bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromonitoring of delirium with quantitative pupillometry in sedated mechanically ventilated critically ill patients
Authors: Favre Eva , Bernini Adriano , Morelli Paola , Pasquier Jerôme , Miroz John-Paul , Abed-Maillard Samia , Ben-Hamouda Nawfel , Oddo Mauro
Published: February 2020

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) delirium is a frequent secondary neurological complication in critically ill patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Quantitative pupillometry is an emerging modality for the neuromonitoring of primary acute brain injury, but its potential utility in patients at risk of ICU delirium is unknown.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of medical-surgical ICU patients, without acute or known primary brain injury, who underwent sedation and mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h. Starting at day 3, automated infrared pupillometry—blinded to ICU caregivers—was used for repeated measurement of the pupillary function, including quantitative pupillary light reflex (q-PLR, expressed as % pupil constriction to a standardized light stimulus) and constriction velocity (CV, mm/s). The relationship between delirium, using the CAM-ICU score, and quantitative pupillary variables was examined.

Results

A total of 59/100 patients had ICU delirium, diagnosed at a median 8 (5–13) days from admission. Compared to non-delirious patients, subjects with ICU delirium had lower values of q-PLR (25 [19–31] vs. 20 [15–28] %) and CV (2.5 [1.7–2.8] vs. 1.7 [1.4–2.4] mm/s) at day 3, and at all additional time-points tested (p < 0.05). After adjusting for the SOFA score and the cumulative dose of analgesia and sedation, lower q-PLR was associated with an increased risk of ICU delirium (OR 1.057 [1.007–1.113] at day 3; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Sustained abnormalities of quantitative pupillary variables at the early ICU phase correlate with delirium and precede clinical diagnosis by a median 5 days. These findings suggest a potential utility of quantitative pupillometry in sedated mechanically ventilated ICU patients at high risk of delirium.
Antifungal activity of volatile compounds produced by endophytic Bacillus subtilis DZSY21 against Curvularia lunata
Authors: Xie Shanshan , Liu Juan , Gu Shuangyue , Chen Xiaojie , Jiang Haiyang , Ding Ting
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To screen endophyticBacillusproducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity, and to explore their biocontrol properties toward the growth and pathogenicity ofCurvularia lunata.

Methods

Two-sealed-base-plate assays were used to estimate the antifungal activities ofBacillusstrains againstC. lunata. Conjoint analysis of solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and antagonistic experiments were used to identify the VOCs responsible for the antifungal activity. Effects of individual synthetic VOCs were analyzed along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation inC. lunataconidia. After exposure to individual VOCs, conidia were also sprayed onto maize leaves to evaluate their pathogenicity. Expression levels of virulence-related genes inC. lunatamycelium following exposure to VOCs were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

Among the ten endophyticBacillusstrains and two plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains, onlyB. subtilisstrain DZSY21 strongly inhibited the growth ofC. lunataby producing VOCs. 2-Methylbutyric acid, 2-heptanone, and isopentyl acetate produced by strain DZSY21 showed inhibitory effects on the mycelia growth and conidial sporulation ofC. lunata. 2-Heptanone and isopentyl acetate also repressed the germination of conidia and the expression levels of virulence-related genes inC. lunatamycelium. Moreover, isopentyl acetate strongly enhanced the accumulation of intracellular ROS in conidia. The disease indexes of maize leaves sprayed with VOC-treatedC. lunataconidia were reduced from 60.52 to 26.64%.

Conclusion

EndophyticB. subtilisstrain DZSY21 displayed the potential to controlC. lunataby producing VOCs, especially 2-heptanone and isopentyl acetate.
Optimization of PET protocol and interrater reliability of 18F-PSMA-11 imaging of prostate cancer
Authors: Piron Sarah , De Man Kathia , Schelfhout Vanessa , Van Laeken Nick , Kersemans Ken , Achten Eric , De Vos Filip , Ost Piet
Published: February 2020

Background

Several scan parameters for PET imaging with 18F-PSMA-11 such as dosage, acquisition time and scan duration were evaluated to determine the most appropriate scan protocol, as well as the effect of furosemide administration on lesion visualization. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to a dosage group (2.0 ± 0.2 or 4.0 ± 0.4 MBq/kg 18F-PSMA-11). All patients received a full-body PET/CT 1 h and 3 h after radiotracer injection with a scan duration of 3 min/bed position. For comparison of the scan duration, images were reconstructed for 1.5 and 3 min/bed position. Patients were intravenously administered 0.5 mg/kg furosemide with a maximum dose of 40 mg. To evaluate the furosemide effect, 22 additional patients were recruited and received one full-body PET/CT 1 h after administration of 2.0 ± 0.2 MBq/kg 18F-PSMA-11 with a scan duration of 3 min/bed position. To this group, no furosemide was administered. Images were scored on image quality using a 7-point scale and each suspicious lesion was described. To assess interrater reliability, two nuclear physicians scored all scans independently and described all observed suspicious lesions.

Results

The 4 MBq/kg group received for all reconstructed images (60 min p.i., 1.5 and 3 min/bed position and 180 min p.i., 1.5 and 3 min/bed position) the highest median image quality score compared to the 2 MBq/kg group (p values < 0.01). When comparing all reconstructed images, the highest image quality score was given to images at 60 min p.i., 3 min/bed position for both dosage groups (score 5 and 6 for 2 and 4 MBq/kg, respectively). The addition of furosemide administration decreased the interference score with one point (p = 0.01106) and facilitated the evaluation of lesions in proximity to the ureters. The interrater reliability for the comparison of each lesion separately after more than 40 18F-PSMA-11 scan readings showed an increasing κ value from 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65–0.92) to 0.94 (95% CI, 0.87–1).

Conclusion

Although the results indicate an administered activity of 4.0 ± 0.4 MBq/kg, preference will be given to 2.0 ± 0.2 MBq/kg due to the small difference in absolute score (max 1 point) and the ALARA principle. For evaluation of lesions in proximity to the ureters, the co-administration of a diuretic can be useful. The increase of the κ value from 0.78 to 0.94 suggests a learning curve in the interpretation of 18F-PSMA-11 images.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03573011. Retrospectively registered 28 June 2018
Marek’s disease vaccines-induced differential expression of known and novel microRNAs in primary lymphoid organ bursae of White Leghorn
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhu Chen , Heidari Mohammad , Dong Kunzhe , Chang Shuang , Xie Qingmei , Zhang Huanmin
Published: February 2020

Marek’s disease (MD) is a contagious disease of domestic chickens caused by MD viruses. MD has been controlled primarily by vaccinations, yet sporadic outbreaks of MD take place worldwide. Commonly used MD vaccines include HVT, SB-1 and CVI988/Rispens and their efficacies are reportedly dependent of multiple factors including host genetics. Our previous studies showed protective efficacy of a MD vaccine can differ drastically from one chicken line to the next. Advanced understanding on the underlying genetic and epigenetic factors that modulate vaccine efficacy would greatly improve the strategy in design and development of more potent vaccines. Two highly inbred lines of White Leghorn were inoculated with HVT and CVI988/Rispens. Bursa samples were taken 26 days post-vaccination and subjected to small RNA sequencing analysis to profile microRNAs (miRNA). A total of 589 and 519 miRNAs was identified in one line, known as line 63, 490 and 630 miRNAs were identified in the other, known as line 72, in response to HVT or CVI988/Rispens inoculation, respectively. HVT and CVI988/Rispens induced mutually exclusive 4 and 13 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in line 63 birds in contrast to a non-vaccinated group of the same line. HVT failed to induce any DE miRNA and CVI988/Rispens induced a single DE miRNA in line 72 birds. Thousands of target genes for the DE miRNAs were predicted, which were enriched in a variety of gene ontology terms and pathways. This finding suggests the epigenetic factor, microRNA, is highly likely involved in modulating vaccine protective efficacy in chicken.
Antiviral activity of ISG15 against classical swine fever virus replication in porcine alveolar macrophages via inhibition of autophagy by ISGylating BECN1
Authors: Li Cheng , Wang Yifan , Zheng Hongqing , Dong Wang , Lv Huifang , Lin Jihui , Guo Kangkang , Zhang Yanming
Published: February 2020

Interferons (IFNs) induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) for defense against numerous viral infections, including classical swine fever virus (CSFV). However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of ISGs on CSFV infection are rarely reported. In this study, we demonstrate that IFN-α treatment induces upregulation of ISG15 and thus attenuates CSFV replication. To determine whether ISG15 is critical for controlling CSFV replication, we established porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) with stable overexpression or knockdown of ISG15. Overexpression of Flag-ISG15 significantly prevented CSFV replication, whereas loss of ISG15 led to abnormal proliferation of CSFV. Furthermore, upregulated ISG15 promoted beclin-1 (BECN1) ISGylation and dysfunction and subsequently inhibited autophagy, which is indispensable for CSFV replication. In addition, HECT and RLD domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 5 (HERC5), which functions to catalyze conjugation of ISG15 protein, was confirmed to interact with BECN1. Collectively, these results indicate that IFN-α restricts CSFV replication through ISG15-mediated BECN1 ISGylation and autophagy inhibition, providing insight into the mechanism of CSFV replication control by type I IFN. This mechanism may not be the only antiviral mechanism of ISG15; nonetheless, this study may contribute to the development of CSFV treatment and prevention strategies.
Proactive eavesdropping in UAV-aided mobile relay systems
Authors: Lu Haiquan , Dai Haibo , Sun Ping , Li Pei , Wang Baoyun
Published: February 2020

This paper studies a new wireless surveillance scenario, where a legitimate monitor attempts to eavesdrop on the dubious messages forwarded by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided suspicious relay. Specifically, we consider two relaying protocols commonly used by the UAV-aided relay, namely, amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF). For each relaying protocol, we maximize the average effective eavesdropping rate by optimizing the legitimate monitor’s jamming power allocation, subject to the average power constraint. The optimal jamming power allocation solutions are derived in closed-form for each of the two protocols, respectively. Numerical results show that the proposed proactive eavesdropping approach can noticeably improve the eavesdropping rate compared to the reference schemes.
Entomopathogenic nematode-associated microbiota: from monoxenic paradigm to pathobiome
Authors: Ogier Jean-Claude , Pagès Sylvie , Frayssinet Marie , Gaudriault Sophie
Published: February 2020

Background

The holistic view of bacterial symbiosis, incorporating both host and microbial environment, constitutes a major conceptual shift in studies deciphering host-microbe interactions. Interactions between Steinernema entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts, Xenorhabdus, have long been considered monoxenic two partner associations responsible for the killing of the insects and therefore widely used in insect pest biocontrol. We investigated this “monoxenic paradigm” by profiling the microbiota of infective juveniles (IJs), the soil-dwelling form responsible for transmitting Steinernema-Xenorhabdus between insect hosts in the parasitic lifecycle.

Results

Multigenic metabarcoding (16S and rpoB markers) showed that the bacterial community associated with laboratory-reared IJs from Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri and S. weiseri species consisted of several Proteobacteria. The association with Xenorhabdus was never monoxenic. We showed that the laboratory-reared IJs of S. carpocapsae bore a bacterial community composed of the core symbiont (Xenorhabdus nematophila) together with a frequently associated microbiota (FAM) consisting of about a dozen of Proteobacteria (Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Alcaligenes, Achromobacter, Pseudochrobactrum, Ochrobactrum, Brevundimonas, Deftia, etc.). We validated this set of bacteria by metabarcoding analysis on freshly sampled IJs from natural conditions. We isolated diverse bacterial taxa, validating the profile of the Steinernema FAM. We explored the functions of the FAM members potentially involved in the parasitic lifecycle of Steinernema. Two species, Pseudomonas protegens and P. chlororaphis, displayed entomopathogenic properties suggestive of a role in Steinernema virulence and membership of the Steinernema pathobiome.

Conclusions

Our study validates a shift from monoxenic paradigm to pathobiome view in the case of the Steinernema ecology. The microbial communities of low complexity associated with EPNs will permit future microbiota manipulation experiments to decipher overall microbiota functioning in the infectious process triggered by EPN in insects and, more generally, in EPN ecology.
Co-creating transdisciplinary global change research agendas in Finland
Authors: Matschoss Kaisa , Pietilä Maria , Rask Mikko , Suni Tanja
Published: February 2020

Co-creation principles have become prominent in the scientific disciplines that aim to respond to global sustainability challenges especially in the global south. This paper analyses a co-creation pilot of global change research in the novel context of a Nordic country, Finland. The pilot was organised to learn how to create a future agenda for a complex and transdisciplinary research field of global change. This paper analyses its conceptualisation in Finland, how did the series of engagement events increase the capacities of participants and how did the process contribute to a change towards a new, societally responsible way of co-creating global change research. The study found that co-creation suits well for the translation of important societal questions into global research agendas and for networking actors to co-creation activities. Based on the study, we argue that co-creation offers a socially acceptable approach to address socially critical topics to design transdisciplinary social and sustainability research.
The relationship between existential well-being and mood-related psychiatric burden in Indian young adults with attachment deficits: a cross-cultural validation study
Authors: Hiebler-Ragger Michaela , Kamble Shanmukh V. , Aberer Elisabeth , Unterrainer Human Friedrich
Published: February 2020

Background

Attachment and spirituality are thought to have deep evolutionary roots but are always interpreted within the framework of culture, religion and personal beliefs. While insecure attachment has been observed to be positively related with psychopathology, a positive mental health effect has often been described for spirituality. To examine the cross-cultural validation of previous research focused on Austrian young adults with Western socialization, we attempt to replicate our study examining the influence spirituality has on the connection between insecure attachment and mood-related psychiatric burden with Indian young adults.

Methods

We investigated Avoidant (AV) and Anxious (AX) Attachment (ECR-RD), Religious (RWB) and Existential (EWB) Well-Being (MI-RSWB), and mood-related psychiatric burden (Anxiety, Depression, Somatization; BSI-18) in 443 (31% female) Indian young adults (age range: 18–30 years) with a Hindu upbringing.

Results

Compared to young adults with a Roman Catholic upbringing in a Western socialization, Indian participants did not differ in AX and EWB but scored higher in mood-related psychiatric burden (eta2 = .04), AV (eta2 = .14), as well as RWB (eta2 = .28; all p < .01). As in previous research only AX (β = .40) positively predicted mood-related psychiatric burden (ΔR2 = .15, all p < .01), while EWB was an additional negative predictor (β = −.11, p < .05).

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the universal importance of attachment and spirituality for mental health as well as the potential influence of socialization on their development.

Furthermore, they underline that Existential Well-Being – including hope for a better future, forgiveness, and the experience of sense and meaning – appears to have a compensating effect on the relation between insecure attachment and impaired mental health.
Cardioprotective effects of the garlic (Allium sativum) in sodium fluoride-treated rats
Authors: Abdel-Baky Enas S. , Abdel-Rahman Omnia N.
Published: February 2020

Background

Excessive intake of fluoride may result in the development of cardiotixicity in the rats. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible cardioprotective effect of the garlic (G) on sodium fluoride (NaF)-treated rats.

Methods

Twenty-four male albino rats (100–120 g), 2 months old, were equally divided into control, NaF, G, and NaF + G groups. Group 1 was control group, the animals without any treatment. Group 2 was administrated with NaF orally (10 mg/kg BWT) daily. Group 3 received orally G alone (63 mg/kg BWT) daily. Group 4 was administrated with NaF + G at the same time (with the same previous doses) daily. The experimental period was for 4 weeks.

Results

NaF significantly elevated the levels of serum creatinine kinase (CK), creatine kinase–MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Aalanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Also, there was a significant increase in the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TAG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) fractions, and the atherogenic effect (the mean ratios of TC/LDL-c and LDL-c/ (high-density lipoprotein) HDL-c), whereas a significant decrease in HDL-c occurred in the NaF-treated group compared with the control animals. The treatment with G+NaF ameliorated all the biochemical parameters tested.

Conclusion

These results indicate that garlic has a cardioprotective effect against NaF cardiotoxicity.
Evidence of cognitive training in mild to moderate dementia
Authors: Mohd Nizam Nurul Ain
Published: February 2020

There is urgent need to search for a dementia treatment that can delay its progression and reduce its financial and societal burden. Despite lacking evidence, there is a large number of commercial brain-training products on the market that claim they improve cognition. The Cochrane review under consideration looks at whether cognitive training maintains or improves cognition in those with mild to moderate dementia compared with control and alternative interventions. This commentary puts its findings into clinical perspective.
Ivosidenib (IVO; AG-120) in IDH1-mutant newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (ND AML): Updated results from a phase 1 study.
Authors: Roboz Gail J. , Dinardo Courtney Denton , Stein Eytan M. , de Botton Stéphane , Mims Alice S. , Prince Gabrielle T. , Altman Jessica K. , Arellano Martha Lucia , Erba Harry Paul , Pollyea Daniel Aaron , Stein Anthony Selwyn , Watts Justin M. , Fathi Amir Tahmasb , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Tallman Martin S. , Fan Bin , Liu Hua , Wu Bin , Attar Eyal C. , Stone Richard M.
Published: February 2020

7028

Background: IVO is an oral, potent, targeted inhibitor of mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) approved for the treatment of adults with mIDH1 relapsed or refractory AML. We report the safety and efficacy of IVO in pts with ND AML not eligible for standard therapy enrolled in the first-in-human, phase 1, dose escalation and expansion study of pts with mIDH1 advanced hematologic malignancies (NCT02074839). Methods: Enrollment completed on 08May2017. Overall response rate (ORR) comprised complete remission (CR) + CR with incomplete hematologic or platelet recovery + partial response + morphologic leukemia-free state. CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) was CR except absolute neutrophil count > 0.5 × 109/L and platelet count > 50 × 109/L. Results: Baseline characteristics for 34 pts with ND AML who received IVO 500 mg once daily were: 19 men/15 women; median age 76.5 yrs (range 64-87); 56% ≥75 yrs of age; 76% had secondary AML and 53% prior MDS; 47% had ≥1 hypomethylating agent for an antecedent hematologic disorder. As of 02Nov2018, 7/34 (21%) pts remained on treatment; 3 (9%) had discontinued treatment for allogeneic stem cell transplant. Median duration of IVO exposure was 4.3 mo (range 0.3–40.9). Adverse events of any grade and causality in ≥25% of pts were diarrhea (53%), fatigue (47%), nausea (38%), decreased appetite (35%), leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, peripheral edema (all 26%). Most were grade 1–2 and unrelated to treatment. IDH differentiation syndrome (DS) was seen in 6/34 (18%) pts, grade ≥3 in 3 (9%); IVO was held due to DS in 3 pts. QT prolongation was seen in 6 pts. In 33 pts confirmed mIDH1-positive by the companion diagnostic test, CR rate was 30% (95% CI 16%, 49%), CR+CRh 42% (95% CI 26%, 61%), and ORR 55% (95% CI 36%, 72%), with median durations not estimable (95% CI lower bound 4.2, 4.6, and 4.6 mo, respectively); 12-mo response durations were 78%, 62%, and 63%, respectively. Of 21 pts who were transfusion dependent at baseline, 43% became transfusion independent for ≥56 consecutive days on treatment. Updated co-occurring mutation and mutation clearance data will be reported. Conclusions: IVO was well tolerated and induced durable remissions in elderly pts with poor-prognosis mIDH1 ND AML. Clinical trial information: NCT02074839.
Pbx4 limits heart size and fosters arch artery formation by partitioning second heart field progenitors and restricting proliferation
Authors: Holowiecki Andrew , Linstrum Kelsey , Ravisankar Padmapriyadarshini , Chetal Kashish , Salomonis Nathan , Waxman Joshua S.
Published: February 2020

Vertebrate heart development requires the integration of temporally distinct differentiating progenitors. However, few signals are understood that restrict the size of the later-differentiating outflow tract (OFT). We show that improper specification and proliferation of second heart field (SHF) progenitors in zebrafish lazarus (lzr) mutants, which lack the transcription factor Pbx4, produces enlarged hearts owing to an increase in ventricular and smooth muscle cells. Specifically, Pbx4 initially promotes the partitioning of the SHF into anterior progenitors, which contribute to the OFT, and adjacent endothelial cell progenitors, which contribute to posterior pharyngeal arches. Subsequently, Pbx4 limits SHF progenitor (SHFP) proliferation. Single cell RNA sequencing of nkx2.5+ cells revealed previously unappreciated distinct differentiation states and progenitor subpopulations that normally reside within the SHF and arterial pole of the heart. Specifically, the transcriptional profiles of Pbx4-deficient nkx2.5+ SHFPs are less distinct and display characteristics of normally discrete proliferative progenitor and anterior, differentiated cardiomyocyte populations. Therefore, our data indicate that the generation of proper OFT size and arch arteries requires Pbx-dependent stratification of unique differentiation states to facilitate both homeotic-like transformations and limit progenitor production within the SHF.
CTRL – a label-free artificial intelligence method for dynamic measurement of single-cell volume
Authors: Yao Kai , Rochman Nash D. , Sun Sean X.
Published: February 2020

Measuring the physical size of a cell is valuable in understanding cell growth control. Current single-cell volume measurement methods for mammalian cells are labor intensive, inflexible and can cause cell damage. We introduce CTRL: Cell Topography Reconstruction Learner, a label-free technique incorporating the deep learning algorithm and the fluorescence exclusion method for reconstructing cell topography and estimating mammalian cell volume from differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy images alone. The method achieves quantitative accuracy, requires minimal sample preparation, and applies to a wide range of biological and experimental conditions. The method can be used to track single-cell volume dynamics over arbitrarily long time periods. For HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, we observe that the cell size at division is positively correlated with the cell size at birth (sizer), and there is a noticeable reduction in cell size fluctuations at 25% completion of the cell cycle in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells.
Small-target judging method based on the effective image pixels for measuring infrared radiation characteristics
Authors: Wang Weichao , Cheng Junlian , Si Wentao
Published: February 2020

When measuring infrared radiation characteristics, it is necessary to judge whether the target is a small target or a surface target. This paper proposes a judging method based on the effective imaging pixels of the target that takes into account the influence of the diffusing effect of the imaging system as well as that of the signal-to-noise ratio on the imaging process. The method employs a discrete imaging process model to simulate images of small targets and implements an algorithm for estimating the effective imaging pixels. Characteristic curves for judgment are obtained, and judgment criteria are, in turn, established based on the definition of a threshold number of effective imaging pixels. Targets with a number of effective imaging pixels less than this threshold are defined as small targets. Experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Polarimetric second-harmonic generation microscopy of the hierarchical structure of collagen in stage I-III non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Golaraei Ahmad , Mostaço-Guidolin Leila B. , Raja Vaishnavi , Navab Roya , Wang Tao , Sakashita Shingo , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Tsao Ming-Sound , Wilson Brian C. , Barzda Virginijus
Published: February 2020

Polarimetric second-harmonic generation (P-SHG) microscopy is used to quantify the structural alteration of collagen in stage-I,-II and -III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) ex vivo tissue. The achiral and chiral molecular second-order susceptibility tensor components ratios (R and C, respectively), the degree of linear polarization (DLP) and the in-plane collagen fiber orientation (δ) were extracted. Further, texture analysis was performed on the SHG intensity, R, C, DLP and δ. The distributions of R, C, DLP and δ as well as the textural features of entropy, correlation and contrast show significant differences between normal and tumor tissues.
25th Anniversary of STED Microscopy and the 20th Anniversary of SIM: feature introduction
Authors: Kner Peter , Manley Suliana , Shechtman Yoav , Stallinga Sjoerd
Published: February 2020

This feature issue commemorating 25 years of STED microscopy and 20 years of SIM is intended to highlight the incredible progress and growth in the field of superresolution microscopy since Stefan Hell and Jan Wichmann published the article Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy in Optics Letters in 1994.
MHz-repetition rate fs-laser-inscribed crystalline waveguide lasers inscribed at 100 mm/s
Authors: Hasse Kore , Kränkel Christian
Published: February 2020

We report on fast direct laser inscription of waveguide laser structures in a crystal. For the first time, a 1 MHz-repetition rate fs-laser was utilized for this purpose. We inscribed and characterized more than 100 tracks with different inscription parameters in Yb:CALGO crystals. Waveguide lasing with slope efficiencies of up to 57% at a maximum output power of 3.4 W and more than 55% of optical efficiency was obtained under pumping with an optically pumped semiconductor laser (OPSL), even in waveguides fabricated at record-high inscription velocities of 100 mm/s. Such laser performance is similar to previously reported waveguide lasers inscribed at 1 kHz repetition rate and paves the way toward an industrial fabrication of such waveguides.
Laser operation of cleaved single-crystal plates and films of Tm:KY(MoO4)2
Authors: Volokitina Anna , Loiko Pavel , Pavlyuk Anatoly , Slimi Sami , Solé Rosa Maria , Salem Ezzedine Ben , Kifle Esrom , Serres Josep Maria , Griebner Uwe , Petrov Valentin , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Mateos Xavier
Published: February 2020

We report on the crystal growth, spectroscopy and first laser operation of a novel double molybdate compound – Tm:KY(MoO4)2. This orthorhombic (sp. gr. Pbna) crystal exhibits strong anisotropy of the spectroscopic properties due to its layered structure. The maximum stimulated emission cross-section for the 3F4 → 3H6 transition is 2.70×10−20 cm2 at 1856nm with a bandwidth of >110 nm (for
E
||
b
). The lifetime of the 3F4 state is 2.29 ms. Crystalline films and plates (thickness down to 70 µm) of high optical quality are obtained by mechanical cleavage along the (100) plane. Continuous-wave diode-pumped laser operation is achieved in such thin films and plates yielding a maximum output power of 0.88 W at ∼1.9 µm with a slope efficiency of 65.8% and a linearly polarized laser output. Vibronic lasing is demonstrated at ∼2.06 µm. Tm:KY(MoO4)2 is promising for microchip and thin-disk lasers.
Spectral emissivity design using aluminum-based hybrid gratings
Authors: Audhkhasi Romil , Povinelli Michelle L.
Published: February 2020

We propose a strategy to design infrared emitters with predefined spectral response using aluminum gratings as building blocks. We begin by identifying 3 target spectra with resonances in the 7–15 µm wavelength range. Next, we use FDTD simulations and interpolation to create a reference library of gratings relating their structural parameters to attributes of their infrared spectra. By using a search algorithm based on minimization of errors in spectral attributes, we identify gratings from this library corresponding to peaks in the target spectra. Finally, we discuss an approach for designing hybrid structures from these gratings to generate each of the 3 target spectra. This strategy can be extended to design structures with complex spectral responses.
Correlation between pattern density and linewidth variation in silicon photonics waveguides
Authors: Xing Yufei , Dong Jiaxing , Khan Umar , Bogaerts Wim
Published: February 2020

We describe the correlation between the measured width of silicon waveguides fabricated with 193 nm lithography and the local pattern density of the mask layout. In the fabrication process, pattern density can affect the composition of the plasma in a dry etching process or the abrasion rate in a planarization step. Using an optical test circuit to extract waveguide width and thickness, we sampled 5841 sites over a fabricated wafer. Using this detailed sampling, we could establish the correlation between the linewidth and average pattern density around the test circuit, as a function of the radius of influence. We find that the intra-die systematic width variation correlates most with the pattern density within a radius of 200 µm, with a correlation coefficient of 0.57. No correlation between pattern density and the intra-die systematic thickness variation is observed. These findings can be used to predict photonic circuit yield or to optimize the circuit layout to minimize the effect of local pattern density.
Bufferless III–V photodetectors directly grown on (001) silicon-on-insulators
Authors: Xue Ying , Han Yu , Wang Yi , Zhang Zunyue , Ki Tsang Hon , May Lau Kei
Published: February 2020

Efficient photodetectors (PDs) and lasers are critical components in silicon photonics technology. Here, we demonstrate bufferless InP/InGaAs PDs, directly grown on (001) silicon-on-insulators. The nano-scale PDs exhibit a high photoresponsivity of 1.06 A/W at 1.55 µm, and a wide operating range from 1450 nm to 1650 nm. The bufferless feature of nano-PDs facilitates effective interfacing with Si waveguides, thus paving the path toward fully integrated silicon photonics circuits.
Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) Bgl1 is a Novel, Exo-Acting Glucanase and Xylanase
Authors: Brumm Phillip , Brumm Phillip , Xie Dan , Xie Dan , Allen Larry , Allen Larry , Mead David A. , Mead David A.
Published: February 2020

Trichoderma reeseiβ-glucosidase (Bgl1) is one of four enzymes demonstrated to act synergistically to degrade cellulose both in vitro and in vivo. Our work attempted to better understand the substrate specificity and potential biotechnological applications of Bgl1. T. reesei Bgl1H cleaves over 80% of the β-(1-4) and β-(1-3) linkages in β-glucan and 14% of the β-(1-4) linkages in amorphous cellulose, significantly more than any tested bacterial β-glucosidase. Bgl1H cleaves 50% of the β-(1-4) linkages in xyloglucan when supplemented with cellulase and α-xyloside. Approximately 20% conversion to glucose was obtained from insoluble β-(1,3)-linked curdlan using only Bgl1H; addition of a curdlanase resulted in conversion of approximately 70% of the curdlan to glucose. Bgl1H also produces xylose from xylooligosaccharides and debranched xylans. For both glucans and xylans, the relative rates of hydrolysis increase with increasing polysaccharide chain lengths. Bgl1H is able to partially degrade β-glucan in a variety of grain components; addition of endo-acting enzymes improved the enzyme’s performance on these grain components. The ability of this enzyme to produce monosaccharides from undigestible polysaccharides suggest it may have potential in improving utilization of carbohydrates in animal feed, fermentations, and other biotechnological applications.
Surgical Site Infections: A Still Ongoing Challenge
Authors: Sardenberg Rodrigo A. S.
Published: February 2020

Surgical site infections (SSI) have a high incidence, accounting for 20% of all hospital-acquired in-fections. Surgical site infections are linked to a increased length of stay and the risk of mortality. Although most patients recover from an SSI, 77% of mortality can be attributed to the infection it-self 1, 4. The incidence of SSI is 2% to 5% undergoing inpatient surgery 1. Estimated annual in-cidence varies, but may range from 160,000 to 300,000 in the US 1, 4. These estimates might be understated, given the surveillance failure after discharge
Digital Image Systems
Authors: Gunti Claus
Published: February 2020

In Digital Image Systems, Claus Gunti examines the antagonizing reactions to digital technologies in photography. While Thomas Ruff, Andreas Gursky and Jörg Sasse have gradually adopted digital imaging tools in the early 1990s, other photographers from the Düsseldorf School have remained faithful to film-based technologies. By evaluating the aesthetic and discursive preconditions of this situation and by extensively analyzing the digital work of these three photographers, this book shows that the digital turn in photography was anticipated by the conceptualization of images within systems, and thus offers new perspectives for understanding the »digital revolution«.
Crisis política en la Argentina
Authors: Arnoux Elvira Narvaja de
Published: February 2020

El debate acerca de la Reforma Previsional, aprobada en diciembre de 2017, inicia la actual crisis política en la Argentina. El proceso parlamentario evidenció fuertes tensiones, que se acentuaron, pocos meses después, en torno al acuerdo con el Fondo Monetario Internacional. El texto aborda las posiciones en juego y su inscripción en formaciones discursivas antagónicas, a partir de los modos de referir al afuera del recinto, las memorias que se activan y la semiotización de las emociones. El texto puede interesar a analistas del discurso y a cientistas sociales interesados tanto por el despliegue discursivo de las representaciones como por la historia argentina reciente.
Depression und Biographie
Authors: Trevisan Amina
Published: February 2020

Wie beeinflussen gesellschaftliche Faktoren die psychische Gesundheit? In welchen sozialen Kontext ist die Erfahrung von Migrantinnen zu verorten, die an Depression erkrankt sind? Die Soziologin Amina Trevisan ergründet hierzu Depressionserfahrungen migrierter Frauen aus Lateinamerika mit Methoden der Biographieforschung. 17 Migrantinnen erzählen ihre Krankheits- und Leidenserfahrungen sowie ihre Verarbeitungsstrategien. Sie drücken eigene Kompetenzen, aber auch viel soziales Leiden aus, das durch gesellschaftliche Bedingungen mitverursacht ist. Die Autorin kommt durch detaillierte Fallstudien zu Forschungsergebnissen, die den Zusammenhang zwischen Depressionserkrankung und gesellschaftlichen, migrations- und schichtspezifischen Faktoren verdeutlichen. Das Buch richtet sich an sozialwissenschaftlich Interessierte, an Praktizierende im Bereich Migration und Gesundheit sowie an Migrierte, Betroffene und Angehörige.
Potential of Biocontrol Agents in Plant Disease Control for Improving Food Safety
Authors: Sehrawat Anju , Sindhu Satyavir Singh
Published: February 2020

Plant disease control is mainly based on extraneous application of pesticides to improve agriculture productivity. However, only a part of applied pesticides is used for killing of pathogens and pests. Large part of applied pesticides remains either as residual pesticide or gets volatilized or leached resulting in ecological and environmental problems, and human health hazards. The increased consumer demands for safe food have invigorated research on development of safe and ecofriendly biopesticides. The use of microorganisms for biological control of pests is considered as a pragmatic approach which can drastically lessen the adverse outcomes of agrochemicals in soil. Rhizospheric microorganisms isolated from various crops produce different antagnostic compounds and inhibit the growth of various phytopathogens and insect pests. Moreover, in several plants, hormones like salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene contribute towards induction of both, systemic acquired as well as induced systemic resitance. In this article, antagonistic rhizosphere microorganisms have been explored for control of phytopathogens. Further, recent advances in field of biopesticides using rhizosphere microorganisms under field conditions is discussed for improvingcrop productivity in sustainable agriculture
Toxicity Assessment of Biologically Degraded Product of Textile Dye Acid Red G
Authors: Faldu Priti , Kothari Vishal , Kothari Charmy , Rank Jalpa , Hinsu Ankit , Kothari Ramesh
Published: February 2020

Azo dyes are of environmental concern due to their recalcitrant nature. Several azo dyes and their decolorized and degraded products exert toxic and mutagenic effects on the flora and fauna. The toxic properties of these azo dyes are due to nature and position of the substitution with respect to the aromatic rings and amino nitrogen atoms. Several studies have thus far been emphasized on biodegradation of azo dye pollutants, though role of their biodegraded product is rarely studied. Given a lack of this understanding, we have analyzed the effects of degraded products of a di-azo textile dye Acid Red G by newly isolated bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFK10 and Brevibacillus choshinensis PFK11. The genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Acid Red G and their degraded products were tested on HeLa cell line and Human lymphocyte cell, respectively. The data of MTT assay has been shown that activity of degraded products of the Acid Red G were comparable to their parent dye. But chromosome aberration assay and sister chromatid exchange assay did not show any significant changes in chromosomes as compared to positive control mitomicine.
Applications of Food Irradiation Technology
Authors: Singh Rita , Singh Antaryami
Published: February 2020

Food irradiation provides an effective means for controlling the physiological processes causing spoilage and for eradication of microbes, insect pests and parasites. Irradiation has multipurpose role in food processing and is applicable for a variety of food commodities such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, meat, poultry and seafood. Several years of scientific research, evaluation, and testing have resulted in regulatory approvals for the food irradiation technology in a number of countries. Commercial application of this technology has greatly advanced in recent years following the approval of the health authorities of different countries. This review summarises the applications of irradiation technology in controlling pathogens and food spoilage, and the development of irradiation treatment worldwide.
Performance Improvement of Electro Optic Search and Track System for Maritime Surveillance
Authors: Singh Manvendra , Khare Sudhir , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar
Published: February 2020

Surveillance of maritime domain is absolutely vital to ensure an appropriate response against any adverse situation relating to maritime safety or security. Electro-optic search and track (EOST) system plays a vital role by providing independent search and track of potential targets in marine environment. EOST provides real-time images of objects with details, required to neutralise threats. At long range, detection and tracking capability of EOST degrades due to uncertainty in target signatures under cluttered scenario. Image quality can be improved by using suitable sensors and enhancement using the target/background signature knowledge. Robust tracking of object can be achieved by optimising the performance parameters of tracker. In the present work, improvement in the performance of EOST subsystems such as sensor, video processor and video tracker are discussed. To improve EOST performance in terms of detection and tracking, sensor selection criterion and various real time image processing techniques and their selection criteria for maritime applications have been also discussed. Resultant improvement in the quality of image recorded under marine environment has been presented.
Ballistic Limit Estimation Approaches for Ballistic Resistance Assessment
Authors: Tahenti Beya , Coghe Frederik , Nasri Rachid
Published: February 2020

The armour technologist conducts ballistic impact testing either for evaluating armour materials and systems or for studying material’s defeating mechanism. Most standards make use of the ballistic limit velocity for ballistic assessment. This is the bullet impact velocity that leads to the protection perforation in 50 per cent of the cases. Various models have been emerged to estimate this key metric. The present article summarises the popular models developed for ballistic limit estimation. An attempt is made to point out models’ strength and weakness. First, the experimental set-up used for that goal is displayed. Next, a concise overview of ballistic limit estimation methods is presented. Lastly, a discussion is dedicated to model’s comparison and analysis. This literature survey reveals that the main drawback of already existing methods is that they are purely statistical. Moreover, existing methods are based on the normality assumption of perforation velocities which tends from -infinity to infinity. The main conclusion of this survey is that the presented methods offer a comparable accuracy in estimating the ballistic limit velocity. However, a given variability is remarked when extreme values estimation is of interest, impact velocities leading to low and high perforation probability. Finally, existing models’ performances decay with the reduction of the experimental sample size which represent a constraining requirement in ballistic resistance assessment.
Effects of Shell on Bore center Annular Shaped Charges Formation and Penetrating into Steel Targets
Authors: Xu Wenlong , Wang Cheng , Yuan Jianming , Goh Weiliang , Xu Bin
Published: February 2020

Annular shaped charge can efficiently create large penetration diameter, which can solve the problem of small penetration diameter of a traditional shaped charge, and thus meeting the requirements of large penetration diameter in some specific situations. In this paper, the influence of five kinds shell structures, i.e. no shell, aluminum shell with thickness of 2.0 mm and steel shell with thickness of 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm, on bore-center annular shaped charges (BCASCs) formation and penetrating steel targets was investigated by numerical simulations and experiments. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The results showed that, from no shell to aluminum shell of 2.0 mm and then to steel shell of 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm for BCASCs, the diameter and radial velocity of projectile head decrease, the axial velocity of BCASC projectiles increases gradually, the penetration diameter of the targets decreases, and the penetration depth increases. The penetration diameter caused by the BCASC with no shell is the largest, being 116.0 mm (1.16D), D is the charge diameter. The penetration depth caused by the BCASC with steel shell of 4.0 mm thickness is the deepest, being 76.4 mm (0.76D).
Transnational Sri Lankan Sinhalese family language policy: Challenges and contradictions at play in two families in the U.S.
Authors: Fuentes Ronald
Published: February 2020

This study examines how the transnational lives of two Sinhalese-speaking Sri Lankan families in the rural U.S. influenced family language policy (FLP) and how they (re)positioned themselves in response to their transnational lives. Employing an ethnographic design, including interviews and observations, this study explores the families’ language ideologies and management strategies and the factors that shaped their policies. Both families held similar language ideologies but contrasting management strategies that were informed by a differing socioeconomic status and eventual home country return, and which in turn led to different ways of FLP formation and implementation. FLPs were aimed at accruing capital and social prestige to facilitate the navigation of spaces in family members’ present and (imagined) future lives in Sri Lanka and the U.S., and possibly beyond; yet, these same policies created a sense of ambivalence in regards to transnationals’ cultural and linguistic identities and attachments. The findings show the competing and contradictory forces at play in transnational bilingual children’s heritage language development. This study draws attention to how transnationals navigate global citizenry and how they make decisions about language as they reimagine and refashion their membership into multiple communities in an interconnected world.
Facile integration of MoS2/SiC photodetector by direct chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Xiao Yifan , Min Long , Liu Xinke , Liu Wenjun , Younis Usman , Peng Tonghua , Kang Xuanwu , Wu Xiaohan , Ding Shijin , Zhang David Wei
Published: February 2020

The MoS2 photodetector on different substrates stacked via van der Waals force has been explored extensively because of its great potential in optoelectronics. Here, we integrate multilayer MoS2 on monocrystalline SiC substrate though direct chemical vapor deposition. The MoS2 film on SiC substrate shows high quality and thermal stability, in which the full width at half-maximum and first-order temperature coefficient for the

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Raman mode are 4.6 cm−1 and −0.01382 cm−1/K, respectively. The fabricated photodetector exhibits excellent performance in the UV and visible regions, including an extremely low dark current of ~1 nA at a bias of 20 V and a low noise equivalent of 10−13–10−15 W/Hz1/2. The maximum responsivity of the MoS2/SiC photodetector is 5.7 A/W with the incident light power of 4.35 μW at 365 nm (UV light). Furthermore, the maximum photoconductive gain, noise equivalent power, and normalized detectivity for the fabricated detector under 365 nm illumination are 79.8, 7.08 × 10−15 W/Hz1/2, and 3.07 × 1010 Jonesat, respectively. We thus demonstrate the possibility for integrating high-performance photodetectors array based on MoS2/SiC via direct chemical vapor growth.