: March 2020

We report the generation of a 266 nm deep ultraviolet (DUV) picosecond pulse with an average output power of 14 W by the fourth-harmonic generation (FHG) from two consecutive frequency-doubling stages of a 1064 nm pulse based on a gain-switched-laser-diode (LD)-seeded hybrid fiber/solid-state master oscillator and power amplifier (MOPA) system. Through the gain-switched operation of a narrow-spectral-linewidth distributed-feedback laser diode and by using a Yb-doped fiber and a two-stage

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

solid-state amplifier, we achieved an average power of 46.5 W near the Fourier transform limit for a 13 ps pulse with a repetition rate of 200 kHz. The narrow linewidth pulse characteristics enabled highly efficient frequency conversion, and the efficiency of conversion from 532 to 266 nm was 54%, and from 1064 to 266 nm was 31%. The beam quality factor

M
2

of the generated DUV pulse was below 1.2. The highly efficient FHG process resulted in appeasing thermal stress caused by nonlinear absorption in the crystal, and more than 5000 h of continuous operation were achieved without any power down or beam profile degradation.
All-fiber polarization-maintaining mode-locked laser operated at 980  nm
Authors: Aleshkina Svetlana S. , Fedotov Andrei , Korobko Dmitrii , Stoliarov Dmitrii , Lipatov Denis S. , Velmiskin Vladimir V. , Temyanko Valery L. , Kotov Leonid V. , Gumenyuk Regina , Likhachev Mikhail E.
Published: March 2020

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we present an all-fiber polarization-maintaining passively mode-locked picosecond laser operated at 980 nm. The laser cavity had a ring configuration with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror as a mode-locking element. As an active medium, we used a specially designed cladding-pumped Yb-doped fiber with reduced cladding-to-core diameter ratio. The laser was self-starting and operated in the net cavity normal dispersion regime, where a spectral profile of the gain medium acted as a filter element. By intracavity spectral filtering, we achieved about 40 dB dominance of the signal wavelength at 980 nm over 1 µm emission in a highly stable picosecond pulsed regime. The corresponding simulation was performed to extend the knowledge about laser operation.
Megapixel time-gated SPAD image sensor for 2D and 3D imaging applications
Authors: Morimoto Kazuhiro , Ardelean Andrei , Wu Ming-Lo , Ulku Arin Can , Antolovic Ivan Michel , Bruschini Claudio , Charbon Edoardo
Published: March 2020

We present a 1 Mpixel single-photon avalanche diode camera featuring 3.8 ns time gating and 24 kfps frame rate, fabricated in 180 nm CMOS image sensor technology. We designed two pixels with a pitch of 9.4 µm in 7 T and 5.75 T configurations respectively, achieving a maximum fill factor of 13.4%. The maximum photon detection probability is 27%, median dark count rate is 2.0 cps, variation in gating length is 120 ps, position skew is 410 ps, and rise/fall time is

<

550

p
s

, all FWHM at 3.3 V excess bias. The sensor was used to capture 2D/3D scenes over 2 m with resolution (least significant bit) of 5.4 mm and precision better than 7.8 mm (rms). We demonstrate extended dynamic range in dual exposure operation mode and show spatially overlapped multi-object detection in single-photon time-gated time-of-flight experiments.