Femtosecond-Laser-Assisted Fabrication of Radiation-Resistant Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

This paper demonstrates the fabrication of radiation-resistant fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors using infrared femtosecond laser irradiation. FBG sensors were written inside acrylate-coated fluorine-doped single-mode specialty optical fibers. We detected the Bragg resonance at 1542 nm. By controlling the irradiation conditions, we improved the signal strength coming out from the FBG sensors. A significant reduction in the Bragg wavelength shift was detected in the fabricated FBG sensors for a radiation dose up to 105 gray, indicating excellent radiation resistance capabilities. We also characterized the temperature sensitivity of the radiation-resistant FBG sensors and detected outstanding performance.

Dracula – "non omnis moriar". Facts and myths from the life of Vlad III the Impaler

Almost everyone has heard of the cruel Dracula, the vampire coming out of the grave and feeding on the blood of the living to live forever. But who was the prototype of the character who has permanently settled in the contemporary popular culture? In order to answer this and other questions, the presented article will describe the most important facts from the life of the Wallachian voivode, Vlad III the Impaler. Then, the most famous legends about Dracula will be presented, as they still influence the ever-growing myth of the Transylvanian vampire aristocrat, born in the nineteenth century on the pages of the novel by Irish writer Bram Stoker.

Towards progressive regulatory approaches for agricultural applications of animal biotechnology

Traditional breeding techniques, applied incrementally over thousands of years, have yielded huge benefits in the characteristics of agricultural animals. This is a result of significant, measurable changes to the genomes of those animal species and breeds. Genome editing techniques may now be applied to achieve targeted DNA sequence alterations, with the potential to affect traits of interest to production of agricultural animals in just one generation. New opportunities arise to improve characteristics difficult to achieve or not amenable to traditional breeding, including disease resistance, and traits that can improve animal welfare, reduce environmental impact, or mitigate impacts of climate change. Countries and supranational institutions are in the process of defining regulatory approaches for genome edited animals and can benefit from sharing approaches and experiences to institute progressive policies in which regulatory oversight is scaled to the particular level of risk involved. To facilitate information sharing and discussion on animal biotechnology, an international community of researchers, developers, breeders, regulators, and communicators recently held a series of seven virtual workshop sessions on applications of biotechnology for animal agriculture, food and environmental safety assessment, regulatory approaches, and market and consumer acceptance. In this report, we summarize the topics presented in the workshop sessions, as well as discussions coming out of the breakout sessions. This is framed within the context of past and recent scientific and regulatory developments. This is a pivotal moment for determination of regulatory approaches and establishment of trust across the innovation through-chain, from researchers, developers, regulators, breeders, farmers through to consumers.

Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula as a rare complication of carcinoma ovary: a case report

Background Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula formation in a case of carcinoma ovary is a very rare occurrence and has never been reported. Case presentation A 55-year-old postmenopausal lady presented with complaints of abdominal distention and mass coming out of the vagina for the last 10 days. On examination, she had tense ascites, uterovaginal prolapse and hard, fixed mass felt anteriorly on per-rectal examination. Biochemical investigations and radiological imaging suggested advanced stage ovarian neoplasm. She was planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. During the second cycle of chemotherapy, she developed spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula which was confirmed on exploratory laparotomy where interval debulking surgery was performed in collaboration with gastro-surgeons on a semi-emergency basis. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula is a rare complication and should be kept in mind while managing advanced ovarian neoplasm.

Coming Out, Going Home

Despite the historical centrality of Western cities as sites of queer cultural settlement, larger global economic and political forces have vociferously shaped, dispersed, and altered dreams of mobility for gay Taiwanese millennials in the age of globalization. While Taiwanese gay millennials follow a seemingly universal “rural-to-urban,” “East-to-West” movement trajectory, this study also explicates local nuanced ramifications running against the common trend. Drawn upon five-year ethnographic studies in Taiwan, this study examines how parents could to some extent conform to societal pressures by co-creating a life narrative to the society. Parents/family appear to contribute to how participants' decision on spatial movement but gay male millennials with supportive parents are eventually “going home.” However, the concept of home is configured by multiple economic and social forces involving (1) the optimal distance with the biological family and (2) the proper performances of consumption policed and imposed by the gay community in the neoliberal Taiwanese society.