Coupling of Modes in Step-Index Plastic Optical Fibers by Using D-Shape Technique.

This article presents a technique for reducing the stabilization length of steady-state modes in step-index plastic optical fibers (POFs), which is significant for sensor networks, Internet of Things, signal processing, and data fusion in sensor systems. The results obtained with the com- putational tool developed suggest that the D-shape created in the POF effectively reduces the stabi- lization length of the modes and, by extension, minimizes the dispersion effects of the modes by filtering out high-order modes. Applying the analysis to commercial POFs, the authors experimen- tally verified a reduction in the stabilization length of modes from 27 to 10 m and from 20 m to 5 m. Reducing the mode stabilization length minimizes the bit error rate (BER) in short-length SI-POF- based optical links operating at 250 Mbp/s. A reduction from 7.6 × 10-7 to 3.7 × 10-10 was achieved.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of very small stem cells from peripheral blood on the treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Premature ovary failure (POF) is a severe health condition with multiple negative outcomes, which deteriorate a patient's life. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from peripheral blood in the treatment of women with the POF background. METHODS: The current study was a pilot study carried-out on women younger than 40 with premature ovarian failure. Study participants underwent 4-months cell therapy using Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from peripheral bloods. Serum level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and Antral follicle count (AFC) were the main investigated outcomes that were assessed at baseline, month two and month four of the very small stem cell intervention. RESULTS: Average serum level of FSH was 45.0 (12.1) mIU/mL at baseline and continually decreased during the study and reached 33.2 (12.4) mIU/mL in the fourth month. The average AMH level was 0.10 ng/mL prior to the intervention and increased to 0.13 ng/mL in the 2nd month and 0.15 ng/mL in the fourth month. The level E2 was 85.7 (23.6) pg/ml on average at baseline, while the average E2 reduced to 77.2 (25.6) pg/ml in the fourth month. Average number of AFC was 2.0 (0.8) at baseline. We observed a gradual increase in the second month (Mean AFC=2.2) and after four months it increased to 3.1 (1.8) as the highest menstrual restoration and pregnancy was observed in 10% of our study participants. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs could significantly improve hormone secretion in women with POF. Implantation of MSCs in women with POF background was associated with an increase in AMH and AFC, while it downed the serum level of E2 and FSH. MSCs could also lead to menstrual restoration and pregnancy in women with POF.

Power-over-Fiber LPIT for Voltage and Current Measurements in the Medium Voltage Distribution Networks.

In this work, we present the design, laboratory tests, and the field trial results of a power-over-fiber (PoF) low power instrument transformer (LPIT) for voltage and current measurements in the medium voltage distribution networks. The new proposed design of this power-over-fiber LPIT aims to overcome the drawbacks presented by the previous technologies, such as the continuous operation (measuring and data transmission) for a wide current range conducted in the medium voltage transmission lines, damage due to lightning strikes, accuracy dependency on vibration, position and temperatures. The LPIT attends the accuracy criteria of IEC 61869-10 and IEC 61869-11 in terms of current and voltage accuracy and it attends the practical criteria adopted by Utilities companies including voltage measurements without removing the coating of the covered conductors. The PoF based LPIT was developed to be applied at 11.9 kV, 13.8 kV, and 23.0 kV phase-to-phase nominal voltages, and in two current ranges 1.25-30 A and 37.5-900 A. The digital data transmission of current, voltage, and temperature from the sensing unit to the processing unit uses a special synchronism technique and it is performed by two 62.5 µm multimode fibers in 850 nm. The optical powering in 976 nm is also performed by one 62.5 µm multimode fiber from the processing unit to the sensor unit. We presented all details of the sensor design and its laboratory characterization in terms of accuracy and temperature correction. We also presented the results of field tests of the sensor made in two different conditions: in a standard distribution network and an experimental hybrid fiber/power distribution network. We believe that these studies aim to incorporate optical fiber and devices, digital technologies, communications systems in electrical systems driving their evolution.

Optically-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes towards Industrial Internet of Things.

We report the experimental implementation of optically-powered wireless sensor nodes based on the power-over-fiber (PoF) technology, aiming at Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. This technique employs optical fibers to transmit power and is proposed as a solution to address the hazardous industrial environment challenges, e.g., electromagnetic interference and extreme temperatures. The proposed approach enables two different IIoT scenarios, in which wireless transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) nodes are powered by a PoF system, enabling local and remote temperature data monitoring, with the purpose of achieving an intelligent and reliable process management in industrial production lines. In addition, the system performance is investigated as a function of the delivered electrical power and power transmission efficiency (PTE), which is the primary performance metric of a PoF system. We report 1.4 W electrical power deliver with PTE = 24%. Furthermore, we carry out a voltage stability analysis, demonstrating that the PoF system is capable of delivering stable voltage to a wide range of applications. Finally, we present a comparison of temperature measurements between the proposed approach and a conventional industrial programmable logic controller (PLC). The obtained results demonstrate that PoF might be considered as a potential technology to power and enhance the energy efficiency of IIoT sensing systems.

Padrão de consumo de arranjos domiciliares brasileiros em 2008/2009 / Pattern of consumption in household living arrangements in Brazil in 2008/2009 / Patrón de consumo en arreglos domiciliarios brasileños en 2008 y 2009

Esse artigo busca analisar o padrão de consumo em diferentes arranjos domiciliares no Brasil, a partir de dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 2008-2009. Para isso, foram estimadas curvas de Engel considerando o tipo de arranjo domiciliar, dentre outras variáveis demográficas. Os resultados indicaram a existência de diferenças no padrão de consumo das famílias associadas ao sexo do responsável pelo domicílio, sobretudo nos arranjos "monoparental" e "unipessoal". Essas diferenças são mais evidentes sobre as despesas com habitação, saúde e educação/recreação, em que os gastos mensais per capita são muito menores para os tipos "monoparental masculino" e "unipessoal masculino" em relação ao "monoparental feminino" e "unipessoal feminino". Além disso, verificou-se que a composição da família (presença de filhos, idosos) e o seu tamanho afetam as decisões de consumo das famílias, em que a existência de crianças aumenta os gastos per capita com habitação e saúde e a presença de idosos leva a uma expansão dos gastos com saúde. Quanto ao tamanho da família, há indícios de que as famílias maiores podem se beneficiar dos ganhos de economia de escala e consumo conjunto em relação às despesas com habitação, alimentação e transporte.

The goal of this article was to analyze the pattern of consumption in different household living arrangements in Brazil using data from the 2008-2009 Brazilian Family Budget Survey (POF). We estimated Engel Curves taking into account the type of household living arrangement, among other demographic variables. Results indicated the existence of differences in the patterns of consumption of families associated to the gender of the person in charge of the household, especially in "single parent type with children" and "one person households" living arrangements. These differences are most evident in expenditure on Housing, Health and Education-recreation, in which the monthly per capita expenditure is much lower for single fathers and men living alone relative to single mothers and women living alone. In addition, we verified that family composition (presence of children, seniors) and their size affect household consumption decisions, in which the existence of children increases per capita expenditures on Housing and Health and the presence of seniors leads to an expansion of Health spending. With regard to family size, there are indications that families can benefit from economies of scale and joint consumption gains relative to Housing, Food and Transportation.

El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar el patrón de consumo en diferentes tipos de arreglos domiciliarios en Brasil utilizando datos de la Encuesta de Presupuesto Familiar (POF) de 2008-2009. Para ello, fueron estimadas curvas de Engel tomando em consideración el tipo de arreglo domiciliario, entre otras variables demográficas. Los resultados indicaron diferencias en el patrón de consumo de las familias asociadas al sexo del responsable del domicilio, sobre todo en los hogares del tipo monoparental y unipersonal. Estas diferencias son más evidentes sobre los gastos de vivienda, salud y educación-recreación, em los que los gastos mensuales per cápita son mucho menores para el monoparental masculino y unipersonal masculino en relación con el monoparental femenino y el unipersonal femenino. Además, se verificó que la composición de la familia (presencia de hijos, ancianos) y su tamaño afectan las decisiones de consumo de las familias, en que la existencia de niños aumenta los gastos per cápita con vivienda y saludy la presencia de ancianos, que lleva a una expansión de los gastos de salud. En cuanto al tamaño de la familia, existen indicios de que las familias pueden beneficiarse de las ganancias de economía de escala y consumo conjunto en relación con los gastos de vivienda, alimentación, transporte.

Clinical characterization and identification of five novel FOXL2 pathogenic variants in a cohort of 12 Mexican subjects with the syndrome of blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus.

Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is an autosomal dominant entity characterized by eyelid malformations and caused by mutations in the forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) gene. Clinical and genetic analyses of large cohorts of BPES patients from different ethnic origins are important for a better characterization of FOXL2 mutational landscape. The purpose of this study is to describe the phenotypic features and the causal FOXL2 variants in a Mexican cohort of BPES patients. A total of 12 individuals with typical facial findings were included. Clinical evaluation included palpebral measurements and levator function assessment. The complete coding sequence of FOXL2 was amplified by PCR and subsequently analyzed by Sanger sequencing. A total of 11 distinct FOXL2 pathogenic variants were identified in our cohort (molecular diagnostic rate of 92%), including 5 novel mutations. Our results broaden the BPES-related mutational spectrum and supports considerable FOXL2 allelic heterogeneity in our population.

Sensitivity Analysis of Different Shapes of a Plastic Optical Fiber-Based Immunosensor for Escherichia coli: Simulation and Experimental Results.

Conventional pathogen detection methods require trained personnel, specialized laboratories and can take days to provide a result. Thus, portable biosensors with rapid detection response are vital for the current needs for in-loco quality assays. In this work the authors analyze the characteristics of an immunosensor based on the evanescent field in plastic optical fibers with macro curvature by comparing experimental with simulated results. The work studies different shapes of evanescent-wave based fiber optic sensors, adopting a computational modeling to evaluate the probes with the best sensitivity. The simulation showed that for a U-Shaped sensor, the best results can be achieved with a sensor of 980 µm diameter by 5.0 mm in curvature for refractive index sensing, whereas the meander-shaped sensor with 250 µm in diameter with radius of curvature of 1.5 mm, showed better sensitivity for either bacteria and refractive index (RI) sensing. Then, an immunosensor was developed, firstly to measure refractive index and after that, functionalized to detect Escherichia coli. Based on the results with the simulation, we conducted studies with a real sensor for RI measurements and for Escherichia coli detection aiming to establish the best diameter and curvature radius in order to obtain an optimized sensor. On comparing the experimental results with predictions made from the modelling, good agreements were obtained. The simulations performed allowed the evaluation of new geometric configurations of biosensors that can be easily constructed and that promise improved sensitivity.

Benzoates intakes from non-alcoholic beverages in Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Food consumption data from national dietary surveys were combined with brand-specific-use levels reported by beverage manufacturers to calculate the exposure to benzoic acid and its salts (INS Nos 210-213) from non-alcoholic beverages in Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States. These four jurisdictions were identified as having some of the most prevalent use of benzoates in beverages globally. Use levels were weighted according to the brand's market volume share in the respective countries. Benzoates were reported to be used primarily in 'water-based flavoured drinks' (Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) category 14.1.4). As such, the assessments focused only on intakes from these beverage types. Two different models were established to determine exposure: probabilistic (representing non-brand loyal consumers) and distributional (representing brand-loyal consumers). All reported-use levels were incorporated into both models, including those above the Codex interim maximum benzoate use level (250 mg kg-1). The exception to this was in the brand-loyal models for consumers of regular carbonated soft drinks (brand loyal category) which used (1) the interim maximum use level for beverages with a pH ≤ 3.5 and (2) all reported use levels for beverages pH > 3.5 (up to 438 mg kg-1). The estimated exposure levels using both models were significantly lower than the ADI established for benzoates at the mean level of intake (4-40% ADI) and lower than - or at the ADI only for toddlers/children - at the 95th percentile (23-110% ADI). The results rendered in the models do not indicate a safety concern in these jurisdictions, and as such provide support for maintaining the current Codex interim maximum benzoate level of 250 mg kg-1 in water-based beverages.

Next generation sequencing in women affected by nonsyndromic premature ovarian failure displays new potential causative genes and mutations.

OBJECTIVE: To identify new molecular actors involved in nonsyndromic premature ovarian failure (POF) etiology. DESIGN: This is a retrospective case-control cohort study. SETTING: University research group and IVF medical center. PATIENT(S): Twelve women affected by nonsyndromic POF. The control group included 176 women whose menopause had occurred after age 50 and had no antecedents regarding gynecological disease. A further 345 women from the same ethnic origin (general population group) were also recruited to assess allele frequency for potentially deleterious sequence variants. INTERVENTION(S): Next generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The complete coding regions of 70 candidate genes were massively sequenced, via NGS, in POF patients. Bioinformatics and genetics were used to confirm NGS results and to identify potential sequence variants related to the disease pathogenesis. RESULT(S): We have identified mutations in two novel genes, ADAMTS19 and BMPR2, that are potentially related to POF origin. LHCGR mutations, which might have contributed to the phenotype, were also detected. CONCLUSION(S): We thus recommend NGS as a powerful tool for identifying new molecular actors in POF and for future diagnostic/prognostic purposes.

Falla ovárica prematura / Premature Ovarian Failure

La Falla Ovárica Prematura (FOP) es el cese de la menstruación antes de los 40 años. También fue denominada como Menopausia Precoz. Esta patología afecta al 1 ó 2 % de las mujeres menores de 40 años. Existen distintas causas por las cuales se puede producir una FOP, pero las más frecuentes son las inmunológicas, farmacológicas y genéticas. De las causas farmacológicas, la principal es la quimioterapia. Existen muchos genes candidatos para la FOP, razón por la cual es necesario encontrar para, cada población, que mutaciones o polimorfismos correlacionan mejor con el fenotipo. El tratamiento de la FOP debe estar apuntado a prevenir no sólo las enfermedades a largo plazo sino que, además, debe lograr una buena calidad de vida.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also called Precocious Menopause, is the cessation of the ovarian function prior to the age of 40. This pathology affects 1-2 % women below 40 years of age. There are many factors inducing POF, however most frequent are of immunological, pharmacological and genetic origin. Chemotherapy is the most common pharmacological cause. There are many candidate genes for inducing POF, which it makes necessary to find in every population mutations or polymorphisms that best correlate with the phenotype. Treatment of POF must be directed not only to prevent long term pathologies but also to achieve a good quality of life.

Syncronisation of oestrus cycle in cattle with prostaglandin F2alfa. I . Effects according to the site of injection on the genitals. / Utilização da prostaglandina F2 alfa (PGF2 alfa) na sincronização do ciclo estral em bovinos. I . Efeitos segundo o local de deposição nos órgãos genitais

Fifty-three randomly cycling Holstein-Zebu or Jersey-Zebu nuliparous cows were allotted in treatments with 6 mg of PGF2alfa-THAM salt, as follows: A into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the active corpus luteum of 16 animals; B into the body of uterus of 16 animals; C into the middle portion of the cervix of 15 animals and D 6 control animals, showing signs of oestrus, and that were inseminated at about 12 and 20 hr after onset of oestrus. A second injection of 6 mg of PGF2alfa was made, 10 days later, into the body of uterus of 10 animals, among those 22 that failed to show oestrus. So, there were made 26 injections into the body of uterus. In 35 cows standing oestrus occurred at 2.9 ± 0.1 days, with a synchronisation index of 81.2%, 69.2% and 26.6% for groups A, B and C. All animals showing standing oestrus were inseminated with frozen semen 12 and 20 hr after the first signs of oestrus. Pregnancy rates were 1/6.1%, 22.2% and 0.0% for treated groups and 66.6% for the control. Examination of the reproductive tracts of 10 animals slaughtered lfi days after the first treatment revealed, no clinical, signs of infection.

Após o controle de 2 ciclos estrais consecutivos, 53 vacas nulíparas, mestiças de Holandês x azebuado ou Jersey x azebuado, foram agrupadas em 4 lotes, tratados com 6 mg de PGF2alfa: lote A 16 animais injetados no corno uterino correspondente ao ovário portador de corpo lúteo funcional; lote B 16 animais injetados no corpo uterino; lote C - 15 animais injetados na porção média da cerviz uterina e lote D 6 animais com sintomas de cio, figurando como testemunhas e que foram submetidos a duas inseminações artificiais, com intervalo de S horas. Dez dias após, nova injeção foi praticada no corpo uterino de 10 animais, dentre os 22 que não responderam ao primeiro tratamento, totalizando, assim, 57 injeções, sendo 16 no corno uterino, 26 no corpo uterino e 15 na porção média do colo uterino. Os sintomas de cio consequentes aos tratamentos revelaram-se em 35 animais, em média, aos 2,9 ± 0,1 dias, obtendo-se índices de sincronização de 81,2%, 69,2% e 26,6%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C . Todos os animais que responderam aos tratamentos foram inseminados artificialmente, cerca de 12 e 20 horas após os primeiros sintomas de cio, com sêmen congelado, proveniente de touros de fertilidade comprovada. Os índices de fecundação obtidos foram de lf6,l%, 22,2% e 0,0%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C e de 66,6% para o lote D. Por outro lado, 1/0 dias após o primeiro trata

Syncronisation of oestrus cycle in cattle with prostaglandin F2alfa. I . Effects according to the site of injection on the genitals / Utilização da prostaglandina F2 alfa (PGF2 alfa) na sincronização do ciclo estral em bovinos. I . Efeitos segundo o local de deposição nos órgãos genitais

Fifty-three randomly cycling Holstein-Zebu or Jersey-Zebu nuliparous cows were allotted in treatments with 6 mg of PGF2alfa-THAM salt, as follows: A into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the active corpus luteum of 16 animals; B into the body of uterus of 16 animals; C into the middle portion of the cervix of 15 animals and D 6 control animals, showing signs of oestrus, and that were inseminated at about 12 and 20 hr after onset of oestrus. A second injection of 6 mg of PGF2alfa was made, 10 days later, into the body of uterus of 10 animals, among those 22 that failed to show oestrus. So, there were made 26 injections into the body of uterus. In 35 cows standing oestrus occurred at 2.9 ± 0.1 days, with a synchronisation index of 81.2%, 69.2% and 26.6% for groups A, B and C. All animals showing standing oestrus were inseminated with frozen semen 12 and 20 hr after the first signs of oestrus. Pregnancy rates were 1/6.1%, 22.2% and 0.0% for treated groups and 66.6% for the control. Examination of the reproductive tracts of 10 animals slaughtered lfi days after the first treatment revealed, no clinical, signs of infection.

Após o controle de 2 ciclos estrais consecutivos, 53 vacas nulíparas, mestiças de Holandês x azebuado ou Jersey x azebuado, foram agrupadas em 4 lotes, tratados com 6 mg de PGF2alfa: lote A 16 animais injetados no corno uterino correspondente ao ovário portador de corpo lúteo funcional; lote B 16 animais injetados no corpo uterino; lote C - 15 animais injetados na porção média da cerviz uterina e lote D 6 animais com sintomas de cio, figurando como testemunhas e que foram submetidos a duas inseminações artificiais, com intervalo de S horas. Dez dias após, nova injeção foi praticada no corpo uterino de 10 animais, dentre os 22 que não responderam ao primeiro tratamento, totalizando, assim, 57 injeções, sendo 16 no corno uterino, 26 no corpo uterino e 15 na porção média do colo uterino. Os sintomas de cio consequentes aos tratamentos revelaram-se em 35 animais, em média, aos 2,9 ± 0,1 dias, obtendo-se índices de sincronização de 81,2%, 69,2% e 26,6%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C . Todos os animais que responderam aos tratamentos foram inseminados artificialmente, cerca de 12 e 20 horas após os primeiros sintomas de cio, com sêmen congelado, proveniente de touros de fertilidade comprovada. Os índices de fecundação obtidos foram de lf6,l%, 22,2% e 0,0%, respectivamente, para os lotes A, B e C e de 66,6% para o lote D. Por outro lado, 1/0 dias após o primeiro trata